Tag Archive for "film" - Melanie Haynes

Posts Tagged ‘film’

Cast in The Middle, Middle Ground, and Tender Moments!

Angry Patient with Patricia Heaton and Jack McBrayer

Once again, I’m playing catch up with my Blog! 2016 saw an increase in my on camera work along with a steady flow of voice over projects! I was thrilled to appear on an episode of ABC’s “The Middle” (Birds of a Feather) in a scene with wonderful Patricia Heaton and Jack McBrayor! What a hoot!

Then I filmed a short titled “Middle Ground” – hmm, sensing a theme? It is a dark comedy, and I’m so anxious to see the final edit – and get my footage, of course! I had a wonderful time shooting in Chapman and Santa Anna, Ca for that. The wonderful cast included Rory O’Connor, Laynie Mitchell, and Blaine Vedros.

This summer, I had a great time shooting another short film in Shreveport, La. which has been submitted for the LA Film Prize – “Tender Moments”. The character I played was such fun. Again, anxiously awaiting footage that I can share from that one, too! Pictured with me here are the lovely and talented Shelley Calene Black and Julitta Pourciau. Brian Watson, Heather Bloom and Joe Grissafi rounded out our all star cast!
I’ve been spending time at home with family over the summer, and will be heading back to LA very soon for episodic season. Looking forward to having more fun with even bigger and better roles to come!

Summer in the “Heartland”

Melanie Haynes_Heartland

With Eve Gordon and Beth Grant having a great time in one of our scenes in Heartland!

Laura Spencer ( Big Bang Theory) and I on set

Eve Gordon,Beth Grant, Melanie Haynes, Heartland

Beth Grant and I, Heartland

“Heartland” is a feature film currently in post-production phase. It was filmed in Oklahoma in May 2015. It’s the story of a heartbroken Oklahoma artist, Lauren, who exposes cracks in her family’s complacent suburban routine when she falls for her brother’s girlfriend. This story explores the shifting nature of sexualtiy, the limitations of love , and the definition of family, all driven by denial, and unexplored grief at the loss of a loved one.”

“HEARTLAND stars Laura Spencer (THE BIG BANG THEORY, BONES), Beth Grant (THE MINDY PROJECT, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN) and Velinda Godfrey (ADONIS, ELEMENT). It is directed by Maura Anderson (Unit Production Manager of WINTER’S BONE) and produced by Anderson, Godfrey, Todd Waring, Jennifer Wood and Chris Freihofer.”

I’m thrilled to have played the part of Gail in this film this summer. Beth Grant, Eve Gordon, and I were the church ladies with the pyramid scheme and had so much fun on set. They are all dear people who made everyone feel welcomed and appreciated.

Hard to believe I’ve been home in Houston since April and we’re now near mid August! It’s been great settling back in with family. In addition to the film, I’ve been keeping busy with voice over from my studio and other studios here in Houston, taping tons of film and tv auditions for projects around the country, and traveling for 2nd callbacks to Austin and another scheduled this weekend near Nasa. Then, it’s on down to Galveston for a few days with family on an impromptu beach getaway. Will celebrate my Mom’s 87th birthday there, too! Attended a beautiful wedding for my niece in Dallas last weekend, and the party just continues. 🙂

I’m excited to be heading back to LA in September for episodic season. Although, there are a couple of film projects still casting here – and if I have to reschedule my travel dates, so be it!

Update as of 5-2-2016

Since this post, the film has premiered in San Jose at the Cinequest Film Festival and won honors as a favorite! It will also be screened at DeadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma in June!

Acting & Voice over at Home for the Holidays!

This fall has gotten away from me! November was just a blur. When I got back to LA in October, after being back in Texas to shoot “A Country Called Home”, things started popping. Almost immediately, I got my first LA audition and it was a doozie! – a lead villain in a film with a major star. When I walked into the audition, I was surprised to see only 3 other women, and of the 4 of us, I was the only one I didn’t recognize. 🙂 Although I didn’t book it – and none of the other women there that day did – it was a wonderful first audition experience!

That was followed by several national commercial auditions and two TV guest star auditions. On the first, there was another star auditioning along with me, and on the second, I went to producer! Those not in the business may think that it only counts when you actually book the job. Of course, that is the point, but when you’re new to LA, and booked out for almost a month during your first episodic season to shoot a film out of town, just getting called to be in the room is a major step forward! I am very encouraged and feel that it is just a matter of time. It will happen, soon. I will say, that meeting the casting directors at workshops has been very valuable and affirming.

For now, I am back home in Houston enjoying being with my family celebrating Thanksgiving and preparing for Christmas. I’ve put myself on video for several film and television roles while here, both through my Houston agent and my Manager in LA. As always, I’m keeping busy with voice over work and continuously reading, listening to and participating in audio and video workshops.

I’m excited that I have also met with a top notch demo producer to build a new promo demo and update my commercial demo when I get back to LA in January! After that, I’ll seriously pursue top tier voice over representation in LA as well.

Here’s to a very Merry Christmas with family and friends and a wonderful, healthy, and prosperous New Year for all!

Back Home to film A Country Called Home

After spending most of the summer in LA and enjoying getting to know the lay of the land, signing with my manager and agents and attending lots of Casting Director workshops, I had to make a quick trip back to Texas to work on the indie film A Country Called Home “A COUNTRY CALLED HOME is a compelling coming of age story with universal appeal because it deals with trials and trepidations that most people experience in one way or another, no matter who they are or where they are from. The story incorporates the views of people from all walks of life; different generations, different places, different socio-economic backdrops and so the main character Ellie’s journey of growth and forgiveness is grounded in a rich and multifaceted setting that was inspired by writer/director Anna Axster’s travels and observations throughout the United States her musician husband Ryan Bingham.”

