As you know the past two weeks I have been working as the Set Dresser on a movie called “The Lamp.” I’ve gone through every sort of emotion (mostly due to lack of sleep) on this project, but the main feeling I’ve had throughout is one of gratitude. I am so thankful to be on this project for so many reasons and I am enjoying just about every moment of it! Let me catch you up on the first two weeks of shooting.
Day 1 started the project out with a bang when I got to meet my very first celebrity. This day we shot at a local gym (one of the characters is a personal trainer) and who happened to make a cameo but “BIGGEST LOSER” WINNER – Danny Cahill!
I LOVE talking to people who have worked hard to achieve their dreams and so talking with Danny was especially inspiring. It was really neat to hear about his experience on the ranch. . . and of course about Jillian!!!
The rest of Week 1 was spent on baseball fields. There is a strong influence of the American pastime throughout the entire movie and so their were many scenes to be shot!
Below- one of our main characters getting dirtied up for a baseball scene!
We brought a tractor and trailer to help us carry all the equipment back and forth to where it needed to go. For some reason I found driving the tractor extremely entertaining!
Before the movie began, at our pre-party in fact, the director- Tracy Trost introduced an award that would be passed out everyday. The award was named after a very talented and loved man named Dave Powell. Dave was THE go to art director in our area for forever. He was not only great at his job, but he was a wonderful friend and family man. 3 years ago Dave had a massive heart attack on set and died- leaving his wife and daughter behind. Although his body is gone, his legacy lives on and each day the award is given in his honor to the person on set who did an excellent job.
This is his daughter Erin holding the award-
Quite unexpectedly, I received the award the last work day of week one. I was truly honored and so happy to know others thought I was doing a good job. Since this is my first movie, it was really nice to have that extra assurance.
Week 2 started out at the house where the majority of the movie would be shot. The first few days were scheduled to shoot outside, BUT bad weather left me with less time than anticipated to have the house pulled together. That’s when a few 15 hour days, one all-nighter, a cry session, and a sick spell all came into play. In the end though I got through it and the house looks pretty great if I do say so myself! 🙂 And actually in the midst of the pressure and despite the lack of sleep I really enjoyed the process and watching the rooms come together so quickly. I actually thought to myself “I wonder if this is how Design Star is.” If so- SIGN ME UP!!!
Now, OF COURSE I want to share photos of the house and all the decorating I did, but I am waiting on the professional photos from the on-set photographer. Bare with me, they are coming soon! Here are just a couple I took myself to hopefully keep you intrigued!
If you haven’t become a fan of the Lamp on Facebook- you totally should!!! You can also watch this interview I did with the Director of the movie- Tracy Trost. Just copy and paste this link- http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1645951317257
Since I assume many of you have no idea what happens on a movie set I plan to fill you in on future posts and introduce you to some of the cast and crew! They are great group of people and I know you will LOVE them! See you soon!
My best friend worked for years in wardrobe in movies and TV, I found it all completely intriguing! Looking forward to hearing more…Janell
Looks like so much fun!….and alot of work…. Good for you that is such an amazing opportunity!
Soooo interesting!! I can’t wait to see more pictures, Kara! And Danny looks great!!