ok that was a freakin long day

after the wild day on Tuesday with Sly’s stunt and Jason Statham showing just how badass he is with a knife, I was kinda hoping for an easier day today.  Unfortunately that was not going to happen.  We shot on the streets of Rio in what I know only as Boxing Square which I think is near downtown Rio.  Eric Roberts and Steve Austin rolled through the fictitious village of Vilena with a military escort.  The militia then proceeded to terrorize the locals before driving off.  We also shot the scene where Barney and Lee Christmas first meet Sandra, played by Giselle Itie, in a little cantina.  We had a lot of lookie loos today which was to be expected but I didn’t see any p’razzi…but I’m sure they were there.  We also had the not as funny as they think they are guys from the TV show Panico following us around trying to get close to Sly so they could challenge him to arm wrestle…sheesh what a waste of braincells.  At any rate we had 7 scenes to shoot at 4 different locations within the couple of blocks that make up the square. A very ambitious day but with the sunny skies and bearable heat and humidity life was good.  Until the thunderstorm hit, delaying the shoot and sending us to lunch early.  visitors to the set today included director Fernando Meirelles (City of God, Constant Gardner) and ultimate fighter Vitor Belfort.  We wrapped around 9pm and I fell asleep writing this update…we have a late call today – back out to Colonia.  Next week, our last week in Rio – we shoot nights…the big battle.  one little observation – I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised to see a whole different side of Statham in this movie.  Yes of course he is badass, but he and Sly have a real chemistry and the repartee between them reveals character and humor…it is fascinating to watch them together…

on a personal note, I read  your comments on this blog and elsewhere and I appreciate the feedback – Sly also reads them…but to be clear, these are my observations unless otherwise posted.  I try to write with a little humor and a lot of truth (even though I am a publicist) and for those who write nasty little emails calling me a racist and a hater of Brazil and Brazilians I suggest you re-read what you wrote to me…that’s where you will find the hate, not here.