On the Set with Webb
By Sandra Martinez
Due to some special circumstances I got the great opportunity to visit the set
of JAG a couple of weeks ago. Feeling a little under the weather, I wondered
how I would feel spending an entire day on the set. I knew this was an opportunity
I could not pass up, especially after I was informed that my very favorite, Steven Culp
would be on the set that day. So, with a couple of aspirins and lots of excitement,
my friend and I headed off to the set of JAG.
First and foremost, I must compliment the staff and crew that were there that day.
Every single one of them was friendly, courteous and extremely nice. It was a very
hot day in California, and because of the lack of shade while filming an outside
scene; many of us were clustered together under a tree. It was a good opportunity
to speak to Ms. Catherine "Mac" Bell. She is truly a beautiful woman and very friendly.
She willingly posed for pictures and signed a couple of autographs.
During our time outside, as we waited for an action scene to be filmed (sorry no
spoilers on the episode), I noticed a familiar face in the crowd. It was Chuck "Tiner"
Carrington who was there with relatives to watch the scene being filmed. Having
met him last year, I walked up to him to say hi. We talked for several minutes about
how many fans want more of Tiner on the show and how he finally got a first name
this past season. He was very friendly and open.
Chuck is a very good-looking man with a great, warm smile. It was a real pleasure
to get a chance to talk with him, and I certainly hope we see more of him next season.
As rehearsals (many, many, many rehearsals! LOL) took place, we sat in the "director
chairs" and observed all the work these incredible people do. It was impressive to
see them work hard, while still keeping a smile on their face. While we waited
(and sweated), I spotted Steven Culp coming on the lot.
Wearing jeans and a white t-shirt, he looked great, as usual. I was almost embarrassed
to be there. I felt as if I was in "their" way, and tried to stay back, but he
noticed us sitting in the back. He stared a little; maybe unsure that one of
the "Webbies" was actually there, but then he quickly came up to us and greeted
me by name. Since he was scheduled to be on the set that morning, we did not
have time to talk and he excused himself to go get ready for his scenes.
It was almost noon by then and they were running several hours behind schedule. With
the difficult scene completed, we left to go have lunch in Jim Wetherill's office.
I have to admit I enjoyed his crazy sense of humor.
We were then escorted through JAG operations. We got a chance to sit in Harm's, Mac's
and AJ's office. After that, we took a quick tour of the "ship" (used for
interior scenes of ships etc.) and then proceeded to where the next scenes were
going to be filmed.
It was then that I spotted "Webb". Even though I have met Steven on a couple of
occasions, I had never seen him as "Webb". Dressed in his three-piece suit,
looking handsome and very "Webb" like, he was talking to Rex "Sokol" Linn and
Alexander Kutznetsov. Some fans will remember Alexander from the episode
"Cowboys & Cossacks".
Alexander is a famous actor in Russia. He is a very nice man and friendly as well.
My friend, who speaks Russian, walked up to them and started talking in Russian
to Alexander. Steven and Rex seemed surprised about this. I watched from a short
distance until I decided to join them.
It was fun to see Rex and Alexander talking
and practicing Russian words. Rex is a funny
man and, as it seems to be the pattern with the
stars on JAG, very friendly as well.
The three of them were gracious enough to have
their picture taken with us and sign a couple
of autographs.
Throughout the afternoon, Alexander came up to
us several times to talk and showed us a video he
had taken on the set the day before (Alexander
was not filming the day we were there. He was
there as a technical advisor for Rex Lin's Russian)
During one of our conversations, he noticed that we were
sitting on the "director chairs" that were set up for the
stars. He smiled and taking my camera told me to stand next
to Steven's chair for a picture. I thought that was cute of
him to suggest and did as he said. We then sat back down,
he purposely left me Steven's chair to sit in. What can I
say; Alexander is just a very funny, charming man.
Several minutes later as I sat there by myself, I saw Steven walk out of the set and
walk towards me. I realized that I was still sitting in his chair so I got up.
"Sorry, I was in your chair". He smiled, told me to sit back down and added I could
sit there all day. I thought that was real sweet of him. (And, yes embarrassing for
me! LOL). Steven then sat on the chair next to me and we talked briefly
about being on the set.
