Take Three on Filming "Medallion" w/Boston Legal's Mark Valley and Actor Garrett Hines!!

Well, on set today (Apr. 13), I filmed with the actors Nick Cage and Mark Valley and New Orleans local actor, Garrett Hines. Garrett and Mark are two FBI Agents chasing down Cage in the French Quarter because he is trying to find his missing daughter through all the chaos of Mardi Gras Partiers and that was the entire scene that we were filming from 6am utnil 7PM! Yup, we were filming all day on that day. When we broke for lunch, that is when I asked Mark Valley for a photo and he said sure and I told him that I had just watched him on Law and Order: SVU in the episode 'Paternity" from Season 9 and he told me that was a long time ago! I told him not for me because I saw it just last week! He chuckled at me-then I went to ask Garrett for a picture and he said yes! Me and Garrett are now Facebook friends and we are keeping in touch! So if we both make it big-we can say we were in the movie business together! :) All day we filmed the same scenes. Nick Cage is in a cop's bar and the two FBI agents recognize him and as he steps put of the bar to take a call he runs through the crowd (all the extras) to find someone as the FBI agents try to catch him. The camera was zooming in on the extras partying in the streets and just walking around the area looking busy! It was very intense because the Director told us to look like we were drunk, throwing beads, etc. Typical NOLA behavior for Mardi Gras! After a few hours, we switched positions and some of us had to get on the 2nd floor balcony of a building and dance and talk, smoke and throw beads to the people on the first floor-just like a typical party day in the Quarter. A lot of tourists were around the area and saw Nick and asked him for pictures, and of course, he obliged. That is just the type of person that he is. I was moved closer to Nick the whole day. The Director kept me close to Nick. I do not know if he planned on doing that or what because I was not going to question it because I will be seen a lot in the film if I am around Nick and he is the star! I just behave so calmly when I see/film with the celebs...I stare at them because I cannot believe that I am filming a movie with a legendary actor, but I am and it is great and that is how filming went. I was also told that Malin Akerman wrapped her scenes on the 11th and she flew out the morning that I was set to film. I was sad by that because I would have loved the chance to meet and talk with her because other friends of mine who had the opportunity tow work with her said that she was so strikingly beautiful and kind. In conclusion, filming today was great and very exhausting! I "fake partied" so much that I was so tired I could not walk. I was tired to stand, wherever I could lean on a Medallion taxicab I did, I was completely drained and I now understand why celebs want to get off the set in those nice black Escalades and go and have a nice relaxing time wherever they want to go! Lol

Actor Mark Valley and I On Set...he is an FBI Agent in Medallion!

Actor Garrett Hines and I On Set...Valley's partner in the movie!

The Set in the French Quarter!

Getting Set Up!

The Extras Getting Into Position....

Me and My Boy Ginocarlo!

DO NOT PARK HERE!!! I AM FILMING! LOL

Filming Memphis Beat: Season #2

I just had a very short scene to full fill this morning. I arrived onto the set at 6AM and was there until 11:30 and then I was wrapped. I am so glad I was not there a long time, but I did not expect for it to be that short! All I had to do was stand at the corner with some friends pretending to drink and have fun when all of a sudden we notice a cop cop going 110MPH and just to react to it. Of course,t here was a real taxi cab that was coming into the scene was the cop car was fast approaching and it was not supposed to be there because the streets were not properly blocked and they almost ran into each other and I was like: "Dang, now that is a reaction to react to for real instead of fake acting to an invisible car like we were supposed to do!" Lol. That was my scene and we shot it like 6 times form different angles and they covered up the New Orleans street signs and made all the cars with Memphis license plates since the show is called "Memphis Beat!" I managed to get a pic with Actor DJ Qualls form "Road Trip" and other movies that he has filmed . Lucky me! He was funny!

Me and Actor DJ Qualls on the Set Together!!!

Rhonda S.---THEN ME...THEN Rhonda A.

The Memphis Car on set!!! Lead 2 MB!!

The Bar/Intersection We Filmed @!

Base Camp is the place where Check In is...another Entertainment Industry! :)

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Costume Fitting Day!

