Deneen Melody - Actress

Rose White

2011-05-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ok. I lied. I'm still going to keep posting here. Mainly because I need to keep my website strictly professional and this is where I can be a little more personal. Wee!

Anyway, I'm trying to raise some additional funding for my film, Rose White. It was written by Daniel Kuhlman after I presented the idea to him. He also directs it along side our friend Brian Kilborn and Jeremy Kuhlman is the Cinematographer. It stars Erin Breen, Tom Lodewyck, Daniel Kuhlman, Anthony Fleming, and myself. (As well as many others...like the lovely Valerie Meachum and Brooke Lodewyck as "little me".)

We're so close to our goal...just about $650 away!!!

I'm actually going to do a much longer post about this film when I can...but right now I have an audition to get ready for. :) Be sure to pass this along! Any and all help is dearly appreciated!

xoxo

- Deneen

New website!

2011-03-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

I probably won't be blogging on here much longer...which means...you should go to my website. Since I'll be writing all sorts of random stuff there. Weee!

http://deneenmelody.net

The website mostly serves as my professional site, but since it has a blog, I'll be blogging about random acting things every once in awhile. :)

- Deneen

Changes

2011-02-05T12:53:00.001-08:00

It has been a few months since I last blogged, and with good reason. There has been a lot going on and there is even more about to happen...so my mind has been a huge jumble of thoughts, which is difficult to write out sometimes.

I'll post a more detailed blog later. :) Promise!

Online Networking and Social Stuff

2010-11-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

This is something that has been bothering me for awhile, and I feel the need to write about it. Maybe it is more to just let it off my chest, but the more I bring it up, the more I discover that other people in this business sometimes feel the same way.

I love the online world, I really do. It provides a wonderful way to network and connect with people in the industry that you may not be able to otherwise. I've met so many amazing, supportive, and positive people...it is so refreshing! I am thankful for all of them.

At the same time, I find myself being stressed over the fact that the more social you get, the more some people just want that attention. And while it isn't exactly a BAD thing, feelings get hurt and people become upset in thinking that you just don't care about them if you aren't there all the time.

Truth is, at least for myself, I am a very busy person. And all that people ever really see online is the networking part of me...which I do a lot as I feel it is important. Network, promote, connect...I do this for my career and to help others out as well.

What people do NOT see most of the time is what goes on behind the computer or behind the phone. (I say this because I use my phone most of the time to keep up with everything.) I think sometimes, people become SO involved in the online world, that they don't realize that people have things going on that they may not understand.

I never talk about my personal life, and when I do, it is very brief. This is for a reason. I appreciate the kindness of my friends that want me to talk and open up to them, but I don't WANT to. So please, do not pressure me. I have the people in my life I talk to about that stuff, and...I really do not mean this in a rude way...I don't have the need to be open with anyone else. Does it mean I do not like you or do not appreciate you? Not at all. But there are different types of friendships.

At first, I felt very selfish thinking this way. I've had several people become hurt and angry with me because I don't talk to them about certain things or call them or even just message them daily. However, that just isn't possible. I have so many friendships and connections and business relations not only online or in the film industry...but also in "real life", so to say. I absolutely cannot give every single person constant attention.

I love people, I really do...and I don't think the people that get their feelings hurt realize that it absolutely does bother me and I do think about it. It does make me think about how many people get sucked in to this online socializing and such, however, and how maybe...we should all sometimes take a step back and focus on some other things.

You never know what is going on with a person...especially in their personal life. If you are not there face to face, how do you really know what a person is going through?

This all being said, I am trying my hardest to keep in touch with people and to show support to all of them the best I can. If you guys didn't mean that much to me, I wouldn't even try and think about such things. Heck, I would just say SCREW YOU ALL...haha.

I feel better about this as I have talked to a few other actors and people related in this industry, and they go through the same thing. It seems the best thing to do is focus on what you need to and be kind to people. If that isn't enough, there really isn't much else you can do. So many have told me just not to worry about it, which I know I can't do, but I know I have been and will continue to do the best I can. If someone thinks I am a mean or bad person because I do not give them attention, I cannot control that.

