STRICTLY ON BACKGROUND, PT. 24: "ASHE '68"

One warm, sunny morning a little over a year ago, I, along with several other post-middle-aged guys, were summoned to the Forest Hills Tennis Club. And if you think we were asked to play a set, followed by an Old Fashioned or two on the deck... hah!

We had, instead, arrived for a fitting and rehearsal as reporters for a virtual reality short, Ashe '68, which chronicled Arthur Ashe's legendary championship win at the U.S. Open, and subsequent, less-remembered involvement in the Civil Rights movement. Ashe was to be played by tennis pro Chris Eubanks (who, at 6'7", towered over everybody there and possibly within 10 square miles). We'd be filming at the actual spot in the club locker room where Ashe gave an interview before his win. 

Trying not to get too comfortable with my surroundings.

But you know what really impressed me? We "reporters", waiting outside the club upon arriving, were offered a superb continental breakfast, and asked if we wanted cream or milk in our coffee. A young woman also made it known that if there was anything else we needed, all we had to was ask.

In other words, we felt like actors, and not the extras we really were. A guy could get used to this. (The entire crew, from the director on down, was incredibly friendly, professional and, best of all, patient.)

Hey hey we're the -- wait, what the...

For those of you who have never been inside the Forest Hills Tennis Club, let me tell you, it's pretty sweet. Wood paneling, lush carpeting, quiet reading rooms, programs of games going back to the 1930s -- really, it's everything you want in a private club. And there's a pool in there somewhere, too. Too bad I can't join.

(Outside the stadium itself were souvenirs of past matches and concerts, like the poster on the right. While opening acts usually have a tough spot, I have a feeling Monkees fans and their parents were particularly baffled by Jimi Hendrix.)

We were brought back a couple of weeks later for the filming. As always with jobs that take place in pre-p.c. times, I volunteered to be a smoker, just to appear that much more seedy. But as the smoke clouded up the shot during the early takes, I went ciggie-less for the rest of the filming. 

A simple photo touch-up to give it that
"faded after 50 years" look.

Because of the number of people in shot, we were a bit crammed inside Ashe's locker area, just as the real reporters were 50 years ago. The v.r. apparatus was unlike any camera I'd ever seen, resembling something you'd see on an alien spacecraft. Or at least the alien aircrafts I'm familiar with.

Ashe '68 ran at the 2018 U.S. Open, where I finally got to see it last week. It was my first experience with a v.r. headset; I had to make sure not to move around too quickly, or else I'd feel just a bit queasy. (Many people have a similar reaction watching my performances without a headset.) Because v.r. puts you in the middle of the action, watching the press conference scene was akin to looking at myself in person. Now I know why I was single for so long.

I've smoked more on camera in two years than I have
in my entire life.

There was no way I could take screenshots of the v.r. movie. However, I managed to get a few pictures and some brief video of the "making-of" short running at the theater, along with a promo for an upcoming Arthur Ashe documentary. Maybe the press conference recreation will be featured in that as well. If so, look for the guy who resembles Ron Mael of the band Sparks, minus the moustache.

Paying close attention to the crew while wondering where
my next cigarette is coming from.

Of all the extra work I've done, Ashe '68  was probably the most interesting, important project, and certainly the most unique. So unique, I have no idea where, when or even if you can see it in your area. Anybody wanting to learn more about it, or of Ashe's role as Civil Rights icon, should visit www.ashe68.com.  

The site doesn't offer any pictures of me, but considering the title isn't Kusinitz '68, that shouldn't be surprising. And believe me, you don't wanna see me at 12 years old in virtual or genuine reality.


UPDATE: Ashe '68 can be seen at https://www.si.com/tennis/2018/08/28/arthur-ashe-1968-us-open-photos-john-zimmerman


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For those who can't get enough of my mug, two brief clips from the "making-of" short. Look fast!