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Carlos Granados Podcast
Welcome to the Carlos Granados Podcast. In this podcast, I will discuss my health journey, news, updates, and educational content surrounding my life, and anything and everything that I enjoy. This is my introduction to my new podcast through "Youtube Podcast". I decided to expand my horizons and let you into my life outside my health journey. You can watch clips and full videos in 4k on my YouTube channel "Carlos Granados".
Carlos Granados Podcast
Recalling The Fast & Furious 7 Memories and Behind the Scenes as an Extra
It's my 31st birthday, and what better way to celebrate than sharing the adrenaline-rushed tales from my days as an extra on "Fast and Furious 7"? Imagine standing shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like Vin Diesel and feeling the palpable bond within the cast, especially following the heart-wrenching loss of Paul Walker. I'm bringing you along for an exclusive ride to peel back the curtain on the high-speed world of Hollywood movie-making, touching on the raw emotions and tight-knit spirit that courses through a blockbuster set.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an extra with a military background, suited up alongside Paul Walker, Tyrese, and Ludacris? The thrill of authentic military setups, handling real firearms, and the buzz of filming alongside A-listers – it's all here. But it's not all glamour; there are wardrobe malfunctions and essential firearm safety lessons mixed in with the excitement. And let's not forget about the poignant "See You Again" tribute to Paul Walker that left an indelible mark on our hearts – I'm sharing what it felt like to be part of that emotional farewell.
As we look to the horizon, the legacy of "Furious 7" and the franchise's future are ripe for discussion. I reflect on the mix of nostalgia and anticipation for what's to come, including my own aspirations to return to acting – the call of military roles beckons. For those bitten by the acting bug or curious about life as a movie extra, I've got insights and practical tips that could pave your way onto the silver screen. So join me in celebrating another year around the sun and the stories that make life an adventure worth taking at full throttle.
During the times where we had like a little break because of the scene switch, he says hi to me. He was like how's it going? And I'm like I'm stunned, I'm like home, like in a millisecond. I'm like holy fudge. Vin Diesel just said what's up to me and I'm like dude, I look, bro, I've seen all your movies. Like I seen, I mean talk about the Fast and the Furious movies, triple X, what's the other one where he's like an alien or something like that, and he's not an alien but he goes like outer space or whatever. Like, bro, I've seen your movies. Homie, like I'm stunned. I'm like in a millisecond, though, and obviously I'm trying to keep it cool, right, hey, cool, carlos, right, I'm like hey, not much man, just, you know, just hanging in there and I'm here holding the shotgun. He was like well, that's good man, you know. I was like yeah, yeah, I was like. Thank you for asking what is going on.
Speaker 1:Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to my channel and welcome back into another episode of the Carlos Granados podcast. In today's podcast, I'm going to be discussing my experiences with being in a movie extra, and one of the biggest movies that I you know was an extra in was the Fast and the Furious 7. And if you guys remember, during the filming of the Fast and the Furious 7 was when Paul Walker passed, and I figured every time I tell this story, people find it really amazing. To be honest, it was one of the greatest experiences I've had in my life. But you get to hear why. You get to hear the in and outs of what it is to be an extra. If you guys are watching and I know a lot of you guys watch my channel around the world or listen to my podcast around the world too Well, you guys will get to see what Hollywood is like. So, from ROC, the lenses of an extra, which I was so but before that, I just want to thank you guys for always listening to my podcast and always watching. As you can see, I'm solo again today, but I told you guys I'm going to keep you guys entertained, regardless whether I have a host or not, because I have so many life stories and so many I feel like really cool. Well, the journey that I've taken has been really cool.
Speaker 1:I always been trying to try to be the person that's always been. You know, kind of just not going try things. I always like trying new things in life. You know what I mean. I feel like life is short. It's kind of sending, as what we call it nowadays. You know, you just send it.
Speaker 1:So, but today, this weekend, actually was my birthday weekend. So my birthday is on March 25th. So by the time you guys listen to this podcast, yeah, my birthday would have already passed. But, but you can still do something about it. If you guys want to give me a birthday gift, right, all you have to do is make sure you like my channel, like the video, like the podcast, right? Don't forget, we are on Amazon Music, we're on Spotify and Apple Music. So if you like, you know the platforms, share it with your family and friends. That is the best gift you guys can give me.
Speaker 1:So, but yeah, I'm 31, by the way, man, I don't know how to feel about that. To be honest, man, 31, 31, ladies and gentlemen who child? Yeah, it'd be like that. Sometimes I'm not think about it because they don't get in the mix. But you know, it's a blessing, you know, to live 31 up to 31. So I hope that I can live longer to continue making a difference, continue making content and, you know, just being a light and a lot of eyes.
Speaker 1:So listen, let's get in the mix, ladies and gentlemen, on what it was like to be an extra in the Fast and Furious 7. So let me tell you how everything started when I was in at this time, by the way, it was around 2013. I was about 20, 21, I believe I think I was 21. And I saw I was following something, somebody called Georgia, a page called Georgia followers on Twitter. What that time? Twitter now X. And they said, oh well, you know, the Fast and the Furious 7 is being filmed here in Atlanta. Here are some roles that you can participate in and you know they can cast you for it. And I was like, oh, that would be so cool because, remember, at the time, fast and the Furious 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were bangers. I mean, 5 was probably one of my favorite ones of all time, but 7 obviously has a special place in my heart because I was an extra in it.
