Crackerjack the Movie

29. May 2011 by Parker.

I’ve been working on the new Jeff Foxworthy movie, Crackerjack. It’s a Christian Comedy that is filming in Savannah from mid-April until the end of May and I’ve been taking care of all the Extras, known as Background. It is my job to make sure that everyone gets checked in, put into make up and wardrobe, and is ready to be on set any time they are needed. Sounds pretty easy, right? Wrong. When you have. on average, 30 adults to look after on a movie set, things get crazy! Everyone wants to wander around set to see the “stars”, grab a snack from Craft Services, run to their car, take a nap, have a restroom break, et cetera, et cetera. You get the idea.

I spend 12 hours every day talking as loud as my voice will allow, giving instructions like an elementary school teacher, and rounding up all the extras that are not listening to me. With that said, it is a fun working environment. Every day, I get to hang out with a new set of strangers, a great crew of 85, and a cast that is so down to earth, that we spend most nights going out to dinner together. So here’s a glimpse of our last 5 weeks: (Photos courtesy of Scott Murrish)

This is our Writer/ Director Bryan Coley and his family on the last day of filming.

When we were out at Lake Mayer, we had our “safety” meeting on the dock with the entire 85 crew. Something tells me that this dock was not meant to hold that much weight.

These boys were the main characters of the film and an absolute pleasure to work with. I’m sure we will stay in touch and hopefully find ourselves working together again soon.

In case any of you were ever wondering how rain gets made outside for filming, fire trucks. Extend the ladder over the desired location, open the hose, and viola, it is storming!

This was, by far, one of the most miserable days of filming. We were inside an abandoned warehouse with no air conditioning and it was 95 degrees upstairs with all the lights for filming just heating it up even more. Water breaks and fans running between takes were mandatory!

Here are some of the key actors of the film with all my featured extras. They were such great sports about the physical activity we were asking them to do on these hot southern days.

Some of the same players with more of my extras.Taken toward the end of filming, I think everyone was exhausted and melancholy at the same time.

Some of us from behind the scenes. Randi (make up), myself (Background), Danielle (2cd 2cd AD), Jordan (Set Costumer), Tiffony (Hair), and Rachel (Set PA).

And I would be remiss if I did not give Rick Dial an honorable mention. Just 2 days ago, Rick passed away. It just a couple of weeks ago that this picture of us was taken in the dugout during filming. I will miss you Rick. You had the greatest smile, the biggest hugs, and the warmest heart. Rest in Peace.

Posted in General | No Comments »