#I hope one day we get to see that audition tape

[elegantwoes]

The fact that Olivia Cooke got the role of Alicent Hightower by acting a scene of Cersei in her audition will forever be my Roman Empire.

[lovelookspretty]

lover of mine

drew starkey x actress!reader au

— in which drew and y/n, secretly exes, must fake date in order to keep the peace at a mutual friend’s wedding, but the forced proximity makes them question whether they ever truly moved on.

warnings: cute silly little gesture from drewseph 😋 progress progress

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authors note: this is just part 2 of day 2 so i’ll incorporate the movie night in the next part fs. let me know if u still want to be added to the tag list through replies, anons, or dms !! notifications are always on <3

you’re awoken by the light coming in through the blinds. it’s subtle, but it’s there. it bothers you and causes you to stir awake.

you can hear drew snoring—a habit you know all too well, but you ignore it. your eyes flutter open as you look around the room, then you look at him.

he’s dead asleep, but he’s on his stomach, his face parallel to yours. his mouth is a little open and one of his arms is underneath his pillow, hoisting him slightly higher, while his other is reaching toward your side of the bed.

you yawn as you twist your body and grab your phone off the nightstand, then check the time. it’s already noon. the others must be up and awake by now.

you drop your phone on your lap and use that hand to shake drew awake gently, but when he doesn’t wake up the first time is when you get a little rougher.

“star,” you tell him, in hopes that he gets up at least now or soon. you don’t want either of you to miss any of the plans going on that day. “wake up, come on,” you say, and drew’s eyes open once before he closes them again, and his legs move underneath the blanket slowly. he’s waking up.

“mmh,” he moans, and because his eyes are closed you know that he’s trying to fall back asleep. you retract your arm and get up from the bed. you figure he’ll wake up anyway, he knows he has to.

you walk over to the door and open it, then peek your head out into the hall. you look around for anyone, but all you find is theo walking upstairs to his and leila’s room with two plates of food.

“hey,” you say, then pause to clear your throat. you’ve already caught theo’s attention. “what are we doing today?”

theo shakes his head, his mouth full of his piece of toast. “not today,” his words are difficult to understand so he drops the piece of toast on one of the plates. “tonight. leila has this checklist that’s guiding our everyday, and she said she’s been wanting to just stay in one night, relax, watch some movies. it’s gonna be chill, but it’s only that.”

you nod, patting the doorframe twice. “thank you,” you say, then pull back into your room as you add, “and good morning!”

“‘morning,” theo says, and you close the door gently.

when you turn around you see that drew’s awake. or at least he’s changed positions. he’s lying on his side now, facing you again. you watch him as you return to your side of the bed. he has to flip onto his other side again when you even leave his sight.

“free day until movie night tonight. leila’s orders,” you say, and there’s a small smile on his face before he rubs his eyes with his palm. you look around the bed for your phone with a frown, “could sleep in ‘til tonight if we wanted to.”

“we?” he asks, and it’s like he’s caught you already suggesting plans for the both of you.

“if i . . . wanted to,” you correct yourself, then pause for a moment while you rub the back of your neck, looking away. “libby did say she could help me with some audition tapes today though.”

drew groans, stuffing his head back into his pillow. “why are you working during the two weeks we’re supposed to do anything but that?” he whines, as if you’re dragging him along to do it too.

you shrug, “some people are expected to book their next role as soon as possible. now that tempest is over, i want to start working on my next big thing.”

“tempest was the next big thing, you won an mtv award for it,” drew reminds you.

you think back to your tv series that had went on for six years, a good chunk of your life, before it ended just recently with its final season. tempest is the reason why you met drew in the first place—he shared his praise for your lead role at one of his movie premieres years and years ago.

you shake your head at him. “okay,” you say, deciding to get up and out of bed.

“where are you going?”

“i’m not gonna work but i’m not just gonna lay around in bed all day,” you tell him, and you leave the room to freshen up in the bathroom.

you hear a few footsteps that descend the staircase and you can’t help but peer over your shoulder to see who it is. it’s oscar. you’re seated at the kitchen island, and he’s just minding his own business as he retrieves something from his backpack it seems like, then he looks to you.

he’s kind. there’s a genuine smile on his face as he nods his head at you. “good morning,” he says.

he turns to leave and you try to return it, “good morning.” you clear your throat as you continue to watch him head upstairs. from there, you can see someone walking across the hall, just from their feet.

you can recognize his patterned socks. it’s drew.

“hey!” leila’s voice is a jumpscare and you can’t help but react quickly, facing forward like you’re a child getting caught stealing candy. leila laughs when she realizes she scared you. “sorry . . . i thought you heard me come in. are you ready?”

you’re dressed to go out to town, as leila said earlier that she wanted to visit the local market nearby. you nod your head at her and shuffle off of the chair.

“who’s driving?” drew asks as he jogs down the stairs and pulls his crewneck over his head. you barely cast a glance at his body before you look into his eyes, and he walks over. “am i?”

“yes—” leila tries to say before you cut in.

“you’re coming with us?” you ask. you don’t necessarily have a problem with it, it’s just why was it kept from you?

“problem?”

“i don’t know. is there one?” you furrow your eyebrows at him and tilt your head to the side, but you realize the way you’re talking to him.

he squints his eyes at you in question, then glances up at leila. he’s not sure whether you're teasing him or not, but he lets out a short, awkward laugh. “okay, let’s not get dramatic,” he says lightly.

leila, sensing the unease, smiles as she steps in. “i figured we could all go together! it’s a trio outing now! plus, you two are joined at the hip anyway.” she says it like it's the most natural thing, blissfully unaware of how the statement lands between you and drew.

you swallow the discomfort and force a smile as you get off the chair, grabbing your bag. drew’s eyes linger on you for a moment before he turns and follows you both out the door.

“careful,” he warns you about your blatant attitude.

you know he’s right, and you mutter out, “sorry.”

the car hums as you’re driven down to the beach market, then get out to enter. it’s not a huge deal being seen out in public together—you’ve done this before. but of course it’s different now. there’s something strange about holding drew’s hand when you know, deep down, it’s all for show. but you don't pull away.

when you reach the town, you spot a few people recognizing you—actors always catch eyes, even in quieter towns like this one. drew stays close, his hand still gripping yours, a comfortable smile playing on his lips as the three of you wander around.

a couple of fans approach you, their faces lighting up at the sight of you and drew together. “oh my god, i loved you two in hellraiser! this feels like a dream," one of them gushes, and for a split second, you feel drew’s hand squeeze yours tighter.

you try to play it off, laughing softly as you and him pose for a quick picture with the younger girl.

after, drew steps beside you, leaning forward with his hands behind his back as a few record him. “we’re glad you enjoyed it,” he says, flashing his grin. you feel a familiar flutter in your stomach, a reminder of all those moments you used to share during press events like this.

another girl beams, and what seems like her mother is standing there with her, “you look even prettier in person! can we take another photo?”

“of course!” you laugh, and you part from drew to tend to the few of them.

drew is just standing a few feet away, his gaze locked on you. his expression is unreadable—something between admiration and something deeper, something heavier.

leila catches onto his lingering stare, and she approaches him with a smirk, nudging his arm. “you’re staring,” she teases, her tone light. drew blinks and breaks his gaze, glancing down at leila like he’s been caught.

“was not,” he mutters. his eyes flick back to you for a second, but he quickly looks away again.

leila’s inspecting a few trinkets before glancing back at him, a knowing look on her face. “you’re a terrible liar, you know,” she says. “you’re staring, and don’t think i didn’t notice at the firepit either.”

drew shifts uncomfortably, trying to find a way to defend himself. “okay, well yeah, because she’s my girlfriend!” he says a little too loud, and even you look up at him and furrow your eyebrows before returning to what you’re doing.

“okay, i’m joking. god, please lighten up. you can stare at your girlfriend all you want. who cares?” she says, waving a hand dismissively. “is everything good with you two?”

drew hesitates, glancing over at you as you smile politely at another fan. “yeah, everything’s fine,” he says, the words coming out too quickly. “why wouldn’t it be?”

leila narrows her eyes, watching him closely. “i don’t know, you’re acting a little . . . weird. normally, you’re more laid-back when she’s off and doing stuff on her own. but lately, you’ve been all . . . protective. intense, even.” she pauses, studying his face. “is something going on?”

he rubs the back of his neck. “no, we’re good. we’re good.”

leila hums, her fingers tracing one of the bracelets on a stall table. “you know, i talked to y/n last night,” she says carefully, her voice soft. “she said you guys have been stressed with work lately, but that everything’s good between you. still . . . i don’t know, something feels off. you both seem a little . . . distant.” she gives him a gentle nudge. “i’m not trying to pry, but i just want to make sure you’re okay. i already asked her, so now i’m asking you.”

drew stiffens slightly, but forces a small laugh, trying to brush it off. “yeah, work has been a lot lately. it’s probably just that—stress, you know? juggling schedules, auditions, appearances . . . it’s hard to get time for ourselves.”

“i get that. trust me, theo and i have been there too with our careers. it can get messy, but...” she trails off, giving him a sincere look. “you and y/n have always had something really special. and i know it’s not my business, but if something’s really bothering you—or her—you guys should talk it out. don’t let it fester.”

he shifts on his feet, the words striking closer than he’d like. he nods, though, appreciating her concern. “yeah, you’re right. i know we need to talk more, make time for that.”

leila smiles, “good. i’m here for both of you, okay? if you need to blow off steam or talk, don’t hesitate. i can tell there’s more going on than just ‘work stress,’ but i trust you’ll figure it out.”

drew forces a grin, trying to play it cool. “thanks, lei. we’ll be fine.”

leila holds his gaze for a moment longer, then nods as she steps back toward the vendor. “you better be. you guys are a strong power couple around here,” she jokes lightly.

as she glances over drew’s shoulder, her gaze settles on a nearby flower shop across the street. she doesn’t say anything, but her eyes linger, then shift back to him. there’s a soft smile playing on her lips, and she raises her brows in a silent suggestion.

he follows her line of sight, his eyes landing on the shop. it takes him a second, but he gets it. leila doesn’t need to say the words. he knows exactly what she’s trying to tell him.

