Lipstick Jungle Native
Breaking into film acting over 40 is no easy task. Job one is to have talent. Equally important, however, is to have confidence. This week, I feel like I’ve got both.
With a single Forensic Files episode and a Bollywood film on my very thin resume, it seems New York has decided I’m ready for a prime time (well, maybe later than prime time) debut.
Several friends from the acting class I took at ProModel in Bethlehem last spring stay in touch, and frequently share casting calls they find on the Web. After passing along a Grant Wilfley casting call alert to jazz musician Eric Mintel last Thursday, I thought “why am I always passing on these jobs?” I decided to throw my hat in the ring, and emailed my comp card and resume to the agency, Grant Wilfley.
Two and a half hours later, I got the call. I was invited to work background on (reportedly to-be-cancelled) NBC drama Lipstick Jungle.
At 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, I arrived at “holding,” the location where extras cool their heels while waiting for camera time. To keep the location private, we were not notified of the location until after 9 p.m. the night before shooting. Our holding place for the two day shoot was the somewhat unglamorous Manhattan Church of Christ.
After checking in, the more than 90 actors lined up for hair, makeup and costume check. Four stylists worked to give everyone a trendy, chic look worthy of a party hosted by none other than Brooke Shields.
Now it must be said: I have never watched this show. I actually never watch TV.
It was no surprise, therefore, that I didn’t recognize Brooke Shields standing four feet away from me on the set. I kind of thought it was her when she smiled, but still wasn’t sure. She seemed my height, and I had expected her to be taller. I asked another extra if “that was one of the stars.” He was horrified.
Oops.
Was she beautiful? Yes. I was proud as a fellow 40+ to see she seemed to have refrained from nips and tucks, though she admits the uses Botox. She was also professional, poised and down-to-earth. As were all the actors on the set, including Anthony…I mean Andrew (just checked the web) McCarthy and (checking web again) Kim Raver and Lindsay Price. Oh, one more. There was a gorgeous black man in a pinstriped suit. I have no idea who he is or who he plays. He’s not on the show’s website, but he was cool.
The girl playing Brooke’s daughter was also there for a couple scenes. Did I mention Candace Bushnell showed up on the set at the wrap for day one? Yup. I walked right past her and would not have had a clue unless another extra told me who she was.
Maybe I am not the best person to be a society writer……
Day two had an 8 am call. It was easier to prepare for because we all had to wear the same outfit. Our hair needed minor tweaks (I slept very carefully) and the makeup….well….came out differently on me the second day, but nobody seemed to care. Andrew McCarthy did stare at me a lot, however. Maybe he thought I was a drag queen. My eyes were pretty well done up, which really dried out the skin and accentuated my wrinkles. Great. I’m just thankful I didn’t call him “Joe” by mistake.
Still, I managed to get A LOT of camera time. I think it’s because I was wearing plum, an accent color. Most other actors brought either a black or a white outfit. Those of us fitted with muted tones or metallics got lots of crossovers and features.
Even though I’m new to film work (oy, the jargon alone is mind-boggling!) I felt a sting of envy when a handful of extras were plucked from the crowd for small speaking parts (earning the coveted role of “under five” meaning actors with under five lines).
I also learned a lot about getting around in New York. Squatting at Emmaus artist Barnaby Ruhe’s flat in the West Village, (THANKS, BARNABY!) I needed to use subway and cabs — and discovered that you can spend A LOT OF MONEY on them. Thank you Thank you Thank you to Angel and Chas who rode with me and helped me figure out my way around.
It was easier to use public transport than to walk everywhere, which I cowardly did in September when I covered fashion week.
This morning I sent a very nice thank-you email to Allison, the agent who booked me.
I want more.
