Okay… so…. Back in the fall of 2023 I had a super exciting project I couldn’t really talk about ~ but... now I can!! It even includes a hotel discount code for you!!
I was cast in my very first commercial!! It kind of happened out of the blue and I was low key wondering if I was being scammed. I mean the last time I was in any kind of a production it was the 8th grade play and I couldn't even tell you the name of it! Plus I was so unbelievably shy I don't think anyone even heard my lines!
I have always loved film and my favorite part of any movie was the behind the scene bloopers or the stories of being told how the movie magic was made. It's always been a dream of mine to be on a movie set, but I never pictured myself as the staring role. No.... I just pictured myself as someone getting to watch the movie being made in real life. Acting was never on my radar. I'd never dare dream of a world in which I thought that was in the cards for me, a space I belonged in. So HOW and WHY was I getting this opportunity?!
I was on a personal journey of doing things that sounded fun (even if they were scary) trying things that sounded new and exciting (even if it wasn’t something I had thought of doing before), this is going to sound silly but this journey and in particular this commercial, changed my life ~ seriously!
I was learning to let go of fear and start saying YES to myself and for myself!
It gave me the courage to open doors I didn’t think were meant for me.
It allowed me to step out of boxes and dream new dreams.
It allowed me to just ~ let go. Let go and let life show me new adventures!
It was the coolest day! It was both a big/full set and small budget production all rolled into one! I did my own hair/makeup and provided my own wardrobe and had no clue what to expect!! I met the coolest people and was blown away by the kindness of everyone involved. All I knew about this world is what I had seen portrayed on TV and movies. I expected to sit alone, get mean girl vibes, and be the reason things went wrong. This day was anything but that!
The cast and crew were so welcoming and inviting. I had no representation and everyone told me which agency they were with, who I should call and encouraged me to get started right away. The hair and makeup artist was so sweet and told me stories of how she got started and all the things she had learned and the friends she had made. The wardrobe guy was also playing a part in the production and is actually a musician in LA who was working as part of the crew on the side. The lead actor became my BFF for the day and was my biggest cheerleader and so encouraging! The director was beyond comforting and supportive and gave me the space to learn and try new things, even though I was only cast for one scene he kept me for five!!
When I left that day, my cup was overflowing.
Did I make a ton of money? No.
Was I a big time actress with an agent and a contract? No.
Did I know what was going to happen next? No.
Would I ever get the chance to do something like this again? No clue.
Here's what I did know. I tried something new and it was exhilarating! It was a collaborative creative effort. I realized that everyone involved and I mean everyone both cast and crew were working together with the same goal. Everyone gave their best, there was no competition or negativity, just excitement to make this vision come to life ~ as a team.
The sound guys were looking for the perfect background noises so we were all quiet when needed. The lighting guys were looking for the perfect light so we did extra takes in different lighting to make sure it was just right and when the sun started to set and provided a new light, we did a few more. The director wanted the perfect reactions so we did several takes to make sure that different cast members had multiple opportunities to play with it.
Everyone respectfully waited while lights were changed, microphones were switched out, hair and makeup was touched up, outfits and costumes were perfected, new ideas were tried, and it went on over and over again until each part of the crew had what they needed. It was exhilarating! When I was wrapped and released I was so sad it was time to go and disappointed to miss out on the rest of the fun! I got in my car and I was so excited and didn't know what I was allowed to share or if I could even tell anyone but I knew I'd remember not only that day, but how it made me feel for the rest of my life!
I went into this experience scared and with the worst of expectations because I was in my own head. I was thinking the worst because I was trying something new and didn't think I was worthy of being included. I wasn't trusting the process - but I did it anyway. I showed up and the universe quickly reminded me that you just have to try, you just have to say yes, you just have to show up and great things will happen - but you have to give yourself the opportunity to experience these great things. You have to take a chance on yourself and you are deserving of these incredible moments!
I'll never forget how the entire cast and crew made me feel - complete strangers, made me feel like I was their friend, experienced in their world and deserving to be there with them.
Here's a quick video I shared with my VIP Group that night! I remember feeling so incredibly happy and I just needed others to know so they could take a chance on themselves and have the same feeling!
If you've made it this far, I'd be honored if you would check out my very first commercial!! You'll catch me at the 0:19 - 0:27 second mark, the 0:34 second mark and bonus points if you can spot the back of my hair walking along a few more times! This project was so fun and so creative ~ I still can't believe I got to be a part of it!!
A huge THANK YOU to director Caleb Bonanno who took a chance on someone who knew nothing about the world she was stepping into and not only cast her to be a part of his vision but trusted her to do it well and encouraged her along the way!
At the age of 41 I made a life changing core memory. At the age of 41 I learned trying new things is not only fun, it's necessary. It's necessary for your sense of self and for the chance at finding new dreams! Now at the age of 42, I have an agent, have been cast in multiple commercials and have made the most incredible memories! Most importantly, I have allowed myself to step into new spaces with enthusiasm and a beautiful sense of self worth. I'm letting life happen and show me what's next as I move through my journey of saying YES!
Something really cool that happened during this experience is that I was able to connect with the social team at Stoney Creek Hotels! I'm now a Stoney Creek Partner and was able to have my first travel brand collaboration!! One of my goals is to add travel under my influencer umbrella and this was such an incredible opportunity!
Check out my socials for my stay with them in St. Joseph, MO and I'll be updating the blog soon with all the of the fun from my visit to their beautiful property! Make sure you check out Stoney Creek Hotels and book through them directly using my code: 2STONEY24 and save 15% on your stay!! ;)
I was connected to this project through the Broadcast App. I had originally made an account looking for UGC work and even thought that didn't work out for me, something unexpected and magical found me. You can sign up here. I am not an affiliate but using my referral code can potentially get you a discount! ;)
Want to learn more about my journey of saying no to fear?
Check out my collaborative book where I talk all about it in my featured chapter: Forget Fear
I did my own hair and makeup for this project and all the products I used can be found on my online beauty store. I also share beauty tips and tricks on social media and my VIP Group
Make sure to follow me on my socials so we can connect!
You can find them all here: https://linktr.ee/simplymarisa
As always ~ thank you for being a part of my journey! I'm so glad you're here!!
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