Sounds like fun to me. Keep me updated on the plans and let me know where and when I need to be and what equipment I should bring along. Thanks!

I’ll be appearing in the movie as a family lawyer. Indeed, the film’s producer/director is my friend Satya Kharkar who lives in Mount Prospect. He is a software engineer who emigrated from India ten years ago. We met three years ago while taking acting classes at Harper College. We’ve both been appearing in stage plays ever since, and he recently began producing short films: www.youtube.com/user/Anmolmovies?blend=1&ob=5 . I arranged an interview for him with Chicago’s WCIU-TV where I once worked. That was to promote his short film “D.W.T.” (Driving While Texting). “Coin Toss” will be his first full length feature.

I suggested Joe’s Chicago Astronomers to Satya. The group here would principally be involved in a scene in which you are observing a meteor shower. You will be cheering when a large meteor crushes the car of the villain.

As is the case with, Joe, I’ve been trying to convince Satya that meteor showers are not observed during the daytime. Shifting to nighttime creates problems for him regarding integration with nearby related scenes. I’ve suggested that the meteor strike the car shortly after sunrise while the group is still together, or shoot scenes in daylight but with filters making it appear to be moonlight. I imagine a solution will eventually be chosen that is both practical and realistic.

The movie takes place in both Galena and Chicago. The idea is to present the disparate charms of two Illinois locations: a quiet small town – a bustling big city. The Adler is ideal for emphasizing a Chicago landmark associated with astronomy, while also providing a marvelous view of the city skyline. It may be boring old hat to you, but not to the rest of the world. There is no pay, not even for me, but I hope you enjoy an opportunity to appear in a film.

If it's raining meteorites large enough to crush cars, I sure as frak wouldn't be outside meteorite watching! You should all at least wear hard hats or football helmets.

But why quibble?

I was going to wear my tin foil hat, but for just for looks. If the meteorites are big enough to crush cars, not even hard hats or football helmets would save you! Besides, wearing a tin foil hat would instantly make me the most recognizable of the group. Everyone in the audience will be pointing at me! Albeit, only to ask, "Who the F is THAT geek?!?!"

The producer/director was hoping to shoot the meteor shower scene during daylight. Of course that is scientifically unrealistic. I offered the solution seen below, and he accepted it. Joe's video seen above inspired me.
______________________

All right, here’s a solution to the meteor problem. Let’s not make it an annually occurring meteor shower with many meteors. Instead the NASA/JPL Near Earth Object Program discovers a three-meter (10-foot) wide meteoroid that’s expected to enter the atmosphere within 24 hours. The projected path has it passing as a fireball westward across southern Lake Michigan at (given time during day) with a 99% probability of either dissipating completely or becoming a small remnant splashing into the lake. Joe’s “Chicago Astronomers” (rather than "Meteor Society") gather at the planetarium in anticipation of spotting the fireball over the lake. Instead a 25-centimeter (10-inch – basketball size) wide remnant reaches the planetarium grounds on a small peninsula in the lake and slams into a parked car.

At nearly 700 mph you may be wise to step out of its way.

The director now tells me that the astronomers will not actually witness the meteor striking the parked car. They will simply be cheering the sight of a fireball over the Chicago skyline.

I had my rehearsal today and my lone scene will be shot on this coming Saturday, September 3 in Buffalo Grove. The astronomers’ scene will be shot on Sunday, September 11 between 8 and 10 am. Currently the venue is expected to be the Adler Planetarium grounds, but that might change.

Be sure to let Joe know if you want to not only watch the stars but also become a star!

End times.

Dios Mio...!

Two questions.

Will we need any equipment (to identify ourselves as astronomers)?

How should we dress?

Is this a bring all the scope you have type situation?

My scene was shot this afternoon. What hoot! It was my first time in a dramatic film, although I have appeared in stage plays and on TV as a news anchor. The director and crew today were quite professional and indicated they were pleased with our performances. I learned a lot about movie making procedure. You’ll enjoy working with them.

My scene was the last one after a long day of shooting. Due to earlier delays it was about two hours behind schedule. Apparently aircraft, geese and passersby extended some of the outdoor shooting before our later indoor shooting could begin.

Since the meteor scene will be the first one shot on September 11, I would hope it will come closer to the planned 8 to 10 am. Nevertheless, you may want to allow for a later wrap. In any event, Joe and the director should keep you updated. You won’t likely have the heat problems we had filming in a small room with hot lights and many warm bodies. The makeup artist had to dry and re-powder me several times.

Let’s hope the weather is good for you guys. Break a leg!

Anxiously awaiting developments. Have had filming around here on occasion.

Due to the Bears opening their regular season at Soldier Field on September 11 at noon, the area around the nearby Adler Planetarium will likely become inaccessible. The movie producer intends to change either the date or the venue for the meteor scene. He’ll let Joe know once a decision has been made. I’m sure Joe will then pass the information along to you actors.