Music, Business & Entertainment

HBO

John Varvatos:

A few days ago, I was called to come in and work as an extra (background) for a new HBO comedy Show, “How to Make it in America.” (from the producers of Entourage) What an experience!

First of all, the casting agency was hiring primarily S.A.G. actors and professional models on set, and I was not either one but I received a phone call. It was a very humbling yet privileged experience. :)



So, my role was to model and act as a patron at a chic and trendy restaurant in the East Village for John Varvatos. This man is one of the top fashion designers in the world, and he was standing right in front of me. John Varvatos was very down to earth and personable. In fact when he did the scene for the dinner, he said, “Well, since we are acting as friends, We should at least be introduced,” and he started walking around the table getting everyone’s name.
Luis Guzman, who is a staple actor and is seen in a lot of Hollywood movies and TV said hello to me as he walked by. A lot of the cast members were very cool. While we were working, the lead actor sat at the seat I was supposed to walk up to my “dinner date” to fix his mic, and he asked my “fake date” if the seat was taken, she sold me out and said, “Not anymore” lol
But then she points at me and tells him that it’s my seat. The lead actor turns around, startled saying, “No beef man, I’m a vegetarian.” Gets up and walks away….lol Do I look mean?
Really cool people on set. A lot of the extras I worked with were also very talented. I was blown away, Because I was getting paid to do this for experience and fun :)

My favorite part of the day was watching the British director, Julian Farino (HBO’s Entourage, NBC’s The Office ) working with his DP. It was incredible to watch an award winning director working right before my eyes. Farino was a strong communicator and explained-even using his hands- how we wanted the shot to be framed. Farino allowed the film crew around him to work and think on how to create the type of lighting and correct composition for that one shot (not any easy thing to do in a small space with alot of obstacles, my friends).
Also, Farino was very into the details and physical composition or placement of a scene. The way the crew would coordinate different people to be placed on the set was incredible and educational. Farino would even talk to the extras on how he wanted them to act. He was very descriptive yet simple. I remember he told a waitress, “ I need you to walk with purpose…come down and look for a way to serve the customers…” This direction changed not only her ability but the whole wait staff, It looked like a television show!
I loved being apart of it!—even it if it was only for five minutes! :)
I spent alot of my time waiting around-either in holding or outside in the rain, but "at least they fed us."

And while I ate craft services and waited outside, one crew member really liked my suit jacket. I thought that was really cool especially since I spent two and a half hours with drew Hernandez choosing what outfit(s) to wear the night before, and everyone was wearing black or grey and I was wearing lighter colors. So it’s cool to be noticed. :)

I made two connections, and some new friends. It was a great time, and a cool learning experience. There are a lot more things to learn but I’m glad that I was able to get a chance to start it.

John Varvatos Interview