When I’m not actively auditioning or filming, I often find
myself on music video sets. But 9.99 times out of 10, I’m not all glammed up
in front of the camera.
Instead, you’ll find me in my “Saturday afternoon” t-shirt,
holey jeans and comfy Ugg boots, shadowing the director of my current film
project like a puppy – half trying to be helpful while learning another aspect
of “the biz”, and half trying to stay out of the way.
Why?
It’s not that I haven’t been asked to do videos. On most music video sets, I’ve been mistaken
for the girl that’s simply dragging her little feet getting to hair, makeup,
and wardrobe.
When it’s discovered that I’m there with the crew, helping
my director while making some extra starving artist cash, there’s often a
predictable and comical discussion that ensues regarding where they can “fit me
in.”
Recently, on one set, they attempted to replace the
principle young lady, who was right in the middle of becoming camera-ready, which
understandably led to quite a scene. Two words: No Bueno! But everything was all good again after they learned of
my personal on-camera preferences, which, as you might have already guessed,
exclude most music videos.
Trust me, I have nothing against them (or the young ladies
that perform in them), but personally, and professionally, I just prefer not to
be stamped or remembered by most as a “video vixen.” I’m an actress. Not a
model. Not a dancer. And if I am to be
featured in a music video, I’d like it to be directly related to my career in
some fashion, or at the very least, pass my checklist of “must nots” (items
dealing with the sexual exploitation and objectification of women).
I’ve turned down many opportunities when I could have used
the money, simply because in the bigger picture, it just didn’t fit for me. Much
to my surprise, all of the artists whom I’ve had to explain this to have been
extremely supportive, appreciative even, of my decision to limit my exposure in
this manner as a woman, even though we would be standing right in the middle of
their own video shoots.
Despite some of their lyrical content and video visuals,
I’ve come across those that really do understand that inside of the sexy
exterior of their visions are sisters, daughters, mothers and young ladies that
aspire to be seen as more than just “shake and jiggle.”
But I must admit, I am very much yin and yang. And there is
a tomboy inside of me that is just as strong as the girlie-girl; so if given
the opportunity to “do what the boys do” for a quick second – you know, laid
back and cool, ridin’ dirty and such. I may just have to jump on that one! But seriously, it just has to
make sense career-wise.
And honestly, I apply similar logic to my film and television
roles, although I do allow a little more leeway in these areas due to the fact
that acting is my focus. After my last article [Noree’s Casting Couch], a member by the name of “chocolaterain”
posed a series of questions regarding what I will and won’t compromise to
further my career in film. All good questions indeed.
This past week, my New York agent called me to audition for
a movie that will no doubt be very popular among us hip-hoppers when it drops,
as it chronicles the lifetime of one of the industry’s greats – may he rest in
peace. The exposure for me would have been incredible among a certain audience.
However, I declined the audition.
The first role was for a young lady that lures the artist
into a hot tub, and then commences to “go down” on him. The second was for a
“groupie” that gets yanked out of bed naked and stomped to smithereens by wifey,
and the third role just had full back nudity for no reason at all. Now there’s
no doubt in my mind that there was plenty of real “hind parts” in this artist’s
life. But I just can’t show mine, not in that way.
But don’t get me all twisted. I’m not opposed to nudity or
love scenes in the least, nor am I ashamed of my body. As a matter of fact, I
enjoy watching some of them, and have already filmed one implied intimate scene
(without nudity) and am rehearsing for a role that may require silhouetted
nudity (shadows only) with my costar. But context
and depiction are everything to me. Everything.
At this stage in my career, I’m just not comfortable
depicting a “hyper-sexual ho,” video vixen, or scandalous seductress. I prefer
my on-screen intimacies to develop in the context of meaningful relationships
where the two characters develop some semblance of an emotional connection.
However, honestly speaking, if or when I am ever paid
upwards of several million plus per feature, perhaps I too will find myself
face down in front of a couch having a Monster’s
Ball
(love ya Halle!). In the midst of what I stand for, I still am noangel, and am just keeping it funky about the reality of individual
circumstances. Until then, you just gotta be my boyfriend. *wink*
After all, my dad is
somewhere out there watching – and typecasting is a b####.
Love, Hip-Hip, and Naked Film,
Noree Victoria
Check in with Noree
Victoria at
www.myspace.com/noreevictoria