Did you watch episode 6 of “Into the West” last night and wonder (again) where I was? Well, I was there and very visible.
I was most visible carrying bodies during the clean-up of the Wounded Knee massacre site. Unfortunately, when I was most visible, they only showed me from the back. Anyway, I'm the man in the dark blue jacket, gray pants, and floppy black hat. You can see me as one of 4 carrying a body (this one was a real person acting dead, and he was VERY heavy – 4 of us had a difficult time carrying him). Then, as Margaret Light Shines and the newspaper reporter approach each other, I'm one of 2 carrying another body (also a real person, but this one wasn’t quite as heavy) right out in the foreground. That’s shown from a couple of different angles (neither one showing my face). So, so far there’s my claim to movie fame (but wait until “Bordertown” and see if I'm not recognizable in that).
Here’s some trivia for you about that scene with Margaret Light Shines and the newspaper reporter meeting on the grounds at Wounded Knee. In part of the scene that was cut out, the reporter says to Margaret Light Shines, “Everyone will know what really happened here. I promise you that!” (Those lines really stuck with me.) Then, for some reason, it didn’t happen (in real life). The Indians have always known that it was a massacre and that unarmed men, women, and children were slaughtered. However, in white history, it was called the “battle” at Wounded Knee. Only now are many people finally learning “what really happened here.” I think it was a mistake to cut those lines out of the finished version.
I was also in several other scenes where only I could pick myself out. I was a soldier standing in a line in the background in one scene at the Pine Ridge Reservation. In another one I was standing on the porch guarding the Indians as they waited in line for their rations. And I was way up in the background loading bodies on a wagon in another one at Wounded Knee.
As in episode 4, though, some of the scenes in which my face would be seen were edited out. They entirely cut out the scene in which I would have been most visible. The buffalo soldiers (a special unit of black soldiers – shown in the final cut, but never identified as such) go out and round up some Indians who had left the reservation and bring them back. As they reenter the reservation, I was one of the soldiers guarding them, directly opposite the camera with it facing me. If they had left that scene in, I couldn’t have been missed. But apparently that scene wasn’t crucial to the story, and they cut it out.
As Margaret Light Shines walks toward the buildings at Pine Ridge with a group of children, she walks past a wagon. I was by the wheel on the other side of the wagon, just out of camera range.
In a scene when Robert Wheeler gets off his wagon and approaches the Governor at Pine Ridge Reservation (David Paymer’s character – sorry, forgetting the character’s name right now), I was behind his wagon – just out of camera range.
As the soldiers pass Robert and Clara Wheeler’s home, I was at the end of the line, and they cut before I entered.
As the soldiers enter the Pine Ridge Reservation, I was at the end of the line, and they cut before I entered.
And finally, as the Indians push toward the reservation office when they hear the shooting and cannons at Wounded Knee, I was behind them. They chose to show only fairly close shots of that, though, and I was on the cutting room floor again.
Fame can be so elusive.
More seriously, though, I didn’t even get the opportunity I would have loved to have to do a speaking role (and get my SAG card). They auditioned several local actors for the role of the freighter who confronts Loved by the Buffalo as he’s cutting hair off the bodies and says, “What you doing’ there, Chief? Them’s worth $2 a piece.” (etc.) I don’t know how they chose the ones to audition, but I wasn’t selected. Anyway, they ended up choosing an actor from L.A. for the role. I think I could have done the role better than he did, though. I was so close to my immediate goal of having a speaking part in a film and missed it.
I think ITW has been outstanding, and I hope they decide to turn it into a series. There was talk about that on the set all along. What do you think? If you agree, I encourage you to call, write, or email TNT asking for more.
If you don’t get TNT or for some other reason haven’t seen ITW, the DVDs come out in October.
Michael John Gabriel
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Monday, July 11, 2005
On the cutting room floor
Did you watch episode 4 of “Into the West”? Did you wonder where I was? Sometimes I did, too. As I suggested might happen, much of my work ended up on the cutting room floor (though, as you may know, that’s really an anachronistic term because they now do editing digitally and don’t really leave film on the floor like they did in the olden days).
My close up during the “dynamiting the mountain” scene was cut. However I was in that scene, but not close enough that Antoinette could pick me out until I pointed to myself.
My great work as a drunk in the saloon was entirely cut out. In fact, I didn’t appear in the saloon scene at all.
My greeting the train passengers was entirely cut out.
