As an extra in “Nailed,” I was originally cast as a U.S. senator. My role was to be one of about a hundred “senators” seated in the legislative chamber. But when the assistant casting director came up short on “news reporters,” I was moved to a position directly behind Jessica and Jake. My friends from “Leatherheads” have been kidding me about just how that happened. My explanation: “just being in the right place at the right time.”

Director Russell is a “perfectionist.” Some might say he’s “obsessive-compulsive.” Russell reshot one dramatic monologue where Jessica Biel, playing the part of an uninsured receptionist, addresses Congress in support of a bill to fund national health care. Biel faithfully cried on each shoot.

This finally precipitated a Jake Gyllenhaal “temper tantrum.” Jake slammed his fists on his legislative desk, followed by a verbal exchange with the director. This particular legislative desk just happened to be the desk used by former House Speaker Emeritus Sol Blatt. I immediately looked up at Speaker Blatt’s portrait hanging in the chamber, fully expecting the speaker to reprimand Jake for this conduct. Speaker Blatt’s portrait seemed to look down on the proceedings with a scowl.

Read More