WHAT WENT DOWN ON THE PRICE IS RIGHT!
Here is a recollection of what happened the day Drew Carey called my name to "COME ON DOWN" on the PRICE IS RIGHT!
Tape Date: April 7, 2010
Air Date: May 10, 2010
(Warning: Lots of details so this is LONG!)
James and I were planning a trip with our friends Dave and Angela Cable to visit San Diego and Los Angeles, and we decided we wanted to sit in the audience for the Price is Right. I ordered tickets online on CBS.com about a month before we took our trip to California. And then, on the day of the taping (April 7, 2010), we showed up at CBS studios in Los Angeles around 6am to get a “number” to be processed through the line.
Since our taping was at 4pm, we had to return back to CBS studios around noon. The following process took about 4 hours! They call out each of the numbers and then had to wait on these hard metal benches…ouch! You fill out a short questionnaire about yourself, get your picture taken, and also get your handwritten name tag. Each group goes through and takes a picture in front of the green screen, and you have your choice of the background being the Wheel, the Mountain Climber game, or I think Plinko. We chose to have the wheel as our background picture.
After that, you move on to more benches as you wait the interview process with the producers. My friend Ashley was on 10 years ago and won a car and had explained to us about the interview process. He also gave us the tip that we should be sure to say something cool and be very outgoing so that you would stand out. Yes, they actually interview EVERY SINGLE PERSON (about 300 or so were there) and ask you what you do. I told them I was an actress, and I wanted to win big money so I could move out to Cali to pursue more acting. And James suggested I say - instead of one of Drew’s beauties, I could be Drew’s Daisy, or something silly like that. James told them he ran his mouth all day because he’s in sales (maybe he shouldn’t have said that since they probably don’t want “sales” people on there because they know retail prices better). Either way, we were cracking jokes with the producers and with everyone in our interview line so it was actually pretty fun.
Then you move to anther waiting area where everyone else is waiting (once again on those hard bleachers). They had TVs playing some episodes of The Price Is Right and also a bloopers reel. Finally, they escorted us all into the studio. And it was freezing! That is why my nose was so red! You know how cold I get! They went over logistics with us, and told us that because it will be so loud, they will have two people on each side of the stage flashing a posterboard with your name on it if you were called down. Then Rich Fields, the announcer, came down and talked to us a little bit more about the show and also answered any questions we had. Also, he said because this is such a fast paced game, he warned us not to take forever to bid while down at contestant’s row or else they would not be very happy. And I think that made everyone even more nervous. So maybe now you understand why everyone freaks out while they are bidding down at contestant row (me included!) And then pretty soon after that. Then Drew Carey comes out and we immediately start taping the game show.
So, this is James’ favorite game show of all time, so for some reason I was praying the whole time that he would get called down and I even envisioned them calling his name! So I was FLOORED when they called my name during the 2nd half! Craziness! I was stunned, excited, and yet SO NERVOUS!
I did okay on the first bid (which was a cell phone and year’s service) but someone else outbid me. And then on the 2nd bid (Pilates machine), I was totally out of it and saw $999 in my head but physically said $9999. That will haunt me forever! It was totally nerves and you can tell by my face after I said it that I was totally embarrassed because that it NOT what I meant to say! Oops. Oh well. And Drew cracked a joke on me when he said “And the actual retail price for what may be the most expensive Pilates machine…”. I almost died right there! And I am so mortified to this day! For my third, and final chance, the lady right after me bid $1 over me (on an outdoor swing) and won! I was devastated. Everyone said she robbed me, but in all honesty, that IS the nature of the game, so oh well! I missed my chance to get on stage and spin the wheel! That’s really all I wanted to do…was spin the wheel!!!! I am very sad, however, because you cannot return to be a contestant for another 10 years…but hopefully if we go back, then Drew can call James to “Come on Down!”
Speaking of James, they show a few shots of James (in a bright orange shirt) and the Cables during the Spelling Bee game where the girl wins the vintage ’66 GTO. And I have to admit I was happy, yet sad when the woman won the white Mustang convertible during the Showcase Showdown. That is MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE car from childhood! And by the way, how is she gonna drive it with those nails????
The contestants who did not appear on stage (ME!) won a year’s supply of coffee from Don Francisco’s Coffee (which is totally funny because neither James or I even DRINK coffee…but I guess I will have gifts to give for the next year) and also a Heat Surge fireplace (which again is funny, because we have a working fireplace in our condo!).
Also, during all the “commercial breaks” Drew and Rich talk to the audience members and answer any questions about themselves, the show, or Bob Barker. When Drew asked me what I did for a living and found out I was an actress, it was cool because his face lit up and he and Rich went on to give me acting advice. He suggested an acting class in LA where they have everyone in the class circle adjectives that they think describe you, so that you can know how people perceive you. From there, you can own it and work on the negative and embrace the positive. Then move forward as YOU. He talked about getting to really know yourself, which also helps you to not go on auditions that you know don’t really fit YOU. They said that after Rich took the class his bookings went up like 70% or something. All in all, it was pretty cool getting acting advice from the both of them, so that made this whole experience worthwhile!
