Sunday March 13th

After getting off the ship yesterday we went to Vera and Marc's to retrieve Mia and they asked us to stay for dinner.

During the meal, my phone rang and it was a call from Central Casting in Hollywood.  Just for reference information, those who know us, are aware of the fact that Judy and I have worked in Pittsburgh as extras in movies and commercials nearly a dozen times in the past few years.  While in southern California, we registered at Central Casting hoping for the opportunity to work in "Hollywood".

Anyway, Tony, a Central Casting Director, asked if I would be available tomorrow with the Smart Car for a film being shot at Universal Studios.  I immediately said yes and he asked that I send him a couple of photos of the car that he could send to the Producers, and if approved, I would be given instructions on when and where to report in the morning.

Within twenty minutes, Tony called and I was hired, with the car, and should report to Universal Studios in Hollywood at 8:00 a.m.   I was to wear a dark suit and bring three casual things that would be found on the streets of France, Italy and Germany.  Other than the dark suit, I wasn't sure what they wear in the other countries.  As far as I know, they wear what we wear, so I just grabbed three changes and threw them in a bag.

Arriving on set, we were directed to the wardrobe trailer to have our clothes approved for the filming.  Next, we were sent to the "Craft Services" trailer where we were served breakfast.  Afterward, it was time to sit around for a couple of hours and eat the snacks and fruit that was available all day while they set everything up on the set.

Finally, I was called to the set with the car.  My part, when the director said "action", was to drive from the front of a Paris cafe', turn right, drive up the hill and off camera.  I did that about 10 times before the famous "Cut and Print" was shouted.

Next, the exterior of the cafe' was transformed into a German biergarten.  My task was to walk down the hill and into the tavern.  I did that about 10 times as well. 

Next we broke for lunch.  The menu consisted of lamb kabobs, fish tacos, tamales, salads, fruit, cake and warm chocolate chip cookies.  They usually feed you very well.

After lunch, we were transported to "New York Street".  The same set used for filming many movies and T.V. shows.  The corner where we were filming is now most often used in CBS T.V.'s "How I Met Your Mother".

Here, I was directed to walk across the street, shake hands with a guy on the corner then walk up the street.  This took about 2 hours to complete.

At 6:00 p.m. we were dismissed. Pay is only minimum wage, but there was extra for the car and extra for the wardrobe changes, which doubled the amount earned.  For me, the best part is always watching the process of making "Hollywood Magic".

I may never get to see the end result.  The movie is a promotional film to be shown to the folks waiting in line to take the Studio tram tour.  The folks working on the project did not know if it was only for Universal Hollywood or Orlando or both.  So if you happen to be at Universal Studios and in line for the tram tour, look for me on the monitors.  The title of the film is "Have a Tram-tastic Day"!  Hey, I know it's not Oscar material, but it was fun.