Joie’s acting friend, Megan who stars as the daughter in the film

It’s hard to believe sitting in my writing cottage today that at this time yesterday Joie and I were on the set of a movie being filmed in our area. It was a  surreal and amazing experience. It will definitely live on in my memory bank for a long time to come.

The movie “The Surface” has been the dream of writer, actor and producer, Jeff Gendelman for 18-years. I can only imagine how he must feel seeing his dream come to life right before his eyes – right in his own hometown of Mequon, WI.

Joie with producer Jeff Gendelmann

When we arrived we were greeted by Matt from the crew who guided us to the house and showed us to the kitchen.  This is where I met Jeff’s wife, Ginny and their daughter Megan. What a delightful and professional young lady Megan is. She came very well prepared for her extra part in the movie starring beside actor Chris Mulkey and of course, yours truly, Joie. I was also able to meet Mimi Rogers who stars in the film too.

Megan took some time to get to know Joie, learning how to take Joie in and out of her wheelchair, as well learning how to pick Joie up in her wheels and hold her. We were not quite sure what Director, Gil Cates, Jr. would want her to do in the scene so she was asked to practice those two things.  Megan is a very sweet 12-year old girl who wants to be an actress someday.  Watching Megan with Joie really did my heart good as they formed a special bond from the beginning. Megan was very cautious of making sure she didn’t hurt Joie in any way, as well as she took her acting debut just as seriously.

As Megan and Joie practiced, the kitchen was a flurry of film crew and extra’s on the set waiting for their time to shoot their piece in the movie. As much as I wanted to take photos my main concern was that Joie was feeling settled and okay with everything. I did get a few shots, but there was also a set photographer snapping many photos and he got quite a few of Joie that I hope to see and share in the near future.

About an hour after we were there, Jessica, the Videography Coordinator asked if she could dress Joie’s wheelchair out in racing stickers and checkered duct tape. I thought that was so cool, sharing with her that we are from Elkhart Lake, WI where we are known for our famous race track. It couldn’t have been more perfect!  I’m still not quite sure of the reason for the stickers and checkered tape and how that plays into the film, but hopefully that will make sense once we see the movie.

I was in awe of what all goes into producing a 20-30 second scene which in all took about 4.5 hours to complete. The scene Joie is in plays out with the main character having a flash back of a family scene. Actor, Chris Mulkey is heading out the door to work, as actress Megan, playing his daughter comes bounding down the stairs in the morning. As she reaches the bottom of the stairs she is greeting by Joie who she says good morning to, picks her up in her arms, walks to kiss her Dad on the cheek, tells him she loves him and to have a good day and off set she walks with Joie still in her arms.

Sounds easy, right?  Well, it basically is, but took many shots to achieve that.  I had to be off to the side in the dining room and when the Director yelled action, he then cued me by saying, “Joie.” I had to call to her so she would leave where she was hanging out on the outside of the scene with the director and film crew and roll through the entrance into the front hallway and to the stairs where Megan would pick her up.

We had to do that about six or seven times and toward the end Joie it was getting harder and harder to coax to come to me down the hallway waiting around the corner.  After that was done we got a little break. Then they actually did very short clips of that whole scene broken down, which I assume they then work their magic in how a movie is all put together.

The last part of the shoot was Joie walking around the corner into the hallway for a brief shot of her walking, so I had to again be off to the side calling her.  She was pretty tired by then, but luckily we got her to do the final shot with the promise of a sweet, long nap on the way home.

Film crew set up outside front door with lighting to make it appear like a sunny morning. It was actually foggy and cloudy yesterday, so it was fascinating to have it appear as if it weren’t.

Everyone on the set was so kind to Joie and many were very intrigued about her asking many questions. How cool we got to share the good news of dogs with IVDD and dogs in wheelchairs in such a special way.  At one point, Jeff checked in with me to ask if I was having fun, which I assured him I was. I also thanked him once again for the wonderful opportunity.

It is a day I will never forget. Though I have a feeling when the movie comes out which will be late in 2014, that will be quite the special day as well when we make our way to the theatre to catch our sweet little wheelie dog, Joie come to life on the big screen. A once in a life opportunity that will be a moment to always cherish.

Today as I reflect back on yesterday I still feel in such a state of awe and so blessed to be a part of something so “big.” But I also give thanks and feel so much gratitude for the life I have here in my little town with my family and pets I love do dearly.

Joie resting comfortably on the drive home, lost in her own little world of doggie dreams.  My heart over flowed with pride and love for such a special little dog.

To learn more about The Surface and follow along as it continues filming, as well as when it comes to a theatre near you do follow them on Facebook.

**A very special thank you to Producer, Jeff Gendelman and Director, Gil Cates, Jr. for allowing  Joie to be in this special film.**