Most of my work as a railroad dignitary during the “golden spike at Promontory Point” scene was cut out (even though I was within a few feet of Lance Henricksen (Daniel Wheeler) and Glen Powell, Jr. (Jackson Wheeler). I did appear when they shot the photo of the people in front of the trains, but again I had to point myself out to Antoinette for her to see me.
I'm eager to see if I show up recognizably in episode 6. I can’t imagine that they could have entirely cut me out in that episode, given where I was. We shall see.
Michael John Gabriel
My close up during the “dynamiting the mountain” scene was cut. However I was in that scene, but not close enough that Antoinette could pick me out until I pointed to myself.
My great work as a drunk in the saloon was entirely cut out. In fact, I didn’t appear in the saloon scene at all.
My greeting the train passengers was entirely cut out.
Most of my work as a railroad dignitary during the “golden spike at Promontory Point” scene was cut out (even though I was within a few feet of Lance Henricksen (Daniel Wheeler) and Glen Powell, Jr. (Jackson Wheeler). I did appear when they shot the photo of the people in front of the trains, but again I had to point myself out to Antoinette for her to see me.
I'm eager to see if I show up recognizably in episode 6. I can’t imagine that they could have entirely cut me out in that episode, given where I was. We shall see.
Michael John Gabriel
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Called for Bordertown
I received a call today to appear in Bordertown with Jennifer Lopez and Antonio Banderas. I'll be playing a newspaper reporter. (Jennifer is also a newspaper reporter in the film.) I go for a costume fitting tomorrow and work next week.
MJG
MJG
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
After Blah Blah Blah
I think I did well Sunday evening with my parts in the staged reading of the screenplay “Blah Blah Blah” … considering everything.
It was a challenge because of how last minute everything was. We only had one rehearsal, and that was 3 nights before the performance. During the rehearsal I read roles that I didn’t read in the show and didn’t read roles that I did read in the show. When I arrived at the theater, I was told that I’d be reading some different roles than the ones I thought I would be reading. They were minor parts, granted, but I hadn't prepared for them at all. Then I discovered that the screenwriter had incorrectly labeled some of the lines in the script. There were 2 Peters in the script. He called them Peter One and Peter Two. I was reading Peter Two (the biggest of my roles). An hour and a half before we went on I learned that through the 20 or so last pages of the script, everything labeled Peter One was really Peter Two and everything labeled Peter Two was really Peter One. Thus I would not be reading some of the lines I had prepared for and would be reading others I hadn't. So, for the most part, I went out on stage to do my first reading of a lot of my part of the script. Nevertheless, I think I did quite well with it.
I wasn’t the only one. The man who was supposed to be Peter One was sick, so another of the actors had all his roles changed so he could play that role. Then he also had to change all the labels for his lines in the last 20 pages of the script like I did.
One thing I learned is that I prefer more organization, clarity, and preparation if I'm going to be in a production. On the other hand, I learned that sometimes things happen, and I have to be flexible. I demonstrated that I can do that. After all, I have done lots of improvisational theater in the past. This was a lot like improvisation in some ways.
I found myself annoyed and hurt (we actors can be so fragile) by one comment I overheard after the show, though. Someone said that Patrick, the screenwriter, who read one of the lead roles, was the only professional actor in the group. Patrick was the only one who was really familiar with the script! And he’s not an actor at all, let alone a professional one. (Though, he was really good in his role.) I could have done much better if I’d had some rehearsal time and some time on my own to work on the correct lines.
I’d say that only about 30 people showed up to see us. I was disappointed about that. Patrick had predicted a full house (100 seats and another 20 folding chairs). The result was that after expenses were taken out of the contributions, each of us made a whopping $3 for our participation. The good side of that is that I did make something. Lots of acting is just for the fun and the glory (whatever of that there may be).
Antoinette (my girlfriend) came and saw me act (sort of) for the first time. That made a big difference to me. I really wanted her there. She said she liked my performance.
None of the other people I invited came. Another disappointment. Does anyone care? I’ve realized for a long time that one of the signs I look for that people care about me is that they show up for my performances (of whatever kind).
Then yesterday I found myself feeling the familiar let-down that I’ve noticed myself feeling after nearly every kind of performance I’ve ever done – not just acting, but teaching, speaking, singing, and everything else, too. I’ve explored what that’s about. I feel let down because I didn’t receive enough attention, praise, and accolades (imitation love, in other words) to fill me up. I hoped for the high of feeling loved and felt depressed about not getting enough of whatever I thought I wanted. Could there ever be enough? That may be my own personal “Impossible Dream.”
