Serial Vlogger: Part Fifty-Two

A horror story in tiny slices!

Marissa arrived at the sound stage with plenty of time to spare. She didn’t think she’d ever been so excited. What an amazing opportunity this was going to be. How did she ever get so lucky?

She carried a suit hanging in one hand and dragged along a medium-sized rolling suitcase with the other through the huge parking lot of many warehouses. Studios! Studios where film and television shows filmed on a regular basis. Sound stages, special effects green screen rooms and more. She never thought in a million years that she’d ever be walking through a studio lot and actually had business being there as a bonna fide “actor.” It blew her mind.

How many white vans are there?

Rows and rows of white panel vans, larger trucks, and honey wagons.

“I’m in a field with sheep,” she laughed. “Or cotton balls.”

Once she passed through the first section of lot, the white vans turned to colorful cars, very fancy cars, convertibles, and jeeps.

She stopped in front of a little red car that wasn’t quite as fancy as some of the others but still far beyond anything she’d ever had.

“I know you!” she laughed.

Seeing the little red car, and the white vans, put her at ease. Familiar touch stones. It gave her comfort and calmed some of the butterflies in her stomach. Even if the little red car wasn’t the same one she’d seen at her other shoots, it still was fun to see. One day, she’d have a little red car like that. Well, maybe not like that. She wouldn’t be able to drive very well in it. She’d be more interested in an SUV or a sedan. Yeah, maybe a sedan would be her jam. A yellow sedan. Everyone would know her when they saw her.

But she was getting away from herself. She had to focus. Ever since she had the call from Bonita, her stomach had been filled with butterflies.

“Girl, you’re moving up, big time!” Bonita’s voice still rang in her ears. Moving Up! Her! Marissa. “You should see what Slice of Life Productions has in store for you next. That is, if you’re interested.”

Of course she was interested. She loved taking Bonita’s calls because it was almost always good news. What great news to hear, another booking. And the fee she was being paid. Holy crap. It was definitely next tier.

Even though most of the costumes would be provided, she was told to bring a couple of “nice” dresses and several pairs of shoes. She had also brought extra clothes, underwear, bras, deodorant, a big makeup bag, and her big water jug. She had considered bringing snacks but then had laughed at herself as the nature of her business was eating so the chances of getting hungry were pretty remote. Ridiculous even as she always ended up puking at least once during every mukbang.

And this was going to be an insane mukbang.

This time, the show wasn’t shrouded in secrecy as the others had been. This time, there were actually “famous” mukbangers being brought to Toronto, just for this podcast. There was no nonsense with simulcasting from around the world. Nope, this particular event would be recorded live, and in front of a studio audience. She couldn’t believe it.

“It’s true, no matter what happens in life, you can always count on change.”

Marissa grinned. “What a time to be alive!”

She pulled the suitcase through the doors and signed in with the backstage security. This was being shot in a real sound stage, like where they shoot real TV shows and movies. Toronto was full of such places so she shouldn’t have been that surprised. But she was still pleased that it was the first time she wasn’t in someone’s basement or attic or weird mansion. She was actually almost Hollywood. Maybe it was Hollywood. Maybe it was some reality show where you think you’re going in to do one thing but then it turned out to be another.

She had considered the possibility a few times over the past week since she had the booking but always dismissed it.

As she went through another set of security doors and signed in again, she was greeted by a skinny young lady sharply dressed in a skirt, blazer, and high heels. She’d never seen her before.

“Hello, I’m Amy. Marissa, right?” Amy stuck out her hand. Marissa shook it. Amy took the garment bag, and they walked down the hall.

“Hi, Amy. I’m pleased to meet you. Do you work here all the time?”

“I’ve worked in these studios a few times, so I know my way around if you need anything. I’m going to be your personal assistant.”

“What does that mean?”

“Well, for the shoot today, I’m going to be the one who takes care of you. Make sure your outfits look good, that your makeup is good, that you have all the food and drink you need. If you need to make a call or something else, I’m here to help.”

“Oh, well, that sounds really cool!” Marissa said.

“Here we are!” Amy announced as they stopped before a door. She pointed at the little sign. Marissa.

“My name!”

“Yes, your name is on your dressing room. You’ll find the others also have their names on their doors so if you need to talk to anyone, you can find them. Although, quite frankly, I would highly recommend that you ask me to talk to others on your behalf. Some people can get a bit prickly about things.”

“Prickly.”

“You know, prima donnas. Not that I’m suggesting that any of your castmates are difficult, but sometimes nerves get the better of people, so I would…”

“Yes, yes, I know you said that but I SAID I wanted a blue chair, not a white chair…” A male voice echoed down the hall. Marissa recognized it immediately. Ricky!

“Is that…” Marissa asked as Amy opened the door and rushed her through it. Once the door was shut, Amy nodded.

“Ricky…yes. He’s here with his husband. They had a horrible flight and are in foul moods. I’d suggest staying clear for now.”

“Oh, I’m such a fan of his. I‘ve been watching him for years.”

“Yes, he’s quite the icon. And again, I suggest, just hang out in your room. Do you need anything? I can get you magazines, a beer, some candy?”

Marissa looked around the dressing room. It was bigger than she’d imagined. There was the make-up area, a small closet for costumes, a table and several chairs, and a desk. On the table and the desk were many ports for plugging in electrical devices. To the side was another table full of glasses, dishes, and a spread: cheese, crackers, grapes, and chocolates. There was also a coffee maker and a carafe.

Amy pointed out, “There’s a minifridge underneath where you can find cold drinks, fruit, and other snacks.”

“Oh, my. What luxury!” Marissa grinned.

“Can I get you a cold drink?”

“Water is fine, for now,” Marissa said as she stared into the fridge. Amy plunked a few ice cubes in a glass and poured Marissa some sparkling water from a bottle. She handed it to Marissa with a little napkin.

“If you need me, just call.” Amy put her card on the table. “Also, you can see there’s a phone intercom there as well. That’s another way to call people, or security, if you need anyone or anything.

Marissa nodded. Amy looked at Marissa’s bags.

“Would you like me to help you unpack? I can hang these for you.” Amy scooped away the garment bag and unzipped it. She hung the dresses on the rack. Marissa opened her suitcase and took out her makeup bag.

“You likely will only need touch ups. There will be a makeup person coming in soon, once you’re settled.”

Marissa put her makeup bag on the counter by the mirror.

“Wow, this is so cool,” she said as she looked at all the lights surrounding the mirror. She flicked the light on and looked at herself. “Mahvelous!”

There was a crackling noise and then a voice came over the loudspeaker.

“This is Gus, your AD. Please settle in and wait for makeup and wardrobe. Help yourself to drinks and snacks. Please take full advantage of your assistants.”

Marissa grinned and sipped on her water. “I’m in the big time now!”