That’s it?Ugh.He’s definitely worried about me shooting with Alan today.I can’t deny I barely slept last night, too anxious about how this would go.
I take a deep breath, exhale, and brace myself.Time to test my acting.The dialogue’s minimal, but I’m terrified of forgetting it.Every ad I’ve done before was easier—simple moves, big smiles, sometimes no dialogue at all.
I walk out of the makeup room and spot Alan in a gray sweater and trousers.We look like any couple you’d bump into on the street.For the first time, I’m shooting an ad without glamour dresses or heavy makeup.The simplicity only makes me more nervous.
“Hey,” I say, approaching Martha and her assistant, who are already hovering around Alan.
“Hey, Fenella.You ready?”Martha squeezes my arms.
“Yeah, I’m ready.”
We listen to her direction about style and expressions for the first scene, and after prepping for a bit, Alan and I head to the set.The room’s staged like a small drugstore, with us placed in the middle facing a shelf lined with 4U condom products.
Nearby, an older-looking model in a white lab coat ties her hair back like a pro pharmacist.She smiles at me and gives two thumbs up.
“You got this,” she whispers.
“Break a leg,” I grin, flashing her the same gesture.
I brace myself for the first take.Everyone keeps saying not to stress about mistakes, but I want this perfect.I don’t want to disappoint anyone or waste their time.One take is the dream.
“Nervous?”Alan asks.
“Little bit,” I exhale.
Suddenly, he grabs my hand.My eyes shoot wide.This isn’t in the script.I try to pull away, but his grip tightens and he tugs me closer.
“It’s fine.Just play it natural, like we’re really a couple out shopping.It’ll look better.Trust me.”
I hesitate but let him lead.Maybe he’s right, two people buying condoms would naturally be a little physical.Still, ugh.It feels wrong.I force another breath to steady myself.This is just acting.
“Alright, everyone in position.Quiet on set,” the assistant’s voice booms through the megaphone.The room falls silent.
“Action!”
My heart kicks.I scan the shelf, hitting my mark.
“Hi.Can I help you?”the pharmacist asks.
“Yeah, I’m looking for a condom that suits us,” I say, while Alan picks up a box.
“Do you know your size?”she asks, like she’s asking about a shirt.
Alan and I lock eyes.“Maybe standard?”he says with a blink.
“Do you wanna try it first?”she asks.
We freeze.Our lines are done.Seconds tick by before the AD yells, “Cut!”and the studio fills with whispers again.All eyes swing to the director.
“Fenella, loosen up.We need more smiles.Ease your grip on his hand, and keep the energy up.”
Oof.“Yeah, sorry.I’ll fix it,” I say, bowing a bit too much.
I hate being the reason for another take, but we redo the scene again and again.It’s not until the fifth try that the director nods, satisfied.
“Cut, okay!”
Finally.