So, basically, I guess to everyone...don't let things get to you too much. If someone isn't answering you or talking to you all the time, don't take that to mean they don't care about you or appreciate what you have done for them. And if you are someone that becomes stressed (like me) over worrying about making everyone happy, just relax and tell yourself that...hey, I'm doing the best I can and if someone gets upset with you over such things, it isn't worth bringing you down.

Slices of Life Premiere

2010-10-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Well, the time has finally come, and it has been well worth waiting for! The world premiere of Anthony G. Sumner's SLICES OF LIFE is happening this Saturday, October 23rd, at the Horror Society Film Festival in Chicago! Woohoo! It will be screening at 10:00 pm and a Q&A from the cast and crew will follow right after the film. Director Anthony G. Sumner, actor Marv Blauvelt, and myself are official guests for the event, but several of the cast/crew will be there as well...such as the beautiful Toya Turner and Judith Lesser.

Here is the official press release for the event:

The Horror Society and TinyCore Pictures have announced that the much talked about Chicago based horror film, SLICES OF LIFE, starring Deneen Melody, Toya Turner, Jack Guasta and Helene Alter-Dyche, will have its world premiere at The Horror Society Film Festival on Saturday, October 23 at 10 PM in the historic Portage Theater. 107 minutes

“SLICES OF LIFE” captures the struggle of young amnesiac Mira (Kaylee Williams) as she looks for clues to her own identity in the drawings of three personal sketchbooks. Mira’s world soon devolves into a harrowing nightmare as the stories in the books begin to blend with her reality.

A throwback to old school anthology horror movies, filmmakers Anthony G. Sumner and Eric Richter have created a chiller with something scary for everyone. Bloodsucking parasites, disembowelment, zombies, serial killers, demon children, violent vixens, rabid office workers and angry embryos all spring to life from the flesh covered sketch books featured in SLICES OF LIFE.

"We wanted create an over the top, creepy, gory, fun, ultra-low budget horror movie that had something for every horror fan” director Anthony G. Sumner explains. "Doing the feature as an anthology offered us the ability to really pack a lot of different themes into one feature film. The early press response has been amazing.”

This is an authentic Chicago Independent film in every aspect. It stars a cast of Chicago actors, all scenes were filmed at various locations in and around Chicago, so it seems only fitting that the world premiere be in Chicago at The Horror Society Film Festival. Start your Halloween early by joining the cast and crew for this special one time event on Saturday, October 23 at 10 PM in the historic Portage Theater. Tickets are available at http://www.horrorsociety.com/festivals/

Visit www.slicesoflifemovie.com to view the teaser trailer, become a Facebook fan and follow the projects progress on Twitter.

I have been fortunate to see the film before the screening, and honestly, I can say this is one of the best independent horror flicks I have seen....and I am beyond honored to be a part of it. Everyone involved in the crew and post...Anthony, Eric, Alan, Keith, Chad, Brian, Jill, Paul, Chris, Gene...thank you for everything. And a huge congrats to the cast! So many wonderful performances, you should all be proud. I am looking forward to seeing SLICES of the big screen with all of you.

If you are in the Chicago area and would like to see some really awesome indie horror films, then stop by the Horror Society Film Festival this weekend! SLICES will be premiering at 10:00 pm!!

Song of the Shattered

2010-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

So, last month, I had the opportunity to travel to PA and shoot a feature film called SONG OF THE SHATTERED. There is a long story behind how this film came to be...and I'm not going to really get into that. But, I will say right away that the team behind this film gets major kudos for taking a short film and turning it into an awesome full length movie...in literally a couple of days. It takes a certain level of professionalism and dedication to be able to do that, and everyone involved in this film definitely has it.

Here is the basic outline of the film: "A year after killing her murderous husband in self-defense, a young woman finds herself spiraling out of control, mimicking his brutal actions on those closest to her..." You can check out more on the film on the IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1687280/

Needless to say, this is a very emotional and dramatic story, and the film shows an extreme dark side of what can happen to a victim of such events. It wasn't easy to make either. Anyone who has experienced anything like the characters in the film (on any level, even if not as extreme), knows how difficult it can be to bring the reality onto the screen.

