Rock the Room

getting ready for a SAG national commercial audition

Lately I've been focusing all my attention on 'getting in the room.'  Hollywood is so competitive that it's a full-time job pursuing opportunities in entertainment. 

At a recent SAG national commercial casting audition, the director even posted a notice letting us know we were one of the few people chosen out of up to 2,000 candidates for EACH role!

I started the year off by saying I was going to take some risks in 2013.  Well, the big news is that I quit my day job! 

Saying goodbye to a position I'd held for almost five years - and the lucrative, steady paycheck - is terrifying!  But I hadn't been able to audition so it was time to make a choice.

From now until November is episodic season when sessions are held to cast roles for upcoming TV shows. It will be a big change from going to the office everyday but I'm excited to be a able to audition, workout much more and take on creative projects. 

And for you, whatever you do, rock the room!

-- Backstage magazine ran a great article about episodic season from casting director Caroline Liem, click here.  

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Hotshots 6.30.13

Photo: City of Prescott AZ

One of the reasons I've moved away from strictly reporting hard news into TV hosting is that some stories now affect me in a way that kills a broadcast news career.  

Such is the case with the deaths of the 19 Prescott firefighters - The Hotshots.

Some of my first big stories as a reporter were covering National Forest Service hotshot crews for an Oregon TV station.  The station would often use stringers (freelancers) to get footage from remote mountain areas but if a fire threatened lives and structures, we got the assignment.

What had started as a controlled brush fire in Eastern Oregon was turning into a raging inferno when we got the call.  The fire was burning so hot, it had jumped a river.

A photographer and I met the captain at a base camp before heading to the fire line. We would follow him in our truck to get footage from a safe place; crazy that you can literally walk to the edge of a fire line and not even get singed. 

The scene at a wildfire isn't nearly as chaotic as when a building is burning in a densely populated city. I'm seldom afraid covering natural disasters and that day was no different.  We don't think about dying, we simply do our jobs.  This is what we signed up for.

"Get out! Get out now!"  There was no warning.  In a flash, the wildfire had shifted direction.  We were trapped by an inferno on three sides.

We raced to the trucks but turning a satellite rig around on a narrow dirt road is no simple maneuver.  We hit the bank, nearly tipping.  In these situations, it's not seconds that determine whether you live or die, it's a fraction of a second.

Reporting has made me aware there is no such thing as luck.  Luck cannot keep a truck upright, set its tires straight and turn it to exactly the right degree to slip through an inferno - in a fraction of a second.

For the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a fraction of a second was not enough time.

We ache with the families. I've spent the last few days bearing the weight of a sorrow that makes no sense in the natural. I've come to understand this unexplainable grief I feel over certain stories is a God thing - ironic for someone who spent half a lifetime running from Him. 

There's a spiritual definition called "intercession" but to me it's just means you literally feel heaven's burden on earth.  Yet, it isn't a hopeless grieving, but one that says there is divine purpose yet to be fulfilled.  We often can't see the greater reason but heaven can.

'What went wrong?'  In this intercession place, it's not a question to place blame but, like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemene, pouring out the weight of sorrow.

Tears are of little use to a reporter; no weeping on the nightly news.  Foolish girl, my mind warns, Stop crying for strangers. And instantly the heart responds by shutting down.

Until the tears keep falling anyway...Tears won't bring back the Prescott firefighters  but they will honor the heroes who gave their lives on their last call. 6.30.13.
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A Facebook page has been set up in memory of the 19 Prescott firefighters. 

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Pt. 4 Keeping Up wiith the Kardashians - Five Tips for Your First Facial

I've been breaking my promise not to cover the Kardashians and sharing some of their hot spots in my neighborhood. I wasn't ready to visit LaserAway, which was featured on a recent episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians with Kim and her sister getting wax jobs (did anyone really need to see that?!) but I was ready for the A-list spa treatment. 

Thanks to a gift certificate, I decided to get my first-ever spa facial at Burke Williams, a popular choice for stars like Eva Longoria, Hilary Duff and others.

Eva Longoria heading into Burke Williams West Hollywood. Photo:  Splash News

Celebrities spend a fortune to keep their faces in top condition. If you've been wondering whether a spa facial is worth the investment, read on for tips on how to find the best skin care expert for you.

1. Decide what kind of setting you want for your facial
Maybe you don't need a posh setting but I definitely wanted the luxe ambiance and included use of amenities Burke Williams offers. The Santa Monica location isn't impressive from the street but inside awaits the ultimate A-list experience.

2. Get referrals
I had asked a former BW masseuse for names of her favorite therapists and also asked celebrity beauty expert Dana Waldie for advice on the best type of facial for my skin type. Dana recommended microdermabrasion after I interviewed her about the trend (read the interview here).

Since all estheticians must meet educational and licensing standards, those factors won't help narrow your choices.  Esthetician Renee Rouleau has a post on how to find a pro in your area here.