Refocusing … I do think I gave my best performance under the circumstances and that I contributed something to the audience. I learned some things. I got some experience. I met some people. Some of them may be important to my career in the future. I got 2 cookies and a brownie free. Antoinette saw me and supported me. Several people said they liked my performance. I had fun. And I earned $3 more than I would have if I hadn't participated. It was a good evening.
Michael
It was a challenge because of how last minute everything was. We only had one rehearsal, and that was 3 nights before the performance. During the rehearsal I read roles that I didn’t read in the show and didn’t read roles that I did read in the show. When I arrived at the theater, I was told that I’d be reading some different roles than the ones I thought I would be reading. They were minor parts, granted, but I hadn't prepared for them at all. Then I discovered that the screenwriter had incorrectly labeled some of the lines in the script. There were 2 Peters in the script. He called them Peter One and Peter Two. I was reading Peter Two (the biggest of my roles). An hour and a half before we went on I learned that through the 20 or so last pages of the script, everything labeled Peter One was really Peter Two and everything labeled Peter Two was really Peter One. Thus I would not be reading some of the lines I had prepared for and would be reading others I hadn't. So, for the most part, I went out on stage to do my first reading of a lot of my part of the script. Nevertheless, I think I did quite well with it.
I wasn’t the only one. The man who was supposed to be Peter One was sick, so another of the actors had all his roles changed so he could play that role. Then he also had to change all the labels for his lines in the last 20 pages of the script like I did.
One thing I learned is that I prefer more organization, clarity, and preparation if I'm going to be in a production. On the other hand, I learned that sometimes things happen, and I have to be flexible. I demonstrated that I can do that. After all, I have done lots of improvisational theater in the past. This was a lot like improvisation in some ways.
I found myself annoyed and hurt (we actors can be so fragile) by one comment I overheard after the show, though. Someone said that Patrick, the screenwriter, who read one of the lead roles, was the only professional actor in the group. Patrick was the only one who was really familiar with the script! And he’s not an actor at all, let alone a professional one. (Though, he was really good in his role.) I could have done much better if I’d had some rehearsal time and some time on my own to work on the correct lines.
I’d say that only about 30 people showed up to see us. I was disappointed about that. Patrick had predicted a full house (100 seats and another 20 folding chairs). The result was that after expenses were taken out of the contributions, each of us made a whopping $3 for our participation. The good side of that is that I did make something. Lots of acting is just for the fun and the glory (whatever of that there may be).
Antoinette (my girlfriend) came and saw me act (sort of) for the first time. That made a big difference to me. I really wanted her there. She said she liked my performance.
None of the other people I invited came. Another disappointment. Does anyone care? I’ve realized for a long time that one of the signs I look for that people care about me is that they show up for my performances (of whatever kind).
Then yesterday I found myself feeling the familiar let-down that I’ve noticed myself feeling after nearly every kind of performance I’ve ever done – not just acting, but teaching, speaking, singing, and everything else, too. I’ve explored what that’s about. I feel let down because I didn’t receive enough attention, praise, and accolades (imitation love, in other words) to fill me up. I hoped for the high of feeling loved and felt depressed about not getting enough of whatever I thought I wanted. Could there ever be enough? That may be my own personal “Impossible Dream.”
Refocusing … I do think I gave my best performance under the circumstances and that I contributed something to the audience. I learned some things. I got some experience. I met some people. Some of them may be important to my career in the future. I got 2 cookies and a brownie free. Antoinette saw me and supported me. Several people said they liked my performance. I had fun. And I earned $3 more than I would have if I hadn't participated. It was a good evening.
Michael
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Staged Reading 6/12/05
I'll be reading several of the roles in this staged reading. If you're in the Santa Fe area, please come and enjoy some laughs.
Michael
------------
Two Men, One Mind, One Way Out.
Please Attend a Staged Reading of "Blah Blah Blah"a Screenplay Comedy About What Really Matters Most in Life,(And What Doesn't.)
"Funny, Poignant, Witty and Long-Winded, Blah Blah Blah is a Masterwork. I Ought to Know- I Wrote It"- Charlie Poe
See It On the Stage Before You See It On the Screen
7:00
Sunday, June 12
Santa Fe Playhouse
142 E. DeVargas988-4262
Pay What You Wish
Michael
------------
Two Men, One Mind, One Way Out.
Please Attend a Staged Reading of "Blah Blah Blah"a Screenplay Comedy About What Really Matters Most in Life,(And What Doesn't.)
