Actress Bullock Hits Town--as Director

There was $6-million-a-movie Sandra Bullock, wandering Ventura’s Seaward Avenue sans shoes, wearing a simple green floral print dress and looking, she said, “as if I had just gotten out of bed.”

Of course, since movie stars look better than most mere mortals after arising from their slumber, a crowd had gathered Thursday to catch a glimpse of what industry insiders say is Hollywood’s hottest actress direct her first celluloid effort.

“I’m just stoked they’re going to shoot down here and everything,” said J.D. Drury, who had temporarily loaned his surf shop to the production company.

Bullock is in town for “Making Sandwiches,” a 30-minute short she also wrote and is starring in with Matthew McConaughey, the fast-rising star of “Dazed and Confused.” The low-budget comedy--Bullock’s “theory of life and relationships,” as she calls it--is expected to end up making the film festival rounds. Maybe.

“I have control over this film,” Bullock said, between bites of salad and sips of Diet Pepsi during a break in shooting. “If I don’t like it, I can burn it.”

This is one relaxed movie star, away from the big-budget pressure of “Speed” and “Demolition Man.” Even the fast box-office fade by “Two If By Sea,” her recently released romantic comedy with Dennis Leary, doesn’t seem to faze the effervescent actress. Bullock mingles with onlookers at the casual set and has endeared herself to the beachfront community.

“She’s a sweetheart,” said John Strobel), whose Seaward Avenue pizzeria is starring as “The Sandwich Stop,” with the slogan, “two slices with the world of possibilities between them.”

“I think [the movie] is going to be good for the street,” Strobel said. “I think it will bring people to the street.”

The film is low-budget stuff. Bullock wrote it in two days. All but three actors are locals. Drury, lead singer of the Ventura band Raging Arb and the Redheads, said some of the group’s music may be in the final cut.

And “Making Sandwiches” is being shot in Ventura because location scouts liked the name “Seaward,” thought it sounded like what they were looking for, and took the freeway exit. Voila, instant movie set.

“We can’t afford a helicopter shoot; what we do is attach [a camera] to the belly of a bird,” Bullock joked, as she discussed potential camera shots with the crew. Since millions of dollars aren’t hanging on every decision, the atmosphere on the set is low-key, jokes frequent and Bullock casual and convivial.

“It’s a good excuse to hang out with friends,” she confides. “I just get up everyday and say, ‘How can I suck the nectar out of life today?’ ”