Sorry I have to make this announcement, since I figured it was a given. But, all photos
without a credit and all commentary are copyrighted to me, Traveler. I don't mind if you
make a copy for your personal use. I don't even mind if you would like to use the
photos on your own site. I only request that you respect my ownership and credit
Traveler whenever you use the stuff publicly. After all...I was the one who had to
grovel for them! Now, on with the Odyssey!
Well, Sunday April 27th dawned bright and sunny. I hooked up with two lovely ladies (Hello, Beth and
Kathy!), and I got a sunburn, amongst other things.
I got a call late the night before, telling me that due to inclement weather on Saturday,
the filming I was scheduled for on Sunday was cancelled. At first I was disappointed, but
then I thought, "Hey! I can play fan!" Which is just what I did.
I headed out toward DC at about 0800 on Sunday morning. A friend of mine said his call was
at 0700, and I assumed it was for being an extra. It wasn't. He was actually a PA this
time!
Anyway, I got into the Georgetown area around 1000. May I just take this moment to *bitch*
about Georgetown streets and parking? It's incredibly crowded, and they have incredibly
small streets. Not good for a guy in a pick-up truck!
I managed to luck into parking only a couple of blocks from the University. I was
wandering around, looking for Beth. I saw Wendall, a *very* cool security guy. He waved
as he chatted with another guy.
As I made my way southward down 37th street, I came across one of the security guys for
the base camp. (He hollered at me, "Hey! You made it to this one!") I've talked to him
several times, but have never managed to get his name! (I apologize!) Anyway, I asked if
I was allowed to walk along the street with the trailers on them, and he said, "Sure!"
I took a stroll down toward the area, but didn't see any activity. So, I headed back up
the street to the University. Just as I was nearing the stairs to go where I *knew* there
was filming, I spotted Beth! She was across the street. I hailed her and we chatted for
a few minutes, and then decided to climb the stairs to see if we would be thrown out.
Not a problem! There was no security or PAs there. It was an open campus! We settled
in a grassy area behind the sidewalk to take in the scene. That's when we noticed Martin
Sheen! I took this opportunity to take a few pictures.
Mr. Sheen was very cordial with the guests he was speaking to. Turns out that a one
of the young men was from his parish back in California. They had West Wing badges and
lots of access.
Beth and I were standing along the sidewalk. We'd been talking to Dave, our friendly
PA. We love Dave...we really do. He doesn't treat us like whacked out fans, and he's
very helpful, explaining the technical details of the filming.
Anyway, I'd been taking some pictures of Mr. Sheen while he was talking to his friends
(see above link). I managed to catch his eye once, and waved to him. He waved back!
I had people turning to me and saying, "Did you see that? Martin Sheen just waved to
you!" Yeah, you guessed it...My ego was on overdrive!
We settled in as they placed the extras into their place. I now know why I wasn't
selected for *this* shot...I really don't think *any* of them were above the age of 20!
Seems that Georgetown had a casting call for students to play graduates.
The 'parents' extras were all in the upper 40s, low 50s range. I just wasn't a fit for
this shot.
So...we watched them shoot this scene, and several variations of it. They moved
some of the extras out, and tightened the shot. It was interesting to watch Martin
do the same scene...over and over. What was funny to watch was the extras applauding
enthusiastically for a couple of takes, and then *stop* applauding when Martin and the
Chancellor of the college reached a certain spot. They just *mimicked* applauding! It
was pretty cool!
One of the gestures Martin nailed time and again? The fist over the heart, like he was
very touched by the audience response. Very Jed Bartlet, and very cool how he was able
to do it at about the same spot every take...even without audience applause. (Yes, I
was counting the seconds!)
Anyway...Beth, Kathy and I hung around that morning and mid afternoon watching the
various mutations of this shot. All of a sudden, I spotted Elisabeth Moss! I really
wanted to get her autograph on my WW poster, and a picture of her. But by that time,
the cameras had been banned, so there was no chance.
We were engrossed with the graduation scene filming when my RR went off. (Richard Radar,
for those of you who don't know!) Anyway, he had just arrived on the set and was standing
around the cast holding area, talking with various people. I was able to get a few
shots, and then a couple more when Taye Diggs showed up.
(If they look hasty, out of focus and clandestine, they were! Remember? Cameras had
been banned!)
