Prison Break: A look back (Sona)

This is my last time on set for season 2. This is the last episode of the season and it was a short scene for me. My time on season two has come full circle. I was approached by casting to play a Prison Guard in the Panamanian Prison, Sona. Which coincidently is the name of the episode, Sona. At first I was a little concerned about performing in that role. Simply because of how the episode in Mexico was. But of course I said yes. I mean, who would really say no here?

The scene took place in the worst of the worst prisons in the world The Federal Penitentiary of Sona, which was loosely based on the Brazilian prison Carandiru Penitentiary. “Sona Prison” was actually three locations. The old meat packing plant behind the Ft. Worth Stockyards (for the exterior shots), A child detention center off of Harry Hines Blvd. in Dallas (for the courtyard shots), & The Studios of Las Colinas (for the cells and interior shots). I arrived at base camp in the evening around six pm. Base camp this time was located in the Fort Worth Stockyards in the parking lot not far from one of my favorite BBQ restaurants Risky’s BBQ. After I parked I made my way to the casting assistant and checked in. I then made my way to wardrobe and props. I got dressed in my uniform and propped up with an AK-47 machine gun. The cool thing about this production is that the guns were real guns. Just made so that they can’t be fired.

While waiting for them to set up the cameras and everything. I was walking around and had seen Bill Fichtner walking around the parking lot. I had been a fan of his since Grace Under Fire. I had only worked with him on two other episodes of PB and he was usually so busy I didn’t want to bother him. So I didn’t want to miss an opportunity since this could be my last episode on the show. So I asked him if he would sign an autograph for me. He said “Sure do you have a photo or something”? I said it was in my car. He said “go get it and I’ll sign it before we start”. So I went to my truck and got the pic and he signed it. Luckily he signed it when he did, because right when I took it back to my truck we had to go to set.

The set wasn’t that far away and we could have easily just walked over. But we all got in the van and they shuttled us over there. It didn’t take that long to get there and we got out of the van and Kevin Hooks came over and went over the scene with us. The scene was that Scofield and Mahone (Wentworth and Bill) have been taken into custody and are being placed in Sona Prison. Right as Kevin finished talking to us in came two huge tanker trucks full of water. They parked them out of the way of the cameras and nighttime had completely fallen so it was totally dark. They hooked up the rain rig to the trucks. The scene was two different “Sona” vans pulled up. One carrying Scofield and the other Mahone. They get out and see each other. Mahone went one way and Scofield was escorted to the door. Where yours truly was waiting, machine gun in hand, to open the door and slam it behind him.

It was a very quick scene, only lasting a few hours. But let me tell you, with the “rain” pouring down, it made it feel a lot longer than it was. That water was freezing. But I did get paid more for getting wet. To help pass the time in between shots, Wentworth and I were looking inside the building. We actually only used the outside of it, so we didn’t need to go in. But while waiting to set up another angle, we went in a little to check it out. Since we weren’t filming inside, there were no lights. So you could only see as far as the outside lights would shine in. Man it was creepy. All concrete and graffiti all over the place. You get that chill coming over like someone was watching you. They set up to get the shot of Scofield going in and me slamming the steel door (wasn’t really steel. Sound effects added later lol) and then they panned up to the name of the prison above the door. Kevin did about four takes of that then we hear “Cut! Check the gate”. Shot was good. “Cut the water” he said then starts clapping. “Great job everyone”. Then they bring us all towels and we dry off as much as we can then head back to wardrobe. Another successful day.

I’ll probably only do one more of these. The next day I’m on set is for the first episode of season three and there is a pretty cool tie up of the last episode of season 2 and the first of season 3.

