Never in my life did I ever think that I would actually get on the set of an actively filming movie or TV show. But I should know by now, to never say never being married to Bobby Warren. For example, he made my dream of meeting Ricardo Montalban come true – – a story for another post. This time it was being on the Mercy Street set. This amazing experience ended up taking place on my birthday.
Due to the fact that a local doctor, Dr. Tony Tizzano, is a historical consultant for the PBS produced Civil War medical drama, Bobby arranged for us to visit the set. (He is a reporter for The Daily Record and is doing a series of stories for the newspaper.) My first impression is there are a lot of people involved in the production of a TV show. Mind you, I knew that because I have watched plenty of credits that run at the end of a movie. However, it is one thing to know something second hand and another thing to know it from being there. My second impression was that it is amazing how quiet things can get, once the camera starts rolling. The minute before a camera is rolling can be filled with people talking, generators running and various noises made by moving equipment. The next all you can hear is the crunch of gravel and birds singing.
I read an article once of a person who had some involvement with a movie. They explained how exciting it was to be on the set the first time. And how tedious it was. I now understand. It was exciting to see the actors who portray characters that I have now come like in the show. But then it was just a lot of sitting around and watching people move equipment, lights and trying to find shade on the hot Virginia day.
Don’t get me wrong, I am really glad to have had the opportunity. I also think I have a much better appreciation of what people go through to create a TV show for entertainment purposes. I also really appreciate the detail and commitment to historical accuracy the writers, directors and producers strive to portray. Dr. Tizzano provides expertise on medical procedures. Audrey Davis provides expertise around the slave and contraband story lines (contraband being the runaway slaves who made it to Alexandria, Virginia). I got to talk to both on this day.
While I unfortunately didn’t get to spend any significant amount of time with the stars from the show, I did say hello to Gary Cole, who plays Mr. Greene, at the hotel. And Josh Radnor, who plays Dr. Foster, walked within a few feet of me on the set. Both of them looked very intent on what they were doing. They obviously take their work very seriously which is evident in the quality of their performances.
I can’t wait to see the next season of Mercy Street. Exact details of when it will air has not been decided. I think it will be in January, though. I hope I’ll be able to relive the day that I was on set for the scene they worked on. Bobby seems to think I’ll play it over and over again with the help of the DVR. He might be wrong, but you never know.
Me, too! Bobby is awesome!