I was fortunate enough to be at the right place and the right time when the production company began scouting locations for the movie Tree of Life with Brad Pitt.
Their locations department identified my listing at 502 Olive - a Texas Historical Home as a potential location for shooting and it was approved. My listing Clients and I took it off the market during the production. They also used my listing at 109 Ashley - a beautiful home on the Colorado River for some water shots.
In preparing and presenting the rental agreement for 502 Olive I had the opportunity to work with the Locations Manager directly, and in conversation he mentioned needing some one to clean the "day houses" ( normally Stars have their own trailers!) and support houses ( Ad, Wardrobe, School, etc., ) on a nightly basis during production. I asked if I could bid the job, and I got it!
Sometimes it was hard to go and clean (sometimes up to 6 houses in one night ) after working my real estate business every day ( I would get the call at "wrap" which was generally always after sunset, and would begin cleaning an hour or so after that) but it was very interesting and it was a source of extra income!
I did sign a non disclosure agreement (that I will honor) so there are things that I can and can't share, but I can tell you that Brad Pitt is just as handsome in person as he is on film!
After working on a production in even the smallest way like I did I know I won't be able to pry myself out of my chair at the movies when the credits roll any more! I may not know any of the individuals whose names scroll by, but I will stay and read their names and give them the kudos that they deserve.
It takes a lot of people working a lot of long and not so glamous hours to get a movie filmed. Everyone works hard, Actors/Actresses, Wardrobe, Makeup, Transportation, Directors and Assistants, Craft Services, Security, Film crews, and of course Locations!
And once the filming has been completed then there is a whole slew of other people who have to start their work to get it to the theaters so we can enjoy it!
Smithville was a hub of activity for all of those months. Many local businesses reaped the benefits of having the production in town: restaurants, local stores, local pubs, landscapers, florists, etc., etc.. Now that they are all gone and Smithville is back to it's picture perfect small town self again, it seems a bit lonely to me.
I have heard that Smithville as chosen as one of the most production friendly towns ever so I hope that someday another movie production will find it's way here!
Deb Dahlberg-Rowland - Your Smithville Realtor! www.centraltexashomesandland.com
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