"I know a lot of background actors deal with some crap," he said sincerely. Thanks," I said, handing over my voucher that stated I'd be paid $187 for 8 hours of work. A red-haired, male crew member announced that me and the other SAG extras were wrapped and could go home. Kristin Davis and Sarah Jessica Parker in "And Just Like That" (Craig Blakenhorn/Max)A few hours later, the crew handed out water to the extras and told us we had done a great job. I was happy for them, that after all these years, they were bonded like sisters. She locked eyes with SJP and not for a moment (not even for the entire time we shot a three-page scene about Aiden emailing Carrie about Valentine's Day) did she take her eyes off her friend and co-star. Kristin Davis soon joined them at the table, her face toward me. I even attempted a half wave, but she seemed not to see me. I leaned back in my chair, hoping to catch Cynthia Nixon's eye. I deserved to take in the light, to shine.Ī crew person placed me at a table far from the lead table. I had worked hard in my life and deserved this moment. This time, the crew didn't push me around. We were all there to tell a story that would last another generation. Grips lifted cables and makeup artists swirled around director Michael Patrick King. Lights circled around her small body and golden hair. Sarah Jessica Parker took a seat at one of the dining room tables, her back to me, wearing a dark, form-fitting dress and white booties. Julie Rottenberg, a writer on "Sex and the City" and now on "And Just Like That," gave me a big hug. I was glad to see there were more people of color and women working in the crew than years ago. I copied the info down on a Post-it note and put it in my bag for the next day.Īround the corner from the set in a church, the costume crew approved my wardrobe and an hour later walked us to Veronika Restaurant. To report potential misconduct, bullying, or harassment call the Compliance hotline." In big bold letters highlighted in yellow, I read: "PLEASE NOTE THE PRODUCTION SAFETY HOTLINE. I sent in a recent snapshot and hoped for the best.Ī week later, casting emailed and instructed me to show up at Park Avenue South at 5:48 a.m. I'd finally get the acknowledgement from the "cheerleaders" (the stars of the show) that the frat-like behavior (that some called assault) from the "football team" (the crew and actor) was unacceptable and would never happen to another young woman again. If I got cast again as an extra on "And Just Like That," it would be like showing up at my high school reunion that I never got a chance to attend because as a child I had been homeschooled for 10 years and homeless for one year. This was my chance to prove to myself and my kids that I still had it.Ĭynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis in ".And Just Like That" (Craig Blankenhorn / HBO Max)I also desperately wanted to see the girls: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis. I still dreamed of being cool and beautiful. The article on my screen stated that casting was looking for "all genders and ethnicities, to play age 20-50, chic, hip, fashionable partygoers." I hadn't attended a fancy party since before the pandemic. But like so many of my mommy friends, I was still exhausted.Īs I scrolled, I read the headline from Time Out: "New Yorkers! HBO's Sex and the City Spin-Off Needs You." I wasn't so sure "Sex and the City" needed me. My young daughters had finally returned to school after two years of online learning hell and I was on track to earn a living as a writer instead of as a part-time Mommy and Me music teacher. The so-called post-pandemic life was supposed to be carefree. The week before, I could barely get out of bed and scrolled on Instagram on my phone. Hair and makeup had turned me into a glamourous, upscale 40-something.ĭrama and imagination: The iconic stylist behind "Sex and the City" on what fashion should be "I'm transformed," I said, swinging my long curls around, hoping the crew had changed too. The set photographer and I walked towards each other and hugged. I wanted to start 2023 anew and heal from a job that had given me great joy and moments of shame. He was the only crew member I recognized from 20 years ago when I worked for four seasons as Kristin Davis stand-in on "Sex and the City" and had written about the toxic experiences for The Independent. On set at Veronika – a golden lit restaurant with stained glass, soaring ceilings, and views of the city – a white-haired crew guy had exclaimed, "Look what the cat dragged back in." Not just because of the return of Aiden, a great love from Carrie's past, but because I worked on the show over a month ago as a background extra and was curious if I could be seen. I got chills, like my fellow super fans, watching the recently released trailer for the second season of "And Just Like That."
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