Free Secrets of My Hollywood Life #2: On Location by Jen Calonita Page A

of me. Hutch is talking to Hank and waving his arms wildly.
    "I think we can use you," I hear Daniella tell Rodney. What? "We definitely need some extra stuntmen for a few chase scenes."
    "Thank you," Rodney says gratefully. "You won't be disap pointed with my work."
    I hug Rodney tightly. "Way to go, Rod! I'm so happy for you. You deserve this."
    "Thanks, Kates." He squeezes me back.
    Daniella smiles. "I'll put you in touch with our stunt co ordinator. He'll get you on the schedule." The three of us hear something crash to the ground, and we jump.
    "NO, NO, I don't care how much it costs! I want it this way!" Hutch booms, knocking a plastic plate full of raspberry crepes off the food cart next to him. The set is quiet. When he realizes everyone's watching, Hutch walks over to a P.A. holding the megaphone and grabs it from him.
    "Everyone, we're going to take a one-hour break." Hutch's voice echoes in the swim center. "I'm not feeling at peace with this next shot. I need to think about the consequences of shooting it the way it's written before we continue. We'll call you back to the set when we're ready" Daniella purses her lips, but doesn't appear surprised as two P.A.s rush to give Hutch an orange yoga mat and a candle filled with in cense. Hutch brings the mat to the edge of the pool, sits cross-legged, and as if no one is around, closes his eyes and begins to hum. Hank throws his hands up and walks away in a huff. As he passes Daniella and me, I could swear I hear him mumble, "He's nuts, you know that?"
    "Nuts, but brilliant," she whispers back calmly.
    "Do you guys want to get in on this?" A PA. asks as he walks by. He's holding an upside-down baseball cap filled with tiny pieces of paper.
    "What is it?" I ask as I peer into the worn blue hat.
    "Hutch is offering $5,000 to the person who comes up with the title of the movie," the pimply guy says. "The win ner will be announced at the wrap party." On movie shoots, it's customary for crews to do several money pools. I've gam bled on baseball games, the World Cup finals, and even played "Pick the winning card from the deck and win a $1,000." Usually the stars of the movie up the pot by putting in more than the required bet. I remember Mac Murdock pledged $1,000 of his own money for the World Cup lottery we did during the Off-Key shoot.
    "That's how he's coming up with the title?" Daniella ques tions. "If you'll excuse me, I have to go talk to him." She hur ries across the deck only to be stopped by another PA. guarding Hutch's meditation zone.
    "Come on," Nadine says, appearing at my side again with Liz. Liz has the bag with my iPod, magazines, and script loaded in her arms. "Let's get you some dry clothes while Hutch thinks about the consequences of shooting the next scene as written." We giggle. As Nadine puts her arm around me and we begin walking away, Madison blatantly stares at me. When I catch her eye, she looks startled and breaks into a smile, revealing two crooked front teeth.
    "Madison, what are you waiting for?" Sky seethes, push ing past all of us. "Get me another towel. I think one of my extensions is falling out."
    "Maddy seems sweet," Liz says, watching them both. "I can't believe she's stuck with Sky for a boss."
    "Better her than you," Nadine semi-jokes as she watches Madison run ahead of us.
    I'm overcome by the smell of incense. Behind me, I can hear Hutch's humming get louder and louder.
    Forget Madison's abuse and Hutch's first meltdown. You know what's really scary about this movie set? We're on day one.
    MONDAY 6/18 NOTE TO SELF:
    Tues., Wed. call times: 6 AM @ the soundstage
    Tues. night--ALMA awards with Drew
    Thurs.--7 AM--sword play with Sky @ Paulo's studio
    10 AM--accent class Thurs. call time: 3 PM--location in Malibu
    DAY OFF??? Ck w/Nadine
    seven: Awkward Conversations
    " ...And he made me step in it fourteen times! Dog poop! How many different ways can you shoot someone stepping in dog poop?" I cradle my cell phone under my chin as I peer