First Day of Filming Nicolas Cage's "Medallion!"

The Extras Holding was at the Westin Hotel at One Canal Place and everyone was dressed up with Carnival gear. Some extras were on floats and others were cast as Mardi Gras goers. Mr. Cage arrived at 9:30AM on the set in a black Escalade and as soon as he got out of the vehicle, I went up to him and asked him for a photo. He said yes and I was thrilled. I told him I loved all of his movies and that I just saw Drive Angry in 3D! The whole entire time that we were filming I felt as if I was at a movie premiere because all of the fans were barricaded off form the set and was only allowed to watch, but between takes Nick would wave to the endless and expanding crowds of people and sign autographs and be very sociable. His manager even told me that if I did not get a photograph with him, that my turn would come because he is an awesome guy! I loved hearing those words! I was like, "Christine is going to love this! " Lol! After a few takes in the morning with the floats (only two rented floats not part of the real parade) and one marching band everyone had to change into regular clothing for the next scene which was held on Canal Street with Nick Cage jumping on top of the Medallion taxicab and searching for his daughter or his daughter's kidnapper. The way this scene worked out was that some of the extras used their cars in this scene and it was blocked off as if he was in traffic and it was bumper to bumper and he was chasing after someone. Cage's stunt double was filming as well today was the first day of production for the film. Filming will resume on Fat Tuesday (actual Mardi Gras Day:3//2011) then will be on hiatus until April when it starts back filming up until June of this year. Nick was so friendly and talkative. I love the fact that he took the time to go to BOTH sides of the street and greet his fans and there was a real parade going on but people were more interested in seeing him film than the actual parade itself!