Proven Innocent Jury plus Redline Dancing

Wow! It’s been a while. I’ve been neglecting my blog lately. But here I am, back with pictures from the Proven Innocent Jury plus Redline Dancing pictures. I have to say, it’s pretty fun seeing yourself on TV. I’m wearing three or four different outfits because the trial was supposed to be taking place over a few days. Actually, we did it in two separate days. Do you see Sam, sitting in the jury box right in front of me? Or check out this picture with my friend Marla in the front row. I wrote about both of

them when we were filming this episode. You can see that post by clicking here. This is also when I was lucky enough to work with my Bama Mom friend, Ana. So here are some more pics from my jury duty!

Now, let’s get to Redline. Redline airs two episodes each week and in episode 2, you can find me dancing away. This is the time when I had to go to wardrobe the day before and they dressed me in a long gold dress. You can also read about that job by clicking the link in the previous paragraph. Did you know that

when you see people dancing on TV, there is probably not any music playing? Nope, they give you a few seconds of the song and then turn it off. It’s kind of weird dancing with out music but I am such a crazy wild dancer and I will dance anywhere, any time. I just love to dance. They add in the soundtrack later. It’s pretty cool. Sorry for the bad photo. I’m just not great at getting good screen shots. I’m trying though so hopefully will improve soon. At the end of the gala, you can find me again with my

friend Ahnree. We sure didn’t get much screen time with the amount they were filming us but you can see us if you really look.

Since the last time I wrote, I’ve done a few more things. I’ve worked on Utopia, a new show for Amazon starring John Cusack. The first time I worked as an extra but the second time I worked as a stand it. Stand ins are paid a little more and are also considered part of the crew so the benefits that come with that are pretty nice. When the crew is setting up the lighting, camera angles, etc., they need someone about the same size and coloring as the main actress to stand in for her. Literally, all you do is stand around the set all day and when they call, “second team,” you get over there and remain still in the actresses’ position. How did I like it? Hmmm, well I think the stand ins are definitely better treated than the extras but I like the work of being an extra better. But if the opportunity comes up, I sure will do it again.

I should be working again soon for Utopia but most of the shows are on hiatus now so there won’t be a whole lot of time in the background for me. I’ll be sure to keep you up to date. One last thing. A very special lady I know who reads this blog is going on her first audition tomorrow for a commercial. I won’t say who because I don’t want to embarrass her but I do want her to know I’m thinking of her and wish her the absolute best. Love you!

See you next time my friends! Thanks for reading my Proven Innocent Jury plus Redline Dancing post. The Finale episode of Chicago Med aired last night. I haven’t watched it yet but hopefully, I’ll get another glimpse of myself in the background!

Major Screen Time

Hey there background friends. I have good news and bad news. First let’s go with the good news. I received some major screen time on episode 7 of Proven Innocent. Click here for a link to check out this video! It was pretty awesome seeing more than a fleeting image of myself on TV. The only sad part is that I also worked with my mom that day but I couldn’t find her in the episode. How about you Mom? Did you see yourself? I truly looked but maybe my fascination with seeing myself caused me to miss it. Anyway, it was such a fun thing when I saw how much time I was on screen. If you haven’t checked out Proven Innocent on Fox, please do. You won’t see me again until episode 13 when I am on the jury.

And Now Major Bad News

I guess I won’t be taking a break from background work for the next two months as that job I told you about last time fell through. Yep, it’s true. I had a great interview with the principal and the job was mine as soon as he checked my references. Knowing my references were great, I thought it was a sure thing. But nothing in this life is a sure thing, my friends. I guess the superintendent of the school district did not feel comfortable with hiring me due to the false accusation I told you about before. This situation is going to haunt me forever it seems. If you click here, you can read a letter I wrote to this superintendent. I know it won’t get me the job but maybe she will realize the impact her decision has had on me. I even asked her for advice. I am pretty sure I will never receive a response but if I do, you will be the first to know.

Major Screen Time Key West View — My awesome view of the Atlantic Ocean

I’m sad. I am very sad about this whole thing. I’m still hanging in there and having faith that God will show me the way. Maybe it is time for my teaching career to be over. Maybe my talents are needed somewhere else. Who knows? But, in all honesty, my faith is wavering today and I ask for your prayers in helping me recover from this recent set back. Looking on the bright side, if I have to be sad, it might as well be as fun of a place as is Key West. With this view from my balcony, it’s hard to not notice God’s wondrous world.

