Kings

I just watched the episode of Kings for which I did some background work (the seventh episode, "The Sabbath Queen." I know the question that just popped into your mind was, "Can I see you? Are you visible?" And the answer is, "No." But that doesn't mean you shouldn't watch the show. I started watching the show looking for the scenes I was a part of, but I kept watching the show because it's an excellent show.

The language is heightened. It lands strangely on the ear at first. Fortunately for us, and for the show, they hired actors with classical training, so the words, as formal as they are, still sound natural in their mouths. Ian McShane, in particular, is a great king. He swings from gracious sovereign to doting father with the most subtle shift in tone, and it's a pleasure to watch.

Some surprises: the two young leads, David (Chris Egan) and Michelle (Allison Miller) look so much larger on screen than they are in person. I'm tall, yes, but they're both significantly shorter and thinner than they look on screen. Allison Miller, in particular, was definitely ranging on toothpick size in person, but looks healthy and apple-cheeked on screen. Does this give credence to the "camera adds 10 pounds" adage? Maybe. How unfortunate for those of us who enjoy carbohydrates: we'll be put in the "chubby best friend to the lead" category in SitcomLand, even though we may get called skinny chicks in real life.

Also, they shot all the "blackout" scenes in Episode 7 during the day. They filtered the video so that it appears to be the dead of night. I knew about it while we were shooting, but it looks spectacular on screen. I'm glad to know that our suffering (the scene was supposed to be early fall, thus we couldn't wear heavy coats and froze our butts off in the barely-reaching-40-degree early November weather) was not in vain.

Overall, I highly recommend watching the show on Hulu while it's still available. I'm not sure NBC will keep it on the roster (they seem determined to kill it by moving it to Sunday nights). My suggestion is for the producers to take it to cable. HBO and Showtime seem to be more interested in shows that don't feature people falling down. I hope it sticks around, and I hope you'll watch.

Coliseum in the Sun

Coliseum in the Sun
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

Hey! I'm back.

Sorry. I've been sniffling, sneezing, moaning and moping about the house for the last few days; when I wasn't shooting a music video or workshopping or catering, that is.

SO. I watched the episode of Life On Mars for which I was an extra. I am there, I am visible. It was cool to know that thousands of people had watched that episode. Granted, no one was looking at me in the background, but it was still cool.

I have a confession to make, though. There was an additional scene that involved all the BLA members sans me. That was, um, hard to watch. It was cool to see all the people I'd hung out with for two days, but I couldn't help wondering I had done something wrong in that I wasn't invited back for another day of work. Had I not behaved myself? Did I totally suck? Was I pulling focus? What did I do?

And in the end, I'll never know. There's no reason for me to beat myself up over it. No actor mind taffy!

Speaking of acting, things may, um, be changing for me. I may or may not have a full-time job come, oh, tomorrow. Which means that acting would be relegated to evenings and weekends. That's how I started in Minnesota. Not a bad way to start over here. But, once again, nothing is set in stone. I'll keep ya posted.

UPDATE: Yeah, no full-time job. I had it, and then I let it go. I kind of convulse into a laughing fit whenever I think about it. Mostly because turning it down makes no sense. But then again, chasing a dream never makes sense looking forward. Looking backward, though:

As we look back and survey the terrain to determine where we've been and where we are in relationship to where we're going, we clearly see that we could not have gotten where we are without coming the way we came. There aren't any other roads; there aren't any shortcuts. There's no way to parachute into this terrain.

-The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

When shooting exteriors until 4:00 in the morning in the fall...

...wear layers.

Oh, kidlings, I was so cold on Thursday night/Friday morning. I wanted to cut open one of my fellow extra's bellies and crawl inside for warmth. (**Wow. Reading this for editing, this is a little brutal. Heh. Seriously, though! It was cold.**) I wanted to bum rush the stars and steal their parkas. I wanted lava to spew out of the East River and blanket the Long Island coast. So, so cold.

So, yeah, we shot until 4:00 am. I got home at 5:30. Went to sleep at 6. Woke up at 9 to wait for the maintenance man that never came. Called and rescheduled my 3:00 interview because I knew I would be half-dead, and didn't want to give the impression that I was always half dead. Went back to sleep.

I don't think they're going to need us next week. I thought there were interior shots, but I don't think so. I think the 8th and 9th were on hold in case the weather was inclement. So, oh well. But two long days is still great, money-wise. I'll be able to pay my rent!

It was a good day, though. Tempers got short, people yelled, but I still would rather be there, on set, than anywhere else. I met a bunch of cool, professional actors, made some money, and got my foot in the door in the on camera world in New York. I have momentum. So, even when it's bad, it's good.

Moar, plz. Kthnxbai.

Flyin' Home

Flyin' Home
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I'm practice packing. I have a three-week vacation coming up at the end of August and I'm determined to only bring this suitcase and its smaller handbag. I think I can do it. I'll pack for a week, and wash what needs washing. I will pack light!

I was reading an article on the NY Times website about airlines charging for checked baggage. Honestly, I'm not that surprised, nor am I outraged. They need to cover their costs, and $15 isn't all that much. In the grand scheme of things, another $15 tacked onto a $200 or $300 ticket isn't much in the grand scheme of things.

Actually, I like the fee. It forces people to downsize, to think hard about what they really need for their trips. People will realize "Hey, 3.3 ounces really is enough to get me through two or three weeks," or "I really don't need to bring this videogame; the scenery will be enough" or "You know what? I'm not buying any little tchochkes this trip; postcards will be present enough." It's green, this downsizing.

I live in a small space, so I'm used to making brutal cuts in my lifestyle. I don't own a television or a microwave, and I'm better for it. I can't just pop a frozen meal in the microwave and then plunk down in front of the television; both less-than-healthful choices. I have to cook my meals, and if I want to see a program that isn't on the internet, too bad. I guess I'll read a book or write or dance or paint.

I feel like I'm rambling. And it's time for me to leave the house. Ciao!

I'm Out of Ideas

I'm Out of Ideas
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

Lost momentum. Skipped two three days and lost momentum.

I had a lazy weekend. Didn't do much but go to work and watch television on the internet.

Question: If it's all on the internet now, is it still called television?

Watch the whole video.

I support the Writers Guild strike. What happens to them could have an impact on my future in the coming year, and I'd like the outcome to be favorable.

Watch this video and see why the writers are striking and what they want as a result.

Oh dear.

I've been trying to watch less television. And then Pushing Daisies comes tripping across my path.

I'm hooked on this show. It's delicious. I love the fairytale style, Jim Dale's voiceover work, and Lee Pace and Chi McBride. I'll even grudgingly admit that Anna Friel is pretty good, even though I generally despise the en vogue "quirky white girl" character. She's winning as Chuck, even for a curmudgeon like me.

Fortunately, ABC puts all their shows on line and makes it easy to watch them, so I don't have to set aside time in my evening to catch the show.