Fran's World…and Welcome to It!

I knew this Easter was going to be different. Usually the whole Capo clan and friends gather at my house (remember, holidays are the only time I like to cook) and we have the Easter egg hunt, our games of charades, dancing, music and just a grand ole time.

But this time the usual gang was scattered. First off, my mom was still in the hospital after a near death incarcerated hernia and then a seven hour surgery that saved her life. So she was not going to be dining with us, at least not for a few weeks. Second, since I'm up here in Putnam and my family is down in Queens my sister and I decided it best for her to go to the hospital to spend Easter with mom but for her to let my niece, Athena stay up with me for a few days since no kids under 16 can visit at the hospital. Third, since my recently ex-boyfriend, Steve was now back into the picture after taking care of my son during his recent illness and just being a sweetheart of a guy...he was going to be joining us. And fourth, a month ago I had gotten a call from a woman named Kelly from Chump Change Productions, she told me she was producing a documentary on world record holders that she was planning to submit to the Sundance Film Festival.

Kelly had heard about me through my friend, Ron Sarchian (who holds three world records like most martial arts roundhouse kicks in one minute- check out WorldRecordRon.com) and had already shot some footage on my friend, Ashrita Furman (who holds over 140 world records – like pogo sticking up Mount Fuji – check out www.ashrita.com). (Hey what can I say if I was ever tried by a jury of my peers it would be one weird jury box!)

www.chump-change.com/breakingandentering4.html

Anyway, Kelly's crew was coming back to New York from LA this weekend and would only be here Saturday and Sunday to do interviews.

She wanted to know if there was any way we could shoot over the weekend. Since I was doing the CBS Big Brother Audition on Saturday and she was already shooting Ashrita's follow up interview on that day, the only day left was Sunday.

I figured what the heck. If the camera crew comes to my house we can shoot, then eat and take it from there. Besides my neighbor downstairs, Wanda and her family were joining us and I knew the kids would get a kick out of the camera crew coming to dinner. We set the stage for 2 p.m.

I got up that morning at 5 a.m. to make sure the Easter Bunny left his basket for my niece and for my son as well. (Yeah, I know he's 18 but everyone likes to be remembered- besides the Easter Bunny was high tech with him this year. He left a 2 Gig flash card, CD on selling and a of course a white chocolate bunny.) After playing Easter Bunny I worked out, then went back to bed. (Hey with world record athletic friends and John Basedow in the picture a girl has got to stay in shape – but also get her beauty sleep.)

At 9 a.m. I got up again, made the lasagna, two pumpkin pies, butternut squash, hot biscuits, and five-dozen chocolate chip cookies. (Yeah, I know...so much for the working out!)

Meanwhile, the two little kids, Athena and Isabel, were coloring Easter Eggs while Spencer set the table. He did some fancy origami fan thing with the napkins, which was pretty cool.

Wanda in the meantime was downstairs making the roast pork, salad and vegetable dishes, while the other kids, William and Vanessa helped me clean house...(couldn't have a dirty house recorded on camera for all perpetuity.) Yup, it was one big Brady Bunch family all scrambling around and looking happy.

Just as everything was running smoothly and on time...the phone rings. It was 10:30am... Wanda's ex called...he wanted the kids early. So as with most things in life you learn to be flexible. Wanda dropped the little one, Isabel off and they agreed the other kids would come at around four.

Then at noon, Steve called and said he had to go to work for a few hours and in turn would be late. (Actually although that was true, Steve also hates being on camera and he wanted to make sure he missed the camera crews. I assured him that I told the crew he was not to be interviewed but I think he wasn't taking any chances.)

At 1:45 the camera crew called and said they were going to be about 45 minutes late. Quickly recalculating everything...Wanda and I looked at each other...."Okay, forget eating after the shoot. Let's eat now!".

We quickly heated everything up, called the kids in and sat down. We said a prayer of gratitude, lit a Mother Mary candle for my mom's health, and then dug into the food. We still managed to talk, joke and digest.

Just as we finished washing the last dishes the doorbell rang. It was the crew. In walked, Ben the director, followed by the camera and lighting guy, Geoffrey and Winnie, the AP (associate producer). Kelly was back in LA.

Originally I thought we'd do the interview in my office, but they liked the table lighting so we set up there. Wanda and I quickly put back some dishes on the table, and of course I staged it with my books.

Since Geoffrey had to catch a plane back to LA we were working against the clock. Not to waste time, I miked myself, while Ben checked the set up for the still camera. It was a two camera shoot with Geoffrey operating the hand held.

Within a few minutes we were up and running. They asked me questions on how I broke the record, about what qualities all record holders share, my beliefs, my philosophies of life, and of course a demonstration. (At that moment I realized I didn't' get to brush my teeth after eating and a thought ran through my head that I hoped nothing came flying out of my mouth – not a moment I want captured on film especially since people tend to do close up's of my mouth when I do fast talking....luckily everything was intact.)

During the middle of the interview Steve walked in. We had to stop tape. Everyone was caught by surprise. He didn't expect them to still be here, and we didn't expect anyone to walk in. He shrugged his shoulders, "Oops!"

He stayed in the kitchen (with the chocolate chip cookies) out of site.
Of course he came in just in time when they had asked how the men in my life view my world records. Since Steve likes to remain off camera I always get a kick out of telling stories that he can't rebut to – you know with the slightly Capo slant. (It's my way of trying to edge him to talk on camera...so far it hasn't worked.)

I did mention though that he thinks I'm relentlessly relentless when I go after something...a trait I'm told that most world record holders have in common. I was also asked why I thought there were so few female world record holders...and I gave my answer which of course you will have to wait to hear until the documentary comes out.

We taped for about an hour. After my segment they gathered the troops. First they interviewed Spencer solo. Spencer is used to being on camera and was very natural...telling what he thought about his world record mom and what his friends think. The gang was then brought together...we looked like one of those family portraits at Sears.

Wanda, Vanessa, William and my niece were a little nervous. They were trying to be all prim and proper and my attitude was....just be yourself. They each told a "Capo story" but made them short and sweet. I tried to nudge them on and then they opened up a little...I guess I forget that people do get quiet when a camera is shoved in their face, even if it's in the living room of my home. They did great though considering it was their first on camera debut.

Steve stayed true to form...he was off camera...and then of course once the lights went off and the equipment was safely put away, he told a bunch of stories...said he was saving it all for the "My life with Capo" book he was writing. He'll have to wait in line...because I think my son said he's going to write one too. (I better review these manuscripts.)

With the main shooting done, we did some show and tell in my office, then the crew packed up. I gave them directions and a handful of cookies and they were on their way.

Once they were out the door, Wanda dashed out of the house and dropped her kids at her ex's. Steve got some heated lasagna and me, Spencer and Athena hung around for hours talking, playing games and listening to music. We all called my mom at the hospital and spoke to her sending her our love.

A few hours later when the gang all reconvened we had desert, did our Easter egg hunt and then fell asleep exhausted.

It may not have been our typical Easter...but it was sure one to remember...besides even if we forgot it's all documented on film for the world to see.

World Record Easter

Comments