“really?” he asks, dropping his smile. “you’re playing wingman?”

“wingwoman, but you know.” she gives a small, almost teasing shrug. “i mean, they’re her favorite, right? might not fix everything, but it’s a start. little things, drew.”

his eyes flick back to the shop, an old habit of buying you flowers bubbling up in his chest. “yeah, she always liked those kinds of flowers,” he murmurs, half to himself.

he nods, muttering a quiet “thanks” under his breath, as leila gives him a knowing smile before turning back to browse a nearby stall.

drew makes his way over to the flower shop, eyes scanning for your favorite blooms. the vendor helps him put together a simple yet thoughtful bouquet, and drew can't help but feel anxious but hopeful.

a few minutes later, he looks for you amongst everyone. you’ve already found leila, as you two inspect something on a stand just a few stalls down. you must not have seen drew when he was handling the flowers.

he makes his way over, and his presence is warm behind you that causes you to peer over your shoulder. you’re startled when you realize there’s actually someone there, and he’s so close. you immediately notice the flowers.

your eyebrows lift in amusement as he grins. “oh, what’s this?” you ask, your tone teasing, though there's a flicker of surprise behind your eyes.

drew holds the bouquet out, his voice soft. “for you,” he says. “maybe to make the day a little better.”

you look at the flowers, hesitating for a second before taking them. there’s a small warmth in your chest that you try to suppress, but it shows in the way your lips twitch upward into a faint smile. “thank you,” you say quietly, studying the flowers briefly before your gaze shifts back to him.

you can’t help but wrap your open arm around his neck and pull him close. his gesture is sweet and unexpected. drew’s arms finds your waist before he’s hugging you back, even tighter, but trying to be polite with how long he squeezes you.

you feel bold, and you lean away from him before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. it’s brief, almost hesitant, but enough to make drew’s breath get caught in his throat for a second.

as you pull away, you notice his glance toward leila, who's standing just a few feet away, pretending to be deeply engrossed in whatever she's holding. but she can’t hide the small wink she throws his way when he meets her gaze, a playful, silent “you're welcome” before she turns back around.

you catch it at the very last second and your mouth gapes open, so you take a step back. “are you two conspiring now?” you ask, in fake shock.

he chuckles softly. “just trying to be a good boyfriend.”

“mhm,” you murmur, but your smile lingers, and you look up at him to mumble a small “thank you” again, to which he waves it off like it’s nothing. even though you're hesitant, you can't deny that the gesture worked—at least a little.

@rubixgsworld @itgirlbrina @thepopcultureaddict @samsmelodrama @kissfinalgirl @itsamegazaddysworld @willowpains

[fangirlingfromdownunder]

A Sweet Mishap - Chapter 19

Pairing - Jensen Ackles x Reader 

A/N: I just want to start by thanking everyone for all the love on this story so far. Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list. This chapter is a little heavier (as is the story going forward, but I'll include potential triggers for each chapter as relevant), so please read the TW below and only read on if you feel comfortable doing so.

Potential Trigger Warnings: None

A Sweet Mishap Masterlist | Main Masterlist

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

I don’t give myself time to miss Jensen as I spend every spare minute preparing for the audition. I finally pick a song: Hopelessly Devoted To You. I want the best chance to show that I can be a good Sandy. Between memorising the monologue and lyrics, I work on staying active. There’s no way of knowing what the choreography will be, so I can’t practice that, but I can make sure I’m prepared for anything. I try to enact everything I’ve learnt in class. 

When I finally check my phone I see a bunch of texts from Jensen, mostly links to articles about relaxation.

Good luck with the audition tomorrow!You’ll do amazing!Don’t get too in your headJust relax and be yourselfI hope these articles help

I want to call him but know I need to rest my voice after hours of singing and rehearsing otherwise it will all be for nothing.

I’ll read them now Thanks

In the large auditorium, I collect my number and stick it to my shirt before heading with everyone else to the main stage. The director introduces herself and welcomes everyone before introducing the choreographer and leaving him to teach a routine. He leads a quick stretch and warm up to ensure no one’s going to pull a muscle or injure themselves before going through a jazz routine. We go over it a few times slowly with him counting us in and walking around the stage providing guidance were possible, before he puts on some music and leads it at a faster pace. I focus on hitting every beat and making each step while also steadying my breathing so I don’t panic. Once he’s satisfied with everyones understanding of the short dance he restarts the song and the director comes back onto the stage. She wanders around assessing everyone as we focus on the moves. Once the song comes to an end, she thanks everyone and ushers us back into the hall to wait for the next instructions. I take a seat on the ground leaning against a wall and sip water as I relax my body and steady my breathing and heartrate. While I sit there I also run through the monologue. 

Time passes slowly as I wait for my number to be called. As I wait one of the other girls sits beside me and we chat. I’m thankful for the welcome distraction as we help each other relax. When I finally hear my number she wishes me luck and I stand up and make my way back to the stage. As I enter the big doors again the sound mixer asks for my song selection, so I tell her and she lines it up while explaining to give her a nod when I’m ready. I then walk into the middle of the stage, marked with a red X made out of duct tape. The director welcomes me and tells me to start whenever I’m ready. I take a few deep breaths and nod over at the sound department. The notes of Hopelessly Devoted to You echo through the hall and I start to sing. I draw on old emotions from when I was devoted to men who cast me aside and tear up alittle. After the first chorus the music fades out and I relax for a beat before moving into the monologue. I deliver it with power, emotion and passion. When I finish she thanks me and urges me to wait in the hall. 

I know better than to get my hopes up or get too disappointed too early, so I go to the bathroom and splash some water on my face to quell the adrenaline and nerves. I know they won’t announce callbacks until the end of the day, so I find a secluded space outside yet undercover and out of the freeing breeze and light drizzling snow. I pull out my phone and in lieu of messaging the person who got me into the mess in the first place, I message Jensen.

Audition’s done. Just waiting for them to announce callbacks So nervous

A few seconds later his name pops up on my screen. I slide across to answer.

“How’re you feelin’?” he asks in his deep Texan drawl.

“I already told you. Nervous!”

“That’s normal, but how do you think you went? You happy with your performance?”

“Yeah. I’m proud of myself.”

“That’s my girl. I’m proud of you too. Give me a reason to come watch some broadway.”

“You’ll be back in Vancouver by the time live shows start.”

“I get weekends. I’d make time to come see you.”

“If you start coming to New York regularly people are gona start asking questions.”

“Let ‘em. I don’t care. I’d only be worried about it impacting you, but I can be discreet. We can make it work.”

“I gotta get a callback first. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I know you wouldn’t have had to do auditions in a while, but surely you remember the process and slim chances.”

“All too well. But I can tell by the state of your apartment that you take rejection better than I used to…I remember putting my fist through a wall and then calling my dad in tears.”

“I’ve never put my fist through a wall, but there’s definitely been tears.”

“Yeah, it’s a rough industry, but I have every faith that you can- Uh, sorry, Darlin’, I gotta go, my agent’s calling.”

“Alright, I’ll text you later,” I say before the line goes silent.

As the sun starts to set the chill sets in. I wander back into the heated foyer. People of all ages sit or stand around the room, mostly engrossed in their phones or idle chatter while they move from foot to foot or bounce their leg. A few girls in the far corner are even doing star jumps and squats. The room is a weird stale mix between body odor, deodorant and perfume. I miss the fresh air of outside, but my chilled body welcomes the super charged heat. I find a free patch of carpet by the door and sit down. My foot taps quietly against the floor in my high-top boots. 

After what feels like an eternity, an assistant that I’d seen around earlier comes out of the stage doors with a stack of papers. She ushers a group away that are leaning against a large cork board before slowly pinning up each sheet. I know the same pages will be scanned onto their website by morning, but there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere in the room; it’s one of the things I like about stage productions over TV or movies where they just get your agent. I patiently wait as the people closer to the board crowd around before either cheering or sighing and storming or sulking out of the foyer into the cold, dark night. As I’m watching people react to the casting I spot the girl I was talking to before my audition. She looks over her shoulder and skims around the room before she spots me and waves me over with a smile. I quickly throw my backpack over my shoulder and hurry over to join her. 

“Let’s find out together. Good luck!” She says as I catch up to her.

Despite Sandy being the lead role and the one that most girls dream of, she said she had a soft spot for Frenchy, and the cotton-candy pink hair to match. So I’m glad to go up with someone who is not in direct competition, although even if she was, I’d be a good sport about it. She grabs my hand and squeezes as she pulls me through the small crowd to read the cast list. My eyes go straight to the top of the list, but next to Sandy is Mary Jacobs. I scan down the first page just to make sure I didn’t get cast in any other role. Finally on the third page across I find my name, I feel a bubble of hope at getting a role, even if it is just: Female Student #3 - Ensemble. I accept my fate with a sullen smile as my new friend motions to the final page: the list of understudies. She holds two fingers on the page as she smiles at me. My jaw drops as I see my name in the third column next to Sandy Olsson and hers next to Frenchy.

“It means we could still get a matinee performance…Or if the lead God forbid falls sick for a night…” She offers with a hopeful smile.

“Looks like we’re going to be seeing a lot more of each other, fellow understudy.”

We step back and input our numbers into each other’s phones so we can keep in contact about the rehearsals. We share a quick meal together at a closeby fast food joint in the city as we gush over our future roles and how awesome it’s going to be to perform on the big stage for real finally. We become quick friends and my nerves settle slightly at knowing that I’ve got someone in my corner as I go into this new world. 

On the subway I text Jensen:

May I introduce to you……Drum roll please…Female Student #3…

His little speech bubble pops up and disappears multiple times.

And understudy for Sandy!I’m gonna be on broadway, Baby!!

You’re happy?

