Tag Archive for "Melanie Haynes"

Posts Tagged ‘Melanie Haynes’

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!

My First Pilot Season as an LA Actress

I can’t believe I haven’t posted anything since heading back to LA after the holidays, and here I am at home again for Easter with my family and an extended stay. It was a very busy time when I went back in January and different than episodic as far as living arrangements, focus, and activities. I was still staying with my roommates, but things were a bit tighter and more going on with relatives visiting – some for extended periods, and some just briefly. My oldest son and his girlfriend were there just for a day, and we managed to celebrate his birthday with a Tres Leches cake from Porto’s Bakery and a very full day of touring.

During this stay, I also focused more on having new voice over demos made and starting my contacts with the top voice over agencies in LA. I participated in several workshops, including vo workouts, game voices, and a meet the agents night. I was very busy with my own voce over work recording on my travel gear and also booking ISDN sessions in studios for my usual ISDN agents and production companies.

On camera auditions were mostly on video for my Texas agents, but I did have another fun audition for a guest star role on The Mindy Project. I lost out to Laura Dern on that one, so I couldn’t feel too badly about it. 🙂 I had been told that Pilot season was often slower for “new to LA” actors, and that turned out to be my experience as well. Still, I feel as if I’m still moving forward and making strides toward my goals. My manager met with me before I left town, and we’ve made a plan to continue the momentum moving forward. Some additional pictures and targeted CD workshops are on the agenda for mid summer, so that I can hit the ground running for episodic season in the fall. I’m feeling very positive, and I just know so much more about what to expect along with having some great auditions under my belt – with great feedback from lots of casting directors. It’s all going to align and click for me in LA, soon!

In the meantime, I’m loving being back home near my family, working in my professional audio studio on awesome work, and looking forward to more regional auditions and bookings on some of the great series and films shooting here!

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 Commercial Agent!

I’m happy to report that I have a new commercial agent here in LA. I just signed with JLA! Sumer is delightful, and I’m really looking forward to working with her!

I had my new headshots taken by David Carlson last Friday (all 1200 of them!), and I’m in the process of getting feedback from my managers and agents as to which ones they want me to print and/or upload to the various casting sites. We covered a lot of ground with the shots, from “warts and all” to glam senator’s wife, so there are lots to choose from. I’m sure I’ll be posting a few of the chosen shots after the verdict is in.

Another great tv CD workshop earlier this week as well as two awesome voice over workshops! In between, I recorded, edited and uploaded several voice over projects in addition to an ISDN session.

I had a great little phone session with Bonnie Gillespie this week, too. She had some wonderful, insightful suggestions for tweaks to my resume, acting demo reel, and this site as well as input on my new photos. Those will all be implemented soon!

Another Busy Week in LA

Beautiful sunset from our little balcony here in Burbank. The end of another

busy week here in LA.

Work

Two great CD workshops this week – great feedback from both, especially the CD who casts a lot of TV comedy!

Had a meeting with a potential Commercial agent – fingers crossed and waiting to hear.

Even had my hair done – always a daunting experience trying a new hairdresser, and on the recommendation of my muse, Connie at Shag did an excellent job recreating and possibly improving on my “do”!

New headshots next week!

Play

In addition to more voice over work from the closet, “homework” for my manager, and keeping up with daily business from here and home, we had a lovely lunch on the pier in Santa Monica after my agent meeting on Thursday. Beautiful sunny day with a nice cool breeze off the ocean…….I could get used to that.

Family

Keeping up with family from home and so thankful to my son for being my surrogate in helping my mom with all the prep, day of and follow up with hand surgery this week. That’s the hardest part of being out here and away from home.

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

Salem – New Series Coming in April

I had the great pleasure of working on the new WGN series, Salem, recently in Shreveport, Louisiana. The series promises to be a beautiful, thrilling venture into the late 1600’s in Salem. The costumes and sets are fantastic, and the cast and crew are top notch. I can’t go into detail about the episode, of course, but I’m really looking forward to seeing it and the whole series.

Fearnet.com reviews it here http://buff.ly/1iXq2A8

Looking forward to my next great adventure!

Refined, not tamed.

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