The actor
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Secrecy
Much of being on set is very hush hush. Film makers love surprises. They don’t want everyone to know the movie magic and plans before they hit the theaters and television screens. So, part of my job is being an excellent secret keeper. For example, I was on a set recently for a commercial. It was a Coke/Netflix collaborative effort commercial. I had to sign two intense documents stating that I was not allowed to take photos, talk about the set or even hypothesize on social media or in person etc. This particular commercial had ten hairdressers, ten make-up artists, four costumers (even though everyone had been pre-fit into costumes…
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A New Addition to the Family
We’d like to announce a new addition to the family! Before we get to that, though, here’s a quick recap of our story for those who are new. I am a wife and mother to four beautiful girls. Yes, four. I left a beautiful home that I love, and moved in with my parents so my wonderful husband, Ben, could pursue a career in acting. Since moving out to California last February, my hubby has been in TV shows, films, and even a few commercials. In addition, he also writes and produces his own shows. Recently, we produced our very first short film (for the posts on our short film…
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How Much Is Your Integrity Worth?
Recently on set I ran into someone I recognized. Now… I run into familiar people often. In fact, a common phrase on set is “you look so familiar.” Well… as background performers we all work for the same company and are all on tv frequently, so yes. Familiarity is inevitable. I don’t often remember where I’ve met people. That was not the case with this guy. No… this young man I would have a hard time forgetting. I worked a night call in November. So far my one and only night call. It was a very cold night (for California anyway, no offense to my frozen-snot folk) and we were…
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The Musical
I have so much to catch up on… sigh. Life gets crazy. I can’t fill you in on everything in this post, but I am so excited to tell you about this. I recently auditioned for a musical. Our Stake (church group) is putting on a show. The musical is an original script riddled with beautiful and inspiring well-known songs. As soon as it was announced I was determined to be in it. Jess wanted to be involved in the show as well. Ben’s schedule is so hectic that we figured it best for him not to audition. Okay… here’s the deal. When Ben works he’s often gone from before…
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The Glamorous Background Job
As a background actor, I’ve enjoyed the walking, sitting, reading, eating catered food, and talking to new people that I call “work.” It’s all been quite fun, in fact. Don’t get me wrong, there is a reason we are paid; the job has its downsides. I’ll tell you a few. 1- First off, we do the same thing over and over, like a factory assembly line. Here’s some homework for you. Pick a movie, any movie. As you’re watching pay attention to the camera angles in one scene and count them. I don’t claim to be a camera expert but I do realize that many angles make a great film.…
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The Short Film
After our hectic drive to Utah and frantic stops along the way, and without even a moment to breathe, we were finally on set. First, to set the stage, so to speak… the “set” was actually a house. And let me just say… I had no idea whose house this was. It belonged to a friend of someone in the cast, and she had arranged for us to be there. And it was gorgeous! Absolutely perfect for the look we wanted. And here we were, the ones in charge, rushing in fifteen minutes late, carrying bundles of food, costumes, props… and children. Have you ever seen those events where people…
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The Producer
Guys… I’m tired. I mean… more than usual. Ben and I decided to produce our own short film. We have been trying to get a film reel but have had not many chances at lead roles without a reel. So… Ben decided to write his own scripts so he can then film them and guarantee a piece for his reel that he’s happy with. We decided the first week of December that we had enough connections in Utah to cast and produce a low-budget short film. We were planning on going to Utah for Christmas so we figured that throwing in a short film would be hard work… but would…
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A New Appreciation
It has been such an adventure having the opportunity to work the same jobs as Ben. To get to meet some of the people that he’s told me so much about and seeing what he gets to see! It’s not a chance many women get to have, to do the same kind of work as their husband. I feel incredibly blessed. Recently I’ve had the chance to take a long time to get ready, just like Ben! I’ve had to re-learn how to style my hair. Yes…I did kind of forget a tad. No joke, I had to borrow my husband’s hair dryer. I can’t remember the last time I cared…
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No Shave November
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? I would assume if you have long hair it’ll take longer than if you have very short hair (get my drift). Who knows? All I know is that in our family Ben is the one that takes longer to primp every day. Part of the reason for this is that I probably don’t care as much as I should. In my defense, I know my hair will be grabbed with banana mushed hands and I will be gardening, cleaning, bathing children, and trying to throw some exercise into my day. I’m way less motivated to care about what…
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Finally I’m A Professional Actress
I’m not joking folks. I’ve arrived! The day after I registered for Central Casting I was able to pick up a shift as a background actress in a show on CBS! But I get ahead of myself… again. I had so much to tell you on the last post but I had an itchy trigger finger and I posted before telling you all about registering! So we’re in line at 4 am waiting to register and a family of raccoons comes by! Not joking. Mom and babies too. They got close enough to make people nervous. The guy that was standing by me is on the Air Force. He was…
