'Versal Shindig Vist to the set of Serenity July 12, 2004

'Versal Shindig July 12, 2004

Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk and Jewel Staite

 

Ok, I still cannot believe it. First I'll tell you the gist then the details. We had personal interactions with Nathan and Alan and Jewel. Also we went on the set and toured Serenity full of the little details. Summer waved hi to us. It was such an amazing experience. I just can't do it justice. It seems like I think it and want it then I can achieve it.

 

I took my little sister Carol and met up with another girl Ewok whose mom, Saxon, was going to be an extra on Serenity that day. We arrived early and went out for breakfast before going in to Universal Studios. The park opened at 9am.

Once inside Universal, the three of us went straight for the tram tour to see if we could see anything. I spoke to this guy who said Ingrid is the tour guide who loves Firefly. We told him we were expecting many Browncoats so was there some way to sit together. He said they could work something out if we all came down at the same time. We were disappointed because we saw nothing about Serenity on the tour. Apparently they were filming indoors and we hoped it would be an outdoor shoot. After the tram tour we went down to the Mummy Ride, which is really cool, but way too brief. Then we went on Jurassic Park the ride.

 

Then we started to go back to meet the rest of the Browncoats arriving at 11:30am at the store Things From Another World in CityWalk. I really wanted to get a tour of Serenity for both my sister and her friend since they both got their work permits and were not able to be extras in the movie. I thought it would be great to get a tour of the set. So I went to inquire about it. I went to the VIP Experience and they said it needs to be set up through the production company, it is a closed set and they are not able to give tours unless someone authorizes it. Well, I was a little bummed and went to meet folks. I walked out of the park at 11:30 am and stayed at the store until noon. Only one Browncoat showed up, Wylie. We were planning on meeting up again at 2pm but we were a little busy. The four of us went to the 12:30pm showing of Terminator 2.

 

When we exited, we got wet at the splash zone. That is when I received a call from my mom saying Saxon called. Apparently she did not have my cell number. I called Saxon and she said they were at lunch and she was trying to get some autographs. I told her we are going to come down and find the closest spot to the stage 12. There is a spot just across from where their trailers are. We had to cross a couple of barriers but finally we arrived. Saxon came to us once we were there. She looked so cute with her blue hair. She will be easy to spot. Then she left and we were just standing there in the bushes behind the gates/bars separating us from them.

 

Saxon in costume for Serenity

Summer and Saxon on the set

We waited to catch glimpses of the cast of Serenity or of Joss Whedon. We arrived around 1:30pm and I knew folks would be passing by until at least 2:30pm. So we waited. We waited patiently. Many people walking by just stared at the girls in the bushes. We were actually at the farthest point the Jurassic Ride line would extend to. There was a path, bushes and the gate separating the park from the studio lot. Finally one of the production assistants, Bryan, walked over to us and asked, “Did you pay money to stand in the bushes?”

 

I responded, “Nooooooo, We are just trying to see if we can get a glimpse of someone. I’m Rosie I was an extra on the set a couple of weeks ago. You would be our hero if you could get us on the set of Serenity.”

 

Bryan replied, “That would take a miracle. But I’ll see if I can get someone to come over… I can’t promise anything.”

 

I said, “Thank you, of course we understand, thanks.”

 

I really didn’t expect anything. Everyone is very busy on the set. However a short while later I saw Nathan start to walk over with Bryan. I told the girls, “Nathan is coming!!! Everybody calm down, be good, Nathan is walking over.” I was just way too excited; it was unfathomable that Cappy was walking over.  Nathan grabbed the bars separating us with both hands and my sister took a picture!

 

Nathan said, “They told me there were fans in the bushes and I just had to see for myself.”

 

Nathan checking out the fans in the bushes.

 He looked at our shirts, two Blue Sun, one Serenity design and I was wearing a BDH t-shirt. My sister asked for a picture then Bryan still standing there said, “Here let me”. He took a picture and then the rest of the girls posed for a picture with Cappy. 

               Carol and Nathan

                Rosie and Nathan

I was not to be left out so I took a picture as well. We thanked him for coming over and taking the time and they walked off.

 

We were just basking in our unique opportunity and since I led the expedition I am declared their hero. Then before I know what is happening my sister told me to be quiet. She said she just heard Nathan say, “Alan come over and say hi to Rosie.”

Alan saying hi to Rosie

I was trying to rack my brains figuring out how Nathan knew my name. I don’t believe he remembered me but then I finally remembered I told Bryan my name. The girls were up against the gate and I stepped back onto the path trying to get calm. This was just too much!

 

Then I heard Alan say, “Hey Rosie is that you?” He was peering through my sister and her friend trying to find me!

