Return to the set of: George Romero’s Deadtime Stories (Part II)
by Rhonda Baughman
I.
Fuck yeah!
Let’s be honest – real journalists do NOT begin articles with this phrase.
Guess what?
Don’t care. So, FUCK YEAH!
Hahahahahaha!
Weren’t you on a Romero set about this time last year, Rhonda? So, why the deranged opening to a seemingly routine set visit? Well, it’s good of you to inquire, Gentle Micro-Shock Reader, so let me tell you …
Yes, I did visit the Connellsville, PA Romero scene last year, trekking three hours east, in the freezing atmosphere to a set where I knew no one and no one knew me; the same set where I was welcomed with open arms, wound up writing articles for both Micro-Shock.com and Sirens of Cinema. It was such an inspirational journey – I jumped at the opportunity to visit the Deadtime Stories set again a year later. It’s the second anthology, that is, Volume 1 is complete, Volume 2 is in production, and Volume 3 is slated to begin next year. My drive was uneventful, I had excellent company though – (newbie actresses Tricia White and Laura Ice) and my arrival began as usual: Park car, grab coffee, find spot, get situated, mingle, and begin writing. I was prepared to be an extra in the diner scene for the Jeff Monahan written, Matt Walsh directed short “Quota” … and just wanted to see the Monahan crew again, and write an article.
Then I heard it … the eight words changing my life forever, as the cliché goes …
“So, would you like to be a waitress?”
Dumbfounded and most likely way too exuberant, I responded, “Absolutely!”
Initial translation: “Fuck yeah!”
Secondary translation: I would have an official role in a George Romero film.
Promoted my first night on set, no less, (and their first night of shooting) from “extra” to “waitress”, I knew this event would rank right alongside my role in a Jess Franco film (Take-Away Spirit, released next year) and completing my first doctorate (Argosy University – Chicago, this past September).
And I must admit, what an amazing way to cap 2008, don’t you think?
Giddy, I am – just like a pesky child.
A pesky fortunate child, though – don’t I know it.
And fitting, the title of the Romero short I appear in – I have definitely filled my quota for cool events in 2008.
7:00pm Crew Call – Valley Dairy, Connellsville, PA
www.valleydairy.net
While awaiting the arrival of the Triumphant Trio (Writers, Directors: Jeff Monahan, Matt Walsh, and Michael Fischer), I interviewed the local element of the Valley Dairy – I mean, how did we end up here, anyway? And little did I know as I interviewed, I was actually prepping for the role I was about to be given. That angle alone makes the Romero set nothing less than magical.
Janet Roseck, 6 years as a server and p/t cashier of the Valley Dairy, decided not to be an extra: “Feels great, though. And actually, who knows, the film could bring in more business. This gives young people a chance to do something; it’s a great opportunity for everyone involved, I think. I’m 70, way too old to be ‘discovered’” – (side note: this woman looked nowhere near 70; it must be something in the Valley Dairy food) – “I’m also very shy and don’t like being in the spotlight.”
Hannah Goldsberry, a senior at Connellsville Area High School, has worked at the Valley Dairy since April 2008 as a greeter and a server – and she has school tomorrow, hence her inability to take part in the festivities. You have to admire that kind of academic drive. She plans on spending at least 4-5 years at Cal. U. majoring in Early Childhood Development, Special Education, and Psychology. “I want to move … far away … and be a therapist for special needs kids.” Again, I have to ask what is in the Valley Dairy food? I suddenly feel inferior next to this kid.
Fallon McKlveen, formerly of Latrobe, PA has been a greeter and server at the Valley Dairy for the past three weeks. Also a senior at Connellsville Area High School, McKlveen is currently checking out several colleges and plans to become an RN. Amber Johnson was super-cheerful, having been awake since 2am to hunt. This Connellsville Area High School senior plans on becoming a Respiratory Therapist – and is quite brave – hunting, “with guns and her ex,” she tells me.