What’s Going On in the Background?

So what’s going on in the background? Well, it hasn’t been the most exciting lately to be honest. You already know about me not being used when I last worked on Chicago Med. That was the first time I have ever worked and not been used at all in a scene. Guess what? It happened again! Yep, I was so excited to work on Empire because that was a new show for me and I sat there the whole day and was not used at all.

So after never happening, now it was twice. I can’t really complain though. Who wouldn’t want to be paid while sitting on the side of a television set with an abundant amount of really delicious snacks? I had been told that Empire was one of the worst for how well they feed us. I have to say that I did not find that to be true. I began early with a great breakfast in holding. On the set, there was a huge table with all sorts of stuff; donuts, croissant sandwiches, candy, chips, just about any snack item you can think of, it was there. Then around lunch, they wheeled in fried fish, onion rings, and fries. This is not so great when you’re trying to lose weight and you’re bored.

What's Going On in the Background Henri — La belle Ahnree

With all that food around and not having a lot to do, you can bet I cheated a bit (well, maybe a lot). Then it was time to check out around 2:45. We headed back to holding and I was told I needed to eat again as I had arrived at 6am! I explained that I did not want to eat as that was all I had been doing all day but they wouldn’t check me out until lunch was over. It did look good; spaghetti, meat balls, garlic bread, salad. But I couldn’t even possibly eat one more bite.

I was able to see a lady I had worked with back in September on Redline, Ahnree, and it was great to see her again. Click here to read more about this upcoming show starring Noah Wylie. We worked a great scene together in which they were only filming us and 3 other extras. We are hoping that the scene will make it into the show. Stay tuned! If you are watching Red Line when it opens in April and you see some ladies dancing at the end of a fancy gala scene, that will be us.

Brief Glimpses

What's Going On in the Background Proven Innocent Glimpse — Here I am on the set of Proven Innocent!

I spotted myself, briefly, on episode 5 of Proven Innocent. You can see my face in the scene on the court house steps. Well, it was supposed to be the court house but it was actually filmed at the Field Museum on the back steps. I was hoping for a better view in the debate scene when Bellows, played by Kelsey Grammer, is debating his opponent for Attorney General. But they didn’t show much of the audience at all and all I could find was the back of my head. Oh well, that’s how it goes in the background!

What's Going On in the Background Proven Innocent Glimpse 2 — And here too.

What's Going On in the Background Proven Innocent debate scene — Proven Innocent debate scene

Mixtape Marathon

I also worked last week on Mixtape, a new show for Netflix. Click here if you’d like to read more about this upcoming musical drama. It’s set in Los Angeles but filmed in Chicago. So how did it go? Hmmmm, it was a very, very long and boring day. My call time was 4:48 am. Yes, in the morning! I hate that but if that’s what it takes, I’ll do it. They did not use me, or any extras for that matter, until about 5 pm. So they were paying for a room full of about 40 to 50 extras to sit there all day long. I was finally used in one angle of one scene.

This show stars Madeline Stowe and I have to say, at age 61, she is one of the most classically beautiful ladies in film and television. I was impressed. After this scene, we were all wrapped (that means finished) and some hadn’t even been used at all. I clocked out at 6:48 pm so it ended up being a 14 hour day with very little to show for it. But that’s why everybody can’t work in the background. You have to be prepared for days like this and approach it with humor and patience. If not, you’d go nuts! So sit there, read, play games on your phone, talk to the others, and eat or whatever can keep you occupied because the days in the background can be long, long, long.

I’m booked for this Friday again on Mixtape and I’ll let you know if the day goes any better. We’re supposed to be filming a fancy Hollywood party scene and we’re heading to an upscale suburb to do so. I won’t reveal which suburb because locations are supposed to be kept under wraps and I don’t know the exact location either. Not that I would tell! But it has me wondering exactly where we’ll be filming, maybe one of those fancy mansions? Perhaps this is why I like working as a background actor. It’s always something different and you never know what to expect.

