Derby Awaits Filming of "The Prisoners"
Local actor offers advice for "extras"
Markanthony Izzo Sentinel reports that 750 will be needed
There has been quite a buzz and lot of speculation and questions since it became known that Derby and Shelton will be used as sites for the shooting of a major motion picture, "The Prisoners" starting in January, 2010. (Read the Valley Independent Sentinel article). There is not a lot of information available as yet, but we can tell you that the production company is busy lining up locations that will be used in the film. According to the website FilmJabber, the movie synopsis is: Just in case you are thinking about trying out your acting skills as a member of the cast (extra!), we have some advice for you from someone who has experienced it all already - Derby's own Markanthony Izzo. Here's his story full of advice: With the release of the news that the movie, Prisoners, starring Mark Walhberg, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman mostly being filmed in Derby and Shelton, it has been the talk of the town and has caused a lot of excitement with many hoping to be a part of that production. One local actor is just as excited as he feels other regional actors are and since the release, he has been asked many questions about what one could expect. Markanthony Izzo has been pursing an acting career since 1997. Back then, his first stop was to talk to another Valley actor Pat De Nigris for advice to help him get started and ever since has felt the need (like one movie suggests) to “pay it forward” when others ask for help. Izzo soon realized that not everyone is right for every part and that you can’t let that affect you when you don’t get picked but then there are times when you work with a bunch of people who like what you can do and they ask you to be a part of their next project and as the as the saying goes, “there are no small parts….” It is also a business where many on a set can be heard to say “you never know” and that may be what keeps many people from giving up. For this production, many people may want to test their chance at fame by being an “extra” also known as a “background actor” but Izzo adds, be careful what you wish for. Being an extra sometimes entails very long days, but on a positive note, since filming will be so close to “home”, local extras won’t have to worry about transportation as much as if they were going to NJ, NY, RI or MA as he has done. He also says when the need for extras arises, one will most likely see in the media something called an “Open Call” and in most cases they will be looking for “all types, shapes and sizes” unless they specify otherwise. Also check www.ctfilm.com for casting notices. You may also see an address where photos of oneself (a headshot) might be mailed to. When you go to an open call you are sometimes asked to bring a “current” photo of yourself (by yourself) and it should be one that “looks like you”, no need to get all glammed up because they can always do that to you if needed. When you get there, they “may” ask you to fill out a card which contains contact and size information and any “conflicts” (days in which you are not available during their shooting schedule). Even though you bring a photo (headshot) and an “acting resume” if you have one, they may just assign you a number and just take your photo that may be attached to your contact info. Then it’s, “don’t call them, they’ll call you”. If you do get a call (and sometimes it could be weeks later), they will first ask if you are available for a particular date(s). If you have a “conflict” or something else going on that day and you can’t get out of it, tell them you are “not available” but keep you in mind for another day because when they ask if you are available, they mean “the whole day” even though there may be times when they finish ahead of schedule, they expect you to be available the entire day/night. Keep in mind sometimes you may get that “call” at the last minute (or late at night) or sometimes the same day, called a “rush call”, so during this “shooting time period” you may want to be as flexible as you can be. The reason is, the next days’ shooting is based on how late the current days’ shooting last. There needs to be a certain time period from today’s “wrap time” to the next days’ “call time”. If yes, you are available, they may then give you a “check-in number” which you will need when you report to check-in that day. They will also give you a “call time”, which is the time you need to report to “holding” and don’t be late. Holding, is where the extras stay until “called to set”. Sometimes everyone is all together and sometimes they are separated by SAG and Non-SAG. SAG stands for Screen Actors Guild which is an actors’ union so if you are not in the union then you are Non-Sag unless you receive a Taft-Hartley Wavier that day but don’t worry about that now. You may also be given “wardrobe” choices they may want you to bring and when they say DON’T wear “logos” or certain colors, DON’T, unless asked to. Sometimes they will shoot “different days” on that same day and that is one reason for different choices, to make it seem like it was filmed on a different day when in actuality you just changed your wardrobe. Also, sometimes many people may bring the same colors and unless it is part of the story, the different choices add variety. When they give you directions to where to report that day, you might see a sign that will make sense only to you and no one else, for example “P” (for Prisoners) (or if there is a different “working title”) and an arrow telling you where to go. Then look for a sign for “Holding” and once again it may be SAG and NON-SAG. When you get there, you will want to “check-in” with the P.A. (production assistant) they are usually wearing a headset and a walkie-talkie, so ask for where check-in is (usually Holding). You’ll give them your check-in number (or name) and get a “voucher”. The voucher is how you get paid so don’t lose it. They will tell you how to fill it out. You will also need to bring 2 forms of I.D. and a pen, because you will have to fill out an I-9 form, just like when you are filling out an employment form. Some acceptable IDs are Driver License, social security card, passport etc.. If not sure, Google I-9 form. If you are asked to work multiple days, you may be allowed to write “On File” on your I-9 on those vouchers. Also, if children are used they will need to be with a guardian. You may be asked to come “camera ready” which means to come in your “first choice” of wardrobe and hair combed (and dried) before you arrive to set (holding). They may or may not ask some ladies to apply a minimal makeup. Then, people from “wardrobe” will look at you for approval, so have your choices ready if they asked you to bring some and in case they ask you to change. Keep in mind they know what