Lifetime's Army Wives
“Background, Camera, ACTION!” were words heard throughout the day in my self indulged day off as I joined our neighbors, Lifetime’s Army Wives, as a “background” extra on the set of an upcoming episode. My stage name, “the professor”, because that was the part I was to play across from Harry Hamlin (my fellow law professor) in the courtyard of the law school. Truly, this was one of those life experiences…
Beginning at 6:15AM, we were to report to the set for wardrobe review and approval. Three dress changes were needed throughout the day. Once blessed, we were treated to a well balanced breakfast after which we were led to the set and given our first set of ‘background’ instructions. Most sacred of instruction, no talking – you must fake talk. Move your mouth, but under NO circumstances may sound leave your body! This became fun throughout the rest of the day.
By 11AM, I had the opportunity of discussing “no-see-ums” with Kim Delaney, explaining that one of the only successful remedy that I knew was Avon’s Skin-So-Soft. (And let me tell you… a gallon of this was needed by day’s end!) Later, Mr. Hamlin shared a delightful “ghost” story regarding an engagement ring, prompted after our discussion of various Charleston “ghost” walking tours. My ‘take away’ from the limited encounters with these two actors was simply awe inspiring. My nerves were racked with simply standing there and fake talking. Ms. Delany and Mr. Hamlin had lines, had to convey emotions, and had to convey a realism of the scene in which they were portraying – all under the microscope of the multitudes of onlookers.
Side note for those met… the Director was very pleasant and very good at moving things along. ‘Frankie’, her dog, was known by all and who provided warmth that only animals can do in a work environment. The ‘backgrounder’ handlers had fun with us. The two ladies in wardrobe were very accommodating to us all.
Next (not that I wasn’t having an awesome time already), we were treated to an incredible lunch including BBQ, fried chicken, shrimp & grits, collards, etc! During lunch, fellow ‘backgrounders’ shared previous AW set engagements, life experiences (including the earthquake in Chile), work pursuits, and more. What a great and interesting group of folks.
But all good things must come to an end… for it was soon explained (by my fellow ‘backgrounders’) that my morning actions were ‘faux pas.’ Having not fully understood the non-written rules, ‘backgrounders’ are not allowed to speak to the cast or actors. We’re not allowed to be in proximity to the food or drink or enjoy a cushioned seat. We were only allowed to hang out in the hallway on hard wooden benches (or on the floor) if our services were not needed outside in the blazing sun. Being Southern (and an outsider looking in), I might suggest that next time, they provide a cooler of bottled water in the hallway. And if feeling generous, a plate of cookies or even a vending machine from which we could pay for some interim snacks should the shoot spill over into the evening.
But what a fun day – faux pas aside. What a pleasure it was to have met everyone and to have experienced a “day in the life” of our neighbors down the street. The one thing us ‘backgrounders’ hated to hear – “Reset!” Music to our ears at the end of the 14 hour day, that’s a “Wrap!”
Tags: lifestyle, Television