You Heard It Here: Hollywood Families
Before I get into this first blog of 2015, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope this holiday season has been a great one for you and your family. And speaking of family, that leads me to this first of the month blog.
After over 25 years of working in television (which includes dozens of television shows), I can tell you that when you spend so much time on a set, the cast and crew can become your second family. I use the word “can” because it’s not always the case. Everyone can go to a day job, but that doesn’t mean those co-workers feel like family. Working on a set can be different though. I don’t know if it’s the long hours or the crazy situations we have to make work (for the camera), or if there’s something in the Wheaties at craft service, but sometimes a crew just gels.
Here’s a shot of the lightning bolt sweater club from our wrap/holiday party a couple of weeks ago. From right to left we have Kira, me, Lauren, Cortni, and Bonnie. I can’t tell you how much I love all these ladies. Between us we cover a large spectrum on the show. From actor, dialogue coach, mom, set PA, and scripts. Not very often do all the departments hit it off so well, but that’s not the case with our little show.
As exampled above, we have my family at The Thundermans. There isn’t a bad apple in the bunch. I think this might be the second time in all my years and TV shows that I can say that about a show. There can be great groups – no doubt about it – but there’s something about this cast and crew that is special. During the years, I’ve worked on a few highly successful shows (Roseanne, Grace Under Fire & The Big Bang Theory to name a few), but I usually experienced something I dubbed, “The Nasty Factor.” I hadn’t worked on a hit show that didn’t involve someone nasty. Be it an actor or producer or crew member that made life difficult somehow. But there is no nasty factor on The Thundermans and we are a Nickelodeon hit. Yay us!
Something to be grateful for this year is family. Wherever they may be and whoever they are. If you love them and can give them a hug, do so. And if you can’t, then lift your glass and toast them. They deserve it.
Now… Tell me about your family. Extended or not, how does it measure up? Any nasty factors or just a weird duck or two?
May you all have the happiest, healthiest and most successful year in 2015!
Glad you have a close knit group at work. I have that too, for the most part. We just got three new members to the staff, so we’re still getting adjusted.
Hi Kate,
Three newbies is a lot. We lost our stuntman this year and it was a huge blow to all of us. It took a little bit of adjustment when the new guy showed up. Turns out he is awesome too. (Not to say that we don’t miss our friend, we do.) Hope the new peeps turn into keepers. Thanks for dropping in!
Happy New Year, Dee J.!
The Thundermans set sounds wonderful–isn’t it great when the chemistry works and everybody gets along? I can testify to that because some of my favorite people in the world are individuals I used to work with. Coincidentally, some of my least favorite people in the world are too…
Hi Sam,
Yes, isn’t it awesome when everyone gels! I think it’s rare too. There’s usually a bad – or at least strange – apple in every bunch. But I guess it’s what makes the world go ’round. Thanks for stopping by!
Love the look of your family. I am affirming me and or one of my family gets to work with you this year. Happy 2015.
Hi Susan,
I don’t know why I didn’t see this post sooner! I’m so sorry. Thanks for the comment and for dropping in! Happy New Year to you too!
Having been retired for a lot of years, I don’t often think about work and work relationships. I belong to a few groups though and it’s always nice when we all get along. Glad your team is like family.
Hope you have an awesome 2015!
Hi Robena,
My husband and I have a saying. “It’s nice to be nice to the nice.” It’s good when it applies to work. Haha. Hope you have a great 2015 as well! Thanks for stopping in!