CityHallNews.com

Mike Gianaris Meets Jack McCoy
By Laura Brunts

Assembly Member Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) has been a long-time supporter of the New York film industry, but only recently snagged a role in front of the cameras – on NBC’s original version of “Law & Order.”

Episode title: “Home Sweet”
Running: Friday, Oct. 6
10 pm NBC

He does not have any lines, but he will appear briefly as the date of actress Madchen Amick, who plays an attorney in the episode slated to run Friday.

“I’m talking to her at the bar, even though I don’t have any lines, and then Sam Waterston [who plays Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy] comes in to talk to her about the case,” Gianaris said. “I’m literally going to be on screen for a couple of seconds. If anyone blinks they’ll miss it.”

The cameo came about as the result of a chance conversation Gianaris had a party with an NBC executive who suggested he would “look good on TV,” he said. Even before this meeting, however, Gianaris says he has been connected to the film industry because so many New York studios are located in his Assembly district.

“I play a big role in trying to make sure the industry thrives and continues to create the jobs that it does and keep New York in the limelight,” he said.

He said being on camera at press conferences did not really prepare for the dramatic role.

“Doing the work I do every day is very much being on your toes, because you’re live, there’s no script, no rehearsal,” Gianaris said. By contrast, “Law & Order” was “much more prepared and organized – it’s very different,” he said.

Because of multiple takes and technical issues, Gianaris said the scene with his several seconds of screen time took three hours to film in the dining area of City Hall restaurant.