On the Set with Matt Damon and Steven Soderbergh Filming “The Informant” in Chicago

Academy award winner Matt Damon’s amazing Hollywood career is without dispute. Ever since appearing on the scene as a screenwriter and an actor, he continues to astonish fans with his exceptional talent. Matt Damon’s latest dramatic thriller, The Informant, has been filming in Decatur, Illinois for the past few months. The filming schedule called for a shoot in Chicago with a May date. My daughter and I occasionally work as background actors in Chicago and were called to play mother and daughter bicyclists along Lake Shore Drive. Unfortunately, Kathrine wasn’t available the day of the shoot, so I was recast to portray a lawyer. My wardrobe called for either a 1990’s double-breasted suit or a two-button suit (remember those?).

We filmed an outdoor business plaza scene in which I cross deftly in front of Matt as he is walking with two other people. I am not sure my scene will make it to the box office, but more significantly, during the resetting for six different “takes” Matt smiled at me (and others) as we all returned for another “take one”. Not surprisingly, the word on the set is that Matt Damon is an all around “great guy”.

The Bourne movies have all been huge successes for Damon, with last year’s “Bourne Ultimatum” receiving 3 Academy Awards. (Great news for all Bourne fans, discussions are currently underway for a 2010 unnamed Bourne project.)

To recap the plot of The Informant, it’s a this true story based on a 1990’s price fixing scandal involving Archer Daniel Midland (ADM), a Decatur agricultural company. Matt Damon portrays the main character Mark Whitacre, an executive with ADM, who goes undercover for three years as an FBI informant who gathers information against his company.  During his time undercover, he experiences a series of dramatic character changes. For the in-depth story, check out author Kurt Eichenwald’s book, The Informant.

Damon’s new leading role appears to be an actor’s dream; extreme emotional character transformation, situational story with true-life drama, intrigue, and suspense. This role has all the ingredients for a Best Actor nomination, as his portrayal provides us with a view of his far-reaching acting abilities. Leading the helm is seasoned Academy Award director Steven Soderbergh of Erin Brockovich fame. Soderbergh directed Julia Roberts, in her Best Actress Academy Award winning role, another factual American corporate thriller. Hmm… perhaps I’m on to something here?

Upon wrapping, I had an opportunity to speak with director Steven Soderbergh. He was very cordial and pleased that the filming had gone smoothly and that the fickle Chicago weather had cooperated. It was fascinating to be directed by such an accomplished legend even though my role was so minute. The overall atmosphere on the set was one of extreme professionalism. In retrospect, with huge names like Damon and Soderbergh, I guess nothing less would be acceptable.

One interesting side note, the LA crew of The Informant was thrilled to be in Chicago to reunite with the LA crew of Public Enemies (Johnny Depp stars) as the Hollywood film industry is really a very small circle. Both crews enjoyed the city’s wonderful tourist sites that are so familiar to us.