The gorgeous Devanny Pinn stars as Angela, the young woman that is a victim of rape and abuse. I had been a fan and admirer of Devanny for awhile before the film, and wow, she is an extremely impressive actress. For someone so young, she already has a lot under her belt and can pull off basically anything. Her scenes in the film were not easy ones, not by any means, but Devanny put 100% into her performance. It was difficult to watch the footage...it was that realistic and disturbing. I must also point out that Devanny is one of the most genuine and kindest people I have met in the industry...I absolutely love her.

If you are an indie horror fan, that you are probably already familiar with Brandon Slagle, who not only stars as Eric in the film, but was also the writer. (Among many other things!) The guy can act, write, direct (he took over some of the scenes), and produce...and be awesome at it. (Plus, he is just super charming.) He has a talent of just being able to come up with something really interesting on the spot, and actually do it. I also have a lot of respect for Brandon. This project is something very personal to him, and it takes A LOT to be able to handle everything the way he did.

Tara Cardinal, the beautiful actress behind LEGEND OF THE RED REAPER, plays Melanie...probably one of the most difficult types of character to play and pull it off well. I was very proud of Tara!!! She managed to bring this character to life while ALSO dealing with a lot of production stuff with RED REAPER...she is a working MACHINE! Like Devanny, Tara is someone I dearly admire. She is another actress that isn't about cattiness or playing dirty. She is honest and determined...quite the actress and filmmaker.

Our fantabulous director was Wolfgang Meyer, who also worked with Brandon on the upcoming thriller, 15 TILL MIDNIGHT. I loved working with Wolfgang! We had the chance to chat a couple of times on set, and he is someone that really loves making movies. It isn't about the money or the fame...and I think this is exactly why he is such a good director. While he gives his actors great direction, he also allows a certain level of expression to come from the actors themselves. It is always nice to work with someone that allows you to explore the character and the scene in your own way.

One of our wonderful producers, as well as another actor in the film, is the incredibly sweet Joe Hollow...whom I just simply ADORE! Devanny and Tara told me so many wonderful things about him before he got on set, and I could see right away why he is so loved. Joe is one of the most generous and passionate people I have ever met. I only really got to chat with him and work with him for about a day and a half, but he is someone I just know is such a good person. Joe is a filmmaker I trust with all my heart, and he has been a great friend ever since the shoot. I'm anxious to work with him again!

Of course, I must mention Jess Weber, Kaliafeh Wright, and Jimmy Creamer aka Screamerclauz...because these three guys were also AWESOME on set! Jess Weber, an actor from NY, came in to play the role of Michael...Angela's abusive husband. Originally, another actor was set to play Michael, but due to events...Jess stepped into the role basically last minute. He did a wonderful job, especially considering the role was an extremely physical one...and it isn't always easy playing the character you know the audience is going to hate. As for Kaliafeh Wright and Jimmy Creamer...these two are AWESOME SAUCE to the extreme!! Kaliafeh was always taking photos and getting footage for the BEHIND THE SCENES video (which you can see at the end of this blog)...as well as stepping in wherever he was needed. Very wonderful and hard working guy, I recommend him to everyone! Jimmy also helped everyone out on set big time, including acting in a very memorable scene with Devanny and providing some super creepy-awesome paintings for Tara's character. He has a wild film coming out soon called THE BUNNYMAN(well...that isn't the REAL title, but it is for the sake of IMDB) that everyone should also check out...starring Brandon Slagle!

One of the coolest things about this film, however, is just how dedicated every single person is. I mean, Brandon already edited the film together and released a teaser in a matter of a few weeks! That is highly impressive. (Not to mention that right after this, Tara and the gang went on to shoot the final scenes for LEGEND OF THE RED REAPER...) As I mentioned earlier, it takes something special to really be able to pull off a film like this...and this was definitely the right group. Making a film is NEVER easy, but to jump into a feature film within the period of a few days...especially one that is emotionally and physically draining...you have to be a true professional and someone that truly loves what you do. Your heart has to be in it all the way and you can't make a film to just get attention or for the glamorous side. Because, you know what? That isn't what filmmaking or acting should be about.

