Producing My First Web-Series. It is all 'NEW' to me.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, my New Year's Resolution to try one new thing a day has led me to a new chapter in my life...PRODUCING!!  I have been an actress most of my life.  I thought about 'maybe' one day producing, but now I am finally giving it a shot for the first time.  It is 'new'.  I am 'learning'.  I am scared, thrilled, joyful, pulling my hair out, and having the time of my life all at the same time.  I am producing a webseries called "Learn it in an Hour".  Each episode I have one hour, to learn one new skill, and then entertain my viewers with my newly learned skill.  I have been in front of the camera entertaining audiences many times, but orchestrating the business that goes on behind the camera is a whole new ball game.  Talk about being outside of my comfort zone.  But, being 'comfy' never really got me too far...so...I took on the challenge.

What I learned producing my first series....

~First of all, I am a SAG (union) actor. For me to be in my own show, I had to produce a SAG signatory production.  For the first time I had to work with SAG... not as an actress, but as a producer.  There was lots of paper work, lots of T's to cross and I's to dot, and lots of new rules to learn and play by.  SAG assigned a union representative to help me along the way.  She was very helpful, patient, and knowledgeable.  She was very kind and answered my many phone calls with a cheery voice.  That says a lot for her character, because I called....often!!!!  LOL

~As producer I learned about casting, location scouting, arranging schedules for an entire cast and crew.  I learned how to work with child actors.  I learned the art of feeding cast and crew, breaks, and call sheets.  I learned how to manage money and how to enrich the production value of a low budget project.

~I learned how to compromise with people in a professional manner.

~I learned how to ask for help.  I learned there is knowledge in saying ..."I don't know how to do this.  Who does?"

~I learned to valuate the problem and then turn towards a solution.

~I learned that I beat myself up too much.  I have learned to have more patience with myself and to speak to myself with kinder words.

~I have learned that there is such a thing as a 'high quality NO'.  Saying 'no' is not always negative and it most certainly is not a sign of weakness.  A 'high quality NO' can be very positive, powerful, and productive.

~This is a BIG one for me.  I have learned how to stand my ground and speak up for myself.  I have spent most of my life trying to be a 'people pleaser'.  I suspect that trait stemmed from my own insecurities and my need to be accepted and liked.  Well....people pleasing is an impossible endeavor and definitely created problems for me as a producer.  Don't get me wrong...I believe it is important to respect others, work together in a friendly manner, and listen to every one's point of view and do some compromising.  BUT....if you have to compromise your own values and sacrifice your own integrity, then maybe it is time to stand your ground and speak up for yourself.  So....I have learned how to be a friend to myself and have my own back.  Kinda sad that I'm just now learning this one...but...I learned it and grateful I did!!

~I also learned that the universe is always giving me gifts.  I just have to be willing to receive them.

*******  I am very happy to announce that my series, "Learn it in an Hour" had its season premiere last week.  Our first episode was released to GREAT reviews.  I am also happy to say that we far exceeded our goal of viewers for our first week.  We will be releasing one new episode every Tuesday for five weeks.  After that you will always be able to watch any of our five episodes at anytime at our website...
http://learnitinanhour.com/

What was the first new skill I learned, you may ask?  Well....season one opens with me learning how to pole dance. HA!  Below are some pics from that shoot and a link where you can watch the full episode.  ENJOY!!

You can also view our first episode here...
http://blip.tv/learnitinanhour/poledancing-5630052

Stay tuned....new episodes will be posted every Tuesday from Oct 11th thru Nov. 8th.

WOW...this all started from a New Year's Resolution?  Kowa-Bunga!!!

My New Year Resolution Led Me to a Dream Come True.

