FIRST DAY OF FILMING

"Should you deceive another today, let that be the answer to your tomorrow's question of 'why me'?"

Above is an antonym I'm working on to help myself feel better about what is happening with my band and business in Australia. I am seated on the stairs inside the Hammonds' house. Outside they are filming the bungee scene with Fletcher, Brendan Fraser, and Cameron. The role of Cameron is to be played by a likable bloke named Toby Huss. I went for a beer and played some pool with Toby on his arrival in San Antonio. He's got a very quick wit and amicable personality. Toby was a late casting for the role of Cameron and flew to Texas the day after finding out about the job. As I look out the back window it's all happening and lots of people are standing with smiles on their faces as Toby is strung upside down, dressed in a canary yellow jumpsuit.

Hall Hammond is showing some neighbours around the house/set and Jim the Director gives directions. Funny that. It has been a long day out in the sun and I'm glad that Max (the Second AD) has shown me some mercy and asked me to call "roles and cuts" in the house, "Quiet on the set" I call out. My job as a P.A is to make sure that no noise is made while the camera and sound is rolling and that nobody walks into the camera frame.

Max and Ritchie have somehow turned my name around to "Uji" ...a nickname that's stuck.


QUIET ON THE SET

One of the interesting things I find about making movies is the lengths a PA has to go to to keep things quiet on the set. Often the next door neighbours' dog will bark and a barter is made: No barking little doogie in exchange for sliced ham. If a chainsaw starts up a block over, then a quick chase is on to kill the sound for the least possible barter. Often in Texas a cold can of drink will satisfy the sound maker. I've been told that in L.A, due to the amount of movies made in the area, neighbours will deliberately start up a lawn mower or a similar noise maker. It is then up to the movie makers to offer money in exchange for no noise.