It all started about a month ago when the news about George Clooney coming to St. Louis to star in the film , Up In The Air. The buzz was amazing. They were looking to hire 2000 extras to be in the movie! In addition, some were to be speaking parts but only for members of the union. As you may know, the economy is not so hot now, so this will bring in some mega bucks for the St. Louis area. My mind (and others too, I suspect) was spinning. Why not apply, I wondered? This was an opportunity not to be missed. Add a little excitement to my life! Hours could be long, but it won’t last long either. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

I checked out the web site, mofilm.org and found the form to download and fill out. They also wanted a photo, so I headed for Target to copy a photo taken during the holidays. I proceeded to head for Talent Plus, Inc, located downtown and get the application submitted. Once there, I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and handed off the paperwork and photo. The receptionist said they’d been very busy and to check January 16 on the web site again for more information. Finally the day came and more instructions to download the paperwork and add another color photo. Applicants were to head to Crestwood Mall to appear in person for an interview. Specific times were set for Saturday & Sunday and I planned to be there and be early!

The 23rd finally arrived and it was a cold, frigid day but sunny. I headed out and was there by 8:30a.m. The start time was to be 10a.m. When I arrived, I found I was not the only one there and there was a pretty good line of people, both men and women. They were dressed in varied attire. They had specified European clothing and wanted to know acting experience, but it wasn’t required. Some folks brought luggage with them! Around 10:00a.m, we had queued up to the entrance of the interview room and it was my turn. We’d been 5-6 deep and the line went on forever.

You couldn’t see the beginning or the end of the line; there were so many people, and even more coming as I left. The interview was short, as the young woman and I discussed the availability and requirements.

Only 2000 lucky people were to be chosen. As we sat there, I thought of the movie Shrek, in the beginning, where the three little pigs, jump up and down, shouting, “Pick ME, Pick ME”!

We all wanted to be the ones getting picked, but if we didn’t, it was O.K. It was exciting to be a part of the crowd and meeting others standing in line. I met a woman that was originally from Venezuela and now living here, she’d been a stewardess, and her daughter and husband were trying out too! He has cancer and her daughter goes to Webster University and had acting experience. Another young woman was from Shiloh, IL and had a husband and 2 young kids. We all had something in common; we all wanted to be in the movie and see George Clooney, even if it was from a distance! My interview went well, and I handed over my paperwork and went on my way. The crowds had thickened and they had allowed them to wind their way further down the mall so they wouldn’t have to stand in the cold. It was all handled extremely well, and smoothly. The crowd was friendly and waited patiently for their turns.

O.K., George, if you happen to read this I only have this to say, “Pick ME, Pick ME!” They said there were 8000 people that turned in their applications! We may have to wait until April 20th to get a call, but I’m ready when you are, George!

What a great way to see the different parts of the City of St. Louis! Check out Frontyard Features for a fun forty evenings of forty movies shown on a BIG Screen!

Granted, I'm giving you this information a bit late, but you still have time to take part. Check it out and tell me what you think about this idea. This is giving people time to get out and meet one another at various parks within the city and get reacquainted with friends and neighbors. HAVE FUN!