What is it like working with James Franco you ask? I worked with James Franco on the movie KIN. I was called up to go to set the day before and agreed to the gig, not knowing anything about the production, as is usually the case. Also eagerly took the job despite knowing it would be a long shuttle out of Toronto.
When I arrive to set we were transferred to the shuttle. No mention of James Franco at all. The location is ultra secret and we are not supposed to talk about anything…everyone knows the drill. (I later find out we are filming in Hamilton, Ontario). We only know what we need to, everything is compartmentalised. Par for the course in film but even more so for lower ranking, lesser seen cast: last minute and little details. We arrive to the shoot location at dusk to go into hair and makeup. Production informs me I would play the wife of a now dead character, and I would be comforted by an elderly man in the scene. They brief me that in the scene I have kids and they briefed me the child actors were ready and able to carry the scene. I was ok with all of this, so we proceed to get into wardrobe…
In wardrobe, I am given fleece lined leggings to give the impression of bare legs in tights. I admire the faux diamond rocks they were outfit me with. It occurs to me then that I will be in mourning. As the clothes went on, I clothe myself in an aura of mourning. I enter character immediately. I am now en route to my late film’spouses funeral and it’s about to get heavy. At this point, there is no mention of James Franco whatsoever, but a fellow actor friend Tommy James Murphy (who regularly body doubles for Franco) is also on set, much to my surprise that day. Many of us often work together, especially in succession, so I didn’t clue in Tommy is there for Franco. Since all of us are sworn to silence anyway, there was little chance I would have found out before hand.
Actress Theresa Longo on the set of Kin
Finally we are called to set, as they say. I am ready to cry. Ready as ever. What did I think of? Tragedy of course. Various tragedies. Easy enough. But seeing James Franco spill into the scene in rehearsal is an exciting surprise. Franco never broke character once. He also had a TON of lines. A Ton of dialogue. He stays rehearsing the scene when the filming stops. Before we film he paces and gives lines. James never stops giving lines. He is absolutely ready.
In our scene, a fire rages in a Hamilton junk yard while he gives an epic eulogy for my dead cinematic spouse while I watch and listen on. We are instructed not to look at James, although, at times it is hard not to. I make sure to stay in character and bring the water works on 5 out of 7 takes. I knew the production caught me crying which is great.
They huddle after a few takes. Production got their shot after about 4 takes and the director was happy. But we regroup, and go in for an ultra tight shot to show tears rolling. We do a couple more takes for “safety”. Around 7 takes total. In the end, the take wasn’t used and many of us are blurred in the background – such is the life of a professional working actor! 🙂
As we leave the scene, James exits right behind me. I say NOTHING to him. I treat him the same as I would any common stranger. This is very important on set. Unless you know someone personally it is best to not approach anyone unless advised to do so. Likewise, Franco remains silent as we all walk to our shuttles and trailers. He gave me the impression of a true professional and a very well prepared actor. Good job James!
& If you haven’t yet, be sure to see the movie KIN. Oscar Award Winning actor Michael B Jordan is also in this film! Read the The Complete Guide to Canadian Celebrities in Hollywood here!
Theresa Longo is a multi-talented, University educated, multi-lingual actress who has been seen on E! Bravo, Space, Family Channel, Netflix and more! Follow her across social medias as she represents some of the worlds biggest brands. Theresa Longo can also be seen attending the world’s most popular events, like TIFF or the World Cup!