Prison Break: A Look Back ( Bad Blood)

                         

This is the same episode, but a week apart. Well, when they called me they told me the scene was going to be in they said it’s going to be in “Mexico”. I'm like ok, cool. Then they asked me if I wanted to be a Mexican Police officer. I kind of laughed to myself and said sure. Why not? This scene was supposed to be the airport in Ixtapa, Mexico, in reality it was Meacham International Airport in Ft. Worth. When I get there I go to wardrobe and get dressed in my uniform. Then to props and get my side arm, badge, etc. Then I realize, I'm the only white guy that's not a tourist. So I and a couple other guys are waiting to be in our scenes; I go over and watch the others scenes being filmed from behind the director. I was watching Bill Fitchner do his scene. The scene he was shooting was down one of the corridors and it was supposed to be in Chicago I believe. He was talking on the phone to his on camera son. But really it was to the P.A. off camera. What was funny was that when he wasn’t filming talking on the phone, he was on his personal phone have a conversation. Scene would come up, he would put his real phone in his pocket and say his lines. Cut, then back on his phone. Color me impressed.

Then later it came to my scenes. I was going to be at the airport in Mexico chasing Sucre and MariCruz down the hallway. Myself and the other guys were all in our position ready to go and at the very last second the director decided they didn't want to use us. Damn!!! Again, that’s how it goes. I wasn’t that bothered because in between scenes I got to hang out with Amaury Nolasco (Sucre) and Camille Guaty (MariCruz). When Amaury first got there he came up to me shook my hand and gave me a hug. He said "Hey, what's up man how was your new year". So we got to talking for a little while. I hadn't worked with Amaury since episode 1. And even then we didn’t have any scenes together. We just had breakfast and lunch. That morning I asked Amaury if when he gets a minute if he could sign an autograph for me. He said "Sure, would it be ok if I get it later". Of course I said no problem, whenever you're not busy. So fast forward to the end of the day they said that's a wrap. I was walking around telling everyone by and I walked over to Amaury and Camille and proceeded to tell them goodbye, Amaury then said “Hey let me sign that autograph for you. Do you have a photo or something”. I said no all I have is an index card. So he signed that. Then he said "I'll see you again, talk to you later bro". Then I hand one to Camille and she signed it. Then she gave me a hug. I made my way out to wardrobe and props, then on my way home. Though I didn’t do anything acting wise, it was really cool to see everyone again to see the episode being shot from the directors prospective.

     About a week later I get the call to come back. It’s the same episode, just a different scene. And since my face didn’t get seen in “Mexico” they could use me again. This time was really cool. My call time was at 11:00 am. I went to base camp and immediately go to wardrobe. This time I am a chef in a member’s only cigar club (it was really The Old Warsaw restaurant). What was really cool about it was when I arrived at base camp, everyone was waiting on me and making sure I was good and what not. After I got dressed and propped up, they drove me over to the set. I sat around for a little while and then Stacey Keach walked in. Stacey played Warden Pope in the first season then he got fired at the beginning of the second season. I waited a few minutes and then approached him. I started a conversation with him. I told him I have been a fan of his since I first seen him perform in Cheech and Chong’s Nice Dreams as Sergeant Stedenko. He expressed his gratitude to me for being a fan. I then asked him if he could sign an index card for me. Like all the others he said “It would be an honor”. So he signed it and then shook my hand. About an hour later we broke for lunch.

     After lunch, we came back to shoot the scene. I was working with Wentworth Miller and Sarah Wayne Callies. The scene went good, but somehow they always seem to shorten my part. lol I did make on screen, but if you would have blinked you would have missed me. Still, it was a fun, albeit short day. That was it for me. I was the last one on set and the first to leave. Still had a great time. Until next time.                                   

Prison Break: A look back ( Orientación)

Alright, now this is first day on set of season three. Even though I did plenty of episodes after this one. This will be my last post about Prison Break (maybe?). Honestly, I think people are tired of hearing about them. lol This day picked up right after the finale of season two. At the end of season two, I slammed the door behind Scofield locking him in Sona Prison. Season three picks up right on the other side of that door. It shows Scofield walking down the corridor. The corridor is filled with all kinds of people. Huge brutes, druggies, transvestites, etc. Scofield sees a bloody and half naked Bellick on the floor as he walks by. Then into the courtyard where a lot of prisoners are watching a fight about to ensue. And it is raining like crazy. This episode is called Orientacion. We did multiple scenes in this episode that day. So we didn’t film in chronological order. Which most of the time it’s not done that way anyway. But let’s not jump too far ahead just yet.

