Film Shoot of TV Pilot 'Trauma' 6

More pics of the scene on King Street at 8.30 am today as crews get ready for today's filming of the TV pilot 'Trauma' (see previous blogs)

Film Shoot of TV Pilot 'Trauma' 5

'Right now it's a schemozzle! It's very dangerous up there!' said Andrea, who with colleague Mick was manning a rail of warm clothes for shivery filmmakers.

She has been part of the

action every day since the making of the NBC TV pilot 'Trauma' took to the streets of San Francisco. Early this morning she was on site on the corner of a side street near the off-ramp of King Street.

'Right now they're going to shoot the aftermath of the accident,' she said, with a taxi being filmed sideways on into the tanker.

But the accident scene itself will be something different!

The 'crash' scene is a multi-car crash with a tanker that is being readied for a

pyro-technic explosion, and safety is the key.

'We have big safety meetings. They keep people who don't have to be there away. There's a lot of broken glass. It's very dangerous,' she stressed. 'That's the nature of things.'

As if to illustrate the point, a private ambulance was parked only yards away, and a row of three red and white San Francisco ambulances were opposite her on King Street.

Andrea and Mick are 'local hires' and represent the union IATSE - the International Association of Theater Stage Emplyees. Most of the clothes for the filming are either purchased or rented, she said.

pics show: Andrea in the orange hat and Mick in a red top; breakfast for the workers in the side street; city ambulances waiting to play their part; private ambulance.

Film Shoot of TV Pilot 'Trauma' 4

Before 8 am this morning, a large crowd of people involved in the filming of a TV pilot called Trauma had gathered around the tanker that will be the scene of a gigantic explosion this afternoon. (see previous blogs)

Action will include a fireball, billowing smoke, and helicopters overhead.

The tanker was moved into place yesterday evening at the end of the day's filming and is seen sitting over the houseboats at the end of Mission Creek, not far from the off-ramp at King Street.

Trauma is a drama about paramedics who rush heroically to save lives. It is being made by NBC Universal Media Studios in association with Film 44 and filming will continue in the city for about four weeks.

The pilot alone is expected to bring in about $7 million in revenue for the city. Mayor Gavin Newsom and the San Francisco Film Commission who have welcomed the filming are desperately hoping that the main production will take place in the city not just for the direct financial income but also for the creation of about 340 jobs and the wider boost to tourism that a popular TV series would bring. (see http://lizinsanfrancisco.blogspot.com/2009/03/film-shoot.html for more details)

Film Shoot of TV Pilot 'Trauma' 3

'It's pretty crazy out there!' said a young guy who had been out and about today with the filming of NBC's pilot TV show, 'Trauma'.

'It's Hollywood, it's not real, but it definitely makes it feel real!' he said.

Not wishing to give his name, he said the 'accident' bringing emergency responders rushing to the rescue, involved a tanker truck, a BMW and a Lexus.

By early evening, a yellow taxi also involved in the filming - some scenes were shot from it - was parked at the end of the off-ramp on King Street. Other vehicles carrying props were exiting from the scene.

Tomorrow, residents around the creek at Mission Bay are gearing up for a day of drama with a pyro-technic explosion and a whirr of helicopters overhead.

No-one knows exactly what time the explosion will be, said my commentator, 'but there will only be one! You can't put the pieces back together again!'

As dusk fell, a white tanker could be seen in place just overhead from the row of houseboats that rock gently on the creek.

A California Highway Patrol officer said this morning that there would be a wide closure of streets around the area while the explosion took place.

Meanwhile this evening residents were strolling around the creek to try and glimpse the action. Dad Brad was out with his six-year-old son, Connor.

'I think it's exciting, but it's causing a lot of traffic holdups,' said Brad, who with Connor is hoping to catch sight of the explosion tomorrow.

'It's great for San Francisco to have a film made in the city.'

pics show: a truck carrying props exiting on King Street; a Universal City Studios truck; the yellow taxi now parked overnight that was used in the filming; Brad and six-year-old Connor checking out the scene on Mission Creek

Film Shoot of TV Pilot 'Trauma' 2

It's been a terrible accident! A BMW, a Lexus and a tanker truck collided on the expressway - and the 'carnage' is being carried away.

Not for real, though.

NBC Universal are filming their pilot action drama, 'Trauma', and tonight on King Street Greg was transporting some of the props to safe overnight storage.

He has spent the day on the expressway above the creek at Mission Bay making sure all the vehicles are pyro-technic proof,

ready for the 'big explosion' that will happen sometime tomorrow afternoon.

For Greg, his responsibility has been to make sure fuel cells don't explode, gas tanks are empty and that there are no injuries arising from explosive accidents with the vehicles.

pics show: Greg and a smashed up BMW; police guarding the off-ramp on King Street at 7.30 pm and co-ordinating between Greg and a police escort to take the damaged BMW to an overnight spot

Film Shoot of TV Pilot 'Trauma' 1

Filming began early this morning on a TV drama pilot, 'Trauma', featuring emergency services dealing with a crashed tanker truck.

