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ARTICLES - "Daily Call Sheet Diary: On the Set of "Dead Man's Curve" "

Daily Call Sheet Diary: On the Set of "Dead Man's Curve" by unknown
DeadMansCurve.com, August, 1997

Day 1 -- August 11, 1997
Content arrives on the already-bustling set at 7:30am; the crew has been busy for an hour. We seek out Dan Rosen and Robbie Chafitz; they make sure we are introduced to Second AD Ray Nedzel and Director's Assistant Eileen Walls. Our first Artiste Sighting: Matthew Lillard, dressed in a white tank undershirt and pajama bottoms, barefoot in the grass, stalking around in circles talking to himself. Rehearsing, we gather. Second Artiste Sighting: Kerri Russell arrives on the set, smiling at everyone. A very sweet kid, and unbelievably petite. Challenges to the day's filming included a stifling, humid 90-degree temperature; a somewhat hostile trio with a cement mixer; and the choice to film inside a genuine dorm room, which is realistic but tiny. So tiny that Dan had to find some rather unique places to wedge himself in. During this particular scene, he watched from a bathroom stall. But, that's show biz. One expects, and in fact relishes, such hurdles; they're the stuff legend is made of. This particular legend started as a low rumble that suddenly became a roar. The concrete workers, tired of waiting, started their cement mixer and poured a new batch of sidewalk during a flawless take. Much real and imagined cursing took place; Dan brought his cast and crew back around with his sense of humor.
Day 2 -- August 12, 1997
Content arrived on the set at 7am with the rest of the Crew. We now have Crew badges and feel very official and loved. Ray still can't remember our names. We decide to twit him by introducing ourselves differently each time we meet. To reward these efforts, Eileen sets up an interview with Matthew Lillard after he's done in make-up. We joke with various crew members until he arrives. When Ray does bring Matthew over to us, I'm surprised at how tall and lean he is. He is personable, intelligent, curious about the web and about what we're doing. His answers to our interview questions are well-phrased, and have an urban patina; perhaps this is part of his character. We see some of the edgy quality that flavored his character in Scream. His role in Curve, "Tim Powers," is similar but not as intense. On this day, when the call went out for Quiet on the set, we took off for the production office again and convinced the agreeable Shad to lend us a few pre-production snapshots, to scan and feature on the site. We tried to be as persuasive as possible, but won't have our answer until tomorrow.
Day 3 -- August 13, 1997
Content arrived on the set at 3pm. This day had a heavy shooting schedule; ten pages, all one scene, which had been completely rewritten overnight. Because of this, we thought about just taking a few stills and calling it a day. We did take a few stills...the snapshots we had wheedled from Shad. In order to fulfill our agreement, we had to get them back to him in good order in record time, so it was back to our office for a few quick scans. You'll see those snapshots drifting down the right side of the Cast page. When we returned to the set, we were lucky enough to find Beau Dietl and Anthony Griffith lunching together; both of these witty gentleman agreed to be interviewed, and great interviews they were. They make a fine pairing as Detectives Amato and Schipper. And really, Anthony does not dress like that in the movie.
Day 4 -- August 14, 1997
Content arrived early again on the set to find a general hustle in gear. After meeting with Eileen, and setting up a time for interviews with Keri and Randall, we joined the general throng outside to get some Behind The Scenes shots and talk with crew. We learned that Anne Jagerman is part of a company currently in pre-production for a project called "Girls On Film." She has quite a resume. Everyone on the crew seems to have worn many hats during many projects. And we had a chance to get to know Billy Crush. When we commented about his top hat, he stated that his was the Best-Dressed Transportation Department in film. The gauntlet had been tossed. We challenged Billy to wear something new, different and exciting each day, and we would give him his own page within this site and place a polling device on it so that viewers could vote on their favorite outfit. He agreed. Eileen got the word to us that we should be able to interview Keri after lunch, so we enjoyed the catered buffet with the rest of the cast and crew. Unfortunately, when we had finished and were looking for Eileen, she was searching for us on the other side of the campus. Keri's time window closed, and the interview remained elusive. To comfort ourselves, we did get a snapshot of the official crew tattoo, on the leg of Boom man Bob Mellor.
