Tony's Tinseltown Blog

Register

2010-11-28T16:12:00.001-08:00

Tony Whitmore

Register

2010-09-08T10:37:00.001-07:00

Tony

Re: CSI: Santa Clarita

2010-02-03T15:30:00.001-08:00

We've got three more days now because we have to work Sat.

--
Tony Whitmore

The View

2009-04-29T07:45:00.001-07:00

The Pacific and PCH.

Cooler

2009-04-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

As I was saying yesterday, the heat really took it's toll on the
Background. One woman was on the verge of collapse due to the weather.

This patient was able to continue work after she got something to eat
(she said she hadn't eaten since 6:30AM. It was now 2:30 in the
afternoon.)

Photos From Santa Barbara

2009-04-16T17:38:00.001-07:00

It is a sunny, windy, and warm day here in Santa Barbara.

We are now shooting a Christmas tree lot so I wanted to get my picture taken with Santa Tim. I heard about Tim on "This American Life" from NPR on KPCC. If you get a chance look up the episode on their web site.

That's it for now.

Be well.

Beyond Behind The Scenes

2009-04-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

So far from the action I can barely see the video monitors.

Setting Sun

2009-04-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Thousand Oaks again.

The Rigging Medic is here for Special FX and I thought, no reason for
two of us on the clock.

My Loopt Journal

2009-03-20T23:18:00.001-07:00

Sign up for Loopt at www.loopt.com

Hybrid

2009-03-20T22:54:00.001-07:00

Hybrid Yukon

2009-03-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

CSI: Santa Clarita

2009-03-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

Out here where they shoot a lot of this show. The weather is nice
today, warm in the sun and a little cool in the shade.

Working at an abandoned bank and now at a mobile home park off Vasquez
Cyn. Rd. This is pretty run of the mill rigging.

Interesting to see that the show uses Hybrid Chevys and GMCs. Check
out the photo.

I've put together a new blog: "Confessions of a Movie Set Medic" also
on blogspot. It's still under construction so keep an eye out.

Be well and have a great weekend.

Hours And Years

2009-03-18T09:44:00.001-07:00

I was curious about how many hours I've worked and how many years
vested in this business. The Motion Picture Pension Fund informed me
that I have accumulated 32,700 hours and 12 years.

In order to get the full pension, one has to work 30 yrs AND 60,000
hrs. This averages out to 2,725 hrs/yr and I will have to keep up
that pace for the next 18 years to get the full benefits. The way
work is shaping up this year I won't work those hours. Even if the
work picks up, I don't think I want to start cranking out multple long
hours.

I can get lifetime medical in three more years but I don't see myself
working as a Medic at age 70.

The requirement of 30 years and 60,000 is difficult to reach and I
don't think younger people getting into the business will be able to
reach that threshold.

Be well.

Griffith Park

2009-03-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days since the last posting and that reflects my lack
of work as a card carrying IATSE member.
Perhaps I should branch out and start blogging from the beach, because
I've worked almost as many days as a Lifeguard as a Medic.
I will work as a W.A.T.E.R. Program Instructor next week through
Lifeguards.

Reshoot Day

2009-03-10T07:14:00.001-07:00

Using the same VFX facility as CSI. This day will be at least 13 hours, now that's a long day when you're used 8 hour beach shifts.

Thankfully there's wifi and Mob Wars. I'll try to update how the day goes. They say the truss for the stunt will be ready at 8:30, that's movie time though.

Change

2009-02-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

One day I'm sitting in a lifeguard tower on Santa Monica beach and the next I'm sittin' in the mill of the #1 TV show, "CSI: Vegas" or as they refer to themselves; "CSI". The sound of the sander and the shop radio forces me to turn up the music on the computer but thankfully there's wifi in the mill. This variety has made working 11 days-in-a-row bearable. It's fun to be at a different location every day. For instance, if the weather is decent tomorrow I'll work at the beach. Listening to a "genius" mix from my iTunes. That's a feature I've come to love. I can listen to music that's similar in tone and melody and not have all my music on the iPhone. I've got a playlist that starts with Brad Paisley, who I probably never listen to but I heard him on "A Prairie Home Companion" and found his songs to be hilarious. I've also found a lot of good music from NPR's Song of the day emails. I guess this isn't very entertainment related but then again it entertains me. Have a great weekend and be well.

