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Deal, the Movie
It has been nearly 25 years since I spend any significant time on a movie set. Back then, as a young woman hoping for my big break onto the acting scene, I spent several years groveling for roles as an extra in the movies and TV. Working as an extra was tiring, hot, thankless work.
So, when we received an invitation to cover the final table filming of Deal and be extras if we wished, I was less than thrilled. That is, until I found out that Burt Reynolds was the star along with an up-and-coming young actor, Alex Stillman.
When we arrived on the set in New Orleans earlier this year, I was startled to find the World Poker Tour final table set that is used for all of WPT's television productions. Mike Sexton, Vince Van Patten and Courtney Friel were also there to be the commentators/host of the final table action just like a real WPT event. In their quest for poker authenticity, this was just one of the many steps to which producer/director Michael Arata and writer/director Gil Cates, Jr. went. And that was a smart move, especially since the image of that WPT set is what poker looks like to millions of viewers who faithfully tune in to watch the WPT every Wednesday night.
My husband and business partner, Gregory Weitzel, was as giddy as a school kid about the prospect of being an extra in this movie. I refrained from telling him the reality of extra work since I was expecting that his enthusiasm would overshadow any physical discomfort, which it certainly did!
Thinking back to the three day of filming, there were quite a few unexpected delights. Three PokerStars representatives and WSOP champions were on the set to film a segment: Chris Moneymaker, Greg Raymer and Joe Hachem. Can you imagine the power of meeting all three of these champions at the same time?
PokerStars is so fortunate to have these men as their spokespersons!
Even though I had met Moneymaker in passing a few times, I had never before had the opportunity to talk in-depth with him. He has matured into a fine young man with strong family values and a smoothness about him that was missing in his television debut in 2004. Chris is from Tennessee, and since I was born there, it made me proud.
When I first introduced myself to Greg Raymer in 2005, he floored me when he responded by saying, "Donna I know who you are." Puzzled, I furrowed my brow and asked, "How?"
Greg Raymer looked me straight in the eyes, much like his poker stare, and said, "I've been reading your poker articles for years." Then, he gave me that Raymer smile. Wow. The champ reads my stuff! And yes, he does have a nicer watch now.
I can't really come up with what made me proud about meeting Joe Hachem, except that I met him, and his proximity and radiating charm certainly woke up the young woman in me. He is soft-spoken, articulate, and a charmer. Besides his stellar poker play, he is a real hunk.
Being the poker player that I am, it is these PokerStars representatives and champions that linger longest in my mind. Of course, I was able to sidle up to Burt Reynolds and exchange niceties, plus I had some great photo opportunities.
We asked Burt about his favorite movie that he had made. He said, "Smokey and the Bandit was the most fun;" however, he added, "Deliverance was definitely the most important."
What was Burt like?
Well, he is just like the Burt you would expect. He comes across much like he does onscreen. While he is very laid back, you get the distinct impression that at any moment, he is going to crack a joke or become a prankster. I was not disappointed when he made both Gregory and me crack up.
Isabelle Mercier was a charmer and a woman I would really like to get to know better. She was a constant crack-up on the set. Gregory could not take his eyes off of her; what a hottie!
And the movie?
It is expected to release this fall. I'm really looking forward to seeing it, and it may be one of the poker movies to keep for posterity. Deal may well prove to be one of the best poker movies made since Rounders.
And the extras work?
Look for Gregory and me in the stands just over Burt's left shoulder. We are the two fools yelling and clapping and having the time of our lives! (I'm the taller one.)
Written by Donna Blevins.
Printed with permission from American Poker Player Magazine.
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Deal, the Movie : Poker Player