So....I know it has been a while since I last blogged, but I am still finding 'new' things to try each and everyday.  Over the past eight and a half months I have tried anything 'new' that crossed my path.  It has kinda become a habitual thing in my life now and I am very happy about that.  Through my New Year 2011 resolution to try one new thing each day, I have learned to go with the flow and enjoy the ride.  When a new door opens, I walk through it, and I am always thrilled as to what is waiting for me on the other side.  It may not always be chocolate and roses, but it always is something that I can learn from, grow from, or just simply have fun with.  My BIGGEST 'new' thing first appeared back in April.  A friend of mine heard about my New Years Resolution and suggested that I film  myself trying some of my 'new' things and post it on my blog.  HA!  My first response was LOL...Hell NO!  Then my friend politely reminded me that filming my new adventures would be something 'new' in of itself.  Well, who am I to argue with such logic? I decided to up the ante.  I decided not to just film myself, but use the footage to create a show. I have always wanted to try producing, but never really had the guts or the self confidence.  Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "We must do the things that we think we can not do".  So....bada-bing...I became a producer.  I am officially producing my first webseries, which is like a TV series, but shown on the internet.  My show is called "Learn it in an Hour".  Each episode will run between 5 and 7 minutes.  In each episode I have one hour, to learn one new skill, and then I have to entertain my viewers with my 'new' found skill.  LOL....go ahead, laugh....there is definitely some humor there.  There is also a lot of 'try', a lot of putting myself out there, lots of doing what I never thought I could, a few embarrassing moments, and lots of FUN!!!!  Each episode I have a co-host join me in learning something new.  In the first couple episodes one of my girlfriends joins me for a little moral-support.  In the final episodes, a couple of our show's FaceBook fans join me.  It has been an incredible journey.  I am happy to announce that our first season (five episodes) is almost completed and my show "Learn it in an Hour" will be premiering on the web the first part of Oct.!!!!  I sincerely hope you will tune in.  I know you will LOVE it!!!  I do. :)

I plan on blogging about my journey of producing my first project.  It is a project close to my heart, because it is based on a choice I made on Jan. 1, 2011 that has changed my life in a WONDERFUL way.  WOW....making a simple choice to try one new thing a day, eventually led me to living out one of my life long dreams....producing my own project.  Not to shabby, huh?

Below is the link to the teaser trailer for the show.  Check it out.  Be sure to stay tuned, my webseries will be coming to a computer near you very very soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMmK6pIpDVc

Also...Please visit our FaceBook page for the show and click 'Like'.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Melinda-Learn-it-in-an-Hour/221570674552137

I can NOT wait to share this special journey with you!!  I hope you all are well and I wish you many 'new' blessings.
xoxo

Hip-Hop Dancing and Balloon Animals...Different Things Float Different Boats

WOW...June just ended...which means I just completed six months of trying one new thing each day!!!!  WOW...I have stuck to my New Year's Resolution for 2011 for half a year.  Now, that alone is 'new'.  I have never stuck to a New Years Resolution this long before.  I'll be honest, I have had plenty of days where I just simply don't feel like thinking of, looking for, or trying something new.  On those days, I just pick something super simply like doing my makeup in the kitchen instead of my bathroom or listening to a radio station that I have never tuned into before, or eating dessert before dinner.  Now, that was heavenly sinful.  I've learned the key to sticking to my New Years Resolution is to just keep the ball rolling and remind myself that this is 'fun'.  It is fun!!  Most days I enjoy the 'new'.  It refreshes my days and adds adventure to my life.  2011 sincerely has been a blast and I know a lot of it has to do with me sticking to my New Years Resolution.  I did raise the bar a bit these past few weeks.  Check out some of my favorite 'new' adventures...

When it comes to music, I listen to country and classic rock most of the time.  The world of hip-hop music is not only 'new' to me, it is totally foreign.  At least it was until a couple weeks ago.  Shoot, two weeks ago, I couldn't even name one hip-hop artist or even think of a hip-hop song.  A few friends of mine thought that was pretty funny and pathetic all at the same time.  So, my 'new' challenge became learning how to hip-hop dance.  Check this out!!!!!.....I even got to show off my new dance skills in a hip-hop music video surrounded by hot, shirtless, young men.  How about that for some inspiration?