Lil Grooms has been the manager of the Valley Dairy for the past six years, and tells the Valley Dairy has been in Connellsville for over thirty years, and according to their menu, the Dairy has a history spanning at least a hundred years (!) Lil will also be serving as resident chef, citing she doesn’t need to pay anyone, that she can do it herself, thank you very much. I like Lil – and I liked her food, too. She was right. She didn’t need to subcontract that chef position. “Jeff saw our location and I guess he liked what he saw – he contacted us and the rest is location history.”
Melissa Blystone, owner of the Valley Dairy, tells me it’s a family-run business of 30 + years. All I know the food is damn good, the people are warm, and I feel comfortable here. “Lil did the preliminary work – we discussed the hours of operation, made sure the crew and company was legitimate – and honestly, it sounded like fun,” Melissa concludes.
My two companions, Canton, Ohio natives Laura Ice and Tricia White, traveled the three hours with me out of state for this once-in-bloody-lucky-lifetime experience. Let it be known: I only travel with smart and gorgeous women. I’m not bragging, but I feel reporting all the facts as a journalistic necessity. Laura is hurtling towards her second year at Brown Mackie College for a degree in Business Management and plans to attend the Pittsburgh College of Mortuary Science. Oh, and she raises Cane Corsos – big dogs for such a tiny girl. Just one of the reasons we love her.
“The lovely Dr. Rhonda talked me into coming with her to this shoot – I’ve known her for about 10 years, and she’s never wrong. Not that I know of, anyway,” she laughs. “And I am always interested in trying new things, walking into new atmospheres – broadening my horizons to see what’s out there. You never know, I might be the next woman you see as a coroner on your favorite TV show.”
Of this, I have no doubt.
Tricia White, recent graduate with her BS in Anthropology from Kent State University, also starred alongside Ryli Morgan and Rachelle Williams (this is my alter ego for anyone who has yet to catch on to the way obvious game) in Mark Baranowski’s The Powerful Play. So, why did Tricia agree to join me on this sojourn?
“Rhonda Baughman, what else can I say? I love working with her – she is one of my greatest idols. And truly, I like movies and I am interested in working within the film industry. I have a tendency to be shy – and Rhonda is a motivator. She takes the networking punches for me since I’m a little bit of a wuss. She drove, she paid tolls, she set us up here – I mean, she can do it all. I love her,” finishes Tricia.
I’m floored and probably mouth-breathing right now, but I keep taking notes.
“I agree,” Laura pipes in, “Rhonda goes above and beyond – she should be Dean of the College of her choice.”
“Oh, she will be,” Tricia says. And I believe her.
And here I thought the acting in a George Romero film would be the best part of the evening – and wow, we’ve only been here for a few minutes, and I feel like I just won an Academy Award. Better than an Academy Award, actually – because I’d rather hear this gorgeous song of my own best traits.
I know, you think I write this down to stroke my own dick – and you’re right. But more than that, I’ve known these ladies for ten years – and I can tell when they’re lying. And are they lying now, you might ask.
Pfft!
What? You think I would even justify that question with a response?
And no, they’re not lying.
Eventually, the head honchos roll in, right on time – that’s one sign of a professional set.
“I’m in touch with my inner lesbian,” says producer Marty Schiff. Before I knew who he was, damned if I didn’t think he looked familiar the second I walked in, and then I heard his voice. I knew he was more than just the producer.
I feel at ease with Schiff immediately – and eventually he tells me why. But before he does, we discuss very important matters, such as the fact he was online in 1985 and believes he may very well have been the first person to type: what are you wearing?
“Sell yourself,” says Schiff, “like you’re a product. Know what cuts of steak are the best, what kinds of shoes are the best; it’s the same with people. I know how to market myself. I’m the actor who will never get the girl. Once I figured that out, the roles and opportunities rolled right in,” Schiff explains.
“No one will factor ‘X’ in LA; actors take themselves so seriously, way too seriously.
Words of wisdom from a man who conquered the Wood of Holly – and then it hits me, well, actually Schiff catches me staring and asks, “Are you even old enough to have watched Nickelodeon?”
“Yes.”
“Out of Control?”
“I loved that show!”
“I was the reporter.”
Oh god … actually – he was the guy I had a crush on as a tween. I’m sure I turn bright red and giggle nervously, before I run away.
