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OCTOBER 30, 2002
OCTOBER 23, 2002 
OCTOBER 21, 2002 
OCTOBER 20, 2002 
While before the cameras Affleck plays out a publicist's and parent's nightmare, behind the cameras it's been a dream for
Kevin Smith. Ben loves babies. Ben loves Jen. Jen loves Ben. Kevin loves Ben 'n' Jen.
Kevin loves his Jen - spouse Jennifer Schwalbach, who has a supporting role in the film as Ollie's assistant. And Kevin loves his daughter, Harley Quinn, age 3, a moon-faced imp in a Dutch-boy bob. It doesn't hurt that the most successful director to come out of Red Bank, N.J., is close pals with Affleck, whom he gave a small part in Mallrats (1995) and a star-making turn in Chasing Amy (1997). "We don't share the standard political friendship most directors working with high-paid actors maintain," Smith, 30, wrote in an August e-mail. "We don't handle one another with kid gloves. After a bad take, I feel free to hit him with a good-natured 'Why can't you be a better actor?' without fretting for my job. And he'll smile and shoot back, 'Because you're not a better director,' without fretting how I'll make him look once I get to the editing room." Does he repeatedly cast Affleck to serve as his cinematic alter ego, as Alfred Hitchcock cast Jimmy Stewart? "Hmm, slim, charismatic movie star standing in for tubby, balding director," Smith muses. "Where the comparison falls a bit short is that Hitchcock was the genuine article and I'm an ersatz director, at best."
OCTOBER 19, 2002
OCTOBER 18, 2002
PAULSBORO, N.J. — We were a likely bunch, the background and I.
We were the perfect reflection of an average crowd, a smattering of races and body types, like a heap of pieces from
different puzzles.
We each had our fantasies of being immortalized in celluloid, but were modest enough to settle for less: to be that person
in the background, the one that nobody notices, but to be able to point and smile and make our friends say, “Oh yeah, that
IS you!”
It was a slice of the proverbial Hollywood pie we were looking for, although we all knew it would be too small to even
nibble on.
What was perhaps most stunning is that we, the excruciatingly ordinary crowd, were all hand-picked by casting agents. We
were deliberately plucked from the masses by some mysterious formula, gathered together in the Paulsboro High School
gymnasium, and given instructions to blend in.
We were, in every way, someone’s vision of diversity. Waiting for us on the other side of the school, however, was nearly
everyone’s vision of beauty: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Liv Tyler, and more.
The movie we were prepared to become an immediately forgettable part of is Jersey Girl, the new project of writer/director
Kevin Smith, who had made waves with prodding and irreverent comedies such as Clerks and Chasing Amy.
None of us were told what we were doing or how long it would take, so we waited patiently in the gym, eating the type of
mass-produced breakfast many of us have not seen since our own days in high school.
Discouraged and hungry, I wandered away from the masses and found a table with comparatively gourmet food. As I buttered my
bagel and tossed a waffle in the toaster, a well-dressed man trotted up to me.
“No, no, no, this is the cast and crew’s food,” he said while flipping his hand at me, as if trying to shoo away a fly.
Then he pointed back to the table of slop, and told me that was “the extras’ food.”
Indeed, it looked like extra food — scraped-together leftovers that the cast and crew would not dare touch.
Working on a movie set clearly was not going to pass the time, so instead we made friends. The beauty of a premeditated
crowd such as ours is that nobody was left without someone similar, although we reveled in our differences.
There are two types of people that apply to be extras — those who are interested to see the other side of movie-making
magic, and those who desperately, pathetically, and very obviously want to be a major part of it.
Those people stuck out like the movie stars they are not. Sitting on the outskirts of us common folk, they sat upright and
bright-eyed on the bleachers, just waiting to be discovered. They kept to themselves, too conscious of their self-perceived
beauty, and perhaps too stiff under the dried film of make-up and hair spray to sacrifice their pose.
But for the rest of us, who showed up this past Tuesday out of curiosity or a crazy devotion to a member of the cast, the
day was an exercise in killing time with random people.
Near me, there was Meredith, a medical student who was chasing a dream as an actor before her doctoral interests took over;
James, a urban 20-something who works odd jobs and dreams of publishing a book of poetry; Stacey, a recent college graduate
and actor in New York City; and Sue, a former private investigator who now spends her time tracking down shooting locations
for HBO’s The Sopranos.
We exchanged jokes and biographies. Meredith, who was the only one to have been an extra before, told us that extras are
generally instructed to continue mouthing the words “peas and carrots,” because it looks like a realistic conversation.
We all tried it. Peas and carrots!!! Our faces searched for visual meaning, overcompensating for the loss of emotion
that comes from silent gibberish. Peas and carrots???