By now production was running 8 hours behind schedule!
The set where Steven and Rex were filming their scenes was very small. Even the
director had to sit outside the set, where he closely watched everything that was
going on inside on two monitors. We were sitting on the side and really could
not see what was going on. However, we could hear everything that was being said
and that was interesting.
Throughout the long afternoon, Steven came out a several times. At one point he
noticed that we could not see the set from where we were and pointed out that there
were monitors we could watch the scene being filmed on. We replied that we were
too shy and did not want to be in anyone's way.
Another time he came out and asked if we needed anything. We shyly said no, but
he must of have seen right through us, he asked again and offered us something
to drink. As hot as it was that day, we really could have used something to drink.
So, we did say we could use some water. Off he went to get us water. A couple
of minutes later, Steven came back with cold, bottled water and then sat next
to us. We were impressed at how nice and attentive he was towards us.
We talked briefly about what was happening on the set. He explained that the
scene was going to be shot from another side, and so the walls had to be moved or
"re-arranged".
We also talked briefly about the Totally Steven Website. He is appreciative for all
the work and hours we put on the site. I replied that it was a way for the fans to thank
him for the hours of entertainment he provides us with. A short while later the set
was ready again, and he went back to work.
By this time we were feeling comfortable and at ease on the set. We spent some time
talking to to the hair stylist and one of the grips, (more info here)
At one point, Becky pointed towards the monitors and nervously we decided to go
over there and watch. It was interesting to see the "live" Webb and Sokol
and then seeing them on the screen. They both looked so different on the
monitor. We were standing there for a while when Steven came out and saw us.
He smiled and said, "They are creeping in closer". We had to laugh.
It was finally lunch time (never mind it was 4:30 pm!) and so everyone started
heading towards the catering truck. We quietly sat on our chairs and stayed
behind.
Rex asked us if we were going to go eat. The shyness over took us again and we
politely declined.
We were there by ourselves for several minutes just absorbing everything around us.
I think it was Becky who finally asked, "Are we really here? Can you believe this?"
The answer was no. It was all too much like a dream for it to be real. It took several
days to come down from our JAG high!
While we waited, one of the make up ladies came by and told us to follow her because
we were going to eat, no room for argument, so we followed.
When we entered the dining room, I whispered to Becky that we had to sit as far away
from "them" (Steven, Alex and Rex) as possible. This was their "private" time to rest
and relax and I did not want to intrude. We got our food and sat all the way in the back.
Minutes later when Steven got up to leave the dining room, he noticed us sitting
in the back and he came over to where we were. We were thrilled, especially me, the
"Webbie". We talked for a few minutes about Steven's upcoming movie "13 Days".
I noticed that Steven had taken off one piece of "Webb's" 3-piece suit. I thought
he looked great with just the vest. Fit and trimmed, it looked good on him. We again
bothered Steven for another picture and with yet another smile he agreed.
I noticed something new about Steven this time, his sense of humor. Steven has a great
laugh and a smile that lights up his face. It is a shame that we don't get to see "Webb"
smile on the show. Steven made us laugh a couple of times. At one time he made a
comment about JMJ and the "nose incident". John M. Jackson had arrived on the set
by now and Steven said the little joke as he walked up to him. The two of them
obviously get along quite well and it was fun to see them interact together.
Shortly after that, Karri Turner came on the set and again Steven made us laugh.
Steven and Karri had a funny exchange, which included KT saying that she
wanted to do an action scene with Webb in which she gets to save her children.
Steven pointed out that they never have had a scene together, except for the short
scene in "Ghost Ship". At one point Steven smiled and said "Hey, Harriet the Spy",
to which Karri replied with a laugh, "I don't think so".
It was great to see how well the actors get along on the set.
We got the impression that the set is a fun one to work on.
It was finally time for Rex and Steven to wrap it up. Alexander and Rex were
the first ones to say goodbye and Rex even thanked us for visiting them. I thought
that was sweet for him to say. We exchanged emails with Alexander. As Steven was
getting ready to walk out, he came up to us and shook hands as we said goodbye.
