Below is part 2 of a series of blog posts that were written by Kelly Wheeler (writer and production assistant on ‘Terriers’) for the show. These were posted back in 2010 on the now defunct ‘Terriers’ site on FX.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
Getting Ready!
We are gearing up BIG time for the start of our season. The crew has been hired, cast fittings are scheduled and there is a certain buzz in the air.
Everyone can’t wait to start shooting. Plus, many folks are back from the pilot and it’s nice to see people reunite…
Oh, speaking of reuniting, I had a chance to sit down with Bruce Miller, our production designer from the pilot (and now the series) to talk ’bout the look of the show and filming in Ocean Beach – see attached.
Now as people start back with us, they have the usual paperwork to fill out:; deal memos, box rental forms, etc. But on Terriers, you also have to have your picture taken. Now, a lot of companies take your picture, for a badge or for security reasons, but at Terriers it’s for “The Board” – (see attached picture). The brainchild of our producer, Ed Milkovich, it’s made up of everyone who is a part of our crew. Divided into departments, everyone is accounted for and labeled. As Ed puts it, “If someone on set says, ‘Hi’ and you don’t remember their name, you have a way of looking it up…”
(as an example, I’ve included a close-up of Sooze, our Script Supervisor, or as she’s called on set, “Scripty”)
In addition to your name and picture, if you’ve been given a “call-sign” by Ed, that is also noted. Call signs are nicknames Ed gives out, “in case we are under enemy attack.” – for example, mine is “Beamer” – sometimes they have no rhyme or reason, you just go with it. The real fun is when Ed gives out a call sign. There is wild clapping (ala Birthdays at TGI Fridays) and a lot of yelling, “ATTENTION, ATTENTION… NEW CALL SIGN!!!!” Ed says that it’s all designed to keep the show fun and bring us all closer. Mission accomplished, sir.
6 more days ‘till the magic happens,
— wheeler