Macaroni KID Woodstock: What was your earliest experience in front of the camera?
MaryEllen: I was just 5 years old when I appeared on the reality show "What Not to Wear" with my mom. Although my memories are a bit fuzzy, I vividly remember the excitement of meeting hosts Stacy London and Clinton Kelly and having Sandra, one of the producers, follow us around.
Macaroni KID Woodstock: Were you involved in any other projects since then?
MaryEllen: Yes, in 2021, I joined the background cast of "Hocus Pocus 2" as an uncredited villager. I spent four days on set in Rhode Island. It was an incredible learning experience.
Macaroni KID Woodstock: How did you discover the opportunity to be a part of "IF"?
MaryEllen: I came across the casting call on Backstage.com. The project mentioned an association with John Krasinski. After my positive experience on "Hocus Pocus 2," I was eager to dive into another movie project.
Macaroni KID Woodstock: What was traveling to Brooklyn for your costume fitting like?
MaryEllen: The trip to Steiner Studios took about three hours, but it was well worth it. The fitting session lasted around two hours, during which I tried on various costumes and completed the necessary paperwork.
Macaroni KID Woodstock: Can you describe your day on the set of "IF" at Coney Island?
MaryEllen: It was my first visit to Coney Island, and the entire place was dedicated to our film set. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. After getting into my wardrobe—a skirt, white blouse, and red shoes—and finishing my hair and makeup, I felt transported to a different era. Holding a giant lollipop as my prop, I was ready to go!
Macaroni KID Woodstock: What can you tell us about your character?
MaryEllen: I portrayed a carnival-goer in a 1950s flashback scene. It was fascinating to embody someone from that era, even in the background.
Macaroni KID Woodstock: Could you walk us through the process of filming your scene?
MaryEllen: My role involved walking back and forth along the beach boardwalk and, later, between the rides and a lemonade stand. In the background, Cailey Fleming was interacting with a character in a giant CGI suit, which added an intriguing layer to our scenes. Cailey's performance was captivating, and it was interesting to see how she interacted with the CGI character.
Macaroni KID Woodstock: What was it like working with the other IFs and crew members on set?
MaryEllen: The fellowship among the cast and crew was nice. We chatted and joked during breaks, and some of the younger kids even got to ride the Ferris wheel and the merry-go-round.
Macaroni KID Woodstock: Memorable Moments: What stood out most during filming?
MaryEllen: Seeing John Krasinski directing was a highlight. He waved at me as I walked towards the Ferris wheel, which was a surreal moment!
Macaroni KID Woodstock: Are you considering any other film projects in the future?
MaryEllen: While I love background acting and am intrigued by the idea of participating in a Marvel film, my current schedule as a full-time college student and part-time worker is quite tight. However, I'm always on the lookout for opportunities that fit into my availability.
Interested in Background Acting for Your Child?
For parents in and around the New York and Boston areas, Backstage.com is a valuable resource for casting calls. Keep an eye on local news and your state’s Department of Economic and Community Development website for announcements about local film projects. These platforms can be gateways to exciting opportunities for young actors.
This article is not associated with Paramount Pictures, Backstage.com, Steiner Studios, TLC, or any other production company.
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