"Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful." (Shakespeare, MEASURE FOR MEASURE)
This is what I am reminded of upon meeting Billy Wirth. There is an awesome mixture of talent on the set of TREASURE OF THE 7 MUMMIES and the energy level is often kinetic. Adding to the electricity is Billy, who brings with him a wonderful mixture of dramatic intensity and an aura of kindness. That alone distinguishes Billy on the set.
Arizona and the southwest are home to some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen! Bursting with color, they are saturated with vibrant purples, oranges and red hues. They pace themselves across the sky and each time we experience one, it's like watching the beginning of a new movie unfold over us. One evening on set the director wants to film Billy, Matt, Cerena, etc. all walking off into a sunset, which is streaming onto the main street. It is a breathtaking shot but I decide against shooting into it because the sun is pouring right into my lens. I don't think I'll stand a chance with it but as the cast walks by Billy walks quickly over to me and asks, "You're taking a shot of that aren't you?" I made some comment about not having a decent enough filter for it and quietly Billy moves off, following the others into the sunset. I think to myself, "Why the hell are you worried about taking this shot?" I follow Billy's lead and snap a photo, which turned out so well that It now sits on the front of the Executive Producer's website and is one that I have received many compliments on. Filled with sepia tones and the dust of a western sunset, it is my prize and ONLY thanks to Billy. Without him I wouldn't have taken the photograph.
Working with Billy is a privilege. He is a consummate professional, always displaying a terrific eye for continuity and people. He looks out after others on the set and is vigilant in his awareness of everyone. Many of the crew walk over and say to one another, "Isn't Billy great?" There is not doubt about that as he is able to walk that fine line between cast & crew, with his presence adding a sense of humanity to the long days and nights on the set.
I have only been on 4 features and what strikes me about his persona, in contrast to other actors whom I have met, is that there is a compelling solitude about him. You meet some actors and think, "Maybe someday I'll run into that person at a club in Hollywood" or something such as that. But when I think of Billy I imagine that I would most likely see him in a gallery in NY or in a museum checking out a new exhibit. When people meet an actor, such as Billy Wirth, they often want to talk about Hollywood, etc. Me? I'd love to talk about art and the creative process with him.
As a child of New York City, I immediately felt a bond. When I think of Billy on set and see an image of him in my mind he is waiting between takes, sitting quietly on an applebox in the saloon, going over photos of his family and friends, which he carries on his digital camera. His unique talent for communicating with people comes across vividly in his eye for photography and his art. One picture stays with me. Standing serene in the midst of the city, the shot is of a church from his apartment. Unobscured and tranquil that particular photo comprises a special quality like Billy.
Jenny Pond ... Photo Journalist on set of Seven Mummies
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