We can’t all get the lead Understudy to the lead isn’t bad There’ll likely be a chance that I’ll get to do a matinee I got a part I’ve never even gotten ensemble before So to get that as well as understudy for the lead

I guess I’m not used to understudies We don’t exactly have an understudy in TV Stunt doubles, sure But not understudies But if you’re happy, I’m happy

I’m happy

I’m glad I’m so so proud of you

Can I call you later?I just wanna call my mom and tell her too

You told me before your parents? I’m honored But tonight’s not gonna be good for me I’m having drinks with a friend Call tomorrow?

Sure Enjoy your night

You too, Darlin’ And congratulations!

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Taglist: @stoneyggirl2 @hobby27, @n-o-p-e-never, @deansimpalababy,

@winchesterwild78, @kr804573, @chriszgirl92, @smoothdogsgirl

@speakinvain, @deans-baby-momma

[synnamonroll666]

Casting Couch

Picture lightly edited by me.

Pairing: Josh Washington x Fem!Reader Description: You get a chance to play the lead role in the most famous and successful Hollywood producer's—Josh Washington's—new film. And it seems like you got the part! But there is only one thing left for you to do—a sweet deal that's just too perfect for you to refuse…  Warnings: Movie Producer X Actress, Strip Tease, BlowJob (Male Receiving), Female Riding Male, P In V, Creampie. Word Count: 2.6k A/N: FINALLY I'm going to repost this! I don't know why it has taken me so long to, but I hope my new followers enjoy it just as much as my other ones did on my other account. Just to warn you all, this is lightly reedited. So it's not quite like my new writing style but not like my old one either. I hope you enjoy it regardless! 🖤 Main MasterList: 🖤 Synny's Angels: @koexchange, @yesitsloulou, @mistmoose, @jasonexo, @fortune-fool02, and @raven-the-cryptid. (If you want to be added to the taglist, let me know in the comments! 🖤)

𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐

"I'm here to see Mr. Washington." I said confidently to the middle-aged woman sitting at her desk before me.

The lady merely glanced up at me and then continued to type on her keyboard at a speed that showed me just how long she had been working as a secretary while saying, "Mr. Washington will be ready for you in a moment, dear. Please, take a seat." before gesturing to the chairs in the spacious waiting room. Though her body language seemed cold, her tone was sweet and kind. I knew that she was just busy; after all, she did work for one of the biggest film producers in Hollywood, so it was understandable.

Speaking of, it was a huge opportunity to meet up with Mr. Washington for a role. I had already done my audition, but Mr. Washington had requested that I meet him in his office for a more personal review. Despite meeting one of the most successful men in the film industry at the time, I didn't feel nervous. I was more excited and ready for anything. And I had every right to be. It was just one of those days where everything felt right—my hair was perfectly done, my dress hugged my form just the right way, my make-up was on fucking point; I felt like I was on fucking fire.

After a few minutes of reading some useless magazine about 'Top 10 Beauty Tips for Women Trying to Find a Man.', the secretary, who I had learned was named Betty, granted me permission to enter Mr. Washington's office.

I nodded my head as I stood up before saying a quick thank you and entering the room where Mr. Washington sat behind his desk. I looked around the big office and noted just how much it looked like a horror movie producer's office in particular. The walls were painted black with framed posters of all the movies he had done hung upon them, the carpet floors were blood red, and the furniture within it seemed more of a Gothic style than the usual furniture producers would keep. He was casually reading over some paperwork until he noticed my arrival just a few seconds later.

"Ah, Ms. (L/N)! It's a pleasure to finally meet you!" He greeted me as he stood up while gesturing to the seat in front of him. "Please sit down. We have so much to discuss."

I walked over to the offered seat and sat down, crossing my legs afterwards and resting my arms on the armrests of the quite comfy chair. Mr. Washington was definitely more attractive in person, especially in that all-black suit he had on. The man sat back down in his seat and smiled seductively, all while his eyes roamed my form for a brief moment. I could see the wheels turning in his brain as he undressed me with his orbs and it was quite a turn-on, especially with how his pupils dilated his light green iris' the more his eyes stayed on my body.

"So, you liked my audition tape?" I asked nonchalantly, knocking him from his brief fantasy and bringing him back to reality.

"Uh- Yeah! You are quite a talented young woman." He responded in a sort of dazed tone, as if he were slowly coming back from being unconscious.

"Thank you, Sir." I said with a smile.

That title I gave him seemed to do a lot for him, as he visibly shuddered after the word left my lips. He swallowed thickly and adjusted his tie, as if he were trying to fight his urges. But I had a feeling that that battle would soon be lost.

"U-Um... However, there is an additional requirement you'll have to proceed with ifyou want this part badly enough." He added, and I titled my head to the side slightly, causing my hair to flip over my shoulder and flow down my arm gracefully as I raised a questioning brow. He cleared his throat while adjusting his tie yet again, making me smirk slightly at the effect I was having on him. "The thing is, ladies who work for me not only have to show me how well they do on set, but behind the set as well."

After speaking his last sentence, Mr. Washington gestured to a black leather couch that was placed against the left wall of the office. It didn't take long to know what he meant, and I was more than willing to show him just how badly I wanted this part.

"Well, Mr. Washington, what are we waiting for?" I asked in a low and seductive tone as my lips curled up into a devilish smirk. My tongue cut through their seam to glide across them slowly, wetting them in a rather suggestive manner.

Mr. Washington's sexy smile only grew wider, since he clearly knew he was getting exactly what he wanted. He stood from his chair and walked over to where I was seated before he offered me his hand, which I gladly took without hesitation.

He helped me stand, guided me to the couch, and then sat down on it, resting his arms on the headrest. I smiled down at him sweetly—instantly getting the hint of what he was suggesting—before I kneeled down onto my knees.

Though the extra-soft carpet was so nice against my bare knees, I could barely take time to appreciate it as I stared down at the growing bulge in Mr. Washington's pants with awe. Clearly, he was just as excited about this as I was—maybe even more.

I licked my lips hungrily and began undoing his belt. No longer than a couple seconds later, I was unzipping his expensive dress pants and pulling out his erect member to meet the cool air of the room. I held his length in my hand, admiring the girth of it as I bit my lip to stifle my smirk. It wasn't until I heard the agitated clearing of Mr. Washington's throat that I got snapped out of my little wanton of fantasies and appreciation.

"Are you just going to hold it like it's a trophy?" I looked up upon hearing his words to see him staring down at me with a raised brow. "Trust me, honey, you'll have plenty of those to man-handle once I reward you for your services. Now, get to work."

Immediately after he gave me his order, I began moving my hand up and down his shaft, tightening my fingers around its width, and pumping it slowly before taking the tip into my mouth.

He let out a strained moan at the contact of my lips wrapping around his tip, and I could see him fighting to keep himself from moving one of his hands down onto my head to force me to go deeper. But being a good little servant, I took the hint and lowered myself on his cock. I opened my throat as I took him deeper into my mouth, consuming each thick inch and practically having to fight back a moan due to the delicious taste of his flesh.

It didn't take long for the salty taste of his pre-cum to meet my palette and satisfy my taste buds, earning a deep groan from me to vibrate against his cock. He clenched his eyes shut and threw an arm over them as his mouth hung open, while his voice was producing the most beautiful sounds that had ever greeted my ears.

I tightened my lips around his length and began sucking as hard as I possibly could. I bobbed my head up and down slowly, though I quickly made sure to pick up speed each time his member reentered my mouth. Since I wanted this experience for him to be the best it could be, I let one of my hands move to his balls and grip them firmly. His voice grew louder due to my actions, and I took it as meaning that I was doing a good job. Now massaging his balls in my hand, I wiggled my tongue against his dorsal vein as I decided to work even faster.

But just as I had started to increase my speed even more, Mr. Washington's fingers clenched into a fist, gripping my hair firmly in his grasp. He pulled my head away from his cock, forcing his length out of my mouth with a wet pop.

"I-I think that's enough." He whispered breathlessly, and I cocked my head with confusion. It wasn't until he patted his lap that I understood what he wanted. I stood up, quickly obeying his orders with a lot of excitement for what was to come next.

After standing to my full height, I turned around so my back was facing him. Then I reached behind me to clasp the metal zipper—the one that was holding my dress closed—in my fingers before slowly pulling it down. I let the straps fall off my shoulders, and the only thing hiding my partial nude form fell to the floor, leaving me in my black lace bra and panties.

Mr. Washington's eyes roamed my form slowly, growing more hungry with every passing second, making it clear that I was his next meal to devour. I approached him, taking slow steps as I did so. I wanted to drag this out for as long as I possibly could. Smirking at him, I hooked my fingers under the waistband of my panties and pushed them down my legs as well. Mr. Washington's eyes never left my hands as one went to my core to let a finger brush through my folds, showing him just how wet I was for him.

I brought that finger up to my lips and sucked it into my mouth, letting my eyes flutter shut and moaning a little over dramatically as the salty taste hit my tongue. After I was done with my little performance, my eyes opened again to see that Mr. Washington's eyes had widened with what seemed like crazed lust and want. Smirking smugly due to the effect I still had on him, I climbed onto his lap to allow him to line his tip up with my dripping hole.

I slowly sank down onto his length, letting my heat consume each thick inch. I bit my lip hard as I tried to stifle all the crude noises that my body was dying to release. But to my surprise, Mr. Washington grabbed my face with one hand, squishing my cheeks and forcing my mouth open.

"Don't hold back those beautiful noises." He growled his demand and I visibly shuddered, letting out a shaky breath as I did so.

I stayed still for only a moment, allowing myself to adjust to his large size. But once that stinging shock melted into delightful pleasure, I lifted myself back up and sank back down in a swift motion. The feeling of his size stretching me out was arousing enough, but that look on his face was something else. It lit a fire within me in an instant and only sent me further into a downward spiral of pure ecstasy.

His eyes were squeezed shut, his mouth had fallen agape, his cheeks were a nice tint of red, his slicked back hair slowly became disheveled, and a thin coat of sweat glossed his tanned skin. It was quite a sight to behold, and I felt so lucky that I was the one who was lucky enough to witness it.

I leaned forward and kissed his neck, attacking all the spots that I knew were his weak spots. Though I just couldn't hold back for long, I sank my teeth in, right by his collarbone. To my pleasant surprise, Mr. Washington let out a loud gasp in shock as his hands flew to my back so he could dig his nails into my soft flesh.

