It’s usually not this exciting.
December 11, 2006 | Almost Famous
So, a Big Time Movie came to Seattle this weekend and I got to be an extra again.
Dude. It was so fun! There were REAL movie stars there. We don’t get too many of those around these parts.
The movie is about the WTO riots that happened here in 1999. You probably remember the scenes of anarchists looting and police brutality, but really, there was so much more that happened in between those two extremes. The scene we got to recreate was one of the coolest examples of successful, peaceful, civil disobedience ever. The protesters succeeded in getting the opening ceremonies of the WTO cancelled because the delegates were unable to reach the venue. They blocked off all of the surrounding intersections and routes from the delegate’s hotels. That’s pretty awesome, don’t you think?
Here are some pictures of the real thing that I “borrowed” from the internets:
The opening ceremonies were supposed to be in the Paramount Theater. The cops ringed the building with busses to keep the protesters away from the entrance, but a group managed to get over the top of the busses and block the entrance with these tube things around their arms, so if the police pushed through, their arms would break. (Like in the middle picture above.) That’s the scene we got to do all day, me, a few other extras, and Michelle Rodriguez and Andre 3000! It was SO. COOL.
Hottiepants Stuart Townsend was the director. My moment of glory was when I was picked to run in and replace a guy whose character couldn’t handle the tear gas. I watched as my pal Stuart explained to the camera man the shot he wanted of me. I held my shit together, but inside I was all, “STUART TOWNSEND IS POINTING AT ME! STUART TOWNSEND IS POINTING AT ME!”
I know that all these people are just people, but like I’ve said before, being an extra when you are not really an actress is so cool because you get to be a geeky fan on the inside without having to be all non-plussed by celebrity. I admit it. I’m plussed. I actually prefer just getting to be in their presence and observe them, rather than having to come up with something cool to say. We’re not even allowed to speak to them! Perfect!
I was BAD, so bad, and took a couple of illegal pictures:
That’s Michelle in front of the Paramount.
That’s Michelle (with her back to us), Andre (the turtle), and two other famous people I hadn’t heard of. Though that dude was very nice on the eyes. Note the beautiul Seattle weather. It looks like it’s dusk, but it was about 11:30am.
Here I am in my protester outfit in front of the Paramount. They changed the marquee to look like it did that day.
On the second day, I got to be a “talent wrangler” and tell the extras where to be. At one point, I was standing on the fringes of the production when I overheard some really dumb lookie-lous. We were only about 20 feet away from the 4 movie stars, standing together, just like they are in that second illegal picture, except there were four paid umbrella holders shieldng their precious heads from the rain. A couple came up to a guy that was standing there watching the filming and said, “Have you seen any movie stars?” The guy answered, “none yet.” Now I know they weren’t the most recognizeable of stars, but perhaps the folks who have lackies to hold their umbrellas for them just might be the famous ones?
Another funny thing that happened that day was after the eleventy-hundredth take of this big chanting protest scene, Michelle started leading the 300 or so extras in “What do we want? Lunch! When do we want it? NOW!” It was a great moment.
Today I’m back on another set wrangling, this time for an army commercial, and it’s SO boring and there isn’t a star in sight. I’m just happy there’s wireless!
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December 11th, 2006 at 5:26 pm, Leigh Says:
I run Michelle’s official website. Could you drop me an email? I’d like to possibly get larger versions of the pics you have of Michelle for the ‘Battle’ behind the scenes gallery on the site. Let me know! Thanks so much, and glad you seemed to have such a great time!
L.
December 11th, 2006 at 5:59 pm, LSGP Says:
Fellow ZE readers, she does not lie in regards to how Seattle gets all ga-ga about film production in town. It was so big that it was on the news – and I just happened to be clicking by when I saw none other than Zesty Enterprise’s own SB being interviewed about providing extras! I just had to text Jenny right away, which, I suppose, makes me a little ga-ga about seeing my friend on the local news…
December 12th, 2006 at 11:11 am, Jenny Says:
Leigh: I only took those two. I wasn’t supposed to take any!
LSGP: I can’t believe they played that clip all the way out in BFE!
December 13th, 2006 at 9:48 am, Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah Says:
Hooray new blog!
I am changing my link….now.
December 14th, 2006 at 9:05 pm, JayAre Says:
Your life is so awesome!
December 15th, 2006 at 12:12 pm, Jenny Says:
JayAre: Aw shucks. Like the title said, it’s usually not so exciting. My last wrangling gig was pretty unpleasant so I don’t think I’ll be doing much extra work for a while.
April 15th, 2008 at 11:28 am, Zesty Enterprise » I am a movie star! Says:
[...] You may recall about a year ago when I was an extra in the soon to be released, full of big stars, Battle in Seattle? [...]
May 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm, Zesty Enterprise » Seattle International Film Festival Opening Night Says:
[...] Last night was my big film debut! SB, Erik and Mary and I had an excellent time at the fancy opening night gala for Battle in Seattle. [...]