The Dead

It was a Friday afternoon. I hadn't expected to be on set to help with the movie until the following day, but when I got a request to show up early I figured why not? It's not like I had any other plans, and I was eager to see what helping out with a movie is like.

I don't think I had been on the set for long, and I was mostly staring in fascination at the equipment and coffin. It isn't often that I see a coffin, and I've never gotten to look inside one before. (Thinking back, I might describe it as comfortable and claustrophobic... which seems slightly contradictory.) I was waiting to find out how I could help when the director popped in to report on the progress of finding actors. There were a couple roles that still needed to be filled, and for one of them he needed an athletic woman of marrying age.

For some reason I was surprised when someone pointed at me. It's true that I fit the description he gave, but I hadn't thought of that myself.

Director guy showed me the script, I liked the part, and then I spent virtually the rest of the day with that script in my hand. That was my job for the day, learning my part.

But I guess I should back up, and explain how I got there in the first place.

There's someone I met at CthulhuCon last year and only recently got close to. I haven't talked to her about introducing her on this blog though, so you can get a name for her another time. She's involved with making movies, and a few months ago I offered to help out as crew when I have time. I'd given a bit of thought to auditioning for a part, but didn't want to try that. I guess it seemed too intimidating, and it's not like I have any recent experience acting.

When the day came though, I was both crew and cast. Because, why not make life as interesting as possible? (Dear Universe: please don't take that as a challenge or request.) The film is The Dead, and tells the story of a man's life at his wake. It left me wondering if maybe the best way to learn about all the parts of a person's life is to meet others who miss them when they're gone. Or...you know...meet people who might not miss them all that much.

Long story short of the day itself, which was last weekend: I didn't get any sleep the night before, everything was shot in one day, and it was both exhausting and fun. And it was crazy.

If anyone happens to be curious, the link to the website is here and the Facebook page is here. Doubtless I'll write more when it comes out, and I can't wait to actually see the finished thing.