Who's behind the curtain?

Excited! My 2nd one hour show with TS. I've been working my ass off for the last couple of months getting up at 5 a.m. to then drive from West Hollywood to Camarillo to help set up her warehouse with industrial shelving, packaging product and repackaging a product for the 3rd time. I'm doing it because I love this make-up artist's products. Having been in the biz for over 20 years, you name it she's done them so, I'm bound to learn so much from her and the business. So making that 100 mile drive a day through some of the he worst L.A. traffic could only be worthwhile, right?

On the last day of packing, right before she left to finish working on the new Jessica Alba movie with Mike Meyers, I asked TS who would be joining us for QVC? (BB the last make-up artist couldn't take the time off again from "Las Vegas") TS meets a another make-up artist who was answering questions for people in her forum and invited her along. We'll that's an interesting way of hiring someone but her resume is impressive and they share a lot of things in common. Great! I can't wait to meet her, the more make-up artists I know in this industry the better.

Two days before we leave for QVC, I speak to the other make-up artist who will be joining us. She seems awesome we chat for a good 45 minutes about me and what I have done and vice versa when she tells me she's been packing for days and she has to get organized.
"Gosh, we're only gone over night how much stuff are you bringing?"
"Well, I have another job right after this one... in Florida."
"Sweet, nothing like consistently working and traveling."

Fast forward... We arrive in PA and TS as been texting the other make-up artist and hasn't even called me. (weird... whatever, I'm not one of those petty girls. Life is too short) Our ride through the forest was interesting more or less. I felt this weird sensation like I was being interrogated by the other artist. How long have you known TS? Do you work with her often? How long have you been in the business? TS and I went to the same school around the same time and then started straight into films. You're self taught and know the retail world. I feel like I could learn so much from you. (is she being sincere or sarcastic? But she's very motherly and it seems conforting)

We get to the Sheraton in Malvern PA. It's where everyone stays if they have a show on QVC. I walk up to the desk for my room key.
"I need a credit card."
"The room should already be paid for."
He shakes his head and I hand over my credit card.
The other make-up artist grabs her keys and while her desk woman explains how she's on the fifth floor and her keys accesses all the amenities.
The deskman hands me my keys.
"You're on the fourth floor with an access card to the clubhouse."
"What? I'm not on the fifth floor."
"No, but you still have access," as he give me a fucked smile.
And TS didn't pay for my room and I'm not in the clubhouse with everyone else. Now, that's fucked up! I'm billing them for that.

Day of the show. TS changed the show line up the night before and I rewrote the show over. The other make-up artist came over to discuss the show but wanted to gab before breakfast and tell me how nervous she was. This was something new to her. LIVE TELEVISION. Yeah, I get it but if you just follow my instructions and just listen to what I tell you, we will be fine. "Just that I'm so nervous!"
"I get it. It will be the fastest hour of your life."

QVC Studios
It reminds me of OZ.

Happy Halloween

Flash Comments at WishAFriend.com">

Where am I?

Halloween! My favorite Holiday. I really didn't celebrate my birthday a few weeks ago. But Halloween... that's another story. I will be playing with make-up this evening before going out. I was a Zombie Saturday night, my boyfriend was mangled, my cousin Elvira and a friend we painted as Skeletor.

Now, back to business.

I caught up on all my bills in July, because I sold Motorhomes for two weeks in June.

Then, I went to Oregon for a family emergency surgery and watched my grandfather die over a month. I turned down jobs while I was away. Which always sucks when you work so hard for those connections. All in all that month set me back and I'm now picking up the pieces, trying not to get evicted . Oh... did I mention 2 days after returning home, a friend of mine in the building overdosed and since my boyfriend was the last person he called the night before, the guy he was with called us to get him out of his house. I called the paramedic and it was a good thing or we would have lost him. I spent the whole at the hospital. Just like how I had the month of July and August.

So, this is where I am now.

I have now quit all the jobs I spent the month of September trying to find. I was hired by TS as her first employee. We leave again for "QVC" in two weeks. (We went back in July but I never got a chance to write about it. The family emergency.) Now that I was hired by TS I still needed a second job, Bloomingdales rehired me, even though she told me it was a place to die. So, I went back just part-time to sell fragrances, it made me sick to my stomach and I swore I would never go back. 2nd day there a man committed suicide by jumping off the Beverly Center and landed on La Cienega. I didn't believe it, so I went to look out the parking garage. The body was gone... but I saw the blood. Is this a sign? Stick it out. Well, a week later my first feature film was making the festival circuit and it was at the Beverly Center. Now, I only worked 17 hours and on my last shift one of the actresses from the (film a real bitch because she's a model on a t.v. games show) comes in to buy... you got it fragrances. I didn't help her but I realized something. I wasn't meant to go back. But I had to find out for myself.

Then I turned down an infomercial. It was geared toward the Latin market with a French name. Hmmmm Did I mention the product was shit.