"Funny, Poignant, Witty and Long-Winded, Blah Blah Blah is a Masterwork. I Ought to Know- I Wrote It"- Charlie Poe
See It On the Stage Before You See It On the Screen
7:00
Sunday, June 12
Santa Fe Playhouse
142 E. DeVargas988-4262
Pay What You Wish
See me in Into the West
I'm in the movie Into the West, a 6-week mini-series produced by TNT. (Steven Spielberg is Executive Producer.) Here’s some information about it and about how to find me. (Note that any or all of my scenes could end up being cut out of the movie by the editor.)
Is this Spiritual Cinema? You decide for yourself. I think it is for a variety of reasons. We can talk about it after it’s been shown, if you’d like.
Let me know if you watch it. I think it’s going to be great (and not just because I'm in it).
If you know of anyone else who might like to have this information, feel free to pass it along to them.
Warmly,
Michael John Gabriel
Into the West takes place throughout the 1800s and is the story of the movement of white settlers from the east into the west and the clash of cultures that occurs between the white folks and the Indians. It is told from the points of view of one white family and one Lakota Sioux family. As they interact, the 2 families intermarry. This is supposed to be the most accurate portrayal of what really happened that has ever been filmed. It isn’t like any Western you’ve ever seen, and I don’t even call it a Western.
To learn a lot about Into the West, see the web site: http://intothewest.com
Into the West Schedule:
The movie will be shown on TNT (whatever channel that is on your system in your area; in Santa Fe on cable, it’s channel 28).
Apparently every episode will be shown 5 times in a weekend. Check your TV schedule to confirm the information below.
Episode 1: Wheel to the Stars (filmed in Alberta, Canada):
Friday, June 10 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, June 11 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, June 12 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
I am NOT in this episode.
Episode 2: Manifest Destiny (filmed in Alberta, Canada):
Friday, June 17 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, June 18 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, June 19 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
I am NOT in this episode.
Episode 3: Dreams & Schemes (filmed in Alberta, Canada):
Friday, June 24 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, June 25 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, June 26 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
I am NOT in this episode.
Episode 4: Hell on Wheels (filmed in New Mexico):
Friday, July 8 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, July 9 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, July 10 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
In this episode, look for me as:
1. One of the Irish railroad workers. There may be close-ups of me, especially during the scene when Chinese railroad workers are setting dynamite on the mountainside. A close-up of me was shot during that scene anyway. One of the photos I’ve attached is of that scene. The other was also while I was playing this character.
2. A townsperson in North Platte. I'll be in the background a lot. You may see me greeting people as they get off the train, walking around town, standing and watching Custer’s cavalry riding up to the saloon, etc.
3. A drunk in the saloon. I get dragged off the stage by the ear by a woman who is playing my wife. That will probably be in the background.
4. A railroad dignitary at the Promontory Point ceremonies when the eastern and western railroads meet and the golden spike is driven. I'm just off to the right (their right) of the principals (described in the next sentence) during the spike driving ceremony. When the photo is taken of the 2 trains with all the people in front of them, I am directly behind Glen Powell Jr. (Jackson Wheeler), a blond young man who plays one of the Wheeler family (the white settlers), and to the left of Lance Henrikson who plays Glen’s father and who is one of the main characters at that point in the film.
Episode 5: Casualties of War (filmed in New Mexico):
Friday, July 15 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, July 16 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, July 17 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
I am NOT in this episode.
Episode 6: Ghost Dance (filmed in New Mexico):
Friday, July 22 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, July 23 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, July 24 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
In this episode, look for me as:
1. A foot soldier approaching and entering the Pine Ridge Reservation.
2. A soldier at the Pine Ridge Reservation. Especially look for me guarding the Indians who are being returned to the reservation by the Buffalo soldiers and again guarding the Indians who are concerned when they hear the sounds of the shooting going on at Wounded Knee.
3. A freighter (someone who carries dead bodies) all through the “clean-up” of the Wounded Knee massacre. In the scene when Margaret Light Shines (I think that’s who it is) is walking the field looking at all the bodies at Wounded Knee, look for me crossing the screen carrying a body with another of the freighters. During the scene when all the bodies are being buried in a big hole, look for me digging in the big pile of dirt to the right of the hole. I'll also be in the background carrying bodies a lot.
Is this Spiritual Cinema? You decide for yourself. I think it is for a variety of reasons. We can talk about it after it’s been shown, if you’d like.
Let me know if you watch it. I think it’s going to be great (and not just because I'm in it).