 Me dancing in a hip-hop video.  I NEVER EVER thought I'd see this day!!!!

    Taking my hip-hop lesson.  Hummm...a bit different then the two-step.

Another extra fun 'new' challenge that I took on was learning how to twist balloon animals.  It's not as easy as it looks.  I decided that it would be fun to put my new skill to the test. So, I dressed up like a clown and made balloon animals at a children's party.   HA!!!  As soon as I got to the children's party, I thought to myself, "What the hell did I just sign up for?"  Ten screaming children, running up to me, jumping on me, yelling their balloon requests at me.  First of all, I am a single woman with no children.  The sight of ten children running at me was a bit frightening.  Second of all, I only remembered how to make a dog out of the balloons.  So, needless to say, no matter what the child asked for, he got a dog.  Children are very honest critics.  Children also exude unconditional love.  On a scale from 1 to 10, ten being the best, my balloon creations were falling anywhere between 1 and 3.  However, no matter what my balloons were looking like, each child squealed with glee, hugged me, and thanked me for their balloons.  One little girl told me it was the best balloon animal she ever had.  I thought to myself, 'you have never had a balloon animal before, have you'?

         That is me in the tall yellow wig.  The children called me 'Beehive'.

My bedroom is my oasis. I LOVE spending an evening in bed, watching a movie with popcorn and wine.  I adore beginning my day with coffee in bed while checking my email.  A couple weeks ago I looked around my bedroom and thought, 'Ick, I have been staring at the same room for seven years'.  Pretty sad, huh?  Seven years of the same color scheme, same type of bedding, same furniture.  I thought, 'if my life was a computer, I'd refresh this page for sure'.  So, I did.  I got all new bedding....bed skirt, sheets, comforter, shams, the whole nine yards.  I threw out the old boring beige set and replaced it with a set of greens and brown.  It is soooo cool.  The colors of my new bedding match the colors of the trees outside my bedroom window.  I even bought my self a new dresser.  I rearranged things.  And...are you ready for this....I even cleaned out my closet!!!!  Holy Hannah, now that was a feat in of itself.  The results are AMAZING!!!  I feel like I have a whole new room, a whole new space, a whole new oasis, a whole new place to escape and call my own.  It is amazing how a couple changes can just spruce up a room, refresh it, and make it feel new.  I am still not done.  I plan on getting new window treatments and a new lamp.  I might even add a few new house plants to my room as well.  The author, Virginia Woolf, once said, 'Everyone needs a room of one's own'.  I couldn't agree more.
**Oh, by the way, check out Anna's Linens for really nice selections at a really inexpensive price.

My neighbor has quite the green thumb.  This year, in addition to her lovely green outdoor plants and vividly colored flowers, she has planted an artichoke plant and a lemon tree.  She has kindly extended to me the invitation to help myself to some fresh home grown artichokes and lemons.  Boy, oh, boy...I have always loved artichokes, but I have never had one freshly cut from the plant.  This artichoke was so good, I didn't even bother with the dipping sauce.  Did you know that the artichoke plant is a thistle?  'New' news to me.  I had no idea that I loved eating thistles.  LOL  I just gotta say that there is nothing like steaming fresh vegetables, walking out your kitchen door, picking a lemon from a near by tree, going back into your kitchen, and squeezing the juice from that fresh picked lemon over your fresh veggies.  Yep, I could get use to that.

Did you know, that if you don't pick the artichoke off the plant, it will eventually blossom into a purple flower?  Isn't that neat?  I never knew.

Keeping it 'new' has really effected my life in a positive way.  I am much more open minded now then I was even six months ago.  I am open to new ideas, thoughts, experiences.  I am more willing to listen to other people's view points and less quick to judge.  I may not always like or agree with ever new encounter, but I am so grateful to know that there is sooooo very much to choose from.  More then I could ever wrap my mind around.  We don't have to like everything.  We don't need to like everything.  Just keep your mind open to all the possibilities this life has to offer and choose the things that feel good to you.  Choose the things that bring you joy and bring peace to your heart.  Don't worry if your choices are different then someone else's.  After all....different things float different boats.

