I have recently expanded my make-up horizons by being gratefully introduced to some film work. My first adventure took place in Saint Michaels, MD about a month ago, where I worked as an assistant stylist to the simply amazing, Emmy Award winning Kindra Predmore-Thompson.

Kindra is a wardrobe stylist, who spends every waking moment choosing the perfect wardrobe ensembles for photo shoots and then dresses the “talent” in them. The production company involved came from New York and was equally as amazing. The photographer was, in the words of someone on the set, “the nicest photographer that I ever worked with!” The “talent” included three lovely women, who weren't professional actors, but were “ambassadors”.

The shoot subject was breast cancer awareness and the ambassadors were courageous, vibrant women who are currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The client was a pharmaceutical company. The location was an incredibly beautiful estate in Saint Michaels, MD, called Far Away Point. We spent the preceding night there, with most of us sharing dinner at a local restaurant. Thank God it was “Lobster Night”! The make up artist and her assistant were also “the nicest ever”. They shared such helpful product knowledge information. The next morning, I met the wonderful Kindra and every piece of a well oiled machine came together to produce something magical. The producer, who actually celebrated her birthday while we were together commented that all of her shoots are like this!

The next gig wasn't shot on an estate, with a scenic waterfront view.  This time the setting was the sound stage of a production company, in Hunt Valley, MD… but for this shoot, I was the make-up artist!

The “talent” was Jan, a lovely young woman, who is a little bit Meredith Gray, (Ellen Pompeo), and Renee Zellwegger and Jennifer Aniston. I loved painting her face. She had the best sense of humor, personality, beautiful coloring and hair, (from Tony at PR Partners) in my Mazza Gallerie Mall in DC (almost Chevy Chase). My friend Ann M. came along to help since I didn't know the first thing about doing makeup on men. Barry, who was the other “talent” in the commercial was just as amazingly talented, pleasant and easy going. When the decision was made that he should be clean shaven, he didn't bat an eye, but was as accommodating as could be and shaved his face without a second thought. Barry plays a police officer in an upcoming Denzel Washington movie. Can't wait to see him! My friend Ann “painted” his face and mentored me along the way. We spent a full day there.

I learned so much and enjoyed every minute of it! It was so interesting to watch the photographer shoot from a “sled” on a track filming as he moved; to see what timing and planning goes into it.  I was also in a great position to observe the director and producer, asking for what they needed from the talent and the entire crew, to create what they have envisioned. Can't wait to see and hear how the editing goes!