I finally got booked to be on ALVH movie & today I had a costume fitting because t his movie is set in the early 1600's and we have to wear those old old old old old clothes like in BC times! Lol! The people who fitted me were very funny and really nice! I wish that all people were kind like that: the casting agents, people in wardrobe, etc because so many people here in the South have attitude problems so badly! I was dressed in all wool clothing and man it was hot and to b filming outside in the South in the hot weather, oh I am not looking forward to filming! But I am excited though!

What's Up With "Arthur" Opening Night

I thought that Russell Brand did an OUTSTANDING job portraying Arthur. He was witty, funny, charismatic, & just a plain super-spoiled rich kid and I hope that there are not people who behave like that in the real world today! Lol! The Grand Central Terminal scene was awesome to me; the scene where he went looking for a job was funny and the Bridal Shower scene with Jennifer Garner was funny as he was singing and rhyming at the same time. Other than that, the other parts of the movie, I chuckled a bit and did not laugh hysterically. The scene with Greta & Russell when they were pretend talking at Grand Central Terminal made me NYC sick because I was walking down that same path when I was in NY 3 years ago and it seemed like yesterday. Jennifer Garner was not in the movie a lot, but the parts that she was in-she played her character average. There were certain parts in the movie where I was really waiting for Arthur to do something so mature and grown up, but it never happened. He did do some grown up things, but did it in a childish sort of a way so it does not count. The movie was really funny from beginning to end. You should see it; you will laugh and laugh, and definitely laugh! Arthur makes you L-A-U-G-H! He will bring the inner-kid out in YOU! :)

On The "Medallion" Set Again: TAKE TWO with Only Nicolas Cage

Filming Trucks!!!

Setting Up The Lights!

An actual movie set! It is all jammed up....

The Train Scene....the Director was placing us all....

Nick's Filming Chair!! Exciting, huh?

That is Nick Cage by the Gate B sign facing the door about to film and run outside!!!

April 5th, 2011 marks my second time filming on the set of Nicolas Cage’s upcoming action film, Medallion. Swedish native, actress, and model, Malin Akerman’s first day of filming began on the 4th because a few friends of mine were filming with both her and Nicolas on the New Orleans ferry and got a chance to meet and talk with her briefly and told me about it. I really wished she had been filming with me on the 5th, but maybe another day because I am a huge fan of hers and I loved her in movies such as The Proposal, The Heartbreak Kid, and Couples Retreat. My call time was 8AM, but I arrived there at 7:30AM. Check in was at the Union Passenger Station (Greyhound/AMTrak Terminals). My role was a Mardi Gras Partier, but things change and all on that day I was a Medallion Cab Driver, tourist, and Mardi Gras Partier! I learned in this business, extras are always changing roles! Lol. Filming began at 9:20 and first I was given the direction to go into the bus station as a tourist, then the Assistant Director took my luggage and told me to hop into the cab and pretend to be a cab driver. I said okay, its no problem and got into the Driver’s set of the taxi. There was a lady in the backseat with luggage who was in the cab as well who of course had to get out and walk into the station on action. At the corner of my eye, I saw Nick and he had to run from the street into the bus station and as he was doing that the camera on wheels focused in on him running and captured me sitting in the cab. It was a quick shot on me, but it was still on me. Amazing! Next, there were some scenes where Nick was running towards the train trying to search for someone or something. I’m not sure, but all the extras were given direction to board the train, just talk by the train, exit the train, etc. The Assistant Director told me something again, he said as soon as I see Nick get off the train, to get on and to pretend that I heard the final boarding call and like I was going to miss the train. It was about 4 or 5 of us to had to run to the train doors and board, but I was the only one who had a cue to wait until I see Nick get off and run. As soon as I saw him get off, I ran to be beside him so I could be in the quick scene again and hopped on the train and then I was out of sight. We shot that scene about 10 times and I was happy to do it. While the 4 or 5 extras were rehearsing that scene, I saw Nick resting in a Sleeping Car on the train and I waved to him and he smiled and waved back. While we reset for that scene in between takes, I yelled to him, “Nick, you are doing great!” And he looked at me and gave me thumbs up!” Too cool! Later, there was another scene where Nick was running into the terminal and screaming at a saleslady at a cell phone kiosk because he needed a phone and the action of the extras were to just pretend to make calls on payphones and their own cells, to look busy, and make the terminal looked crowded and busy as a terminal should be. Lastly, there was a bus scene but I was not in it. My day of filming was wrapped at 7PM, but a select few of extras had to stay and film the bus scene with Nick. In short, I had a great time filming and I already got a picture with Nick. It was great to see him again and work with him. He is truly a down to Earth cool person!