"My, my, Mr. Washington." I leaned back to smirk at him. "I didn't take you as the sensitive type."

He responded with a low growl as his eyes burrowed into mine intensely with hunger and need. He clenched his teeth so tight, as if he were fighting back words of frustration—though his eyes said it all. And soon after, he couldn't refrain from letting his lips do so as well.

"Just... Do... Your... Fucking... Job..." He rasped between ragged breaths, and I instantly nodded as my cocky smirk grew.

I rolled my hips in just the right way, not only making the moment more enjoyable for him but for me as well. I tossed my head back as I let out a loud moan, suddenly not caring who heard me—suddenly not caring who heard how I'm his little slut.

Taking the hint, Mr. Washington's thumb flew to my clit, pressing down hard and rubbing the swollen little bead in quick circles. I almost couldn't take it. I wanted to hold on for as long as I could so he could be satisfied first, so I clenched my teeth together tightly and tried to ignore the burning pleasure within my core the best I could.

But then Mr. Washington caught on rather quickly. He leaned in until his lips just grazed my ear, letting his breath fan its shell ever so gently.

"Cum for me." He spoke in a low, deep growl.

Merely a second later, I let go. Between his deep voice in my ear and his cock twitching against my g-spot, I fell into the void of blinding pleasure as I screamed through my climax. His words, his voice, his touch, his scent—it let off an explosion within me quicker than gasoline hitting a match. Shortly after my orgasm, Mr. Washington came too. I was blessed with the sight of him coming undone before me, and the only thing that went through my mind was, 'I did that—I've ruined this big, powerful man.'

Nothing had ever felt so empowering.

I rested my head on Mr. Washington's shoulder as we both slowly came down from our highs. The feeling of his hand gently rubbing my back in slow, smooth circles was a nice contrast to the rough fucking we just had and helped me to come back down to my senses and reality.

After a few minutes of sitting in complete silence, I leaned back to smile down at him. He returned my smile and brought his hand up to gently caress my cheek. I responded by leaning into his touch as my eyes fluttered shut again in contentment. I felt so at peace at that moment, as if nothing else mattered.

He kissed me on the lips one last time—sweetly—compared to the careless ones he had given me prior, as if I didn't even matter to him. But I knew differently then, like I do now. I slowly pulled myself off of him, earning more moans due to the oversensitivity both of us were experiencing in our post-orgasmic state.

After dressing myself while Mr. Washington stayed on the couch, I readjusted my dress and slowly walked to the door of the office. But when I placed my hand on the door handle, I turned around one last time to see Mr. Washington looking at me with a loving smile on his lips—a loving smile that I returned.

"See you at home around eight, hun?" He asked as he slowly sat up and began buttoning up his shirt.

"I'll have dinner ready on the table, sweetheart." I confirmed before blowing my husband a kiss, which he caught, then I turned my heel and walked out the door.

𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐⭒𖤐

[devisrina]

Another comparison between Sydney and Claire - The Meet Cute

Credits to: @velvetimbre for this post

We all know the infamous speculation about whether Sydney lied about eating at The Beef or not. What is found even more hilarious is the fact that we're speculating that Claire planned her grocery store encounter with Carmy.

This is unhinged. Like, truly mind-boggling.

Because, the biggest hint that we ever got to Sydney lying was in episode 8, aka the season 1 finale, when she reveals to Marcus that she didn't eat out a lot.

Similarly, we find out in episode 10 aka the season 2 finale Claire has always had this huge crush on Carmy. Meaning that there could be a decent enough chance that she planned the encounter.

It's just the way that these fan theories directly have similarities about how deliberate the planning was while also working as juxtapositions as their reasons were different.

Sydney, while yes, could hold attraction to him, was more on the professional side for her career. Carmy is the best chef in the country and she strives to learn a lot from him to improve her skill. I also want to add that while I think she was planning to talk to him about his career, I feel like she isn't necessarily holding onto that question. I feel like she would have been fine with waiting to ask him at a later day. But because he's the one who is asking her more about herself, she decides to return it by asking about what he's doing there.

It's also really sweet that she asks him before to clarify if it's okay, to ask him a question. This might allude to her thinking that it was a touchy subject, so she made sure to ask first if it was okay. And it's so sweet, especially since we know Carmy, we know he's shy. He runs along with people always telling him what to do or say, and even though this is little detail, it's nice that she gives him a choice with this.

Throughout the show, he's more of the person who kind of breaks down her walls a bit and wants to get to know her on a more personal level. And she begins to feel more comfortable with this and is really glad to have him as a maybe friend.

With Claire, (this isn't meant to be taken in the wrong way) her motive came from wanting to pursue a relationship with him. It begins with some small talk that feels natural but then starts to feel a bit rehearsed when she says "Cause you're the bear, and I remember you." And she segways their earlier banter as a way to get his number.

Her actions and body language are purposely flirty. The way that her voice is when she talks to him, she wants to mesmerise him with her actions. Specifically after he gives her his 'number' she looks back up with her wide eyes and slightly says "Kay."

I also remember thinking when I saw their meet-cute and how Claire/Molly was acting out her lines, how it felt like she was reading off a script for an audition tape. (Molly is a talented actress in Shiva Baby, Good Boys, Broken hearts Gallery and Booksmart, so watching this scene felt off). But then it hit me. It was meant to be that way. Claire essentially rehearsed her lines to come off confident and cool when she finally got a chance to see Carmy.

Like, I feel like she would look way more shocked, nervous and stumbling over her words and sentences if that was the first time she saw him.

Even the most confident person feels so jittery over seeing their long-term crush. She seemed like she planned what to say to him before she saw him again. Even if it had not been that specific day that she thought she would see him, she probably has walked around here and there in hopes that she would see him again.

[hologramcowboy]

Hello! You mentioned in some recent posts Jensen Ackles' acting became histrionic lately. Can you please expand a bit more on that? I read histrionic acting leans heavily on emotions, exaggerating them. Is that so? I'm not sure I got that right.

Thank You.

Hi, there! Thank you for the beautiful question.

Acting has evolved a lot over the years, so untrained actors who have a background in soap operas often actin histrionically, basically overacting and mimicking emotions instead of feeling and instead of making natural, organic choices.

Nowadays, acting is all about how real one can get, this means truly embodying the psychology of a character as opposed to playing an idea of that character which is what histrionic acting is.

A high tier actor will ensure any character choice made is not only high stakes, risky but also organic. Example: they choose to walk with a limp for said character and instead of merely mimicking a limp they do inner work and acting exercises that organically cause that limp.

Another example is Meryl Streep adopting a certain voice for a character, it never feels mimicked, it’s organic, on the other side, we have Jensen who fails to adopt Dean’s voice organically (he is copying JDM anyway) and as a result it comes off fake and breaks the spell of his acting.

These days even soap actors are trained to be realistic in their potrayals so, I think, in Jensen’s case, it’s a matter of him still applying things he learned ages ago without ever studying what is now modern and castable. All of which can be easily avoided through private or group coaching. All the actors who constantly book are constantly training and they never submit a self taped audition or go to one without getting private training on it first.

Jensen has a great potential but he seems intent on simply replicating histrionically his idea of what Dean was over and over again and by doing so not only is he typecasting himself on the wrong type, he also runs the risk of coming off as a very limited one trick pony and those aren’t exactly in high demand. Jensen’s been lucky so far that his friends have been casting him, without their help, I can guarantee you there’s no way he would have booked much with his current level of acting. If it wasn’t for Kripke, Jensen would have slowly faded.

I look forward to seeing his new projects unfold and I hope he will actually do script analysis, character analysis and also get private coaching. Competition is high in the acting world and an actor that never trains stagnates.

[crimson-chaser]

Not SOZED, but its coming soon

im just putting this here because those "td headcanons" or "totaldramahcs" dont really respond to most of my asks, and you normally reply to all of the asks ive sent so far

this is what i think Mike and the alters room would look like in headspace

Mikes is just a replica of his irl room, the one we see in his audition tape. but the rewards that he got due to Svetlana and the framed pictures that were ( implied ) to be taken by Manitoba are changed into posters of his favourite music singers, actors, etc. But he does have some school awards that he still has in his room from like old school spellings bees or winning in sports day all by himself without the help of the alters ( not chester, hed break his hip on the long jump )

Svetlana is minimalistic but massive, biggest bedroom in the house, probably because she also has bars she can swing on and mats she can do her gymnastic stuff on. One of her walls is also just filled of rewards that she earned in real life but manifested ( I hope I worded that right ) into headspace for her room.

Chester definietly has one of those old man rooms, no need to explain, just search up stereotypical elderly man bedroom and youll get what i mean.

Vitos room is nothing special really, personally I see his room as the same room as Billys room from Stranger Things. I think Vito wouldve watched Stranger Things with Anne Maria when it was first trending and he doesnt like Billy at all, but he though his room was cool.

Also personally, I think Mal and Manitoba would share a room. I have no idea why, I just like the "roomates being polar opposites" trate ( not. a. ship. I see Mal and Manitoba as father-son ) For the shared room I think theyd have a bunk bed, but the bottom bunk is too smal for Manitoba but so is the top bunk ( Mal joked about Manitoba being too heavy to hold the top bunk, they all took it seriously (( addition, i think Manitoba is super fucking tall, like 6-7 foot atleast )) )

for singular room, just give Mal a more modern version of Ravens room from Teen Titans Go and give Manitoba Jasmines room but more plain.

- SOZED anon, Louie

I could defo see this, i like this head canon! :3

[nancy-drewdles]

Ace's love interest (4x10-11 spec)

So I've decided to rewatch the audition tape for Alice, the love interest, to look for clues on when she will finally bother to show up, and boy oh boy

Under the cut because of somewhat heavy spoilers.

Exhibit A. The audition tape.

