Boston Movie Extra

For those that might remember, in the late 80's early 90's there was something called the Actor's Trade Show. It was held annually every spring at the tremont house across the Wang Center in Boston. At the trade show you had everything from casting agents, photographers, acting coaches, sag, you name it. So for 2 to 3 hours you would be submitting headshots to casting directors, networking with fellow actors and industry professionals and so much more! But all of the suddenly it stopped... I thought it was a genius idea because you can do everything in just one whim. So maybe with the resurgence of Hollywood in Boston, maybe the higher ups might consider doing it again. Just a suggestion :)

The Lightkeepers,” a romantic comedy starring Martin Sheen, Blythe Danner and Chris O’Donnell, just got greenlit and cameras will roll on the Cape in August. No casting agency has been announced but I will let you know the moment it arrives.

I was just recently on a few sets as probably most of all of you have been and I got to talking with a few people. I met this woman that had come all the way from NJ to work on a film here in town. Now some people might say she is Union and she is doing this to collect her 72 days to get insurance, nope... she was non union. Now what she and others were getting paid is $65/8, that's pretty low especially for her that wouldn't even cover her gas! Now this woman's situation is a bit over the top, because she lives 4 states away. But anyhow the point of this is with everything from gas to the cost of living here in Mass Union and Non-Union alike are getting paid a little low for most people's standards. Now you can say to me "Chris...we are getting paid just to be on a movie set and sit around, why not?" This is true but how much did it cost you to get there? gas, tolls, maybe even parking? Now take out the taxes and subtract your expenses and what are yo...

When the writers strike took place early this past year it also claimed a few victims in productions. One of them was "Hickory Nation" that was targeted to film in Massachusetts. Due to that strike, it was temporally put on hold, it still plans to film here but there is no word as of yet as to when.

Just yesterday I was on the set and one of the big discussions was that NY was going to put a 30% credit for all films filmed in New York. If that is the case that is not good news for films coming into Mass. I assume this is speculation and just rumor but if this is true it will be devastating. Has anyone else heard of this? Anyhow let's just pray that this is rumor and not fact. Let's get those studios in Weymouth and Plymouth made!!!!

This type of thing happens sometimes on film sets, but it is Not the casting directors fault. As a matter of fact it is no ones, it just how things happen. Remember in the extra world it's a numbers game. The director asks the casting director for 45 extras tommorrow 20 men 20 women and 5 children, so the casting director has to deliver. Once the people have been confirmed it's up to the director himself as to how and who he is going to use. Maybe all will be used and maybe few will. I know it is aggravating it's happened to me also, BUT do yourself the favor and DO NOT complain to the casting director! Again the Casting Director did their job and delivered the goods. Bottom line and a rule I always follow for many years and that is don't complain because if you do you might see that your phone won't be ringing.

Could someone pinch me...OUCH! ...thanks..wait we ARE in Boston because it feels like New York?!?! When was the last time where you actually had a choice of which movie you want to work on? Seriously when was it? I will tell you when it was...Never! This is great for the whole film community here in Boston, simply fantastic. There is work for everyone for actors, for crew, for casting directors, for scouts, you name it. For those that wanted to get into the business, really now is the best time. The opportunities are endless, you just got to want it and beat the pavement a bit, but I will promise most of you, you will get a call. So what that means is, when there is a open call and they are suggesting that you attend it other than sending a photo in, that means something. Listen to the request and act on it (no pun intended). So let's go out in force, let's show Hollywood what Boston has and let's have fun doing it. Because in the end that's what it is all ab...

Why in the world would someone that was working as an extra be dodging a camera? I couldn't understand that when it was told to me, I thought the primary goal was to be seen? Isn't that right? Well it came to my attention that some actors when they are cast as extras unusually will find a way to dodge the camera. The reason why they do this is to get more days on the set. Ok, I can understand that to a point that you want more work, BUT! the more you dodge the less we others work, if that makes any sense. So please stop dodging and be seen :)

Guys first of thank you for all the nice comments about this blog, it is very nice of you all. I am just doing my part for this community to provide a no-holds barred informative view of the goings on in this business on a local level. I have had many mention for me to give and email address so my readers can contact me directly for specific questions, comments, ideas, etc. Not a problem what so ever! That email is bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com , please use it and I will continue to do my part and inform. I will talk to you soon :) Again it is: bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

Good morning just want to let you know that there is an open call that Boston Casting is having for the movie "Mall Cop" starring Kevin James. The movie will be shot at the Burlington Mall, I would assumr when the mall is closed. But the open call is today from 10am to 4pm: The following information is below. OPEN CASTING CALL FOR A NEW COLUMBIA PICTURES COMEDY TO BE FILMED @ THE BURLINGTON MALL OPEN CALL SATURDAY MARCH 1,2008 10:00 AM - 4 PM HILTON GARDEN INN 5 WHEELER RD. BURLINGTON,MA. for directions: www.hiltongardeninn.com FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO EXTRAS CASTING PLEASE BRING A PHOTO AND RESUME FILM SHOOTS MARCH 31-JUNE 3

Bruce willis will be filming a movie in town called "The Surogates" sometime this spring or summer. The plot description given by IMDB: Set in a futuristic world where humans live in isolation and interact through surrogate robots, a cop (Willis) is forced to leave his home for the first time in years in order to investigate the murders of others’ surrogates. sounds pretty cool just wondering how they would make a science fiction here in Boston makes me scratch my head. But now with CGI anything is possible. Hey, if they can make Pink Panther 2 that the majority of the film was filmed here in Boston look like Paris, I am sure it will be no problem. Can't wait for the call on that!!

If you guys thought 2007 was a hot year in Boston with films like My Best Friends Girl, Pink Panther 2, The Box, etc. 2008 is going to shadow all of that. Now with the writers strike on the edge of being done, the doors are wide open to even more projects that are going to flood the Bay State. First out of the gate is "Shutter Island" that has been retitled to "Ashcliffe" Directed by the "MAN" Martin Scorsese Starring Leo Dicaprio and Mark Rufflo so far is going to amazing. Cameras are set to roll in March and finish in June! That is just one, how about......Mall Cop, Bride Wars, The Proposal, The Fighter, and much more! WHAT!!! all of that! yes and that is great news for work on all aspects from actors to carpenters and everyone in between. This is great for the state economy, local businesses, the film industry, tourism, you name it and in the end it all works for everyone. So there is plenty of work out there people, so lets get those jobs an...