The Glamorous Life. Not.

Actors lives are so glam.

Nope, we know better. Only civilians (and wanna-be actors) think acting is glamorous. We work ridiculous hours in crazy locations that are, lets face it, sometimes dangerous. Our work environment is constantly changing, can be weather dependent, and even downright ridiculous. We are not only expected to walk and talk but also to find our light, know where the camera is, step over dolly tracks, be aware of mic placement, and much more. All while looking flawless. Or horrendous, if the role calls for it. (See photo above)

And I love every moment.

This week alone I have had prosthetics applied, been drenched in water, climbed a flight of stairs 20+ times (in heels no less) and did a shoot requiring 5 different looks. Just your average work week. 

One of my favorite recent conversations was with a brand new actor. He was an extra on a project I was in and was so darn enthusiastic. It was adorable. And exhausting. He asked lots of questions and tried his best to soak in everything. Every once in awhile I would look at him and see sheer panic in his eyes. But, man, he was trying! I asked him the basic "So, why acting?" question and his answer was a new one: "I don't know what else to do." The rest of the conversation went something like this:

New Actor:  "I just think everything about acting is glamorous. The travel, the fame, the hot girls, the casting couch..." 

Me: "Um...Really?" Just checking to see if he was being sarcastic. Or serious.

New Actor: "Yeah, I mean isn't that why you wanted to be an actress?"

Me: "Well sure. Other then the hot girls...But you do realize you are thinking of the Hollywood version of Hollywood, right?"

It isn't all this (see photo left):

Insert crickets.

He had NO idea what I meant. Really, none.

But, don't worry, I set the poor kid straight. I explained the difference between a working actor and a famous actor. I told him the bulk of an actor's work is never seen by anyone. Sometimes not even the actor. I gave him the statistics of working actors and income. Or lack thereof. I laid out the long days and nights often with not a hot girl in sight. 

And by the end of that 15 hour shoot he had a new vocation in mind: Reality Star. 

 -- Mercedes Rose

 

 

Comments

[jay]

HA! unfortunatly if mentalites like this kids that are the reason.That there is Lack of talent in the industry.He was focused on Fame like most are and not the work .Which is the most important.