The actress reads two scenes, both with Ace. The first one makes no sense to me. It sounds like they meet in college, which considering the insane timeline of this show — h o w. Episodes 6-8 happened in the span of 3 days (🤯) at the end of March. Episode 11 happens on April 8th (Passover), so we know there’s no big time jump. Unless he’s been taking night classes and didn’t tell anyone? For now, I’m choosing to believe that part of the tape is fake dialogue (for my own sanity because what do you mean you'd risk death by radiation for her).  

No, what really interests me is the second scene, where the girl gets possessed. 

LI: *heavy breathing* ACE: Ghost? I don’t think you are here to hurt me. I did some research and- LI: It’s cold. It’s cold.  ACE: Are you Mia who froze on the mountain? LI: I can’t breathe. It burns.  ACE: Are you Sam who died in the fire?  ACE: Talk to me. What do you remember? LI: My hair wrapped around my neck. I saw orange grey and everything went quiet and my hands were so cold. I don’t remember who I am…

Exhibit B. This shot from the latest trailer. 

Meet Alice, the possesed love interest.

Notice the burns on her face and her arms in flames (Are you Sam who died in the fire?), but the rest of her body looks almost frozen (Are you Mia who froze on the mountain?) with her hair in disarray (My hair wrapped around my neck). 

We don’t see who she is facing, but judging by the collar, it’s Ace who wore the same jacket in The Dilemma of the Lover's Curse. 

IMDB is not the most reliable source, but according to their listings, 4x10 has a character named Mia Peterson, and in 4x11 there’s a Nurse Sam. So it looks like whatever is going on takes place during these two episodes.

Episode 4x10 is titled the Ballad of Lives Foregone, and before, I thought it had something to do with Ace and Nancy and Ryan and Carson. But what if it's about all the lives sacrificed to the benefit of the Sin Eater and his creators?

What if whatever occurs in episode 10 (and 9) releases those restless spirits into the world? And some of them attach themselves to poor Alice?

(Or maybe, maybe it's a dybbuk situation).

And then there's this line from 4x11 description.

Lastly, Bess (Maddison Jaizani) is left feeling concerned after speaking with Ace (Alex Saxon).

Honestly, I hoped it was because he was trying to break the curse on his own, but Bess being concerned because her platanchor is being haunted by a ghostly love interest and is probably hiding it seems plausible.

And a little more ↓

I'm almost sure this happens at some point before, during, or after the Passover dinner since Ace is wearing the same shirt. You know what else is happening at the same time? The Glasses are sacrificing Nancy at some altar in the forest during biggest full moon of the year. Something something it's all connected.

"I did some research-"

[td-kin-confessions]

i miss the early days of the internet where shows had their own website where they would post exclusive clips. if fresh ever brought something like that back they should upload a 10 minute exclusive clip of chris and chef making out 🏳️‍🌈

Oh that would be so fun to see with the new cast. I really hope we get audition tapes. I hope that Priya and Bowie get real audition tapes unlike the ones they did gave Cameron and Lightning. But a Chref make out session would also be great. But wouldn't we be invading on their privacy?

[boosmidnighthour]

[WIP] Meet the Victims (Part 1) Screenplay

Here's what I have for the first episode of the rewrite. Mind you, I've been avoiding it for months, and at least half of it is just copied and edited from the actual episode. It's also not finished.

I decided to delete the scenes with the audition tapes, so if it feels more rushed than the actual episode's introduction scene, that might be why. I did this because I want the reader to get to know the characters and their goals, instead of having it spout out at you in 5 second intervals. Plus, a few of the characters didn't get an audition tape scene, so I just think it's only fair. Some of the lines are rewritten, though, so I do suggest you still read it.

I'm also fairly new to writing outside of like... regular fanfiction writing. So, yeah. Have fun!

Chris McLean: Back to the rundown cabins, hungry bears, hungrier bugs, the stinky outhouse where contestants confess their secrets, Chef’s disgusting food… What more could a teenager want? 15 years ago, this is where it all began, and I intend to bring back the good ol’ days. 

*Chris walks into the camera’s view*

Chris: Today’s 16 new contestants arrive, and battle to be the last one standing and win 1. Million. Dollars! But winning won’t be easy. This isn’t just a reboot, it’s a re-boot to the face! [Smug laugh]

*Camera pans to Chef, who looks unimpressed, shaking his head and rolling his eyes*

Chris: *Mutters* Someone doesn’t know a good joke when he hears one… *Clears his throat* Anyway… *Points to the camera with his signature smile* Crazier challenges and deadlier dares, all hosted on today’s show. I’m your host, Chris McLean, and welcome back to Total. Drama. Island!

☆☆☆

SCENE: Dock of Shame

Chris McLean: Unlike the first season of this show, this cast of… interesting characters knows what they’re getting into. This time, they’re willingly coming to this crummy camp. *Wrinkles his nose in disgust* Can you believe that?

Chris: Now, here comes the first victim- I mean… camper. First up-

*Chris points to the first to arrive and the camera sweeps in that direction, focusing on Millie*

Chris: Welcome, Millie! Just over here is fine. *Gestures to the dock*

Millie: *Steps off the boat once it has stopped at the dock*

Chris: Next up-

Chris: Axel!

Axel: *Throws gear onto dock*

Chris: Wow, you came prepared for… everything. Perfect~ *Smiles smugly* Over there please! Next up-

Chris: Priya.

Priya: Wow! I can’t believe I’m actually here! I can’t wait for my very first Total Drama challenge. I’ve always wondered what it would actually be like. I bet we’ll have to dive off the cliff like in the first Total Drama season and All Stars. It’s always some sort of physically challenging… *Gestures awkwardly* challenge the first episode-

Chris: All Total Drama challenges are physically demanding. It’s a bonus if it's mentally straining, too. *Chuckles ominously* Join your fellow campers.

Priya: *Walks over and stands by Millie*

Millie: … How long have you watched this show? You seem to know more about it than the average person, at least from my school.

Priya: Oh- uh, I’ve always watched this show. My parents love it to death.

Millie: Interesting…

Chris: Next up, all around fun dude-

Chris: Zee!

Zee: Chri-hi-hi-is, my man! Bring it in! *Walks towards Chris to give him hug*

Chris: *Stops him* Nope! Welcome to the island. *Gestures to the other campers* I hope you enjoy your stay. *Snickers to himself before collecting himself* Our next camper is-

Chris: Ripper.

Ripper: *Jumps off of his boat and onto the dock* Time for beast mode! *Rips shirt off and flexes his muscles*

Priya: *Looking disgusted* Oh- oh my…

Millie: *Looking disgusted and unimpressed* Ugh…

Axel: *One hundred mile glare*

Zee: *Takes a loud sip of his soda*

Ripper: *Makes his way over to the collected four* Take a long, dreamy gander, ladies, ‘cause once I win the million bucks, I’ll be outta your league.

Chris: I don’t see a suitcase. Was that your only shirt?

Ripper: Ah, man!

Chris: We’ll find you something. *Turns back to the camera* Next up-

Chris: Damien!

Damien: *Makes his way off the boat and onto the dock very carefully, before making his way over to Chris* Ay, wassup, man! I’m here for that million bucks. Where it at?

Chris: *Frowns* We don’t just give it to you. You- you have seen this show before, right?

Damien: Nope! How do I get the money?

Chris: *Smiles evilly* Oh-ho-ho, you are gonna be fun! Go meet your fellow campers; I’m sure they’ll happily inform you.

Chris: Speaking of fun-

Chris: Here comes Lauren!

Lauren: *Giggling evilly*

Chris: Welcome!

Lauren: You should stop looking at me.

Chris: *Covers his eyes* Well, then. Right over there, please! *Gestures vaguely where he thinks the other campers are before continuing* Let’s look at our next camper-

Chris: Bowie!

Bowie: *Cleaning his heart sunglasses as he walks down the dock with his bag* *Smiles at Chris confidently* Chris. *Continues over to the other campers*

Chris: *Rolls his eyes before continuing* Next up, Emma!

Emma: Chris, it’s so good to be here! I can’t wait to-

Chris: Oh! Here comes Chase!

Emma: *Eye twitches* What-

Chase: *Water-skiing from the boat bringing him in* WHOO-HOO-HOO-HOO! *Hops up off of the skis and onto the dock, throwing off his safety jacket*

Emma: *Fuming* What. Is he. Doing here?!

Chase: Babe?

Emma: Ugh! *Tries to attack him, but Chris catches her*

Bowie: Ooh. *Mutters to Ripper* I like this one… 

Chris: *Leading Emma away from Chase* Wow. Wow! In. Tense. *Looking at the camera smugly* You’d almost think we brought you both here on purpose! *Winks at the camera* Up next? Mary Kate.

Mary Kate: *Walks by with her bags, hands in her jacket pockets* It’s just MK.

Chris: *Shrugs* MK, just over there, please! And now *Sighs dreamily* Caleb…

Caleb: *Smirks to the camera*

Priya: Oh my…

Bowie: *Staring dreamily*

Emma: W-Woah…

Intern: *Staring at Caleb* *Accidentally crashes boat onto the beach* Wow. Sorry, I- I just… I’ve never seen anyone as handsome as you!

Caleb: No worries. Happens all the time.

Zee: Wow, it’s pretty clear who’s gonna win this thing. *Mutters to Priya* Twenty bucks on that guy.

Priya: Betting against yourself seems wrong…

Zee: Dis-oh-gree! If I win, I get the million. But if I don’t, and he does, I make twenty bucks.

Priya: *Just shakes her head in disbelief*

Chris: Our next two players came as a package deal. All the way from Northern Alberta, Wayne and Raj!

Raj: *Looks down towards the lake* Duuude; imagine winter time. This lake turning to ice…

Wayne: *Joins him on the edge of the boat* Biggest hockey rink ever, bro!

Raj and Wayne: *Laugh as they jump onto the dock*

Raj: ‘Sup, man; we’re here, eh!

Chris: *Gestures to the rest of the campers* Boys, go set your stuff down and meet your fellow campers. *Looks back to the camera* Our next camper is a bit of a big deal. Welcome… Nichelle Ladonna!

Nichelle: *Has somehow arrived unnoticed until now* Yes! *Swipes her hair back confidently* Hi; it’s me!

