Saturday, September 14, 2013

Movie Extras One Fine Day In Benson--**Take Two!**







             A few posts back I told about our experiences as the kids being extras in a children movie being shot in the area.   It was an extra long day, but an amazing experience.  And I deeply thank everyone that made this possible for us.  The movie is supposed to come out in November, so now we get to sit and wait for the great release.   For official pictures, producers thoughts, and a more up to date release timeline please check out the Facebook page--- Cochise County Pictures LLC   They are the company putting out the movie, and have an awesome  web sight.  




      About two weeks after the dance scenes were shot, we were all invited to be extras on the last day of shooting for the film.  They needed people to fill the grandstands on this day.   And eat pop corn and cotton candy in the background shots.  A ruff job, but our family felt up to the challenge.   This was filmed at the local Arena Bar.



    I have talked about this great place in past blog posts.  And with there corrals, huge arena, and mountain filled backdrops, it was a perfect fit for the filming.  The entire bar opened up for family's to cool off in between shots.  It tried to stay cloudy outside, but this is Southern Arizona.  Everyone involved also got a great lunch, from the chow shack!   We also received our T-shirts on this day. 







I am always a sucker for neat looking clouds. 

      This was the last day of filming, so much was going on all day.  And there was certainly much to Explore.  Along with all stages of filming to watch. 




      Our daughter--soon to be nicknamed "Super Star" , soon attached herself to the horses on the large set.  Becoming very attached to one in particular.    



   
      She has never really been around horses, but just has that vibe and knack and soon appeared to others that she has grown up with a colt glued to her hip.   This one certainly was for the day.  And the next thing we knew, she had worked her way into an actual speaking role in the movie!   One were she leads "her" horse onto the set and eventually gets interviewed.  I use the quotes loosely, because if we had room for the horse, she would have found a way to bring it home, even if it was only for a few hours.   In the scene-that of course was shot many a time, "Super Star" is in a 4-H horse grooming competition and she is showing her horse, along with other kids.  Including the main star of the movie.  Each child gets there horse inspected by the judges and than answers there tough questions.   I have to say it was all a really neat experience.  Especially for our daughter!   Maybe this will lead to her becoming recognized and really a "Super Star."


Jess to the right in the pink hat

As they look over the horses before the next shoot.


During filming  ---Jess again to the right.
I usually do not put any of the kids names in print--but her full name will be in the credits on the big screen, so thought it was OK this one time.
**I did not take this picture--it is from The Arena Bar Facebook page**


Some more of the stars








**Again I did not take this shot-since I am in it**    It is from the Cochise County Pictures LLC page, check it out  they have a great sight!   


          The rest of our family sat in the heat in the grandstands and was the cheering crowd.  Not that there wasn't many other extras as spectators, but we had much of the crew present including our two boys, my wife, her mom and her uncle.  Be sure and watch for us all. 


  
         
               

Friday, September 13, 2013

Bisbee Bound




                          

                         About a month ago work took me through Bisbee, Arizona.   I was in a rush to get back home, but managed to snap a few pictures before leaving the area.  What I did see of the town impressed me.  Making me wish to Explore again on a bigger scale.  I hear the town holds a 1000 stair climb in October, and hope I can check out the town much more.  It also sounds like a great way to wear out all of the kiddos at the same time.  Last week I snagged another job that started in Bisbee.  This job did not provide a ton of actual profit, after all of the driving, but did give me a chance to roam more around the city.  Before picking up the load -I had time to Explore the town and get some more pictures.  This mainly made me want to spend more time here, but here are some shots and thoughts on this day.  


       I am always a sucker for old buildings.  And plenty were around.  The old narrow streets were easy to navigate on foot.  Although the town is all on hills, so the photo shoot was a little tiring. 

The first trip took me very near Douglas and the boarder.  
After moving from very near the Canadian boarder, it is a huge change for us, 
but mostly a good change for sure. 
I did not venture to close to this old school house, because 
school was in session.  
And hanging around some buildings with a camera is not advised. 


                            Across from the old school was this lonely wind mill.  

I always enjoy a good cloud picture. 


Near the windmill is this old car bridge.  It is now abandoned. 
And I am not sure it could even be used by foot traffic anymore.  
But it is unique all the same. 


We than drove through the large traffic circle and ended up in old town, desperately low on gas. 
After directions not needed anymore, I noticed that the traffic circle was accented with large letters, that doubled as a compass. 

This part of town is beautifully restored.






                             This very old Greyhound bus sits in front of the restored station. 
I have rode many a bus in the past, and had before thought I was ridding on some old buses.  



Just past the old buildings is this huge pit.   
Many more surround the town.  But this is one of the largest open pits I have seen in a long time. 







                      This is a mining town for sure.   And the evidence is all around.          



                                  Catch a tour underground into this famous mine.  
A nice sized free visitor center surrounds the tour if you do not have the cash or desire to enter the mine.   And a large RV park sits close, if you want to Explore the town even longer.  




You can also travel the town by trolley.
Learning much more about the rich heritage.



Sit awhile and take in the great views.


                                        A large museum I still need to Explore. 




Old jail house turned motel.


Spray painted but great art can also be found through the entire  town.



Cool off with a local brew or three.







Court houses are always great buildings. 
This one was established in 1904







                                                 Recall Woolworth's?   They still had one in Wyoming 
                                         Were I grew up.  But it went under many years back.




                                                 Local artists bright view of the town.      



Here I am dreaming of coffee.
I did not have time to check out this great looking brew house or it's coffee.
If any of my readers have thoughts on the shop or the coffee
please let me know. 
I do love a great cup of the brew of the God's.


                                             

Next Exploring blog post
Part II of our adventures on the set.   
This part filmed at the great Arena Bar in Benson, Arizona.




As always

**Happy Trails!**

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