As they broke for lunch, Martin Sheen was signing autographs and taking pictures with
anyone who wanted one! He must have been there for nearly 45 minutes, making sure that
those who wanted to have a little time with him were taken care of. He took a picture
with me, and then another with Beth and Kathy! A very gracious man.
After they broke for lunch, we wandered around and found a place to get something to
drink and munch. I had changed out of my jeans earlier into shorts (in my truck!), and
forgot and left my money in the truck. Beth sprang for my water. (Thanks, Beth!)
Once we had settled down again to see what else was going on, I noticed a certain
beautiful red-head sitting in the cast chairs. It was Kathleen York! I was very excited,
as hers is one of the signatures I lack on my WW poster. Not to mention that she's
drop-dead gorgeous! I snapped a few camera-banned shots
of her, too!
While I was drooling over Kathleen York, and trying to figure out how to approach her for
an autograph, I heard one of the PAs say over the radio that 'Josh' was at the trailers,
and where did they want him? I turned to my compatriots and said, "They usually don't
refer to the cast by their character names. It's Josh Malina!" They were both very
excited, and we decided to trek back down to the trailers to check it out.
We had been told by one of the Security guys that we would have better luck getting an
autograph down near the trailers. The security guy who was on duty didn't have a problem
when I explained what we were there for. He told us we had a good chance of meeting
Josh if we stood on the corner. So, we did what we were told.
After a few minutes, Josh Malina exited the makeup trailer for his dressing room. He
noticed us at the corner and waved, and I asked if he had time for a couple of autographs.
He came over to us and said, "I know you guys! I met you the last time I was here!" We
were thrilled that he had remembered us! He said that he needed to get changed, in case
they needed him on the set, but that he would be back and sign autographs...he promised!
True to his word, Mr. Malina changed into costume and then signed our stuff and let us
take pictures with him.
You'll notice we're nowhere to be found in the photos. Uh...because we're shy?
Because we're Quasimodo in disguise? No! It's because TPTB may be lurking, and we *like*
the access that we have managed to obtain. Enough said?
After Mr. Malina spent some time with us, he went back into his trailer, and we went
back up the hill to the graduation scene. Once we got back up there, the crew was
resetting for another scene. I looked around and noticed many cameras out, so I broke
mine out. As I surveyed the scene, I nearly had a heart attack! Richard Schiff and
Kathleen York, occupying the same space, off camera! Be still, my beating heart!
I got my stuff out and ready to autograph, camera ready. I was trying to find an
opportunity to approach Ms. York, since hers is an autograph that I need for my
WW poster. Also, I had an agency photo of her that I wanted to get autographed.
Mr. Schiff was in a conversation with what seemed to be several important people. At least,
one of the women had had access to the director's tent. I feel certain that Mr. Schiff
views me as his personal albatross, and I didn't want to interrupt and perpetuate that
image. Color me surprised when I caught his eye during his conversation, and he nodded
at me!
So, I concentrated my efforts on Ms. York. I finally saw my opportunity when Mr. Schiff
was approached by some other fans. I wandered closer to the cast holding area and called
to Ms. York. I asked if I could get a couple of autographs. She seemed pleased that I
asked, and I handed her my WW poster first, explaining that hers was one of the last
signatures that I needed. She gladly signed the poster.
When I brought out her agency photo, she was taken aback, to say the least! "Oh my God!
Where did you get this?" I was kinda surprised by her reaction. Most of the rest of the
cast that I presented agency photos to were like, 'OMG! I haven't seen this in forever!'
Ms. York was a bit upset. I told her I got it off of eBay, and she called a PA over
and said, "I can't believe the agencies are selling these! Look at this!" I think she
really was kinda upset, but she signed it anyway. I told her I enjoyed her
music, and she told me that her next album was coming out in 3 weeks. I thanked her
for her time, and got out of there!
I made my way to where Mr. Schiff was signing autographs. I had a Warner Bros. photo
of him that I wanted to get signed, but I was being kinda polite. Plus, not wanting
to perpetuate that albatross thing.
Just as I was about to get to the front of the line (after several people cut in front
of me!) Michelle the PA insisted that he had to go, and motioned for us to back up. I
stepped back like a good soldier, and then she turned away to deal with other things.
The few remaining people went up to Mr. Schiff again for autographs, and I made my place
in line again. I was about to hand the photo to him when some lithe little girl and
her buddies stepped in front of me to ask for a picture. Then, they had the nerve to
ask me to take it for them!
