Now here is an example of why everyone love Ron Howard. Listen to this spy report on his experiences at last night's big game, where Ron Howard and Matthew M. decided to film a critical zamboni scene. The shoot lasted until waaaaaaaaay into the evening. The crowd got smaller, but the ever trustworthy eve vigilant AICN rookie spy stood by, watch on wrist and notes being made. Here is his wonderful report!!!
This is my first update as a AICN spy. Just call me Stansfield. It is about Ed TV if anyone is remotely interested. Anyway at tonight's Shark's game(who by the way punished the Mighty Quackers of Anaheim), I, along with 17483 fans, were treated to a little Hollywood magic. Ron Howard's Ed TV was filming between intermissions and after the game. I guess this was an easy way of saving about $36,000 on extras for five hours. Here is how it broke down in the very cool Harry Chronology:
First Intermission(aprox. 8:15pmPDT)
We were all told that Ed(Matthew Maconoughy) would be driving out on a zamboni and we were all to scream on cue. He indeed came out to the roar of many screaming fans, most of whom were female. We all cheered as he drove around the ice frantically. We chanted "Ed, Ed, Ed" as the video graphic board spelled it out for us and told us when to say it. Matthew was making goofy faces and stood up as he drove it to get the crowd pumped. Anyway, this lasted about 6 minutes and Ed was off the ice. The stunt driver almost destroyed the Panavision camera mounted on the side against the boards as it drove off. That would be a very expensive "oops". No Matthew was not really driving, except steering this time.
Second Intermission(approx. 9:20pmPDT)
This time the cameras were set up along the sections of the arena and Matthew drove around by himself as there was to be a panoramic shot showing Ed and the screaming crowd. In the film, in case no one knows, Ed is filmed for 24 hours by television cameras and he drives a zamboni for one scene in the bay area. All Shark fans were encouraged to reveal their teal. During this shot, Ed is about to crash into the boards, so we had to react to this. "Oh my!' was the correct way to do this according to the score board.
After the game:
10:05pm
Fans were asked to stay to see filming and be in some close ups next to the ice. About 2500 stayed. Again mostly female.
10:25pm
Ron Howard and crew began setting up the shot as the crowd, now down to about 2300, shouted "Opie" and "Richie" chants at the ice to kill time. I refrained. I am sure he has heard those shouted at him once or twice before in his life. Everyone waited for Matthew, but for me the real excitement was to see Ron. He is responsible for some of the best, like Apollo 13, Ransom, Backdraft.
10:45pm
Filming began as the camera-infested zamboni sans Matthew barreled towards the crowd. No doubt, a reaction shot to Ed's crash into the boards. I was right on the ice for this one. After two or three takes, they were finished. I was watching Ron Howard's kid play hockey on the ice. He is pretty good too. If they ever wanted to make a new version of the Andy Griffith Show, this kid would be a dead lock for his father's original role. He looks exactly like his father did at that age.
11:00pm
The crowd, now down to about 500, were moved down to the other side opposite were the F/X crew were setting up the sugar glass for the crash. This is when Scott, the head P.A. started "working" the crowd. We were to be in the backround as Ed crashed through the glass. Obviously Matthew was done for the night as his stunt double came onto the ice. The head P.A. told bad jokes and misinformed information about the Shark's playoff hopes for about 30 minutes.
11:35pm
The first shot of Ed crashing into the boards occured. Pretty cool stuff, as the crowd went wild behind the zamboni. The crowd applauded the F/X guys. It was announced that there would be one more take. Half the people walked out by the time 12:45am rolled around. More crowd "working" for Scott. He worked hard. I'll give him that.
12:45am
Not even bribes of autographed story boards and stories about Hollywood could keep most from leaving. By this point the crew had called the San Jose Arena ushers to help fill room in the shot. Somehow I think Ron is going to make it work though. Before they rolled cameras for the final time, I asked Scott(head P.A.) what I needed to do to be a P.A. in the industry. He replied you need to talk to people and get to know them. I thought that was what I was doing, as I was quickly dismissed. Before I could ask another crew member, cameras were rolling. Same take, the stuntman crashing through the psudo board.
12:48am
Ron Howard came out on the ice and thanked us for coming. He also wished our Sharks good luck in the playoffs. That scored major points with the small, but loyal remaining crowd.
12:49am
Ron swirled his hand in the air signaling a wrap.
12:55am
Ron and his boy played a little hockey, which I thought was majorly cool, as the crew and fans exited the building. Ron began signing autographs in the penalty box. Where was my Far and Away poster when I needed it? Oh well.
12:59am
The autograph line got a bit longer.
1:11am
Ron actually signed for evryone there as his kid continued to play hockey with the crew, passing the puck around. Father and son walked off the ice and I exited the building.
I was told by a crew member that this film may come out during Christmas time, but I would bet closer to Spring 1999. Well that is my report. I hope to make another in the future. Until then, Houston there is no problem.
Stansfield