On a personal note, I am extremely proud of this film. My character, June, was a fun one to play because I got to be the sweet innocent girl (instead of the tough heroine) for a change, but still had lots of creepy and disturbing scenes. In fact, the scenes I have with Devanny are some of my favorite I have ever done. They are bloody, intense, and even a bit erotic...so, yeah. Plus, not only was it a great experience to work with a group of true artists, but the connections made on this set mean so much to me. Drama seems to be everywhere...and, for some reason, I've had my own share of negative situations during the last few months. So, to meet not one...but TWO actresses that are so supportive and encouraging was such a blessing. I am looking forward to working with everyone again on several projects and making some kick ass films...because this is what this group does! Heck yeah!

Oh. And there were the most adorable bears on the set. Seriously. I think Brandon caught one on tape...so we'll see if he makes it into the movie. ;)

Here are some photos and videos from SONG OF THE SHATTERED...beware, these may be NSFW due to the intensity and blood...but you definitely need to check them out:

Song Of The Shattered (Behind The Scenes) from Kaliafeh Wright on Vimeo.

PSYCHO STREET - Lewis

2010-06-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

The PSYCHO STREET horror anthology, a feature film created by actress Raine Brown and actor/producer Marv Blauvelt, finished filming the final segment Memorial Day weekend. LEWIS is a disturbing occult story written by Trevor Wright, Anthony Sumner, and Marv Blauvelt and directed by the always amazing Anthony Sumner.

I was very fortunate enough to play the character of Amanda Reece in this film, which also stars the talented Jerry Murdock, Susan Adriensen, Marv Blauvelt, Nick Morano, Michael Partipillo, Hollis Ireland, Sarah Kellet, Mike Watson, Nikki Watson, Phyllis Grant Munro, Jason Hignite, Taylor Metzger, Tori Sanders, and Marv Blauvelt as Robert Reece.

Anthony is definitely one of my favorite directors, period. I've worked with him on IT RIPS (a segment in GALLERY OF FEAR by Alan Rowe Kelly, his feature length horror anthology SLICES OF LIFE (the SEX LIFE segment), and will be working with him again on the remake of DON'T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT!. This guy REALLY KNOWS HIS STUFF. Whatever Anthony tells you to do, you do it...because it'll be amazing.

The Tiny Core crew is also always great. Eric Richter, Chad Norris, Keith Ehrenberg, Brian Raida, Paul Mackey, Taylor Miller...these guys kick ass like you wouldn't believe. We also had the awesome Dominick Sivilli from New York come in and help shoot. (Yay Dom!)

I have to give major credit to Marv and the guys of Clockwerk Pictures, though. They haven't worked on a film quite like this before, and they were absolutely wonderful. Arthur Cullipher, Kirk Chastain, Jason Hignite (both he and Kirk were SO awesome...they went through some of the bloodiest most time consuming makeup processes), Shane Beasley...AWESOME group of guys that I cannot wait to work with again. (I hope I didn't forget anyone! My apologies if I didn't type your name...I'm trying very hard to mention everyone!)

A group of us that worked on LEWIS will be attending the FRIGHT NIGHT FILM FESTIVAL at the end of July to promote PSYCHO STREET (as well as COME, SCULPTURE, SLICES OF LIFE, and more!)...so if you are in the area, be sure to stop by! It is going to be a fun time with lots of awesome folks in the indie horror industry.

I leave you with some photos from the set of LEWIS...enjoy!

Dirty Black Halo - AS NIGHT FALLS

2010-05-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am extremely excited to announce that the official music video for "AS NIGHT FALLS" is now online! The song was written and performed by the talented Dirty Black Halo (http://dirtyblackhalo.com) and directed by my dear Joe Davison, the director and one of the stars of the movie.

There are a lot of great clips in the video that have not been seen, so, check it out! If you thought the teaser trailer was great, this video KICKS BUTT!

Remember, you can keep up with news and updates on the film by checking out the website: http://asnightfallsthemovie.com

Thank you all for the constant support...it means a lot (I say that from the bottom of my heart) and it is VERY much appreciated. :) This film is going to be a good one (with a cast featuring Debbie Rochon, Raine Brown, Joe Davison, Julie Anne, and the next Harrison Ford himself, Dwight Cenac...how can it NOT be?)...much love!