Five months of NEW stuff...Find out who I AM...

It is almost June!!  Can u believe it?  I have been sticking to my New Year's Resolution to try one new thing a day for almost a half of a year!! Blogging was one of my 'new' things and it quickly turned into one of my favorites.  I have sincerely enjoyed sharing my new experiences with all of you.  Writing about them has really helped me realize what a positive impact each new things has made in my life.  What I enjoy most is hearing from all of you.  I feel like I have a bunch of new and old friends taking this journey with me.  Some of you I know, some of you I have never met, and some of you even live in countries I have never been to before.  WOW...isn't the internet wonderful?!!  Thank you all for sharing this 'new' experience with me.

The internet has become a constant theme in my quest to try one new thing a day.  On January 1st, when I first decided to commit to my New Year's Resolution, I used the internet to email and check my FaceBook account.  I knew how to 'cut and paste', attach documents to emails, and upload photos.  I wasn't quite sure what to do with the photos once I uploaded them, but I knew how to upload.  Oh, I knew how to watch old music videos on YouTube too.  That's always fun.  Today I am proud to announce that over the last six months I have learned a lot more new tricks on the computer.  I have a Twitter account!!  I tweet everyday.  I know how to RT, FF, and just learned how to post photos on Twitter!!  How about that?  This new social media stuff has really grown on me.  Between FaceBook and Twitter, my Klout score it over 55!!!!  Not bad for a 'newbie' huh?  LOL...I am embarrassed and can't believe I even check my Klout score, but it's fun!!  Kirstie Alley is up to 89.  That woman is a social media diva!  Another GREAT thing I have learned on the internet is how to trouble shoot and answer my own computer questions.  In the past whenever I have had a problem on the computer, I would call a friend, pay for an expert, just give up on the task, or cuss-kick-scream-cry.  Now I go to google.com and type in my question.  There is always an answer on the web somewhere.  AND....nine times out of ten, I am able to take that answer, apply it to my computer issue, and make it work!!!  That always makes me feel so smart and cool.  I also bought my first lap top.  One of my favorite new things to do is to curl up in bed with popcorn, chocolate, wine, and  watch a movie right on my lap top surrounded by all my fluffy pillows and blankets.  That's computer-heaven.

Last week I had my "newest" computer experience when I was asked to give my first on-line interview with a Facebook page called 'Rockford Rocked'.  This page usually only interviews rock stars, so I was quite flattered when they asked me to answer a few questions.  I grew up on a farm outside of a city called Rockford in northern Illinois.  In the interview I talk about growing up on a farm, moving to Hollywood, and many of the crazy wonderful adventures I have had along the way.  Some adventures filled with tears, some with laughter, and some with...WTF?  Since you have been following my Blog for almost six months, I figured I'd give you a bit of insight as to who I am.  Below is my 'new' experience from last week.  My on-line interview with Rockford Rocked.  Enjoy...

You can become a fan of Rockford Rock at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rockford-Rocked/106350016073622

 

Interview with local girl and Hollywood actress/producer Melinda Chilton....

by Rockford Rocked on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 3:22pm

Q1. I know you as the really smart, pretty, tall girl I went to high

school with but can you update the rest of the audience as to who you

are, your ties to the ROCKFORD area and of course what you are

currently workin on/promoting??

A.

Well, first of all...thanks for remembering me as 'smart and pretty'.