Immediately as the show taping ends, they bring you to the back to fill out all the paperwork. I did not know that earning any sort of prizes was considered earned income, so we also had to fill out paperwork for our taxes. However, you do have the option of declining the gifts (which I did contemplate with the coffee, ha ha), but you cannot exchange it for a cash equivalent as some people assume. (Speaking of taxes, just imagine how much that vintage ’66 GTO would cost them in taxes! I guess it was a blessing in disguise that I did NOT win Big!) They also gave us as a souvenir the posterboard with our name on it that they held up as Rich Fields called our names down. So not only do I have that to keep, I also have my nametag, a fireplace, and coffee for a year, ha ha…but more importantly precious acting advice from Drew Carey, a memorable experience, and also a hilarious story to share years down the line too!
DAISY WILL BE A CONTESTANT ON THE PRICE IS RIGHT!
Daisy will appear as a contestant on THE PRICE IS RIGHT on Monday, May 10th on CBS! Tune in to see her "Come on Down"! She may not have won big, but walked away with something more valuable.
More info to come after the game show airs.
A little bit about the Price is Right:
``Come on down!' ``The Price Is Right' -- hosted by Bob Barker until 2007 and Drew Carey thereafter -- features a wide variety of games and contests with the same basic challenge: Guess the prices of everyday (or not-quite-everyday) retail items. Four contestants, all of whom are seated in one of the wildest audiences in daytime game-show history, are called to the stage to play a preliminary pricing round. That winner joins the host on stage for one of more than 70 different pricing games. After three such games, the contestants spin a big wheel -- hoping to get as close to $1 as possible -- in the ``Showcase Showdown.' The two highest winners of that round advance to the final, where prizes could be cars or roomsful of furniture. A trio of models presents the prizes. It has been airing on CBS since Sep 04, 1972!
SEVENTH POINT PROMO
The advertising company that Daisy works for part-time has created a SEVENTH POINT promo video. It's a place full of talented (and crazy!) people, and this video gives a glimpse into a day in the life at Seventh Point. Click below to check out the video on You Tube!
SEVENTH POINT PROMO VIDEO
COLD READING WORKSHOP WITH MGM CASTING DIRECTOR
On Saturday, April 24th, Daisy had the chance to participate in a Cold Reading Workshop with Paul Weber, senior casting director from MGM Film & Televsion (see bio below). About 32 actors from various acting backgrounds convened at the Actors Place in Virginia Beach to learn from Mr. Weber about the art of auditioning for film/TV.
He first started off by sharing about himself and his past credits working with MGM as a casting director. He then proceeded to give valuable lessons regarding resumes, training, and marketability as each individual had an opportunity to share a minute about their backgrounds and their own personal passion for acting. After a brief study of the headshots and resumes, Mr. Weber then cast the actors into groups of two to work on scenes he had chosen for them. During the readings, he gave useful feedback to each of the actors, and also gave suggestions on alternate acting choices that the actor may not have considered. Some of the input he had given included: Less is more, pick strong choices but don’t push, and be sure to commit to the scene.
This sort of cold reading intensive was a first for Daisy, and she found the constructive criticism to be very beneficial in her understanding of the audition process, as well as for her own personal growth as an individual.
Click on this link below to see the article written about the class, as posted online by the Virginian-Pilot.
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/04/mgm-casting-chief-helps-actors-find-dream
PAUL WEBER BIO:
PAUL WEBER C.S.A. IS PRESENTLY THE IN HOUSE CASTING DIRECTOR FOR MGM WORLDWIDE TELEVISION AND MGM FEATURE CASTING CONSULTANT. CREDITS INCLUDE "CABIN IN THE WOODS-3D", A REMAKE OF "THE THREE STOOGES", "DEAD LIKE ME" FOR SHOWTIME, THE IMMENSELY POPULAR "STARGATE" FRANCHISE FOR THE SCI FI NETWORK, "PICTURE THIS", "LEGALLY BLONDES", "WAR GAMES II"AND "INTO THE BLUE 2", AS WELL AS "THE INITIATION OF SARAH" AND "CUTTING EDGE " FOR ABC FAMILY. OTHER CREDITS INCLUDE "HAUNTING ON SORORITY ROW" STARRING LEIGHTON MEESTER AND "FLASHPOINT" A NEW CBS SERIES, "TABLE FOR THREE" STARRING SOPHIA BUSH AND (SUPERMAN) BRANDON ROUTH, "LAZARUS CHILD" STARRING ANDY GARCIA AND ANGELA BASSETT, AND "OZZIE", AND "HOLLYWOOD NORTH".
MR. WEBER ALSO CONDUCTS COLD READING WORKSHOPS WORLDWIDE. HIS 5 HOUR COLD READING INTENSIVES ARE DESIGNED FOR ACTORS 10 AND OLDER. HE WILL GIVE EACH ACTOR A SCENE TO PREPARE AND WILL OFFER PERSONAL DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE THAT WILL GIVE THE ACTOR INSIGHT INTO THE COLD READING PROCESS, HELP THE ACTOR DEVELOP AUDITION SKILLS, AND PREPARE THE ACTOR FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THE INDUSTRY. HE PRESENTLY TEACHES "THE WORKING ACTOR, GET THE AUDITION, BOOK THE JOB", AT UCLA.
