This past week I played a bride in the feature Sweet Old World. Directed and written by David Zeiger and shot in South Pasadena, the film combines documentary and narrative story telling. My first day on set was also the productions first day of filming. The drama will finish filming in August and is produced by Displaced Films. Thank you Judith.
Sweet Old World Feature
July 16th, 2010Filmed Franklinstein
May 17th, 2010A busy week for me! I filmed my second project of the week on Sunday. I play Bonnie in the short film Franklinstein. Directed by Justin Cluster and produced by Justin Cowden and Second Torch Productions, the film is a modern retelling of Frankenstein told by two friends Franklin (Justin Davidson) and Stein (Matt Kohler.)
The outdoor night shoot filmed in the soggy wetness of Mar Vista. Who says it never rains in Los Angeles? The Frat party setting had a keg (empty), bonfire, tree lights, red plastic cups and a jello shot pool (yes I’m not making that up!) I witnessed my first ever kegstand which was an impressive air defying act and hilarious to watch. I laughed on camera and hours after the completed take. I had a fun time hanging out with this group of warm and genuine people. A giant thank you to the Cowden family. Thank you for bringing me aboard Justin. Looking forward to seeing the finished project!
Filmed MARION
May 17th, 2010I had an amazing experience filming my most recent project entitled Marion. The AFI cycle film is directed by Elizabeth Abrams and produced by Andrew Manser. The film is about a retiring soloist, Marion, who has her finale dance performance with her company. We shot two days at the gorgeous Alex Theatre in Glendale. The theatre originally opened it’s doors in 1925, and boasts splendid Art Deco style architecture.
In Marion there are eight dancers and I play one of them. Choreographed by Ceasar Barajas we clocked in about eight of the twelve hours dancing. Day two was a flurry of activity. We rehearsed the six minute dance compilation in the morning while the crew lit the stage for the performance and camera blocked. Costume designer, Amanda Ramond, designed green wrap dresses made of Jersey cotton. I felt a deep sense of accomplishment for surviving the second twelve hour day dancing barefoot. Hanging out with dancers and filmmakers in a historic theatre made for a pretty perfect day. Always.
A special thanks to Jessica Graves who got me involved with this project and to Elizabeth and Andrew who graciously accomadated my schedule and for the new dance shoes! Pictures to come.
Screening of Marvin
May 14th, 2010Fun news. Marvin (formally known as Once Upon a Diner) had its screening debut at the Mayer Theatre this past Friday. Ellie Salama, the director changed the name of the film to better suit the final cut and story. I play Susan in the film. My character searches for her hairdresser and bumps into an old aquaintance and sparks fly! I really enjoyed working on this film and especially with the director. Ellie gives great direction and attention to her actors on set which I really appreciate and admire. Job well done to everyone involved in the making of this. And for making the pick ups and reshoots so fun. More news to come about Marvin and future screenings.
Premiere Reconciliation
April 30th, 2010
The film Reconciliation had its premiere this week! I play Nurse Stephanie in the film. Director Chad Ahrendt, the cast and crew gathered at the Downtown Film Independent theatre to screen the film. Armed with popcorn and a soda, I happily entered the movie theatre and found my seat. I was blown away watching the finished film- the talent beamed off the screen.
One fun fact about my character Nurse Stephanie… The director and producers let me name my character! I chose Stephanie after my mama. It was pretty cool to my name and my mom’s name up on the big screen when the credits rolled. A special treat. After the screening everyone gathered in the theatre’s lobby and roof top for cocktails and appetizers. It was a wonderful perfect night.
Melissa Films Pullover
March 14th, 2010I had the recent pleasure of acting in the film Pullover written and directed by Camilo Salazar Prince. I play the character Janet who is straight out of 1953 complete with pump heels and an up do. The film explores a man encountered by all the women of his past. The DP of the film is Hermes Marco. My scenes were shot on location at the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center (which is an amazing park-go if you haven’t been!) I am happy to be part of such an artistic and creative project. Thanks to Brad Gilmore and Kyle Dean. I can’t wait to see the final cut.
Reshoots and Added Scene: Once Upon A Diner
March 12th, 2010Great news. A couple weekends ago I was back in Long Beach shooting Once Upon A Diner. We needed some inserts, but ended reshooting the entire scene because of the rain. Also the director rewrote the end of the scene- so no kissing. Yep the ole kiss got cut (There is some awesome hand action though-as in hand holding-ha!) Revisiting characters is fun. Felt like deja vu. The following day cast and crew were at another location for an added scene. My character Susan is at the salon when her hair dresser runs out the door. We shot at a salon off Melrose Ave in Hollywood. I got to improv a lot during this scene. We were cracking up. I’d keep going and going until the director yelled ‘cut.’ Hilarious-abandoned, wet hair and swivel chairs make for some peak performance acting-Lets make a movie people!
Melissa Shoots Once Upon A Diner
December 30th, 2009Before the mad holiday rush, I was able to work on a project. I played Susan in the film Once Upon A Diner. The film was shot on location in Long Beach, CA. My character is getting a hair cut at the salon when her hairdresser dashes out. With her salon cape on, wet hair and half her hair cut, Susan begins searching for her hairdresser in the local strip mall. While on the hunt she runs into an old fling outside the neighboring diner. The scene was fun to shoot because I got to wear a wig. Between takes people watching kept asking me if I cut my own hair for the movie! A lot of people thought the wig was my real hair including some of the crew. To make the hair look wet my wig was sprayed constantly with glycerin to give it that special saturated soaked look. I can’t wait to see the scenes cut and edited. The film was directed by Ellie Salama. More news to come about this project.
Happy Holidays to you! Health and Wealth in 2010. I celebrated a birthday the day after Christmas… so since Thanksgiving this holiday season has been jam packed with more trips, family, gifts, TX snow, love and laughter then EVER before! And I wouldn’t have it any other way! (Last year I was doing a show and was unable to travel home for the holidays so this year being with the family was special.) Out with 2009 and in with 2010. I have a feeling that this year is going to be one of the best!
CW Airs Valentine
July 20th, 2009
Recently, the CW Network aired the last four episodes of the television show Valentine. In the show Greek Gods exist in the modern world doing whatever it takes to bring soul mates together. I play Trudi in Episode 5 entitled “Summer Nights.” Trudi has lost her dog and finds it the arms of a man that she’s mysteriously drawn to. The scene includes actors Kristoffer Polaha (Danny Valentine) and Marie Westbrook (Gwen) and was filmed on location at the Huntington Library and Gardens. Valentine was created by Kevin Murphy and episode 5 was directed by Fred Gerber and written by Melissa R. Byer & Treena Hancock. To view a clip of the scene please visit the reel section of my website and click Valentine. 
