Nancy told me that I would be able to go to the set after finishing my work and watch the shoot. I was excited, and my excitement kept me from collapsing, as I had already worked some thirteen hours.
When I was done with my work, Nancy handed me paperwork to be sent to set, and said, "remember, you're still working." Then she smiled and said to have fun.
I arrived at Central Park in New York City as the crew was preparing the last shot of the night, what I now know is referred to as "the martini", probably because most of us feel we need one at the end of a long day. I will describe what happens next in detail, but will omit the last names of the participants, as I have no desire to slander a very good actor who was just a bit temperamental. However, you may be able to figure it out.
The movie was about a giant bird that nests in the Chrysler Building in New York. The lead actor played a two-bit hood that was trying to extort the city by proving he could control the bird. In this shot, the bird was supposed to swoop down close to him, he was to duck and fall to the ground, and the three actors playing cops were to shoot at it.
Now, this was a tricky shot, with the bird's POV represented by a helicopter. It took time to get the chopper into position, and bring it around. Finally, we were ready.
The First AD, who is now a producer on his, own, called for the helicopter. We all prepared for the stunt that was to follow - or so we thought. The chopper came down right on cue, but, to our surprise, the lead actor didn't duck. The director asked if there was a problem, and the actor assured him he was fine.
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