SCC Blog
How the Hollywood Vernacular Can Cause Big Trouble!
June 3rd, 2007An interesting (and slightly comedic) story in the news last week was printed on Britain’s The Observer Review Website (The Guardian) regarding a certain director and a certain American airport.
Certain phrases seem like they would be common sense to avoid in an airport, especially in today’s age of intense security. For example, I would imagine walking into an airport and saying “I’m here to shoot a pilot” might get one in a little trouble. Hollywood director Mike Figgis unfortunately had to learn that lesson the hard way.
According to The Guardian, Figgis, (director of the Nicolas Cage hit, “Leaving Las Vegas”) was reportedly held for over five hours at Los Angeles International airport after he told immigration officers “I’m here to shoot a pilot.” In the world of television producing and directing, the first episode of a potential TV series is referred to as a pilot. Understandably, the agents considered the much more literal alternative meaning. After five hours of intense interrogation, Figgis was finally released.
In a word, unbelievable.
Chalk Talk
SCC Brochure