Tuesday morning I woke up wondering if it was all a dream. Probably because I was still delirious from waking up at 4am the day before… But still.
The 12 hours I spent on set Monday filming Criminal Minds could arguably be 12 of the best hours of my life. That day completely reaffirmed just how much I love acting and just how much I want to be doing this every day.
I can’t accurately describe the whole experience until after the episode airs, but for now I will write about what I can…
From the time I arrived at the studio lot for my 5:30am calltime, there were people escorting me everywhere I needed to go – to the hair/makeup trailer, to set, telling me lunch is served, delivering my wardrobe. I was definitely not used to that. I hope I never get used to that. I hope I always remain as grateful as I was to be working my very first day on a production of that level as I do if I am so lucky to be working my 1,000th day.
There’s nothing like being on a set like this.
There’s no amount of acting classes that can prepare you for the feeling of having close to 100 people bustling around – the director and producers (who have worked on handfuls of shows you’ve watched from your couch for years), actors (well-known ones you’ve watched from your couch for years), PAs, stand-ins, crew guys drilling things into the ceiling at the last minute – and the equipment – cameras (right in your face), monitors, boom mics (right above your head).
And as an actor, you have to focus and not let these things distract you. You have to pretend none of it’s there.
Working with director Rob Hardy was amazing. He is one of the nicest, most genuine people. When it was time to film my scene, he called me to set, gave me a hug and asked how I was doing. He made me feel like I’d known him for years and completely put me at ease. And after you see the episode, you will understand why I appreciated that so much.
Also, I have to say that Joe Mantegna is also one of the nicest people. Seriously love that man. Hardly know him, but it doesn’t take much to know he is great.
I pretty much didn’t want to leave when the day was over. I had just had the most surreal moment of my life thus far (which I will write about after the episode airs).
I am so thankful for this opportunity… That Scott David and Becky Silverman selected me to audition for the role… That Rob Hardy and Virgil Williams took a chance on an actress with no prior TV credits to be in their episode… That I didn’t bomb my performance on set!
Mostly I am thankful to the Lord – not only is He the One who gave me the acting abilities that I have, He has also provided a means for me to utilize them. I’m grateful for his provision of my family and their unfailing support and encouragement – without which I surely would have packed up and moved back to Dallas by now!
I truly love acting, and I feel so blessed to be able to pursue it as a career. There are so many opportunities on a set to share your faith. The entertainment industry can be a dark place. My prayer is that I will be a light for Christ in that darkness. Hopefully this is just the first of many incredible, indescribable, and incomparable experiences to come.
So proud of you Mere!! And it's so cool to hear how God is using you! I can't wait to see the episode! When will it air?
Never mind! I see it airs on Feb. 27th.
Thanks, Kelly! So sweet of you.