Then, finally, something happened. A production assistant picked up a microphone and told us that we should expect to be
there for at least — at LEAST — 12 hours. Most people turned to each other and mouthed something, and it probably was not
“peas and carrots.”
Then we all had to get our “wardrobes” — that is, the clothes on our back — approved. We all stood in a line, at the front
of which was two women who looked us up and down and said either, “That’s fine” or “Do you have anything else to wear?”
Everything they say about the “Hollywood hurry-up-and-wait” is true. When we were finally ushered into an auditorium, we
sat and waited while the actors’ stand-ins idly chatted on stage. Smith sometimes wandered on stage to talk to crew
members, and to give us our collective motivation — clap, don’t clap, be stunned, be not stunned, and so on.
Occasionally, our wait was interrupted by bursts of action, during which actors performed short, unexplained scenes from a
movie we knew little about. Then, the actors would disappear, the stand-ins would come back, and the cryptic cycle of movie
magic continued to turn.
At one point, Smith introduced the actors, and it was immediately clear who the crowd was there for. Most actors were
greeted with a warm round of applause, Ben Affleck received a cheer like the crowd’s team just won a big game, and when
Jennifer Lopez came out, it was like everyone won the Superbowl.
Lopez, like all the rest, smiled and waved, and then walked off-stage. The actors would sometimes joke with the crowd
between scenes, and we were all thrilled by it. Liv Tyler even apologized for the wig she was wearing, as if to say, “I’m
sorry I couldn’t have been more beautiful for you.”
Just being on the set felt like a privilege, though. There were wires and cameras everywhere, and the crew was usually
happy to answer our questions about the industry.
Photographs and autographs were strictly prohibited. It hardly mattered, because the only cast member we ever got close to
was a little girl, who often ran around the auditorium when she got bored of being on stage.
Some of my new friends from the gym and I were placed in the back of the auditorium, where the glow from glaring stage
lights barely reached. At best, we knew we were shadows for a scene that could end up on the cutting room floor, and so our
desires shifted.
We may have come to compete for camera space, but now we were competing for laughs.
Nobody would hear or see us, not behind the camera or in the actual movie, so we let loose. When we instructed to clap, we
slapped our hands wildly, letting out whoops and irrelevant, ridiculous cheers. We tossed a water bottle in the air, staged
little fights, and completely enjoyed being forgotten within a sea of people who were meant to be forgettable.
Around dinnertime, though, we were losing steam. The gym, which once contained neatly-aligned tables and a bustling crowd,
now looked like a early morning hurricane shelter. People slumped over chairs and slowly gnawed on the set’s bounty of
cheap snacks. Even the moviestar-hopefuls had grown tired, and their once-pristine looks had slowly faded.
At 6:30, we were all milling about in the gym, and the production assistant told us that our next scene had to be postponed
an hour. They needed to film something with a child actor whose time on set would soon legally expire.
The crew seriously discouraged us from leaving, and the small group of people I met may not have thought to if we were
closer to the cameras. But by then, the appeal of being a speck on the big screen had waned, reality had set in, and all we
had left was each other.
We were tired, the group was getting quiet, and so we left.
It is difficult to be disappointed with an experience in which the express purpose is to be neglected, and so we were quite
pleased. Watching a movie being filmed is like watching 100 people stutter, and I imagine it gets boring while taking an
active role in it. Being in the background is like, well, being in the background.
The people who came with dreams of instant fame should have known better, we said.
In our little group, we made our own spotlight. It may not get us on the silver screen, but it was surely more flattering
than the ones in front of the camera.
Certainly more of an event than any of the other days, with Kevin directly addressing the audience a number of times and
introducing the cast. Especially liked his intro for Affleck: "He was the bomb in 'Phantoms,' yo."
Some didn't care to wait through the day. In fact, the woman sitting next to me in the front row disappeared before the
evening's work, so there was a small mini-crisis as they looked for a replacement, which they found in a woman in the
balcony. They had her bring her hair down, redressed her, and she was a pretty fair match. I didn't even catch on to the
switch until she looked me in the face!
At the end, they asked the first two rows for their names and said they might be needed on Friday for some shots. Tonight I
was told it'll probably be a 5 pm call (I have to call them tomorrow for the final decision) and they said it might last
all night. I'll let you know what happens.
OCTOBER 16, 2002
by Stu Bykofsky
'IT TOOK OVER an hour just to do my makeup," sighs Luci Jones, who has no makeup concerns when working as a WIP overnight
host.
She was talking about her role in "Jersey Girl," in a scene shot at Paulsboro High where parents and kids gather at a
talent show, and their acts are mostly scenes from "Cats."