Speaker 1:And at that time, you know, the Fast and the Furious saga was just amazing, it was just bomb, it was so cool. I mean, you talked about it and it was just like, you know, a kid's dream, especially from a guy's perspective. You know the cars and and the racing and all that stuff is things that you kind of dreamed as a kid and you wish as a kid. So I saw that, I saw the post and I was like I asked my, I told my friend ever I was like yo, why don't I just send it? Why don't I just, like you know, shoot my shot and see what happens? You know, and I saw the roles that they had. They had like they needed older gentlemen, they needed some like people in the medical field at that point, I believe.
Speaker 1:And then military roles. Now I had never been in the military but I have been in ROTC programs right throughout high school, well, through high school and then in some years in college. So I understood the concepts of the military right. And now I understood it because at one point I was trying to commission in the army, so I had to really learn a little bit of everything. So I decided, you know to, to to see the post about the military and the needed. People call guards, right, century guards. And I'm like you know what, I'm going to send it. I'm going to just, I'm just going to, you know, send my information and see what they say and then what they.
Speaker 1:When they said to write like a comment section on what makes you qualified, I was like hey, listen, guys, I've never been in the military but I know all the concepts. I've been in ROTC programs and you know it's not complicated, you know. But that that was something that I'm like I think that's what got me in, but at the same time I'm like I also kind of bit me in the butt and I'll explain why later. Anyways, so I sent my application I don't hear anything back for, you know, a couple days but I think at one point I was at the gym and I was getting ready to work out I was actually stretching. I get a call and from this number and I'm like hello, this is Carlos.
Speaker 1:And they're like hey, listen, we saw your application for the Fast and Furious 7 and blah, blah, and I'm like are you serious right now? Like is this a joke? Like are you really? Yeah, she was like yeah, you know, we're interested in your profile. We saw you submitted it. Now what we need you to do is, if you're still interested, you have to come and basically try on the suit that you're gonna be wearing, because obviously this is a military scene and I'm gonna explain to you what scene it was in the movie in a little bit. So I'm like, oh, yo, okay, I was like, well, yeah, I'm in, you know I'm down, fine, so see, we set up a date for me to go try on. So what's happening right now?
Speaker 1:Right now they are, because this is a big movie with a pretty big budget they are trying me out to see if I fit the role and the description. So I have to go put on a suit, which I'm getting paid for, by the way, just for the time that I'm there, for like two hours. I'm getting paid for regardless, even if I don't get the role, because, as an extra, sometimes you get the role and you're like, yeah, we just need you as an extra in the background, but because this is a high-level movie, high-profile movie, and the budget was high, the director I think it was James Wan at the time he needed to choose who was in the background, right, so if you were selected by the cast and people and the director, then you would have gotten casted in the movie. So I go in there and you know, they give me this suit that I look like, to be honest, like a GI Joe, like I felt so cool in that suit and I'm sad because it didn't take too many pictures. There are some pictures on my Instagram. I think there's one of them that I took like so quickly because they make you sign, I think, a non-disclosure agreement. It's because you can't share anything that's going on in the set. You can take pictures, you can't none of that stuff. So I tried on the suit, I put it on. You know, they take pictures of me and I think they gave me the name Paris or something like that, or Vasquez Vasquez. I think it was right. Of course I'm Latino, so I fit the, the script, you know, the Vasquez role, right, the Hispanic, the Hispanic man with the, with the nice fade and stuff like that. So they sent those pictures to the director.
Speaker 1:And on my email a couple days later I received an email saying that I have been chosen and I'm like yo, this is crazy. I don't know if it was an email or a call, but I remember calling my friend. I was like yo, I got selected, like to be in the movie, you know. And I'm like, oh, this is straight-up gas. Like I'm excited, you know. But then I think about it. I'm. I was like, oh my god, but I'm gonna do. I'm a, I'm a military man and I've only, you know, I've actually been in the ROTC and, again, I know the concepts. But like, do they want me to start shooting guns and stuff, which I'm actually not bad at either? But I'm like, yeah, I started getting a little nervous, you know. I was like, ooh, okay, so what's going on?
Speaker 1:So they sent me four days that I have to be part of the movie and let's talk about pay real quick, right? Everybody wants to know about pay. So the because of the military movie, because it was a something you specialize in, right, because you have you have to be a quote-unquote professional, they paid you $12 an hour. Now, does that sound great? No, it's not the craziest thing at the time, but keep in mind I was 21. That economy is not what it is today.
Speaker 1:So $12 an hour for a 21 year old while you're in college, I'm like not bad. Plus, if you did go over eight hours, you get times and a half. So at the time would have been what was that? Six, 18 dollars an hour, which is also not bad, and, to be honest, the money is not even the priority. That's not what I'm doing. I'm doing it because of the experience. The money is just an extra right. It's like the icing on the cake for me. So you know you sign your because how you get paid is after you're done with the shoots.
Speaker 1:I think a couple weeks later they send you a check for the roles in the times that you were in. But these are long hours, ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you, long, long hours working on set anyways keep it pushing. So I go on the day. So they sent me four days that I was supposed to be part of but because of filming and stuff like that, they only needed me for two days, which I was okay with because of the time. I was a full-time student, so I had to really miss about two days of school, which I'm not too happy about, and I don't think my mom was happy too bad about it either. But I'm like yo, it's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing. I don't know when I'm gonna get this chance. So I show up and we're doing it in a military base. Now, this is it, let me.