Day 5 -- August 15, 1997
Content arrived on the set at 7am, exactly the time that Ray was dealing with the first challenge of the day – getting the groundskeeper to not mow the lawn. It was indeed a very noisy morning outside, between the lawn mowers, loud engines on cars, and back-up beepers on trucks. Tensions were beginning to mount, so we accepted an invitation from the Production Designer, Robert Harbour, to join the Art Department at the Alumni House. At this site, two sets were still being put together. One set, the Chancellor’s Office, was an opulent melange of antiques, gilt mirrors, and wood paneling. At least, we thought it was wood paneling…it was actually masterful painting on the formerly white walls. Across the hall, a second room stood ready to become the office of Dr. Ashley, Dana Delaney’s role. This room was painted in bright berry panels with a black marble fireplace. An eclectic assortment of props and accessories, reflecting the character’s willingness to try any new therapy, was sprinkled around the room. Upon our return to the dorm set, we were treated to an interview with Tamara Craig Thomas, who plays the neurotic "Natalie," girlfriend of the soon-to-be-dead "Rand." Though the young actress was made up to look fatigued, as Natalie had been up all night crying, Tamara was quite waggish and spirited. We greatly enjoyed talking with her. Additional interviews with Kerri Russell and Michael Vartan had to be postponed, as the cast and crew were planning for the afternoon’s closed-set filming. This scene was to be filmed in a small, blacked-out room with a myriad of candles and not much ventilation, on an already-tropical set, so we left them to prepare. The Rumor Mill has it that one of the actors has been making his own behind-the-scenes movie. If so, we hope to have some of the footage available on this site. All we have to do is track down who it is!
Day 6 -- August 16, 1997
On this day, there were two advantages: A larger, more open space in which to shoot, and a moderate degree of air conditioning. However, since filming took place in a working dining hall, the main disadvantage was…people trying to eat! The PAs keeping the doors locked were suddenly besieged by the football team; large, hungry young men, getting hungrier and angrier by the second. Not a comforting situation. Fortunately, filming went as scheduled, and so feeding of the herd went forward. On Monday, we move to Fells Point for some interior scenes and montage. This should be enjoyable.
Day 7 -- August 17, 1997
One of Content's favorite neighborhoods. We arrived at 7:30am in a light drizzle; the crew was already sharing a box of plastic ponchos, trying to convince each other it was not raining. Dan arrived shortly after, holding a newspaper over his head, for filming inside this popular neighborhood bar and its annexed cigar shop. On the second floor of Max's, in the improvised makeup area under the Vampire Fish sign, Tamara Craig Thomas was grousing about men with Kerri Russell (who remains elusive for interviewing). Dan's assistant, Eileen Walls, introduced us to Michael Vartan, who was genuinely friendly but half asleep. We're all feeling fatigued today. In the meantime, the crew was hustling downstairs to make a corner of the bar look like a night scene. Windows were blacked out, logos altered, neon rearranged. Fake beer was poured. The actors were blocked at a table in the center of the set, and plywood was laid on the floor to allow a slow dolly shot. That was when the call went out for Extras. I'll let Jay take the story from here… Jay's Diary: At 8:30 a.m, Robbie Chavitz asked us if we knew of anyone that would be available to be extras today. I made a few phone calls to friends at Kipp Visual Systems but they were so busy. Needless to say, I volunteered to be an extra. This scene was shot inside Max's and included Matthew, Keri, Tamara, and Michael. They sat down at a table, and Matt begins telling them a story about Rand's prom night. Without giving away any secrets, I will tell you that you will enjoy the scene. It was a gas! There were 10-15 extras for this bar scene. I was seated directly behind Matt in frame. Andrea Guiliani, a TU Mass Com student was my 'date' at the table.We all had a good time drinkin' fake tequilla and beer. What a way to make a livin'...
Day 8 -- August 19, 1997
Because of the late start of shooting, Content arrived in the area at about 12:30pm to find the crew breaking down sets at Max's and transferring the items to other stores in the area. We caught a glimpse of the Art Department carrying props out of the Fell's Point Florist; that shop would also be an exterior later in the day. The majority of the action, however, was taking place outside a Video Store on Thames Street. Ironically, this placed the Curve shoot right next to the set of Homicide. This day was plagued with tiny annoyances from start to finish. But, all in all, everything turned out well, and we all looked forward to the next day's possibilities for capturing moments on the set. Thanks to Jay's debut yesterday as an Extra in the Bar Scene, he has become impossible to live with. Autographs are going for $20.
