Set Diary -- Friday, August 17

Before we get into another fabulous edition of Set Diary, I'd like to encourage you to vote for Brothers & Sisters at E! Online, where Kristin does her annual Tater Tops Awards.  Vote now!  We're nominated in a bunch of categories.

And without further ado.... a neat photo that will lead you into Set Diary....

Tommy Walker's house... undressed.

Dear Set Diary,

There are two heavy doors between Stage 6 and the outside world.  When I tug open the first door, the red light begins flashing, indicating that a shot is in progre ss.  So I wait in the chamber-like room, which is the size of a large refrigerator.  I feel like an astronaut waiting for the back hatch to close in order to safely open the door that will lead me into outer space.

This is Day 5 of episode 203 and it’s my first time on set.  I’m the assistant to Mark Perry, the new showrunner, and it’s important I make a good impression.  Or, better yet, for now – no impression at all. 

The bell rings, the red light stops flashing, and I heave open the door, the momentum practically shoving me onto the stage into…Nora’s yard.

I loved the show last season, so I consider myself a fan that fell into the rabbit hole and, on the other side, landed on the Walker’s back doorstep.  Literally.

This corner of the expansive stage is dark and quiet.  Voices waaaaay on the other side indicate that set is pretty far away.  I’ve taken no more than two steps when I hear – “Rolling!”  Oy.  I try to remain absolutely still.  The air is so quiet I can hear my leather belt stretching as I breathe.  Better not exhale, lest my expanding tummy ruin the take and cost the studio thousands of dollars.

Cut!  I’m free to move.

I nod to several crew members (none of whom I know) and then begin weaving my way through a labyrinth of light stands, potted trees and gel carts.  When I finally arrive at video village, literally every person I nodded to in Nora’s backyard is lounging comfortably in front of the monitors.  Where the hell have I been this whole time?

“Everybody ready?  Cameras rolling!” says the AD.

Because I’m seated at a safe distance, I bob my head around, competing for a view of the screens.  There’s a nice opening above the ear of Margery Kimbrough, the script supervisor, and under producer Michael Morris’s right arm. 

“Action!”

Tommy is having dinner with Julia and her parents, and he’s feeling like an outsider struggling to find his way into their conversation.  The left monitor shows a close-up of Balthazar, and the right monitor is a tight shot on Julia’s father.

   

Director Matt Shakman interrupts.  “Let’s keep rolling!  But start back at ‘She still could.’  Okay?  Action.”  The actors pick up where Matt instructed.  Watching the scene on the monitors is like viewing the show on your home TV, except that when you shout at the actors, they respond to whatever you say.

“Cut!  Great.  Let’s do it one more time.”

As they try the scene again, I can’t help but notice how everyone leans into the monitor with surgical concentration.  Every inch of the screen is being vetted.  On my left, props needs the pieces in the right places.  To my right, the hairdressers and makeup artists need the actors to look beautiful.  Seated in front of me, the director of photography needs the shot to tell the story in a visually appealing way.  Every single frame gets this level of scrutiny because if the shot isn’t perfect, you might change the channel.

After an hour-and-a-half of watching the best do their best, I realize Dan is still covering the writers’ offices – alone.  Reluctantly, I slip away…but this time I take the short way – cutting through the Walkers’ living room, past the desk in Nora’s office and back out the kitchen door. 

Back into the chamber… back into reality.

Til next week,
Andrew Major

Comments

[Laura]

Thanks for the blog! Wish my job could be remotely this much fun, on such a great show. Can't wait for the new season!

By the way, do you know if there will be bloopers on the Season 1 DVD set? =]

[will]

You can goad me into voting for a "People's Choice Award" (against my better judgement); but I am not about to vote for a "Tator Tots Award". It sounds undignified. And there are waaaaay too many awards shows. Somebody has to take a stand.

BTW, regarding this "Tommy Walker's house... undressed" photo..... what I'd really like to see is a photo of "Tommy Walker, undressed" (or in boxer-briefs). Maybe you all can work this visual into an upcoming scene (Tommy exiting the shower, etc).

OK, I am just goofing. LOVE the show. Hoping for some great storylines & involving actor chemistry & all that good stuff.

[MJJ]

Thank you very much for sharing the behind the scenes tidbits. I cannot get enough. When will see some behind the scenes pictures of Matthew Rhys, Calista Flockhart, Rob Lowe etc? When will you have promotional pictures of season 2 .. I don't know if I can wait till end of Sept.

Awesome, thank you!

[Tasha]

I check this blog way too often, so happy to have a new post!

[Suzette (The Netherlands)]

Thanks a lot for the insides....!

I've voted.....hopefully it will count from someone outside of the US...lol.

Suzette
(webmaster of www.matthew-rhys.net)

[Melinda]

Thanks for sharing the backstage pics and tidbits. I love hearing about the behind the scenes action. Gives you a better perspective on what it takes to put together a show. Can't wait till the new season starts!

[diane]

I agree with the post on Mathhew Ryes when do we get to see some of him he is so adorable. I love reading your blog going behind the scenes really helps while we are waiting season two! Thank you enjoy your job!

[njnjwarren]

I just LOVE the show..i miss it alllll summer cant wait to see the ROb LOwe !! please come back sooooooooooon

[Hailey Brown]

Hey wait a minute...that's ME on the monitors standing in for Sarah Jane (Julia)!
Yea! I made it on the bloggers and sisters page!!

[elaine]

Last night I was amazed. My son just returned from Iraq after being gone 18 months. Sally nailed it! Every emotion and fear she showed was right on. I felt those same things. Wondering if the CAOs would be at the door when she opens the door, the fear, the anxiety. Nora needs to join the Blue Star Mothers of America. www.bluestarmothers.org
Obviously you are already consulting a mother of a warrior to nail it right on but if you need further consultation, contact me at the Minnesota Chapter #11 (St. Paul) Blue Star Moms. 60 women strong and growing! Call us!
Thank you for the story line.
Just amazing!

[laurie]

This is the best show ever!! Thanks