Lifeguard To The Stars

2009-02-26T12:37:00.001-08:00

I'm at Warner Bros. Ranch to be the Lifeguard for a pool scene.

I can't tell you how peaceful it is not to have a radio.

Gotta go because they are going to shoot, have to be on my toes.

Good Rates

2009-02-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Now this is a good price for parking. However, they don't use this
anymore but the price is still the same.

"A Thousand Words"

2009-02-19T15:49:00.001-08:00

No pictures allowed so a thousand words will have to do. I'm working
re-shoots for the Eddy Murphy show with the above title.

It's always comforting to find a familiar face on a crew especially
when they worked on principal photography. The Genie operator/driver
and I worked on "Spang'lish", "The Longest Yard", and "Benchwarmers"
and the Standby Painter was on "Couples Retreat" which I was on for a
week. It's the folks that I've worked with for a week that seem to be
the toughest to place, even if it was recent.

We're shooting in a restaurant on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood. It may
be a long day or Eddy may decide not.

That may not be a thousand words but it's the best I can do.

Be well.

Trust Me

2009-02-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

Here I am in the infirmary/sound cave for Construction today. Work out there is still slow and last night I emailed out a bunch of resumes.

The sag issue is not helping things in the least.

In the meantime Facebook has become a good way to find old friends and pass the time.

I wish there was more to say but there isn't. Check out the FB page and follow along on Twitter.

Time for lunch.

Be well.

In the car & the mill

2009-02-09T10:35:00.001-08:00

I like the mill better than the car. The car was warmer but I can stretch out and hook up the computer.

Grateful to be working anywhere today.

Work is so slow The Entertainment Super Highway is like a muddy one lane road with wagon wheel groves.

Be well.

This is the Fuel

2009-02-06T06:57:00.000-08:00

Sadly this is what powers the industry. Emer'Gen-"C" is what every
background player wants when he/she is sick, tired, or hungover.

Last day on "Trust Me"

2009-01-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

Well here it the last day on the show. It's nice to come in at 6 and be off after the eight hour guaruntee. There isn't much money, especially on the first season TV rate but you have a life. Yesterday I got to swim before 5 PM at Santa Monica College, had a lane to myself and swam 1800 yds. Here's a picture from last night

That is all I know at the moment.

Be well.

Pirahna Medic?

2009-01-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

Many of you have been wondering who and what is Pirahna Medic? The following is the history and evolution of "Aggressively Caring".

Last year, it seems so long ago, I was driving up hwy. 5 through the breadbasket of the state aka the San Joaquin Valley to visit my sister Linda. There was a truck in my lane and it had a logo of a pirahna on the side. Now I can't remember what the company was or what they sold, I think it was air-conditioning (which makes sense in that part of the state). Not only did the logo catch my eye but the slogan was great, I think it was "Aggressively Cooling" which fits if it was air-conditioning.

I started to think about my work as a medic and my full service cart and I made the leap to, "Aggressively Caring". Months later, I pleaded with older son Hunter to draw a pirahna for cards. He came up with a few images and then lost them in his black hole of a room for a few more months.

I found the image while working on "G.I. Joe" and the Standby Painter was going to make decals but the show ended before he could complete the task. Here is the image in all it's glory.

Downey Shores

2009-01-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

This is the beach at Downey where Ext. Night shots of actors in canoes
will be caught in a storm.

"Couples" Talent Show

2009-01-21T21:41:00.000-08:00

The kids at Camp Couples Retreat have gotten really close over the
five days/nights we've been shooting on stage 12.