I've always thought of myself as the ugly ducking story.  I grew up on

a farm outside of Durand, IL.  I graduated from Durand High School.  My

Mother's side of the family are all from Rockford, so Rockford was

always my second home.  I spent my summers at my Grandparents' house

near Ohio Parkway.  Growing up on a farm, I always thought the 'big

city' of Rockford was so cool.  My Grandma didn't drive.  I use to love

riding the Rockford buses with her.  My favorite bus rides were to Ben

Franklin to buy a new board game or to Geri's for a hamburger and

fries.  My family is Polish, so my Grandpa and Uncles were always

members of the White Eagles and the Polish Falcons.  To this day I

still go to Rockford's Polish Catholic Church, Saint Stanislaus, for

midnight mass on Christmas Eve. When I was a teenager, I spent all my

summers doing musical theater with the Starlight and Rockford College

summer theaters.  My 'musical theater' dream came true when Mike

Webb cast me as Bebe in 'A Chorusline'.  After high school I went to

Rockford College and lived in McGaw Hall.  That was when I got to

explore some of the Rockford night life.  Cubby O'Briens and Stash

O'Niels were always my favorites.

After college, I moved to Chicago and modeled for a few years.

While in Chicago, I landed my first speaking role in a film

and earned my SAG card.  I figured...well, I got my SAG card, when does

the next bus to Hollywood leave?  I arrived here in Los Angeles, CA

about 12 years ago.  I have been living the life of an actress since

the day I arrived. I have recently begun to try my hand at producing

and LOVE IT!  The journey has been one heck of a roller coaster ride

and I wouldn't change one second of it.

  Q2. You left high school and moved to Chicago and quickly scored a

modeling contract with Elite Models. At that time was that something

you had set your sights on or simply something that happened? I don't

think that happened for me or anyone else in the school play.

A.

I suppose you could say the modeling thing just kinda happened.  I grew

up with the dream of being an actress.  Acting is all I really ever

wanted to do.  I also grew up with a bit of a speech impediment.  I

stuttered almost as bad as King George.  Talk about a cruel joke, huh?

I was given the desire to be an actress and a speech impediment all at

the same time.  As a kid I watched a lot of 'Hee Haw', so I learned

quickly from Mel Tillis that a person with a stutter could still sing.

That would explain my early love for musical theater.  However, to act

in front of the camera, you have to speak.  When I first got to

Chicago, I was still stuttering.  The only jobs I could get were

modeling gigs where I didn't have to speak.  I did  alot of catalog

work for Kohl's, Montgomery Wards, JC Penney, etc.  It paid the bills

and it helped to build my confidence.

Q3. Now that you're doing a lot of acting you still pretty much have to

stay in model shape and you recently posted pics of you working out

with Richard Simmons! I know you grew up seeing him on TV was it

surreal to be "Sweating to the Oldies" right next to him?

A.

Yes, Richard Simmons is one of my childhood heroes.  Just last year I

found out that he has an exercise studio in Beverly Hills.  He teaches

there whenever he is in town.  His energy is AMAZING!!!  His motto is

"love yourself, watch your portions, and move your butt".  I work out

with him often.  He has become 'Uncle Richard' to me.  But, sometimes

in the middle of class I look over at him and I think, "OMG!!!!!  I am

working out with RICHARD SIMMONS!!!!!".  He has really helped me

maintain my weight.  More important then that, Richard has given me a

place where I can go and laugh, be myself, and get recharged when I am

feeling a bit frustrated with life.

Q4. Back to Chicago...you got your first great film break in the movie

"With Honors" and got to work with Joe Pesci and play Patrick Dempsy's

girlfriend! What was that like and did you enjoy working with my wife's

make-believe boyfriend Brandon Frasier?  (feel free to tell everyone what

a jerk he is and how long he had to spend in makeup to look halfway

decent)

A.

LOL....I know you want me to say Brendan Fraser is a jerk, but he is so

NOT!  I was just actually telling someone that Brendan Fraser is

probably one of the nicest people I have ever worked with.  My role in

'With Honors' was kinda small.  I only worked one day and had one line.

At the end of the day, I was walking back to my car and I heard

someone yelling my name.  I turned around and it was Brendan.  He came

up to me and said, "You left without saying good-bye.  It was nice to

meet you.  I hope you have lots of luck with your career."  Then he

turned around and ran back to set.  I'll never forget that.  The star

of the film actually ran out to say good-bye to the random actress who

had one line.  Now....I know I keep saying I only had one line in

"With Honors'...but....the perk was that after I said that one line, I

got to kiss Patrick Dempsey.  That was one 'dreamy' kiss.  It also took about

six hours to film that scene, so I got to kiss him several times.

