A Week in July
This has been quite a week!
BUSINESS:
On Tuesday and Thursday, I did Stand-In work for FRANCES FISHER on WOMAN IN GOLD, a feature starring Oscar-Winner HELEN MIRREN. I had never done stand-in work before but have been on enough sets in my life so knew what was expected of me. Both Frances & Helen were very nice and it was an acting class just to watch them work. The film also stars RYAN REYNOLDS (who is SO handsome) and KATIE HOLMES. Here is a copy of my Facebook post after Day One:
“Karen Ragan-George Surreal Moment #275 (made up number):
Sitting on a couch in a small home in Encino, taking a break from doing Stand-In work (for Frances Fisher) on a feature film. Working on my lines for 3 different auditions I have this week…. when Oscar-Winner Helen Mirren sits down right next to me and starts going over her lines for the scene she’s about to shoot. Me & Helen, side-by-side, learning our lines…. Crazy, huh?”
And just a bit more: When Helen came over, she picked up a large handbag that was on the couch next to me. I looked at her and said, “OH! I’m sorry - I’m in your seat,” and I started to get up. “That’s all right, darling,” she said smiling, “there's room for both of us.” Then she sat down next to me.
On Wednesday, I auditioned for a USC Grad film and found out yesterday that I booked it. I’ll be playing a psychologist and it is a tender, lovely role that I’m looking forward to playing.
Also yesterday, I auditioned for a short film that the writer/director plans to enter in festivals. It is a wonderful role about a woman who goes from being a beloved high school teacher to homeless and crazy years later. I would LOVE to book it! There was some stiff competition at the audition though - an actress I recognized who has feature credits and one of her credits is a down-and-out homeless woman. Nevertheless, it was a joy to perform - I set tasks for myself for the reading and achieved them, so I’m satisfied.
Sunday I audition for an indie feature. The part is meaty and not me at all, so the audition will be a fun challenge.
And lastly, booked a b.g. gig on THE BIRTHDAY BOYS, a crazy tv show produced by BEN STILLER and BOB ODENKIRK. The email from the Casting Director inviting me to be a funeral attendee had me laughing so hard, I couldn’t wait to accept! We shoot downtown LA this Monday, the 21st.
Until I start booking speaking roles in bigger projects, I am very grateful for the b.g. and stand-in work I’ve been getting. It feels good to bring in some money again! A few weeks ago I worked on RIZZOLI & ISLES and it should be airing this week (or next). You’ll see me walking out of a fish market (me, a Vegetarian!) and seconds later a man being pursued by BRUCE McGILL and ANGIE HARMON crashes into a cart sending dead fish flying. After each reset, I did my best to look away - YUCK! ;-)