This season is a totally different dynamic than season two was. I play the same character in every episode in season three. This season I am playing a prisoner in Sona. I arrive at base camp around 8am. Base camp this time is actually the parking lot of the location of the set. It’s the courtyard of the prison. It’s really an old child detention center almost the corner of Harry Hines Blvd. & Market Center Blvd in Dallas, TX. As soon as the production was over it was leveled. When I arrived I found the casting assistant and she takes me to wardrobe. I go get my clothes. Which were shorts, a shirt, and some low top vans. Then one of make-up people open up this jar of movie dirt (“Dirt” that is specifically made for the movies. To my knowledge it’s really make up that looks like dirt) and apply it to my hands, arms, and face. I remember it being real soft feeling. They would also spritz me with water on my back, pits, neck, & underarms. To make it seem like it is just scorching hot. Which anyone from Texas knows, that it really was. Some of the actors had their own little spritz bottle to spray their face with water to make it look like they were sweating. I didn’t have one but Laurence (Mason) gave me one of his. You may remember Laurence as Tin Tin on the movie The Crow.

Our scenes were all in the courtyard at this location. The courtyard as I said before was at the Child Detention center. Actually it was the basketball court at the center. They brought in a bunch of sand and added a second floor. They even had a “professional” tagger come and paint graffiti on the walls. It looked just awesome. I worked with some awesome people that day. I worked with Wentworth Miller, Wade Williams, Robert Knepper, Robert Wisdom, Bill Fichtner, Laurence Mason, & Sala Baker (Yes, Sauron from Lord of the Rings and many other things. Who is one of the nicest guys you will meet. I wish I could have got his autograph. Probably will never have the opportunity again.). There was so much that was going on that day. It would be so long to break everything down. So I’ll just give the part that ties the season two cliffhanger with the season three premier.

If you remember at the end of season two I slammed the door to Sona prison behind Scofield locking him inside. On the other side of the door we follow Scofield down the hallway. After walking the above mentioned crowd of people he comes to a door that leads outside to the courtyard. If you remember at the end of season two, it was raining outside of Sona. So naturally it is raining when he goes into the courtyard. As soon as he opens the door, he just sees a massive amount of prisoners running around in a circle and yelling. Inside that circle was Laurence Mason (Sammy. Aka Tin Tin from The Crow) and another guy about to throw down. Sammy then throws down a chicken foot. When the chicken foot is thrown down, it’s time to rumble. So the rain, the fight, the camera man in your face. It was an awesome night. And all that was before the credits.

Prior to all that we filmed what happened after the fight. The guy was dead on the ground, and everyone was either walking around him or over him. Until finally they threw him out the back door. So long story very short. To tie the episodes together with me. If you were to watch the season two finale and the season three premier back to back in one continuous loop, you would see me as a guard putting Scofield in Sona then following him in and see me as a prisoner in the courtyard. I also made it on the DVD menu of disc one. Lol thank you for your time and have an awesome day everyone. I hope you enjoyed reading about a small blip in my life.  

Prison Break: A Look Back (Rendezvous)

This was my fourth day on set. This day was a little crazy and little funny. There were two different sets, (well usually there are) but this time I got to work on both. I arrived at base camp at 6:30 am. Usually this is where I would go and get my wardrobe and props. But this day, I wasn’t a C.O. or anything specific. I was just a regular person. So I had brought my own clothes. I did get a suitcase from them to use though. So I went directly to catering and had breakfast and a ton of coffee. I just sat around and shot the bull until it time to head out. I had my coffee and breakfast next to Paul Adelstein aka Special Agent Paul Kellerman. Paul was a really cool guy and a pleasure to talk to.

About an hour later I was walking to my car and noticed Paul sitting in his car. I walked by and he started talking to me. We chatted a few minutes and then I asked him if I could get a picture of him and get an autograph. He said “Sure man, do you have a photo or something?” I said “It’s in my car, let me go get it”. So I brought it back and he signed it as well as signing my index card (which he put the wrong date on lol) and let me take a picture of him. I said thank you so much. He said “No problem at all man” and then one of the P.A’s came and got him to take him to set. So I went back over to base camp and waited to be taken to the set myself.