TYLER PERRY'S "MADEA'S BIG HAPPY FAMILY"
Daisy was able to enjoy a date night with her hubby to see Tyler Perry's newest play - "Madea's Big Happy Family". The show was held at the Ted Constant Center in Norfolk on April 20th. What a great mix of comedy, drama, and life lessons from Madea herself! They were entertained by the touching story and the impressive singing from the great floor seats they had. It's so captivating to see Tyler parade around in that Madea dress! Be sure to check it out when it comes to your city!
CALI TRIP TO SAN DIEGO AND LOS ANGELES
James and I just came back from visiting California! We traveled with our friends Dave and Angela, and were totally go, go, go!
Our hotel in SD (Courtyard Marriott in Gaslamp) was a very cool spot. It used to be a bank in the 1920's and had a lot of the old bank feel. The check in desk were the bank tellers and their conference room was the original bank vault! I love history!
On Sat we went to the San Diego Zoo and a Mexican restaurant in Old Town with Sandra and the family.
On Sun we went to the San Diego Church of Christ "Mission" Easter service, La Jolla to see the seals, and experienced our first earthquake during Easter dinner at my friend Emily's mom's home. (Unfortunately the one that hit Mexicali, Mexico was a 7.2).
On Mon we went to see our friend Ashley come back from deployment and took a tour of his ship, and then went on the Old Town Trolley Tour seeing all the sights of San Diego. Then we went to dinner at Il Fornaio with Emily and her dad in Coronado.
On Tuesday, my friend Angela and I hung out in Mission Beach while James and Dave went on a fishing tour to Mexico. Then we headed to LA.
On Wednesday, we got up early to get tickets for the Price is Right and then we toured Hollywood - Graumann's Chinese Theater and the Stars on the Walk of Fame. Then, we hit up the Price is Right! You will have to watch on May 10th on CBS to see if Drew called one of us to COME ON DOWN!
Afterwards, we hit Hollywood back up and saw Bounty Hunter at the Mann's theater. Also shopped at the Hollywood and Highland Center Shops.
On Thursday, we visited Santa Monica and went to the Pier. We also went to Beverly Hills to drive down Rodeo drive in our Mustang convertible!
Then, it was head back to San Diego. We wanted to catch dinner in Little Italy with Ashely and his family before we had to head back to VA. We took a red-eye flight back to VA, which was good because we were able to sleep!
Pictures of our advernture are on Facebook...click on the links below!
Cali Trip #1
Cali Trip #2
Cali Trip #3
ANNIVERSARY CRUISE
James and I just returned from our 5th year anniversary cruise! We sailed on the Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas to sunny Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. We traveled with our friends Jenn and Randy, who were also celebrating their wedding anniversary. Our days and nights were filled with fun activities, swing and salsa dancing, lounging by the pool, shopping, great performances and entertainment, and endless amounts of food! We learned how to do the dollar dance and even made it on the cruise video dancing! We also took a Jeep/Snorkel tour in Cozumel to the ecological park, saw crocodiles, and a Mayan ruin. Tons of fun and would recommend it to anyone!
Check out the pictures on Facebook...click on the links below!
Cruise #1
Cruise #2
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
WOW! Can't believe that our FIFTH year wedding anniverary is approaching (Feb 4th)! James and I will be saying "bon voyage" as we set sail on a cruise to Mexico with our friends Jennifer and Randy, who also share the same anniversary date. Keep a look out for the pictures when we return from our trip!
"LEVERAGE" Premiere
James and I braved the rain Thursday night to ventur out to the Cinema Cafe in Hampton for the premiere of a local film "Leverage". It was shot here in Hampton Roads and featured one of my fellow actors, Angela Lundy. The film had a great twist at the end and the performances were commendable. It was fun to see our talent agent Syliva Hutson make an appearance, and great to see Angela on the "big screen". You go!
FREE EVENT - LIVING YOUR DREAM EXPO
Daisy will be presenting a workshop on "GETTING INTO ACTING" at the The Living Your Dream Community & Small Business Expo from 12:30pm-1:30pm.
Saturday, May 16th
10am-5pm
Hampton Roads Convention Center
1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666
This FREE family event will be a day of networking, training sessions, empowerment seminars, workshops, special guest appearances, entertainment, door prizes and hourly give-aways for children, adults, business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and entertainment professionals.
REGISTER for this free event by visiting www.livingyourdreamexpo.com or call 1-888-238-1968 for more details.
VICTORY NISSAN
I am proud to say that I am the new VICTORY NISSAN OF CHESAPEAKE girl! I recently shot the first few segments, and had a lot of fun on set, especially with Dan "The Man" Banister, the General Manager, who was a hoot! It was also great to work with both the WAVY crew, and the folks from the dearlership were very welcoming as well.
The commercials will air on WAVY-TV 10 (local to Hampton Roads) between 8-10am on Saturday mornings beginning October 18th.
FIL-AM TELEVISION
My friend Jay Sanchez (Pinoy Productions) asked me last year to host several segments for FIL-AM TELEVISION. Well the new season has begun airing with a new time slot - 5pm Sundays on WHRO (local to Hampton Roads). This show celebrates the people and events in the Filipino community in Hampton Roads. You can also download the episodes on www.filamtelevision.com.