Day 9 -- August 20, 1997
Another late day, so Content arrived at the set at 12:30pm and learned the true meaning of the phrase "pouring with rain." We stood outside Adrian's Bookstore Café, huddling with the miserably wet and plastic-wrapped crew, waiting for the cast's arrival. There was no hope, in those close quarters, of getting on the set for behind-the-scenes footage, so Content adjourned to the Production Office branch, at a nearby hotel, to get some interviews. The Production Office doubled as makeup, hair, wardrobe, and phone central, so it was a lively, noisy place. So lively that the hotel had to put the coffee service out in the hall, so noisy…well, you'll be able to tell from our interviews from that day. It was rowdy and we loved it. Eileen introduced us to Dan's parents, very lovely people, and then to Randall Batinkoff and Dana Delaney, in passing. We tried to interview Randall, but there was not enough time to complete this attempt…instead, we adjourned back to the Office to interview Keri Russell and Production Coordinator Robbie Chafitz, and film a few bits with 2AD Ray Nedzel, who on this day started his habit of crashing interviews. We set up some additional appointments for the rest of the week, and in general just stayed close to the coffee. It was the warmest place available.
Day 10 -- August 21, 1997
Content arrived at the set at 9:30am to find…nobody there! Apparently shooting had gone late into the previous rain-soaked night, and the crew had not finished loading the trucks until 4am. Therefore, call was set for 1pm. This did, however, allow us ample time to peruse the redressed offices of Dr. Ashley and the Chancellor, and to chat with Baltimore Jewish Times reporter David Conn. Some items that we previously saw on the sets had been replaced, others moved. They still looked great and were well in tune with the characters. When we returned at about 2pm, filming was under way. We were able to redo our interview with Randall Batinkoff, and it was terrific. We wondered why he was so curious about our cameras, and then it was revealed…he's the actor making his own behind-the-scenes film! A digi-head himself, sporting a small Sony DV camera. We hope to have some of his behind-the-scenes footage on this site soon. After the interview, we adjourned to the Auburn House side porch between takes, popping in to grab footage when we could. Randall spent much of the day wandering around with his digital video camera, taking pictures of whatever struck him. When I noticed Matthew and Keri walking by the porch, I pulled out my own little digital still camera and began taking snapshots. Matthew, always curious, borrowed the camera to take a few shots of Keri. On this day, we met Dan's brother Steve and family. We asked Steve to do our "Dan Rosen is the Center of the Universe" tagline, but he told us that he couldn't lie in front of his children. Brothers. Go figure. Jay and I grabbed some lunch after that (at 7pm); everything was mostly cold, but the Summer-Camp-esque sights and sounds we were treated to made up for it all. Picture this: Matthew and Michael off in a corner playing chess. Randall is taping them. Tamara is watching Randall tape Matthew and Michael. I took stills of this chain, and Jay taped us all. It brought to mind of one of those infinity mirror shots. Tomorrow, we have a definite appointment to interview Dana Delaney.
Day 11 -- August 22, 1997
The weather held up for us and was beautiful. Content arrived at the set in the afternoon, hoping to interview Dana Delaney on her last day in Baltimore. Today's particular challenges to filming: Marching Band practice coming from a nearby field, and a giggly but well-behaved group of pre-teen girls hoping to see Matthew. Dan's prop of the day was a pipe; he carried it around in his hand or clenched it between his teeth, looking quite distinguished. He decided that Dr. Ashley needed some strawberry Twizzlers in her office, and Craft Service was instantly able to provide. Dan also asked if Content could assist Anthony Griffith. He had an audition for a new role on the NBC series Profiler, and needed a video tape to send. We were happy to oblige. The character, "Marcus Peyton," is a streetwise cop. Anthony bemoaned his fate in casting; every black role, he mentioned, has a phrase in the character description along the lines of "he knows the streets." "He's an accountant with a PhD," Anthony joked, "but...he knows the streets!" This from a man who's had some very cerebral roles lately...cerebral, yet streetwise, of course. We discussed blaxploitation films and that segued into some amusing anecdotes about the Retro 70s Anniversary Party that Anthony and his wife threw last year. Dashikis, big 'fros, the whole enchilada. While filming of the Dr. Ashley scenes progressed, Matthew (and where is his fan club while he's hanging around Craft Service?) ragged one of the grips about the baseball player on his T-shirt. I won't mention who the Yankee was, but needless to say the shirt has been banned from the set. At lunch, we hope to interview Dana, but she prefers a later time. We adjourned to the makeup area to tape Anthony's audition, which went well. I noticed that, just before taping, he removed a retainer...he knows the streets, but still practices good orthodonture. We ran back to the office to convert Anthony's tape to VHS, and returned to the set late that evening. Well worth the trip. Dana's interview is insightful, intelligent and wonderful. You'll see it here. After Dana's interview, we only made it as far as the front porch before the call went out for Extreme Quiet. Auburn is an old house, and every creak, almost every breath made it onto the soundtrack. Fortunately, we were able to spend time with the new Curve Goodwill Ambassador on the porch, Producer Ted Schipper's beautiful samoyed. And Jay is thrilled that he had his picture made with one of his favorite actresses (as evidenced by his excited cries of "Dana! Dana!" all the way back to the office).
