A Day in the Life of a Sometimes Working Actor

The pay is low and the hours are long, and that's the good news.

I'm up before dawn and done by dusk on most shooting days but even for a gym rat the strain of being on my feet for a dozen or so hours has taken its toll.  Or maybe it's  the harsh elements of on-location shooting in and around the Valley.

Finally, maybe it's my two-piece '80s suit, full-on police garb and runway-like model hair and makeup that's stretched this actor to the brink.

This is the life of a sometimes working actor on the set of a new show on the cable channel Discovery ID. It's tentatively titled Homicide Hunter. We follow the exploits of real-life retired detective Lt. Joe Kenda and his crew as they go after the bad guys. I play detective Fiorillo, one of Kenda's three partners throughout the first six episodes. Carl Marino, also a real-life retired detective, plays Kenda. Incidentally, Carl is also the cousin of Hall of Fame pro quarterback Dan Marino.  

In MY episode, a young woman has been strangled and left for dead in an abandoned car atop a deserted Colorado construction site. The thing is, we never leave the Valley to shoot it. Griffith Park is the perfect site. Producers found an area under construction similiar to the real crime scene. An unwelcomed bonus, however, are the two huge piles of fertilizer down wind.

A good production runs like a well-oiled machine and at the helm is local director Jason Sklaver. He and his staff are rewriting the reenactment genre, giving it style and substance, which hopefully will  lead to the series having a long shelf life.

The set has its perks with plenty of snacks and drinks. At least once a day, we are treated to a gourmet-style meal. From salmon and beef ribs to baked Alaska and chicken Marsala, there's something for every discriminating taste. I am cautious, however, as eating too much too early can lead to sleep between takes. I eat light and keep my energy up with plenty of Vitamin C, B 12 and B6.

Our second location is in Panorama City. It's cramped, but adds to the realism of the story. The highlight of my day comes when two curious young fans ask for an autograph. I give them each a signed head shot. Someone's dream came true, and I think the kids got a kick out of it too!

We shoot at Central City Studios in Los Angeles for our third location. It's filled with character and dozens and dozens of really cool sets—including our police headquarters, jail cells, interrogation room and morgue.

North Hollywood resident Rachel Olsen does hair and makeup, and Nancy Wei is the wardrobe supervisor. Both are vital players on the set, getting everyone camera-ready. Tyler Stratton, the second assistant director, handles everything from actors' call times to their paperwork and paychecks.

So, you might ask, what's the advantage to low pay and long hours? No. 1: less hierarchy on set. There's actually an "eating order" on most shows, in which crew eats before talent and principals eat before extras. Imagine if this happened in the real world? Secretaries and mail clerks waiting behind their boss to eat chow?

No. 2 advantage: more camera time for me and more closeups! No. 3:  More tape for your reel to book your next job or find a better agent. No. 4:  More one-on-one time with the director, which can lead to a better performance.

OK, so there are some disadvantages: A whole lot less money. No residual income if it airs more than once. A lot of voiceover masking your audio. And cable versus network exposure has improved, but let's face it, Discovery ID won't get NBC numbers.

So before you shed a tear for me, Sherman Oaks, remember that it's about my journey and not about the prize. I'm doing what I love and the money will come (Tell that to Charlie Sheen, right!).  Until next time, follow your dreams and the harder you work, the luckier you will get.

Bobby Aronofsky is a Sherman Oaks-based actor who has appeared in feature films, television shows and commercials.