We loaded up in the van and they drove us over to Union Station in downtown Dallas. Union Station in Dallas, Texas was temporarily filling in for a bus depot in Tribune, Kansas. This is where the first set was at. If you look carefully in the episode, you can see newspaper machine inside the station where they just put a black piece of tape through the word “Quick”. The Quick at the time was a small free newspaper the Dallas Morning News gave out. I did half a day here. We did a lot of exterior shots. Most of which did not make it on the show. The main shots were in the inside of the station though. At the station I worked with Wade Williams and Matt DeCaro aka Captain Brad Bellick and C.O. Roy Geary from Fox River. Wade remembered me from past shootings and we shook hands and talked for a couple minutes between takes. I complimented him on his blog that he was writing for the TV Guide website. He seemed really proud of it and was happy that I was reading it. After that we filmed some additional exterior shots in the back of the station with just me, another guy, Brad, & Matt. They ended up cutting those scenes out of the final show. That was most of the day.

Then around four o'clock in the afternoon we headed to the D/FW Airport. D/FW was supposed to be O’Hare Airport in Chicago. There we worked with Paul Adelstein aka Special Agent Kellerman. That was the funny part I had mentioned at the beginning. We had most of one of the terminals shut down for filming. But there was still a little section that was still operating. All the workers would stop dead in their tracks to watch us film. This one guy came in the door and one of the assistants told him we were filming and to go another way. He got real mad and stormed off. He went past me dropping f-bomb after f-bomb. Then he went and got in line to be checked in. what happens next would really set him off. He really got pissed when he found out the line he was in was all actors. That was karma biting him in the butt for being such a jerk.

So we shot for a couple more hours including a scene with the character MariCruz. In the show MariCruz was Sucre’s girlfriend. The normal woman who played MariCruz could not reprise her role at the time. So they replaced her with another person. We filmed a couple scenes with her then called it a day. A little over thirteen tiring hours, and I can't wait to do it again. A lot was filmed and even more was cut out (the entire MariCruz scene was cut). But that’s ok. Even if I do get cut out again. 

Prison Break: A look back (Buried)

 

This was my third day on set. It actually wasn’t as eventful as others. But it was probably my most disappointing. But I wouldn’t know that until much later when the show aired. My call time was for this episode was a little later than usual it was at 11:00 am, so I arrived at 10:00 am. This time base camp was set up in a parking lot downtown at the corner of Ross and Field. After I parked, I found the casting assistant and checked in. Afterwards I went directly to wardrobe and got my uniform. Then off to props. I got my gun belt, service revolver, and everything I needed to be another correctional officer. But this time I wasn’t a Fox River Correctional Officer, I was a C.O. for the Arizona Department of Corrections. This particular episode was called “Buried”.

            Not long after I got suited up, they went ahead a called lunch. So they shuttled us to The Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas and we had lunch there. I know it seems like I’m a broken record always talking about how good catering was on this production, what can I say though. It was awesome. After I got my food I took a seat and was sitting down next to Marshall Allman. If you don’t know who Marshall is on the show, he plays LJ Burrows. LJ is Linc’s (Dominic Purcell) son. Marshall is a pretty cool guy. He and I and a couple others talked the entire lunch hour. After lunch it was time to head back to set. I had asked Marshall if I could get a quick picture with him. He said “sure no problem”. I then asked if I could
get his autograph. He again said “No Problem” But he said “They’re calling me so
catch me when we get on set.”

Once I arrived on set they were getting ready to shoot my scene. In this scene L.J. Burrows (Marshall’s character) was arrested by the police and then transferred to the Arizona Department of Corrections. I had a great scene with Marshall. I was the C.O. who brought him in to be checked in. Marshall and I had been talking before the scene and decided that it would look good if I would give him a little push through the door. After we get through the door, I was to tell him very sternly to “MOVE IT”. It was great, a lot of close ups and everything. After we did that scene about ten times, we finally heard “Cut. Check the Gate”. Which means that’s the scene they liked and are going with. Then on to the next scene. But that was the only one I was there for that day. So it was time for me to go. Marshall caught me on my way out and asked if I still wanted that autograph. Of course. So he signed my index card.

