I HAD ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE ON SATURDAY! I filmed a Promo for the USA network show Covert Affairs. It was shot on the Universal lot - Stage 18 (where they filmed the shower scene in Psycho). I was one of three, out of thousands of Superfans performing in the spot. The very genuine and nice director Andrews Jenkins and I had a wonderful
conversational interview. It was fantastic for me because it was just
talking about something that I truly care about. We were asked what we like about USA, about the show, and which of the characters is our favorite. My favorite is the star Annie Walker played by the lovely Piper Perabo. I was having so much fun, enjoying where I was and getting to do what I love - be in front of the camera. I got really excited when Andrews told me that Piper is going to see the interview in New York and answer any questions I had for her. Whoa - She is going to watch me, that is a huge unexpected switch!!!
The interview did not take that long, but they had us wait until after lunch to do any pick-ups - which means answering any questions they may have missed or need clarification. They kept making us wait, they were having technical difficulties. Then the other two had their body mics taken from them. I figured out I had answered the questions poorly since I was the only one that Andrews kept asking the same ones in slightly different ways in the interview.
With my first little bit of nerves the whole day I went back in for the second set. After the makeup/hair ladies, the stylist and the mic guy all finished fussing over me I went onto the set worried about saying the right thing. Andrews told me they only had two questions that I needed to elaborate on 1) how is USA better than other networks out there and 2) what makes the character of Annie so great and relate-able? I then proceeded with
all my energy to say all I could and make it slightly coherent - basically I was rambling and raving to the best of my ability. I'll be happy if they found two sentences together that made sense and said something worth hearing.
Right as I took a breath from syrupy word vomit Andrews got a funny look on his face and asked something "like now what did you want to ask..." Then just over my left shoulder I heard a timid hello and turned to see someone sitting next to me. It took me a full second to figure out who it was cause I was just so confused as to why someone was crashing the interview. Then I looked into laughing eyes and... recognition -
IT WAS PIPER!!!!!! She had been hiding behind the set, listening to everything I was saying about her and the show. I proceeded to freak out with a dozen people on cameras and monitors watching and at least 3 or 4 dozen more professionals off set who were there such as network execs, sound, design, costume, gaffers, grips, etc. An alarm also went off in my head that
millions of people will be watching this on TV and online!!! Yikes!
After the initial shock I took a breath and asked the one thing that every girl who watches the show wants to know... about the shoes! Okay but I didn't ask what you might think, actually I asked how she is always walking and running in those super high stilettos. The interview went on from there asking questions about how she loves her job, and what it's like. Then she asked me what I liked about Annie - so I'm supposed to tell her what I like about her character!!??! Talk about pressure. It was super quiet and a little awkward for the first minute but then we both relaxed and ended up chatting like friends sitting on the couch talking about life and something we love. The interview took about ten minutes, and I was mostly in a dazed shock, but I had a blast.
What I learned is that Piper is super sweet! She is basically what you imagine she is - someone very real who loves to laugh, honestly listens to people and appreciates that she has the coolest job in the world. She gave me several hugs and even after the interview was done we talked for a little after about the show and loving life.
As I was leaving everyone was super nice saying I was adorable and how much fun they had watching. I left there with a Big Stupid Grin and bouncing off the walls with energy. My courteous golf cart driver taking me to my car jokingly said with a big smile, "Not a bad way to spend a Saturday, huh?" I couldn't agree more !! And it only happened because of my training, my heart being open to new opportunities and living in LA. Man oh man I can still see that huge Piper Perabo grin and can't help thinking, as embarrassing as it could have been for most people I loved it, and at least I made everyone laugh!
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