If you know of anyone else who might like to have this information, feel free to pass it along to them.
Warmly,
Michael John Gabriel
Into the West takes place throughout the 1800s and is the story of the movement of white settlers from the east into the west and the clash of cultures that occurs between the white folks and the Indians. It is told from the points of view of one white family and one Lakota Sioux family. As they interact, the 2 families intermarry. This is supposed to be the most accurate portrayal of what really happened that has ever been filmed. It isn’t like any Western you’ve ever seen, and I don’t even call it a Western.
To learn a lot about Into the West, see the web site: http://intothewest.com
Into the West Schedule:
The movie will be shown on TNT (whatever channel that is on your system in your area; in Santa Fe on cable, it’s channel 28).
Apparently every episode will be shown 5 times in a weekend. Check your TV schedule to confirm the information below.
Episode 1: Wheel to the Stars (filmed in Alberta, Canada):
Friday, June 10 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, June 11 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, June 12 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
I am NOT in this episode.
Episode 2: Manifest Destiny (filmed in Alberta, Canada):
Friday, June 17 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, June 18 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, June 19 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
I am NOT in this episode.
Episode 3: Dreams & Schemes (filmed in Alberta, Canada):
Friday, June 24 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, June 25 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, June 26 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
I am NOT in this episode.
Episode 4: Hell on Wheels (filmed in New Mexico):
Friday, July 8 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, July 9 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, July 10 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
In this episode, look for me as:
1. One of the Irish railroad workers. There may be close-ups of me, especially during the scene when Chinese railroad workers are setting dynamite on the mountainside. A close-up of me was shot during that scene anyway. One of the photos I’ve attached is of that scene. The other was also while I was playing this character.
2. A townsperson in North Platte. I'll be in the background a lot. You may see me greeting people as they get off the train, walking around town, standing and watching Custer’s cavalry riding up to the saloon, etc.
3. A drunk in the saloon. I get dragged off the stage by the ear by a woman who is playing my wife. That will probably be in the background.
4. A railroad dignitary at the Promontory Point ceremonies when the eastern and western railroads meet and the golden spike is driven. I'm just off to the right (their right) of the principals (described in the next sentence) during the spike driving ceremony. When the photo is taken of the 2 trains with all the people in front of them, I am directly behind Glen Powell Jr. (Jackson Wheeler), a blond young man who plays one of the Wheeler family (the white settlers), and to the left of Lance Henrikson who plays Glen’s father and who is one of the main characters at that point in the film.
Episode 5: Casualties of War (filmed in New Mexico):
Friday, July 15 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, July 16 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, July 17 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
I am NOT in this episode.
Episode 6: Ghost Dance (filmed in New Mexico):
Friday, July 22 – 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
Saturday, July 23 – 8 e/7 c
Sunday, July 24 – 6 e/5 c; 8 e/7 c; 10 e/9 c
In this episode, look for me as:
1. A foot soldier approaching and entering the Pine Ridge Reservation.
2. A soldier at the Pine Ridge Reservation. Especially look for me guarding the Indians who are being returned to the reservation by the Buffalo soldiers and again guarding the Indians who are concerned when they hear the sounds of the shooting going on at Wounded Knee.
3. A freighter (someone who carries dead bodies) all through the “clean-up” of the Wounded Knee massacre. In the scene when Margaret Light Shines (I think that’s who it is) is walking the field looking at all the bodies at Wounded Knee, look for me crossing the screen carrying a body with another of the freighters. During the scene when all the bodies are being buried in a big hole, look for me digging in the big pile of dirt to the right of the hole. I'll also be in the background carrying bodies a lot.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Acting classes
I'm looking for excellent professional acting classes in or near Santa Fe, particularly ones relevant to film acting. I can stand to learn a lot more, and I know that being in classes looks good to Casting Directors.
MJG
MJG
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Casting call for Class Action
I went today for a casting call for a movie with the working title “Class Action.” It’s the fictionalized story of the first major successful sexual harassment suit. It’s going to star Charlize Theron, Sissy Spacek, Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sean Bean. The director is Niki Caro, who wrote and directed “Whale Rider.” I’d love to work with those people. It will be shot in this area in March and April.
I decided to go early and hopefully get at the head of the line. By the time I arrived, though, there were at least 50 people in line ahead of me. I guess other people had the same idea.
I saw and talked with a number of guys I’ve worked with in “Into the West.” Leonard was in line next to me, and I talked with him quite a bit. There were all sorts of people there. Ric Barela was there herding a group of people, acting as their mentor.