NASA's REAL WORLD
I had the chance to work as a host for NASA's "Real World", an educational show for middle school students. The episodes make connections between NASA and how it relates to our daily lives. We shot four episodes in two days in various locations around Hampton Roads. I also had the chance to record voice-over work at NASA's Langley Research Center.
I have been contracted to work on the show for the next year, so look for episodes soon on Nasa's page on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/NASAeTV
VA INSTITUTE OF MARINE SCIENCE Shoot
I recently had the chance to work on an instructional video for VIMS, called "Bling My Boat". My character was Alana, a boating instructor, whose job is to inform three younger boaters - Taylor, Teddy, and Ryan - about boating and environmental safety. We shot three days at a Marina in Hampton, but since we were rained out the final day, we had to re-convene for a fourth shoot day at the Lynnhaven Boatel in Virginia Beach. On that final day, our boat ran up on the sandbar and the boys worked tirelessly to get us out. It took them actually jumping in the water and physically pushing us out before we were set to return to the dock. It was a lot of fun and I was blessed to work with such a great cast and crew!
Support my new Pampered Chef(R) Business!
Hey everyone! I wanted to fill you in on something new in my life that I am very excited about! In 2008, I began my business selling products with The Pampered Chef(R)! I was trying to find some work where I could have the flexibility in my schedule for auditions/acting gigs while here in VA, and the Pampered Chef provides me that opportunity to be flexible. I love their products AND it’s FUN putting on a cooking “show” where we gather friends together to learn a new cool recipe and kitchen tips. I feel like Rachel Ray sometimes, though I am not as good, ha ha.
Please contact me on the Contact page for my website information where you can also learn more about joining my team, our Wedding Registry, Fundraisers, and Recipes and lots more!
Also, if you are interested in earning FREE products, contact me about our host rewards program by either scheduling to host a Cooking Show to showcase the Pampered Chef(R) products in your own home, or by hosting a catalog or web show where you simply collect orders in person or via my website (sorry, you just don’t get ME in your home)!
Please spread the word to your family and friends for me. I am so grateful for all of your support…it means a LOT!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I just wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! James and I were able to spend New Years in NYC. We met up with our friends Sandra and Ashley and toured NYC. We were in the 2nd row as we watched Fantasia perform as Celie in the Broadway production of "The Color Purple". I have always loved the movie, but the musical is very poweful and extremely moving...it brought me to tears! Even though we saw it during Fantasia's final performance in this role, I still highly suggest that you see this wonderful musical!
I look forward to the new opportunities God will bring to me in 2008!
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
James and I both celebrated our birthdays recently and had a party dancing the night away at SHOUT in Midtown. We had a blast! Thanks to all of our friends who came out and encouraged us!
Also, thanks to everyone at TPS (including the HOP cast and Angela Bassett and Rick Fox who were there for Meet the Browns) who also sang Happy Birthday to me while they surprised me at work with a cheesecake cake...mmmm...yummo!
2007 "There's Hope" Concert
On Sunday, July 1st, the Greater Atlanta Church of Christ hosted the 2007 "THERE'S HOPE" Missions Concert to raise money to meet the needs of those here in Atlanta and churches around the world. During the concert, we were encouraged by singers, musicians, dancers, poets, etc. who decided to use their talents to glorify God! I performed in a hip hop dance routine for the song "The Spirit of the Lord" about David dancing for God in the Bible. I had a blast and am proud to say that the GACC raised over $35,000! Now THAT is an event!
WDIGM Wrap Party
On Wed April 11th, we attended Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married" Wrap Party at Ten Pin Alley at Atlantic Station. Slide shows of photos from the sets played throughout on large screen TVs and we danced and bowled the night away! It was a lot of fun!
Puppy Graduation
TUX graudated from the PetsMart Puppy class on Sunday, March 11th. He now knows sit, down, stay, take it, leave it, drop it, wait, and even how to give a high five! Congrats Tux! :)
TUX - New addition to the Family
On November 19, 2006, we added a new member to the family...TUX! Tux is an Akita/Chow-Chow mix. He was two months old when we got him and so far has been a joy to our home. Check out the pics on the ABOUT DAISY page to see how much he has grown!
Tyler Perry Studios
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work as an assistant to Tyler Perry at his new studio here in Atlanta. CLICK HERE to see an article about the new Tyler Perry Studios. Be sure to visit the Tyler Perry Studios website or drop a line on the message board on his fan site.
TP's WHAT'S DONE IN THE DARK
The weekend of September 21-24th, I worked as a runner for Tyler Perry's newest play, "What's Done in the Dark", performed at the Fox Theater. I made the typical runs, but it was also fun working with the Tour Manager, Luchia. At the show, the Atlanta audience was also the first to view the trailer for his new movie, "Daddy's Little Girls" which opens February 14th, 2007. I worked on that film for a day, and the restaurant scene was actually in the trailer (it happened too fast for me to really see if I am visible or not)! I also got a chance to talk with Tyler on Saturday night about the film and some of his other work. This man is brilliant, and I admire his work and respect what he is doing for the community and the city of Atlanta. Check out his website for more info on his work and sign up for his e-mail list at www.tylerperry.com.