Fwd: Good Morning Its 3:00 PM

2009-01-19T20:34:00.001-08:00

Begin forwarded message:

From: Tony Whitmore <tony.whitmore@gmail.com>
Date: January 19, 2009 5:10:43 PM PST
To: Tony's Blog <go@blogger.com>
Subject: Good Morning Its 3:00 PM

There is nothing more disspiriting to me than "morning" greetings in the afternoon. When I leave and return to work on the same calendar day I get grumpy.

The background is (or is it are?) beginning the phase known as comfortable. The novelty has worn off and sometimes people feel entitled to the same things as the crew. I don't mean food and water but they do have a set-up for themselves that is equal.

That's it for now.

Be well.

At Crafty

2009-01-18T22:01:00.000-08:00

Background has to show their SAG tag before they can eat off the union
table.

Behind the Retreat

2009-01-18T10:32:00.001-08:00

This is behind the "C. R." set in Bora Bora. Yesterday was one click
short of 15 hours, that's roaring back into work.

There is a lot going on on this stage beyond the 230 background
artists. I kinda hope this is my Friday because the beach hours
spoiled me.

Be well,

Tony

BG Medic

2009-01-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

I'm the Medic for the Background today. The show is "Couples
Retreat" and we are shooting at a major studio.

It's good to be back at work for the IA.

Be well.

One More Day

2008-12-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Well here I sit amidst boxes of Set Dec tools writing my next-to-last post while on "The Hangover". Come next week I hope to be in a tower somewhere between Las Tunas and Marina del Rey.

The ride on this has been okay for the most part. No major injuries to speak of and only one person sent to the hospital.

What's next? I have no idea. The threat of a SAG strike is putting a damper on my thought of work but I'm not worried. As I've said before, having the beach to fall back on is fantastic.

I'm gonna go eat lunch.

Be well.

The Birthday Physical

2008-12-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, today is the happy day! I have been shuffling across this mortal coil for many years now.

This morning I got to sleep-in in order to take my physical for the County's Fitness For Life, it really stinks to get old. I have a little hearing loss and a couple other things that bare looking into but I will get a 3% bonus and that'll be great for lifeguard work.

These are the last few days for me here on "The Hangover" and then I'm retiring until the next gig. This isn't the best time to be off work. First, most shows take about two weeks off for the holidays and second, the actors of SAG are threatening to strike.

I'm hoping that the weather here in Los Angeles remains warm through the next month so I can Lifeguard.

That's it for today.

Be well.

Santa Monica 20

2008-12-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

I love days like this at the beach, the cool cloudy weather is
invigorating.

Gadgets

2008-12-04T21:19:00.000-08:00

Check out the slideshow on the page and tell me what you think of it. The pictures may be too small.

I finished watching "The Aviator" today and tomorrow I will view something I've already seen, I didn't get to Hollywood Video tonight to get a new movie. Today was so quiet that I even went out to coffee with the Set Dressers.

Went swimming this evening with my younger son at Santa Monica College. The pool is really nice and he and I both like to swim outdoors. Saturday is our yard sale and we've been cleaning out our storage to get stuff to sell.

That's about it for now.

Be well.

The Last Days of "The Hangover"

2008-12-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

I am in the Warehouse as the Special FX crew loads a truck and the Props guys dismantle their "Gold Room". I'm watching movies and editing a story my younger son is writing.

Very quiet times and a good way to wind down. Sorry to say not much of any note.

Be well.

Lifeguard Biz

2008-11-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

Faded glory.
I'm here at SM tower 20 at Bay Street for a 10-5 shift.

Another Day

2008-11-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

Putting in another quiet day in the Warehouse. No FX crew but there are a couple of Propmakers. The Set Dressers are coming and going and soon I'll put on "Magnolia". Yesterday I watched "Boogie Nights", it's a Paul Thomas Anderson week.

