No casting coaches but some hard chairs...
Chelfyn and I went to a casting yesterday for a TV advert. We got the call in the afternoon and barely had time to get Fudged up before heading to the studios. It's a strange process. You wait around in on hard chairs, before a few brief minutes in front of a director when you have to switch on and perform on command (dahling).

We all had to go into together and stand in a line, holding up whiteboards with our details and introduce ourselves. It was like some bizzare police lineup or AA meeting, "Hello my name is Helen, I'm 32 and I have tattoos". We were then told to dance around in the front of the camera as if we were at a club. They played a track which was about 125 bpm and way too slow to really dance to. So Chelfyn whipped out one of his mix CDs, and as soon as the acid line kicked in everyone started cranking. After 5 minutes of bouncing around the director yelled 'cut!' just as we were all getting into it. We had a swift don't call us we'll call you, and the next line of hopefuls went in.

We should know in a few days if we get the parts and if we do we'll be playing twenty-somethings. Which tickled Chelfyn as his Mum had kindly pointed out he's nearer to his forties than thirties. Luckily like me he's never been a sun bunny. We've spent most of our lives being indoor geeks in the cloudy UK, unlike the beach loving Kiwis with no ozone layer. Anyway it's all about smoke and mirrors in TV. What you don't see is the amount of work that goes into post production and how much is about good makeup and lighting. With a coat of paint and the right light anyone can look celebrity-glossy.

The last time I was 'talent' (sweetie) was in June. I was booked for a speaking part in a shoot for POD Fashion Management. It was the first time I'd worn full make-up in years. It took over an hour for the slap to be trowelled on and under the lights I looked fantastic. It was another story in daylight. Think drag queen after a night's carousing on K'Rd. I'm very glad I don't have to wear that much makeup every day, and it's one of the reasons I love doing radio.

We'll be broadcasting this week's TMet Show from Twisted Studio #3 in Waitakere City. With special guests Xtensa which comprises of Cathy on the decks with partner Al on live Didgeridoo. Xtensa are recently back from the UK and will be spinning some psytrance alongside Chelfyn on The TMet Show, Friday 28th October, from 5 - 8 p.m. on Twisted Radio. You can also check out our show archives if you miss it.