Saturday, my daughter Lindsey and I thoroughly enjoyed the screening of the 3D version of Beauty & the Beast with my friend Denise and her daughter who LOVES everything Disney. My teen girls grew up on that movie and it is never grows old. We both enjoyed seeing it with extra dimension. I saw details I never noticed before and was swept once again into this classic tale.

"Like" BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DisneyBeautyAndTheBeast

  BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 3D hits theaters January 13, 2012.

We also saw a great short of  "Tangled Ever After," a teaser of which I included below:

{Disclosure: We received free tickets to this screening. All thoughts and opinions are our own.}

Everyone asks: "How did you get into doing movie work?"

OR rather what they really want to know: "How can I get into the movies?" Or, maybe it's their son or daughter or someone they know. And then, you know they are looking you up and down and thinking – if SHE can do this, I can do this.

Cynical? Yeah, maybe, but I know that I am older, I've inherited the growing bags under my eyes of my English heritage and I've put on a few extra pounds in recent years.

So, why do I do it? Some people quilt. Some people walk through swamps hiding geocaches for fun (Ahem, my husband). But me? When I see a posting that extras are needed for a big scene in a movie being filmed locally, my skin starts to itch.

I look in the mirror and think I probably should take off a few pounds first. Probably should get my hair touched up. Probably should get my nails done and shop for a new outfit. (And JUST in case, I go nuts and submit my actor's resume – which you need to know how to format and I did learn to do that and why waste what I've learned, ya know, I'd better shop for solid colors with no black, red or white or wild patterns that mess with the camera.)

And, then, it happens. Dang it. I open my gmail. I select "Compose." In goes the email address for the recent project being filmed. And I pause. Am I really going to put myself out there again? Yes, my kids think it's cool. Yes, my husband does not (or at least that's what he says until I meet a co-worker who says, "So, you are the one in movies?" and I laugh and know my husband's been outed.)

But, it takes a toll on my work time, my family time and whatever else I had planned for the week. Often you only learn 24-48 hours before going on set that you've been selected.

And, then I write a short note that yes, I am available for the days posted (which I know truly in my heart that I am really NOT available if everything and everyone else in my  life I know that depend on me are going to have their needs met). And, I attach my resume and headshot or a recent shot (neck up). And, I hit submit. This last one I added a "social media pledge" that I would not post on Facebook or Twitter about anything going on in the film since they ask you not to anyway and a quick search of my name would find me ALL over the Internet.

And, I wait. I go about my business and I start clearing my schedule. Thanks to recent activity on the casting site's own Facebook page, I learn that SAG actors were called on Saturday this last week. And, I wonder. Did I submit too late? And, then I see another comment. Extras are being called on Monday (to be on set Tuesday – Thursday!).

Go on. Go about your daily routine. Try not to expect anything. You aren't doing this full time like others who depend on this cash. In fact, you know you are losing money on other jobs you have carefully culled to allow you flexibility with kids and possibly movies. But, . . .  just in case, let's forewarn the people who depend on you and who you will depend on to get your jobs done. Time to call in some favors.

And the call comes. And, you go nuts. It's really going to happen. You are expected on set – every day, all day, until they wrap the day. And everyone else in your life has to standby while you are gone fulfilling your dream. Doing something you enjoy very much.

The days are long. Extras who are doing this for the first time are dropping like flies. They have no ideas what hours are expected of them once they say yes. New faces show up each day and you stay. You tell your family – just two more days. Just one more day. We can do this.

And, you know you can't talk about the actors or actresses online who show up in the local news for charities you will probably post about in the future. {Hint. . Hint. . }

As you sit on set, you think, I really can't do this again for awhile. Too much time out of the rest of my work, too much to do in life. It's odd to  go sit on a set with mixed emotions of sorta wanting to be needed and sorta not because, honestly, you know you will never be a movie star and yet, everyone else seems to want to be noticed and needed there. And, you know you are needed – elsewhere.

And yet, the eye wanders back to the Facebook page, back to the website announcing new projects. And you know you will watch and wait.

But, yeah, I'll be back. It's in my blood now. And yes, believe me, you will know when this last movie comes out and whether I can see myself because that's the fun of the reveal!

{Side Note: Did I tell you that The Last Airbender had a prop sale? A friend called and my whole costume was intact with my picture on it! My daughter got to be me for Halloween! What a hoot! Will add picture later along with pictures with Mandy Moore and Sarah Jessica Parker both of whom I met at events in NYC for their own promotional events – nothing filming related. I am just addicted to it all, sadly but true. And, I'm not the only one!}

Need a good Christmas stuffer or a great idea for a rainy Friday night like this one? Get the Dumbo 70th Anniversary Blu-Ray Combo Pack which just came out because it's an amazingly classic tale that keeps kids' heart soaring for this little guy. Everybody is talking about bullying these days but it's not an new story. You see the same thing being addressed in this 1941 cartoon where the underdog learns to believe in himself and comes out on top (or rather flying through the sky!) Great theme that never gets old.

Synopsis:

Let your spirits soar as you travel beyond the big top to Walt Disney's timeless classic! In celebration of this landmark film's 70th anniversary, DUMBO now includes a thrilling digital restoration and never-before-seen bonus features! When Mrs. Jumbo's little "Baby Mine" finally arrives, Dumbo and his oversized ears become the talk of the circus. With the help of his loyal best friend, Timothy Mouse, a magic feather and a ton of courage, Dumbo uses his sensational ears to soar to fame as the world's one and only flying elephant! Full of daring adventure, memorable characters, award-winning music and inspiring messages about the power of friendship and belief in yourself, DUMBO will become a treasured part of your family's collection of classic movies.

I love The Movie Tavern so much (and I've already frequented their doors TWICE now) that I am sharing with you news on their Grand Opening in Collegeville tomorrow! Keep reading to see all the goodies they have planned. {Buy your tickets online to avoid lines.}

WHAT:                            MOVIE TAVERN, A Unique Movie & Dining Experience!

WHERE:                          MOVIE TAVERN

                                          Providence Town Center

                                          140 Market Street

                                          Collegeville, PA 19426

WHEN:                    TOMORROW – SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011

TIME:                           1:00PM – 4:00PM

DETAILS:                 An afternoon of movie-mania fun and excitement is planned for Saturday, July 30^th, when MOVIE TAVERN opens its doors officially to residents of the Delaware Valley.  All are welcome to enjoy a very unique movie and dining experience at MOVIE TAVERN, which includes a menu of Classic American favorites served to guests on individual tabletops while they enjoy first-run films in state-of-the-art auditoriums, featuring the most comfortable seating of any other movie theatre!

Beginning at 1pm, patrons are urged to join in on the great fun and festivities with WXTU playing the best Country music, hosted by DJ Ken Anderson,  as well as treating all attendees to movie trivia contests and games in an effort to win an assortment of movie-themed giveaways.   Special attraction will be Country Artist, Sherry Lynn, who will be performing songs from her new CD “So Much More”, the follow-up to her first CD – “It’s A Woman Thing”.  

WXTU will also be collecting backpacks and school supplies in conjunction with their “Backpack Challenge” to support Philadelphia’s Foster Care System. 

Patrons will also be able to sample some of the delicious menu items featured at MOVIE TAVERN, such as their Mini Me Burgers, fresh-popped Popcorn and their Frozen Lemonade and Fruity Island Smoothies.

Plus, all attendees will receive a special commemorative Western-themed photo celebrating the release of Universal’s Cowboys & Aliens, opening at MOVIE TAVERN that weekend, in addition to being able to win Cowboys & Aliens shirts and hats!

http://www.movietavern.com

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