I worked a short five hour day at Navy Street in Venice on Sunday. The only drama was that I couldn't find my tower keys and had to ask the Permanent at Santa Monica South to let me in.

This is a three day week and Thursday I'm going to work at the beach. Before the boys were born I always worked on Thanksgiving. I like the beach on that day; not many people out and It gives me a chance to have a workout before the big dinner.

Be well.

Thanks

2008-11-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is eight days away and thought today is a good time to express some thanks.

Last night I attended the retirement dinner for L. A. County Lifeguard Section Chief Jon Moryl in Santa Monica. I saw a lot of the old time 'guards who were on their way out when I started 31 years ago. One of the retirees worked for 55 years as a recurrent or seasonal lifeguard. I said to him, "I ask myself every year how long I'll lifeguard. How did you do it?"er His reply was, "I guess I wasn't very smart." Nothing could be further from the truth.

I realize that almost everything I have is due to lifeguarding and more basically because of swimming. In the summer of '72 I watched Mark Spitz win seven gold medals in swimming. Well, my Grandparents had a pool and I swam there all the time, how hard a sport could it be, I wondered. I had no idea. I joined the high school swim team convinced that I would soon be on my way to glory.

Our coach, Neal Newman, quickly corrected this notion. "Tony, you're swimming 30 yards for every 25 yard lap. You're swimming from side to side in the lane." Coach would move his hand in a snakelike motion to indicate what I was doing. Needless to say I was disheartened. I learned there was a swim club in Santa Monica where I could workout after the high school workouts. I put in a lot of yards and was named most improved swimmer at the year end awards banquet.

Each year saw improvement and as a senior I applied to UCLA but wasn't accepted. I was off to SMCC (now Santa Monica College). Our coach was the legendary John Joseph. JJ was a great inspiration to me. His quiet demeanor and firm leadership made me want to work harder than I had before. He had a great saying when we were dead dog tired in the middle of a grueling set, "Don't let anything hold you back but fear itself." Well, we weren't afraid of anything so nothing held us back.

A lot of the guys who were a year ahead of me were lifeguards and in April of '77 Art Verge, Eddy Love and others convinced the new guys to try out for the lifeguards. I had no idea what lifeguarding was. As a kid I went to the beach once in awhile but I didn't like the sand or wearing a wet swimsuit. In fact, I used to change out a wet suit into a dry one after coming out of the water.

The test at Santa Monica south was a mass swim, as it is today, from tower 24 to tower 16. It's April and the water was cold, there were a few hundred people trying out, it was mayhem. Some how I finished in 32nd place. I was in the second Rookie School.

I worked on the beach during the summers while I went to UCSB and taught Junior Lifeguards for three years. In 1985 my wife and I moved to the San Joaquin Valley where I coached water polo and swimming and I came back to the beach for the summer vacations. In '89 Eddy Love called me and asked if I wanted to teach sailing for this new program he helped create. It's called the W.A.T.E.R. (Water, Awareness, Training, Education, and Recreation) Program. I said, "Eddy, I don't know how to sail." He said he'd teach me. I didn't hesitate to say "Yes!"

We moved back to Los Angeles and so began eight years of full time work in the youth programs. Eddy taught me how to sail, he put me in a Sabot with his wife Sally and spent about half an hour in a chase boat yelling instructions. Somehow I learned and went on to be one of the sailing instructors along side George Hale. We had a blast most of the time.

In 1992, our first son Hunter was born and in 1993 I decided I wanted to work on the Baywatch which meant I needed to have an EMT certificate. Becoming an EMT not only allowed me to work on Baywatch and qualify for a bonus with the Lifeguards, it enabled me to become a Set Medic.

I am so grateful to swimming and the coaches and to Lifeguarding and the mentors I've had that lead me to a job where I can provide for my family and have a chance to work at the beach and be a positive example for the beach patron. My skills as an EMT are a comfort to me and my family because of the assistance I can provide to people in need.

Be well,

Tony

Warehouse Life

2008-11-17T17:40:00.000-08:00

Another movie day at the warehouse.

