THE SMURFS 3D Shooting In The Russian Tea Room

Got some minor details from yesterday's shoot at New York's Russian Tea Room for Columbia's THE SMURFS 3D. The movie is being made as a live action / CG hybrid.

A background performer by the name of Andrew Sellon wrote a brief overview of the scene where he plays a waiter who encounters the villainous Gargamel.

Sellon writes (emphasis is mine): "...I was at the Russian Tea Room in Manhattan filming my “day principal” scene as a waiter who runs into the rude villain Gargamel in the upcoming Smurfs 3D movie, due out in August of 2011 (July 29, 2011). Director Raja Gosnell gave me a warm welcome while I was in the makeup trailer. He couldn’t have been nicer, and his easygoing but clear guidance set the tone for the whole set. He knew what he wanted, but was very open to spontaneous creativity as well. My scene was with Hank Azaria, Sofia Vergara, and Tim Gunn, all of whom were very nice, and all of whom are very funny in the movie...

...A few of the takes reminded me of the old rule about working with children and animals. The cats alternating in the role of Azrael were definitely frisky during the shoot! Hank Azaria was hilarous improvising around their “cattitude.” We had a lot of laughs, and despite the complexity of the scene, it was suprising how quickly the hours flew by. A great day."

Interesting! Should be a great scene, Azaria is a comedic genius and The Russian Tea Room is a gorgeous location. Yes, Azaria has shaved his head for the role! Hopefully there are lots of outtakes. More when it comes in...