Quite a few years ago I used to go on cold calls for commercial acting work and the occasional extra part. But Life and Tortuga biz pulled me away. Recently, I was chatting with a friend Katie that’s done quite a bit of extra acting and has decided to do some traveling with the Ren Faire circuit. She found some extra work in the Atlanta area since Atlanta is currently a hot bed of TV and Movie productions.
One of the TV shows filming there is “Drop Dead Diva” for Lifetime TV. Katie gave me a lead on some shooting being done for a few upcoming episodes. She was already cast for some courtroom scenes. I figured after all this time it’d be nice to get back in the “game”. I emailed my picture and info to the casting company and what do ya know? I got a call a couple days later. I had already forgotten about my submission so I was surprised when I got the call. She asked if I was available for a shoot in Alabama and I said yes. It turned out that the shoot was at a casino in Alabama about a 4 hour bus ride away. That was fine. But then I heard the call time… 6AM! Ugh! It’s gonna be a long day.
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The Thursday of the shoot came around quickly. I got to bed early the night before since I had to get up at 3:30 to make the hour drive to get in on time. I made it to the soundstage in plenty of time. I got checked in and showed them my costume options. Then I filled out my voucher so I could get paid. After a quick trip to the bathroom I headed to the bus. One cool thing was that the bathroom was on the other side of the soundstage where they shoot all the courtroom scenes in. That was cool to see.
Once on the bus I decided to close my eyes and nap on the way down, but as soon as I closed my eyes I heard someone calling my name. It was the producer. He wanted me to quickly follow him off the bus. It was about to leave after all. He rushed me over to the wardrobe trailer while asking me what my measurements were. Once there he started throwing Security Guard uniform pieces at me. I guess I may be playing two parts on this shoot. I’m not sure if someone didn’t show up, he was impressed with my devilish good looks or I was just the only guy that fit the costume. I didn’t care.
Once at the casino they cut us all loose to hit the breakfast buffet. While eating I glanced behind me and was surprised to see April Bowlby! She’s the best friend on the show and also well known for her character “Candy” on TWO and a HALF MEN. What a cutie! Anyway, we finished breakfast and started shooting.
The early part of the day was interior hallway shots in the casino. We were basically casino patrons just milling about while the leads Brooke Elliot and April Bowlby did scenes with the guest actors. After setting up a couple different shots the producer and director started chatting and had one of the production assistants pull me aside. Apparently, my face was showing too much in these shots. Since I was now going to have a featured extra roll as a security guard later in the day they had to make sure my face didn’t show in the earlier shots. Fine by me... I’ll gladly pass up some background shots for the chance at more face time. I am that vain bastard after all.
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So, after standing around with all the leads for a lot of the day, they sent me to wardrobe to change into my Security uniform while they set for the next batch of shots. There were three different shots I was in as a Security Guard. Two “security camera” shots angled from a high location to look like security footage. (I walk by after the guest star is helped up after falling) And an exit shot which I think starts on me and the other security guard as the leads and guest star exit the casino. (We glare at them, making sure they leave) Both have potential for face time.
I believe the episode is number 9 of season 3 so it will list as episode 39 or 309. So it’ll probably air in early August. I’ll post something on my D’Angelo Tortuga facebook page and hopefully post video in my later journals. That is, as long as I don’t end up on the cutting room floor. LOL
The last social event of the Georgia run was the fan club meet and greet. As always it was well attended. We did it at the same Bowling and Entertainment venue as last year. It’s really a fun place. Thanks to David B. for welcoming us. Bowling was fun, Balladium was fun, and I actually played Lazer Tag this year. I’d sat a few years out after an excited fan body checked me into the wall almost breaking my leg. I am a frail old man after all. (JK) Anyway, thanks to all that attended we really did enjoy ourselves!
We had a great run in Georgia this year! And I have to send a special thank you shout out to Holly, Laurianna, and Chase that were so nice to open their home to me. Thanks so much!
After Georgia it was time to drive to Minneapolis. I was gonna crash there while we did two weeks of the Chippewa Valley Ren Faire. Since its only 90 minutes away, it’s an easy commute.
The Chippewa Valley show really surprised us! The crowds, although small, were very supportive and generous. The locals were so nice! The show itself is adorable. It’s tiny but it has a lot of heart. I hope we can keep doing the show. Lots of our friends and fans came to visit from the Twin Cities which made it even more fun and hopefully more profitable for the owners.
After the end of Chippewa it was time to head home for a visit. I actually have two weekends off! That almost never happens. The cheapest flight I found was $208 from Chicago O’Hare airport. So, it made sense to fly from there. After the last Sunday of Chippewa I packed up and drove to Kenosha, Wisconsin. That’s the site of the Bristol Renaissance Festival. I dropped my car off there, spent the night with some friends and had them drop me off at the airport the next day.
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The direct flight was easy and smooth. Sharon was waiting patiently when I arrived. It was great to see her! After a nice lunch at P.F.Chang’s we headed home. Yay! I get to see my puppy too! I’ve really been looking forward to being home for 15 solid days without travel.
While in Florida we’ve been able to hit some of our usual haunts, catch some movies, and visit with friends. I have to admit as much as like travelling it sure is nice to come home.
One event I was happy I’d be home for but not looking forward to was Sharon’s Aunt Kathy’s Funeral. Kathy used to work for Mid-America Festivals. She handled all the money for the Tampa show. She’d been a friend of the Tortugas even before I started dating and eventually married her niece Sharon. She passed away about 7 weeks ago after taking a bad fall. She was cremated.
Saturday was the Funeral, followed by a Burial on Monday. It was nice getting a chance to see many of Sharon’s family we’d hadn’t seen in a while. But, it was bitter-sweet due to the circumstances. The Funeral was fine although rather “cookie-cutter” and too religious for my tastes. Feel free to check out my “I Hate Monday Rant” on my D’Angelo Tortuga Facebook Page. (Don’t forget to “LIKE” the page!)
After the Funeral we went to a nearby restaurant for a little family gathering. It was nice to socialize away from the more morbid event of the funeral. Sharon got to catch up with family. I got to see people I hadn’t in a while and even met a few I hadn’t before. Sharon’s Uncle Joseph (Kathy’s Husband) seemed pleased with the turnout. I have to say he’s been a rock throughout this whole ordeal. I can’t imagine what he’s going through.
On Monday we drove to the cemetery for one final farewell. The crowd was smaller and more intimate. The cemetery was beautiful. Once again afterwards we all went for a meal together before everyone headed their separate ways around the country. Here’s to Kathy… you will be missed.
Now that family obligations are behind us, we have one more week together. Hopefully we’ll catch a couple movies and spend a wonderful Fourth of July together, filled with Fireworks! Have a great celebration. I hope your Fourth is shiny and bright!!
