The Space Between
Feature Film
Drama
Starring:
Melissa Leo
Release Date: 2011
Leaving On A Jet Plane:
This is my second feature film and I'm cast as a passenger for the second time -- consecutively after my bit as a passenger on Monk. Hhhmmm, I think the universe thinks I need some travel time! This time I'll be an airline passenger.
A Serious Film:
I looked up the film and was a little surprised to see that it's a drama apparently about a young boy (10-ish) who is trying to make his way back to New York on Sep 11, 2001 -- and the Flight Attendant (Melissa Leo) who helps him.
Tricksters!:
The initial caller about my schedule had asked if I could be in West Covina at 8:15am the following day for the shoot. That's about 1-hours' drive from me and it's in the heart of Los Angeles morning traffic -- but, of course "I'll be there" is my answer. But, once there and checked-in it's made clear to us all that we're then boarding vans that will take us to the set located at Ontario Airport! Sacrebleu! Tricksters! Haha!! No matter really - after all, they're springing for the drive there and it's only about 15 or 20-minutes further.
All Aboard:
Once at the set, we jumped right into the scene. For me, they want me to stand in line to board the plane and when I get to the Boarding Checker pause there a little and then walk down the ramp to board. First rehearsal is called and when I get to the Checker I see the familiar face of
Alexandra Holtzman who I've now run into on 3 shoots (The Mentalist, Monk, The Space Between)! So, that's a comfort. I decide that my character has momentarily misplaced his ticket - and that's going to give me reason to pause a moment while I look around for it; in my coat; in my bag.
Lots Of Crossing:
There's not a whole lot more to tell about this shoot. They shot several scenes right there at the boarding gate with the principal actors. While that's going on they need people to cross the scene to make the place look busy and full of people. So, much of the rest of the day for me was crossing to and fro -- there and back again. In the afternoon they asked those of us with a change of clothing to go ahead and change and then come back for more crossing.
A Sombre But Beautiful Sunset:
Since this story is taking place with the Sep 11 Attacks as the backdrop, I noticed a certain sense of sadness and reflection all day. Being a drama the scenes with the principals were on the serious side ranging from farewell scenes as the father said goodbye to his boy to scenes where the flight attendant was trying to comfort him. While waiting in between shots many of us Backgrounders sat or stood near windows and looked out at the tarmac; the planes coming and going.
As I was driving home near sunset the Los Angeles traffic got too thick to bear. So, I pulled off the road and grabbed a coffee and a slice of pumpkin bread at a Starbucks in Pico Rivera. I sipped and munched as I sat outside at a table and admired the beautiful October sunset; with it's intense deep orange afterglow. I wasn't too far from the Borders Books location there where I played many times with my friend Lynn Davison in my duo Davison/Coleman; so, good memories too.
It sure felt good to be in an airline terminal again. The last time I flew was about 1-year ago now and that was just a hop over to Las Vegas. I'm aching to really fly off to New York; or Europe! Well, maybe next year.
My next booking is this Friday for a show called "Gigantic." I get to put on a suite and be an attendee at a high-toned affair.
-- Cole --