I said, "Sure...no problem! Anything else I can do for you?" I shut up and took the
picture, but I swear Mr. Schiff was smirking! When I handed the camera back to the
group, Michelle starting waving us back again, but Mr. Schiff grabbed my photo and pen,
and signed the photo, then gave me a wink as he handed it back!
Well, I thought I'd achieved just about everything I could have hoped for that day.
However, I was wrong! Lew Wells came over to help Mr. Schiff and Ms. York adjust their
travel arrangements so that they could attend *something* at the White House. (I
haven't found out just what yet!)
While they were waiting on confirmation, the director called for first team to the set,
and a lot of people went to watch the next scene being filmed. It got kinda quiet
around the cast holding area, and I was waiting for my next opportunity. Mr. Schiff
and Ms. York were still signing a few autographs for GU-related people and new PAs.
I caught Ms. York's eye and motioned to my camera and Mr. Schiff. After a couple of
minutes, she tugged on his jacket and pointed to me, saying something about a picture.
Mr. Schiff started to make his way over to me, but I seemed to surprise them both by
asking to take a picture of the two of them together!
So, here it is...a Traveler's Odyssey Exclusive...Richard Schiff and Kathleen York.
Better known as Toby and Andy.
My day had been made and I was contemplating going home. I had heard that the night's
filming had none of the regular cast members involved. I was about to confirm this and
head home, when Brad Whitford arrived on scene! Seems that he too was not filming, but
just on the set. Kathy nearly had a heart attack when we ran into him just off the
green!
While she was recovering from that shock, Dule' Hill arrived! Mr. Hill, Mr. Schiff, and
Ms. York all departed at the same time. Mr. Whitford hung around for a little bit, and
then he too had to go.
Mr. Sheen and Mr. Malina were the only regular cast members filming inside Healy Hall
when Beth, Kathy, and I departed for the day.
Needless to say, it was a wonderful, sunny day. We all had a good time, and look forward
to the next time "The West Wing" comes to Washington!
Here are the links to the rest of the pictures I took!
Martin Sheen
Richard Schiff
Group Shots
To take a look at my adventures, just click on a link below.
Traveler
Bluemont VA August 2001
Washington DC November 2001
Washington DC February 2002
Pennsylvania Roadtrip August 2002
Washington DC September 2002
Washington DC January 2003
Washington DC April 2003
Well, Sunday April 27th dawned bright and sunny. I hooked up with two lovely ladies (Hello, Beth and
Kathy!), and I got a sunburn, amongst other things.
I got a call late the night before, telling me that due to inclement weather on Saturday,
the filming I was scheduled for on Sunday was cancelled. At first I was disappointed, but
then I thought, "Hey! I can play fan!" Which is just what I did.
I headed out toward DC at about 0800 on Sunday morning. A friend of mine said his call was
at 0700, and I assumed it was for being an extra. It wasn't. He was actually a PA this
time!
Anyway, I got into the Georgetown area around 1000. May I just take this moment to *bitch*
about Georgetown streets and parking? It's incredibly crowded, and they have incredibly
small streets. Not good for a guy in a pick-up truck!
I managed to luck into parking only a couple of blocks from the University. I was
wandering around, looking for Beth. I saw Wendall, a *very* cool security guy. He waved
as he chatted with another guy.
As I made my way southward down 37th street, I came across one of the security guys for
the base camp. (He hollered at me, "Hey! You made it to this one!") I've talked to him
several times, but have never managed to get his name! (I apologize!) Anyway, I asked if
I was allowed to walk along the street with the trailers on them, and he said, "Sure!"
I took a stroll down toward the area, but didn't see any activity. So, I headed back up
the street to the University. Just as I was nearing the stairs to go where I *knew* there
was filming, I spotted Beth! She was across the street. I hailed her and we chatted for
a few minutes, and then decided to climb the stairs to see if we would be thrown out.
Not a problem! There was no security or PAs there. It was an open campus! We settled
in a grassy area behind the sidewalk to take in the scene. That's when we noticed Martin
Sheen! I took this opportunity to take a few pictures.
Mr. Sheen was very cordial with the guests he was speaking to. Turns out that a one
of the young men was from his parish back in California. They had West Wing badges and
lots of access.
Beth and I were standing along the sidewalk. We'd been talking to Dave, our friendly
PA. We love Dave...we really do. He doesn't treat us like whacked out fans, and he's
very helpful, explaining the technical details of the filming.