3. Rock the consultation
Ask whether the spa offers a free consultation in advance.  Arriving at Burke Williams, a host led us to our lockers to change before we met with the esthetician.

Burke Williams lounge

Bare naked ladies alert! The European-style spa is bathing suits optional (an adjustment for us more modest Midwesterners).  After changing into the spa's plush robes and slippers, a therapist led my sisters and I to our treatment rooms. The facialist, Sheila, took time examining my skin and listening to my needs and concerns.

4. During the facial
Asks lots of questions to see if you and the esthetician have good chemistry.  Sheila put me at ease explaining how the products wouldn't irritate my sensitive skin. 

When it was time for the treatment, Sheila even performed the microderm using gentle plant extracts instead of more abrasive methods.

BW's Spa Style Facial includes cleansing and hydrating masques, upper body and foot massage and paraffin wax dip to soften hands. Glad I opted for the 80-minute treatment instead of 50 minutes - so relaxing!

At the end of my session, Sheila gave me written recommendations to help maintain my skin's glow. The only reason I would take away points is that I did feel pressured to buy additional spa services and products.

5. After the facial
Wait a few days to see how your skin responds. Ultimately, I felt the $160 facial was worth the cost.

Good luck finding the perfect skin care expert for you!
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How to get that flawless makeup look - tips with celeb beauty expert Dana Waldie in part 3 of my "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" series here.

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Pt. 3: Keeping Up with the Kardashians - Tips for a Flawless Face

Paparazzi snap Kim Kardashian (pre-baby) in Santa Monica

Get ready for "Kimye" madness covering everything from the newest Kardashian's first burps to her million dollar drool.  It will be a circus as paparazzi try to get shots of Kim's post-baby looks when she returns to her Santa Monica hotspots.

In part 3 of my Keeping Up with the Kardashians series, I ask celebrity beauty expert Dana Waldie of A Makeover Muse what celebs like Kim use to keep their faces camera-ready. 

Shay:  What kinds of products do stars use to get that flawless look?

Dana:  First, you need a good skin care regimen (see our interview here).  Next would be foundation. A great product that a ton of makeup artists use is Armani. The texture is extremely smooth and it almost feels like it has a built-in primer.

Shay:  The makeup artists for a talk show I just did also recommended it. They said it has a great range of colors, which is important for women of color.

Dana:  Absolutely. It used to be an industry secret but now you read about it everywhere.  It ranges from $49 to $95 depending on the formulation so it's an investment but it lasts a while.

Shay:  That is a bite out of the wallet.

Dana:  Yes, and even before applying the foundation you may want a primer.  The primer from Hourglass Cosmetic is fantastic.  It's fragrance-free and uses minerals instead of chemicals. It also has sunblock SPF of 15 or 30.  It runs about $50-55.

Shay:  What does primer do for our makeup application?

Dana:  Primer is your base so it seals in your makeup application, fills in fine lines and adds longevity to help your makeup withstand heat, humidity and sweat.

Shay:  Any powder recommendations to complete the look?

Dana:  One of my favorites is by La Bella Donna.  Her mineral makeup line is superb. You don't get that heavy, caked-on look and don't need foundation since the loose powder acts as foundation and powder in one.

Shay:  We're talking high-end but I'm all for simplicity so being able to cut a step or two is great.

Dana:  If you do need more coverage, concealer is key. Vincent Longo cream concealer has colors that blend with almost any skin tone.  It's $28 and you can use it under the eyes, for spot treatment, blemishes and redness.

Shay:  Perfect. We're ready for our close-up!
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Pamper yourself like a Kardashians at the spa - how to find the best treatments for you in part 4 of my Keeping Up with the Kardashians series here.

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Pt. 2: Keeping Up with the Kardashians - Behind the Scenes of My TV Pilot

E! photo

The pampered Hollywood lifestyle is about as far from my background as you can get. Raised on US military bases, we learned how to salute and survive in the wilderness; in Hollywood, it's all about appearance - like how to apply airbrushed makeup or cover the breasts in sheer tops (Band-aids. Really).

For someone who still prefers combat boots to high heels, I have to step out of my comfort zone when I'm working on camera.  As part of my Keeping Up with the Kardashians series, I take you behind the scenes to show what it's like shooting a TV show pilot.  

I'm on set all week with the team behind blockbuster films like Chronicles of Narnia, The Passion of the Christ and The Secret Life of Bees as they expand their film-making success into TV (in case you're wondering, a "pilot" is basically a test episode for TV decision-makers to see.  Most shows start as pilots before getting picked up as series). 

Like any woman, the Kardashians don't roll out of bed looking flawless.  But unlike most of us, they have a team of stylists at hand.  To me, that's one of the best parts of working on camera - so nice to have someone else take care of hair, makeup and wardrobe while you simply relax, talk or even nap!

In the makeup room

I did channel my inner Kim K. a few times, vetoing some choices like airbrushed foundation that masked my skin's natural brightness and hairstyles needing extra hold since hairspray breaks off my fine hair.

