Movie-making has been going strong in Grand Rapids,
Michigan this summer. We have been on a movie set
as extras in a major motion picture filming here in
Grand Rapids and Lowell.
The generous tax incentives that Michigan has offered the
film industry to make their films here is starting to pay off.
Local caterers, local actors, and local crew are being hired
for the filming of The Genesis Code, a hockey themed
movie starring Academy Award winners, Ernest Borgnine
& Louise Fletcher ( Nurse Ratched fame), and former
Presidential candidate, Fred Thompson.
The production company needed a hundred + extras for
a scene in a church. We are in the pews, singing (actually
miming the words only) and listening to the sermon.
Not tough work, for sure, although it was a warm summer
day, no air-conditioning, a church full of people & lights,
and we were dressed in winter clothes for a Christmas scene.
The magic of movies. We noted fake snow around the
small pond, too, when we walked out for lunch.
The whole production was fascinating to observe. We were
made comfortable in a nearby lounge at Calvin College,
until we were lined up and put in the chapel pews. The art
of film was evident at close inspection. Stained glass windows
were in the front to the chapel. The art dept had made paper
to fit the side windows that matched the stained glass up front,
mainly to control the amount of light coming in.
The crew and production staff were always busy and
bustling around. Everyone seemed to have a walkie-talkie
and an ear-bud to keep connected and keep the production
flowing smoothly. They all seemed to possess the talent of
listening and talking to more than 1 person at a time.
About an hour of filming the same scene each time, from
different angles, and 10 hours later, we were done! Our
scene will probably be about 3-4 minutes in length. I have
a whole new appreciation for a film crew and what it takes
to make a full length feature.
We were given a box lunch and treats in between. No pay
but we might just make it through editing and be in a major
motion picture.
Here are a few pictures from our seat in the "extra" spot.
I don't imagine the film crew gets their picture taken very often.
We might be going to one of the hockey arena shoots this
weekend. It is nearby but they are filming from 5pm to 5am.
Not sure we can make it through that time frame - even if
we sleep in our seats!!
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,
the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in
West Michigan. We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
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