Tee-hee. ;)

Q5. Your IMDB bio credits an appearance on Oprah as moment you decided

to jump ship from Chicago to move to L.A. and bask in the

sunshine....how did that come about?

A.

First of all, if you are a model in Chicago, you will eventually end up

modeling on the Oprah Show.  I actually was honored to model on her

show a couple times.  On one show I got to model the purple dress that

Oprah wore to the Oscars when she was nominated for 'The Color Purple'.

While I was wearing the dress, Oprah came up to me, held my hands,

and said, "You sure are pretty in purple."  I tried to thank her, but I

started to stutter.  She held my hands tighter and said, "Don't let

anything keep you from your dreams".  I went back to my little studio

apartment that night, looked in my mirror, and said to myself,

"Melinda, I don't know how and I don't know when, but you will stop

stuttering...I promise".  It took several years for my speech to

straighten out, but as they say...the rest is history.  I am now a

straight talking working actress in Hollywood.  Thanks, O

Q6. You have lived both sides of the coin from living in a town where

there is not much to do but drive your car around in circles and tip

over cows to living in a town that has something going on EVERY SINGLE

NIGHT....does each have individual advantages?

A.

Of course they do! I have always enjoyed having the best of both

worlds.  Let me set the record straight, Durand has a lot more to do

then just drive around in circles.  My Durand buddies and I always use

to say that when you live in a small town, you gotta create your own

fun.  We sure did create some good times in that small town.  Maybe it

was Durand that helped me discover my creative side.  LOL  I really do

enjoy going home to Durand.  I always look forward to home grown steaks

and Wisconsin cheese for dinner.  I adore sitting around a bon fire with

friends and family sipping on local homemade wine.  Buying an ice cream

at the Big Scoop, walking around town, and stopping to chat with

whoever is sitting on their porch.  There is a kindness and genuineness

in the people of Durand that you don't see often in other people.  Then

there is Los Angeles!!!!!  WOW....now there is a fast pace, exciting,

adventure.  Talk about varitey, LA has Hollywood, ocean, beaches,

mountains, incredible shopping and restaurants, desert, and

DISNEYLAND!!!  I have an annual pass to Disneyland.  After my family's

farm, Disneyland is my favorite place on earth.

Q7. People in Rockford go to Chicago or Milwaukee to go to the big city

but some of us ACTUALLY went to Rockford, Illinois to go to the

BIGCITY!!! LOL...you do realize that that is funny to some people right

and what did you like most about Rockford growing up??

A.

People find it funny when I tell them that, when I was a kid, we had to

drive over 30 minutes to get a Big Mac or go see a movie.  Rockford

definitely was Durand's BIG CITY.  I would assume that it still is.

Isn't there a bar in Rockford called 'Big City'?  Some of the first

things that pop into my head when I think of Rockford is... Colonial

Village Mall, Uncle Nick's Gyros, On The Water Front,  Metro Center,

Coronado Theater, Rock River, Beyer Stadium, blueberry pancakes at Aunt

Mary's, the J.C.'shaunted house at Halloween.

OMG....I just thought of a funny thing that

blows people's minds.  I remember going through driver's education in

Durand.  The 'big day' for every student driver was the day that we

drove to Rockford to learn how to drive with stop lights.  Everyone has

to go to Rockford to learn how to drive with stop lights, because

Durand doesn't have any!!!  Gotta love it!

Q8. There is a tightknit indie moviemaking scene here in Rockford and

you've made quite a resume of INDIE film work since moving out

west....what are the major differences between a movie like "With

Honors" and an independant film besides the obvious budget constraints?

A.

