Whirlygirl and My Experiences Behind the Scenes

Whirlygirl (2004)

This film was shot in Avon, CT and New Haven, CT and I was a volunteer for set dressing on production. It was filmed in and around the Avon Old Farms campus, which is a private school in Connecticut. The silo scene is pretty cool, as it was filmed on the inside of a real silo on the campus. The club scene was fun because I got hired as an extra for that day, and if you squint, and try not to blink you can see me on the dance floor, for two to three seconds. It was the most fun I’ve had at a ‘job’ ever. Whirlygirl is a story loosely based on events that the writer experienced going to high school at an all boys prep school. There, in order to have any sort of contact with the outside world and women, they smuggle in a dancer called “Whirlygirl” for one night of partying on campus. She proves to be way more than they ever dreamed of, and one of the guys, James, falls head over heels for her. The plot twist is, she might be a thief. James tracks her down in the city, and finds out her real name is Alice, and she did in fact steal his watch. And though she tries to avoid him at first, she falls for him too. (*It’s supposed to be New York City* but was filmed in New Haven), They have several wild nights together. Later they are joined by her dancer friends, and his crazy, hormonal teenage classmates. It’s basically one giant party over a few days. The friends go back to class, while James is confronted with the reality that this love thing might not last. Especially when a stalker comes back to the apartment, and a much older boyfriend comes to visit. James can’t seem to choose between school and running back to the city. She doesn’t make it easy on him, either. James has to make a decision to go back to prep school, or follow his heart. Acting wise, I thought that Julian Morris did a good job, he’s also cute, so that helps. Monet Mazur was certainly the most experienced performer, and is the best in the film at holding focus. She’s certainly sexy, that’s for sure. For me, it's the supporting actors that make this film fun. They were all unique in their own ways, and each had an individual spin on what it would be like to be a prep-school boy. I also met most of them, and they were the most down to earth, fun guys to hang out with. I guess the overall experience of being on set of the film colored my view of the film, and I love it. Especially when seeing parts of two towns that I know very well. It’s not the BEST film, but it is fun. It’s a guilty pleasure.