So I hopped back on the shuttle to base camp. I made my way back to wardrobe and props and turned everything in. Casting signed off on my pay slip and was on my way home. When I left I felt so good. A good day, good people, and I had a line (albeit a small one) that was going to be on the show finally. So when the time came for the show to be aired, I’m watching and something is a bit different. The entire Arizona prison scene had been scrapped. Every single thing I did that day gone. Most likely on the cutting room floor. Oh well, it happens. It was very disappointing but there is really nothing you can do about it. I did my job. Just move along to the next one. 

Prison Break: A Look Back (Otis)

          This was my second day on set. To say it wasn’t as good as my first day would be the understatement of the year. I don’t even remember the call time. I think it was around 9:00 am. I do know that it was hotter than hell and I got a sunburn in the shade. Being in an all-black Fox River Correctional Officer uniform didn’t help. Little did I know that would set the tone for the rest of the day. After I arrived, I found a couple guys that I knew and we waited to be sent to wardrobe. The casting assistant came over and got us and took us to wardrobe and then to props. Wardrobe happened to be right next to the main “stars” trailers and we got to meet them coming in and out. I saw Bill (Fichtner) again, Sara, Amaury, and guest star John Heard (But I didn’t meet him). 

           I was so pumped about this episode. It was only about a week and a half between my time on set from the first and second episode. Casting called me the day before I was scheduled to be there and asked if I could shave my mustache. I really didn’t have a problem with doing because I was only keeping it because of continuity on the show. But they said it was ok and that if I shaved it there would be a big scene that I would be featured and credited in. So the answer was an easy yes of course I’ll shave it. After I got on set I found the A.D. He told me where I needed to be until they were ready for me. Ok no problem. I was one of the few that would do what was asked of me without complaining. It seemed that some of the others would not do the same. Periodically he would come out and tell us that there was a delay and to hold tight. Most of us didn't have a problem doing that. We knew it was a hurry and wait situation.

           After about twenty or thirty minutes the strangest thing happened. We were all off the path of the sidewalk away from everyone. Then John Heard comes walking up with the AD taking him to set. He is carrying an umbrella blocking the sun. He stops at the end of the sidewalk and whispers in the AD's ear. Next thing we know the AD is coming over to us telling us to stay at least 20 feet from him and don’t look or talk to him or you will be asked to leave. Everyone was just baffled because not one person said a word to him or anything. Then he just walked in. Very strange and really uncalled for in my opinion. I was a fan of his since Big with Tom Hanks. But that has since changed.

 

         So after that were still waiting. Come to find out there was a new director and he must have been in a foul mood that day. He ended up changing up the script , reshooting scenes, and he was yelling at everyone. Before that, I did my part then just patiently waited. About 3:00 pm we broke for lunch, which was just as good as the first time. This time was different. They had the main cast away from everyone else. But Wade Williams and a couple others didn't eat with the others that day. After lunch I was talking to Wade, the man has a memory that is uncanny. Lol. He came up to me and said “Hey Riley, how’s it going?” So we spoke for just a little while as it was getting closer to go back to set. So I asked him if he would sign my index card and take a photo with me. He, just like Philip Van Lear, said it would be an honor. So one of the guys from the crew took our picture with my phone and that was it. He said “I’ll see you later Riley” I said ok and went back to set.

          The rest of the day progressed just like the first half did, long and hot. It was about 7:00pm and they came out and told us we can go home. The AD came out and apologized to me. Most of the day after I did my one scene,  I wasn't doing anything. A lot of the guys were happy to leave and they were saying they should have already let us go home. But I was upset because I really didn’t want to leave. Yea, I got paid for doing almost nothing, but I was there to work, not to hang around and do nothing.  So I made my way back to wardrobe and props to change and turn in my props. What made things even worse, when I went to leave, it was so hot it drained my battery in my truck. Luckily one of the guys from the crew had a battery jumper and gave me a jump so I can go. 

