There I was, Googling on the Internet, when I found an ad for extras to appear in an “upscale party” scene for Captain America: Civil War.
“What a long shot,” I thought.
Just for fun, I replied to Casting with a dressy pic of myself in a double-breasted suit. I laughed. The photo made me look more like an upscale funeral director than a party-goer.
Your truly, imitation funeral director
The next morning I received a shock: an email from Casting. They didn’t need me for the party scene, but could I come for a funeral scene? A week later, I was on the set, “mourning” the death of a VIP. (Sorry, no spoilers.) I would‘ve done it for free, but they paid me. The day was fun and educational for this writer. (Dare I saw it was Marvel-ous?)*
What’s all this mean for you? Here’s my advice… Try new things, even if they’re a long shot. Visit new places. Collect novel experiences. Some of my life experiences include hiking and mountain climbing in Colorado, camping in Russia, riding a hot-air balloon with Pam, exploring deserted buildings in Chernobyl, and jumping solo out of perfectly good airplanes. Not only did I enjoy these adventures, but every one became a deposit in my bank of life. They enrich me and help me to write from experience.
True, some experiences cost money. You might want to save bigger ones for vacation. Yet, if you find yourself going through the same old routine each year, it might be time to break out of the pattern. Start locally. Maybe try an ethnic restaurant instead of the usual burger place. Visit touristy sites in your state. Be on the lookout for fresh opportunities—then don’t be afraid to try!
*Disclaimer: I don’t guarantee you’ll see my mournful face in Captain America #3. Plenty of footage ends up on the cutting-room floor, and I was merely a guy in the crowd. But the memories are mine to keep. If I ever need a movie-shoot scene in a novel, I can write what I know!
#CaptainAmerica
Wow! What an experience, Rick. 🙂
Love your new site. Looks great.
Thanks for visiting, Jodie!
Everything is looking good and I know you’re excited about the new book and all that goes with it. Looks like you are off to a great start!
Thanks a bunch, Karen!
I think that is so cool that they used you! I would have been afraid to try. Thanks for the encouraging words!
It was definitely fun, Terri. I wasn’t afraid to try because I assumed they would not even reply to an amateur with no experience. What a surprise when they did!
Oh. my. goodness, Rick. Totally cool! We’ll look for you when we see the film. 🙂 The site looks great and I’m looking forward to reading the new book.
Thanks, Jen. I’ll look for me too, but I’m not holding my breath. Many, many faces in that funeral scene!
What a very cool experience. I’m glad to read about it. Keep on writing! You are doing fantastic!
Thank you, Margaret. The Lord has truly blessed.
Very cool! Would love to do that one day, and yes, you have to work that scene into a novel. Thanks, Rick!
Of course, there was lots of waiting time as they checked each person’s clothing and hair and positioned the cameras, Tom. Not as if it was an action-packed day. I learned how much drudgery and repetition goes into each scene. Thanks!
I can’t even remember the last time I tried something new, fun, and crazy! I’m gonna to do that. ASAP. Thanks for the encouragement, Rick! Can’t wait to read your book, and I love your site! Congrats!!! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Michele. Do let us know which new, fun, or crazy thing you decide to try first. Thanks, too, for wanting to read Methuselah Project and for the kind comments on the new site!