So here we are smack middle in Downtown LA, it's dark, tons of fans and paparazzi everywhere. I have the fun post of being next to set as they do the rain scene for this Back Street Boy music video. I don't get offer an umbrella instead I'm given a small grocery plastic bag to help keep me dry from the fake rain. Don't get me wrong, I love being by set when they film, but at least I would like to be prepared for this rain.
I lost count on how many takes they done for this shot without the Director shouting cut after the girl on the stretcher not staying still. The girl's only part in this video is play a dead body. The beginning shot of this video is the paramedics pushing in a body into the hospital (which is really the hotel) but the lady won't sit still. The extra is complaining about the rain getting into her nose and ears. They tried covering her face with the sheets but the lady is complaining about it feels like she's drowning. They try the plugs for her ears and nose but still the lady won't lie dead on the stretcher. Now mind you even though the scene is only a few seconds on the video it's a longer shot here as they film.
I think it's been over 45 minutes just for this one shot. The frustration of the Director finally got the better of him as he screamed at the extra, and replaced her with some guy. But that didn't seem to work either. The guy wasn't able to pull off the scene either with out flinching from the rain pouring on his face. After many unsuccessful shots they ended up pulling the guy off and that's when I heard the 1st AD shout out. "Were offering $800 for 5 Min's. All you have to do is play dead!" Heck I can play dead in the rain for 5 minutes for that amount of money. But they weren't looking for a Mexican or a heavy set Mexican that is. So I was shit out of luck. This older man was chosen and he did want the other 2 weren't able to do.
I know this isn't such a big thing but people wonder why filming takes so long. This is a perfect example of a Director who wants everything perfect down to the lighting to the effects and to the people who play dead.
From the 31 hour shift I did on this job, I came out pretty hefty on the money side; I say I made out just perfect myself.
