Visit to the set of Van Helsing

[Blondie]

During my vacation in Cali I was able to go to the set of Hugh Jackman’s new film Van Helsing. The movie is about the legendary Dr. Van Helsing and his hunt for Frankenstein, Wolfman, and Dracula. The film is directed by Stephen Sommers (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns) and co-stars Kate Beckinsale (Serendipity) and Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge).

They were filming in the airplane hangers out in Playa del Rey. When we arrived on the set Hugh Jackman, who plays Van Helsing, and Richard Roxburgh, who plays Dracula, were filming a scene in Dracula’s laboratory. The laboratory set was massive. It went almost clear to the ceiling of the hanger (known to be so big that they sometimes create their own weather within). Stone-like pillars and treated concrete floors made the set come alive. When they were rolling, fire, sprinklers, and welder’s sparks were everywhere creating a chaotic atmosphere. The set was so huge that in order to watch the filming we actually had to hide in a corner of the laboratory. The only way to describe it is Amazing!

Once on the set my father’s friend Artist Robinson (first Assistant Director) approached us and said that Hugh Jackman was on the set (and in close proximity) and said we could just hang around and watch. Not even 10 min. later Hugh Jackman approached us and introduced himself (as if he needed to) to my father, myself, and my sister. He conversed with us a little and said that he was anxious to see my father perform with his band at the wrap party and then excused himself and went to do some more work. My first impression is that he seemed friendly and humble, which seemed somewhat unbelievable for a famous, good looking actor. We thought that it was so incredible that he went out of his way to approach us and say hello.

We hung around that set awhile and then someone showed us the remaining sets: the foyer of Dracula’s castle, Frankenstein’s lair (both of which were huge and incredible), and a couple smaller sets. Then we returned to the active Dracula set for a while, broke for an awesome lunch, and then hung around the stars’ trailers for a little bit. Obviously security was pretty loose. We didn’t need any name tags or passes to walk around the set which was pretty surprising. We met Kate Beckinsale (Anna) and got a picture as she was on the way to shoot a scene. Compared to Hugh she wasn’t the warmest girl on the block. We watched her film a scene with a rain machine (which looked miserable).

We then went back to the active Dracula set and hung around some more. Hugh Jackman talked with us some more. He remembered mine and my sister’s names when we came back, introduced us to his business manager and trainer (both of whom were super nice) and signed my X-Men DVD. Stephen Sommers, Richard Roxburgh, and Hugh’s trainer joked with my sister and I a little, and then it was time for us to go.

Overall it was a great experience, so much better than visiting the set of The Hulk. Stephen Sommers was an active and involved director who seemed truly passionate about his work, while Ang Lee was more passive. The actors, specifically Hugh Jackman, were extremely nice and approachable. The acting and dialogue that I witnessed was awesome and the rough playbacks that we got to see were incredible, obviously without any special effects added yet, which made the footage that much more amazing.

[Kamikazekitty]

That is sooo cool!! I have always wanted to visit the set of a movie. The closest thing to it is when I was part of the studio audience for some tapings of All That on Nickelodeon with my classmates when I was in junior high. If you're gonna visit any other movie sets with Hugh Jackman (drool...soo hot!!) I'd be your best friend forever if you'd invite me along.

[Monster]

Heh, if it's that high-budget, chances are I know who provided your awesome lunch.

[colonel]

Sounds like a great day.

What kind of music does your Dad play?

[Blondie]

He is primarily in country/western bands because that is really the only thing around for his age. He is an awesome musician though (who's a daddy's girl??). He plays the keyboards in his bands, but he can also play acoustic and electric guitar, and bass. He also writes and produces songs.

[colonel]

Originally posted by Blondie
He is primarily in country/western bands because that is really the only thing around for his age.

LOL. I know how he feels! No way you could still do pop or rock if you're over 40. That would just be WRONG!.

A lot of the best musicians I know do country now because the money's good and you usually get a pretty full house. Empty rooms are no fun, no matter how much you're getting paid.

I'll keep an eye out for the movie when it comes out.

[Monster]

Over 40 and can't do rock?

KISS.

*pause*

Okay, bad example.