If you don't know us and haven't ever heard Dan speak, you may not know that he does voice over work (in addition to public speaking and ministerial stuff, but that's another story for another post). Ten seconds after meeting Dan, you'd know it, because he sounds like what would happen if science created a Don LaFontaine meets Casey Kasem mash-up. Before they were dead and 80, respectively.
Last year Dan signed with an agency to expand his network of clients. This particular agency also recruits for on camera stuff - TV, film, commercials, etc. About a month ago, they invited Dan and Evan to take part as extras in a Western being filmed in Ohio. Evan isn't registered with the agency. That part happened because I have been too busy to take Dan's head shots, so he had to submit a photo of himself and Evan together. Well, if YOU saw this photo, wouldn't you ask for this kid to be in your movie too? Yes, of course you would.
Above photo taken by Kelly Rankin
For anyone who has (or ever had) a 3 year old, you know they do things on their own terms. So I was a little skeptical that the boy who runs through the house yelling at the top of his lungs would be the best at taking direction.
Well, imagine my surprise when not only did he do everything he was asked to do, he did so without a nap that day. This included "quiet on set!" I'll be adding a Director's blow horn to my Amazon wish list. He threw just one fit that day and that was when I had to put his costume on him. It was unseasonably cold and rainy and he was already wearing his favorite shirt (bad choice on my part). I was fairly sure he would be equally enthusiastic about being in the make-up chair, but God bless those women for being super fast.
Evan was the youngest kid on set and you'd have thought he was the star. The lead bad guy - McCready, 'cause all bad guys in Westerns are named McCready - suggested bringing a car around to keep Evan warm between takes. I'm such a bad stage mom because I politely declined. No need to spoil this kid on his first movie!
For this scene, Dan had to run with Evan in his arms, away from McCready. I took the shots during Dan's practice runs with Evan.
Notice how scared Evan looks. I'm fairly certain he giggled every time Dan took off. Thank goodness for post production.
Staying warm between takes (iPhone)
Because of the sporadic downpours, we spent a lot of time just waiting and resting.
And learning to ride pretend horses with McCready, the
bad guy total softie.
It was a long, but fun day. When we asked Evan if he'd want to do another movie, he said, "yes, a fireman movie, or Batman. I already did the cowboy movie."
That's a wrap!
Photography Note: My post-processing of the b/w images isn't consistent because I wanted to play around with a more vintage look given the subject. I preferred the shot of the mom and son as a straight b/w though.
You can pretend like it's nobody's business. And that's your only job. Though if you had your way, you would indeed grow up to be Batman.
This year I enrolled you in gymnastics. There are good and bad days. When you love it, you love it. When you don't, we know it. But one thing is true, any job is made easier if you stick your tongue out during the tough parts.
I seriously don't know how it's possible, and I don't recall when it happened, but the wee tot I used to have to help do what seemed like everything, is now the master of his own domain.
But I hope you always know that a little help from daddy or a hug from mommy isn't far away.
Happy Birthday, Evan. We love you.
XOXO,
Mommy and Daddy