Luci, 48, was cast as the mother of a teen-ager. Both were in cat costumes and makeup.
A week earlier, for CBS' "Hack," she was cast as a mom with two kids during a Thanksgiving scene with star David Morse. She had no lines. "We
were mouthing everything. If we had a line, they would have to pay us more," says Luci.
A few months back, Luci was an extra in "Sex and the City." Her "extra" career seems to be taking off.
Back to Paulsboro: Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler were both around during the five-hour shoot (Jennifer Lopez was not), and both
were friendly and accessible.
"Ben seemed like he was in a real good mood," Luci says.
Why not?
Strains of "Happy Birthday" drifted from the upper-level private room at Alma de Cuba, a Walnut Street eatery, late Sunday.
The birthday was that of Tiana Rios, Jennifer Lopez's personal assistant. Lopez, in a little black dress, was among the
party of 13, as was Ben Affleck, wearing a jacket over a sweater.
How does Jersey Girl director Kevin Smith feel about the news that Paulsboro is preparing to name a street after him for
shooting in the Gloucester County town? "I'm flattered, but nervous," said Smith, 32. "Normally, the only folks with
streets named after them are dead."
OCTOBER 15, 2002
We're awaiting word from the powers that be on what we can and can't say regarding this scene, as we are selectively
keeping spoilers to a minimum here at the site. We can tell you that a bunch of the cast was on hand, and it was certainly
THE scene to be on set for, a wonderful treat. Watch for updates at this site, or surf around the View Askew WWWBoard, as
we're sure that reports will start appearing from those lucky fans in attendance. We'll have a set report of our own here
at the site as soon as we get it spoiler checked!
By the way, a piece of literature handed out to extras had the date of November 14th, 2003 on it -- A possible release date
for the film? This would be on track with the Fall 2003 timeframe. The date IS a Friday, too. You heard it here first!
OCTOBER 13, 2002
OCTOBER 10, 2002
Naturally, we've got a bunch of reports from the set, from press and fans alike. We'll run those reports here for ya, and
they'll also be archived over at Exit 37 along with our recent set visit and others.
First, let's get the Philly Inquirer blurb in:
By Brian Arrington PAULSBORO -- Though it may be a while until "Jersey Girl" director Kevin Smith wins an Academy Award, it looks like the bearded movie maker is going to have a street named after him. Mayor John Burzichelli confirmed rumors Wednesday that plans are in the works to honor Smith with his own street, turning Tyler Street into Kevin Smith Way. Burzichelli said since filming of the Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck flick "Jersey Girl" began in several locales in the riverfront borough last month, the profile of the working-class community has increased and naming a street after Smith was a fitting way to honor him. "He has brought a level of excitement and has exposed the neighborhood and residents in the neighborhoods to something different," Burzichelli said. "People have enjoyed it and we just want to commemorate his contribution." Tyler Street was tapped to be Smith's street because it leads to the entrance of Paulsboro High School -- the location of several scenes shot in the community -- and will be seen by many residents who attend sporting events there. It also could be because no one calls the two-block street home. Linda Martin has lived on the corner of Tyler and North Delaware streets for four years and said the change won't affect her in any way. "I don't know who Tyler was and I don't know who Kevin Smith is," she said. "It wouldn't make a difference to me." Mike McMahon, a 14-year-old whose brother was in a baseball scene, was skateboarding down Tyler Street Wednesday when he was told about the plan. "That's that 'Silent Bob' guy, right?" McMahon asked, referring to Smith's recurring, mostly mute character. Burzichelli said details about renaming the street have yet to be finalized but could be by early next week. Representatives at Smith's production company, View Askew, declined to comment.
OCTOBER 8, 2002
We're glad the crews of "Jersey Girl" and "Hack" didn't come to blows over parking spaces yesterday.
There was plenty of room for both sets of trucks and trailers along 12th and Filbert streets, where both production
companies set up shop.
Adopted homeboy Ben Affleck and Jason Biggs were shooting a scene for the Kevin Smith film inside the Hard Rock
Cafe at 12th and Market, while "Hack" star and true local boy David Morse was shooting outside the Residence Inn by
Marriott across from City Hall.
Good thing J.Lo wasn't on set; there might not have been enough parking for her entourage.