"SLICES OF LIFE"

2010-04-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Fangoria has an exclusive look at "SLICES OF LIFE", the feature length horror anthology that was completed last year. It features three horror stories and a wrap around that include:

SKETCHER - Sketcher is what brings all the films together and stars Kaylee Williams, Helene Alter-Dyche, and Marv Blauvelt. (A young woman wakes up in front of a rundown motel with no memory of who she is or how she got there. Discovering three sketchbooks, she reads through them seeking clues to her identity.)

W.O.R.M. (WORK LIFE) - The award winning film that stars Jack Guasta and features the very talented Alan Rowe Kelly. (A lowly clerk at a nanotechnology firm unleashes a deadly virus at the office headquarters, giving new meaning to the term corporate zombie.)

AMBER ALERT (HOME LIFE) - The second story, written by Alan Rowe Kelly, stars the lovely Toya Turner and Thurston Hill. (As local girls begin to disappear, a young pregnant woman is haunted by visions of evil demonic children hellbent on stealing her unborn fetus.)

and finally....

PINK SNAPPER (SEX LIFE) - The final and most gruesome chapter of the film in which I play the lead, Susan Ballard. It also stars Galen Schloming as my brother, Eric, and Judith Lesser as Elizabeth. (A young brother and sister, on the run from a sexually abusive home life, take refuge in a countryside Victorian manor—only to discover that monsters hidden in this house have also been looking for a new home.)

It was such a blast working with all the guys from Tinycore Pictures (Eric, Chad, Keith, Paul...you guys rock!)...and I absolutely love working with Anthony Sumner. (We have two other projects in the works..."LEWIS" and "DON'T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT!")

If you are on Facebook, be sure to become a fan of the film...and add the "SLICES OF LIFE" Myspace page on Myspace as well!

Lastly, I leave you with the trailer...enjoy!

Slices Of Life (Teaser) from Eric Richter on Vimeo.

Much love,

Deneen

The Internets

2010-02-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

Myspace, Facebook, Twitter...all of those websites are sites that I use to network. Sure, I also like to keep up with my friends, but I mainly use them to promote myself as an actress and to help spread the word of my projects and everyone involved.

It isn't an ego trip. Believe me. I do not think of myself as a great actor by any means. There are many out there that are far more talented than I could ever hope to be, and they have my admiration and respect 100%. This is why I also spend just as much time promoting my fellow actors/filmmakers/artists...sometimes more than I do myself.

Ballet helped in this. Those that know of my past struggles with ballet, well, you know exactly why I would be the last person to ever think highly of myself. I just promote and plug as much as I can...I see other people do it all the time. I do not mean anything by it except for wanting to get my work out there.

My personality seems to come off wrong to others online sometimes, too. I am the first to admit that I am a very affectionate person. Always have been. If I say or do something, it isn't because I WANT something from it, I just find it important to be kind and friendly to others. If that gets taken the wrong way, I am very sorry.

I'm writing this because I would never want anyone to think that I am pushing for attention. Someone hinted at this a few days ago, and while I normally do not care what ANYONE thinks, I do not like negativity following me around.

If you know me, if you REALLY know me, you know that I am involved in film because I love it. I genuinely LOVE it. And it isn't the attention or the glamour that I love...it is the art, the hard word, the long days/nights...all of the hard stuff that always makes being an actor worth while.

The cast and crew that I work with, they are the people that I love and respect more than anything. I wouldn't even be doing what I do if it wasn't for them. Yes, I say that a lot, but it is the truth. It doesn't matter what type of actor you are...your name and your reputation wouldn't get anywhere if it wasn't for all the people that are working along side you.

My sincere apologies to anyone that has been quick to judge myself poorly...because I must of done something to make you feel that way. All I can say is that you really shouldn't judge so quickly, especially if you have never met someone and are basing your judgment by the internet. Words and actions online can often come across as something they are not.

Back in Chicago

2010-02-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

Well, after a wonderful time filming the action/horror/comic book-like film As Night Falls (directed by the awesome Joe Davison)...I am back in cold, dreary, depressing Chicago. Le sigh. However, lots of awesome news & updates on the film shall be appearing everywhere...such as the website (http://asnightfallsthemovie.com) and you tube channel (http://youtube.com/asnightfallsthemovie).