All in all things are working out. Doesn't mean I don't get depressed. Especially, since none of my friends really understand what is going on with me. I really haven't felt the need to express myself to anyone except when it comes to my work. Did I mention my mom and I are not talking. We usually talk everyday. She got made that I decided not to be hypocrite anymore or I just need to face the fact my brother has an elderly woman fedish.

Which leads me to my job last week. I learned about a program for women in the film industry and I have decided to belong to this group. It's a great way to network and essentially its a social club for women in the industry. And they also help women with developing their career. Awarding them a scholarship to AFI. I've found my way.

No, I do Sharon

Today, I auditioned for Billy B a famous Make-Up Artist in the print world of make-up. He had an open casting call for his new assistant for a reality t.v. show. I wasn't booked so I decided to go. I waited in line for 2 hours. His people kept coming out to check the line and pulling the men in first. Is he looking for a new boyfriend or an assistant.

Suddenly, the production assistant asks, "Is there anybody out here with additude? To many of you are kissing his ass." I just signed a release form and I'm confident not an actress plus I got dropped off because my tags are expired and Hollywood is great for tickets. So, I wait with my portfolio in hand and my high heels. Finally, after 2 1/2 hours he finally decides to interview the line. Several Make-up Artist leave the interview saying, "He's looking for a local Make-up Artist." Several flew out for the interview. With 2 1/2 hours your forced to get to know the other make-up artists in line. The girls next to me were local one in Culver City the other in Pasadena. One girl I had worked with at bloomies a few years back. She was a Mac girl and didn't really respond when I tried to make conversation. But the other two girls were very nice and sweet. I really don't know what happened with them but I can tell you what happened with me.

EXT. HOLLYWOOD BLVD. - DAY

After two and a half hours of freaks and tourist and the male make-up artist being pulled to the front of the line, it's finally my turn. I'm next.

INT. WORLD OF WONDER - HOLLYWOOD BLVD - CONTINUOUS

I enter and give Billy B my portfolio and shake his hand and his assistants hand.

Billy B - Where are you from?

Me - Alaska.

Billy Assistant - I was just there.

Me - Really, what did you think?

Billy Assistant - I loved it, it was...

Billy B interrupts.

Billy B - How long have you been a Make-up Artist?

Me - For along as I can remember, my grandmother was my first model. I've been strictly freelance for the last 2 years.

Billy B - Would you consider yourself a rookie artist.

Me - By all means no not in the slightest.

Billy B - why would you make a good a assistant?

Me - I'm the best there is. I'm a good listener and a good teacher.

Billy B - (shocked and irriated) You think you can teach me something?

Me - Of course. What make-up artist thinks they know it all. Every make-up artist that i have come across I have learned one new technique or trick. Do you think you have nothing else to learn?

Billy B - Where do you live?

Me - West Hollywood.

Billy B's Assistant - you live in West Hollywood.

Billy B - What do you want to be known for?

Me - I want to be know in Film and Print.

Billy B - That's impossible!

Me - Why?

Billy B - It's just not possible. You have to choose.

Me - That's not true.

Billy B - You think so?

Me - I know so, because I'm doing it.

Billy B - ( off kelter) Have you ever assisted a famous Make-up Artist?

Me - Yes I have. (I will call her TS)

Billy B - Never heard of her.

(Well the night before my cousin was reading an old Make-up Artist Magazine and pointed out an article of Billy B with the cover of Harpers Bazaar with Sharon on the front.)

Me - Well, she's been her personal for the last twenty years.

Billy B - (shaking his head no) I don't think so. I've been her personal for the last twenty years.

Me - No she's been her personal since Basic.

Billy B - Oh, you mean a movie make-up artist. Well, you should just stay with TS.

Me - And why's that?

Billy B - Film is different.

Me - Why do you think I'm here? I work with the best in film and now I am here introducing myself to you. I'm going to do both and be known for both.

Billy B - Well, if you're my assistant you probably wont do make-up, you might do hair.

Me - That's fine, I did all the hair in my book.

Billy B - You might have to go shopping?

Me - Who doesn't like to shop.

Billy B's Assistant smiles at me.

Billy B's Assistant - We have your information don't we?

Me - I believe so.

I walk up to the desk and get my portfolio and Billy B smiles at me.

Me - (reaching out my hand) It was nice to meet you.

Here is the email I sent Billy and his response.

**********
It was fun meeting you face to face today. I didn't mean to offend you regarding Sharon, I'm well aware of the division between Film and Print Make-up Artists. Print is alot more detail oriented where Film has little more leeway with imperfections.

Anyway, I do have a lot more work up on the web for you to consider.

Sincerely,

Me
**************
Billy's

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
It was nice meeting you as well.
You did not offend me whatsoever ;)
TS does do Sharon and does an AMAZING JOB
Thanks again!
xox
b.