Speaker 1:Let me tell you the scene that this was on. Do you remember the scene in the fast you got you have. You have had to seem the faster if you're a seven, if not, go watch it work. Then diesel goes to Kurt Russell and the older white guy. And he goes to Kurt Russell and he goes to let the military base right and he basically asked him, asked him for help. Well, in that scene there's a lot of cars that eventually, like the following scene they jump off planes. Do you remember that scene where they they take those cars and they jump off the plane with the cars and they literally land in perfect single file form on the street and stuff like that. So if you guys remember that scene so it was that military scene where he's asking or they open a couple beers and I remember this scene clearly because I'll tell you guys in the little why I remember vividly. So pop a couple coronas, I believe, or whatnot. And you know they're talking and I, if, if I showed you where I was at in the background, you'll be able to see me, but obviously, because I'm an extra, you can't really recognize me in the back, although I did get, like you know, my little second in the background that I can really. You can really see me in the back and I have some of those pictures also on my Instagram back in like 2015 or something like that anyways.
Speaker 1:So I get to the, to the, to the trailer where we're having us and everybody's military. You know, and I'm like my first day, everybody already had already had two days, right, because of the century guard. They only needed them, if they only needed me for two days, but the rest of the other people that had applied earlier already they had them for four. So they already knew each other, they knew the drill, what's going on, what to do, and I'm like you know I'm shy. I'm like they were like what kind of role did you get? I'm like century, no, century guard or whatever. And they're like okay, cool.
Speaker 1:You know, I started talking to you know a person or two remember everybody's in the military, so they asked me to what was my? I don't know. I think he asked me like what was my role, but in a different way, and I'm just like listen, man, I ain't gonna lie, bro. You know I was honest. I'm like I was an ROTC and they chose me, so I might need you to guide me a little bit, but everybody was cool, because some of these people that work as extras.
Speaker 1:They do this as a living. I had some of these guys. I met some of these guys in you know, men and women that came from other states to to have to film the Fast and the Furious 7 movie. Because if you do four or five days of filming, that's a decent check, you know, especially at that time that's a decent check. So if they specialize only as extras and maybe some of their aspirations were to become actors and actresses which is so cool to see because you know people are like getting involved, like you start seeing the Hollywood. What is side of things? You know, and I was I was surprised at the fact that some people did this full time and I'm like, wow, that's impressive. Plus, if you have military background and you know, if you have either retired from the military, you might be getting some pension. So you know, you getting some money on the side of you, the GI Bill, whatever. Well, that was interesting.
Speaker 1:But you know, I went to get dressed, I put my GI Joe suit on and I get ready to go on set so they show us what the set was gonna be like. So as soon as I go in, I see the set and I'm just like yo. Obviously it looks very military-ish, but I see the cars that the the guys are going to drive. I think it was a green car, a yellow car, toretto's car, which Vin Diesel's car. So I'm like yo, this is crazy, like this is so cool. I'm going to see all the cars. I see tanks. I see you know, weapons and stuff, and I'm looking around I'm like, okay, well, this is what this is we're gonna be at.
Speaker 1:So they fed us, you know, before we went in, they were making some homemade burgers, were fries, which are on point, by the way, love homemade burgers, love homemade fries. And I was like this is fire, I'm straight up gas, by the way, this is before like my sickness or illness, illnesses at all. So I was on point, my health was tip-top, I was in good shape. You know, you name it. So let's start. You know, before we start filming and this is where I tell you, the military part kind of bit me in the butt a little bit we were getting our guns and they were all real guns, the weight. I mean it was just beautiful to see how many guns they had prepared for everybody who was in the military scene.
Speaker 1:And I get to the guy who is the arms person and he's, you know, he's, he's basically in charge of all the weapons and everybody's checking their guns. And they're saying a word and I'm like what are they doing? Like what is he talking about? So I get up, you know, it's my turn, and he gives me a shotgun and he tells me to look inside. And I'm like, so I look at the gun and look at him and I'm like what's up? I'm like what's up, what's good? He's like there's nothing here. Like, you know, it's clear. So he was basically telling me and showing me, when you see, that it's clear, that means there is obviously no bullets in the chamber, there's no shotgun shells in the chamber. So I need you to say that it's clear. And that's what they were saying when they were, you know, one by one.
Speaker 1:They were going up to him and they were like okay, clear so, and I was like no, no, it looks clear. I was like it looks clear, it looks good. And I was like all right. I was like have you ever, like you know, done this before? And I'm like no, this is my first time, homie. He was like all right, well, next time when I show you that it's clear and it's empty, make sure you show that it's clear. And because we got to both see that it's clear, basically kind of holding me accountable, like you saw, that it's clear, there's no guns here for me not to do anything crazy with, with with the gun. So I get the shotty. You know, I'm walking out and I'm like yo, this is heavy, it's a nice shotgun, though it was, I don't think I've ever seen a nice shot gun. So I'm like, okay, cool, so this is my gun. And then, you know, this is where we start the filming.
Speaker 1:I think we started filming around three, four o'clock, maybe, five, five PM that day, and one of the scenes again was when, before if you see the, if you see the movie, was when, you know, paul Walker, tyree's Ludacris, come in in a couple SUVs and they come into like the military base, right, and it's really nothing crazy, to be honest, at least that part was nothing crazy, but it's so cool because in the movie they show up like really like they're riding, they're riding deep, you know, and so I'm in the front of this is a century guard, right, I was watching the door, so I'm basically like in front of the door, one of the front hold men. When people are coming in, I'm basically allowing them to come in. You know, in the movie. So when I see Brian you know Brian, obviously Paul Walker and the boys coming in, I'm basically allowing them to come in in the movie. So I'm like yo, this is dope. I mean, I'm on top of the world right now.