The 'accident' is taking place on the expressway by the King Street off-ramp at Sixth Street. By 5.00 am members of the California Highway Patrol were blocking off the street and by 10 am a small crowd had gathered.

However, members of the public who were on foot were kept well away from the action, only the tips of which could be seen over the creek at Mission Bay.

For motorists, several lanes of the highway remained open so they had a fleeting glance of the filming.

The most dramatic scenes occur tomorrow when there will be a fireball and billowing smoke, and helicopters will be overhead throughout the day.

Residents in the area received notification during the week.

Trauma, which is a working title, is described in a *press release from Mayor Gavin Newsom's office as 'an action-packed, high-octane medical drama.' It is based around a group of paramedics who risk their lives and perform great feats of heroism to save others.

Cast who will be displaying heroism as they rush towards an exploding tanker truck include Derek Luke of Notorious, Cliff Curtis of 10,000 BC, Anastasia Griffith of Damages, Aimee Garcia of George Lopez, Kevin Rankin of Friday Night Lights and Jamey Sheridan of Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

The writer and executive producer is Dario Scardapane and director and executive producer is Jeffrey Reiner of Friday Night Lights.

The film is being made by NBC Universal Media Studios in association with Film 44
and is being run from Treasure Island at the end of the Bay Bridge.

Filming around the city will last for four weeks. Not only is it a fillip to see the city once more being used as a film backdrop but the pilot is expected to generate about $7 million.

'This production is a great opportunity to create several hundred jobs and stimulate the local economy with as much as $7 million in revenue,' said Mayor Newsom.

'It demonstrates that despite the economic downturn, San Francisco continues to stand out as a beautiful and welcoming city, and we are extremely pleased that NBC has chosen San Francisco as the location for its new show.'

Revenue is expected in the form of payments to local crew, taxes, city services and patronage of businesses.

If full production goes ahead, it will provide about 340 jobs.

'Getting the pilot for a high profile series to film in San Francisco is a great start. Next, we are anxious to have the production base here for the run of the show,' said Stefanie Coyote, Executive Director, San Francisco Film Commission.

'Not only does this represent major dollars and jobs for the city through production expenditures, but also it is proven that TV series stimulate tourism, revenues the city depends on annually.'

Equally pleased with the opportunity to film here is Jerry DiCanio, Executive Vice President, Production Operations, Universal Media Studios and NBC Universal Television Distribution.

'San Francisco is the perfect setting for this exciting project to film its pilot. We're thankful for the tremendous help that's been extended to us by the Mayor and film office, and we can't wait to turn Trauma into our next hit show for NBC,' he is quoted as saying.

Previous TV series filmed here include Streets of San Francisco and Midnight Caller, and the last being Nash Bridges in 2000.

***The Mayor's press relaese can be seen: http://www.sfgov.org/site/mayor_index.asp?id=99991

pics show: a waiting crowd and the California Highway Patrol on King Street just before Caltrain; filming on the expressway with a camera van rolling ready for action

Traffic restrictions are as follows:

MEDIA ALERT -- I-280 N/B KING STREET EXIT TO BE CLOSED SATURDAY MARCH 28 -
WEDNESDAY APRIL 1ST (WEEKDAY MORNING COMMUTE HOURS EXCEPTED) and I-280 S/B
KING STREET ENTRANCE TO BE CLOSED SUNDAY MARCH 29 from 1 PM - 4 PM FOR
FILMING OF TV PILOT IN SAN FRANCISCO

NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON I-280 WILL BE DIVERTED TO 6TH STREET due to the
closure of the King Street off-ramp at Sixth Street in San Francisco on
Saturday, March 28 at 5:00 AM through Sunday, March 29 until 10 p.m. and on
Monday, March 30, Tuesday March 31st and Wednesday, April 1 from 10 AM - 9
PM each day leaving the exit ramp available after 9 PM - 10 AM to
accommodate the weekday commute hours. Northbound traffic will be diverted
onto the Sixth Street exit with detours set up to Embarcadero.

KING STREET ENTRANCE RAMP FOR SOUTHBOUND I-280 will be closed on Sunday
March 29th from 1 PM - 4 PM. Southbound traffic will be detoured from King
Street to MARIPOSA STREET OR SIXTH STREET AT BRANNAN.

Albino Alligator back in California Academy of Sciences

Claude, the rare albino alligator, is back in his swamp at the California Academy of Sciences after being in sick-bay since January - minus both a 'pinky' toe and companion, Bonnie, but sporting new skills under his scales!

Claude disappeared from the public view after Bonnie, a dark-coloured alligator who shares the swamp with him, bit him and caused infection to set in in his foot. Despite being dosed on antibiotics, the infection developed and the small toe on the end of his foot - the 'pinky' - was amputated.

But this week, having made a full recovery, he is not only back but can hold up his mighty head as 'the alligator who knows his name!'

Call out 'Claude' and he will respond, especially as he knows some tasty treat will be waiting for him.

As an albino, Claude's eyesight is limited which was the cause of the problem.

'He is prone to erratic movements,' said Andrew Ng, Communications

Specialist. In the throes of such a movement, he startled Bonnie.