Bowie: *Gasps* Nichelle Ladonna?! Star of the hit TV show, Hot Team Ninja Detective Squad!

Emma: I loved her in Gorgeous People High.

Priya: *Whispering to herself* Be cool. Be cool. Be cool- *Starts waving her arms and hands around excitedly, nearly hitting Zee* O.M.G. I am literally the biggest fan ever!

Nichelle: *Checking her nails* … M-kay.

Priya: *Cringes, quietly playing with her fingers*

Chris: Now, here is our next arrival. Welcome, Julia! You can join the others-

Julia: *Wraps arm around Chris’s shoulders while holding her phone out* Sorry! Could youuuuu… *Takes selfie with him* Thanks. *Walks away texting* “Growing! #My journey begins!”

Chris: *Blocks her from joining the other campers* Um, remember the legal blah blah contract you signed? *Pulls out folder that probably holds that contract* There was that bit about no phones on the island?

Julia: *Looks around in confusion* But… how am I supposed to grow as a person if I’m not telling my followers I’m growing as a person?

Chris: That is a question for someone who cares about that question. *Chef walks up to them with a box* Give Chef your phone, please.

Julia: Fine. I’m stronger than you think!

Chris: Wonderful. *Smiles deviously* Now all your phones.

Julia: *Freezes before turning back to the box* *Drops two more phones into the box* That’s it. I swear on the planet.

Chris: *Pulls out a security metal detector* On the planet, huh? *Swipes the detector over Julia until it buzzes* Wow.

Julia: *Puts another phone into the box* Bye, babies! Don’t worry; mommy will be back for you.

Chris: Don’t fret! Your phones will be safe… at the bottom of this lake.

Chef: *Chucks the box of phones into the lake like a football, causing Julia to scream and Chase + Priya to cringe*

Chris: *Smiling* Now I think I have a pretty good idea of who will mesh well with who, so we’ll split you guys into your teams now! Chef, go grab the flags.

Chris: I think most of you know how the game works, but let’s go over the basics while we wait for Chef. Obviously, your teams will be competing against each other. Whichever team wins a challenge, you’ll all be safe. However, the losing team will attend a marshmallow ceremony at the campfire. There, you’ll vote off one of your teammates and send them home on the Drone of Despair.

Chef: *Returns with two flags, one red and the other green*

Chris: Finally!

Chef: Keep it up and you’ll be short a host.

Chris: Okay, okay. *Turns his attention back to the campers* Axel, Ripper, Priya, Millie, Chase, Lauren, Damien, Zee. You will all be known as… the Ferocious Trout!

Chef: *Gives Priya the red flag*

Priya: *Excitedly grips the flag and bounces foot to foot* Thanks, Chef!

Chris: Emma, Raj, Wayne, Caleb, MK, Bowie, Julia, Nichelle. Your team is called… the Deadly Frogs!

Chef: *Gives Emma the green flag*

Emma: Whatever, fine. At least I’m not stuck with him. *Glares at Chase*

Chase: *Doesn’t notice*

Wayne: *Laughs at the Ferocious Trout* Guess that makes that… the other team, then. *Smirks confidently* Whatcha think, Rajie?

Raj: *Snickers* I’d be more impressed with a clogged toilet.

Ripper: Oh, yeah, well… you two aren’t… you-you’re both… then- look out ‘cause-

Raj: Oh no! I think this half naked one’s broken! *Laughs*

Wayne: Oh, be nice, Rajie! Maybe it’s his first day with a new mouth hole! *Laughs with Raj*

Ripper: *Walks towards the two as he growls angrily*

Axel: *Looks unimpressed and stops Ripper* Save it for the game.

Ripper: *Points sharply at Axel* Don’t tell me what to do!

Axel: *Growls angrily at him*

Ripper: *Backs off* … I’m gonna save it for the game.

Chris: Excellent! *Sighs happily* I get such joy seeing you all accomplish nothing except hurting yourselves… for everyone’s entertainment.

Damien: *Laughs nervously* Sorry, uh… hurting ourselves? *Doesn’t notice Lauren smiling creepily behind him*

Chris: *Whispers to Chef* He’s never seen the show.

Chef: *Shakes his head with a heavy sigh* This kid’s gonna die…

Damien: WHAT-

Chris: There are two cabins just over there, which I’m sure you know of. Go hang your flags on the flag poles and settle in. We’ll meet back up at the campfire at noon for your first challenge. Were there any questions?

Ripper: *Suggestively* Are the cabins co-ed? *Laughs, before Axel drops her bag on his toes* Ow!

Axel: Can I vote now?

Millie: I assume challenges get postponed if it’s too hot-

Lauren: Can I switch to the team that has “deadly” in the name-

Zee: Ah- what if I don’t have a question?!

Damien: DIE?!-

Chris: *Blows air horn, wearing headphones* Time’s up! No more questions. *Snickers* Goodbye~

☆☆☆

SCENE: Outside Cabins

Emma: *In front of the Deadly Frogs’ cabin’s flag pole, looking at the flag in her hand* … How are we supposed to get the flag up there?

MK: *Sarcastically* All you gotta do is learn how to fly. *Walks past to get to the cabin*

Emma: *Rolls her eyes with a laugh* Gee, helpful. *Looks to Nichelle hopefully*

Nichelle: *Looks off to the side, pretending not to see her as she also makes her way to the cabin*

Emma: *Deflates* Ugh!

Chase: *Walks over* Aw, don’t worry, babe! I got it-

Emma: *Glares at him* No you don’t. We’re on different teams. Go put your flag up.

Chase: Well, I totally would, but…

Priya: *Has already parkoured up the flagpole and gotten it hung up with a victorious little cheer*

Emma: *In awe* Wow… if only we had a trained camper on our team…

Chase: *Smirks* We?

Emma: *Glares at him again* Yeah, we. As in me and my team. Not you! Go away!

Chase: Aw, c’mon, you know what you meant-

Bowie: *Has finally reached the flagpole* Oh, buzz off, Trout. Go get comfortable while you can.

Chase: *Scoffs before finally slinking away*

Emma: *Sighs in relief and looks up at Bowie with a grateful smile* Thank you.

Bowie: *Smiles* Don’t worry about it. We have other things to worry about.

Wayne: *Walks up with Raj, placing his bags down* Ah, we got it, eh?

Raj: *Takes the flag from Emma* Go high, Wayner!

Wayne: *Climbs the flagpole with ease and catches the thrown flag before hanging it up*

Bowie: Wow. I thought you guys were hockey jocks. Where’d you learn that?

Raj: *Laughs* Wayner and I used to hang the loser team’s underpants after a game. We’d gather them up before they got a chance to leave the ice, put them in a bag, and then find the highest place to put them, eh. Wayne learned how to climb so that it made it easier. You should see their faces when they find out their underpants have gone missing. They spend hours looking for them.

Wayne: If I had my phone, I’d totally show you pictures.

Bowie: *Snickers* Impressive.

Emma: You should totally teach me that. I could use it on Chase!

Bowie: What’s up with that, anyway?

Emma: Ugh- I don’t want to talk about it.

Wayne: C’mon- let’s go pick our bunks. First one there gets the top bunk! *Runs to the cabin with a laugh*

Raj: Hey! *Scoops up their bags* No fair! Stop cheating!

Bowie: *Sighs* I should go make sure they don’t die going up the stairs.

Emma: *Rolls her eyes with an amused huff* Have fun with that.

☆☆☆

SCENE: Inside Deadly Frogs’ Cabin [Boy’s Side]

Wayne: *Runs into the cabin with a victorious hoot* Ha! I win!

Raj: *Runs in after and throws their bags onto one of the beds* That’s because you cheated, cheater! *Tackles him to the floor with a laugh*

Bowie: *Walks in seeing the boys roughhousing on the wooden floor* *Rolls his eyes with a snicker* Boys… *Walks to the middle of the room with a hum*

Raj: *Pins Wayne to the floor before looking up* Oh, hey- uh…

Bowie: Bowie. Which one are you? Wayne or Raj?

Raj: Raj!

Bowie: Raj… okay. *Looks around the room again, before walking over to the bunk the other two’s bags are on* You boys mind if I take this bunk instead?

Wayne: Nah, go ahead, eh. *Takes advantage of Raj’s pause and flips them over with a triumphant laugh* I win again!

Raj: Oof- stop cheating, bro! *Struggles longer before huffing in defeat* Get off, eh! Lemme breathe!

Wayne: *Gets off of him before getting their bags off the bunk Bowie has claimed* Here, lemme get these for ya before my buddy here breaks his arm trying.

Raj: It was one time!

Bowie: *Shakes his head* You two sure are something. *Places his bag on the bunk*

☆☆☆

And that's all for now. 10 pages in, around 9 to 10 more to go. (The intro would count as a minute, and each episode is technically 20 minutes because of that, minus the credits.)

I'm liking it so far, minus the copy and pasted parts in the intro scene, but I'm so bad at introductions, so I can't really blame the writers for how awkward it feels. I'm having a hard time coming up with things for the characters to do after this stopping point (remember, this is the episode where the characters are going to interact before the challenge next episode). I feel like the scenes are a little rushed, but that's nothing a little narrative writing won't fix later on down the line.

Let me know what y'all think. Critiques and ideas are always welcome!

[sparkagrace]

Hi my loveee 💖💖 How about ⚡️+ Evanstan for the plot bunny ask game?

Mayaaaaaa, this is perfect because you showed me this photo, and now I'm obsessed with the idea of film student!Seb and actor!Chris.

We know that Chris skipped college and went straight into acting so I can imagine Sebastian could be a little irritated when he's in class one day for a guest speaker. And he's expecting someone with a little more gravitas and experience, or an alumni of the school to come... then in walks this guy who is practically their age who's supposed to talk to them about the acting life, but he's wearing baggy jeans and an unironed shirt and, uh, frosted tips?

What's annoying is that this Chris guy basically has already led two movies. Seb has seen Not A Teen Movie and he knows about The Perfect Score and Chris hasn't even studied! He just apparently walked into Hollywood and got starring roles immediately.