Speaker 1:But the gun was getting heavy, man, and you know, I didn't know what to do with it. I'm like, hey, homie, I'm tired bro. Like there was another guy because I was on one side of the entrance and there's another guy on the other side of the entrance and I'm like, bro, this guy is heavy. He was like hey, bro, it ain't nothing but a thing, man, just keep going. He was like, hey, listen, it's heavy, but I ain't no bitch, though. That's what he was telling me. And I'm like I'm like damn dog. But I was like it's heavy to me. And he was like, hey, listen, bro, don't worry about it. Because he kept asking me how you hanging in there. And I'm like, hey, listen, homie, hey, man, I'm tired bro. But you know we're here. He was like me too, man, me too, it's just heavy, huh, and I was like, yeah, bro, he was like, but I ain't no bitch, though, and I kept laughing because he kept saying that I'm like all right, bro.
Speaker 1:Well, I guess we're not bitches, man, we got a little tough it in, you know, and that scene happens, obviously. You know the boys come in and we're hanging in there and we're, you know, we're having the shoddy and we just like bam, like we, you know, we were locked in. There was another scene where we are walking like down the military base or that, like you know, indoor because this was all indoor, by the way, the military base and we're walking just back and forth, you know, back and forth, kind of like some background shots that were taken, which in the movie looks really dope, like it looks, you know, fire, everybody had their specific roles, the guy who was in charge of the extras was, you know, going back and forth and all that good stuff. And let me tell you something cool, right, and this is not even the coolest part yet we're going to, it gets better. I mean, the story just gets better and better and better. So when, when, if you are part of a shot that you might be in, even if you're a background, you have a makeup artist that's taking care of you. So while I'm sweating or while, like you know, maybe my makeup is falling off a little bit, this person you know the makeup artist is making sure that you're looking good, you're looking clean, because you could be in the shot and this is again a high profile movie. They're going to make sure that you look good, that you look, you know, fit for that role. So every you know stop scene, they would, you know, clean me up and like hey, listen, I got a little something here. You know I don't want to touch myself and you felt dope. You know, you're like you're getting taken care of and I'm over here just like, okay, cool. So every scene you would just have a little you know little your face touched up and stuff like that. I felt like a little princess and whatnot. You know what I mean I feel. But, hey, that that was just really really dope. So, um, I want to, of course, the, the, the.
Speaker 1:The cool part in the sad part about this is this was around October of 2013, I believe, and, if I'm not mistaken, I think Paul Walker passed in. I think November, or could have. He could have passed. Yeah, I think he passed in November of 2013. So this role that we were filming the scene was about September or October of 2013. So I got to meet the guy.
Speaker 1:Man like Paul Walker was a handsome man, like legit. This is not Hollywood. The guy was tall. I would see the women that were there, where you know, obviously you were talking to him, but he's, he talked with the people that were there. He talked with us, um, like nothing like it, just a normal humble human being, man, and I was so amazed that I was like this guy is legit, like this guy is, he's real man and when you know, obviously when he died, it hurt me a lot because he was not just a very famous actor, but he was really good people and even in the small ass scene that we were doing, he still had conversations while, you know, they were the directors were getting the cameras together and they were putting everything to the scene together. He was still having conversations with the extras that were there and it's just a natural good energy and vibe that Paul Walker had to him.
Speaker 1:He was tall too, like legit. He was like six something. Six, two, three, four. I remember he was tall. I definitely know he was taller than me and I'm not even that tall, but I'm about 511 and three fourths. You know I call it six because in Matthew rounded up, you know I'm six but he was definitely taller than me. Handsome. He was wearing, I think, like a light, like a white shirt at that time, long sleeve shirt, dress shirt, and he looked good man, like no, you know, just respectfully handsome man, and I was like I was really impressed by, by him. So, and of course, we got the news a couple months later that you know he had a pass and it really hurt my heart. And then I didn't know how the the movie was going to end up, because you know of his passing. But this is a story that we're going to continue. So let me tell you one of the most amazing experiences for me.
Speaker 1:So, if you guys remember, while I'm in as a sentry guard and I'm holding a shotgun while they're coming in, well, there's another scene when Vin Diesel shows up with Kurt Russell, and Kurt Russell man, he's all, he's an old timer. At that point I really know I didn't, I really didn't know that well that he was just a long time actor and he's been in the game for so long, he's made so many good movies. I'm like yo, like I didn't know what I had in front of me. So Vin Diesel shows up, he's there and Kurt Russell, they're having a scene with the Corona scenes. Right, they had several Corona scenes where they opened up the Corona as they're talking and you know he cut, he, he. They walk in into the, the entrance or the facility, I should say, but in that, that scene took, you know, different shots because they were shooting them from different angles.
Speaker 1:So when I'm watching Vin Diesel and you know it was, you know they're setting up like a different shot. He's just, he's just chilling, he's getting his makeup done, he's, he's had, he had his own personal artists. You know makeup artists, you know, because the big time, big timers and he had his own bodyguard and of course, kurt Russell, you know, also had his own personal, everybody personal right. And during the times where we had like a little break because of the, the, the, the scene switch, he says, he says hi to me. He was like how's it going? And I'm like, I'm stunned, I'm like home, like in a millisecond. I'm like holy fudge.
Speaker 1:Vin Diesel just said what's up to me and I'm like dude, I look, bro, I've seen all your movies. Like I seen I mean, talk about the Fast and the Furious movies, triple X, what's the other one where he's like an alien or something like that? And he's not an alien but he goes to outer space or whatever. Like, bro, I've seen your movies. Homie, like I'm stunned. I'm like in a millisecond though, and obviously I'm trying to keep it cool, right, hey, cool, carlos, right, I'm like, hey, not much man Just hanging in there and I'm here holding the shotgun. He was like well, that's good man. I was like, yeah, yeah, I was like thank you for asking.