Video

2008-11-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

John T. our Video Assist maestro waiting for the cry of, "Action",
from the Director.

Just The Facts.

2008-11-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

This is the former Rampart police station in Los Angeles. We are
shooting here today and tomorrow.

Monday Morning

2008-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

In the backyard of a home in Hollywood/West Hollywood.

Bisquit Rig

2008-11-07T23:36:00.000-08:00

This is the rig that drives the picture car Mercedes.

Bear & Me

2008-11-06T02:20:00.000-08:00

No Photo

2008-11-06T00:56:00.000-08:00

Sorry I couldn't take any pictures of Mike Tyson.

St. Vincent Hospital

2008-11-04T17:10:00.001-08:00

Lee Orloff, Sound Mixer extrordinaire in his private room.

Glamour

2008-11-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

This isn't the sort of locations one imagines when you think about
Hollywood.

Sunrise at Warner Bros.

2008-10-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

Here I am at WB on Halloween. I hope the weather doesn't change.

Fwd: Palmdale Sunrise

2008-10-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

> Looking east from Base Camp here in Palmdale.
>

Desert Driving

2008-10-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

More insert car work, this time we're in Palmdale. It's hot and dusty
here. The good news is that three days work will be completed in two.

BG Food

2008-10-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is some of what the extras have to eat.

Background Holding

2008-10-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Auditorium at Daniel Webster Elementary School. This is where the
extras spend their time out of the sun.

Saturday is my Thursday.

2008-10-25T23:05:00.001-07:00

Last day at the Pasadena house and the summer weather continues.

Sticks

2008-10-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

These are sticks, or more commonly known as a tri-pod. You don't see
them used very often in this day.

More Wedding

2008-10-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Summer Should Be Over

2008-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Another hot day in Pasadena. Today is our Monday and it's 92 degrees
right now. Tomorrow the forecast is hotter.

The Biscuit

2008-10-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is a vehicle built to carry a car while being driven by a stunt
driver.

"Ultimate Arm"

2008-10-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

This is a camera rig built on a Mercedes Benz SUV. I've seen a
similar rig on a Porshe Cayanne (sp?).

Exterior House

2008-10-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Our Director, Todd Phillips standing, looks at the framing on the
monitors.

First Day's Supplies

2008-10-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

This is some of my stuff for "The Hangover".

Welding

2008-10-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

This is a screen, so to speak, behind which a welder will work. It
protects the eyes of those who don't wear welding glasses.

"Slacker Uprising"

2008-09-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching Michael Moore's new doc. "Slacker Uprising"
and I encourage you to download the movie. I think it's still free on
iTunes.

All is quiet here at the Warehouse. Tomorrow I plan to work day two
of the new "Rating Period".

Be well.

Warehouse

2008-09-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

There aren't many folks left to minister to at this facility. I won't
say the exact # but it's low.

I have to fly under the radar for a few more before filming starts here.

I'm watching a lot of movies and reading the paper throughly.

That's about it for now.

Be well,

Tony

Finished

2008-09-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here's the finished Ceasar.

More FX

2008-09-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

This truck is going to be a camera platform for a crash.

SFX

2008-09-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Foam

2008-09-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

Theses folks are the sculptors of Ceasar that's going to sit atop
Ceasar's Palace with a mattress on his arm.

Movies

2008-09-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

This morning I'm watching "Pulp Fiction". This is a great film, I
think it is my favorite Tarantino movie.

No Vegas

2008-09-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

I received the news that I am not traveling to Las Vegas with the
shooting company.

I'm going to keep showing up at this warehouse til someone tells me
not to or the company returns to LA. I hope it's the later.

That's all I know for now.

Have a good weekend.

Be well.

Check out this cool Kyte show 'Product Placement'

2008-09-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Watch it now!
http://www.kyte.tv/ch/94003/218959

Be well.