They came and took the people who have agents out of line and created a special line for them. Then they saw them first. Clearly I need to get an agent.
When I got to the table, the member of the casting team that I talked to recognized me from “Into the West” and said I have a good look for this movie, too. She wrote “Courtroom” down on my card and sent me off for a photo. I think that means I'll be cast.
They said they need 2000 extras, so I have no doubt that I'll get some kind of role.
MJG
I decided to go early and hopefully get at the head of the line. By the time I arrived, though, there were at least 50 people in line ahead of me. I guess other people had the same idea.
I saw and talked with a number of guys I’ve worked with in “Into the West.” Leonard was in line next to me, and I talked with him quite a bit. There were all sorts of people there. Ric Barela was there herding a group of people, acting as their mentor.
They came and took the people who have agents out of line and created a special line for them. Then they saw them first. Clearly I need to get an agent.
When I got to the table, the member of the casting team that I talked to recognized me from “Into the West” and said I have a good look for this movie, too. She wrote “Courtroom” down on my card and sent me off for a photo. I think that means I'll be cast.
They said they need 2000 extras, so I have no doubt that I'll get some kind of role.
MJG
Friday, February 11, 2005
ITW costume fitting
I called Gwyn about being in more of ITW, and she’s cast me for next week as a railroad dignitary. She asked me to come in today for a costume fitting. It was sort of strange because the offices and wardrobe department are at the penitentiary. I had to have my trunk searched to get in.
I saw Tracy Collins there. She’s working on wardrobe. I wasn’t all that surprised to see her.
So, they fit me in a costume – no big story.
Then I talked with Gwyn. She said they might want me to shave my beard into a goatee to change my look a little and said they can keep me working if they can change my look. Fine. Change my look to keep me working. I accept.
Of course, Antoinette doesn’t like goatees. I hope she can live with it.
MJG
I saw Tracy Collins there. She’s working on wardrobe. I wasn’t all that surprised to see her.
So, they fit me in a costume – no big story.
Then I talked with Gwyn. She said they might want me to shave my beard into a goatee to change my look a little and said they can keep me working if they can change my look. Fine. Change my look to keep me working. I accept.
Of course, Antoinette doesn’t like goatees. I hope she can live with it.
MJG
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
ITW day 3
Back at the Ford Ranch again. Brutally cold again. I'm familiar with this scenario.
We were continuing with scenes related to yesterday’s. I was a townsperson again.
They shifted to shooting “inside” the saloon. (The walls were really canvas, and it wasn’t much warmer than outside was.) They placed us around the saloon and then replaced us. Finally Michael (the Director) decided they needed a drunk to get up on the stage with a couple of the dancing girls and then to be dragged off the stage and out of the saloon by his wife. Well, I was chosen and got the part. Later I found out that Fidel Moreno had recommended me for it. Thank you, Fidel.
I think I did my drunk act really well. I'm eager to see what of it ends up in the film.
Later in the day I was a townsperson who was greeting some people coming off the train. I'll probably be seen in that scene, too.
After the shooting was wrapped for the day and I was standing in the wardrobe line to return my costume, I saw a woman who I thought was Glen Powell, Jr.’s mother. I knew she was there and her name from Antoinette. So, I said to her, “Are you Cindy?” She was, and we ended up talking for a while. Glen came up after a couple of minutes and joined the conversation. Nice people. They’re from Austin, TX, so I now know for certain that people outside L.A. can get speaking roles in films.
I'll have to call after today to see if they need me any more.
MJG
We were continuing with scenes related to yesterday’s. I was a townsperson again.
They shifted to shooting “inside” the saloon. (The walls were really canvas, and it wasn’t much warmer than outside was.) They placed us around the saloon and then replaced us. Finally Michael (the Director) decided they needed a drunk to get up on the stage with a couple of the dancing girls and then to be dragged off the stage and out of the saloon by his wife. Well, I was chosen and got the part. Later I found out that Fidel Moreno had recommended me for it. Thank you, Fidel.
I think I did my drunk act really well. I'm eager to see what of it ends up in the film.
Later in the day I was a townsperson who was greeting some people coming off the train. I'll probably be seen in that scene, too.
After the shooting was wrapped for the day and I was standing in the wardrobe line to return my costume, I saw a woman who I thought was Glen Powell, Jr.’s mother. I knew she was there and her name from Antoinette. So, I said to her, “Are you Cindy?” She was, and we ended up talking for a while. Glen came up after a couple of minutes and joined the conversation. Nice people. They’re from Austin, TX, so I now know for certain that people outside L.A. can get speaking roles in films.