Yes, Rockford does have an impressive indie movie making scene.  I have

met three of those brilliant peeps...Travis Legge, Tim Stotz, and

Melissa Revels.  They just produced a great horror film called

"Raymond Did It".  A couple months ago Travis and Melissa brought the

film out to Hollywood for a screening.  It was very well received and I

was totally impressed.  I insisted on Travis letting me read for their

next film, "Small Town White Kids", before he flew back to Rockford.

The reading was soooo much fun!!  Travis is definitely an actor's

director.  I am thrilled to say that I was offered a great role in

"Small Town White Kids".  I will be playing a single Mom who is doing

the best she can, with what she has, to raise her son.  Best of

all....I get to go home to Rockford and work on a film.  That will

definitely be a full circle moment for me.

As for the differences between studio films and indie films.... I think

the biggest thing is that indie films give everyone involved more of

an opportunity to be as creative as they can be in the telling of the

story.  Even though the big studios have lots of money, resources, and

connections, they also can pull the reins in on the creative process in

some cases.  I think if a writer, director, or producer is very

passionate about telling their story in its fullest original form, then

indie films are the way to go.  If you are in a position to give and

take a little with the creative process, then go with the studios.  Who

wouldn't want Sony or New Line Cinema on their team?  Either way, big

studio or indie, everyone is a family.  Everyone is coming together to

tell a story.  That will always remain the magic of film making no

matter what the budget.

Q9. Your first major TV exposure was on my favorite show "The Office".

You played the girl in the Sexual Harassment informational video that

everyone was forced to watch. It was awesome and you played into the

greater punchline when it was revealed that Darryl from Shipping and

Receiving had previously had a tryst with you. Was it at all

nervewracking to produce your segment as it was also YOUR favorite TV

show??

A.

Funny you should ask that.  Because I was the girl in the video, I

filmed my part seperate from the rest of the cast.  I always ask 'The

Office' fans this question...  I was in a scene with Steve Carell, but

I have never met Steve Carell.  How is that possible?  LOL  Because I

was in the video Steve Carell was watching.  I hope to someday meet

Steve and ask him that same question.  During my day on set, I did meet

Jenna Fischer, BJ Novak, and Craig Robinson.  You can tell everyone on

that set is one big happy family. They all went out of their way to

make me feel welcomed.

Q10. Your acting coach is Dee Wallace who is legendary to horror nerds

like myself. She is most known for E.T. but to us she is known for

"Stepford Wives", "Hills Have Eyes" "The Howling", "Cujo".....she can

show up at the Chiller convention and spend days signing autographs.

The logical question is what have you learned from her and when can we

see Melinda dripping with blood, possessed and screaming bloody murder?

A.

Oh Dee...she is a definite Angel in my life.  LA has blessed me with

many mentors and Dee Wallace has become one my favorites.  As an acting

coach, she has taught me to bring my authenticity to every role.  She

pushes me and challanges me.  I have grown a lot as an actress and as a

person since I have met her.  Dee really supports her students.

Recently an indie film I was in, 'Rid of Me', premiered in New York

City at the Tribeca Film Fest.  The producers of the film held a silent

auction to raise money to help promote the film.  I asked Dee if she

would be kind enough to donate something to the auction.  Without

hesitation she donated a signed copy of 'ET" and 'The Howling' and a

signed 'ET' movie poster.  Dee loves her students and makes a point to

tell us that all the time.

As for me dripping with blood...I have been cast to play the mother of

a serial killer in the horror movie 'Watch Island' being produced by

Brad Hvolbeck.  In the past I have had the honor of working

opposite the Godfather of Horror himself, Mr. Tom Savini.  I love

working on horror movies.  Everyday on set is like Halloween.

Q11. Time for word association....we mention something and you spit out

a thought.....

A.

Selma Hayak... A real woman-sexy, beautiful and CURVY

Coronado Theatre... The theater where I saw the movie 'Bambi'.  I must

have been 5 years old.

Oliver Stone... Brilliant

Dwight K. Schrute... LMAO

Jimmy Kimmel... he is another one that I worked with, but never met.

hummmm...I see a theme going on here.

