CastleTV Show
Season: 2
Episode: 6, "Vampire Weekend"
Air Date: 10.26.09
The Scene:
Hey - I actually got cast into a show by being myself! There was a call to send photos in wearing your Goth/Vampire stuff - so I landed a little part on the show "Castle." This scene is to be at a Vampire Club. We (the vampires) are to be surprised to see two mortals (characters Richard Castle and Kate Beckett) walk in; and we approach them like the fresh blood they are!
Call Time:
My call time was 9:30am on location in downtown Los Angeles. The studio apparently has purchased some old warehouses and has converted them to sets. The traffic was a nightmare at that time of day. It took 1-1/2 hours to travel the 15 miles there.
Makeup:
This was the first time I actually was put into the makeup chair at a production. The guy who worked on me had been part of the makeup team for "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" so I enjoyed that thought. We chatted briefly as he shadowed my eyes and darkened my chin whiskers. On the wall were photos of Goths and Vampires that the makeup people would use as reference. While chatting, we found out the makeup man to my left was also part of the team working on "Priest." Wow -- such a small world! He was one of the guys running about on set making sure we all looked dirty!
On Set:
We all got settled into the holding area by noon; had a break for lunch; and resumed waiting. Right around 4pm we were led to the set. Ah... my eyes beheld the kind of bar I would enjoy - but have never found: dark wood panelling on the walls; wood floors; where there was paint - it was a nice burgundy colour; a few beautiful landscape paintings on the walls; nice furnishings including a couple coffee tables and candle-lamps; and, all bathed in red light accented here and there by candlelight.
The Assistant Director immediately chose me to be one of those who cross the scene - which is good. He had me start at one end of the bar and while crossing - notice Kate Beckett (actress
Stana Katic) and approach her - reaching out for her arm. She of course wants nothing to do with this vampire scene and quickly turns from me and into yet another guy hitting on her.
In-between a couple takes, Stana introduced herself to me and we chatted briefly. I have to say - she's quite charming in person.
More Shots:
There were three more shots to do and so we worked well into the evening. I was in two of the four shots done that day with background. And so, the day finished up at 10pm. Quite a full-day.
Fangs:
All the things you think to do -- after the shooting stops! It occurred to me on the drive home that when Kate turns from me - I should have flashed my fangs at her sarcastically! Darn... well, I must think quicker on the set about how my character would react.
Next call is this Monday Sep 21st for another day of shooting on "Priest" in what they're calling "The Cathedral Scene." Call time: 7:30am.
-- Cole --