For those of you who requested a photo with Jim, here you go. He took it. One day when we were filming on a street somewhere – I can’t remember where, it’s all a blur – he ran into one of his classmates from USD/Old Globe. He was so surprised to see him that, after chatting briefly, he didn’t realize until later that day that he forgot to mention I was working on the movie, too. So he took this photo to prove it. (I’m quickly pulling my mask down for the shot.)
This experience is a mixed blessing. Everyone on set is very nice and there’s a ‘good vibe’ surrounding this film. I’m so happy to now know Ben in person and to see him work, to have met Jim’s husband, to be with Jim, watching him work.
But mostly, I’m exhausted. The days are very, very long, the hours change daily depending on the shoot and the light, I come home and go to bed, get up and try to get it together in order to work another 12+ hours. My commute from Brooklyn adds another half hour on to any journey into Manhattan. I go up and down flights of stairs continuously and my knee is bothering me. I’m getting a bit more used to it – maybe I’m getting in shape? – but let me tell you, I feel so friggin’ tired every day. This doesn’t include the shoots that will take place at a distance from NYC and involve even more hours of commuting.
I had sort of an idea of what would be involved, but I really had NO idea.
I’m grateful, of course, for the opportunity but I’ve already decided that I have no desire to work on another film. I’ll have my lovely experience, then I’ll go home to do nothing all winter long.
There’s more to share, but I have to get going. We’re filming outside of NYC today and I won’t get home until after midnight.
And let me tell you, the crew working on the movie, works far longer! I don’t know how they do it – they are extraordinary.
And let me say that I love the people I’m working with – the producers, the director, the actors, the crew – they are all warm and friendly and funny and kind. Grateful.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
Such a lovely picture! The schedule sounds grueling…hang in there.
Thank you, Marilyn!
Stay safe!
It must be such an assault to your senses–and your muscles–to be thrust into such a different schedule, especially after the isolation and quieter lives of the last years. I hope you soon acclimate to it.
It really is just that. An assault to my senses!
Thanks, Linda.
Stay safe.
Claudia — love the pix w/you, Jim. am sure every day is ‘new and exciting’ for you. hope the coming days are good ones. we have wonderful ‘real’ autumn days here–a big difference from autumns past, love it!! stay safe/healthy
Thank you, Linda.
Stay safe.
It must be exciting but I can understand you are exhausted. Completely different when you were in pandemic lockdown. Stay healthy and safe.
Marion
I’m beyond exhausted! Had a good cry on the phone with Don this morning and that helped.
Stay safe.
Thanks Marilyn. I had a good cry on the phone with Don this morning and that helped.
Stay safe.
Thank you Marion.
Stay safe!
Thanks for the picture! I sort of feel like that old song I heard in a TV show, “I danced with the man, who danced with girl, who danced with the Prince of Wales.” Try to get some sleep. And a long hot soak in a bathtub.
Thank you, Tana!
Stay safe.
That sounds extremely challenging Claudia!
It always amazes me how little sleep some people can get by on. Hang in there ….keep up your spirits and good attitude as you appreciate this unique experience while knowing there is a restful season to come.
It’s a love/hate thing, Grace. And very hard to navigate while living in the city.
Stay safe!
Love seeing you with Jim!! I can only imagine how hard this is on you physically. Long days after being home for so long has to be rough. I’m really happy you are getting to experience filming a movie but it’s long hours. Take care and rest when you can. Hugs!
I cried to Don on the phone this morning and that helped a bit, Linda.
Stay safe.
It’s a terrific photo, Claudia and lots of fun background. Mostly, just take care of you! It sounds like you are and I’m glad you’ll soon be seeing Don. Those are indeed long days! And physically grueling, but a wonderful experience!
I won’t be seeing Don for a while. See today’s post, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
So good to see and hear from you. Darling photo of you both. Such hours! Meant to ask if you have a footstool, but maybe that would be impractical given the setup. Wishing you lots of courage for the physical demands on you. TG your Dear Don will make visits. I am certain you are getting in better shape. You haven’t mentioned it, but do you think any Covid-constraints are causing some of the added hours or physical difficulty? Continue well. In my thoughts and prayers. XOXO
No, the Covid restraints are handled efficiently and well. The hours are the norm for filming, unfortunately!
Stay safe, Martha!
Sounds like you are having quite the adventure! Stay safe and enjoy the moments!
Thank you, Ellen.
Stay safe!
Thank you so much Claudia. You and Jim made my day…….maybe my week!!!
You’re welcome, Sue!
Stay safe.
Truly, what an adventure!! I can’t wrap my head around a schedule like that. You actually know what it feels like for a vehicle to go “from zero to 90 mph in 4.5 seconds”!! Will Don be coming there for the weekend?? Does the filming schedule have a finish date, or approximation time line? Do you know when you are done? Are you coaching Ben exclusively, or others as well?? I know I always ask too many questions. Enjoy your weekend and take care!!
No, Don won’t be coming. I explain why on today’s post.
The filming will finish on December 10th. I am done on that day because I am on the set every day he is on the set.
Ben, exclusively, though I do offer input on clarity and mispronunciation – rarely, but I do.
Stay safe, Chris.
Great picture! Sounds like a very grueling schedule to me. Bonus….by the time you are done with coaching Ben, you’ll be in terrific shape!
Hope Don is planning another visit or two. Enjoy your weekend! ;)
See today’s post for the reason why Don won’t be visiting for a while, Donna.
Stay safe.
What a pleasant surprise! I didn’t expect you to post so soon. Great photo of you and Jim! Your schedule sounds exhausting but what an opportunity for you. As you say, you can rest through Winter.
Happy Friday
Thank you, Dee Dee.
Stay safe.
Wow! What a wonderful picture of you and Jim both. How exciting for you but it truly does sound exhausting. Enjoy the experience…but get some much needed rest, when you can.
Thank you, Carol.
Stay safe.
great photo of you and jim.
made me think about how you two stayed connected, moving from teacher-and-student (or was it coach-and-client?) to friends for so many years and then he sought you out for this work that has to be important to him … imagine that feels good to you both. happy for both of you. :)
hopefully you are feeling less jitters and more acclimated to everything.
and that you get good breaks during those long days and sleep well. be safe and well!
glad if you have the weekend off and hope don is already there with you!
take care.
kathy
Teacher and student. Rick and I auditioned Jim for our program.
Thanks, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Try to pick up some bio freeze for the knee , its great.
Thanks, Karen. Will do!
Stay safe.
Love this! xxx
Thank you, Annette.
Stay safe.