282 replies to this topic

[erniecureo]

Very proud to present on the CBn main page...

I Was an Extra in Casino Royale

_{Written by Grant McIver}

Hello all--

New member here, though I've been lurking for a while.

Anyone interested in a brief (or not so brief) description of my time as an extra on the casino set of CR? It was a great time, and a fulfillment of sorts of a childhood fantasy (wearing a tux in a 007 movie, sitting at a baccarat table ten feet away from Bond. Unbelievable...)

Circumstances were as follows--I was living and working in the Czech Republic in a town about 30 km. from Karlovy Vary (where they shot the casino stuff). I heard about the extra call, and figured what the hell. Next thing you know, I'm on set for two weeks.

Got a few photos, and exchanged pleasantries with some of the principals--DC, Jeffrey Wright, Mads Mikkelson, Martin Campbell, et al. If there's interest, I'll relate a few stories. What I won't do is throw out spoilers (not sure I know any anyway), or embarass anyone connected with the film, for two reasons: I'm a fan, and I was treated with exceptional kindness by the cast and crew.

Finally, a couple of points: I know we all have our favorite Bonds, but I think DC will be great. His intensity and professionallism on the set were excellent--he took it very seriously, and seemed intensely aware of the responsibility of the fans' expectations--and wanted sincerely to live up to them. I wish him every success.

Second, if you ever have a chance to get to the Czech Republic, run--don't walk. Wonderful people and a beautiful country. Do it now, before it gets too expensive!

Best to all.

[James Blond]

Lucky you!
Great to hear positive comments.

[Righty007]

Welcome to CBn. Can you post the photos?

[I Like Sharks]

Welcome to CommanderBond.net. Any info would be greatly appreciated but I'm especially curious as to what Jeffery Wright is like in his portrayal as Felix Leiter.

[zencat]

Welcome, erniecureo. Yes, I'd love to hear your stories.

[Niwram]

Screw the stories, let's see the pictures!

[JCRendle]

Niceone - If theres any "spoilers" you can tell us, pop over to the spoilers section

[Matt_13]

Thats awesome, welcome to CBn! Get those pics!!!

[Qwerty]

Very, very cool, erniecureo. Welcome to CBn as well.

[The Richmond Spy]

Please don't keep us salivating for too long!

[K1Bond007]

Sounds cool.

[DanFan2]

Wow, you're so lucky to have been on the set for two weeks!!! I definitely want to read your stories (and see your photos, if possible).

THANKS!!!

[Iceheart]

so would i

that is my dream

to either be bond or the next best thing...........be an extra


Iceheart

[DamnCoffee]

Cant wait to see the pics and listen to the stories, welcome to CBN ernie and i cant wait to see your future posts, u sound like a very interesting edition to the forums

[Trident]

Lucky guy!

[MarcAngeDraco]

Welcome to CBn!! Would love to hear your stories and see any pics you were able to get!

[Jericho_One]

Welcome.

Shall we have a look at those photos?

[Niwram]

That's mean! To post something like that and then just disappear!

Edited by Niwram, 05 August 2006 - 04:08 PM.

[erniecureo]

Sorry to be late posting this...I've just been settling in my new apartment and getting organized. Here's the first installment.

First, some background.

When I was ten, my father took my older brother and I to see

Attached Files

•  Termal.jpg   57.85KB   614 downloads
•  Casting_Sign.jpg   85.25KB   706 downloads

Edited by erniecureo, 08 August 2006 - 05:28 PM.

[Righty007]

Part 2 tomorrow (I promise!)

That's not fair!

[Bon-san]

Great stuff. A natural storyteller. And the suspense! Touche.

[JCRendle]

and passing notes to the cute girl in the seat in front of me

Aww

[iexpectu2die]

It must be said, you are an excellent storyteller, erniecureo!
You could make a novel of your experience!

[Double-0-Seven]

Awesome! Can't wait for the second part.

[DamnCoffee]

Cant wait till part two ernie the first part is really cool

[Qwerty]

Very cool so far! Looking forward to part two.

[Quest]

Hi Erniecureo.

That must've been the experience of a lifetime!

Most of the questions I had have already been asked, but just curious. Many posts have said DC is 6', some say he's 5' 8". Did you have a chance to stand near him? You could have the information that everyone else is just guessing at.

Great post - Thanks!

[Righty007]

Hi Erniecureo.

That must've been the experience of a lifetime!

Most of the questions I had have already been asked, but just curious. Many posts have said DC is 6', some say he's 5' 8". Did you have a chance to stand near him? You could have the information that everyone else is just guessing at.

Great post - Thanks!

IMDb says he's 5'11" which I believe.

[Quest]

Righty007...

I've heard that, too - yet you see pictures, like the one of him standing on the beach with a girl in his arms, that sort of throw one a bit. I figured if ErnieCureo had stood next to him, he could clear that all up moreso than a website or a pic. That's great about having someone in the CBN forums that could help with actual eyewitness info. People are obviously curious about his actual height.

Take care.

[erniecureo]

Hey, thanks for all the kind words!

And I'm not deliberately being coy about the next installment--I've just got a lot on my plate at the moment. But I'm very glad you're enjoying the story...

As to DC's height, I can say he's definitely not 5'8". 5'11" or 6' is accurate. I was in close proximity to him many times (even bumping into him in one scene). To be honest, I've never been a great judge of height--when you're six four, your perspective's a bit skewed! But 5'11" or 6' is my guess.

Anyway, at one point introduced myself and shook hands with him. I said, "Allow a displaced Yank to congratulate you on landing the role. I think you'll be great, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the film. I wish you every success."

He was very gracious. He shook my hand, smiled, and said, "Thanks, mate. Appreciate it."