Interview with Tiffany Grant (2004)

                Back around 2004 (wow, I can’t believe it’s been 14ish years since I did this), I was able to do a 10 question interview with actress Tiffany Grant. Tiffany is a voice actress from Houston, TX. To make it a little more accessible for Tiffany’s fans, I have put it here on my blog. It’s also easier to update should links to websites or email addresses change. 

               Riley: Hello, how are you?

Tiffany Grant: Thanks so much for asking :-) I’ve been working quite a lot lately.

               Riley: I’m sure you get asked this a lot. How did you get started in voice acting?

Tiffany Grant: Well, I had been a theatre actor for most of my life. One day, in February 1994, I got a call from a 
friend of mine who knew about my acting background. Who’d also heard about AD Vision’s very vision’s very first 
audition to find voice actors for a project called “Guy: Double Target.” I auditioned on February 12, 1994, and I 
was hired immediately as their very voice actor. I’ve been in the business ever since!

    

               Riley: Let’s say I wanted to be a voice over, how would I get started?

Tiffany Grant: Well, I get that question a LOT, and you obviously cannot do it the same way I did! First, you must 
have a solid acting background or some incredible God-given talent; because ACTING is the most important thing.
Next, understand that there are very few places in the country where this type of work is available: Los Angeles, 
NYC, and Houston, and D/FW here in Texas. You MUST live in one of those areas to work in anime voice acting.
If you want to get work with a particular company, you’d need to find out how they go about auditioning and hiring 
their performers. At ADVF, open auditions are held about every two months. An aspiring actor only needs to call 
and get their name on the waiting list. When your number comes up, so to speak, you get a call. Anyone can get 
on the list, so it’s really open to anyone. People are waiting about six months right now to get their appointments. 
Patience is a virtue. There are voice-over opportunities everywhere though, so there’s always something if you 
LOOK for it.

               Riley: Beside what you’re doing now, what would be your dream job?

Tiffany Grant: I guess I’m a truly lucky girl. I already have my dream job! I am thankful everyday that all those years 
of doing funny voices and imitating people has actually paid off.
               Riley: What do you think of the hobby of autograph collecting?Tiffany Grant: I have to admit that I do it myself!!! Therefore, I would say that it’s a fine hobby to have :-) I’ve been 
collecting autographs since I was a pretty young kid, but I am sure I don’t have as many as a lot of folks. My guess 
would be around fifty or so.
               Riley: What do you enjoy in your downtime?Tiffany Grant: I love to read science fiction and biographies. I also do crosswords, and I enjoy going to the movies 
and watching DVDs.
               Riley: Do you sign autographs through the mail?Tiffany Grant: Yep! People can email me at Asukatoo@aol.com. I can either send a photo, or some people send 
items they want signed (w/ an SASE) which I am happy to do.
               Riley: Do you limit the number of autographs you give one person?Tiffany Grant: That depends. At conventions, I try to be as accommodating as possible, and most people only 
have a few items. I have had rare situations where someone had dozens of items, which is a bit much to take. Also, 
conventions will often limit the number of items in the sessions so more people can be taken care of.
I haven’t had a problem with this through the mail, so I’ll have to address that if it ever comes up. I do pay for my 
own pictures and the envelopes and postage out of my own pocket, so I can’t really mail anything heavy.
              Riley: Do you have an address where a fan can write to you to request your autograph or just say hi?Tiffany Grant:
(Tiffany Grant Fan Club)
Or  Asukatoo@aol.com
              Riley: Do you have any words of wisdom or any other additional comments you would like to pass onto your fans?Tiffany Grant: Gee, I don’t know how wise I am, but to anyone wanting to pursue an anime or acting career, I’d say 
stick with it and stay resolved. It won’t happen overnight. It’s something very few people are able to make a living 
at. It took nine years for me!
Also, thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years, I really appreciate it, and I couldn’t have made it 
for so long without you!
              Riley: Thank you so much for taking the time Ms. Grant. I really appreciate it. Be sure to look for Tiffany at the next anime convention coming to your town. And be sure to check her website out for all the current news and convention schedule.