Day 12 -- August 23, 1997
Keri was right; this is Summer Camp. Today we had it all...great weather, a beautiful venue with lush green grass and shady trees, and a bunch of energetic actors and crew enjoying it all between setups. Randall was sitting under a tree, playing his guitar, singing for Tamara and Dan's manager. The high notes in "Eleanor Rigby" escaped him, but we think he has enough going to maintain a career anyway. He then moved on to compose a special song about his fate in the movie, and it was pretty good. Michael continued to toss the Nerf football to whoever would catch it. He has quite an arm. We all kept the ball warm for him while he worked. Extras milled around while a group unrelated to the movie gathered at the far end of the Quad and started a game of Cricket. I noticed a young woman walking around dressed like a bee. This was intriguing. As it turns out, she is a supporting cast member, Christy Stratton, known as "Bee Girl." She described her character as a far-too-perky lesbian cheerleader, and we know you'll love her interview clips. Great stuff. Great stuff on tape also from MTV's Kris McGaha, who plays Matthew's first love interest, and from Ben Livingston, who plays Kris' second love interest. Also insightful comments from Makeup and Hair artisans Annabell and Gindy. On Monday, we move to the high woods for some pivotal scenes with stunt work. Looking forward to that!
Day 13 -- August 25, 1997
If Saturday was the epitome of Summer Camp leisure, this was the nature hike. Content, having gotten lost twice along the way, arrived on this very confidential set at 2pm. I can tell you that it's near a lighthouse, and since lighthouses are often on cliffs, it was a little scary. No football games today. We did get to see some excellent Steadicam work by Afshine Javedi. We salute him for having to wear the harness and keep things level on such a hot day! The playback looked great. It's difficult to describe this day, since much of the shoot was of pivotal scenes. We don't want to spoil anything. We will, however, post some very amusing photos after the film opens. We can tell you this anecdote: between takes at Craft Service, Kevin Ruff (Ernie the security guard) swatted and stomped a yellowjacket right in front of Christy Stratton, the Bee Girl. Suffice it to say that Bee Rights took a beating. Tomorrow we hope to interview Producers Ted Schipper and Michael Amato. We also hope to not have to make the three mile hike from the parking lot to the set! Transportation, have mercy on us!
Day 14 -- August 26, 1997
Shooting started on this day at about 3pm, shortly after Content's arrival on the set. This time, we did the smart thing and drove Absolute Power Road (we'll explain that name in a couple of days) to the Home Base, and only had to hike half a mile to the set. All uphill. The things we do to get good content… The scenes shot involved Security Guard Ernie and a group of Deadheads. When the movie is released, look among the extras for Still Photographer Randy Shropshire in the cowboy hat and under the topper, of course, Billy Crush. Between takes, it was sports time again for the noisy boys. Your own barely Managing Editor was terribly wounded by a flying hacky sack and may never fully recover; the ensuing phobia of crocheted sports gear will be traumatic forever. Elana from Wardrobe was konked with the football; perhaps it was this which prompted her to admit that she used to be Kevin Bacon's assistant. We think this means that anyone reading this web page is now two degrees from Kevin Bacon. Congratulations… Matthew Lillard and Michael Vartan arrived at about 7pm and from that point on, it was football central. Dan and Ted Schipper joined the game of long-toss…again, a very scary thing when you're on top of a cliff. In case you're wondering, I am told that Randall throws spirals, Matthew throws high and makes dramatic catches (which led Dan to give us our Quote of the Day) and Dan, Ted and Michael throw ropes. Challenges to filming included various aircraft, jet-skis, and a dive-bombing flock of swallows. Fortunately, the swallows stayed away from the bright lights and gobbled up most of the mosquitoes for us, and after all, they were there first. Lunch was at 8pm. We managed to grab Kevin Ruff, who plays Ernie, for a quick interview. We'll let the footage speak for itself. Then off to the catering tents for an attempt at interviewing Joey Forsyte…unfortunately, she could not join us.

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