re: What have been the funnest movies to make?

I always thought that the Lethal Weapon movies looked like they were made with a pretty fun crew and they had a happy set

The Empire Strikes Back was a wild one, I doubt any of those guys can clearly remember filming it through all the cocaine, but I’m sure they had a blast.

Creature From The Black Lagoon

Caddyshack.


But getting to work around Daddario in a bikini at her prime had to count for something. She is one of the hottest out there still..

I hear Shelley Duvall had a blast making The Shining.

I would imagine The Jerk was a fun one to make. Major League as well.

A buddy of mine works in sound on films in Nola (dying on the cinema vine sadly), and got me a night gig back in 2019 as a PA on a Jennifer Lawrence film (Causeway) that was filmed in mid-city and other locations around town. I had a blast… we did some filming at night on Oak Street, and some daytime stuff at Delgado. My best assignment was being put at JL’s dressing room door to make sure nobody messed with her. She was dressed plainly the whole shoot, and I found her to be very naturally attractive. She even cut those cat eyes at me once, and I feel like she was saying “thank you”, non-verbally.

It was my one and only movie to work on, and I really enjoyed seeing it all come together. I think the movie even won some random Oscar.

We definitely put in some long hours on that movie. All nighters in that 16 hour range, but they fed us well and the makeup girl was smoking hot, so flirting with her helped pass the time. I was in between jobs at the moment, so the gig came at the right time. Gave thought to chasing more PA work but got an offer in my normal field and took it.

My buddy that works sound has been on some great gigs… he has pinned mics on so many celebrities I lost track of all of them. He told me recently that the future film outlook in Nola was on shaky ground. Sucks because when I first moved there (2008) there was so much going on and it seemed to be really great for the city. I hope it can find its footing again.

It is very slow in NOLA, ATL ... LA ... the whole country for that matter has seen a downturn the last few years, but things seem to be picking up. NOLA will stay relevant with some TV and the occasional feature set there. Some good crews there, so hopefully they can ride it out.

Making a movie is incredibly convoluted on some levels, but also rooted in distinct departmental responsibilities, detailed scheduling/planning and financial management. Things are constantly moving, but as long as you are communicating and planning properly, it's generally a smooth process. Things will change quickly of course. Just have to pivot. And it helps to hire really smart, experienced and talented people.