JUNE 14, 1996...

THE FORMOSA CAFE; THE LAST DAY OF FILMING

Denise walks around amongst the crew selling props for a minimum price on this the last night of the filming of "Still Breathing."

Ann and Violet, from hair and makeup sit on apple boxes on the road that has been cordoned off. Don (Props) does some work on the front door of the Formosa Cafe , where we are filming today, and Joanna Going is in conversation with Greg Lomas the best boy grip.

I purchased a piece of jewellery for 25 cents, and Jim the Director tells me that I got ripped off by the seller-- his wife.

There is a festive-like spirit in the air in anticipation of the final call of "That's a rap." The time is 1:15am and the air is cool but pleasant. The sky has stars but not as magnificent as in San Antonio, Texas or Scone, Australia.

The ever-smiling Christina Houston walks up and shows me the modelling portfolio of one of the grips. Good looking, dark skinned, strong face and very masculine. The pictures look great and he's sharp.

"Don't tell him I showed you, he's a bit shy." asks Christina as she walks off singing something.

2:35am, and I'm seated in the booth just inside the front door of the Formosa Cafe. Vince, the owner of the bar, tries to get rid of the last drinker so he can go home. Greg Lomas offers around donuts.

"Quiet on the set."
"Rolling sound..."
"Action," calls the Director...
"That's a cut."
"Checking the gate..."
"Good gate."
"That's a picture wrap on Joanna Going," ...which means that Joanna has filmed her last scene.

Loud applause and whistles.

"That's a picture wrap on wardrobe, hair and makeup, standin Kimberly and the Formosa Cafe." More applause and kisses.

3:40am. The Martini shot, the last shot of the movie.
Don Clark spins the gun across the cement in the Formosa car park. This shall be edited on to the scene where Joanna gets mugged and kicks the attacker's gun into the gutter after he gets hit by a car.

"The faster you get out of the shot the better" says the Director to Don. Austin Goss, the Gaffer, blows smoke out of his nose.

"Picture, roll camera."
Don spins the gun.

"Cut. Let me look at those," says Jim.

All are quiet in anticipation of that being the final shot...

"That's a picture wrap." calls Maria.

After six weeks of filming the crew congratulate each other on getting through the six-days-a-week schedule. My final day as a set PA and I make sure that all have signed my Texas flag that I bought at the "Still Breathing" cocktail party prop sale. A signed souvenir from all the friends I made on this, my latest journey to America. I now look forward to the wrap party tomorrow night. I might even light up a cigar or two.

Here's cheers.