Identifying What The "Source Code" Is Tonight!

This movie was the bomb! Literally! I have not been waiting months to see this movie because I had just heard about it about a month or two ago, but man was it AWESOME! Jake and Michelle worked so well together in “the Source Code.” The beginning of the film was great: the photography, the background music, and the opening credits were great. The way that they captured the entire Chicago hot spots & where the bus transports itself was an amazing tie in. The end got to be a little bit sentimental to me; at least in my eyes. This movie was exactly like the movie, “Vantage Point” but with a few exceptions such as it did NOT suck, it was action packed and NOT boring and no matter how many times the same scene replayed…between each one of those times—there were parts that kept me interested and it wasn’t like “Vantage Point!” Words to describe this movie and what was in it are: Action. Explosive. Exciting. Lastly, science fiction/psychological towards the middle of the film….it took me a while to figure out who the bomber was but I loved that because it kept me guessing!

Oliver & Baby Kate Collins Recieve My Mardi Gras & Christmas Gifts N March!

Baby Girl Kate Collins with her matching Hat!!

Another Outfit I Got for Kate!!!

Oliver Loves Louisiana Beads, huh? :-)


Pretty In Pink Baby Girl Ready for Paris, eh?


The Autographed Saints Poster I Got 4 Oliver and Kate!

Oliver's Summer Outfit I Got Him with a Toy Story Jacket!

Oliver Loves Beads From Fat Tuesday! Lol

Oliver Loved Putting The Beads On!

I had gotten Oliver and Kate some Christmas gifts last year, but was never able to mail them the package until last week and on yesterday, March 22nd, 2011, they received the package and Zach and Lisa (the parents) loved what I got for them both and Lisa told me that I had excellent taste in children's clothing! Lol! That was so sweet of her to say. I just love my friends and I loving doing kind sweet things for them and their kids if I can to show that I value and love them and respect them and glad that they are in my life! It warms my heart when I can get to see photos like this! It really does!

Take One Pill & You Will B "Limitless"

From the moment that I saw the preview for this movie, it looked like it would be an interesting film-but the only problem that I had with the film was that it could have been better; it was lacking the action and the adrenaline. There were scenes in the film where these two A’s came into play, but not for the entire film, sorry. DeNiro did an outstanding job in every scene that he was in. His movements and facial expressions displayed a strong-willed business man-very high up! Bradley Cooper did a good; not great, but good job in the film. I loved the scenes that were making me dizzy where it was just zooming all through New York City esp. the beginning of the movie. The Opening Credits were amazing! Those parts that were making me dizzy should have been in 3D! Ha! I wish that there was a pill that was like NZT, but that it would never wear off and that you never get addicted to it to be “smarter than the average person!” I also wish DeNiro could have been present in the film a little bit more and dang were Coooper's eyes blue, huh?!?! To be limitless is a great thing temporarily, but once it wears off, where are you then? The killing/fighting scenes could have been more brutal and gory, but I thought the needle in the eye fight scene was killer great…when Cooper sucked up that blood off the floor-I was like WTF? Towards the end-it starts to get great!

McConaughney is "The Lincoln Lawyer" Premiere!

McConaughey & Phillippe worked so well together. I do know what Macy was doing in this film-but his character was not needed @ all. The movie had a good story line, but it could have been better I think. Matthew had that "look" and so did Ryan during the entire film and the person who I thought killed a certain person in the film---actually did NOT kill that person. I was fooled there! Dangit! The beat and the music for the film was awesome and Earl, the driver was a great character and Matthew did have a few jokes that he told in the film and they all made me chuckle a bit! All in all, this was a good movie-but something just was missing and Marisa Tomei did not make a huge comeback in this movie because she overtly had a tiny role in the film and after all these ears, she did not look sexy...she looked like she need plastic surgery! The movie definitely had drama, conflict, sex, and suspense!