MOTIVES 2 Film Set
On Wednesday, September 13th, I worked as a stand-in for Drew Sidora, who plays Rene in MOTVIES 2. This movie is the sequel to 2004's MOTIVES. Brian White (Donovan) and William L. Johnson (Ray) were also on set. Vivica A. Fox, who also is in the film, was not on set because she is currently on Dancing with the Stars. But it was fun on set nonetheless. We shot at a very cool loft in downtown and shot scenes in Ray's office and Donovan's home. They also pulled me in to play a client in Ray's office, during the reading of the will of Emery Simms. I shake his hand as we walk out of the office, so hopefully you will see me in the shot!
ONE MISSED CALL Film Set
Recently I have been working on the film set of the new thriller ONE MISSED CALL being filmmed here in Atlanta. In this remake of the Japanese horror film "Chakushin Ari" (2003), several people start receiving voice-mails from their future selves -- messages which include the date, time, and some of the details of their deaths.
Friday August 18th: I was a stand-in for the actress Margaret Cho. Margaret plays a detective who is investigating these mysterious murders. Other actors on set that night included Shannyn Sossamon and Azura Skye.
It was a long overnight shoot, but as usual, I met a lot of new people and had a great time! Had fun with Kristen Lee, Raney Branch, and Sloane Warren, other stand-ins. We got to see some stunt work from Leigh Anne's stunt double who falls off of a bridge. Also, there was another shot where the special effects team had to make it look like her arm was severed but they used someone else under a pile of rubble with only their arm sticking out to indicate that it was the torn limb! It was pretty gross, but fun to watch!
Tuesday, August 22nd: I was a stand-in for Shannyn Sossamon. We shot interior shots of "Marie's house". The apartment we used was in Midtown off of 9th street. It was pretty cool to get to meet Shannyn and Ed Burns, who was also there on set that day. It was also the first day I met JK Delapp, my new buddy on the set, who is the stand-in for Ed Burns.
Thursday, August 24th: I was a stand-in again for Shannyn. We shot some exterior shots outside of St. Charles Deli on Georgia Tech's campus. This was the scene when the character Brian (Johnny) dies. The special effects team created an explosion off of a construction site they built, and it was cool to be part of that experience! They also created the effect of a piece of rebar going through the stomach of the character Brian (Johnny). Kudos to them and the make-up department for making it look so real!
CLICK HERE FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE mini-movie
Friday, August 25th: Today, I was a photo double for the character Beth (Shannyn Sossamon). I was dressed in the exact same clothing and even had to go to hair and make-up to replicate the look. It was the first time I had to wear a wig for a production! I called it my sumo-wrestler wig since that it was it looked like on me, ha ha. Since my hair is long, and Beth's is shoulder-length, I am grateful, though, that they gave me that wig instead of having to cut off my hair :)
Base camp was on the corner of Peachtree Center and JW Dobbs, but the shot that they were filmming was a car scene, so they had a car positioned on a car trailer circling the block. It was another overnight shoot, and they ended up not using me in the shot anyways. But I was excited that my husband James and our friend Josh came out to set to visit me. I was able to show them my new "look" and also to see my trailer! :) So, either way, I had a good time.
Tuesday, August 29th: Today, I worked again as a Stand-in for Shannyn Sossamon. We worked at a beautiful victorian home in Inman Park off Euclid Ave. We shot a few outdoor shots with Shannyn and Ed. But then they had me stay to be a stand-in for the woman who played Beth's mom, Laura Harring. We shot some interior shots with a "younger" version of Beth and her mother.
CLICK HERE For EUCLID HOME SET mini-movie
Wednesday, August 30th: I was a Stand-in for Shannyn Sossamon. Same home, but this was the scene where Beth and Jack visit Mrs. Ford, the foster home where Laurel Layton was living. Me and the other Stand-ins, JK and Angelica, tried to keep ourselves occupied on the back stairs. We actually got done early that day, around 4pm.
Thursday, August 31st: I was a Stand-in today for Karen Beyer, who plays the foster mother of Laurel, Mrs. Ford. This is the scene where Jack and Mrs. Ford discover the nanny cam video in the bear and view the disturbing video. The scene takes place during a stormy night, so it was interesting to see the special fx guys create the rain! And met Joey, who was standing in for Ed Burns since JK went out of town for the weekend.
Friday, September 1st: I was a Stand-in today for Margaret Cho. Kristen, who had been standing-in for Beth, was on set, along with Luther, who was standing in for Ed Burns. We shot the police station scene after Brian dies from the construction site accident. I ran into an old friend, Aaron Simmons, on set. I was supposed to work on his film project last fall.
I thought I was going to leave early that night too, but got drafted to play Jewel's friend. Jewel "video-tapes" a drug deal with her camera phone to show Jack, and I am supposed to be walking with her. They had me dress up in punk clothes, and Linda and Ransom did a great job with my hair and make-up, but I am not sure if you can really even see me in the shot. Let's hope!
Tuesday, September 4th: Once again, I was a stand-in for Margaret Cho today. She only had one scence so I was there for only TWO hours and was allowed to go. It was a quick day!