'Bonnie, naturally, bit him,' he said.

Soon after, staff noticed a swelling on Claude's right, front foot and so on January 14 he was taken away to be nursed in sick-bay in the basement of the academy. Amputation followed, but after surgery he healed quickly, said Andrew.

Staff then turned their attention for the next few weeks to helping Claude, who is about 14-years-old, develop navigational skills both for his safety and their benefit.

'They have taught him to respond to when his own name is called. When he does respond, they give him a treat - something to eat,' said Andrew.

The purpose of this teaching is both to help him avoid any further clashes with the feisty 'no-one messes with me!' Bonnie, and to help staff move Claude into a corner when they want to clean his tank, for example.

Claude returned to his swamp on Wednesday after a ten-week absence, but on his lonesome. He has swapped places with Bonnie who has temporarily been put in the basement. This leaves him to sprawl in peace on his favourite spot, the heated basking rock.

'Bonnie has been taken out so he can reacquaint himself with the swamp without distractions from her. I imagine she will be back in four to six weeks,' said Andrew.

During his absence, though, some of Claude's many fans - 'Hoping for a quick recovery for the very handsome Claude. He is sorely missed!' said Vince - have been commenting on a news spot for Claude on the academy's website - http://www.calacademy.org/flyonthewall/?p=145

'So why is there only one heated rock for two gators? Why can’t they each have a rock so they don’t have to fight over them, and avoid future injuries?' asked AManess.

Whilst Kim asked, 'I noticed Bonnie hasn’t taken Claude’s usual spot on the rock. Do you think this is a territorial thing, or does Bonnie not have the same love for heated spot?'

Staff member Helen answered:

'Like all albino alligators, Claude has relatively poor eyesight. Therefore he prefers to spend most of his time on the Swamp exhibit’s heated rock, where he won’t bump into anything. Bonnie, however, has excellent eyesight, so she is happy to spend more time in the water.'

Claude's social skills with Bonnie were certainly not of the best when he first arrived at the academy from Florida, a point Helen also commented on.

'Before coming to the Academy, Claude had never lived with other alligators, so his social skills are still developing. In the long run, Claude’s experience in the exhibit will be much more enriching and stimulating if he shares the space with other animals - including other members of his species,' wrote Helen.

At the opening weekend last July, Peter, the docent, put it more bluntly:

'He tends to chuck her off the rock...so they're not an item!' - see previous blog: http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8592174938996932415&postID=5828075324985522169

But while their relationship might not be perfect, things have greatly improved. 'I have watched them many times both sharing the rock, cuddling you might say!' said Andrew.

So are they an item?

'We haven't seen them getting amorous,' he replied tactfully. In the beginning, Andrew recalled, he did not see them sharing the rock but now, he said, they rest their heads on each others backs.

So even alligators have a heart?!

'They definitely have hearts!' said Andrew.

'When Bonnie comes back in four to six weeks we'll see how they interact. Hopefully all will go well.'

Thousands of visitors had already poured into the academy that morning. Among those excitedly craning their heads over the swamp were Jack, who has just celebrated his fifth birthday, and his grandmother, Susan, who are from the Bay Area.

Susan, as a member of the academy, had brought her grandchildren to the preview event last summer and Jack had remembered the alligators and wanted to see them again - 'he has a memory like an elephant,' she said, appropriate to where we were standing!

So what did Jack think of Claude today?

'I think he's very ferocious. And I see the turtles,' he added, looking at the alligator snapping turtles swimming around the swamp.

'I don't think Claude would eat the turtles because they would hurt his teeth,' he said.

But Susan and Jack had encountered gargantuan problems in getting to the academy. They had made their first attempt the previous day but after driving around in vain for an hour-and-a-half to find a parking space near enough for Jack to walk to the academy, they had had to return home.

'So that's why today we said we would be here early, but even by 10.15 - 10.20, there were no more than a dozen spaces left,' Susan said of the carpark.

Their difficulties were probably compounded, Susan acknowledged, by the weather and the fact that it is the school Spring Break. Temperatures in San Francisco have been in the 70s this week without any of the familiar fog, and with the academy being in the Golden Gate Park it is an attractive venue in school holidays.

Reading visitor comments on the academy website, however, these difficulties are far from uncommon. The popularity of the academy is its most frequent criticism and the advice is not only to get there early, but make sure you pick up free tickets to the planetarium and 3D Bugs shows as soon as you get there because spaces are limited.

You can read many reviews on Yelp.com but one of the most helpful is from Jenny H of San Francisco who posted last week:

'Finally!! I was able to get into the California Academy of Science!! Yeah for me!!

This place has been super crowded every weekend since it opened. I've gone here twice on a Saturday morning and was unable to make it in. Being this is the third time, I had a game plan set up...

1. Buy tickets online in advance - this will save you some time since there is a line to buy tickets then a separate line to get in.
2. Get there bright and early to line up! We got there at 8:30 AM and waited an hour before they opened the doors
3. Go get your planetarium and 3D movie tickets first. They run out fast so be sure to make that your first stop! '

http://www.yelp.com/biz/california-academy-of-sciences-san-francisco-3