Arliss TV crew modifies Pyramid into film stage

The Pyramid at Cal State Long Beach was host to a film crew on Tuesday, where an episode of "Arliss" was being taped.  The crew had been working since 6 a.m. and the wrap was to come somewhere around 8 p.m., according to Dan Kaplow, the show's producer.

"We've been here a while," he said.

Anyone who's heard of the popular HBO show knows about Arliss Michaels (Robert Wuhl) and his witty way of dealing with people.  A sports agent, Michaels is as good with numbers as he is with people.  The co-star for this show is Micheal Boatman ("Spin City").

"It's a lot of fun," said Kaplow.

The Pyramid's interior had been converted into a bustling filming stage, where cast and crew alike scattered about working for the perfect shot against a deadline. Watching them work was like watching a massive game of musical chairs.  Lots of movement, quick and fast, and then, nothing.  Only acting.    Then, without a hitch, the massive movement starts back up.  This scene was for a basketball sequence in an episode to air in early August.

There were many extras in the bleachers  but looking closely it was hard to believe that cardboard people were among the living. The cutouts were scattered throughout the back rows and side rows.