OCTOBER 6, 2002
Jennifer Lopez wowed onlookers as she stepped out of a church in New Jersey dressed in a lavish gown and gave her beau Ben
Affleck a big kiss. But anybody outside St. John's church in Paulsboro who witnessed the joyous occasion, was quick to
learn that it wasn't real life - just a scene from their new movie Jersey Girl. Lopez, 32, and 30-year-old Affleck, who
made their romance public earlier this summer, star in the new drama together which is about the effect of a new wife on
the life of a PR man in the music business. And sources on the set of film say that after director Kevin Smith yelled
"Cut!" the Hollywood couple remained in deep liplocked passion, with J.Lo crawling into her lover's lap to watch the
playback. An eyewitness says, "They looked all lovey-dovey. She couldn't keep her hands off him."
OCTOBER 4, 2002
Believe it or not, there are some college credits to be earned on the Philly production of "Jersey Girl." Just ask seniors
Mike Mallick and Mark Esposito, both of whom are communications majors at La Salle University. Wait, don't ask Mike. He
didn't return Tattle's calls this week, but it's all good. We secured some phone time with Esposito, 21, who hails from
Bristol, Bucks County, and wants to break into the movie biz.
With the loyalty he displayed toward the "Jersey Girl" production during our chat, it looks like the kid has a shot.
His fellow La Salle students at first "asked a lot of questions" when Esposito started the internship in August. "I don't
give any answers because it's very secret," Esposito delicately explains to Tattle. "I want people at work to be able to
trust me with things."
Even his girlfriend is in the dark.
OK, so let's cut to the chase: No Ben Affleck or J.Lo sightings at all, since Esposito works primarily in the production
office in the city. When not filming on the set, shooting is scattered around Philadelphia, the burbs and South Jersey.
Dude has only met "JG" director Kevin Smith a couple of times, he says. Smith gets to the office at the end of a day's
shooting, Esposito says.
So what does a typical day for Esposito look like? "I get there around 8 o'clock, set up the food for everyone," he
explains. We're talking donuts, bagels and Starbucks coffee. The brand, no flavor thankyouverymuch, is of the essence, he
stresses.
Esposito makes sure they get "a nice variety" of bagels. Donuts are not as popular.
"That aspect of it, you don't get the greatest work of all, but when I'm in an office and I'm overhearing a conversation...
I can understand what is going on," he says. He cites his La Salle background with equipping him with the knowledge to
identify such film lingo as "DP." (Director of Photography)
Esposito's other responsibilities include answering phone calls, making copies and delivering packages that arrive from
L.A. Esposito uses his own car for the delivery and receives no mileage reimbursement.
But for his unpaid work and 150 hours for the school term at New Askew Productions, Esposito receives 3 hours of credit and
plenty of valuable experience.
"I'm learning how the movie gets made, the whole process beginning to end and how much work is involved by observing, even
the lowest person on the chain, everyone is important, no matter what job or task you're given."
OCTOBER 2, 2002 
I also saw signs that said "Camera Position" with arrows leading up a road to an overlook. There was a crew up there filming some sort of overview of the Highlands. I also heard someone on the crew mention that they were filming at Sandy Hook (a large beach area) later in the day. I took some photos, they came out a little dark because of the distance. [See above] The scene involved George Carlin and Ben. George was driving his street sweeper down the road when Ben drives up next to him, cuts him off and begins to yell at him. Don't want to give away to much so I wont say what was being said. They shot this scene a dozen or so times, stopping briefly when Ben drove to close to the street sweeper and George hit it. Minor damages to the BMW. Jlo was also on hand but was just relaxing and watching. She left with out a nod to the dozen or so fans that were gathered. Ben left approximately 20 minutes later. No autographs but he at least acknowledged us and waved. He seemed to be in a very bad mood. Then again that could be his method acting coming out! All in all it was a great time! The locals were very friendly. Well except for an old guy who drove down the street when the cops told him no. He got a ticket for his carelessness! Of course he vowed to fight it! Wonder if that got on film?
ELSEWHERE, YOU read what other publications have to say about Ben & Jen. Here, you find out wassup, first hand. After Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez took over the penthouse in the new Phoenix (1600 Arch), to greet her hunk, star-struck J.Lo arranged to have the petals of 50 dozen roses scattered around the lavish love nest. Do you think that made an impression? (Maybe not as much as the sports car she reportedly gave him.) Since J.Lo is partial to white, I was wondering if the 50 DOZEN roses were white roses, but I couldn't nail that down. While it's an enormously romantic gesture I was wondering - I'm a guy, remember - who had to sweep that mess up? US Weekly reported the penthouse love nest rents for $17,000 a month. The Love Birds have two penthouse suites and I hear 30 Large is more like it (including rose-petal removal?). Speaking of Gentle Ben, after the Eagles game, he and some "Jersey Girl" film crew guys spent about three hours reportedly downing beers at Downey's (Front & South). As usual, Affleck was laid back and friendly. The crew is in there often.
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