What's In The Inside? It's Beastly Tonight!!!

I thought that this movie was, in fact, a teenage love story re-make of Beauty & the Beast. But I can spin it deeper....I was compelled to think about people today who think of themselves on a higher pedestal than that of others & it takes something monumental to make them realize that they need to change certain aspects of their lives. What Kendra did to Hunter/Kyle was a little repulsive, but it made him realize people have feelings and that making fun of others, being insensitive and judgemental gets you disliked by people. He also became more humble and appreciated the things he never valued as well. This film was good and deep...not deep on a teenage love story-but a different kind of deep; like examining life & how people think of others. The film really displayed issues that I hope people one day realize: It is okay to think highly of yourself...but not to let it consume you to a point where you allow your looks & fortune make you superior to others and lose people in your life because of your actions. Money can last a lifetime...but if you have no one to share it with and you have alienated all the people around you-what will you resort to doing?

Ignore "The Adjustment Bureau" Night!

I thought that Blunt & Damon were really a couple in real life rather than in this movie because in this movie it seemed like their love was so real and unbreakable, like an epic love! This movie really goes beyond the "Adjustment Bureau" & really zeroed in on those two characters! I loved every single last minute of this film. I love every single minute of the movie. It was really keep and meaningful! It had the determination and the will of people not to give up, it had suspense, it had conflict and drama. All the elements to make a movie a huge success and it was...in my eyes! I am not really a person who gets into political films, but this one-it had me speechless and there was a short scene in the movie when Blunt has an accident that reminded me of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." You will know it-when you see it!"

Filming "Memphis Beat" w/Alfre Woodard, Jason Lee, DJ Qualls, & Celia Weston

Actress Celia Weston

Actor Jason Lee

Actor DJ Qualls

Actress Alfre Woodard

March 11th, 2011 was my first day on the set of the Second Season of TNT’s Drama Series, Memphis Beat starring, Alfre Woodard, Jason Lee, Celia Weston, and DJ Qualls. I had the pleasure of interacting and meeting all four of these actors. During the scene where the preacher was reciting some scripture, I was standing next to Ms. Woodard and when the Director yelled cut, I took the time to shake her hand and told her I loved her in movies such as Tyler Perry’s, The Family That Preys, Take The Lead, and Something New. She told me thank you! Also, when we were breaking for lunch and I was in a car being taken back to holding, I was waving at her while driving past her and she was smiling and waving back at me the entire time! It was so awesome! They were all very nice and a lot of fun to film with. Basically, the scene that we filmed was a funeral scene of a Memphis Police Officer. We were at a Veterans Cemetery and there were real dedicated Jefferson Parish police officers there to fire gun shots/rounds to salute the deceased, but with Memphis uniforms on. It looked like the exact same setup you would see in movies such as The Departed, Pride and Glory, or any other film were it is a service for a fellow police officer that died. I was playing the role of a family member/friend of the deceased. We filmed from 7:15am until 6:30pm. Alfre Woodard and Celia Weston were eating lunch at the same location as the extras, but in a different area. That was pretty amazing to see. Unfortunately, I was not able to get any photos with them, but maybe next time. The service was very much like one you would see on TV or in real life. Once the sun went down, it started to get chilly and we wanted to wrap it up so quickly! Lol! There was a scene with Jason Lee getting into a confrontation with someone towards the end of the night and all of the extras had to observe that and react to it as we were walking to our vehicles at the end of the service. In conclusion, it was great filming with these fine actors and actresses and I hope to work with them in the near future. The new season of Memphis Beat starts in June of 2011!