P.S. the TS was the only thing changed

Just another Paycheck or Kidnapping... You decide

Here's the gig... Friday thru Monday in Mexico for a Music Video with a crew I hadn't worked with before.

Call time Friday 5:30 at the Redondo Metro Parking lot.

My thoughts are, I'll get there early and introduce myself to the crew. I ask my boyfriend to drop me off because I was not comfortable leaving my car parked down at the Metro Park all weekend. Doesn't sound like a good idea especially in that neck of the woods.

I arrive a half hour early and wait till 5:30.

Strange. Nobody has arrived.

6:00 I call the director and tell her I'm in the parking lot with my boyfriend and no one is here. The director, "Good, I'm glad your not "alone" and you have someone to wait with you." Odd, I think, but she reassures me that SHE is on here way and stuck in traffic just over the hill. (I'm in Redondo Beach and over the hill is quite far on a Friday, especially on Memorial day weekend.) Great! She's forty five to an hour out and still there is no one here.

So, my boyfriend and our puppy drive to Manhattan Beach to grab a beer to calm our nerves. Not to mention my boyfriend is annoyed we were a half hour early and the Los Angeles Dodgers are about to start and every bar south of the Airport only airs Angels games.

I call the director again to find out here E.T.A (earliest time of arrival) She assures me that everything is "all right not to worry" there should be two male crew members there now at the Metro parking lot and I should keep a look out for them. I let her know we went to Manahatten Beach to grab a bite and that I'm heading back.

It's 7:15. at the Metro Parking lot... Several people walk in and out of the parking lot. We sit and wait and see. Is that... No, not that guy. Could that be? Nope, not him either. Still no crew.

Now, granted I did book this job off the internet and I didn't meet with the director due to her hectic schedule. But this is looking shady.

I wait a few minutes and call the director.

Straight to voice mail. Do I leave a message? BEEP. "It's been two hours and there's not a soul in site and I'm not feeling comfortable going to Mexico with a group of people I'v never meet. Seems a bit shady. You're gonna have to find another Make-up Artist." CLICK.

10 minutes later I get a phone call from two guys. Hey were on our way to get you in the car. Get me, I'm thinking. I tell them sorry guys I'm heading home the director has to find another Make-Up Artist.

My phone rings. It's the director. I'm sorry there must of been a miscommunication. We are now just leaving the studio were the whole crew works and I'm have a car being sent over to you.

"Betty, I'm sure you've heard the message. I'm on my way home."

Legit? Maybe. Shady? Totally!

Working... Then, straight to the bank.

Worked 4 days last week. Made over half my money on one of those days. I have checks to deposit and cover my overdraft. I'm working, that's what matters most.

Today, I'm just trying to recover from Saturdays night shoot. Really, throws your body out of whack especially when you're not used to it.

I head to Mexico this weekend for a Music Video. It will be a lot of fun!

Just May left...

An angel saved my ass and lent me money for rent.

Now, just the month of May left and with 21 days I know I will find the rest of the rent.

A "friends" getting his headshots done today and paying someone else to doing his makeup. Apparently, the photographer also does make-up and he doesn't want to ruffle any feathers. He hopes that doesn't offend me and if I understand the sensitivity of the situation.

I'm not upset and I DO understand.

The only thing I can say is... Your loss not mine. When you have a friend that's a make-up artist, she probably knows who takes good headshots and who doesn't. And when a photographer throws you attitude about the make-up... Well you get what you pay for. Or in this case you just get what you paid for

An angel saved my ass and lent me money for rent.

Now, just the month of May left and with 21 days I know I will find the rest of the rent.

Booked

I booked two music videos in the last two days and a short 16mm film. Things are looking up.

Now, if I could only get paid what I'm worth.

Past due...

My landlord just called... I owe two months. Last month was a great month as far as connections. I met a Hollywood Make-up artist who's launching her new cosmetic line and asked me to assist her for a weekend with her Academy award winning hairstylist. I got booked for a catalog shoot that weekend and a called to fly to Georgia for a horror movie.

Flying high with all these options. I turn down the catalog shoot and horror movie, having a mentor was everything I had asked for.

"Text Message" Trip pushed to June.

Not a dollar to my name, I push on.

i Confess

i Confess... I didn't think this was going to me my career growing up. I was under the illusion that I had to be a doctor or a lawyer. Could have been a lawyer, went to school for it for two years and realized it just wasn't the environment I wanted to spend my day. I'm a creative person, I need to be creative. I moved to Los Angeles permanently or should I say the second time in August 2001. Wrote a screenplay and have revised and revised.

I dabbled in post and pre-production. I'm probably the only intern I know that gets fired. I knew I wanted to be involved in the movie making process. After several attempt at post production, I went to sell cosmetics at a department store. Fast forward a year and half later when I realize I'm taking Make-up to the next level and I walk out.

I'm a Make-up Artist forging my way in this business. Which is a huge learning experience everyday, mostly about me and how resilient I can be.