Martini

Holy shit that just happened.
I just spent the last 12.5 hours on three different sets for the show Up All Night on CBS with Christina Applegate, Will Arnet and Maya Rudolph.

BLESSED.

The work we put ourselves through to make magic happen is unreal, and completely worth it. Even though I was one of about 50 total extras all day I was used in three different scenes, which is fantastic seeing as how most were only used in one, some in two, and sat down for about 7 of those hours, I was able to talk to so many different people about their work and what they do. It was all so informative, helpful and enlightening. (I can't tell you details about what happened because of confidentiality agreements and such so this is just a recap.)

I talked with this woman Diana for a long time today. She is a well seasoned background actor, has been doing this for 10 years, lives in Long Beach with her husband and doesn't have any children. She is in both unions, but unfortunately, because money and work is so tight lately, she has to do non-union work sometimes in order to get the money she needs, which is good to know. She recommended, along with a few others I talked with in the holding area, that you get a calling service. Let me explain, so there's no improper confusion...

Britt and I are both registered with Central Casting which is a service that casting directors are associated with to get background actors, both union and non-union, for their shows/movies ect. You can do both small and large productions through this company and it really is a great way to start. You call in every day, or whenever you like really, and listen to recordings from casting directors stating what they are looking for. If you fit their description and what to submit, you call the number provided and do what they ask, usually leave your name and the first five of your social security number. A CALLING service, sounds dirty I know, is where you have to pay the same kind of company to call YOU with jobs. You give them your availability of when you are able to work and they find work for you. A lot of it is still background and extra work, but how else are you supposed to start anything unless you get your face out there.

BUT back to the task at hand.

Appleate is absolutely stunning in real life. And as completely down to earth as you would expect. Same with Rudolph. So average, normal and real which is a nice change to see because all we know of celebrities is what the media wants us to see. Arnet is hilarious and I expected nothing less. How you think these people would act in everyday life is exactly how they act. Arnet is the smart ass sarcastic one, Rudoph is the passive joker and Applegate is the beauty with a great sense of humor.

I literally had a conversation with Maya Rudolph. It happened and was so real. I couldn't believe it and I still can't, but like I said these people were so real and normal that it happened effortlessly. It was the end of the last shot and we were in a pause waiting for lighting. She was saying that when she got home, and it was already 8, that she still had to pack. I asked what for. She said she's leaving for New York tomorrow. I asked how long she was going to be there. She said until Monday. I think it has to do with SNL but she didn't say specifics, drats... She was so sad that she wasn't going to see her kids at all. A real heartbroken, workin, busy mama. A wardrobe assistant said she should take them out of school and bring them to set tomorrow. She said she might do that. I told her that my dad used to take me and my brother out all the time. She awed. I said we would go to Marine World and stuff. She said that is so sweet and was, I think anyway, convinced that her kids were not going to be in school tomorrow.

And then she was gone. It was over. It happened so fast. It felt as if I had been on set all week with how much happened today. It was all so inspiring and humbling. This can and will happen for me. I can feel it in my bones.

There was a little bit of time there when I was sad. I had been calling and calling and had yet to get booked. I was getting discouraged and so angry with myself because of that feeling but you have to continue to tell yourself that every story is different. If you work, and make yourself available, you'll receive what is coming for you. I also have to keep telling myself that I have only been here for 3 weeks. To get booked and work 12 hours on your first shoot is FANTASTIC. So grateful. So blessed.

So ready for sleep.

<3