Mann's Chinese Theatre... a place I take my family when they come to

visit.

Malibu... Paradise Cove!!!  My favorite beach in Southern California

Chuck Norris... what is up with those Chuck Norris jokes?

Winona Ryder... INCREDIBLE actress.  I wish I could say I dated Johnny

Depp.

New American Theatre... where I took my first acting class.

Q12. Timeline word Association.......

A.

1985- Durand High School...RAH, RAH, RAH

1989- attending Rockford College

1992- modeling in Chicago

1996- riding the rodeo....I'm serious

1999- driving across country...Hollywood or Bust!

2003- getting my first taste of indie film making

2005- Banged Darryl

2010- Started my own production company with my friend, Leslie Taylor.

2012- Will have produced my first three film projects.  YIPEE!!!!

Q13. Last question.....you're off the hook...almost....tell us the last

time......

A.

Last time someone called you Mel or Mindy...I am called Mel everyday.

Mindy was never my handle.

Last time you ate Beef a Roo.....Oh my goodness...I think when I was

living on campus at Rockford College

Last time you saw Cheap Trick....at 'On the Waterfront'.  Rumor has it

they are performing in LA later this year.  "I want you..."

Last time you were inside Durand High School....my Mother taught 3rd

grade at Durand for several years.  I was last in the Durand school

building last spring when she retired.

Last time got an autograph you got from a rock star or movie star....be

honest...Chris Ledoux signed my cowboy hat a couple years before he

passed away.  Does that count?

Last time you rode RODEO... my last rodeo was in 1996.  I rode a bull

outside of Tulsa, OK.  I thank God everyday that I made it through my

wild years.

Last time you listened to RIPT...Funny you should ask.  I just became

their fan on Facebook.

Last time you saw a concert at the Metrocentre, Coronado or Waterfront?

  I took my Mom to see Neil Diamond at the Metro Center just before I

moved to California.

Last time you were asked to do a scene or script you DID NOT like or

approve of?

I once was sent a script where all the girl did was go

around and give guys blow jobs.  I was like, really?  Does she ever

stop long enough to speak?  Needless to say, I skipped that audition.

Last time you played video games in an arcade?  I just played Ms. Pac

Man at a bowling alley.  I forgot the pattern.  :(

Thanks again Melinda....any websites, films, thank you's you wanna get

in to your hometown 815 peeps?

YES...I have always wanted to send a BIG thanks out to the band 'Cheap

Trick'.  Nothing like hometown Rockford kids growing up and making

their dreams come true, to inspire the rest of us to do the same.

Whenever I am feeling a bit down, I just put on some 'Cheap Trick'

music and pretty soon I am ready to take on the world. Isn't it neat

that we can make a positive impact on someone's life, who we have

never met?  That's what Cheap Trick does for me.  THANKS GUYS!!! xo

***********************

My producing partner, Leslie Taylor, and I are creating a documentary

about the unique strip club scene in Portland, OR. Check out the

trailer...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjlmn1BV-NM

I am currently producing my first webseries that will be live on the

web by mid summer. Check out our Face Book page...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Melinda-a-Work-in-Progress/132993996775620

my Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB) page...   http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0157661/

I also have two films that I am in that are making the rounds this year.

Look for 'Saving Grace B Jones' starring Tatum O'Neal and 'Rid

of Me' starring Katie O'Grady and Theresa Russell.

Thank you Rockford Rocked.  All my love to ya!!  xo

Melinda posing next to Janis Joplin's Porsche

Ms. Chilton a.k.a. "Sexual Harassment Girl" in NBC's The Office

Melinda in a recent promo shot!!!

looking scared with legendary special effects master Tom Savini (Friday the 13th....etc)

I wonder if the Candyman stands in front of a mirror and says "Melinda" over and over

Melinda getting ready to plant a big kiss on Patrick Dempsey in "With Honors" while Joe Pesci stands around wondering why it's not him....