Movie Magic in my Backyard ( Sea of Trees - Matthew McConaughey )

Matthew McConaughey : Photo by Tracey J Whitney

Its really strange to wake up one morning , brush your teeth and see movie trucks parked down your street. In some sense of our world we aren't supposed to be phased by such things. It was no big secret that a movie was being shot here.

"The movie stars McConaughey as a man who goes to the Aokigahara forest at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan, the site of numerous suicides where he encounters a Japanese man (Ken Watanabe) who has lost his way. Together, the two men begin a journey of self-reflection and survival.The Sea of Trees will shoot in various locations around Massachusetts for a couple more weeks before moving to Japan."

Yet I'm never in the right place at the right time. Its always everyone else telling me about there encounters. I was a bit nervous about checking it out to be honest. What if an angry man with a walkie talkie chased me away. My friend Angela and I took the challenge we investigated the set. No way could I even anticipate how it would effect me in a positive way. Inspiring to keep going in life .

With all the social media and behind the scenes sequences. We are privy too via the dvd extra's category. Even before the movie is released some entertainment show is  creating the buzz by showing us how its all done. ( Maybe I don't want to know sometimes)

Where is the mystery ? Where is the magic ? With theater prices skyrocketing a lot of us don't even go to the movies any longer.

 I studied communications and Media in college. I even made a short film for a final exam in one of my classes shot on 8mm film called " Pimpin Aint Easy"  it was a group project.

During this time at college my mom took me too NYC to see my first broadway show. I was amazed by NBC Studios for I sort of understood what was going on. I explained 3 point lighting to my mom. Today I am fortunate to have a radio show I'm not paid for just because I love the process, music and people.

What was amazing to me maybe I might sound a little naive but the process fascinated me. So I've posted pictures of our day on the set. Honestly I had become disenchanted with the industry recently.

This experience was wonderful it was a day of learning. Also rekindling of watching a creative process in action. We meet so many nice people from around my hood. I actually meet some neighbors. Seriously it was just interesting and fun !

I didn't get the whole truck , I was trying to be slick acting like I didn't care

These are the miles of electrical cords that are used on the set. I am not exaggerating miles of cords

Deep breath as I walk in to the College court yard. I see other spectators so I relax a bit.

This is actually pretty interesting , they are setting up the scene outside for the indoors.
The director wanted more branches showing out the window. So They took branches from around the campus.
Kinda a low tech solution which makes it even more amazing. 

Placing branches for SFX 

I run to the coffee shop to meet my friend trying to look cool.
Though I have to tell you it was extremely hot and humid.

Motion Picture equipment ( I think scaffolding probably) 

Food for the Crew and Cast (  I am a geek yes , I even took pictures of this.
Though wait there is more 

and more 

So word got out that Matthew McConaughey was on the set . So we decided to stay a bit longer in the heat 

No just a security guard yet we are all ready 

A very large movie light 

The whole movie crew had cargo pants or shorts with big hats on. I don't blame them I wanted his hat 

I wonder how many movies this crane has done ?

local reporter asking the college kids questions

This was the van rumored to shuttle Mr. Mcconahey 

So by now you realize that my friend and I were there a very very long time . When all of a sudden people were running

It was the one and only Matthew Mcconaughey ( he is in the trenchcoat )  

So this is when everyone says he is going around the otherside RUN ( Hot and humid I ran like a nut ) 

After running like crazy to the other side did it pay off ?

He was in Character 

That's a wrap