Thursday, September 7th: Since neither Shannon nor Margaret were on set today, I was asked to come in as an extra at about 5pm for an overnight shoot. I was a burn victim from St. Luke's fire for the opening scene. I had to wear a frumpy hospital gown, they tied my hair up in a messy pony tail, and Sarah and Ransom worked on my "bun" on my forehead. Everyone loved it since it really looked realistic! They did a great job. In our first shot, another extra, Faye, played a nurse, and she and I crossed in front of the bruning building. The special effects were awesome! They blew out the windows in the building, which was really cool to see and I took a video clip of it with my camera. But we'll see if we are even visible in the shot. I saw another friend of mine Jerry who was on Marshall with me, as well as Luther and Sloan from other OMC shoot days as well. We were so into watching all the scenes and the special effects that we were shocked when we were told we were wrapped. Now THAT is unusual!
CLICK HERE FOR ST.LUKE'S FIRE mini-movie
Friday, September 8th: I returned for another overnight shoot as a burn victim. I arrived about 7pm. In the first scene we worked on, another extra, Dave, and I had to cross in front of the little girl "Laurel" on a stretcher. Everyone was saying that you may be able to hear my wailing in the shot. I mean, my goodness, I had a "burn" on my head, I would be freaking out naturally! But we only worked on the fire scene before we broke for lunch, and then they asked everyone to change into regular clothes to be by-standers.
They pulled me after lunch, though, to be a stand-in for Margaret Cho. I was grateful, because then you always feel like you have a purpose and something to do instead of just waiting around. Well, we waited around a lot anyways, but I had some good conversations with Todd in props about the industry, T.A. the hairdresser, and another extra Vince and I were cracking up the whole time, particuarly about a joke with Margaret about her "homeless person" stand-up routine (that ironically she did not remember anything about). It was her last night so I made sure to get my picture taken with her. I think she thought Vince and I were crazy!
Thursday, September 14: Technically, the last day of filmming is Friday, but this was my last day on the set as a stand-in for Shannyn Sossamon (who plays Beth). We were back at the English Avenue School where we had the hospital fire, and we shot the scene where Beth finds Marie's corpse in the air shaft. We filmmed using a crawl space that the art department created just for this shoot. It was hard to breathe in the building because of all of the smoke and dust, but we pulled through. Ed Burns shot a few shots crawling through the "vent", and then he was finished. Today was his last day on set, which also meant it was JK's last day as well. I met Melanie on this shoot, who was the stand-in for Marie's corpse. It was a sad day for me, since I new it was the end of the shoot.
But, keep a look out for the film coming out next year! And check out the other photos on the Gallery Page.
LOVE LETTERS Music Video
My husband James and I worked together to help out Tim Campione with his music video for the LOVE LETTERS that he produced. In the video, James tries to propose to me but I have heard that he has cheated on me so I refuse. Later, I found out that it really wasn't true and I end up meeting him for a romantic evening. The song is about love letters can keep us together. Keep checking back for a video clip of this video.
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT VIDEO SHOOT
Speech's Grammy award winning hip-hop group, Arrested Development, is back together and they are releasing their newest CD, "Since The Last Time", on SEPT. 15th 2006!
On August 12th-13th, AD shot two music video's for their two singles, "Miracles" and "Down & Dirty". They were shot at Speech & Yolanda Thomas's country home in rural Ga. Dancers from Brazil did Capoeira, women did flag dancing, and Speech and crew lead the energy by performing on a stage for a crowd of 100 extras! The shoot was directed by Bill Fishmen, who also directed videos/movies like "Posse", Erykah Badu (Zap Mama), and Georgia Satillites. I was on set for the "Down and Dirty" Music Video - and this song is HOT!
Keep a lookout for their CD! See more about AD at: http://www.arresteddevelopmentmusic.com
IMZADI DANCE PERFORMANCE
I recently performed on Saturday, August 5th with Imzadi Urban Performing Arts Theater, a dance company owned by my friend, Torrie Redding. The other dancers involved were Torrie, Pauline, Mechal, Ola, and DaTonio (pictured above). We were asked to perform a hip hop routine and to do a dance demonstration for Tavis Smiley's "Road to Health" Tour held at the Georgia International Convention Center. This event was geared towards educating individuals on all aspects of health. They were other dance performers and musical acts, a rock-climbing wall, massages, pedicures, body fat/cholesterol/glucose testing, guest speakers, free giveaways, and more - all for FREE! It was an exciting event and great exposure and networking for IUPAT!
VERIZON WIRELESS VCAST PROMO
Today was a great day. I had a 7:30am call time to Steelcase, Inc. in downtown Atlanta for a commercial shoot. I found out when I was on the shoot that the premise of what they were shooting was a short video to be played in kiosks at Verizon Wireless stores nationwide! It's a really cool promo for the V CAST that is available on Verizon phones. Soon, you will be able to watch concert footage filmmed live on your cellular! But I can't tell you how funny the commercials are, because you will have to wait and watch them when they come out...it's going to be hilarious!
But I had a great time with Rob and Jim of the production company "FRED"..or Full Resolution Design. The folks from Verizon and Moxie Interactive (the ad agency) were pretty nice too. But I have to say I was most encouraged by Linda...the wardrobe/make-up/hair extraordinare! She went out of her way to make me "look good" so to speak. And she even massaged my thumb when it started to get numb...weird, I know, but you will understand when you see the spot! She was sooo nice and her husband Allen was great too. It was fun to see a husband and wife work together on a shoot, since he was doing craft services. And what was even more memorable was the motor home that was tilted a bit because of how it was parked on the slanted street! The crew was from Birmingham, AL. That's now a new spot on my list to visit. 
