Palace of Fine Arts "Trauma" film set!
OMG!
Did I sleepwalk back home and wake up dazed and confused?
No, by golly, there's the Golden Gate bridge stretching majestically across the bay.
And, I can hear the distinctive clang of the cable cars (which always conjures up images of tasty Rice-A-Roni).
Then, what's with all the lights! cameras! and action! on the exquisite lush grounds at the Palace of Fine Arts?
And, yesterday, didn't I spy a film crew down at City Hall, when I attempted to rustle up some scandalous poop on Mayor Gavin Newsom?
No, it wasn't TMZ, dudes!
In both instances, Hollywood power-players chose to set up shop, away from the daily grind of ego-driven LA LA LAND (often referred to as America's "Dream Factory").
A pilot for a new TV Show - titled "Facing Kate" - was lensing some celluloid amidst the architectural-beauty of the sprawling downtown Civic Center.
My inside sources have informed me that the USA (TV cable) drama focuses on a female lawyer who becomes a mediator by the end of the show.
Audiences will have to tune in the following week to episode #2 to determine how the legal eagle fairs in the challenging career move, I expect.
But, not so fast.
A pilot is just a "teaser" for a projected idea for a weekly drama or comedy series.
If the "promo" is well-crafted (and the reaction of a test audience is keen) it may get the "green light".
Years ago, I was hired to play a bit part on a comedy pilot for Disney, with the curious title of "Home Improvement".
Although the project was an unknown equation when the first show was filmed, I instictively fathomed right off-the-bat - by the witty dialogue and likeable characters - that it was going to be a hit show.
Ah, history bears me out!
Undoubtedly, San Francisco's talent pool is pulling for "Facing Kate", and the flow of bucks it's sure to generate in the production phase if a few episodes are ordered up.
Meanwhile, across town, "Trauma" was shooting intense action-scenes for an exciting upcoming episode about a sniper who stalks uniformed authorities.
An old expression springs to mind:
"There's something about a man in a uniform."
I surmise the plot is a twist on that theme, eh?
If you're an entertainment buff, and are gung-ho about hanging around film sets, here's a schedule of their upcoming shoot dates and info on the whereabouts of their location sets:
Friday January 8th
Production crew sets up shop @ Steiner & Grove (Alama Square)
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday & Tuesday January 11th & 12th
Production crew set up shop @ U.N. Plaza
6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Who knows, maybe you'll get discovered!
