By LAUREN KASZUBA
Co-Arts Editor
For the first time in a long time (and what may be the last time), my hometown of Syracuse, New York received the Hollywood treatment this past summer.
American High, a production company founded by filmmaker Jeremy Garelick, set up shop for the production of the film “Big Time Adolescence,” in the city. American High is based out of Syracuse and owns Syracuse Studios, an old high school turned into movie studio. The production company was formed to make high school based comedies and various low budget films.
As a film and television major, I have a strong focus toward the television production field. Therefore, I can honestly say that I never had much interest working on a movie set. My dream was, and still is, to end up at NBC in New York City. However, when American High announced “Big Time Adolescence,” I would be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued. I had learned about the opportunity to be an extra for the film and thought, “Why not?”
“Big Time Adolescence,” directed by Jason Orley, features “Saturday Night Live” star Pete Davidson, “Two and a Half Men” actor Jon Cryer, “A Handmaid’s Tale” actress Sydney Sweeney and “Private Practice” actor Griffin Gluck. Per IMDb.com, the film is about a 16-year-old virgin with a growth hormone deficiency that slowly gets corrupted by his hero, an aimless college dropout.
I joined what was dubbed an “availability list,” for the film in which the background casting director would send emails regarding the days in which the film needed extras. In late July, I received an email from the background casting director stating that the film was looking for a stand-in for Sydney Sweeney’s character.
I fit the requirements as I was the same height as Sweeney and had a similar hair color. Minutes after responding to the email, I had received a call from the background casting director. I was offered the position, and with much excitement, I accepted without hesitation.
For me, a film and television major, every day on set felt like a dream. As a stand-in, I did exactly what the title says: I stood in for the main actress at the beginning of each scene for set-up purposes, such as camera angles and lighting. This opportunity also acted as an incredible learning experience for me. I made a great attempt to try and watch what everyone was doing on set. Though this was a challenge at times, I was able to grasp some new concepts when it comes to film. Getting a first-hand film experience on an actual Hollywood film was truly a blessing.
Following my week of standing in on set for Sydney Sweeney, I was cast as a background actress in the film. During this time, I was able to meet many people that want to start a career in the entertainment industry. At one point, I was working with over 100 background actors and actresses. There was not one person I talked to that said they weren’t excited to have such an amazing opportunity.
My last day on set, which was actually recent, was definitely bittersweet. I got called back to be a stand-in on set yet again and I honestly just felt as if I was ‘home’ at that point. I loved working with everyone on the film; it felt as if we were one big, happy family.
Overall, I never knew that I would be able to get so involved in a film and meet people who I now can call some of my good friends. Many people who worked on this film were inspirations to me. I’ll never forget the memories I made on set, either.
From trying to stay awake for the next scene despite it being well into the next day to huddling together outside under the tents because of the consistent downpour, I can’t help but to smile every time I think about this film. While my studies focus on television, I would take an opportunity like this again in a heartbeat.
Thank you, American High.
