Flying the Hollywood Skies
Seaplane pilot Eric Weaver of Tavares rubbed shoulders with Johnny Depp while providing flying sequences for feature film.
Written by Blair Townley; Photo Provided
In the recently released feature film “The Rum Diary,” you will see several of Hollywood’s famous stars traipsing the beaches of Puerto Rico on the big screen. You may also recognize a familiar face among the crowd of Hollywood’s elite, that of seaplane pilot Eric Weaver of Tavares.
Owner of Jones Brothers & Co. Seaplane Adventures, Eric spent almost three weeks in 2009 taking part in aerial shots as well as dialogue scenes for the film with his Twin Bee amphibious aircraft.
“It was a great experience and lots of fun. Everyone was extraordinarily nice and easy to work with and treated us great,” he states.
Eric also was able to personally fly several of the main cast members during scenes, being able to meet actors Johnny Depp, Giovanni Ribisi and several other characters.
He even made a cameo in the film itself, shown standing by his Twin Bee as some characters walked along a nearby beach on the Puerto Rico set.
“Just being part of the production and seeing the film from another side was a unique perspective, especially when you haven’t seen it from that perspective before,” Eric recalls.
Some of that filmmaking perspective included participating in aerial shots on water and land for the film as well as seeing the plane hoisted on a gimbal to move in different directions for certain flying shots.
One effect that Eric and his team members didn’t prepare for though was a gear malfunction that occurred toward the end of the filming. Eric and others had to park the plane in Puerto Rico for an additional three weeks as they awaited parts sent from New York.
All the experiences related to being in a major motion picture was worth it in the end and you can see the actual seaplane used in “The Rum Diary” resting comfortably next to the Tavares Prop Shop in downtown.
If the film also inspired you to take a seaplane ride or even learn to fly the aircraft, Jones Brothers & Co. Seaplane Adventures can help you fulfill those flying dreams. You could even ride in the same Twin Bee aircraft that flew Johnny Depp, creating your own movie star memory.
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