Amazing set today!

These are SO, SO, SO TOP SECRET photos!!!!

Real fire, smoke and tons of injured extras everywhere!!  This is the set that they've been talking about like crazy. They've been working on it for over a month (not so long for movie but really long time for a tv show) and highest budget. 

The girls had to lay on the ground over and over again but it was a balmy 24° do it wasn't nearly as bad. You all know us and our deep hatred of the cold so it was so bizarre to hear ourselves say that at 24° "It's not so bad today."  Queue Twilight Zone music. :-O

They didn't have it nearly as bad as all those poor extras. I'm always in awe of all they give...so important and they're always some of the nicest folks to visit with. :-)

Couldn't get any photos of them laying on the ground from where I was but a wonderful person from the crew got me this amazing shot of the main actresses running them to safety.

That long black crane down the middle is one of the many cameras and it is huge. 

After they were done, Avi wanted to take advantage of being all bloody and broke some fangs off of a plastic fork.  Oi vey.  :-)

Random dirty snow photos and the just one more reason I'm thankful we don't live in this sort of cold.  Also the world's largest McDonald's. :-)

FX day!!

I know no one is sharing but have to say again, please DO NOT POST OR FORWARD any of these photos. Seriously, these are considered confidential. They are ok with taking personal photos to share with family but it's a HUGE no-no to post on any social media or forward on. They really are very serious about it in this industry for obvious reasons. Thank you!!! :-)

In the FX department's hands.

Great but COOOOOOOOLD day.

Filming today went great but what can we say, it was freaking COLD.  She and the other little girl did great.  I felt so bad for the other actors also and the 160 extras that were there for background and to be attendees and joggers at the charity race.  Yea, not much more to say except it was brutal.

She got to work with Jesse Spencer a little today.  He was super nice as everyone has been.  He had fun cutting up with the girls to spite the cold.

She's excited about tomorrow as they've made a special prosthetic for her to simulate a shaved part of her head that they will be drilling into in order to relieve the pressure of bleeding in her brain....ah movie magic. :-)

Still grateful to be here but Whaaaaaaaaaaa!!! :'o

Today's filming

Today was LONG!!!!  I don't have any photos since that's a pretty big no-no on set but she was in the same outfit and make-up as yesterday (will be for the whole thing).  Today's shoot was her being concerned about her friend who was injured in a bombing at a charity race and her character looks like she's going to be ok but then she suddenly goes into having a massive seizure.  Of course she knew she could do it but was still very nervous which is normal for scenes that are awkward or emotional.  She nailed it time and time again (probably about a dozen takes after all the different angles).  She got "Amazing!" from the director over and over as well as high fives from all of the cast, tons of the crew and even the extras. :-)



Every free moment they have on set is filled with schooling...blah!  You know me, she's working hard enough that she could take off for a week and be fine but they are required by law.  The teacher is wonderful though and letting her do our work but also bringing a lot of fun learning games as well.  It's just a fact of this industry.  I know why the laws are there but still wish that something filming for only about a week or so could be a freebie.  Or at least honor homeschooling laws of the state you're from.  Whine, whine, whine...just hate that she can't have some down time.  Oh well, she's been a trooper as usual and does what it takes.  Guess it's just the mama bear coming out in me. :-/



On a different note, I should have taken a picture but going into the Walgreens a few blocks away was so funny to us.  You know how we walk into our Walgreens and there's a huge assortment of flip-flops, cover ups, sunblock and ice chests?  Well here, it's hats, gloves, ear muffs, scarves and UG-style boots!  Saying this from experience since we went there after getting "home" this evening to be prepared for tomorrow.  Luckily Sylvia sent some amazing Barbour coats with me which will be a life saver (thank you!!).  I will be layering, layering and more layering.  So, did I mention how much I love living where we live?  Cold is such a pain in the butt!!!!


Just watched the newest Chicago Fire and now watching the news...the news is reporting about the RECORD temps coming in tonight and to be followed by 3 snow storms!!  Even all the locals are freaking out.  Dang!  We're hitting the hay since we have a 7:00 AM pick up time and a long shivering day.  Oh man, just thought of that...everyone was joking with us about being done with the day and not having to convulse anymore...looks like she's not in the clear quite yet since they'll be tons of shivering for tomorrow. :-)

Getting "fitted" for placement for FX (Special Effects dept.) to make a prosthetic for her for when they drill into her head on Thursday.

Tomorrow with all outdoor filming. Whaaaaaaaa!!!

-15 to -25!!! OMG!! Yea, going to keep whining.

Now!!

First Day Filming

First day was great!  Everyone has been so wonderful.





Wish us luck starting on Wednesday though...it's going to be a high of 10!! 10!! And that's the day she starts filming outside for the next several days. Ug!! She's a trooper though and they promised to take good care of her with Under Armour, warmers, etc. even the natives here say that it's going to be rough. Eek. :-o

In her trailer.

Special effects making their clothes super dusty.




How's that for a snack? Crunched up Brownie Brittle, jelly beans and Hershey Drops. Oi vey.

Spending some of her hard earned dollars.

Yesterday, Friday

***I know that most everyone already assumed this but just wanted to say that we don't mind at all if you want to let family and friends see these posts on your computer but if you would pretty please keep this link private and not share or forward it to anyone since these are personal entries for us, friends and family.  Thank you!!  XXOO***

Chicago is such a neat town!  Enjoying learning a lot of the history of the town from our driver back and forth from set. 

Started the morning out bright and early. We had to go to the Illinois Board of Education office to get the girls their work permit. Then we headed over for fittings at wardrobe, then lunch and then a whole afternoon of school, then a quick snack and they took us to the Chicago Fire & PD production office.  It was about at 15 minute drive between places.  Couldn't say exactly where in the city since I haven't gotten my bearings yet but doing a lot of exploring today and tomorrow.

Our driver was telling us that this episode that we're working on is a "biggy" and that they've been working on the sets for weeks and weeks now.  So while we were at the production office, there was a huge energy of excitement from everyone...the director, producers, AD's, make-up...everyone!  Come to find out that yes, this is THE biggest episode they've ever filmed.  Biggest budget, longest set up time, etc.  Everyone was so happy to see the girls and they explained the scenes and what special effects make-up they're going to have.  She's so excited!  I'll type up a synopsis of the episode this evening.  The schedule as of now is for it to air Tuesday, April 1 and then you have to watch "Chicago PD" on Wednesday, April 2 to find out what happens to the girls. :-)

We've been enjoying visiting with the little girl and her mom so much.  She and Avi hit it off right away and I'm thrilled to say that the mom is fabulous.  We have so much in common and are really enjoying visiting.  They are from Manhattan and she has three girls (6,9,12). They all act but this is the biggest thing the middle daughter, Aimee, has ever done.  Her big sister worked in the Broadway play "Matillda". That's always been one of our favorite movies so hopefully we'll get to see the play one day (think I heard it was coming to Austin).  Anyway, both mom and Aimee are very down to earth, sweet and a blast to be around (thank goodness). :-)

Also, the girls, and us moms, are crazy about the teacher.  She is so fun and has been doing this for years and years.  She's worked with so many famous kids and has wonderful stories and wisdom about the industry.

Waiting on work permits. 

Wardrobe fitting time!

Playing Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots at Wardrobe Department.