Two more ‘Extra’ reports from the New Orleans sets of ‘Memphis Beat’ & ‘Contraband’

March 23, 2011

One of our readers, Travis, was an extra on the set of Contraband as it wrapped up shooting in New Orleans a couple weeks ago, check out what he had to say about his day on set:

Today, March 10th, 2011 was my second and final time on the set of Contraband and it was better than the first time. Ben Foster, Kate Beckinsale, and Giovanni Ribisi left New Orleans weeks ago because their scenes were wrapped, but I did get to work with J.K. Simmons, Mark Wahlberg, and Lukas Haas. Mr. Simmons plays a captain on a ship and he was a ton of fun to work with. He is so funny, on and off the set he is a pleasure to work with. He ate and talked with the extras like we had known him for years. I took a picture with him and he was more than eager to take a photo with me.

As filming began and Mark Wahlberg came into the part of the ship that we were filming in, I did not even go up to him and he walked over to me and said, “hey, what’s up—you’re back again, huh? That’s great bro!” That was so awesome that the last time I worked with him was on Feb. 4th and he could single me out and remember me an entire month later. During filing when we had to reset, he walked right past me and just tapped me on my arm as he went back to his original position. It was great! He is a down to Earth and an amazing actor and human being.
A few hours later, Lukas Haas was coming up the stairs to begin filming his scenes and before he did, I went up to him and said, “Hey, Lukas…remember me?” He was like no, not really, and then I reminded him of the scenes that we filmed in Algiers Point and how we were talking the entire night and then he said yes, and I told him that I saw and advanced screening of Red Riding Hood and he asked me what I thought of it. I told him that I thought it was good, but his character was kind of funny. And he went on to tell me that it was not his kind of role to play! He was taking pics of the ship with his cell phone and then I asked him for a picture and he said that was no problem and we took a pic together.
Originally, I was set to play a Borden Seaman, but then wardrobe changed me into a 3rd Mate and it was so much fun. My name was Joe Sharper, and I had a walkie talkie and looked like I belonged on a ship! Lol!
Filming will take place for one week in Panama production told us and then that is it! It was great working with the entire cast and it is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!

Travis also worked on the TNT series Memphis Beat, here’s a bit about his experience on that set too:

March 11th was my first day on the set of the second season of TNT’s drama series, Memphis Beat starring Alfre Woodard, Jason Lee, Celia Weston, and DJ Qualls. I had the pleasure of interacting and meeting all four of these actors. During the scene, where the preacher was reciting some scripture, I was standing next to Ms. Woodard and when the director yelled cut I took the time to shake her hand and told her I loved her. They were all very nice and a lot of fun to film with.
Basically, the scene that we filmed was a funeral scene of a Memphis Police Officer. We were at a Veterans Cemetery and there were real dedicated Jefferson Parish police officers there to fire gun shots/rounds to salute the deceased, but with Memphis uniforms on. I was playing the role of a family member/friend of the deceased. We filmed from 7:15am until 6:30pm. Alfre Woodard and Celia Weston were eating lunch at the same location as the extras, but in a different area. Unfortunately, I was not able to get any photos with them, but maybe next time. The service was very much like one you would see on TV or in real life. Once the sun went down, it started to get chilly and we wanted to wrap it up so quickly! Lol! There was a scene with Jason Lee getting into a confrontation with someone towards the end of the night and all of the extras had to watch that and react to it as we were walking to our vehicles at the end of the service. It was great filming with these fine actors and actresses and I hope to work with them again in the near future. The new season of Memphis Beat starts in June of 2011!
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