Speaker 1:I don't even remember how the conversation went, no more, but I just remember the fact that he said we talked for a brief moment and I'm like yo, this is amazing, this is wild. Like I got to see him not only as the human being he is, but also in between scenes. He's still very cool, calm, collected, very chill, and I'm like this is crazy. I'm like dog, I've seen you since I was a kid man. I've seen your movies. I'm like you know, I actually was surprised that I was taller than him by, definitely by a couple centimeters, and nothing against him, but I thought he was the same size as the rock, because remember the fast in the furious, you know five, they are the same height and the rock is tall.
Speaker 1:So they're the same height and I'm like I'm expecting this man to be huge, right, but I was actually, I think, I believe, a little bit taller than him. But it's all good. You know it's Hollywood, this is part of Hollywood, that you know some of the size that you don't know. So it was really cool. You know, said what's up to Kirk as well, but when you're, when they're in their natural habitat, which is acting, you know they tell you not to like take pictures, of course, and our videos. Or you know you got to act professionally and although you're an extra, you got to keep your professionalism and which is very important. So none of that happens, you know none of this.
Speaker 1:But the fact that they took time to just say what's up and because some some scenes man, they take time bro, we're talking 15, 20 minutes to for them to to switch, sometimes like a, like a shy, and I'm like damn, and it's a small scene in the movie. So I was very surprised and, by the way, remember how I told you, we started about like three, four or five o'clock in the afternoon. Well, at this time it was about midnight, so everything was dark. But the craziest part about this because we were in this facility, they had lights outside the facility that were shining in into the facility. That made it look like daytime. So in the movie it looks like it's daytime, but we were filming at midnight and it went on to one o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock, four, four o'clock in the morning. I think I got home about like six or seven am at that point. So I worked like 12 to 14 hours just on one day. Well, long hours, man. So these actors are actually working up, you know, to three, four o'clock.
Speaker 1:In that scene we filmed with Vin Diesel and Kurt Russell Deep, like they were up, up, you know, at night. So I thought it was really impressive. I thought it was impressive how cool it looked during the movie because it looked like daylight. You know, I always look at that scene and I'm like damn, that was probably like three o'clock in the morning for me, which is really dope, and I remember this.
Speaker 1:Let me share a funny story with you guys. When Tyree walked in so they get to the set, and this is a cool part about being an actor because they show up and they just film and they dip. We probably were there, you know, four or five hours before they got there. This is another, another day, another scene and they went in there for like 30 minutes to an hour and dipped and we had to continue filming. You know the rest of the scenes and whatnot, which I was like yo. I was like damn, like actors got a good. Obviously they're professionals and you know they deserve what they're doing. But I was like yo, if you're really good as an actor, an actress like you, just come in and show up, do what you have to do and bounce. That was that simple and I was really impressed by that. I was like that's crazy.
Speaker 1:Well, when Tyree showed up, he comes in with two beautiful women right and the homie and I we were just there again, the two guys in the entrance. We were like yo, wow, like I'm talking about fire, like well, this woman were fine and it's funny because he you know he says what's up to us. He was like yo, yo, yo, what's up? Fellas, I know that you guys are watching and I'm like we all start laughing because we're like yo, you ain't lying, you ain't lying, we definitely watching. Because you know he's walking up with two women on the set and I was just like yo, this is. I was like damn, that's some baller type stuff, that's really dope. So he's walking in and he says that comment. We start laughing. And when he was doing the photo shoot, he they had like separate chairs for them to sit, for the woman to wait, so they basically went to wait on him, for him to film, and then they left together Like talk about a G man, you know, talk about talk about a guy who's just, hey, it'd be like that.
Speaker 1:Sometimes you catch when I'm putting down, you picking it up. I was like yo, this is, this is wild. So that's a life, huh, this is what it's like, huh. And you know, obviously the woman were very beautiful. He was a cool dude, ludacris was a cool dude, paul and Vin Diesel were the ones that you know. Kurt Russell were the ones that were acting that specific day.
Speaker 1:The other days, a wrestler, the crew was there. The rock was there, you know, dwayne was there and the other woman were there as well, but I wasn't. I didn't get part, get to see that part, because I wasn't. You know, I wasn't casted for those days. I was casted for the other days, which is very unfortunate. I would have loved to have seen everybody else and I would have loved to take, you know, to at least like being a shot.
Speaker 1:There was a when, the, when the, the preview of the movie came out, the trailer. There was a shot that I'm pretty sure I would have been a part in in the trailer where, like you can see, like the crew's face and like there's some like people in the back that you can just see completely, like they are like the extras, but they look so cool because everybody's together and like you can see them. So, and, by the way, this is where, like they're planning the jump out of the plane because I took that, took part as well where they jumping out of the plane and stuff like that. So you guys probably remember that scene, but it was really cool, man, and I was just like yo, this is a. I got in the mix with this one. This was very interesting. That's going on. I'm like, I'm liking this, this is what it's like, and that led me on for me to not only like the extra scene, but it kind of spoiled me, which is also bad because there's a lot of small projects that don't treat you that well.
