Pic from the set of "Warrior"
Here's the second installment of George McGinnis' adventures as an extra in the major motion MMA picture, "Warrior," be ing filmed right now in Pittsburgh:
Ok. Well today started off a little better. I managed to get 4 - 5 solid hours of sleep, which to be honest is a blessing seeing as how I don't typically get that good of sleep from home. I guess my being up for 30 some hours straight contributed to the much needed rest.
So I grabbed my things and made way for the bus parking lot a.k.a. Extras Parking. Traffic ended up being a bit worse then I anticipated which put me slightly behind schedule, but I managed to make it to the parking lot in time to make the bus. No worries. if I would have missed it, my trusty navigation device would have worked it out : )
I / we arrived at the set and check in. This requires us to fill out a form that simulates a time slip and we head to wardrobe from there to get our training outfits approve for the days agenda / shots. From there we make way to the holding area and await further instruction.
I have noticed that a good bit of the fighters are "standoffish." To be quite honest, I personally suspect this to be in their personality for multiple reasons. (A) They fight, so automatically many of us (i.e. - them) feel they are special or above the average Joe. (B) They have had a handful of fights so others around them (in their opinion) don't have the experience or skills that they do, so us "small timers" who don't fight regularly don't perhaps qualify to be among their presence and or a part of the fighter cast. The funny thing to all this, half of the fools that suggest they are this and that stood side lines while many other fighters did their thing front and center of the main actor cam.
George with a triangle on brother Brett Myers.
Lmao, I must admit that I was slightly amused by the pretentious ones that just looked like they were ready to go into a "Diva Tantrum" because they weren't in the shot. On the other hand, there were in fact quite a few talented fighters in the extra's cast pool. One guy wrestled for Ohio State and competes as an MMA pro. Another gentleman competed on an Elite X.C. card. There was a couple of blacks belts there along with a brown belt that seemed rather savvy on the ground. A LionHeart fighter is also among the extras cast.
Today was pretty cool. Wasn't a whole lot of waiting around. They grabbed me and others early on. My first experience on actual film was yesterday towards the end of the day. I was asked to walk past the camera's and to grab a drink from the fridge. Today they had me work in on a heavy bag forest (apparatus that holds several bags). I worked for a while doing basic leg and punch combination drills as back ground fill for the scene. I would soon later be asked to work right out and front of the camera performing 8 plus piece combinations that incorporated both boxing and Thai (my actual combo design as well, ha ha). From there (a bit later) I was asked to improvise so I situated myself both in and out of the main cam view working as a fighter who was shadowing for form. That also incorporated my tiny arsenal of kicks and punches *winks* I was then asked again to head out in front with another gentlemen. They seemed to appreciate any and all initiative and simple insight detail, so I respectfully offered it when and where it seemed appropriate. I formulated a combination that I teach back home and couldn't wait to do they boys proud, but we were soon after pulled from the scene just minutes before roll due to the scene being to crowded. Darn it!
Though I was disappointed, I would later be redeemed. After lunch, the cast director called for all grapplers. "Could it be" I thought. "Is it sincerely time for us ground monkeys to shine?!". I had anticipated a low key back ground scene with me having the pleasurable opportunity to work with someone who had little to no experience in Jiu Jitsu and would likely be as stiff as a cadaver at John Hopkins Surgical Practice Center. I however, lucked out as my father would say. They lined up not one but two of the main characters and we (me and other fighters) drilled specifics that I will hold off on speaking of for the time being.
I will how ever say this. To my fighters: Not only will it look familiar, but I told you Judo was and will continue to be vital in an MMA fighters arsenal *smiles*
To Paul: It's on baby! This buds for you *holds up soda* : )
Thanks guys. More tomorrow. Night!
Sincerely Yours: George McGinnis
York Mixed Martial Arts Academy
www.YMMAA.com
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