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True StoriesCarol Lupo:
Costumer Dreams  Hooked on I Love Lucy when she was a kid, Carol Lupo, 53,
dreamed of a career in the entertainment industry while she worked as a hairdresser in
Darien, Connecticut. She was certain that someday she "would own a
‘statue.’" In 1968, she decided to go West, to the dream capital of the
world, and see if she could rewrite her life script. She has, as a costumer, for Murder
She Wrote, The Bob Newhart Show, News Radio (for which she won an Emmy), Cybill, and most
recently in the Adam Sandler feature film, "Little Nicky."
Flashback to the beginning: her first job in Los Angeles was making wigs for mannikins. One day, she got a phone call... My girlfriend who worked as an extra said, "You look so much like Sharon Gless (star of Cagney and Lacey). They are hiring. Go to this address." So I did and landed the job as her stand-in. I had NO idea what I was doing! Never set foot on any kind of movie set. There were about 50 girls there. Then they let everyone go except for me. Still had no idea what was expected of me. I guess I learned by looking and listening. It was a lot of hours and hard work, but very interesting, especially for someone new to the business. I really learned the workings of all the departments. Now I find it hard to watch the re-runs and not think of the things that were going on when we shot a particular episode. I had a ball! Sharon and Tyne Daly are very lovely, very funny ladies. I did that for a year and then drifted into wardrobe. After my divorce, I knew, to make any money as a women, I had to be part of a union, or own a successful business. My choice was to join the Costumers Union Local 705. On News Radio my job was "Key." This means you handle extras: fittings and dressing them; trailer: loading and keeping things in order; set problems; hiring extra help. Being a costumer is hard work, for example, loading a 48-foot trailer with clothes, but I approach it like a prize fighter going into the ring. I go to the gym when I am off, to keep in shape. I also keep happy people around me. I love to laugh, to be silly. I find when I hire my crews I always hire one person who does "Comic Relief ." It is usually my friend Tommy Culver who keeps us going through a 15-hour day. Laughing, I really believe keeps me young! I loved working with Adam Sandler. One of the really kind humans left in this industry. If he called tomorow to go to Timbucktoo I would pack and leave. He is truly a kind man, and treats all around him with respect and kindness. Which is a big thing with me, because I feel sometimes in business that is really all we have left. I am huge on "respect". One of my goals is to get into the Designers Guild but it is difficult. There are a couple of ways in. The long way: work three non-union shows with credit. The shorter way: know a producer who says , "I want this person." Any producers out there willing to give me a break? I also feel I am ready now to start my own business, a small line of lingerie -- a baby in my head right now. Maybe an online store to begin with. Good things, like 1940 designs, geared to heavier women, who love to feel sexy. A little more coverage, but really fun things. I try to buy lingerie, and I am about a size 10. But I am always yanking it up or down; the robes are never long enough to be elegant. Getting Started Tips from Carol Lupo: Working as an Extra can be WONDERFUL if you're not in a rush and can come in for a day of fun, food and social gab. The nice thing is you get paid. Non-union is around $40 a day plus over time. SAG (Screen Actors Guild) people get more. The only draw back is the long hours. You may get called in at 7:00 a.m. and you might sit until 8:00 p.m. before they use you. So bring a book or magazine or cards. Central Casting, in Los Angeles, is a good one to register with. Also, get the trades. The Reporter, Variety, Drama Logue all have jobs in the back of the paper. You must register with Central first. If you are seriously interested, go to Samuel French Book Store on Laurel Canyon in Studio City for all the books you need for the business. "411" is an industry book for EVERYTHING. It's $85, so don't buy it, just skim it. If you are 50+ and think you have any talent for acting, now is a good time to start. Commericals always hire people 50 and older when they want to portray "stability." Take a look at TV for some ideas. Then go get an agent. The "411" book has those listed, too.
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