I'll have to call after today to see if they need me any more.
MJG
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
ITW day 2
We were out at Ford Ranch for my second day of being in ITW. That’s a well-known movie site for Westerns. “Wild, Wild West” and “Silverado” were shot there, among others.
It was brutally cold all day with moderately strong wind, but especially at sunrise when we started setting up. Then, shortly after most of us were in our places, it began to snow hard. I don’t think the word “blizzard” is too far off from the true conditions. It was bad enough for me, but I really felt sorry for the women who were dressed as bar girls/prostitutes. Many of them were wearing low-cut, off the shoulder dresses, standing out there in the blizzard. Some wardrobe people and P.A.s gave them jackets, but it was still freezing. Fortunately the snow didn’t go on for very long.
Then, not long after the snow stopped, the train whistle spooked a team of mules pulling a wagon, and they took off running through the middle of town with actors and techies scattering ahead of them. I admire the wranglers working on the film. They did a good job of stopping the mules – and of taking care of all the horses and mules. There were LOTS of horses for these scenes.
I was supposed to be an immigrant for this day of filming, but they turned out to use me as a regular townsperson instead. Or maybe I was an immigrant who was now a townsperson. I spent the day doing crossings and then watching Custer and his cavalry ride up to the saloon and then ride away again with some deserters in tow. No big deal, but I may be seen.
I saw an example of the improvisational quality that can occur in filming. A woman who was playing a prostitute was doing a crossing directly in front of one of the cameras in one of the scenes. She accidentally tripped and fell. Well, Michael Watkins, the Director, liked it and asked her to do it again for every take. So they outfitted her with knee and other padding, and she fell down over and over for probably 20 takes. For that, they bumped her pay up to $125 for the day. I'll fall down, Michael!
Lance Henricksen, Warren Blosjo, and Glen Powell, Jr., were in these scenes – all actors Antoinette knows from the hotel where they’re staying. She’s a concierge there. I had the opportunity to talk briefly with Glen and to tell him that I'm Antoinette’s boyfriend. He’s a young man of about 17 who’s playing one of Lance’s sons.
I enjoyed the day again. I love this filmmaking business.
MJG
It was brutally cold all day with moderately strong wind, but especially at sunrise when we started setting up. Then, shortly after most of us were in our places, it began to snow hard. I don’t think the word “blizzard” is too far off from the true conditions. It was bad enough for me, but I really felt sorry for the women who were dressed as bar girls/prostitutes. Many of them were wearing low-cut, off the shoulder dresses, standing out there in the blizzard. Some wardrobe people and P.A.s gave them jackets, but it was still freezing. Fortunately the snow didn’t go on for very long.
Then, not long after the snow stopped, the train whistle spooked a team of mules pulling a wagon, and they took off running through the middle of town with actors and techies scattering ahead of them. I admire the wranglers working on the film. They did a good job of stopping the mules – and of taking care of all the horses and mules. There were LOTS of horses for these scenes.
I was supposed to be an immigrant for this day of filming, but they turned out to use me as a regular townsperson instead. Or maybe I was an immigrant who was now a townsperson. I spent the day doing crossings and then watching Custer and his cavalry ride up to the saloon and then ride away again with some deserters in tow. No big deal, but I may be seen.
I saw an example of the improvisational quality that can occur in filming. A woman who was playing a prostitute was doing a crossing directly in front of one of the cameras in one of the scenes. She accidentally tripped and fell. Well, Michael Watkins, the Director, liked it and asked her to do it again for every take. So they outfitted her with knee and other padding, and she fell down over and over for probably 20 takes. For that, they bumped her pay up to $125 for the day. I'll fall down, Michael!
Lance Henricksen, Warren Blosjo, and Glen Powell, Jr., were in these scenes – all actors Antoinette knows from the hotel where they’re staying. She’s a concierge there. I had the opportunity to talk briefly with Glen and to tell him that I'm Antoinette’s boyfriend. He’s a young man of about 17 who’s playing one of Lance’s sons.
I enjoyed the day again. I love this filmmaking business.
MJG
Friday, February 04, 2005
ITW day 1
My first day working in a movie!