Again, it was a fun crew to work with and I can't wait to see these spots!
NCCPA INDUSTRIAL
On Monday, July 10th, I got a chance to be a restaurant patron in an Industrial for the NCCPA - National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. The spot was produced by DV Illusions, a production company here in Atlanta. It was shot at Eno, a restaurant in on Peachtree in Midtown. It was sunny at first but then it started to downpour and the extras who were sitting outside had to run back in! But everyone was a great sport about the weather and the noisy traffic (come on...rush hour on Peachtree?) And I got a chance to meet a ton of great people from all over the city of Atlanta. I am excited to see how the spot turns out!
ART & SOUL Event
The Singles Ministry of the Greater Atlanta Church of Christ had an incredible Summer Kick-Off with our ART & SOUL Show! It was held on the rooftop of Starbucks in Virginia Highlands on Staurday June 24th. There was original Artwork/Photography, spoken word and musical acts of various genres. Performances by Lauren Carter (with Dean on guitar), Mella Dickerson, Jacqueline Guthrie, David Tauriac, Felicia Rogers, Joy, Datonio Graves, Byron Word, and Nanyana and her band. ATL's own SPEECH (of Arrested Development) rocked the house performing past hits and songs from his new albumn The Vagabond. People were pouring in from the streets just to see what the commotion was! Thank you to everyone who participated or performed...It turned out to be even more than we could have asked or imagined! Pictures will be posted soon on our website at www.gachurchofchrist.org ... be sure to check it out!
Tyler Perry's DADDY'S LITTLE GIRLS
I went to a casting call for Tyler Perry Productions last month, and was asked to come in on the first day of shooting to be an extra on Tyler Perry's newest film "DADDY'S LITTLE GIRLS". This movie is the reverse-Cinderella tale centering on a successful attorney (Gabrielle Union) who falls in love with a financially challenged mechanic (Idris Elba) who is a single father of three children. The relationship hits a snag when the janitor's ex-wife comes back into his life and threatens to take away their kids. Also starring Tracee Ellis Ross, Malinda Williams, Terri J. Vaughn, and Lou Gossett, Jr.
On June 19th, we shot a restaurant scene at Table 1280 at the beautiful Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown Atlanta. It's a scene where Union's character meets up with her two other friends to talk about her fairly new relationship with Elba's character. She is criticized because of his status.
It was a fun shoot and I got to meet a ton of people! It was also one of the shortest shoots ever - we were only there for 10 hours! (For those not in the business, that may sound CRAZY to you!) But I really believe TP takes care of his people and is very organized. And he is MUCH taller in person than I thought. He's a big dude! I respect him even more because this man COMMANDS attention! I am sure he will continue to do great things in the entertainment business.
STOMP THE YARD - WAREHOUSE SCENE
On June 17 and 18th, I was called on the set of "STOMP THE YARD" to do two overnight "Warehouse Club" scenes. We went to an old train depot off of Moreland Ave. The place was turned into an "underground LA Dance Club" with everyone dressed in goth/punk/hardcore looks. We surrounded a circular stage and again were entertained by the spectacular choreography of Dave Scott. Kimberly joined me again for this shoot, and I also dragged my friends Lauren and Miranda. We met Amber on the set. We also became cool friends with "Legacy", or Jonathan, the LA Dancer dressed in a black shirt and grey shorts in the third picture above. Overnight shoots are exhausting, but it's always a great time when you have friends and great dancing!
"STOMP THE YARD" MOVIE TRAILER
WE ARE...MARSHALL!
I had the chance to work on the upcoming film "WE ARE...MARSHALL", starring Matthew McConaughey (Coach Lengyel), Matthew Fox (Coach Red Dawson), David Strathairn (nominated for Best Actor for his role in Good Night, and Good Luck), and Kimberly Williams (from Father of the Bride). It was directed by McG (who also did Charlie's Angels).
This movie was based on a true story. On November 14, 1970, Marshall University and the entire community of Huntington, West Virginia, experienced the greatest air tragedy in the history of collegiate athletics. Seventy-five members of the Marshall football team, coaches, university staff, community members, and crew members died in a plane crash coming back from a football game. Now, more than 35 years later, Warner Bros. and Thunder Road Pictures is producing a feature film about the crash and Marshall's struggle to field a team in the ensuing years.
The second half of filmming was done here in Atlanta, mostly on the campus of Morris Brown University. I played an Marshall fan in the stands during the Marshall vs. Xavier game, their first victory since the new team emerged. We cheered in the stands and later got a chance to rush down the field to celebrate. We got a chance to be on the field with Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox. And as we "ran from the bleachers to the field", I got to run right past Matthew Mc. as he rushed up to congratulate Straithorn. I even got to say "Congrats Coach" and shake the hand of Matthew Fox, in addition to shaking the hand of David Straithorn!! It was soooo surreal!
During one of the final scenes, Anthony Mackie pulled my friend Kimberly and I in the camera shot, and we played along with him and some other players as though we were going to go to the diner with them to celebrate. The camera was totally on us! So, hopefully, all those cloe-up shots will be in the film!