The film stars Dwight Cenac, Lily Cardone, Joe Davison, Michael Ellison, Grace Chapman, Raine Brown, Jeremy King, Tyler Cross, Andre Reissig, Julie Anne, and the amazing Debbie Rochon.

I cannot thank the cast and crew of ANF enough. I truly love all of you and cannot wait to work with you all again!!! I'll be coming back to Florida soon, I just know it.

Next up? Lewis, the final film in the Psycho Street horror anthology, which is going to be directed by one of my favorites, Anthony Sumner. I'm extremely excited about this...it is going to be creepy, bloody, and just plain awesome. Also starring in the film will be Susan Adriensen, Jerry Murdock, and Marv Blauvelt...who is one of the creators/producers of the anthology as well. As soon as I get more information, I shall be posting it!

I've also been cast as reporter Janelle Kincaid in K.M. Jamison's The Dead Light District, in association with All Night Pictures. It'll be my second film with Ari "FirstJason" Lehman and also stars Elske McCain and Christopher Howell. The film starts shooting in June...check out the official website: http://www.deadlightmovie.com/

Another film that is doing extremely well (although it is currently only in development and pre-production) is Michael Alan Smith's Diabolical. I'm very proud of Mike and everything the film has received in such a short time. The character I will be playing, Avalon "Ava" Williams, is a good one. Very strong spirited, devoted, and does what needs to be done. I'm a fan of characters like that. :)

Well, I am tired and am going to watch more Star Wars. Later!

Sleepless Nights

2010-01-14T05:44:00.000-08:00

Wow. I literally stayed up all night. Not by choice...I'm just very excited about finally getting to film the next five weeks. (Admittedly, also because my boyfriend is currently in LA...which makes me miserable. Well, that and the fact that I have been in Chicago, which I actually do not like much at all.)

Anyway, this film is one that I have been extremely anticipating. The character I'm playing is one I relate to on a few different levels...and I NEED to kick some butt. Due to my busy schedule the past few months, I haven't been able to focus on stunts or combat as much as I would like, so I am more than eager to fly out to Florida, do some training, and then fight, fight, fight. RAWR!

That is the teaser poster. I like it. And if you haven't seen the websites for the film yet, you can keep up with news and updates:

http://asnightfallsthemovie.com

http://popgunpictures.com/asnightfalls.htm

http://www.facebook.com/pages/As-Night-Falls/259223171512

I also just posted on Twitter about how much I love acting and film, and it is so very true. Those of you that really know me, know that I used to be a ballet dancer. Not just some girl that wanted to be a ballet dancer...I spent years and years and years training, performing, and devoting my life to it. I didn't have many friends, never went to social functions (no prom or homecoming for me), and even schooled myself during my Junior and Senior years of High School...all because I wanted to dance. That is it.

In all honesty, ballet has always been my biggest love and biggest heartbreak. It was difficult, but I never gave up, even when I faced some pretty cruel situations. (While my petite and voluptuous is well liked in film, it was NOT well liked in dance.) And, when I broke my foot, I STILL persisted and managed to dance on it for years after the fact. I just couldn't accept that a broken foot would keep me from doing what I loved.

However. It did. And it devastated me. After awhile, I had to hang up the pointe shoes for good and look for something else that could give me the same thrill as ballet. The same passion and the same dedication.

Film...film does that. I didn't think I would ever love it as much as ballet, but after doing it for two years, I have to say...I can't imagine NOT doing it. I have the same level of devotion to it as I did with dance. It may sound strange, but it is a comfort to me that I have this and have so many wonderful acting opportunities this year. (And all of them so different!)

So...yeah. I am finished with my rambles. And now that it is 8:17 in the morning...of course I want to go to sleep. (Why couldn't I sleep when it was DARK outside? Geesh! Seems like I am getting ready for all the night shoots I am about to endure...)

To finish, I don't know if I will have computer access the next few weeks, so this may be the last entry for awhile. (Or not, I will try my hardest to update!) But, if it is, I do have to say thank you to everyone that has continued to follow, support, and encourage me. You all know who you are and you know that I love you very much. I appreciate everything that you guys do, and I know I wouldn't have the opportunities presented to me if it wasn't for you.