 

The girls stepped aside and I stepped forward extended my hand to him and said, “Sure is sweetie.” I was holding his hand, honestly not sure for how long. I was talking to Alan and he remembered me. (I am so lucky I did not faint right then and there.) I told him I had given Saxon a copy of the picture we took. I asked if he got it and he said yes then corrected himself and tapped my hand with his finger and said, “No, she told me about it but I still haven’t got it.”  I told him he looked good.

 

Then somehow Nathan jumped into the conversation asking about the picture and I told Nathan about seeing Alan outside the Shrine Auditorium. Directing myself to Nathan, “Imagine I am paying money go and get his autograph and he is standing outside on his cell trying to figure out how to get in?”  Then Alan said, “Yeah I was trying to figure out how to get in.” 

Nathan and Alan on the Universal Lot

Jewel looking at the fans in the bushes

That was when Jewel walked up. She walked up with this look like she wondering what we were doing in the bushes. She didn’t make a comment though. She is truly beautiful. My sister told her so and took her picture.

 

Then Nathan said, “Let me take a picture of everyone.” He took my sister’s camera and took a group picture. Then he saw the bars were blocking people’s faces so he said “Let me take another one from this angel.” more straight forward.

Nathan takes our pic w/ Jewel and Alan

We then took a picture of the 3 of them and thanked them for stopping by. I told Jewel how much I loved her blog and thanked her for posting. I love the way she writes. They are so cool and walked back to the set. So we were still waiting because it is not yet 2:30pm and we hadn’t seen Adam yet. We still hoped for a glimpse.

 

Then I got a call from Audrey, my superhero production assistant. She said Saxon gave her a piece of paper about the VIP Experience. I had given that to Saxon earlier so that we could get permission to go on to the set. I explained to Audrey that I wanted a tour of the set of Serenity and they said it is a closed set. We needed someone from the Production Company to authorize a visit. She said ok let me see what I can do and hung up. So the waiting continued and then she called back not even 5 minutes later. She said she was sending an intern, Matt, to come escort us and give us the tour. I told her where we were and as soon as she saw us she said, “I am hanging up now.”

 

So now she was standing at the corner where we were and said, “Ok let me see if I can find someone…” I interrupt, “The gate is open over there!” So she turned and walked toward it. I am sure she was thinking if it’s open why are you in the bushes? She did not make any comments however. I introduced her to everyone with me. Then I declared Audrey my hero. I extended my hand and asked the guy with her his name; It’s Matt. Then we started walking over to the stage. Now I was focused on Audrey and Matt and what she was saying to him. I was not looking around since I expected no one to be around. The girls glanced over to the trailers and Alan was just sitting outside and waved. They tried to get my attention but I was focused on Audrey. After they told me, “Alan was waving at you.” I missed it. Audrey said she had to go but Matt would give us the tour.

 

We entered the soundstage. We could not really see anyone because we were on the opposite side of the ship. The ship was dark so it was hard to step in and look around.  We entered through the fore deck and went up into the bridge. They started rolling as we were in there. I placed my hand where Alan would rest his back. Just looking around the ship, I spotted the 3 switches and the 2 new panels Alan mentioned. We went back through the fore deck to the kitchen. My sister said, “Touch the handles”, so I did and I touched the top ring of Kaylee’s bunk. Lights were up and so was her sign. Then we entered the kitchen. People were lounging in the kitchen, just hanging out. Then we entered the engine room. I touched Kaylee’s hammock and noticed a poster on the wall; lot’s of Chinese touches. Then we walked out and over to the cargo hold. They were shooting there but we entered through a side way. We stood in front of the infirmary. They had just finished rolling, and then we walked in. Summer saw us and waved. All I saw was Nathan and Jewel. My sister said she saw Sean and Gina.

 

Then the tour was over, the other stages were down. Matt asked if we wanted anything more and I waited to see if anyone else had any requests but we were just floored with all we had been given we could not ask for more. We told him they had already gone above and beyond. So Matt escorted us to just outside the stage. The girls wanted to wander but I said no. We were going to be good. Then I saw Bryan going over to get Alan and he asked, “How did you get here?” I replied with a smile, “Audrey”, now I am not sure if I said it or just thought it but I added, “She’s a powerful woman.” Then Alan came out on his cell walking toward the stage. We all waved but couldn’t talk.

 

Then we went back through the gate and that was it really. It was way too cool for words. Standing next to Nathan, Alan and Jewel, then touring Serenity left me totally dehydrated. I could no longer think. I was overloaded with joy.

 

We all felt bad for those who didn’t make it but then again it would never have been possible for a large group. Bryan and Audrey both rock.