 |
|
Sandra Fields |
Title: Leatherheads, feature film I heard about the casting for dancers and musicians for the movie on my local news. My boyfriend happened to be in the room when we heard about the casting so he figured he would tag along as well. I already had a professional headshot and so I shot his for him and we went to Winston to take a stab at it. Almost three weeks went by without hearing anything so our spirits were kind of doubtful. Then finally my phone rang with Speakeasy Productions on the called ID. They were holding dance auditions in Statesville and I was excited. At one point they lined the girls up about ten at a time and asked us about our measurements and if we were willing to cut our hair. Several girls acted washy about the hair and some said no. I knew that if I even wanted the slightest chance at being in the film I had to say yes without any doubt. The girls who said no were denied. Finally a few days later my boyfriend Josh received a call from Leatherheads, not about being a musician, but a reporter. He was excited but bummed because he had to shave his face; of course he did it anyway to be in the film. He thought it was funny that there was a photographer there that was not welcome trying his hardest to get a shot of Clooney. Josh said that if he would have just moved over a little bit that he could have gotten a shot of George eating a donut. On the first day of my scene, dark and early in the morning, they had us girls get into men's long button-up shirts with our stockings and heels that were part of our costume for hair and makeup. I had no shoes yet since I didn't fit any of them at the fitting so I was hoping and praying that some of them that got shipped in would fit and match my outfit. There were too many extras with too little time for hair and makeup so after getting my hair done I got sent to the makeup trailer. It was so cool getting my makeup done in there even if I had to walk across the street twice in the shirt and stockings (with an escort). I saw George and Renee's wigs in there and questioned to myself how much hair George really has. Finally a woman came to me with a pair of shoes, but they didn't fit, so a few minutes alter she came back with a second pair. The peep toe T strap 3 or 4 inch heels fit perfectly and to my relief matched my outfit. Soon after we were dressed, us flappers were paired up as couples and were whisked downstairs to practice. They calle for three couples for the scene. There were eight couple that were dancers (they eventually used everyone). I was one of the few lucky ones that got to atually dance. I was very fortunate to have a professional dancer as a partner. That made it a lot easier. They marked where we stood with tape and stuck grippe things on the bottom of our shoes so we wouldn't slip and took pictures to make sure everything looked the same on the next day. During the first tape my headpiece fell over my eyes as I was dancing away. I was pretty much doing the Charleston blindfolded. Hopefully they won't use that take in the film, and then again it would be funny. We had to time everything just right and do everything exactly the way we did it before so the shots would be cohesive. Before I knew it, I was getting my makeup touched up between takes and was being asked if I needed anything. That was some star treatment I could get used to. I only asked for water that they brought to me with a straw so I wouldn't mess up my lipstick. We finished that night with the cops bursting into the club, causing pandemonium, with everyone running every which way to get out. After the first take of that, George said "good work ... did anyone get hurt?" Thankfully no one ever did. On day two I bandaged my blistered toes and was ready to do it again. They didn't have time to do foundation or false eylashes because it took up so much time the day before. (We were there until almost 10 p.m.) After being told not to bring cameras in the paperwork, we saw that everyone who brought one on the first day were not penalized so everyone went crazy on the second day taking pictures. Of course, understandably, we weren't allowed to take any on the actual set. When it was time for my dance partner and I to go down to the set, they made sure we were in our places to dance again. This time David J. Webb, first assistant director, looked me up and down and said I looked perfect (for the flapper role, I am assuming). I am sure he was complimenting the hair, makeup and wardrobe more than he was me. I guess being pale, tall and thin, as well as being made fun of for it growing up with 15 years of dance training worked in my favor. Soon after, my dance partner and I were told to get in place. We started dancing, the cameras started rolling and in my head I was thinking why aren't George and Renee in the shot? Then it hit me. They were jut filming us dancing. It lasted for 2 or 3 minutes, but it felt like it was forever. That was the ultimate, what I came to the casting for, and then it was more of the cop chaos from all different angles. At the end of the shot were were all mushed into a space that was about 4 feet by 5 feet. We did that maybe three times. I had to put my hands on Renee's back to keep her from getting squashed. After that last take I jokingly said, "group hug." She giggled and said "that was funny." I also got to engage in small talk with her between takes about wardrobe. When it was all said and done, I wanted to be in more scenes. Of course, if you as an extra gets shown well, you can't be in more scenes. The extras were wonderful people to be with and work with. There was a real camaraderie felt between us which is why there are at least two premiere parties! The food was great and we were well taken care of. My boyfriend did another scene in which he was walking as a patron into the stadium. We both feel thankful and blessed to be part of the movie. I have since then appeared on the casting episode of "Make Me A Supermodel" on Bravo, but did not get picked to be on the show, so I was thankful to be featured.
|