We thanked him for the time he had spent with us. As is usually the case with
Steven, he had been a real class act with this excited "Webbie".
We were getting near the end. It was almost 8 pm by now and one more scene remained
between JMJ and Karri. I have to point out that Karri is a real beautiful woman.
She even looked great with rollers on her head and tired of waiting (8 long hours)
for a chance to do her scene.
We talked briefly with her. She is very sweet, funny and so very nice. I was very
impressed by her beauty inside and out. As we walked to the next set, we spotted
John M. Jackson. A good-looking man, he slowly walked around the set waiting to do
his scene scene.
We did approach him at one point and he was gracious enough to have his picture
taken and signed an autograph for us.
John is also a funny man. While talking with Becky he was impressed, like
everyone else at "JAG", by the fact that there were fans in the Ukraine.
It was funny to see JMJ's reaction to Becky's funny statement that she had not
come all the way from Kiev "just for JAG". JMJ quickly said, almost in shock
"OH GOD, I HOPE NOT!" It was very funny the way he said it and we had to laugh
at this reaction. Mr. Jackson is another real nice JAG actor and a delightful man.
The day had finally caught up with us, and even though another "big" scene remained,
(it did not involve any of the main stars) we decided that it was time to go.
During the drive home, we went over all the activities of the day.
We both agreed, that thanks to the wonderful cast and crew of JAG, the day
had been in fact, a dream come true.
Personally, I have to thank Steven for making it a very special day. It was
a thrill for this Webbie to spend an afternoon with "Clayton Webb".
It was fun to see Rex and Alexander talking
and practicing Russian words. Rex is a funny
man and, as it seems to be the pattern with the
stars on JAG, very friendly as well.
The three of them were gracious enough to have
their picture taken with us and sign a couple
of autographs.
Throughout the afternoon, Alexander came up to
us several times to talk and showed us a video he
had taken on the set the day before (Alexander
was not filming the day we were there. He was
there as a technical advisor for Rex Lin's Russian)
During one of our conversations, he noticed that we were
sitting on the "director chairs" that were set up for the
stars. He smiled and taking my camera told me to stand next
to Steven's chair for a picture. I thought that was cute of
him to suggest and did as he said. We then sat back down,
he purposely left me Steven's chair to sit in. What can I
say; Alexander is just a very funny, charming man.
Several minutes later as I sat there by myself, I saw Steven walk out of the set and
walk towards me. I realized that I was still sitting in his chair so I got up.
"Sorry, I was in your chair". He smiled, told me to sit back down and added I could
sit there all day. I thought that was real sweet of him. (And, yes embarrassing for
me! LOL). Steven then sat on the chair next to me and we talked briefly
about being on the set.
By now production was running 8 hours behind schedule!
The set where Steven and Rex were filming their scenes was very small. Even the
director had to sit outside the set, where he closely watched everything that was
going on inside on two monitors. We were sitting on the side and really could
not see what was going on. However, we could hear everything that was being said
and that was interesting.
Throughout the long afternoon, Steven came out a several times. At one point he
noticed that we could not see the set from where we were and pointed out that there
were monitors we could watch the scene being filmed on. We replied that we were
too shy and did not want to be in anyone's way.
Another time he came out and asked if we needed anything. We shyly said no, but
he must of have seen right through us, he asked again and offered us something
to drink. As hot as it was that day, we really could have used something to drink.
So, we did say we could use some water. Off he went to get us water. A couple
of minutes later, Steven came back with cold, bottled water and then sat next
to us. We were impressed at how nice and attentive he was towards us.
We talked briefly about what was happening on the set. He explained that the
scene was going to be shot from another side, and so the walls had to be moved or
"re-arranged".
We also talked briefly about the Totally Steven Website. He is appreciative for all
the work and hours we put on the site. I replied that it was a way for the fans to thank
him for the hours of entertainment he provides us with. A short while later the set
was ready again, and he went back to work.
By this time we were feeling comfortable and at ease on the set. We spent some time
talking to to the hair stylist and one of the grips, (more info here)
At one point, Becky pointed towards the monitors and nervously we decided to go
over there and watch. It was interesting to see the "live" Webb and Sokol
and then seeing them on the screen. They both looked so different on the
monitor. We were standing there for a while when Steven came out and saw us.
