Good Day Atlanta Viewers: Nov 26, 2024 - My Wild Ride Filming That Thanksgiving Morning
Okay, so Thanksgiving 2024. I thought I had it all planned. A smooth, chill morning, right? Wrong. Totally, utterly, spectacularly wrong. This is the story of how I almost blew a major opportunity – and what I learned from my near-disaster. Let's rewind to that chaotic, pre-dawn Thanksgiving morning in Atlanta...
The Gig: A Dream Come True (Almost)
I'd landed a gig as a background extra on Good Day Atlanta. Yeah, I know, not exactly leading man stuff. But hey, it was Good Day Atlanta! A chance to be part of a local TV show, even in a tiny role, was a huge deal for me. I'd been hustling, sending out reels and headshots for ages. You know, the usual grind of trying to make it in the film world. This was a foot in the door, a legit opportunity, so I had to nail it.
My plan? Simple. Wake up super early, get my hair and makeup just right – I'd even practiced my "casual yet interested" face in the mirror for, like, a week. Get dressed in my best casual outfit – nothing flashy, but not sloppy either. You gotta look the part, right? Get to the studio, be on time, be professional. Easy peasy, right? Ha!
The Morning From Hell
Everything started going wrong at 4:30 am. My alarm didn't go off! Seriously, it just… slept. My phone was dead. I woke up in a cold sweat, frantically searching for my phone. Then the panic set in. I leaped out of bed, threw on the first thing I saw (a slightly questionable Hawaiian shirt, major fashion faux pas), and rushed out the door.
I was already late. Traffic was, of course, insane – Thanksgiving morning in Atlanta is not exactly known for its smooth sailing. My makeup was a total mess, my hair looked like a bird's nest, and I’d forgotten my headshot. My car’s “check engine” light came on too! I seriously thought about just turning around. I felt like I was in a sitcom, except there were no laugh tracks, just pure, unadulterated stress. I almost gave up.
Lessons Learned (The Hard Way)
I barely made it to the studio on time, a sweaty, frantic mess. I was mortified. But, somehow, they still let me in! What I learned that day went far beyond simple punctuality.
1. Redundancy is Key: I learned the hard way about backups. Multiple alarms, a fully charged phone, even a spare battery. It’s like having a backup plan for your backup plan – and maybe even one after that.
2. Preparation is Half the Battle: Hair and makeup are crucial. I should’ve had a quick, go-to look instead of trying to create something elaborate. Simple is better.
3. Read the Fine Print: Before the shoot, I should’ve double-checked what was needed. Having my headshot ready would've been a small but important detail. I learned that even background actors need to be completely prepared.
4. Check Your Car: Don't get me started on the "check engine" light. I was lucky that it didn’t completely die on me.
The Silver Lining (and a Few More Tips)
Despite the chaotic start, the day ended up okay. My scene wasn't cut and I appeared on TV. I was an extra on Good Day Atlanta! While it’s small potatoes, it’s still a win. Even better, I learned a valuable lesson: preparation is paramount. But so is rolling with the punches when things go wrong. Unexpected stuff happens – that's life. What matters is how you handle it.
Pro Tip for Aspiring Extras/Actors: Always keep your phone charged, have backup alarms set, and pack an emergency kit (hair ties, makeup wipes, snacks, etc.) You never know what could happen.
So, there you have it. My Thanksgiving 2024 adventure. A wild, chaotic morning that taught me some unforgettable lessons. And hey, I made it on Good Day Atlanta, even if I looked a little like I’d wrestled a badger. Don’t let your near-disasters deter you, folks. Persevere. It’ll be worth it.