Later that night, we were invited by Anthony Mackie to hang with him and some of the other cast members at their usual post-filmming lounge bar - Bazzaar, which was right across the street from their hotel, the Georgian Terrace.
It was a ton of fun to have the 1971 wardrobe (they even gave me vintage Ferragamo shoes)! They also did our hair and make-up to represent the 70's look. We felt like such stars! So, even though we were in the sun all day in the sweltering heat and worked about 15 hours each day, it was well worth it!
"We are... Marshall" is expected to be out in October 2006. Look out for it! I am sure it will be HUGE, along the lines of the popularity of "Remember the Titans" or something of that caliber. And hey, who wouldn't want to see two awesome Matthews grace the screen?!
Visit this site for a segment from Good Morning America about this movie being filmmed in Atlanta:
http://www.marshall.edu/movie/media.html
UPDATE: I went back on the set for the last days of filmming on 6/20. It just wasn't the same without the Matthews, and the heat was UNBEARABLE! I think it was the hottest day of the year! I met two friends Carolyn and Fanny. They were sweethearts and we suffered through the heat together! We were all miserable from the heat and just sitting there watching football plays form the stands. They even lost my original dress that I was wearing so I had to wear a different brown dress. They had my Ferragamo shoes though! That made it all worth it! 
ON THE FILM SET: STOMP THE YARD
I had the chance to work on the upcoming film "STOMP THE YARD". It stars Meagan Goode, R&B crooner Ne-Yo, Columbus Short, Chris Brown, April Clark, Brian White and other Hollywood stars. I was able to see them on the set and mingle with them during the down time. I played one of the two waitresses at the fictional Hip-hop club "Phoenix", which was actually shot inside of Club Eleven50 here in Atlanta. We watched as the "Rep Your City" dancers performed, and played a later scene from another day as the two fraternities battled it out with their amazing dancing. These routines were created by the incredible Choreographer Dave Scott ("You Got Served"). The last day of shooting for me was an overnight shoot outside of Morris Brown College. They set up the exterior of one of the sides of a church on campus to represent the parking lot outside of the Club. They brought in antique and tricked out cars to decorate the lot, and even a flaming Harley! And though it was absoultely freezing outside, depsite the crazy conditions, we had a great time and I got to meet a lot of cool people. We had many opportunities to chat because we would jump in one another's cars in between set-ups to warm up! Ha ha. We worked about 12-13 hours each day, but despite the long hours of sitting around and waiting in between scenes, the time spent on set was a blast! It was a great time.
Look for the movie to come out early next year! Hopefully you will see me in the picture!
Here is the Film synopsis:
After the death of his younger brother, a troubled 19-year-old street dancer from the gang-infested streets of Los Angeles is able to bypass juvenile hall by enrolling in the historically black "Truth University" in Atlanta, Georgia. But his efforts to get an education and woo the girl he likes are sidelined when he is courted by the top two campus fraternities, both of which want and need his fierce street-style dance moves to win the highly coveted national step show competition. The movie is set in the world of "fraternity stepping," a popular activity among black colleges.
Sony Screen Gems Pictures & Rainforest Films (the makers of The Gospel) collaborated for the movie "STOMP THE YARD". Directed by Sylvain White.
"STOMP THE YARD" MOVIE TRAILER
OCTOBER ROAD
I had the opportunity to be cast as an extra in ABC's upcoming pilot for OCTOBER ROAD. It is about a screenwriter (Bryan Greenberg from "Prime" and "One Tree Hill") who tries to reconnect with his past by moving back to his hometown. He writes a book called "Turtle on a Snare Drum" and many of the townspeople are written about in the book, which makes most of them angry. Geoff Stults (Ben from "7th Heaven"), Laura Prepon (the redhead Donna from "That 70's Show", and Lee Norris (Marvin from "One Tree Hill", Minkus from "Boy Meets World") were on the set. This show also includes Tom Berenger, Greg Corbett, Brad William Henke, Evan Jones, Jonathan Murphy, among others.
We were filmming in historical Madison, GA on Thursday, March 30th, and I was a College Student in the lecture hall. There were people from all over GA, FL, and SC there playing the parts of college students or townspeople. A girl sitting next to me got Geoff Stult's autograph, even though she took my pen to get it! We were there for a late shoot, but nonetheless, it was fun for the few moments we actually were called to action!
I also got to play a college student during an overnight shoot on Friday, March 31st . We were where at Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater in Atlanta (also known as the Fairgrounds). They re-created the exterior of the Firehouse Bar to become "Sully's Tavern". Our scene takes place right after the bar fight between Brian and Geoff, and everyone is being questioned by the police and campus security. I was able to drag my husband James along, and guess what? He got drafted to be one of the Police officers! You should have seen what a picture it was to see him in a cop uniform along with his plastic gun! He was positioned towards the foreground of the scene right as the camera begins to pan across, and I am almost directly behind his cop car, being questioned by a security guard about the bar fight. We also got a chance to walk back and forth between the action, so keep a close eye for me as one of the background!
We were literally there till the sun came up! But it was a blast and we got to meet a ton of great people! I will keep you all posted when I find out when it will air.
