Romania Film Making...Will We Look Good Enough?

They were in meetings all day with the film company and a representative from the Embassy.

There are the highlights:

Apparently, according to Kevin, to “fit” into the film industry in Romania you need to have a ponytail…the Assistant Director, the Key Grip, and the Director all sport one. “Fit” here means, and I’m just guessing, to look European, artistic and cool. That won’t be a problem for Shane and Cassie…and, by definition, even Megh could get in on the “I’ve got a ponytail so I can work in film” action. But Kevin…he hasn’t ever had longish hair let alone enough that can be pulled together with a rubber band…what will his mother think? What will my mother think? Personally, I think he’d look cute…I’ve been trying to get him to grow his hair out for years…maybe now he’ll do it…just envision him with a braid down his back and a little earring…OK maybe not the braid (aack!).

The Romanian director also sports a black cowboy hat…from casual research we know that Richard Rodriguez, director of movies like “Spy Kids,” also wears a black cowboy hat…I’m sensing a trend here… We better start looking for one just in case it is the Official Headgear For Professional Filmmaking. I don’t want Shane to be shunned.

The meeting at the Embassy was just to introduce themselves. The Secretary of Cultural Affairs seemed rather bored with them until Kev presented her with some Authentic Kentucky Bourbon Balls. Her face lit up and she said, “I drink! So this is good!” Authentic Kentucky Bourbon Balls: Diplomacy’s New Secret Weapon. Don’t leave home without some.

The team also went to a film shoot to observe how this particular company functions, in this case it was shooting a commercial using a steadicam and actual film. When the camera dude found out they planned to shoot Hi Def Digital he groaned, “You guys will wear me out!” When asked why he said, “With film we have to stop to change magazines…but with digital you never quit. I run all day long!” Another example of the striking differences between the types of media.

That’s it…the studio said they know of actors and actresses who can look emaciated and prison-camp-like, tanks can be procured, the sound stage is large enough for various prison interiors.

Now the team is trying to figure out what it will cost them to do this movie and what they will need to do it well. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.

BTW: They ate at Pizza Hut…and Megh had the Best! Pizza! Evah! And she says that Discovery Channel is the only one in English, so I should count her television viewing as “Science.”

I can't wait for them to come home at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com