What's even MORE annoying... is that Chris is humble and kinda shy about it? He seems to acknowledge that yeah, his path kinda came out of nowhere and he's still learning as he goes. He's funny and he's got this heavy Bostonian accent that Sebastian finds himself wanting to hear more of. Oh, and he's so complimentary about everyone he works with and all the crew on those shoots, that Seb can't even pretend he's arrogant or aloof.

Seb is so content to try and forget about it but someone invites Chris to a bar after class and it's just more of the same with Chris charming everyone and Sebastian trying to ignore it all. He finally gets outside for a smoke and tries to push away his weird envy and frustration of their guest speaker when he hears someone ask him for a light. He turns and it's Chris standing with an unlit cigarette in his hand. Sebastian gives him his lighter and they both smoke in silence until Chris finally breaks it with:

"I'm supposed to quit."

"Me too," Sebastian agrees. His mom doesn't like that he smokes but, y'know, peer pressure and he thought it made him look like James Dean because he used to have the hair for it.

"Is it hard?" Sebastian frowns at the question and Chris shakes his head. "Oh, not quitting. Sorry, I mean, uh, studying acting. It's not like there's a right answer? Not like math."

Sebastian huffs out a laugh. "No, it's not like math. When you tell people you're in acting school, they think you're just learning how to cry on demand."

He explains about the modules he's taken and teachers he's had. It's all about techniques and finding your voice, trying to see what's not written in the script.

"You studied at the Globe Theatre? You stood on the same stage Shakespeare did?" Chris looks at him in amazement and Seb blushes.

"Not the same stage. It was only for a year but-"

Chris curses. "Jeez, you're so lucky! People cast me as the jock all the time; no one will ever let me do a Shakespeare play."

They talk a little about London and Chris expresses how hopefully he'll be able to take roles that film abroad so he can travel while working too. Sebastian asks about auditioning because he just sends tapes to LA; he doesn't live there so listening to Chris talk about Hollywood life and how hard it is but surreal at the same time when he sits on set and thinks wow, I'm really here.

Then it's time for the night to end because Sebastian has an early class and Chris has a meeting with his agent and some scripts to see. They say goodbye and it's only when Sebastian gets on the subway home that he regrets not asking for Chris' number - just for networking, y'know? Just in case he's in LA for any reason.

He hopes that Chris someday gets to see London.

[pure-jeff-ward]

What’s this strike?

ah! well... I hope I'm going to explain this right, because I feel like there's a lot of things I could say which... might make it sound as if I know absolutely nothing and am just spouting stuff; I am not part of the film industry or know enough about how it works, and it's gonna get a bit lengthy but I'll try and keep it concise!

In Hollywood, there is a labor union of actor's known as the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-Aftra) which represents... roughly... 160k media professionals and entertainers - including journalists, talk show hosts, other broadcast workers so it's not just actors! Their contract expired several months ago in June, but they were able to extend the deadline up until July; which ultimately did not work out because negotiations broke down and they went on strike. We're 115 days into it as of today (Nov 6th, 2023 - or is it 116?)

On the flip side of this strike is the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) who are a trade association that represents film and television studios. Think the big names - Disney, WB, Netflix, etc etc.

The main issue that has been the center of this strike is the studio's desire to use AI in order to scan actor's faces to generate their performances digitally without giving them any credit or compensation. And the other issue is also due to streaming residuals, but there are potentially other factors involved as well, such as the regulation of self-tape auditions and so on.

Since then, there have been talks between the members of the SAG-Aftra who are led by their president Fran Descher (one of the many people involved!) in order to try and reach an agreement with AMPTP and have their demands met - the Writer's Guild of America was also on strike for similar and yet different reasons of Hollywood labor disputes; however after 148 days (May 2 – September 27) they were able to settle their strike and have resumed work.

Just recently as an hour or so ago of me replying to this message (5.30 pm PST) the latest update is that the AMPTP had sent a "Last, Best & Final Offer" this past Friday(?) and SAG-Aftra has responded -

so we are still going to continue to see the actor's picketing and being supported by those who believe that they deserve fair compensation and reasonable demands about AI, because what they're asking for and what they have been asking for has been nothing but justified!

I hope this answers everything anon and covers most if not all of the important points about your question!

[dxntloseurhead]

some excerpts from yaz’s article in british vogue

[ID: Multiple screenshots from an article about actress Yasmin Finney. The screenshots read, “A dream for any young actor, not least one with a single screen credit, the role will turn the teen into a household name - and is set to reshape the TV landscape in the process. I mean, how many young trans actors can you name in long-running prime-time BBC dramas, not to mention a series as quintessentially middle England as Doctor Who? "It will change the world," she says knowingly, eyes sparkling over high cheekbones. As Finney sips from a technicolour slushie in Inflata Nation's café, candy-cane halterneck and bubblegum trackies matching the pink-and-purple seats, it's unclear if she knows how much her life will change too.

Finney has always felt a call to represent. It was on TikTok - where she currentlv has 1.8 million followers and counting - that she found her first audience creating videos about the trans experience, the most viral on a crush's reaction on learning. ("It's so sad dating as a trans person, because you've gotta explain yourself to people, like, 'Oh, hey, look, I hope you don't mind. and then prepare for answers that shouldn't be the case.")

Those calls got louder. A lip-sync to a quote from the show Pose - in which house mother Elektra snaps back at a transphobe without taking a breath - caught the eye of actor Billy Porter's team, who asked her to send a self-tape for the lead role in his directorial debut. Around the same time, she auditioned for Heartstopper. News that she got both roles arrived a day apart (although, the pandemic would prevent the Porter project from happening). "I went from nothing to having a feature film and a Netflix series" she says, still in disbelief.

Finney auditioned for Doctor Who before Heartstopper came out. Director Euros Lyn alerted Davies to the talent coming his way. "When you get into the casting room," Davies writes over email, "there's only one question: can you act? And that's where she stole the show. She was immediately right. My greatest worry was whether 57 other shows would snap her up instead." Watching Finney since has been "an education", he adds, "to see someone commanding such attention - and let's face it, such enmity - with grace and wit and a wonderful smile".

Raised Catholic alongside her half-sister by a Jamaican mother (she's never met her Irish Italian father), her earlv life was coloured by poverty and bullies - at 11, she was living from hotel to hotel while facing tormentors at school. "Being a Black trans woman, I've been forced to grow up early," she says, softly.

As we speed through the city now in a taxi, though, she excitedly points out her primary school, her nana's home, the council house she shared with her mum... until today. After our meal, she will be moving into her first apartment on Canal Street, Manchester's "gay village", where she'll throw her first-ever birthday celebrations with the chosen family she created there. "Now I get to give myself the childhood fantasy, and raise myself up the way that I should have been raised."

At first, Finney wasn't aware of any labels categorising gender or sexuality. She just knew she wanted to wear the Topshop coat all the cool girls had. As an eight-year-old, she ran around the house in a pink tutu her nana gave her. "She saw me from a young age," she says, smiling. "I would search up 'femininity' and Why do I feel like a girl?" she recollects, pausing to pick at peri-peri chips on a restaurant terrace. "I remember searching, 'Why do I have a penis?'" At a recent picture of Finney in the ocean, her mother almost cried, remembering how she hated to swim as a child. "You just never wanted to get changed with the boys," she repeats. "Now it all makes sense."

At school, she'd change alone in disabled toilets (towel-whipped the times she braved the boys) until one day, the girls snuck Finney into the changing room for PE. "They loved it. For them, I was their gay accessory," she recalls. "They loved me because I was overcompensating. I was overly feminine. I was making them laugh." But, when word got to the headteacher, "It all went tits up." On the brink of expulsion, her family asked, where could she get changed? Eventually, unisex toilets were installed. Yaz happily used what unofficially became "the girl's side".

Experimenting with make-up by year 11, her GCSEs marked a turning point. Late to arrive, she walked in wearing a skirt. Steps echoed through the silent room as all eyes followed her to her seat. The football players who would trip her up and shove her in hallways, call her names and do limp-wristed impressions were "gooped, gagged and everything in-between" she recounts. "From that moment, I felt so empowered. I never looked back."

Finney is bouncy and dramatic, comfortable taking the lead and prone to slip into the accented dialect of queer Americana. She's perhaps most visibly alive recalling praise. Rather than pure ego (although, justifiably, there is a little gloating) there's a sense it provides an amour she had to go without as a vulnerable child. "All the people that doubted me, they've got nothing on me anymore, you know? Not that I did it for them," she says of stepping into the spotlight. "But it's like the cherry on top," she smiles. "| just like to know that people are realising that everything I did from a young age, I wasn't in the wrong. Everything I did was perfectly fine." /end ID]

[stfu-im-thinking-abt-blorbo]

Thoughts about each TDI Reboot episode, starting at 1. SPOILERS UNDER THE READMORE.

Chris' new voice is certainly... a change. I don't mind it, and I think Terry is getting his acting and emotes for him right, but it's definitely gonna take some time to adjust and not immediately think it's Don.

"Hey, what's up I'm here to slay" from the intro is killing me in the best and worst ways. Rip the old intro song.

Also there's a very VERY small detail for the campfire. When Raj looks back to the screen, only one of his eyes follow. Either an animation error, or he has a lazy eye.

It's been 15 years since the beginning of the show in canon?? That means the gen 1 and 2 casts are roughly between 28-31 I think?? And yet Chris and Chef Hatchet don't look any different. Also since og Island premiered in 2007, this one is taking place in 2022 and NOT 2023.

Either way this gives me a good excuse to practice character design with a 15 years timeskip and make adult designs for the gen 1 and 2 casts.

Priya. WHAT. GIRL GO TO THERAPY AND GET AWAY FROM YOUR PARENTS. Also Owen cameo.

Bowie is gay like I thought he'd be. Now way he wasn't a reference to David Bowie. Getting some vibes of him being the new Heather tbh.

I, like many others, thought Ripper was going to be the new Owen. He's only a small bit Owen with a dash of Duncan, and a whole lot of Scott. Respect to Ripper for how spicy he likes his food, tho lol.

