Tri-Star's latest project wraps up filming at
Edwards
Released:
by 1st Lt. Stacy Vaughn EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.
(AFPN) -- Some base members stepped
back in time as they participated as extras in Tri-Star's latest movie,
"Race to Space," which wrapped up filming here recently. "Race
to Space" is about a young boy, played by Alex Linz, who dreams of
becoming an astronaut. The movie also stars James Woods as the boy's father;
Annabeth Gish as an Air Force veterinarian in charge of training the first
chimpanzee in space; and Ham the chimp. The
film is loosely based on the early The
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Honor Guard played itself, as the film called
for an honor guard to post the colors in one scene. Dressed in early 1960's
uniforms, team members said they were pleased that the film company wanted to
realistically portray the group. "I
was honored that they asked us to be in it," said Senior Airman Miguel
Gamino Telles. "This movie will give people a chance to see one aspect
of what we do. I'm hoping this exposure will recruit more airmen to join the
honor guard." Besides
showing airmen how the movie business works, "Race to Space," also
gave several movie members a genuine view of military life. Gish,
who has starred in feature films like "Double Jeopardy,"
"Shag" and "Mystic Pizza," said her grandfather served in
the Navy, but she had little knowledge of what it's like to be in the service
herself until she landed this role. "I
have much more respect now that I've put on the uniform for this role,"
said Gish, who portrays an Air Force major. "One day when we were
filming, I watched test pilots get ready for a flight. I had a surge of pride
and patriotism being this close to those who protect this country." She
added that the Air Force technical support the crew received was much
appreciated. "Everyone
was so warm and supportive. Maj. John Toniolli and Master Sgt. Tom Giannazzo
from Los Angeles Western Region Public Affairs were an immense help in terms
of information and research -- including how to salute properly." The
director of the film, Sean McNamara, chose Edwards as one of two locations to
film because of location and T-38 aircraft based here. "The
hangars we filmed in had spectacular architecture," McNamara said.
"They were conducive settings for a beautiful wide-screen look." As
for the T-38s, McNamara said: "Edwards was nice enough to loan us one of
these jets for a scene that calls for Astronaut Alan Shepard (played by Mark
Moses) and the boy to fly in. "The
support at Edwards was absolutely wonderful. Everyone really enjoyed their
stay." RELATED
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