I am thoroughly enjoying my work on the film and have been welcomed so warmly by the cast and crew alike. I have shot over a 3 week period in the role of Brenda (formerly called Wendy). So many interesting characters in this sweet little film! I’m so happy to be working with leads, Imogen Poots (Need for Speed) and Mackenzie Davis (Halt and Catch Fire) – two wonderful new actresses who are really doing exciting things! I was delighted to meet Mary MacCormack (In Plain Sight) who has a wonderful role, as well. I’m also hoping I’ll have a chance to meet Oscar nominee, June Squibb, who has joined the cast.

I’m always happy to work, of course, and being able to come home to be with my family while working on a wonderful project with fantastic people is something for which I am truly grateful!

Update 5-2-2016

A Country Called Home premiered at the LA Film Festival in June of 2015 and has begun distribution in 2016!

New Theatrical Demo Reel – 2 Minutes!

I’ve been learning so much lately from a variety of courses and sources! I’m getting ready to take the plunge into the LA market, so I’ve been updating websites, demos, reels, resumes – you name it! I’m waiting to get new headshots until I get to LA because I want to wait to see what my new manager and agent will want. It seems there are differing ideas depending on who you talk to. Bottom line, they need to look like me, of course, but whether I just want/need shots that express me or if I’ll be requested to provide headshots for specific categories – that still represent the real me, of course – remains to be seen. I like Amy Jo Berman’s way of describing that headshots show CDs what to do with you.

Another topic discussed in Amy Jo Berman’s “Social Discover Me” course was the acting demo reel. So much good information! I was already in line with many of the things discussed, but there were some areas on my demo reel that needed to be tweaked. I’ve also just received footage from my appearance on Salem, so it was a great time to clean up that theatrical demo reel!

Here’s the result:

Leave a comment to let me know what you think!

Actress MELANIE HAYNES Demands Truth on WGN America’s Witchy New Hit-Series “SALEM”

Also Appears in Festival-Favorite Indie Film “THE LAST MARK”

HOUSTON, Texas (May 19, 2014) – Actress MELANIE HAYNES flexes her strength in an all-new episode of WGN America’s spooky freshman drama series, “Salem,” set to air on June 1, 2014. Haynes also appears as one tough lady in the indie feature, “The Last Mark,” currently screening on the festival circuit.

In the episode titled, “Our Own Private America,” Haynes gets fed-up and turns to the authorities for answers. Set in the volatile world of 17th century Massachusetts, the show explores the infamous times of the witch trials, uncovering the dark and supernatural truths of the times. Created and executive-produced by Brannon Braga (“24”) and Adam Simon, the show stars Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel and Xander Berkeley.

Haynes rolls up her sleeves as the no-nonsense bar owner Sissy in the indie drama “The Last Mark,” which recently premiered at WorldFest-Houston. The film reveals the stories of the good ol’ days of a legendary card shark (Bo Brinkman) and his sidekick (William Morgan Sheppard), which leads to the exposure of a long lost dark secret. It’s only then, that the legend’s son (Jeremy London) can escape his bleak future as a ‘mark’ and find redemptive kindness.

Haynes was thrilled to be part of the Houston-based project, adding “Not only did I get the chance to work with wonderfully seasoned actors, like William Morgan Sheppard, but I also got to share screen-time with actors I’ve known for years but have never had a chance to work alongside. We all had a great time telling this story!”

Haynes has built a solid resume both on-camera and as a voice-over actress over the years. The Houston native has appeared in and voiced numerous television projects, including “A Face to Kill For,” “The Con,” “Arrest & Trial” and “The Daily Apple.” She earned her Bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in Theater and English at the University of Houston, and danced for several years with Patsy Swayze’s Houston Jazz Ballet Company. Haynes served on the board of SAG-AFTRA’s Houston Local Branch for 15 years and as the President for two terms. Today, Haynes continues to run her own professional voice over studio which she established back in 2002.

Melanie Haynes is represented by Linda McAlister Talent (Los Angeles/Dallas) and Pastorini-Bosby Talent (Houston).

For further information on MELANIE HAYNES visit: www.MelanieHaynes-Actress.com

Melanie Haynes Gets Tough at Worldfest

Actress MELANIE HAYNES Gets Tough at WorldFest-Houston in “THE LAST MARK” and in WGN’s Upcoming Series “SALEM”

HOUSTON, Texas (April 7, 2014) – Actress MELANIE HAYNES is one tough lady in the indie feature “The Last Mark,” screening at WorldFest-Houston on April 10, 2014. Haynes also flexes her strength in an episode of WGN America’s spooky new drama series, “Salem,” premiering later this month.

Up first, Haynes rolls up her sleeves as the no-nonsense bar owner Sissy in the indie drama “The Last Mark.” The film reveals the stories of the good ol’ days of a legendary card shark (Bo Brinkman) and his sidekick (William Morgan Sheppard), which leads to the exposure of a long lost dark secret. It’s only then, that the legend’s son (Jeremy London) can escape his bleak future as a ‘mark’ and find redemptive kindness.

Up next, Haynes gets fed-up and turns to the authorities for answers during the seventh episode of WGN America’s highly-anticipated new series, “Salem.” Scheduled to premiere on the network on April 20th, the show is set in the volatile world of 17th century Massachusetts and explores the infamous times of the witch trials, uncovering the dark and supernatural truths of the times. Created and executive-produced by Brannon Braga (“24”) and Adam Simon, the show stars Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel and Xander Berkeley.

Refined, not tamed.

Posts Tagged ‘film’