Chase and Emma are exes. Chase is a YouTube/Twitch personality T-T. Here's hoping that Emma broke up with him bc she's a lesbian. Really want her and Bowie to be besties.

Scary Girl's real name is Lauren >:(

Zee is both the smartest and dumbest character. I want him to be the blorbo of the season, but I'm getting the feeling it's gonna be Bowie.

Wayne: "What'd you think, Rajey?" 🥺

Nichelle is the only one to not get an audition tape. Interesting. Also a Madonna reference?

Julia called herself an influencer. She better be an early boot for that.

MK, Axel, Caleb and Damien are the only ones I don't have any comments about. Sucks 'cause I was hoping I'd really like MK and Axel.

Drone of Dispair. Somehow the worst idea yet lol. Can't wait for a joke about one of the contestants flying over private airspace and getting shot.

Ripper called himself the alpha male nooooo

EVEN BOWIE IS CALLING WAYNE AND RAJ GAY LMAO

And Bowie immediately goes to the girls' side of the cabin to talk shit about Chase with Emma. Love them sm.

Ripper: "Where'd you get the soda from??"

Zee: "...I have no idea."

Rip Bowie's heart glasses, hope cartoon logic kicks in and he has a million of then.

If Damien thinks they can't show Ripper's censored ass on TV, then I wonder what his reaction would be to a show like Naked and Afraid.

Emma and Chase didn't break up over lesbianisms unfortunately. But messing up her car's breaks and causing her to crash is still a valid reason for her to break up with him and be incredibly upset. Like, he could have killed her, other bystanders, or any of the puppies at the shop she crashed into. Yet I think the show is treating Emma as being unreasonable? It's just a prank bro.

Also MK calling Emma out for saying 25% of the money instead of half like she did when talking to Bowie earlier. Maybe there's more to the break up story?? Like she's lying?? But that still wouldn't make sense if the show is already treating her as unreasonable beforehand. Idk.

Bowie really do be like "are the straights okay? 🙄"

Raj: "Wayners" 😭

Also Wayne and Raj both have the same accent as Ezekiel.

Goodbye Caleb, we barely knew ya. Have fun hanging out with Staci and getting no character development like her. Maybe one day he can come back like Justin.

BOWIE IS THE NEW HEATHER, I WAS RIGHT AND HE IS GONNA BE THE BLORBO

Overall, fun first episode. Not a smash hit or anything, but a pretty good hook. Also the animation and character design is such an upgrade. I was hesitant about the new cast's designs, but actually seeing them in the show and moving makes it work so much better to me. After rewatching the first half of og Island, it is amazing to see how far this show and its animators have come from 2007.

[wgc-productions]

Frankly, it’s still a shock to me that the first season of Small Victories exists at all.

I still, to this day, can not tell you where the idea came from. When I was at Howard University I wrote a short story for a creative writing class about a depressed Indian man in 1950s New York and two weeks later a side character in that story named "Tiny" became the lead of a show about addiction in modern day Washington D.C. I don’t know what made me think that was a story worth telling, but it’s what happened!

I was writing furiously, but I still had no clue how it was going to be made. Suddenly (honest to God, it was out of the blue), one of my theater professors connected me with Nathan Gabriel who happened to be a director who was “currently looking for some audio projects to pursue during these quarantined times” 

The first email I received from Nathan! Who'd have thought so much could come from "humoring a complete stranger"?!

Nathan and I got along famously, things started moving quickly, and then, 181 drafts later, I had written a 9-episode series and we began casting. However, Marisol, the main character, had such a unique voice that it was nearly impossible to find someone to fully and skillfully embody her.

Boom! Nathan’s friend recommends Mo McKynzie, but the day of the audition she gets into a car accident. Somehow she still manages to send in a tape and it’s perfect. Genuinely perfect. We have a lead, we record in a week-and-a-half, and Small Victories Season 1 is out six months later. 

There were so many reasons why Small Victories should not have happened, but it did. And once it was out I could see why it was so important that it was released. So many people have shared with me how Small Victories has helped them process and articulate their own feelings when it comes to their struggles with addiction. Or they’ve spoken about how Small Victories helps them empathize with loved ones who struggle with addiction. And even people who don’t have any relationship with addiction have expressed how Marisol makes them want to be kinder to themselves. 

It’s the honor of my life that I get to be a part of a project and team that is able to have a real impact on people from all across the world, and I hope that you are able to join our Season 2 Crowdfunding Campaign so you can become a part of this project of ours in your own way. -Jade Madison Scott (Creator/Writer/Producer)

[juliepinsononline]

by Stephanie Sloane

It took three auditions, but Julie Pinson finally found a home in Salem

It's Friday afternoon, and Julie Pinson has just finished taping an episode of SOAP TALK (see sidebar). The neighborhood is familiar to her--PORT CHARLES taped here-- so Pinson suggests a restaurant nearby to chat. Turns out, it's too late for lunch, so we walk down Vermont Avenue in the Silverlake district of L.A. and happen upon a noisy diner, where there is no air conditioning (it's in the 90s) and the waiter thins he's a comedian. But easygoing Pinson doesn't care. We sit, despite the head and the loud '80s music blaring, to discuss the long road that eventually lead to Salem.

Pinson hit the soap scene in 1997, when PORT CHARLES debuted to much fanfare. "It was a great experience, especially the very beginning because it was a brand new show," she recalls. "We were in People magazine. We were on the sides of buses! I remember driving around L.A. in my piece-of-crap car, and I came to a stop sign and there's my big old face on the side of a bus. And it was like, 'Hmmm, what's wrong with this picture? I'm in a piece-of-s**t car, and my face is on the side of a bus and in People magazine.' So, it was a great experience, very fun. All of us interns started together, and we bonded right away."

Pinson's PC stint came to an end when her alter ego was killed during the "Secrets" murder mystery. Being the "fifth chair" threw the actress for a loop. "It was a big surprise: I was shocked," she admits. "It was really sad: I didn't want it to end. I wasn't ready to go. I'd been playing Eve for five years. I was friends with the character: I liked her. And I had to stop being her." At the time of Eve's demise, because of PC's shooting schedule, Pinson filmed the exit months before it aired. That put the actress in a delicate situation in terms of looking for new work.

Julie with her family in 1976.

"It was difficult because the storylines were taped like three months in advance at this point, so they killed me and then I was supposed to be quiet for three months and ABC did not want me to get another job in that period," she explains. "But at the same time, they weren't paying me either, so, you know, I still went out and looked for work."

One of the places she auditioned was at DAYS, to play Billie. The actress had tried out for the role once before, a year after Rinna's 1995 departure. Krista Allen was cast. In 2002, Rinna reclaimed the role. Finally, two years later, Pinson won the part outright. Looking back on the process, she feels that she joined the cast at the right time. "If I had gotten Billie right after PORT CHARLES, I may not have appreciated it as much or maybe I wouldn't have stayed very long because I wanted to see what it was like out there," she reflects. "I saw it, and I hate it. I don't like to audition at all. I don't like being out there and since PORT CHARLES, I've hd work, but it hasn't been a steady job and that's what everybody wants in this town. So, it was really humbling going out there and thinking I'm gonna take the world by storm because I did this soap opera and then I go out there and nobody knows who you are. People in the night-time world rarely watch soaps, so it was a humbling experience and I was so ready."

Click on image above to see larger pic!

But because this was her third go-round with the NBC sudser, she didn't get her hopes up. "I wasn't as excited as in the past because the last time I auditioned for Billie was right after PORT CHARLES, and I kind of thought it was in the bag and then Lisa decided to come back and there goes the job," she grins, "So, this time around, I was cautious. What if they didn't want to have somebody that looked like Lisa? What if they wanted to go in a totally different way--I wouldn't have gotten the job." But when she did, she was thrilled. I felt like this was where I was meant to be, because if I didn't get it this time, then it was never gonna happen," she explains. "So, when I finally got the job, it was just so sweet."

And her experience so far has made it worth the wait, she reports. "My first day, I was running through a jungle, and I got shot by a dart and then Peter Reckell [Bo] wakes me up and I got to kiss him," she says. "I'm having the time of my life. I think this is the best I've ever felt."

And she wants it to last, "I'm hoping to be there forever," she exclaims. "As long as they'll have me, I would love to be there. I'm so happy. I think it's just the beginning. I'm looking forward to the wonderful things they have in store for Billie."

The Billie Club

"I get the comparison all the time," Pinson says. "I've been geting it since I was on PORT CHARLES, and it's flattering." In fact, Rinna is responsible for Pinson's current hairdo.

"The first time I went on SOAP TALK, I had long hair and after the show was over, Lisa took me aside and said, 'I just had this epiphany. I don't know what it is, but I get this kind of psychic thing every now and then and I just have one about you. If you cut your hair short, you're gonna get work again.' I said, 'But Lisa, if I cut my hair, I'm gonna look just like you again.' She said, 'I don't care. You need to cut it. You'll work.' So, I cut my hair and soon after that I got [Y&R]."

Rinna has been equally supportive of the role reversal. "I saw her at the SOAPnet fall lunch party, and it was really funny because the two of us walked in around the same time together down the press line," Pinson recalls. "Harry [Hamlin, Rinna's husband] looked at both of us and couldn't figure out which one was his wife. And Lisa was so gracious and said, 'I'm so happy for you, congratulations. I think it's great, all for the best.'" The two even cooked up a funny intro for Pinson's recent SOAP TALK appearance."We played a joke on the audience," Pinson explains. "Lisa and I switched roles. I sat in her seat as the talk show host and she came out, pretending to be me!"

Did you Know:

• The single actress was once engaged to Billy Warlock (ex-AJ, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Frankie, DAYS)? "We're very friendly. He's a wonderful guy. I wouldn't have been engaged to him if I didn't think so."

• She's bought herself a pink KitchenAid mixer to celebrate nabbing the role of Billie? ($50 went to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation.)

• Her favorite show is The Food Network's BAREFOOT CONTESSA with Ina Garten?

Thanks to KatLucas for the scans. For more on the Peter Reckell Group the contributer runs click on the image or the link above :)