Sometimes U Can't Do Nuthin' But Laugh.

I had a GREAT shoot yesterday for "My Name is Earl"*.  That is the happiest bunch of people I have seen in a loooong time.  Director Ken Whittingham was a pleasure to work with, Jason Lee seemed to be having a blast - just watching him work (and enjoy himself) was sheer entertainment.  Guest star Faizon Love was absolute comedy.  Jason & Faizon were riffing and having so much fun trying different things out and bouncing things off of one another that I was SURE we would end up way behind schedule, but things moved along smoothly, and I was wrapped right before I would have gone into overtime.  I had one line - I said it, I think it's going to be funny.  I'll let y'all know when it's going to air.

(BTW, I was allowed to choose my shoes and my purse without further intervention from the wardrobe department.  NEITHER will appear on-camera!  All of Sunday's drama was completely unnecessary...)

Okay, so two down so far this year.  One more on the horizon:  David E. Kelley's "Legally Mad."  I'm scheduled to shoot this next week, I have received 4 revised scripts and my already-miniscule role has gotten smaller.  At this point I am hoping that my character makes the final cut and that I make it on the air.  ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING the fact that my agent called me today and told me that I HAVE to join AFTRA before I shoot.  I always knew that anyone could join AFTRA at any time, but was never sure when I would HAVE to join.  Well, now is the time - thank GOD I actually have the money in the bank, or I'd be screwed.  Bye bye $1300.

There really should be ONE FRIGGIN' UNION.  Having to pay membership fees and dues to two unions is dumb.  Actually I cussed when I got the call about having to join.  That $1300 is coming out of my "pay off my car" fund.  Oh well, it is what it is.

I had an audition for "Desperate Housewives" today and it went very well.  Very.  Of course it would be great to book it, but even if I don't, I know I did a good job and I'm confident that I'll be called in again.  I left thinking "OMG, I could really book this."

Let's see what happens.

--Nicole J. Butler

*Everybody was so great that I couldn't even be mad that my lil trailer looked like a prison cell (toilet in the corner and everything)!!   I could hear every word and feel every move made by my "neighbors"!

Comments

[Dana]

Wow - it is indeed a bummer to be forced to join two unions. Does your "Legally Mad" compensation come close to the dues paid? I'm curious what your part will be in LM. Sweetie? Paige? Are you going to sing?

[Nicole J. Butler]

Yes, having to join two unions for the same job does really suck, but until the two unions merge, I guess this is the cost of doing business.

My role is small (but I'm going to be as large as I can in it, of course) - I'm a court stenographer. Hopefully I'll be asked back like I was with Boston Legal.