Crew Diaries:
MATT PULLIAM
Stand-In

art out of mass hysteria

In the movie-making world, being a "stand-in" falls pretty low on the food chain. Many do not consider it a respectable job, including my family members, but that's a different story entirely. I'll instead focus on the "Still Breathing" crew, who were in many cases like a family to me. That's not just because everyone stressed out and argued all the time either, it's because for a few brutally hot summer months in San Antonio and L.A., we stuck it out and ended up with something special. I think we were able to sweat it out due to a genuine belief in the script and a good sense of humor, 'cause we sure weren't in it for the money.

From the first day, I felt like I was a part of the team, well, more like part of a picnic, a fourteen-hour/six-day-a-week picnic. Literally... all I did was eat and subsequently gained twenty pounds. What a great job, getting paid to eat! Occasionally I stood in front of a camera, posing like a mannequin designed to test lighting and focus marks. That was my job... what could have been more fun? Having been filmed and been paid more would have been more fun, that's what. I could have been a star if the director had just written me in the movie as a surprise new character. It never happened and I'm still pissed! But I forgive him because he invited me to the cool parties we had every week, plus I have dibs on being cast in the sequel.

After seeing the final product, I am amazed that art could have risen out of the mass hysteria that went into making the movie. I am really fond of the film; it's like watching a home movie of my life with a great jazz soundtrack and a better plot. Thank God for people with a vision, and for the people who appreciate the person with the vision and back them up. You get the idea; go see the movie.

...Matt Pulliam - Stand In

Director's notes: What Matt left out was that his job also entailed hours of lying upon, being draped over, and embracing with, the three beautiful actress stand-ins who worked with him on STILL BREATHING. What a job indeed! Matt's a funny guy and who knows... he may be a good actor too. Look for him in the movie walking up the sidewalk after Roz leaves Fletcher in Texas to return to LA.

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