Another great thing: craft services. Who doesn't love a buffet? I arrived at my call time each morning and fueled up on scrambled eggs, fresh strawberries, pineapple, grapes and melon. 

I try to avoid gluten and sugar so stayed away from the sandwich and dessert trays (although I did sneak a brownie or two!).  My vice: drinking caffeinated soda for the long hours on set.

Of course, there are the less glam times on a production, like long wait times between segments for set and lighting adjustments. And deadline pressures and creative differences can lead to friction but fortunately our cast and crew got along well.

On set of the talk show pilot

We shot four pilot episodes over two days dishing on everything from sex to marriage to afterlife but we won't know the show's future for several months.  
--
Check out part 3 of my Kardashians series with tips on how to get a flawless face here.

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Pt. 1: Keeping Up With the Kardashians - Younger Looking Without Injections

I'm breaking my promise not to cover the Kardashians. Sorry!  I'm sure fans caught the premiere of  Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Some segments are shot in my Santa Monica neighborhood so I'll be sharing some of their hot spots.

This is a month for breaking out of my tomboy shell - shooting a talk show pilot for women, testing spa facials and checking in to a luxury villa.  

Since I'll be getting my first facial soon, I asked celebrity beauty expert Dana Waldie for recommendations.  I'm not interested in trying the 'Bloody Vampire' facial Kim debuted on a recent show, but I do want to test the hottest trend in Hollywood: microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is nicknamed the "lunchtime peel" since you can go back to work right after the facial. The procedure is painless and leaves you with younger looking skin without the use of chemicals or needles.

Shay: What is microdermabrasion?

Dana: Microdermabrasion is a mechanical form of exfoliation almost like a little vacuum you'll feel on your skin. It sucks up the dead skin cells and will literally make your face feel as smooth as a baby's bottom. 

Shay: What is it doing for the skin?

Dana:  The best candidates are people with pigmented, sun-damaged skin, oily skin and anyone concerned about anti-aging prevention because it reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

It's not for people with acne breakouts because that will spread the bacteria and someone with rosacea or sensitive skin should never have microdermabrasion performed.

Shay:  So you can get microderm that morning and rock the room that night!

Dana: One caution, I don't recommend the form of treatment that spits out little sand granules because that can scratch the surface of your skin. A few places offer a diamond-tipped wand, which is definitely a luxury high-end service. 

Shay:  Can't wait to try it!   
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Dana also says microdermabrasion isn't permanent and works best when done every 4-6 weeks. Check out more info in Dana's blog here and also in this piece from top experts on the procedure.

How to get a flawless face and find the best spa treatments for you as my "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" series continues.

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Managing Emotions before a Photo Shoot

I've been writing about my battle with camera shyness despite working in TV and dealing with emotions before a shoot. Then, almost as if it were timed, I get a call that a celebrity photographer wants to fit me into a last-minute opening. 

I knew I had to jump on the opportunity even though I was waiting to hear if a family member would make it through surgery 2,000 miles away. Here's how I managed the day in case it helps anyone else.
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9:00 am:  Shower. Wash/blow dry hair (yogurt facial mask applied day before).

10:00 am:  Photographer had suggested wearing black dress. I only wear LBD's at red carpet events and funerals. Picked one I wear to funerals. Pack:

• fuschia tank top and blouse, purple business top, black skirt
• skinny jeans, denim jacket, silver belt, black booties (oops, forgot pumps)
• necklace, diamond stud earrings 

10:30 am: Practice poses while waiting for call from hospital to take my mind off things (it may feel stupid but the mirror really helps!).

11:30 am:  Walk to mall to look for dress. Shopping fail.

2:15 pm:  Shower again. Style hair. Apply makeup in natural shades. Lancome Teint Idole foundation, blush, MAC Blotting Powder, YSL Golden Gloss, liner, mascara.

3:20 pm:  Finish packing (remember blotting cloths, lint remover, charger, etc.).  Get a call that my relative made it through surgery! 

4:00 pm:  Traffic, grrrr. Rush hour + construction + Dodgers game = tortuous crawl. Running late. Feeling tense.

5:10 pm:  Meet photographer.  Perfect light, known as 'magic hour' just before sunset when light is soft and casts few shadows.

6:30 pm:  Wrap! Photographer works fast.

1:30 am:   Night owls - photographer sends raw shots to review.

2:30 am: Winner!

Something that helped me focus despite the emotional challenges was to view things like an artist.  Artists often name their work and use it to channel their emotions so that's what I did.  I called the shoot, 'Surrender,"  as a statement of trusting God even when facing the possible loss of a loved one.

On the practical side, packing a day or two before the shoot helps reduce stress; so does avoiding sugar and caffeine.  For expert advice from the photographer on rocking your shoot, check out my article, 'Camera Shy?  Tips to Photograph Like a Celebrity.' 
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Model Jen Brook as some fantastic posing tips in her blog: http://jenbrookmodel.tumblr.com.  

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