The trailers have been running for Failure to
Launch, a new movie starring Matthew McConaughey and Sarah
Jessica Parker set to open March 10.
What you won't learn from watching the previews is that some
scenes of the movie were shot last June, along the pre-Katrina New
Orleans Lakefront. Nor will you find out that Ryan Borges, an
18-year-old University of Louisiana freshman nursing student,
appears in the movie.
Borges portrays - what else?
- a paintball player.
"It was like a paintball tournament. I was
on the opposing team against Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica
Parker," said Borges, whose team is Gulf Coast Paint Factory - GCP
Factory, for short.
Borges got the part through the Hammond arena, where he wages war
against other teams each week.
"They did a casting call here at Paintball Command," said owner
Charlie Segrave. "They were originally going to film out here, but
logistically, they couldn't put six acres of tents and trailers out
here."
Borges wasn't originally up for the part, but a scheduling
conflict opened up the opportunity for him.
"Actually, they were going to have another paintball team,"
Borges said.
"Our premier team, Rocket Kids, were supposed to do it, but they
ended up competing that weekend," Segrave said, in a national
competition. "So, they asked Ryan to do that particular part."
Segrave also got to perform as an extra.
"It was very hot and dry, but we were fed well. We ate right
alongside the actors and actresses. They paid us a little bit, but I
would have done it for free, just for the experience," Segrave said.
Mealtimes were special in some ways for Borges, as well. "(The
actors) were eating right across the table from us. It was cool."
Borges and Segrave both remarked on how many times each scene was
shot.
"They would redo scenes over and over again to get things
perfect," Borges said.
There wasn't a lot of rubbing elbows with the stars, Borges said.
"We weren't allowed to approach them on the set, but we talked to a
few of the guys."
There was an occasional encounter with Parker and McConaughey,
however.
"She was very friendly and always smiling, very outgoing," Borges
said. "He was smiling a lot - very confident."
For Borges, the experience was fascinating, from the special
effects to the stunt doubles.
"I'd love to do that again," he said. "It was awesome."