Speaker 1:So, for example, the food situation right, remember, we were there for like 12, 14 hours, so around midnight or so, we took a long break for everybody to go eat. Obviously, they had a cucks there. They were making, you know, the home, the homemade burgers and fries, and they were also making like different type of things. The actors you know, the actors, the directors, everybody who was part of the crew they ate first and then the extras. You know, we get the leftovers, which that's how it goes. But the food was good, man, the quality of the food I was given, even though there were burgers and fries, and then they also had like other, like a whole, like you know lineup of food. Right, like it was, it was, it was really good. Not, they had like some fish and I think I don't know what else they had, they had different. Like the spread was was decent, like it was really good, like when I got full, I was happy, I ain't going to complain. They had some dessert there too. So we were getting treated pretty like, pretty nice, which, hey, I'm, after being, you know, in that suit for a long time standing up holding a shotgun for a long time. I'm cool with that. So at least they fed us pretty well, which is really cool. And you know the actors. They had their own trailer, as you see, you always see, and you know enough where they either lay rest or they're doing what they have to do, either makeup, whatever.
Speaker 1:And let me tell you another cool situation during that movie I when so we're doing you know the military role, but there was a part where Vin Diesel was talking to Kurt Russell and they're doing more of the technology side. That was not what I was casted for, so I took a break. I'm still getting paid, but we took like a two, three hour break because they were filming that in that, in that room. So Vin Diesel's car, the I think it's the charger. No, it's not the charger Challenger, is it the challenger? I don't remember which one. It was Black one, though you know what I'm talking about. The black one was outside the set, but it was still outside the set, but it was not like outside, outside, you know, still like in a little room.
Speaker 1:So I look in the car, bro, and the car looks clean. I was seeing the movie. They make it look so much nicer. But it just looks nice and I'm looking at it. I look at the Rams, I look at the car. I'm like, yo, this is so dope, like I've seen this car in the movies again. I'm like thinking back to when I'm growing up. I'm seeing this car in the movies.
Speaker 1:Man and I decided to sleep because I took a nap, because we know they gave us time to rest right next to his car. I had no shame in saying that I'm like I slept right next to his car. Uh, I was like I was vibing. I think I took pictures of the car which I don't have anymore. And then there was more car cars outside that I took pictures of because I think I got on my phone or something like that. But you know, I was being kind of just as respectful as possible of the process. But I was cool man. I slept right to Vin Diesel's car and, like in the car that he uses in movies Obviously he's not the same one for all of them, but you know, the car itself is just like it's kind of, it's kind of like a very iconic to the whole, to all the movies, right, and that was like so dope, I, I, I, I one of the craziest periods, and I think, as a guy is even cooler man. It's so, it's so cool.
Speaker 1:And let me tell you how things played out. So, again, the passing of Paul Walker happened in 2013. So I thought to myself I'm like yo, this movie is probably going to get canceled, so I might not even get a shot to being, you know, in this movie. Like this whole scene could just be deleted completely and nothing would you know? It is what it is, you know, and but I was hearing the news and stuff that they were going to continue with the movie and as you and as it ended up happening.
Speaker 1:You know, cgi and his brother kind of took over the role of Paul and ended up completing the movie, which is the final cut that we get with you know his brother and he did a lot of stuff. I think he had completely like half the movie, if I'm not mistaken, because the movie was supposed to come out in 2014, not 15. It was supposed to come out on 14. I think, like the spring of 14. Um, but he had done like more than half the movie, if I'm mistaken, so the brother had to finish the rest. You know CGI and everything. They put the work together. They look really good, to be honest.
Speaker 1:But in the end, when the see you again song starts playing and to retos with Brian, and you know Brian's car starts going left, you know, and the white Supra, and then you know Vin Diesel's car starts going, you know, straight like that whole scene. You can see Brian, that it's like CGI, you can tell I think they did that on purpose, because throughout the movie you can't really tell much. It's really hard to even catch that. But I feel like towards the end they did that on purpose, kind of like letting people know that this is not him anymore. But you know, it's just that was. I was like man. That movie like made me cry because not only for Paul, but I mean to see you again song, that is just one of the Most popular songs that we have nowadays.
Speaker 1:I mean the amount of views it got and that movie popped off, which is which is cool, you know to be a part of, even in the smallest sense as an extra. I thought it was amazing. I Think I did like a billion or something like they did, did a lot of money, obviously because of pause passing, which is, you know, inevitable. But the movie itself, I thought it was pretty good too and I was just like you know, I'm kind of proud of that. I'm kind of proud of being a part of this project and it made me proud to become, to be an extra, because you can see the background, you see what's going on, a lot of things that you know. You kind of wonder as a, as a kid, or you know as an adult, what's it like? I got to experience what it's like. And again, the fact, even you might not like the Fast and the Furious movies, but they are high profile movies, man especially. You know the All of them.
Speaker 1:But like leading into the fifth one, the sixth one, the seventh one, is it just they Kept out doing each other. When it comes to that, I see the eight, nine and the tenth. We can have a Contraversion, controversial discussion about that, about those, but up to seven. You know, people believe that I should have ended there, like it should have ended at seven, and they shouldn't stop making movies. But I think, if I'm not mistaken, vin Diesel and Paul Walker. I was talking about making ten, so that's the reason he keeps going with the tenth one, so this next one that's gonna come out. It's literally the last one, because they made the tenth one already, part one, and part two is coming out, I don't know when, but what could be an extra that would be cool. Huh, I'm letting the Latin the last one.
Speaker 1:And oh, forgot to mention my pay. I think for those two days I got paid like 500 bucks in total After, even after taxes, I think. After taxes I got well. Before taxes got paid like seven or six or something. It was around that you know I again I love the money was cool, it was great. I wasn't in for the money, I was in for the experience and I Got another role because of that scene.
