The past week has been unbelievably exciting and intense. From Sunday to Saturday, I filmed two separate projects and spent just about every waking minute in between takes writing and editing articles.

 

A few weeks ago I was cast as one of the lead soldiers in an industrial commissioned by the military. We started shooting last Sunday in New Jersey and went all the way until Friday evening. I met a lot of very talented actors and crew members, learned that I have a terrible salute (that gets better with practice), and was told repeatedly that I made a very convincing soldier in uniform, even when we weren’t filming. So in case I’m ever looking for a professional career move…I now have more options!

 

Last week was also the deadline for about 15 articles that I was editing for a medical expo magazine I have frequently contributed to over the past few years. They were all interviews with doctors and research pieces on topics like pelvicology, enzyme replacement, network spinal analysis, gluten intolerance, and chronic illnesses. Heavy stuff, as per usual. I also had to write and edit two of my own articles – an interview with Dara Torres, the five-time Olympic swimmer who has only gotten better with age, and an in-depth look at the shocking range of toxins in our water, with commentary from three medical professionals. There was an incredible amount of research involved, but all the work and sleepless nights paid off –

 

 

 

Then early Saturday morning I was on the set of Imogene, the new Kristen Wiig and Annette Bening comedy filming in the city, to shoot my scene with Kristen. I auditioned for the role back at the beginning of August and found out closer to the end of the month that I got the part. The crew was amazing. I had my own little trailer, got fitted by wardrobe, and went to hair and makeup where they said I only needed a smoky eye look and minimal makeup (yay!) and that my hair was already perfect for the part with the little amount of product I had put in it (double yay!). The directors, Shari Springer Bergman and Robert Pulcini (Cinema Verite, American Splendor, The Nanny Diaries), were great to work with, and I even had a wonderful stand-in who filled my shoes while they positioned lights and cameras. And then my scene! Kristen Wiig was awesome and funny, as expected, and we both agreed that clothes should not be complicated when you get into a dressing room (completely random, but important nonetheless). If you’re trying to buy a dress that boasts ten different ways to put it on, it’s probably not worth the hassle. Before noon, I was wrapped, but it was enough excitement to last me the whole day. I finished off the night at a Bill Bailey show in the city with my boyfriend.

 

I’m looking forward to more weeks like this in the future, working hard and doing what I love. In the meantime, I’m in desperate need of a nap.