As many of you know, back when I was living in LA I worked for several seasons as an extra, or as I like to refer to the craft as "background artist". Similar to what I could imagine a dog pound in hell being like, long days were spent waiting under a tent with the Southern California sun beating down, in the parking lots at some of Hollywood's most legendary studios. This was called "extra's holding", a place where we could rehearse our scenes of walking across the street (we really had to visualize the street) or pantomiming a light lunch with a friend in an outdoor cafe.
Some of my earlier work can be seen in fine films like Mr. and Mrs. Smith (between me, you and the lamppost, on the set, we all knew that there was some funny business going on. If you catch my drift...), The Aviator, several Lifetime (Television for Women) movies, as well as countless television programs.
Through this experience, I was able to deliver honest portrayals as a Newport Beach "student in hall" on The O.C. or a humbling personage as "girl in library" on That 70s Show, allowing myself to explore the depths and facets of this masterly craft.
Well, for those of you who decided to stop by my humble abode on this gloomy Saturday, let's just say you're in for a little treat. I present to you a mini reel with two scenes from American Dreams, a show where going to work meant getting professionally dolled up Mad Men style in plaid mini skirts, cashmere sweaters and buckled flats, and dancing for hours to the Kinks and Nancy Sinatra.
Notes: Scene one is a little tough. I have on a short black wig and am wearing a light brown dress with white trimming. I could be found dancing on the left. As for the second scene, I'll just leave the handy work to you...
Bon week-end à tous!
(I'm actually right here, behind the blonde.)
