All Nighters

The Kroger Creeper!

The phrase, "I'm not as young as I used to be" certainly comes to mind. Over the last month, I've pulled three all nighters! All involving night shoots for commercials and film. Whew...I remember when I could stay up all night and feel ALMOST fine the next day...it's been an ENTIRE week and I'm still feeling it. Oh well...the things we do for work! The first two all nighters were for night shoots for Kroger commercials...be on the lookout...you will see the back of my head, my profile AND my entire face! Hey, that's progress!

When we shot the commercial, we were at a 24 hour service Kroger in Durham and there were REAL shoppers throughout the night. Imagine their surprise when they saw all of us frozen waiting for our cue to go. We definitely creeped people out. They couldn't figure out what we were doing. AND, I'm sorry, but my expression probably freaked them out even more! What fun!

My Kind Of Research

Sitcom observation, movie review, t.v. drama perusal, and my personal favorite; people watching. This is considered field work and should only be attempted by experienced individuals. If someone you are observing catches you watching them, you have three exit strategies. One: the blink. Two: the inconspicuous stare. Three: the flirt. One is the most advanced and the trickiest to master. Once caught, you have to blink and hold it. While your eyes are still closed change the direction you are looking before opening your eyes. To the untrained observer, this is a seamless action. Two is tricky but easy to carry off. Once your target sees you, just do a blank stare, like to you are trying to focus on a 3D painting. (They may think you are slow, but you are in the clear either way.) Three is the easiest out but it is a bold move. When your target locks eyes with you, just go with it. Smile and wave, maybe blow a kiss..they'll think you're flirting with them. 

I really LOVE my job!

Walking AND Talking...At The Same Time!!

You would think that walking and talking come naturally. You would THINK. Usually you just do it...and at the same time. Let me tell you when the little red light comes on for the video camera, your lines might be memorized, but once you start adding those extra actions...bbblleeehhhh....bbbbbbb...bleeehhh. I'm not even kidding. BUT if you spend your time memorizing BEFORE you get on set, MOST of the takes come out just fine. If you live in the Triangle and you have Time Warner Cable, keep your eyes open for One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing commercials! You guessed it, I'll be walking and talking AT THE SAME TIME!!

Eat Fresh

Did you know that Subway is now offering soup on their menu? After a really fun shoot this past Monday for Subway Restaurants, I know all about their broccoli cheese and chicken noodle soups! And if you live in the Northeast or possibly the West Coast you'll get to see me in an upcoming commercial. Really looking forward to it! What a perfect day on the set...this was a rare case where all the actors were nice and professional, the crew was great, and the directors were fantastic and so creative. The sun was shining and there was a breeze...it doesn't get better than that. Keep those roles coming!!

In the Closet

This week has been fun! I've been in the studio, and by the studio I mean the corner of my closet that I record in. Listen, it's very high tech. Gray soundproof panels on the wall and ceiling and a mic in the corner. So pay attention to ABC 11...you never know when you are going to hear yours truly voicing an ad! Believe me, it's been tricky to time the recordings just right. There is a prep kitchen below our loft and the staff play music to stay entertained during the day. If I can't record in the evenings, I'm stuck until 12:30pm until I can record in quiet. THEN my husband usually comes home for lunch during that time...once or twice I've had to re-record because of the faint "honey" in the background.

Extra, Extra, Extra...

Everyone knows that the second best thing about being on set is the food...the BEST thing of course, is being on set! There is a film called REMNANTS being shot in the area and they needed some extras for one of the final scenes. It was very last minute but I jumped on the chance immediately. Glad I did...it was just me and one other girl, so you know what that means!!! We got to see all the action. We watched some scenes from previous days, hung out with the actors and crew, made some new friends, and got great face-time in the scene! What a great day, such talented folks!

http://www.remnants-movie.com

Faking It...When Harry Met Sally moment

Imagine sitting in a room with 10 other people. All of us facing forward. Everyone fully clothed and you're instructed to fake an orgasm. Not to mention the fact that you are acutely aware of the other people in the room, the lights are on, so they can clearly see your face. Believe me, you have never felt so exposed in your life. And when all eyes in the room are on you, you can't help but blush. No, I wasn't at some couples retreat. This wasn't some type of therapy. It was an acting class and we were working on the leading moments before a scene. I am in awe and amazement at how easy Meg Ryan makes this all look. That's what it's all about...acting. Making it all look real without actually having to recreate the exact scenario, whatever that may be.