Speaker 1:They asked me if I wanted to be in another scene. Do you guys remember that scene where the red car, which is like an expensive car that they kind of steal Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, they steal in the movie and they jump through Through what is this called through Through buildings? You guys remember that scene where they jumping through buildings? That movie? Well, I was. I believe I was supposed to be part of the, the, the scene where they have an event. It was like a, like a nightclub scene, but it was like an event scene before that happened and they told me that if I wanted to be part of it but I couldn't because it would have taken a week, and I'm like, yo, I can't take a week off school like this is the sad part about it I couldn't take a like more days off school because then I would have definitely failed. My class is like I would have been in the in the mix with the movie scenes, you know. But I would have loved to have taken part of that because they requested about Some of the guys that we were part of the scenes like to requested us to be Part of that that scene, and they asked us.
Speaker 1:They were like yo, you know, can you guys do it? You know, if you're interested. You know there's another role and I'm like, so in Reality I could have been in much bigger parts of the movie and I think I would have played a Like a, you know, a clubgoer and it wasn't like much of a club, it was more like a high profile club because if you've seen the movie, everybody's dressed really, really nice. I would have loved to take a part in that. I Go also asked by the makeup artist that they were also doing the hungry games at the time and I think one had already come out, one or two, I don't remember but they were filming another big hunger game and they were like, if you guys want to be part of that too, you guys can. If you're interested, you can apply, you know, through this.
Speaker 1:And I'm like, damn, like I'm getting all these like opportunities, yo, and I Don't know what to do, like should I quit school, you know? Should I stop going to school? Should I? You know what, if I just take a risk and I'm like I'm a risk-taker, but at this time I'm trying to at least graduate, at least, you know, because I wasn't seeing the finish line with school. So if, like, if I take a couple weeks off and to keep doing movies, money's gonna be decent, but you know, school is gonna be Poopoo. So I don't know if I was cool with that and of course I wasn't when I didn't take those opportunities. And I mean, looking back at it, could I've yeah, you know, I would have. Maybe, you know, I think I would have sent it a little bit more. But it's okay, you know, it's alright.
Speaker 1:You know, I feel like I made some decisions and I eventually was another extra in the the gifted, if you guys remember, like the X-Men, the gifted and stuff. There were like a bunch of mutants or whatnot and I actually I got my face. I was a. I was a, I was a cop in that movie. So something about me being Latino, being this size and you know, hispanic men, you know, not, not an ugly duckling I would say, you know I'm decent, you know, I mean, I'm alright, Something about that.
Speaker 1:I think it attracts directors and Producers or something that you know, to have me in the background as a cop or in military scenes, police, and I'm like I was a cop. And the coolest part about that was I was actually in the trailer this time, right when there's a, the actors talking to us and I'm in the background, as you know, and as a, as a cop, and I'm just there like you know. Yes, sir, you know, but at this time when I was a, an extra in this movie, this was after my health issues already. This was after the first knee syndrome, after the knee syndrome duplication surgery. So I was already in for some time with my health issues and stuff, but I felt like I could do a little bit extra again and just to get some money, just kind of hustle a little bit.
Speaker 1:So that was another great experience, although, because the budget was smaller, it was I don't know if we got food that day and if we did, it was probably like something light. It wasn't anything crazy, if I'm being honest. It was not anything crazy and, of course, like the food that we got in with the fast seven was so much better. But, depending on the budgeting, what kind of projects you're having, which is that's where you're getting yourself into. Remember, you're an extra and for this role I think I got paid like $8, I think maybe eight or nine or 10, I remember at this point. But that was a good experience. I met a lot of cool people, a lot of cool extras and I was in the scenes of the show and also, obviously, in the trailer. You can see me in the background, like you can clearly see my face, that I'm like the officer or the lead was talking to us and we're just like paying attention, like yes, sir, let's get the mules, let's get them. So that was really cool.
Speaker 1:I've considered going back to doing extras and doing movies, but something that slider. I don't wanna carry shotguns for 12 to 14 hours cause my health issues on my chest would not be able to take it. I mean, I was barely being able to handle that like at all. You know what I mean. And when I was healthier and I was stronger and I was fitter, like it's just, and you know not the craziest thing, let me tell you some bloopers that happened, if I haven't told you yet. Well, when I was walking back and forth because I was sweaty man, I had these certain type of boxers with different, like this certain type of texture. You know how, when you, if you see, like football leggings that you wear and they're kind of closer to your body, well, those are the boxers I wear now. They're like they're not boxer briefs anymore, like they're like more silkish, I would say boxers.
Speaker 1:Because I found out that those type of boxers with sweat gave me rashes. So during the first day of filming I got a rash right between my legs. You know when, like, your legs touch, and it was so bad, bro, by the end of the night I was walking like a little duck, like a little penguin. You know, I'm like walking. I have to spread my legs to the side and walk like this. And the scenes were not finishing, I'm like Lord, I need to go home because, like this is killing me, man, like my rash. I thought I was bleeding from my rash because that's how bad it was and it was just scratching, kink, kink, kink, kink. I was like bro, no way, I'm going through this right now.
Speaker 1:So when I finished and I have to walk back to the trailer and to get changed and go home, my rash is so red, it was just bad. And I'm walking funny to the trailer, bro, like I'm walking slow, I'm walking funny. It's hurting so bad. That's the biggest rash I've ever had in my life. I'm like yo, I don't know if I can come back tomorrow. Like this is bad, like this is really, really bad.