That’s all for today. Thanks for reading about what’s going on in the background.

Two Days on Proven Innocent

Here we are, back working in the background. Read below about my two days on Proven Innocent. I love two day bookings. It’s nice knowing exactly where you’re going and you are able to see the same people two days in a row.

Two Days on Proven Innocent

Hey There! I had a great two days on Proven Innocent last week. The first day my call time was for 9am and I didn’t check out until 1am. A very long day, that’s for sure! You just never know how long you might be there when you’re working as an extra. So if you’re interested in doing this work, make sure you have the entire day free. I’ve had call times from 5:30 am to 7pm. And you won’t know until the night before what time you will have to be there. So be prepared for anything. The second day was better as my call time was 12:30pm and I was finished by 7pm. Much better hours but no overtime pay. As of February 2019, this job pays $96 for 8 hours. You receive a full 8 hours pay even if you don’t work that long. After 8 hours, it is then time and a half, which works out to $18 per hour. The day might be long but the ensuing check is very nice.

Two Days on Proven Innocent Marla and I — Marla and me on Proven Innocent

I had a very nice surprise for this booking too. I was booked as courtroom gallery so I would have been sitting in the courtroom all day. That’s still what I did but instead of the gallery, they chose me to be a juror. I’m not sure why they still needed more jurors as some people were originally booked as one, but they did and I was in the right place at the right time. The Production Assistant (PA) was looking for another juror and I just happened to be right in front of her. So I’m hoping to catch a glimpse of myself as a jury member when the episode airs. This was for the season finale so I have a little time to wait but the show will air starting on February 15, 2019 so be sure to check it out. It’s going to be a good one!

Friendly Faces

Two Days on Proven Innocent Heather and me — Heather and I on Red Line

I am starting to come across some of the same people when I work as an extra and am not only recognizing faces, but knowing names as well. What I’ve really noticed is how friendly everyone is. I have found that the other extras are usually quite nice and helpful too. One of my friends, Anna, started doing background work recently and we were lucky enough to work together this time. I know Anna because she ran the parent group for the university my daughter goes to–The University of Alabama–Roll Tide! So it was great to be able to hang out with Anna for two days and we had a blast.

The last, and only, time I had a two day booking I met Heather. And she was there for this one too! She is so nice and I love working with her. The first time we worked together was in September on Red Line. That show will air in April. We were dressed to the nines for a fancy gala

Two Days on Proven Innocent Heather and I on PI — Heather and I on Proven Innocent

and while the conditions of the job were a bit difficult, we made it fun and had some great laughs. You might be wondering what was bad about it. Well, it was quite hot the first day and very muggy as well. We began the day at Studio City in Chicago for check in, wardrobe, and makeup. We then boarded nice coach buses to the sight of the shoot but our holding there was a large tent outside. There was no floor and our heels kept sinking in the grass. The tent was unbearably hot and the bees in September just won’t leave you alone. The lesson here is be prepared for anything and try to make the best of the situation. The other extras really don’t want to hear your complaints. Be the positive one!

Two Days on Proven Innocent Sam — Sam in the holding area for Proven Innocent

Check out the pictures with people I spent time with during my two days on Proven Innocent. It was the second time working with Marla and Sam and my first time working with Kathy. Hopefully, I’ll be able to see everyone again soon. That’s all for this week. See you next time in the background!

Being Released

Remember my last post when I said I was so excited about working on Empire. Well, sad news; I received an email stating that I have been released. Being released means that they no longer need you. So even though you have been booked, sometimes plans change and you’re out of a booking for that day. Not to worry, though! While I lost the one day booking for Empire, I gained a two day booking for Proven Innocent. And that has been my favorite show to work on so far. I have also greatly enjoyed Red Line which doesn’t air until April I believe. Great crew and the assistant directors are very nice.

Being Released

Don’t be upset if this happens to you. It doesn’t happen often. In fact, I have been doing background work for about 8 months now and this is the first time it has happened to me. You can’t take stuff like this personally–you would go crazy if you did. Maybe the production schedule changed. Maybe they booked too many. Whatever the reason, it isn’t you. And just like this time, perhaps something even better will come along. I believe Proven Innocent is filming their finale and I’m super happy about being a part of that.

