Early on in my career, I learned that you pretty much had to say yes to anything to stay relevant. Whether this meant commercials, soap operas, guest roles on TV shows, or being an extra in a movie, you had to take whatever you could to get your name out there.
Personally, I was never one for commercials. Hated them really. While I know now this is probably wrong, I grew up thinking that the only reason actors and actresses were in commercials was because they were broke after recklessly spending their money. I’m sure that was the case for some, but I just personally never wanted to be in a commercial.
“A commercial?” I asked, trying to mask my disgust.
“Yes, a dog food commercial.” I stayed silent for a second and my agent, Rick, rolled his eyes before adding, “I know you don’t want to do commercials but you’re just starting out and you need to get some credits under your name.”
I reluctantly agreed and he sat back in his chair in contentment, crossing his arms. He pursed his lips together and ticked his head to the side. “Have you ever thought about changing your last name? Creating a stage name?”
My eyes widened though I had a suspicion he would ask me this at some point. A name like Nell Smith is easier to forget, which I’m sure is why he brought it up.
“I’ve thought about maybe changing my last name, but I haven’t decided on what yet.”
“What about St. James or Zimmerman or maybe Hendrix?” Although I was perfectly fine with my last name, as generic as it was, I knew that in the entertainment industry, you had to have a name that stands out. I didn’t want to lose out on roles because my name was so easily forgettable so I chose the name I thought would help me stand out the most.
“I like St. James.”
Rick nodded with a smile and said, “Alright, Nell St. James it is. Keep checking your inbox in case I have other auditions for you to go to, alright? And break a leg at that dog food one, okay? I’ll check in with you in a few days.”
Somehow, I landed the dog food commercial which surprised me considering I’ve never had a dog, but that’s the power of acting, I guess. Although now that I think about it, it’s not difficult to pour dog food into a bowl so I shouldn’t give myself that much praise.
I was so nervous despite only having one line, “I only feed my dog the best, and the best is Chow Down Dog Food.” I probably rehearsed that seventy times the night before to the point where I was starting to forget it. Thankfully, we only had to do two takes but it wasn’t because I messed up the line rather the dog got a little too excited and knocked the bag out of my hands which then spilled all over the floor. Luckily, the slobbery dog ate it right up and with the next take, I was able to pour the dog food into the bowl. Of course, in the commercial, they didn’t show the dog throwing up that dog food on my feet not even 10 minutes later, but I couldn’t bring it in me to care once they presented me a check. I had been working a barista job for a few months after graduating college and I needed money. The cost of living in LA was ridiculous and my rent practically cost me an arm and a leg, but this check helped significantly. Besides, my parents were running out of patience with me always asking for money so I was hoping the lucky streak would continue.