Set Dec Takes Over

2008-09-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

The once empty space has been filled and then some by the stuff that
will be in the movie.

Lunch

2008-09-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

When I'm on Const. This is the type of meal I have. My wife made some
chili and I heated it and that's it.

Watching Movies

2008-09-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

"Are you a available ...?

2008-09-03T08:20:00.001-07:00

"Yes", is how I reply when theUPM asked me if I can go to Las Vegas.
The Studio may want the producers to hire a local medic to save the
housing and per diem. The "Company" (this refers to the production
crew) moves to Vegas on Sept. 17.

The last time someone asked about my availability and I answered in
the affirmative it was for naught.

I'm prepared to seek other employment beginning next week. Why so
soon, you ask? The Construction crew moves to stage at Warner Bros.
and the studio has their own medics.

A movie on which I worked late last year is rumored to be preparing
for reshoots. That may work out for me.

This year is less busy than most and that has presented challenges and
opportunities. The days of Lifeguarding are welcome breaks.

We'll see what happens. Stay tuned.

Be well.

Tiger

2008-09-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

There's a tiger in the office.

Warehouse

2008-08-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

Looking into the Construction warehouse.

Day 1

2008-08-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

This is the view from where I'm set up in "The Hangover" warehouse.

The New "Kit"

2008-08-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

GT 500 KR. WOW!

Portuguese Bend Club Tower

2008-08-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

More KR

2008-08-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

Another shot from The Portuguese Bend Club playing the part of
somewhere in Mexico.

Kit

2008-08-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

The car swims out of the water.

On The Set of "Knight Rider"

2008-08-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

This is an office set at Santa Clarita Studios.

Yesterday on "24"

2008-08-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

Mo Cap

2008-07-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

Motion capture stage where they are "shooting" stuntmen for "G. I. Joe".

2008-07-23T22:17:00.000-07:00

CSI: Miami in Long Beach

Be well.

Not Lifeguarding

2008-07-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

It looks like the view from the tower but this tent is for CSI: Miami.

More Under The Set

2008-07-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

Today is my Thursday. We shot three shows yesterday and the audience
for the last show was small!

Under The Set

2008-07-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

This is part of the view where my gear is stowed.

OMG!

2008-07-13T14:57:00.001-07:00

This is intolerable. The schedule is so fubar. The audience came in
an hour late and the Producers are making changes while tapping goes.

Badges

2008-07-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

Back on the game show after the set was rearranged. It's a lot
jazzier with lights everywhere.

"Hole In The Wall"

2008-07-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a game show with the above title. Check out "Human Tetris" on youtube.com
to see the concept. The show is in rehearsals at CBS in Studio City, this is my first time to work on the lot.

I'll have a picture for you soon. There really isn't too much to report. I will be on this gig for about 11 or 12 days not consecutive.

I plan to supplement the time with days on the beach.

Oh my youngest and I took a nice bike ride yesterday along Ballona Creek, if you get a chance, check it out.

Be well.

VN (Venice North) cont.

2008-07-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'm back on VN at Westminster, a tower north of the Venice Breakwater
and Muscle Beach.

Of The Trade

2008-07-01T15:08:00.001-07:00

These are two essentials for a Lifeguard.

Tools

2008-07-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

Watch The Water

2008-06-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

No entertainment news today. I'm at the Navy Street tower on Venice
North, that is on the north side of the Venice Pier.

Topsail

2008-06-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

I missed Friday's post from Sugar, the club in Hollywood.

Fish

2008-06-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

I think this fish has the most human eyes I've seen on almost any
animal.

Day Player

2008-06-25T16:03:00.001-07:00

Here I am at a club called Sugar, in Hollywood. CSI will shoot here
tomorrow.

A Dog's Life

2008-06-21T01:43:00.000-07:00

Erin, the director's assistant on the left and Dawn, wardrobe.

One More *#•@% Day!

2008-06-20T00:47:00.000-07:00

Fake graduation at Bellflower High School.