He smiled and said, "They are creeping in closer". We had to laugh.
It was finally lunch time (never mind it was 4:30 pm!) and so everyone started
heading towards the catering truck. We quietly sat on our chairs and stayed
behind.
Rex asked us if we were going to go eat. The shyness over took us again and we
politely declined.
We were there by ourselves for several minutes just absorbing everything around us.
I think it was Becky who finally asked, "Are we really here? Can you believe this?"
The answer was no. It was all too much like a dream for it to be real. It took several
days to come down from our JAG high!
While we waited, one of the make up ladies came by and told us to follow her because
we were going to eat, no room for argument, so we followed.
When we entered the dining room, I whispered to Becky that we had to sit as far away
from "them" (Steven, Alex and Rex) as possible. This was their "private" time to rest
and relax and I did not want to intrude. We got our food and sat all the way in the back.
Minutes later when Steven got up to leave the dining room, he noticed us sitting
in the back and he came over to where we were. We were thrilled, especially me, the
"Webbie". We talked for a few minutes about Steven's upcoming movie "13 Days".
I noticed that Steven had taken off one piece of "Webb's" 3-piece suit. I thought
he looked great with just the vest. Fit and trimmed, it looked good on him. We again
bothered Steven for another picture and with yet another smile he agreed.
I noticed something new about Steven this time, his sense of humor. Steven has a great
laugh and a smile that lights up his face. It is a shame that we don't get to see "Webb"
smile on the show. Steven made us laugh a couple of times. At one time he made a
comment about JMJ and the "nose incident". John M. Jackson had arrived on the set
by now and Steven said the little joke as he walked up to him. The two of them
obviously get along quite well and it was fun to see them interact together.
Shortly after that, Karri Turner came on the set and again Steven made us laugh.
Steven and Karri had a funny exchange, which included KT saying that she
wanted to do an action scene with Webb in which she gets to save her children.
Steven pointed out that they never have had a scene together, except for the short
scene in "Ghost Ship". At one point Steven smiled and said "Hey, Harriet the Spy",
to which Karri replied with a laugh, "I don't think so".
It was great to see how well the actors get along on the set.
We got the impression that the set is a fun one to work on.
It was finally time for Rex and Steven to wrap it up. Alexander and Rex were
the first ones to say goodbye and Rex even thanked us for visiting them. I thought
that was sweet for him to say. We exchanged emails with Alexander. As Steven was
getting ready to walk out, he came up to us and shook hands as we said goodbye.
We thanked him for the time he had spent with us. As is usually the case with
Steven, he had been a real class act with this excited "Webbie".
We were getting near the end. It was almost 8 pm by now and one more scene remained
between JMJ and Karri. I have to point out that Karri is a real beautiful woman.
She even looked great with rollers on her head and tired of waiting (8 long hours)
for a chance to do her scene.
We talked briefly with her. She is very sweet, funny and so very nice. I was very
impressed by her beauty inside and out. As we walked to the next set, we spotted
John M. Jackson. A good-looking man, he slowly walked around the set waiting to do
his scene scene.
We did approach him at one point and he was gracious enough to have his picture
taken and signed an autograph for us.
John is also a funny man. While talking with Becky he was impressed, like
everyone else at "JAG", by the fact that there were fans in the Ukraine.
It was funny to see JMJ's reaction to Becky's funny statement that she had not
come all the way from Kiev "just for JAG". JMJ quickly said, almost in shock
"OH GOD, I HOPE NOT!" It was very funny the way he said it and we had to laugh
at this reaction. Mr. Jackson is another real nice JAG actor and a delightful man.
The day had finally caught up with us, and even though another "big" scene remained,
(it did not involve any of the main stars) we decided that it was time to go.
During the drive home, we went over all the activities of the day.
We both agreed, that thanks to the wonderful cast and crew of JAG, the day
had been in fact, a dream come true.
Personally, I have to thank Steven for making it a very special day. It was
a thrill for this Webbie to spend an afternoon with "Clayton Webb".