Cast & Crew Interviews - Phyllis Floyd (Hair/Make-up)
1. You have applied make-up, done hair, read lines for actors, been a continuity person, and in one case, acted in the House Between. What's the typical day like for Phyllis Floyd working on the series? What is your favorite job working on the crew?
There is no typical day on the set of THB. Every day brings something new and exciting (or even terrifying). The only constant is the utter chaos of trying to get the entire cast dressed and in make-up while living together in one house all week. As for a favorite job, I couldn't tell you. I love doing Jim's hair because we get lots of time to chat about the upcoming day. If I was the "camp counselor" for the cast, Jim was my sounding board for the day ahead.
2. You and Rob work together on make-up and hair. Explain how that collaboration works, please. Do you have an easy shorthand, or is it just a matter of prioritizing who does what?
Usually Rob and I have a morning planning session before breakfast. Once we've determined priorities it's usually just a waiting game to see which of our actors shows up first!
3. In several episodes, and in several big scenes, you were off-screen reading parts (like Samantha in "Departed" or Astrid's double in "Settled") to the actors. What was that like? Was it strange playing a variety of characters, and having the actors resond?
It wasn't strange at all. Having a cast of people you are already close to helped it feel more like carrying on a normal conversation.
4. What is your favorite episode of the first season of The House Between and why? What do you think is the most underrated episode?
I have favorite memories and particular scenes which stand out more than others, but not a favorite episode.
5. You've worked both behind-the-scenes and in front of the camera on the series. Which role do you prefer and why?
I have never enjoyed being in front of a camera. I can perform on stage, I can take photographs, but there is something about the camera that makes me uneasy. I much prefer being behind the scenes and trying to keep the chaos at bay.
6. What is the funniest thing you can remember happening on the set in Season One? What was the most difficult aspect of it?
There were many funny things, but my favorite was everyone taking turns writing things in Bill's diary. I loved reading all of our "witty" remarks. There wasn't really a difficult aspect to it on my end, though I understand Tony had a hard time flipping through it when the time came to read it on camera.
7. In pre-production leading up to season two, you organized several read-throughs. Can you explain how they went? What were your thoughts when you first read the scripts? How hard was it wrangling the actors for these readings?
It was difficult to find a time for everyone and we often got started before everyone arrived. Usually I would read Theresa's part since Alicia couldn't join us and everyone else just sort of fell into character as if it was everyday conversation. I felt the read-throughs prior to our arrival were helpful to everyone involved including me. Getting a bit of a head start on the work ahead instead of going into it knowing almost nothing.
8. What do you think is the underlying meaning and message behind the series?
It's all about the relationships to me.
9. What episode are you most looking forward to in Season Two (and without giving any specifics...) why so?
The last one. I just want to see how it all comes together since we haven't seen any footage yet!