Speaker 1:But I told my mom while I was, you know, when I woke up in the morning, when she woke up in the morning, because I got there like a six or seven I was like, if you can, can you go buy me a different type of boxer? And, like you know, during the while I was falling asleep, while I slept, I put some Vaseline between my thighs so at least I can, like it can start healing. And then, before I left to the second day I put again Vaseline again, so at least when it rubbed it wouldn't be anything crazy. But the boxers that I got fit me really well, you know, close to my thighs and my legs, and it was just really tight and it didn't. But I still feel a lot of pain because of the day prior. But you know, it made things so much better. Even the sweating didn't get to it and everything was good. But, man, that day of the rash I never forget. That was a struggle, bro. A struggle, man. That was really, really bad. I'm not gonna lie to you. That was painful, that was bad. That was not a good time.
Speaker 1:Another time I remember flagging somebody. You're flagging in the military basically is if you're walking next to somebody and your gun is like the. You know, the tip of your gun is pointing and in this case the barrel of the shotgun is pointing at the guy who I'm walking next to. You have to switch your weapon to the other side. And you know, when we, me and this guy, were walking back and forth, cause again there were filming some shots like overview shots. I flagged him so many times. He's like bro, don't flag me. And I'm like what do you mean, what are you talking about? Flag you, so he just don't flag me. And I'm like switch your weapon to the other side. That's called flagging, because I don't you know if the weapon has, you know, any bullets in there, any you know shotgun shells by any chance, you know, god forbid, you actually don't even shoot. You can, you know, hurt or kill somebody Like you. That's what you're trying to avoid. So it's called flagging.
Speaker 1:And I'm like, oh, I learned something new today, man, I didn't learn this in ROTC, we didn't get that far, but you know things, little things like that. It was just so cool the next day when I went to get the shotgun again and he was like he told me to look inside like the, you know the, where the ammo goes and stuff. And I was like clear. You know, I make sure I was like clear because I already knew what to do that time. I already knew, you know, I wasn't going to get embarrassed back to back and it was cool, man, I think those are one of the best experience I've ever had in my lifetime.
Speaker 1:And again I want to go back to acting. I always felt like I could, you know, play, like you know, probably, military roles. I just sometimes they ask a lot of you, and for the pay? Now, obviously for the pay it matters because I'm I'm not that healthiest person I used to be back in the day. Plus, you know, I'll make so much more now, so that time it will probably be again, just because I experienced. But I think I don't want, you know, I don't want to show up and then tell me to do a task that I can't do. That's going to be just first of all, waste of their time and then kind of embarrassing too. You know what I mean. So, but I'm going to look out, I want to try it again, maybe make a video about a vlog or what it is to be an extra, and I might make another story time with this, just making a video talking about what it's like to be a, a movie extra, and not just the podcast episode. So if you guys are interested in being extras, you may have.
Speaker 1:There's so many websites that you can get into that can like have lead roles. There's a website I think it's called Central Casting, now here in Atlanta too, that you can just send your information like what's your height, what's your weight? You know what is that? Your weight, whatever your length, your shoulders, all that stuff. So it's really cool process because now they have pictures of you and they have pictures of you. They can select you for a certain role that a certain director or casting agent is asking, which is so dope. You don't have to constantly apply. They actually send you roles that fit you, which is, to be honest, really cool. I haven't gotten a lot of those recently yet because of, like, the strike that was going on in Hollywood, but you know, atlanta became, you know, the Hollywood South. So many movies have been filmed here. I mean from the Avengers to like the Fast, the Furious, and so many big, big name movies have been filmed in Atlanta, because now we have a lot of like casting and sets and stuff with the Tyler Perry sets.
Speaker 1:I went to that a couple of times as well and it's really cool. I think it's a really good experience. You know, if you're gonna do this for a job, you're really gonna have to hustle a lot long hours and you know the schedule is not really set. Like you know, you want it to be old switches. So I wouldn't say I recommend that. But if you're trying to make some extra money and you have time, why not? You know why. You never know what could happen. You never know what kind of experience you're gonna live on forever with. So, and you know, eventually you can tell your kids and maybe your podcast or your YouTube channel, right? So? But that, ladies and gentlemen, is what I have for you today. Hopefully you guys enjoyed it. I think it's again a really cool experience, a really cool story for me to share with you guys. If you have any questions about it, you know you can always ask me.
Speaker 1:Don't forget to comment on the YouTube section if you're watching this and don't forget to like the channel, subscribe to my YouTube channel and subscribe to all the platforms that we're in, you know Spotify, amazon Music, apple Podcasts, show, some Love. Leave A Rating. Hopefully it's, you know, five star. If not, keep to yourself. But no, I'm just kidding. But I appreciate it, guys. Thank you for listening to another podcast of the Carlos Gronos podcast.
Speaker 1:And don't forget I will keep hosting people, except, you know, the hosting people. It becomes a little bit harder times, you know. Plus, it's been my birthday, I've been traveling a little bit. It gets a little a little mixed up, but I promise you I'm gonna keep having great content for you guys. And if not, let's keep talking about story times when I'm alone and we're alone together here. You know, I think I have so many good stories that you will get to know me better and you'll get to see some of the things that I've been through.
Speaker 1:And this time around I wanted to make it something that was really cool, you know, and like last time that I did it, I parked it with myself was, you know, it was a more emotional, more heartfelt, for sure, but I have a little bit of everything, man. I have a lot of, you know, a lot of better of everything. So, thank you guys for watching, thank you guys for joining me again. You know, rest in peace, paul Walker. You're always mess homie and I always have you in my heart because of that. And you know, the fast and fierce movies were always being my heart too, you know, hey, just out of respect, and to me, the movies have always been really cool. So, thank you guys for the love. Thank you guys for watching. Again, don't forget to like, subscribe. See you guys on the next one, take care of yourself, take care of each other, and here's to 31. I can't believe it, hey, it'd be like that sometimes. See you guys. Music.