Stay Safe Background Friends

It’s cold here in Chicago. It is cold even for a city that is used to cold. Check out the picture of what we’re expecting for tomorrow. I know Chicago PD canceled their outdoor shoot and the shoot I am doing will be indoors, but just getting from one spot to another can be dangerous in the super sub zero temps we will have here tomorrow. Dress properly! Hats, gloves, scarves are not only useful, but necessary. Frostbite can happen within minutes. Your body will react as it’s supposed to. It will concentrate blood flow to your vital organs which takes it away from your extremities. This could cause a change in blood pressure so if you have issues with that, be aware. Also, if you’re driving, have emergency supplies in your car. You should have a warm blanket, water, a snack, and cables to jump your battery. With my car sitting in the extras parking lot all day, I don’t want to go to start it and then be stranded. So stay safe background friends!

Working With Mom

Working with my mom — Mom and I in holding for Chicago Med

One of the fun things about my experience as an extra is working with my mother, Nancy. Working with mom is super fun and I’m hoping to do more of it.

Working With Mom

Mom and I have only been able to work with each other twice. The first time we both worked on Chicago Med. The scene was at the gorgeous Bloomingdale Home Store which

used to be the Medinah Temple. It’s a Chicago landmark that now has a new life thanks to Bloomingdales turning it into a store in 2003. So that was pretty cool, being able to be in the store after hours. For Chicago Med, it was supposed to be the department store owned by the character Cornelius Rhodes, the father of one of the principals, Dr. Connor Rhodes.

But the scene never made it into the episode! Mom and I were pretty amazed that with all of the work that went into that scene, it wasn’t used. It must have cost a fortune to rent the building and pay all of the cast and crew, including us–although we don’t make much at all. And we were right behind the actors, center scene, pretending to shop while they spoke at a table. We thought for sure you would be able to spot us on the show. In fact, I haven’t yet seen myself on any show, which is fine as they still pay me. But in all honesty, it would be pretty cool. I’m sure it will happen soon enough.

Best Mother/Daughter Duo Around

At least we think so! We do look quite a bit alike so if production is looking for a mother/daughter duo, we’re perfect. Hopefully, production will think so too. The second time we worked together was just this week on Proven Innocent, a Fox show that will air beginning in February, 2019. It’s so nice having someone to hang out with during those long hours in holding. I have only lived in the same area as my mother in the last five or so years so it’s super special that she is taking the time to share in my new little endeavor. She’s even worked on her own, driving herself into the city from her home in the Northwest suburbs. Thanks Mom! I love working with you!

The Buffet

I told you about my first call with 300 other extras. My second job, however, only had about 40 of us and it is here I found out about the buffet.

The Buffet

I was surprised on my first job that the other extras were complaining that they hadn’t been fed yet. They finally gave us a boxed lunch. It was okay. But since I wasn’t expecting anything I was pretty happy. I had no idea that you usually get a meal when you work. So it was on my second job, which was for a Netflix show called Easy, that I discovered the buffet. There is always a caterer on set and a meal is almost always provided. Most of the time.

It really depends on how long you work and also, the hours you work. I haven’t really figured out all the ins and outs but all in all, I have eaten quite well since starting my life in the background. And I’m going to have to tame it down a bit. Unfortunately, I need to lose some weight and having all the good food right in front of me isn’t helping. In addition to a good buffet meal, they sometimes bring in pizza. Pizza is also not a good thing for my waist line. But when you’ve been working and you’re beginning to become hangry, it’s pretty hard to turn it down.

The Buffet healthy choice — My healthy choices! I’m so proud of me.

Commit to healthy eating

There are some healthy options that I will need to stick with if I don’t want to gain another ten pounds. There is always a salad bar option and quite often, there is a fish option. And you can usually find some great vegetable dishes too. This picture shows the healthy meal I had last week when working on Proven Innocent, a Fox mid-season release coming soon. So, if I can focus on those foods, I should be able to stay on tract. Except for the dessert table. Walking by that is going to be a struggle! If you look closely at the picture, there is a small slice of chocolate cheesecake. Who can pass up chocolate cheesecake?! And as far as pizza goes, I will either have to keep some healthier options in my bag or at least limit my portions. But I do love pizza!