they are looking for and how the scene needs to look, so, if they ask you to change, there is a reason. People from “Hair” and “Make-up” may or may not look at you depending on the “scene requirements”. But don’t worry, because during the scene set-up or “blocking” if they see a hair out of place, a shiny forehead or even some loose clothing, someone will be there to fix it, “just like you see in the movies”. Everyone has their own job to do and is constantly looking to make sure the scene “looks good”. Once approved by everyone, then it’s hurry up and wait, so if you are shy and not good at socializing (some actors are actually shy), maybe bring a book or something to pass the time but chances are many will be excited their first time and might want to talk to those who have done this before which leads to something you may hear. Don’t talk to the principle actors unless they initiate a conversation. The reason is not that they are stuck-up etc., but because they may be rehearsing their lines or “dialogue” in their head or trying to get “into character”. But some principle actors have been known to socialize with the cast and crew. You may also be asked to not ask for any autographs since they are like you that day, “a working actor.” You may also be asked “not” to bring a camera. When you are called “to set” there are some simple directions you may hear throughout the day. First of all, when the say quiet, they mean quiet. No talking unless asked to, all pagers and cell phones OFF. They work with some very sensitive microphones that may hear things (or vibrations) we can’t, like a plane in the area before we even hear it. During a scene, you may be asked to “talk without talking” or maybe “clap without clapping”, etc., also known as “miming”. Many crowd scenes are filmed that way so that the main dialogue is heard and then background sound or “wild sound” will be recorded and added later. At one point you may be asked to talk, laugh, cheer etc. for a certain amount of time or they just may record the outdoor sounds that are happening that we may not even realize we are hearing and add it later. So, now you are on the “set”. Someone will “place you” and in some cases “give you an action”, like, start here and walk there and maybe walk back and even do it again. Another important thing to remember is, as tempting as it is, DON’T LOOK AT THE CAMERA. If you do, they CAN’T use it, again, unless it is part of the scene and it’s usually NOT an “extra” or “background” that will do that. Once you are “placed” and in some cases “given an action” you will start to hear other familiar commands throughout the day. Like, instead of “lights, camera, action”, you will hear, “Roll Camera” or “Rolling” which starts the camera, “Speed” or “Sound Speed” which synchronizes the sound with the camera, then “the scene number and take” followed by the “Clapping of the Sticks (marker)”. Then, an A.D. or Assistant Director will say “Background Action” which will be “your cue” to “move” if given an action, then the Director will say “Action” for the principle actors. If you were told to “do something”, keep doing it until one of the Directors says “cut”. Then you might hear “Reset” or “Back to one” which was your starting position for your “action”, go back to that starting position. Keep in mind, if they did not change what you did, keep doing it “exactly the same way” because they may eventually “turn the cameras around” for another angle but you should do the same exact action. For example, if you are carrying something in your left hand and they “turn the cameras around” and you switch hands it ruins the “continuity” or “flow” and believe it or not, some people look for that “stuff”. If you are asked to start in your “second position”, that’s the position you ended at when they said “cut” the first time. This information pretty much will help a “first timer” on a set. You will pick up other things pretty quickly. There is usually always someone there to help you, whether they are sub conscientiously “paying it forward “ or just being nice, or just “doing their job”. Also note, if given a “prop” (maybe something to hold) you may be asked to let them hold your “voucher” or even your “license” until returned. Same goes for a piece of wardrobe they may give to you, like a shirt, tie, dress, hat etc. Once again they may hold your voucher or license. When you are called “to set”, most times you are given a warning. Take that time to “go to the restroom”. If for some reason you have to “go’ while on the set, make sure you tell one of the P.A.s, especially if you may be part of a scene where you “might” be “seen”. Lunch/dinner if they have it, “usually” is about six hours after your call time but don’t let that be your rule because there are circumstances to change that. Most times, production companies feed you, starting with the crew, union actors then non-union. Sometimes breakfast is provided and sometimes, depending if you are in the union or not dictates what may be available. The day “can be” long and some “first timers”, unless they really want to do this, end up “not” coming back. Other terms you may hear is “checking the gate” which basically checks the camera to make sure no dust is in the film path which is a good thing which means they “got the shot” and then you may hear “moving on” or “location change” which is as it implies, they are moving on to the next shot which in some cases means “a little break”. You may also hear that they are setting up the “Martini Shot” which is usually the last set-up of the day. Then the term everyone recognizes….. “That’s a wrap” which means you are done for the day. At that point if you were issued a “prop” or some “wardrobe”, return it to get your voucher/license back then go to either ‘Holding” or a designated spot to have your “voucher” signed so that you will get paid. They will give you a copy of the voucher and in usually two weeks you should receive your check. If you listen to what they tell you, you may actually have fun and enjoy it because remember, “You never know”. Hope this helps. One other piece of advice, if you are chosen to work on the film and when talking to family and friends, tell them you “worked on the film” and wait until it comes out and watch it to make sure you are “in it” before you tell anyone “you are in the film”. The reason is, even though you think the camera is looking right at you (remember you can’t look at it) but depending on the angle, the lenses used and a term called “depth of field” you may be either blocked, a small spec or “a blur”. Believe me, I know, been there done that, I have been all of them. J If anyone has any questions, you can e-mail me at markanthony_izzo@yahoo.com and I will try to answer them. If I don’t get back to you right away, hopefully it is because I am “on the set”, wherever that set may be…. LOL. That’s a wrap J |