Anyway, I'd been taking some pictures of Mr. Sheen while he was talking to his friends
(see above link). I managed to catch his eye once, and waved to him. He waved back!
I had people turning to me and saying, "Did you see that? Martin Sheen just waved to
you!" Yeah, you guessed it...My ego was on overdrive!
We settled in as they placed the extras into their place. I now know why I wasn't
selected for *this* shot...I really don't think *any* of them were above the age of 20!
Seems that Georgetown had a casting call for students to play graduates.
The 'parents' extras were all in the upper 40s, low 50s range. I just wasn't a fit for
this shot.
So...we watched them shoot this scene, and several variations of it. They moved
some of the extras out, and tightened the shot. It was interesting to watch Martin
do the same scene...over and over. What was funny to watch was the extras applauding
enthusiastically for a couple of takes, and then *stop* applauding when Martin and the
Chancellor of the college reached a certain spot. They just *mimicked* applauding! It
was pretty cool!
One of the gestures Martin nailed time and again? The fist over the heart, like he was
very touched by the audience response. Very Jed Bartlet, and very cool how he was able
to do it at about the same spot every take...even without audience applause. (Yes, I
was counting the seconds!)
Anyway...Beth, Kathy and I hung around that morning and mid afternoon watching the
various mutations of this shot. All of a sudden, I spotted Elisabeth Moss! I really
wanted to get her autograph on my WW poster, and a picture of her. But by that time,
the cameras had been banned, so there was no chance.
We were engrossed with the graduation scene filming when my RR went off. (Richard Radar,
for those of you who don't know!) Anyway, he had just arrived on the set and was standing
around the cast holding area, talking with various people. I was able to get a few
shots, and then a couple more when Taye Diggs showed up.
(If they look hasty, out of focus and clandestine, they were! Remember? Cameras had
been banned!)
As they broke for lunch, Martin Sheen was signing autographs and taking pictures with
anyone who wanted one! He must have been there for nearly 45 minutes, making sure that
those who wanted to have a little time with him were taken care of. He took a picture
with me, and then another with Beth and Kathy! A very gracious man.
After they broke for lunch, we wandered around and found a place to get something to
drink and munch. I had changed out of my jeans earlier into shorts (in my truck!), and
forgot and left my money in the truck. Beth sprang for my water. (Thanks, Beth!)
Once we had settled down again to see what else was going on, I noticed a certain
beautiful red-head sitting in the cast chairs. It was Kathleen York! I was very excited,
as hers is one of the signatures I lack on my WW poster. Not to mention that she's
drop-dead gorgeous! I snapped a few camera-banned shots
of her, too!
While I was drooling over Kathleen York, and trying to figure out how to approach her for
an autograph, I heard one of the PAs say over the radio that 'Josh' was at the trailers,
and where did they want him? I turned to my compatriots and said, "They usually don't
refer to the cast by their character names. It's Josh Malina!" They were both very
excited, and we decided to trek back down to the trailers to check it out.
We had been told by one of the Security guys that we would have better luck getting an
autograph down near the trailers. The security guy who was on duty didn't have a problem
when I explained what we were there for. He told us we had a good chance of meeting
Josh if we stood on the corner. So, we did what we were told.
After a few minutes, Josh Malina exited the makeup trailer for his dressing room. He
noticed us at the corner and waved, and I asked if he had time for a couple of autographs.
He came over to us and said, "I know you guys! I met you the last time I was here!" We
were thrilled that he had remembered us! He said that he needed to get changed, in case
they needed him on the set, but that he would be back and sign autographs...he promised!
True to his word, Mr. Malina changed into costume and then signed our stuff and let us
take pictures with him.
You'll notice we're nowhere to be found in the photos. Uh...because we're shy?
Because we're Quasimodo in disguise? No! It's because TPTB may be lurking, and we *like*
the access that we have managed to obtain. Enough said?
After Mr. Malina spent some time with us, he went back into his trailer, and we went
back up the hill to the graduation scene. Once we got back up there, the crew was
resetting for another scene. I looked around and noticed many cameras out, so I broke
mine out. As I surveyed the scene, I nearly had a heart attack! Richard Schiff and
Kathleen York, occupying the same space, off camera! Be still, my beating heart!
I got my stuff out and ready to autograph, camera ready. I was trying to find an
opportunity to approach Ms. York, since hers is an autograph that I need for my
WW poster. Also, I had an agency photo of her that I wanted to get autographed.
