BAD ACTING

RANDOM

        Andrew booked random modeling gigs for ready to wear clothing brands one would buy at a mall or department store. The last Thursday in July Andrew asked me to join him on a shoot because he said they could be "super boring". The thought of watching Andrew getting paid to put on clothes did not sound like fun. I felt envious of the projects that landed in his lap. Andrew complained about the modeling shoots constantly. I told him I might teach a dance class, just making up excuses. Andrew added that he needed to stop by his agent to pick up a check before heading to the shoot and that he could introduce me. I wanted a new agent to replace Michael and I heard good things about Andrews agency, DIVIDE. I agreed to tag along for the day.

        Andrew picked me up and we drove into Hollywood to stop at his agency before heading to Pasadena for the shoot. I followed Andrew into the gray art deco building carrying my Beatles bag. Andrew introduced me to one of his agents and I handed her my headshots and resume.

        "We are not looking for new talent at this time."

        Feeling defeated I said "thank you", and we left the agency and headed to Pasadena.

        "Bummer man."

        "It's all good."

        "Maybe I can ask them again in a few weeks?"

        "It's ok."

        "I'm sorry dude."

        "Thanks anyway, it was worth a try."

        Andrew's modeling gig shot on the rooftop of a building. I sat to the side out of the way and Andrew started hair and makeup. I watched the first hour of the shoot in a shitty mood. Andrew and a blonde female model posed and changed into different outfits. The flat rooftop with palm trees and buildings in the background made a great environment for a shoot. Crew members continued to bring boxes of merchandise up on the roof, while wardrobe hung garments up on racks and organized shoes and bags into male and female sections.

        Andrew ran over and sat next to me while production changed the lights.

        "Bored yet?"

        "It's not that bad." I lied.

        "They have a lot of clothes to get through, I'll probably be here all day tomorrow too."

        One of the photographers walked over to us, smiling, and waving his hand.

        "Who is your friend?"

        Andrew introduced us.

        "Are you a model?"

        Andrew interrupted me before I could answer no.

        "Yes, he is actually."

        "What have you done?"

        I could not think of anything to say, but I reached into my bag to show him my headshots. My hand felt the leather book with the photos from Carrie's shoot, and I felt a jolt of hope. I pulled out the photo book and handed it to the photographer. He flipped through the pages quickly.

        "Nice. These are good."

        "Thanks."

        "Would you be interested in helping out today?"

        "Uhh. Sure."

        "We're in a time crunch and have a lot of clothes. If you two can split the guys' products we might be able to finish this before dark."

        "Ok."

        "Excellent, I'll pay you for the full day."

        Andrew slapped me on the back, grinning.

        The photographer thanked me, and yelled out to the crew, "Can we get this guy in hair and makeup? Now!"

        Andrew and I tag-teamed the rest of the shoot. The wardrobe crew dressed me, while Andrew posed for the photographer. Then I jumped in and they shot me while Andrew dressed into the next outfit. The poses were easy.

        Stand there.

        Sit on the box.

        Turn to the side.

        Sit on the ground.

        The last shots we posed with the blonde female model. She stood in the middle and Andrew and I stood on two boxes slightly behind her. Andrew and I jumped down from the boxes and they captured the shot with us in mid-air. We photographed different variations of this in four outfits. The photographer thanked Andrew and I and said we could leave.

        We both received five large bags of clothes and a check for $1300 on our way out.