Best wishes and much love,

Deneen

First Photoshoot of 2010 - Lace, Pearls, and Flour.

2010-01-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my first photoshoot of the year. Naturally, this shoot was with my lovely friend, Jessi Tetzloff, who also happens to be my favorite photographer. We're a great team and have been for the past two years or so. I even go as far to call her "MY photographer". I mean, yes, I do share her (haha)...but she and I have done a lot together and she is talent behind most of the photos you see online and in interviews.

Honestly, I don't do that many shoots now a days. There was a time where I mainly focused on modeling, but now, that time is definitely saved for my film work, which...after not being able to do ballet anymore...is my first love. However, I still model when I have down time and...truth be told...I will always make time for Jessi.

The shoot we did yesterday consisted of two sets. One set was done for an online feature next month, which...being February and all...needed to be something along the lines of "Valentine". I'm not one for cheesy (although, if you have ever seen my Drunken-Irish set Jessi and I did, you may not agree...)...so, Jessi and I decided to do something more romantic and sexy in an "innocent" way. I did not have on much makeup (no eye makeup whatsoever...just shimmer, a little blush, and gloss) and kept it simple by just wearing ballerina-styled lingerie. The over-all look of the set turned out to be a nice mix of Boudoir and Pin-Up.

Since Jessi and I work together all the time, we don't always book a makeup artist or hair stylist. This shoot was something I had to do before I leave to film "As Night Falls", so, Jessi did my hair. I have to say, I am very proud of her! Not only can she whoop butt with a camera, but she did a lovely job with the hair. And the shimmer. Both she and her roommate, Kat (who is also very awesome and a huge help!), shimmered and powdered me up like crazy! The studio was covered in glitter by the time we were finished.

Jessi making me nice and shimmery so I "glow" on camera!

Goofing off before getting serious.

You won't believe how different the final image will look!

Previewing images straight from the camera.

Jessi at work!

Final preview.

I say this after every shoot I do with Jessi, but this has to be my favorite set I've done. It is feminine, yet very sensual, and I don't have many "pretty" photos. I'm excited for this set on both the online feature and Zivity.

The next set we did was something that came from me wanting to use my white contacts I used in the short film, Blood Kin. You don't really get to see them in the film much at all, and they are awesome contacts, so...I wanted to do something creepy. (Non-vampirish though.) If you know me, you know I love Japanese horror flicks, so I thought...hey...it may not be original, but lets do something Grudge-like.

Well. We did.

After being oiled up, sprayed with water, and covered in freezing flour (Eee! It was so cold!)...we were ready to shoot. Needless to say, the images look insane. I don't have any preview or behind the scenes photos of this one, but we did grab some video of how creepy it looked. I'll be sure to post it once Jessi has it online. Mwhahaha. I think we're going to try to use this set on Zivity as well...just depends.

So. After talking about it with Jessi for awhile, here is the first blog post about our adventures. Finally. I'm hoping we'll be able to shoot again soon, but my schedule is getting a little crazy. But, as I said, I always make time for Jessi.

http://jessitetzloffphotography.com

2010 - About Time!

2010-01-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

Well. 2010. Here I am now...with a blog. So. Facebook. Myspace. Twitter. Model Mayhem. And now...a blog.

To be honest, this isn't my first one. I actually have another one, but it is private and for all my fantasy/nerdy/dreamy/poetic ramblings. I don't use it much anymore, since my schedule is crazy, but...it is there.

However, after talking with my friend (and photographer) Jessi, I decided that having an actual blog would be good. I can ramble and post stuff people don't really have to read unless they really want to...and I can do other things, like post "Behind the Scenes" stuff from our photoshoots and from film sets.

Jessi and I just did a photoshoot today, actually. One set we did is a Valentine set that is going to be used for both a feature I will have up next month on a website, and for Zivity. The other set...well...was something I wanted to do and now I am stuck with flour chunks in my hair. Yuck! Hopefully, it will come out. I mean, I have had worse in my hair. (.....not what you are thinking.)

So...yep. That is it for today. I plan on putting up photos and talking about the latest adventures with Jessi tomorrow.

Much love and best wishes!