Mr. Schiff was in a conversation with what seemed to be several important people. At least,
one of the women had had access to the director's tent. I feel certain that Mr. Schiff
views me as his personal albatross, and I didn't want to interrupt and perpetuate that
image. Color me surprised when I caught his eye during his conversation, and he nodded
at me!
So, I concentrated my efforts on Ms. York. I finally saw my opportunity when Mr. Schiff
was approached by some other fans. I wandered closer to the cast holding area and called
to Ms. York. I asked if I could get a couple of autographs. She seemed pleased that I
asked, and I handed her my WW poster first, explaining that hers was one of the last
signatures that I needed. She gladly signed the poster.
When I brought out her agency photo, she was taken aback, to say the least! "Oh my God!
Where did you get this?" I was kinda surprised by her reaction. Most of the rest of the
cast that I presented agency photos to were like, 'OMG! I haven't seen this in forever!'
Ms. York was a bit upset. I told her I got it off of eBay, and she called a PA over
and said, "I can't believe the agencies are selling these! Look at this!" I think she
really was kinda upset, but she signed it anyway. I told her I enjoyed her
music, and she told me that her next album was coming out in 3 weeks. I thanked her
for her time, and got out of there!
I made my way to where Mr. Schiff was signing autographs. I had a Warner Bros. photo
of him that I wanted to get signed, but I was being kinda polite. Plus, not wanting
to perpetuate that albatross thing.
Just as I was about to get to the front of the line (after several people cut in front
of me!) Michelle the PA insisted that he had to go, and motioned for us to back up. I
stepped back like a good soldier, and then she turned away to deal with other things.
The few remaining people went up to Mr. Schiff again for autographs, and I made my place
in line again. I was about to hand the photo to him when some lithe little girl and
her buddies stepped in front of me to ask for a picture. Then, they had the nerve to
ask me to take it for them!
I said, "Sure...no problem! Anything else I can do for you?" I shut up and took the
picture, but I swear Mr. Schiff was smirking! When I handed the camera back to the
group, Michelle starting waving us back again, but Mr. Schiff grabbed my photo and pen,
and signed the photo, then gave me a wink as he handed it back!
Well, I thought I'd achieved just about everything I could have hoped for that day.
However, I was wrong! Lew Wells came over to help Mr. Schiff and Ms. York adjust their
travel arrangements so that they could attend *something* at the White House. (I
haven't found out just what yet!)
While they were waiting on confirmation, the director called for first team to the set,
and a lot of people went to watch the next scene being filmed. It got kinda quiet
around the cast holding area, and I was waiting for my next opportunity. Mr. Schiff
and Ms. York were still signing a few autographs for GU-related people and new PAs.
I caught Ms. York's eye and motioned to my camera and Mr. Schiff. After a couple of
minutes, she tugged on his jacket and pointed to me, saying something about a picture.
Mr. Schiff started to make his way over to me, but I seemed to surprise them both by
asking to take a picture of the two of them together!
So, here it is...a Traveler's Odyssey Exclusive...Richard Schiff and Kathleen York.
Better known as Toby and Andy.
My day had been made and I was contemplating going home. I had heard that the night's
filming had none of the regular cast members involved. I was about to confirm this and
head home, when Brad Whitford arrived on scene! Seems that he too was not filming, but
just on the set. Kathy nearly had a heart attack when we ran into him just off the
green!
While she was recovering from that shock, Dule' Hill arrived! Mr. Hill, Mr. Schiff, and
Ms. York all departed at the same time. Mr. Whitford hung around for a little bit, and
then he too had to go.
Mr. Sheen and Mr. Malina were the only regular cast members filming inside Healy Hall
when Beth, Kathy, and I departed for the day.
Needless to say, it was a wonderful, sunny day. We all had a good time, and look forward
to the next time "The West Wing" comes to Washington!
Here are the links to the rest of the pictures I took!
Martin Sheen
Richard Schiff
Group Shots
To take a look at my adventures, just click on a link below.
Traveler
Bluemont VA August 2001
Washington DC November 2001
Washington DC February 2002
Pennsylvania Roadtrip August 2002
Washington DC September 2002
Washington DC January 2003
Washington DC April 2003
Click on the Presidential Seal to be taken to 'Everything You Need To Know But Are
Afraid To Ask...The West Wing Tutorial.
Wanna talk to me? I'm here.