For those of you who don’t know it, (and I didn’t know it until today) Michigan is being called the Hollywood of the Midwest. There are 4 or 5 Hollywood production companies currently filming in Michigan. I got a phone call from a casting company tonight (referred by my good friend Julie) looking for a large handsome intelligent male shepherd with a big noble head who would be involved in four different scenes. After discussing the specific scenes’ requirements which included running past a policemen down a long hallway, head closeups and more running scenes, I knew Vida would be perfect for this movie. In fact, I think he would probably be a scene stealer. After a few more conversations, we were ready to start Vida’s acting career bright and early tomorrow morning in Livonia. Just as I began grooming him in preparation for his film debut, the phone rang again. The casting company’s owner said something to me that, I suppose, all actors dread hearing sometime in their careers, “I’m sorry but they decided to go with another type of dog.”
I hated to break the news to Vida and when I told him, he just walked over to his mini-trampoline and laid down on it , put his head down on his paws and fixed me with his sad, glistening, tear-filled eyes. What, do you think I am exaggerating!?
The casting company asked me to send Vida’s portfolio for future reference so I will select photos that show what a multi-faceted talented boy he is. Who knows, Vida could become a big Hollywood star and never have to leave Michigan!
The movie Vida was considered for is INTENT. It is being promoted a a cross between SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and CSI. It is a story about a kidnapping in suburbia and the police manhunt that ensues. It stars Andrew McCarthy. It does not sound like my kind of movie but I might want to see the dog that got Vida’s role.
I had no idea that so many movies were being filmed her in Michigan.
If they wise up they will call you back and beg for Vida.
Margot, send in Vida’s cover shot and his pilgrim pose—that should definitely seal the deal. He is so handsome, who in their right mind would pass him by?
Margot- I found your post compelling until I got to the disappointing end. Vida was robbed!
What a huge let down. Maybe it is for the best though – before you know it, he would be star parking and doing the “California roll” whenever he drives your car, not to mention demanding special cookies in his dressing room!
As a life long Michigander, I am also surprised to hear of this Hollywood of the Midwest status.
PS – whatever happened with the hornets?
Hi, Kimberly,
Thanks to you, I learned some new urban slang. I had to google star parking and California roll. Remember, I hardly ever leave “paradise”. But, if Vida gets another acting opportunity, then I will need to at least understand what the Hollywood natives are saying. If I don’t, I will ask you to interpret.
Thanks for reminding me about the hornets. When it got cold and they stopped buzzing, I kinda just forgot about the nest. I checked and it is still perfectly intact – they built it for the ages, I guess. I thought someone told me that the weather would take care of it. I hope so, cuz right now it looks like a giant ugly wart hanging from my house.
No problem, Margot – I will hook you up if needed. I guess you don’t have to worry too much about double parking there at the Good Shepherd Farm – you park wherever you like, right?
We just don’t want VIDA becoming a DIVA. ha ha
Sorry to bring up the hornets, although the giant ugly wart comment cracked me up.
Have you ever posted a picture of Vida with his mini-tramp? Does he just like to sleep on it or is it a training thing? I never thought of that but it seems like a good agility tool. We used to use those in junior high school gym class. Seems like an energetic doggie would have a lot of fun with one…take care