On Set - The History of the Mob part 2

Yesterday, I filmed another scene as Salvatore "Salvie" Testa for the National Geographic series, History of the Mob. 

Salvatore Testa's father was Philip "Philly" Testa, the infamous "Chicken Man" of Philadelphia.  Philly Testa briefly lead the Philadelphia mafia, until he was killed in a nail bomb explosion on his front porch.  

Afterwards, Salvie Testa became an infamous gangster and hitman in Philadelphia and Atlantic City, working for Nicky Scarfo.  Testa's rise and success in the mob was so quick that eventually Nicky Scarfo felt threatened and had him killed.  

Last week, we shot a scene that covered the infamous incident of Enrico Ricobenne committing suicide after a visit from Salvie Testa and Phil Leonetti.  Pics from that set can be seen here: 

http://thecommonone-jtw.blogspot.com/2013/04/on-set-history-of-mob.html

Yesterday, the scene covered was the hit on Francis "Chickie" Narducci, Sr., a long time mob captain in South Philadelphia under Angelo Bruno.  In Philadelphia crime history, the hit was one of the more brutal and violent and the city's history.  

In reality, Narducci was shot ten times outside of the family home by a couple of shooters, including Testa.  Eventually, Narducci's sons served as enforcers in Testa's crew.

However, for the sake of dramatic recreation, the hit was filmed inside, with just the two actors.  Although not historically perfect, the footage looked great.  

We filmed at an abandoned bank in Union City, New Jersey.  The crew were going to film a few other scenes, that included a famous bank robbery and meetings with a young John Gotti.  For the Narducci hit we used an upstairs hallway.  

Since the series is mostly focused on the New York City mob, little coverage has been spent on the Philadelphia Mob Wars of the 80s.  

I hope if the series is a success, National Geographic will order another season which can focus more on Philadelphia, especially since my character has such a large role!

With the actor playing Chickie Narducci.

Our makeup department.

The craft services table for breakfast.

One of the crew members checking equipment.

Inside the bank.  

Another angle of the main floor of the bank, looking out.  

An actor prepping in the make up chair.

The actor playing Chickie brought his dogs and used the spiral staircase as a pen.

The Assistant Director of Photography.

Chickie's shoes, before he turns to get shot.

Director and Chickie practicing the turnaround.

The Director of Photography, before action.