by Mj Ferruzza

Created on: March 14, 2007   Last Updated: August 05, 2008

Taking advantage of Relatives and Far Away Friends.

I love Jekyll Island Georgia. It was an island once owned
completely by the Newport crowd of East Coast elite. It was
where the Morgans, the Pulitzers, the Rockefellers, the Astors
and others would live between New Years and the Easter season
on Palm Beach. During World War II the government bought the
island back from these families (since they deemed 1/6 of the

world's wealth lived on that island). The 9 mile long, 2 mile wide
island has since become a State Park. They have renovated the
cottages and the Club House. There are rental cottages and a few
very nice hotels on the island. There are also 6 golf courses.
I used to go there every year as a kid. I made friends with the
island kids at the marina where I fished daily. Over the years,
I grew and started a family, they did the same.
One Spring trip there, I arrived on the island with family and friends.
A buddy of mine Scott (an islander I had known for 15+ years)
called me when I arrived. He asked if I was still doing that dramatics!
I said yes and he informed me that they were filming a movie on the
island. I asked where the production company was staying. He told me
of the hotel. I put together a contact letter, including a picture,
small resume and info sheet on how to get a hold of me on the island.
I dropped it off at the hotel and went off fishing.
By the time I got home, I had a message from the production team.
They wanted to know if I was available to shoot as an Extra for the
next couple of days. I said yes. And for the next 4 days I was in the
movie Glory, filming along side Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and
this up and comer named Denzel Washington. The entire trip was all but a
complete tax write-off because I went there "looking for work". It was a
great time.

A few years back, My Aunt Mary near Buffalo had come across a movie audition
notice. It was a James Garner picture. They were looking for glorified extras.
Same situation. I was on an extended stay. I had the time to be involved in
a few days of shooting.

I counsel many talent who visit specific vacation spots or relatives across
the country. I give them these bits of advice which I now pass on to you:

1. If you know ahead of time where and when you are going on an extended stay
(10 days to 2 weeks), contact an agent or management company in that area.
Send marketing materials.
2. Carry a contact letter (easily editable), demos and definitely a head shot/comp card.
3. Always keep friends and relatives on notice when visiting there area.
4. Keep up to date on projects being filmed or done in THAT area.
5. Always keep good records of meals, mileage and miscellaneous, if you get
work, they can all be a tax write off. These also include gas, phone bills,
hotel rooms.

If you are cast..GREAT! If not, don't worry this time...the system works!

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