And I begin to run just in time for Jeff Monahan to block my exit.
I won’t lie – (do I ever?) – I love working with this guy. He has a great reputation, he’s a great writer and hard worker, totally fucking funny – and he has a family that’s as open and warm, as Ohio is bitter cold. While with the make-up artist, Jeff’s daughter Emily, quite the budding artiste, draws a great picture of me (the girl in the drawing is quite svelte, I need to pretend it’s me, thanks) and autographs it for me at my request.
Jeff saunters over, clutching what appears to be keys.
“I’ve got the keys to the cop car! We can do anything!” Jeff cries – and then laughs.
“Great! I’m controlling the siren,” I tell him and we laugh more.
That punchy-drunk, we’ve been up for daze has set in, and the evening has just begun.
II.
She walks in, flawless olive skin, dark wavy hair, lint-free ensemble – she must be the principle actress.
“Hi, I’m Reema Anbari – and I take it you’re the 50’s waitress? Great! Let’s get you in make-up.”
So, she’s not the lead – but easily could be, although she tells me she’s too shy to be in front of the camera. I can no longer relate, but she’s funny and cute – so I decide to like her. Not that she gave me much choice.
III.
“Lindsey Tervo-Clemmens, at your service. Who are you?”
“Dr. Rhonda Baughman – for this shoot, however, Rachelle Williams. You’re the girl with the great boots – I saw you inside.”
“Correct – got them in London, 10 years ago.”
As with Reema, I like her immediately, pangs of jealousy coursing through my bloodstream like I haven’t felt since 7th grade.
They both look so cool – again, as I have said before with this type of occurrence, I just want to be them for a night. To feel what they must feel – they have to know they’re the coolest things this town will ever see. Even cooler than me – and I know it. Although, I will admit – it feels good to want something you know you can’t have - at least for me it does. Call me masochistic, I guess.
IV.
Assistant Director Jason Calabro is the male version of hot persona and raw talent his female colleagues Reema and Lindsey possess. He tells me in this second round of Romero shorts, Michael Fischa, Marty Schiff, Jeff Monahan, and Matt Walsh all have roles – blink and you’ll miss them.
It’s true – Fischa is the head cook in “Quota” – and I think he has less screen time than I do – but we prep and execute our roles as if we were the principles. It’s the universal sign of true professionals. Or as that cliché insists: no small roles, only small minds and people. And it’s true.
Samrat Kharel, crew member and intern, indicates this is his first film set he’s worked on – and he works hard. Even at 3am he has yet to sit down. “It’s interesting – and a lot of work. I respect all of the work – all of the workers – all of the talent it takes to bring a production together. Especially the grips!” he states, echoing the same sentiment expressed by Michelle Bauer in my interview with her for December 2008’s issue of Sirens of Cinema. They are correct – should the grips unite and walk off, you’re movie is dead in the water for the evening.
Chris Nicholson, crew member and Production Assistant for Monahan’s team, “heard the project scenarios a few weeks beforehand – and it’s so wonderful to see a vision come to life and to be a part of that. I really enjoy working with Jeff – he was my instructor and a top instructor at that.”
“I knew there was that aura about Jeff, I just knew it!” I say excitedly and probably, inappropriately.
“He’s a very hands-on, practical experience type of teacher and he really gives you an insider’s perspective. His real world knowledge about production, direction, and screenplays really brings to life what might otherwise be a straight business process.”
Kevin Hawkins, Sound crew member, also worked on the first round of Deadtime Stories. He found the experience so pleasant and memorable hat he came back for more when asked. He also indicates the “budget is bigger now, and it really helps to have all of the people that we have, even the extras, for this shoot – it really adds something to the whole event.”
Marcel Mejia, Camera Assistant for the team, and someone who obviously has no idea how attractive he is, says the whole experience has just, quite simply, been “fun.” He also worked on the first round of Deadtime Stories and has retuned for more – “the whole operation runs very smoothly” indicates Mejia – obviously judging by the number of excited to work at 3am returnees – myself included.
So – hear that Romero team? It sounds like you have a winner on your hands – so when you have a chance to wipe off all of the fake blood – give yourselves a pat on the back.