Filming "Contraband"--For The FINAL Time w/Lukas Haas, CJ Simmons, & Marky Mark

Today, March 10th, 2011 was my second and final time of filming on the set of “Contraband” & it was better than the first time. Ben Foster, Kate Beckinsale, and Giovanni Ribisi left New Orleans weeks ago production told us because their scenes were wrapped, but I did get to work with J.K. Simmons from Spider Man, Mark Wahlberg, and Lukas Haas. Mr. Simmons plays a captain on a ship and he was a ton of fun to work with. He is so funny; I thought he was loud and funny with Tobey in Spider Man, but man on and off the set he is a pleasure to work with. He walked and ate and talked with the extras like we had known him for years. The Director even sat down and ate with us. I shook the Director’s hand and told him in advance, that I loved the opportunity to work with him and I hope to do it again in the near future. He is from Iceland and has a strong accent, but I understood all the direction and things he was telling me and other extras to do. I took a picture with the Captain and he was more than eager to take a photo with me. I loved it! He also went on to tell me that no one from the original Spider Man movies will be in the next film in 2012. I was disappointed to hear that news! As filming began and Mark Wahlberg came into the part of the ship that we were filming in, I did not even go up to him, nor say anything—we both made eye contact with each other and he walked over to me and said, “hey, what’s up—you’re back again, huh? That’s great bro!” I was totally speechless, but I did tell him that I am back and was delighted to be working with him again and that I watched the Oscars and was glad to see that his two co-stars in The Fighter, Melissa Leo and Christian Bale won an Oscar and he said thanks man to me. That was so awesome that the last time I worked with him was on Feb. 4th and he could single me out and remember me an entire month later. I wonder how he recalled me. It probably remembered that I showed him the photo of us together on my Credit Card! Lol! I do not know, but I see it as a huge compliment no matter what! During filing when we had to reset, he walked right past me and just tapped me on my arm as he went back to his original position. It was great! I mean, Mark Wahlberg talked to me, he shook my hand, and he touched me like we are close buddies (putting his arm around me/tapping my shoulder, etc.). I will ALWAYS cherish the time I spent working with him. He is a down to Earth and amazing actor and human being. I will always be rooting for him to win awards and succeed in life. He is great! Simply wonderful and kind! A few hours later, Lukas Haas was coming up the stairs to begin filming his scenes and before he did, I went up to him and said, “Hey, Lukas…remember me?” He was like no, not really, and then I reminded him of the scenes that we filmed in Algiers Point and how we were talking the entire night and then he said yes and I told him that I saw and Advanced Screening of Red Riding Hood and he asked me what I thought of it. I told him that I thought it was good, but his character was kind of funny. And he went on to tell me that it was not his kind of role to play! Lol! He was taking pics of the ship with his cell phone and then I asked him for a picture and he said that was no problem and we took a pic together. Originally, I was set to play a Borden Seaman, but then wardrobe changed me into a 3rd Mate and it was so much fun. My name was Joe Sharper, and I had a walkie talkie and looked like I belonged on a ship! Lol! In short, I loved filming with them form 7am until 9pm that night and the final scene we only did once and it was a successful wrap and then production was telling us what an amazing job we all did and how they could not have done it without us and we clapped and gave thanks to one another and Mark and Lukas jetted out and hoped into their separate Escalade’s and left the set! Lol! Guess they wanted to chill out after a long day! Filming will take place for one week in Panama, production told us and then that is it! It was great working with the entire cast and it is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!

My Badge 2 Have Access to The Ship for Filming!!!

Love Seeing These Things!!!

Actor Lukas Haas & Myself!!!

Actor JK Simmons (Captain) from Spider Man and Myself (3rd Mate)!!!

Advanced Screening of "Red Riding Hood"

I saw the Advanced Screening of this childhood epic story tonight and it was really good, I thought. It catered to both the old and the young because it had that edge of ur seat suspense, it had romance, and most of all, it was not predictable. I was thinking about how this movie is so compatible to Twilight. A love story about a girl who is in love with two men, but in this movie-it is not movie after movie....Lol! I thought so many different people would have been the Wolf, but I was wrong on every last count. The movie tricked me: they showed flashbacks and voices to make the audience think one thing, when in actuality-the Wolf was someone we, at least I, never suspected. I love movies like that-that means it can keep me on my toes and the suspense is great and I am so drawn to that about a movie! It was a very soft suspense/romance film-it was not good or not bad-it was just right. I loved watching it, but Amanda Seyfried needs to learn how to act…her acting was okay-she needs to put more emphasis on making more stronger facial expressions and having more actions with her hands-she is just plain to me, she does not have that spark yet….all in all, the movie was good and maybe they will make a sequel...but from the way it ended, there is always a possibility-I did not like the ending, but it did make sense, too!

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!