As the TV pilot turns, more from behind the camera

I enjoyed another day on the TV set yesterday. I love that this "set" is a house that is under renovation (click here to read about my TV pilot gig) because I get to participate in a transformation and be on film. Very cool.

Yesterday I was filmed working on a top-secret project for the show (don't worry, when the show is wrapped I'll share details). The project was an idea I presented during my final audition. As with many ideas, until you execute it, you never quite know how good it will be! Luckily this one worked out just as I envisioned, which is good because it unfolded on film. I look forward to sharing it with you.

The most challenging part of the day was being filmed talking to the camera (with 5 people watching!) and giving the "audience" a design tip. Lots of smiling, talking slow and a little powder on my face to cut the "shine" and we got the shots! I didn't have a script, so it was a collaborative, wing-it process. Everyone really goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and do your best.

Finally, I did a voice over (reading from a script without the camera) for them to run over my craft project footage. That was done in the sound booth, also known as the mini van! We needed a quite spot and that was it. Reading like you aren't reading takes some skill, but I pulled it off.

My other job on the show is behind the scenes selection of materials for the bathroom and kitchen renovations. I can't give those details away, but a lot of decisions, including paint colors, were made and this house and show are on their way to a great look!

There are so many people involved in putting this pilot together. The producers, team (contractor, Realtor and host), sound, lighting and camera people are all very professional, funny, kind and interesting. It's been so much fun spending time with them on this project.

Thanks for sharing the experience with me. I'll keep you posted; we're scheduled to wrap-up in mid-August. Happy decorating!

My first tv moment!

Where has the month gone? As July comes to an end, I have exciting news to share with you. Last week I began working on a home renovation TV pilot!

I'm used to my design work being on the other side of the camera, but not me. One cool thing about running your own business is you experience a lot of "firsts." First client, first big job, first referral, first moment in print...but I never really thought about having my first audition to be on television.

I found out about the project through a client, who referred me to the producers. After a meeting at the house, a written proposal and an audition in front of the camera, I found out I was selected to be the designer for the pilot. Pretty cool, huh?

Here's the skinny. The "untitled home renovation show" is filming in Towson, MD in a house that's being renovated for the project. I am one of a cast of 4, including a contractor, Realtor and a host. I don't know the name of the show, but if I did I probably couldn't tell you anyway!

I filmed two scenes last week, one was shot in a small bathroom with 4 other people (three of them, the camera and lighting crew, were in the shower and to be ignored) and the other was shot around a table where the cast discussed the project. This show, like all home reality shows, has a twist, but I cannot tell you those details!

The entire cast and crew are very nice and I enjoyed spending the day watching them work and chatting about life. It's fun to be part of a big project and I love learning about other people's jobs and talents.

I'm also doing the design work for the show -- helping select the materials and finishing details for the rooms we're renovating. I had a great day shopping with the producers last week to find selections for the rooms.

There's more to come and I'll keep you posted! Send happy camera vibes my way.