
Travis Levius and Spike Lee: "My 'right place, right time' experience in Chiang Mai sounds literally unbelievable," says travel writer Travis Levius, who unexpectedly found himself working as both an extra and a stand-in last year during production of Spike Lee's new film, "Da 5 Bloods."

Chiang Dao, Thailand: Seeing a Facebook post while on a press trip in Phuket, Levius quickly flew north to Chiang Mai for the casting. Spike Lee explained to the group that "Da 5 Bloods," though Vietnam War-themed, would mainly be shot in Chiang Mai and he was scouting extras for a crucial scene.

Filming at Doi Suthep National Park: A few days later, Levius received an email confirming his place as a film extra. He was also asked to be a stand-in -- essentially the off-camera version of a body double for lighting/camera placement -- for actor Chadwick Boseman.

Da 5 Bloods stand-ins: Levius, far left, with the four other "Da 5 Bloods" stand-ins: Bryan Howard, Raphael Florenciano, Andre Scott and Andrew Stokes.

Life as an extra: "Movie making is far from glamorous, no matter how gorgeous the setting," says Levius, pictured with two fellow extras. "Most of production dealt with 4:30 a.m. call-times and 12+ hour days with no cloud cover, constantly swatting flying insects from our faces while trying to create a war film classic."

Standing in for Boseman: Levius says one of the scenes he stood in for Boseman involved him gripping a massive rubber gun while dangling half-way out of a raised, simulated helicopter.

Meeting Norm Lewis: One of the most surreal experiences for Levius was meetings actors he's watched on television and movies, including "Da 5 Bloods" actor Norm Lewis.

Northern Thailand: "We shot in multiple locations outside of Chiang Mai in the jungles of Northern Thailand, including the Mork Fa Waterfall area of Doi Suthep National Park and the alluring Chiang Dao region, lined with precipitous limestone peaks," says Levius.

On set: Levius never got a chance to get a picture with Boseman, but he did snap this photo of the five main "Da 5 Bloods" actors on set.

Roughing it in Phuket: Prior to securing his once-in-a-lifetime gig, Levius was enjoying a luxury-filled press trip that included a stay at Anantara's Layan Residences in Phuket.