The Stunt
As we continued to shoot, the vibe on set felt electric and alive. Things were constantly changing. The second day we did a small stunt scene where I was to be shoved against some glass doors when a guard realizes I don’t have the key to open them. They padded me up under my airline uniform and carefully explained how this was to happen. It was a very heightened scene (and in fact, the part where I hit the doors made it into the theatrical trailer). Satisfied that I was properly protected, Ben told me that if I could just go for it and not hold back for fear of being hurt, we would be able to do it fewer times. With that in mind, I went for broke, and in the end, we were able to get it in just a couple of takes.
Where Preparation Meets Timing
They set up for the next scene, which was where the German dialogue had been mentioned in the script. I waited, and in my head rehearsed the German lines I'd created and painstakingly learned. But no one mentioned it or asked about it, and in fact it seemed to have been all but forgotten. They were just moving right along, and it seemed increasingly likely they were going to just skip it entirely. I decided I couldn’t live with myself if I let the moment pass, so I screwed up my courage and raised my hand. Unexpectedly, everyone stopped what they were doing to look at me as I said, (insert throat clearing), “Excuse me, Ben? I can speak some German here that would make sense.” “Let’s hear it.” he said. I did my lines and I told him what they meant. “Cover that.” he said, as he pointed at me. And just like that, I had added my character's very own mini-scene to an Oscar-winning film.
So what does this all mean?
Here are my takeaways:
1. Prepare to succeed by doing your homework. Hire that dialect or audition coach if you need one. Be ready to seize a moment of opportunity, expected or not.
2. Artistic leadership. Take the job and make it yours, and think about the story that you're a small, or large, part of telling. Remember to always be respectful and definitely don’t be annoying, but also don't be afraid to bring your gifts.
3. Be grateful and open to possibilities. Be open to the possibility of booking the job. Be open to the possibility of getting a bigger role than you started with when you booked the job. Extras get upgraded. Co-stars become recurring roles. It happens. Be grateful for what you have, but be ready to contribute and step up if asked. Anything is possible.