We were out at Diablo Canyon, just north of Santa Fe and Las Campanas. I arrived to find large white tents set up beside the parking lot. I found my way to the one to check in, filled out the paperwork, and was sent off to wardrobe to get a costume that would make me look like an Irish railroad worker. After wardrobe, I went to the “dressing room,” which was really a crowded tent full of other men changing into their costumes, too. When I was in costume, I was sent to hair and make-up, where they made me look dirty, like I’d been working on a railroad (of all things). They also greased up my hair some. I see that showering before I come to work in this film is a waste. Then I went back to wait and got to eat some food they had for us for breakfast.
A van took us up to the set, probably another couple of miles up the road into the canyon. One of the first people I saw when I got there was Fidel Moreno. He was working as a Production Assistant (P.A.). All day he kept pointing out to people that I look like John Malkovich and telling them that I'm a “preacher.” It was good to have someone I knew there, though.
They took us out to where they had a lot of tents set up and some railroad tracks and began to place us. My place was by one of the tents and some cook pots over a fire. The fire was great because it was quite cold.
As I talked with the other guys between takes, I learned that some of them had already been working quite a bit in the movie – and in different roles. Maybe I'll be able to work more, too.
Most of the rest of the day was a lot of carrying wood repeatedly, crossing from here to there repeatedly, and waiting. Toward the end of the day, the Director, Michael Watkins, began selecting people by playing games. Whose birthday is closest to today? Who played third base for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959? Other than Cletis, what was the name of Ken Boyer’s baseball-playing brother? That’s the one I won. I was the only one who knew Cloyd Boyer. Because I won it, I was given a nearly front row spot in a scene they were shooting and promised a close-up in the movie.
That scene involves the workers watching some Chinese workers place dynamite on a mountainside. There’s danger, so we have to look concerned and then relieved/celebrative when the man is rescued. I think I did a good job of expressing those feelings. We’ll see what I look like on the screen.
One more thing to note: Great food!! They definitely fed us well.
We worked about a 12-hour day, and then they sent us home. I loved it, and when they asked who could work next week, I jumped at the chance.
When I got home, I immediately called Antoinette. She was eager to hear how it had gone. I appreciate her support.
MJG
We were out at Diablo Canyon, just north of Santa Fe and Las Campanas. I arrived to find large white tents set up beside the parking lot. I found my way to the one to check in, filled out the paperwork, and was sent off to wardrobe to get a costume that would make me look like an Irish railroad worker. After wardrobe, I went to the “dressing room,” which was really a crowded tent full of other men changing into their costumes, too. When I was in costume, I was sent to hair and make-up, where they made me look dirty, like I’d been working on a railroad (of all things). They also greased up my hair some. I see that showering before I come to work in this film is a waste. Then I went back to wait and got to eat some food they had for us for breakfast.
A van took us up to the set, probably another couple of miles up the road into the canyon. One of the first people I saw when I got there was Fidel Moreno. He was working as a Production Assistant (P.A.). All day he kept pointing out to people that I look like John Malkovich and telling them that I'm a “preacher.” It was good to have someone I knew there, though.
They took us out to where they had a lot of tents set up and some railroad tracks and began to place us. My place was by one of the tents and some cook pots over a fire. The fire was great because it was quite cold.
As I talked with the other guys between takes, I learned that some of them had already been working quite a bit in the movie – and in different roles. Maybe I'll be able to work more, too.
Most of the rest of the day was a lot of carrying wood repeatedly, crossing from here to there repeatedly, and waiting. Toward the end of the day, the Director, Michael Watkins, began selecting people by playing games. Whose birthday is closest to today? Who played third base for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959? Other than Cletis, what was the name of Ken Boyer’s baseball-playing brother? That’s the one I won. I was the only one who knew Cloyd Boyer. Because I won it, I was given a nearly front row spot in a scene they were shooting and promised a close-up in the movie.
That scene involves the workers watching some Chinese workers place dynamite on a mountainside. There’s danger, so we have to look concerned and then relieved/celebrative when the man is rescued. I think I did a good job of expressing those feelings. We’ll see what I look like on the screen.
One more thing to note: Great food!! They definitely fed us well.
We worked about a 12-hour day, and then they sent us home. I loved it, and when they asked who could work next week, I jumped at the chance.
When I got home, I immediately called Antoinette. She was eager to hear how it had gone. I appreciate her support.
MJG
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Called for ITW
Someone from “Into the West” called me to be in the film! I am so excited. They want me to be an Irish railroad worker. I report tomorrow at 5:00 a.m. 5:00 a.m.!
I had about given up on being in the movie. I guess they meant it when they said it might be a while before I heard anything.
MJG
I had about given up on being in the movie. I guess they meant it when they said it might be a while before I heard anything.
MJG
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