Occupation: medical consultant for a New York movie studio
One of the perks of working on a soap opera filmed for the Internet is watching the drama on and off camera. Things can suddenly go off kilter. Call it a side perk for the medical consultant. My name is Trudy Genova, RN, and that’s my job for anything filmed in New York City. I’ve just watched two very beautiful actors rehearse a kissing scene.
“Nice job, people.” Ron Dowling, true Napoleon of soap directors, appeared from behind the cameras, consulting his script and ignoring me. He thinks the nurse is beneath his tiny, Birkenstock-clad feet.
“Reece, don’t forget to touch your mouth in wonder as she walks away,” Dowling instructed the muscled actor. “And Misty, not so much tongue, dear. You’re making up after a fight, not meeting after the Titanic has sunk.” He consulted his huge diving watch. “Downstairs to rehearse the hospital scene.”
The Stage Manager’s voice rang out. “Hospital scene to rehearsal, five minutes please.” The lights went out with a loud thunk, the vivid colors of the brightly lit set immediately fading. Muted lighting provided a pathway over thick electrical cables, pointing the way to the sound stage door past other sets, all fully dressed and waiting for action, as they say in show business.
Gathering my sweater and backpack, I followed the actors, Reece Hunter and Misty Raines, downstairs. Misty’s name has a definite porn star ring to it, but then I’m not her agent.
Each morning two huge food trays are delivered to the set from a local deli. One is a fruit tray, melons peeled and sliced in long fingers, bunches of glossy grapes, mounds of huge strawberries and even the occasional mango. The other holds the crap most of us wolf down—tiny iced pastries, sliced pound cake and freshly baked cookies. A coffee urn sits next to a metal tub filled with ice and bottles of designer water. I stopped at the catering table to scoop up a few juicy strawberries and an oatmeal cookie, reflecting on my good fortune in having this job. Not bad for a country girl whose family owned an apple orchard.
How many nurses get to work in The Big Apple where no one is really hurt or dying, and the rocks in a landslide are made of cocoa-covered Styrofoam and oatmeal? Working for a movie studio means no more night shifts or dirty bedpans, no stinky vomit on my white nursing shoes, no real tears, no suffering, no death. Some days I work from home in my pajamas, correcting faxed script pages from movie and television medical scenes.
I never know if my script suggestions will be used. I’ll be watching a television episode or a feature film when suddenly my idea appears on the screen. Like that scene in the movie Lars and the Real Girl. When Patricia Clarkson’s doctor character tells Ryan Gosling that his mail-order doll girlfriend suffers from low blood pressure and he must bring her in weekly so the doc can really chat with Lars–that was all mine.
Other days I work on the sets of medical scenes filming in Manhattan for television and the occasional movie, most often a soap opera. I routinely take the calls to Thornfield Place and have come to know the cast and crew, part-time regular that I am, as well as the idiosyncrasies found only in the artificial world of soaps.
That’s where I am today, preparing to teach actor Griff Kennedy how to fake a heart attack. We have a dicey relationship, as he’d come on to me a few times too many. The ladies man seemed to think any female should be happy to be groped by him. Several weeks ago I’d found myself alone in the rehearsal room with him after turning down yet another invitation for a drink. He’d had the temerity to fondle my breast as he tried to change my mind.
I’d shouted loud enough for anyone outside the door to hear: “Hands off, slimeball!” That, plus a knee in the right place, had stopped him in his tracks and he’d left the rehearsal room to a series of titters from those lounging outside.
The incident left a residual tension. If it happened again, I’d go straight to PBJ management, whether Griff is a senior cast member or not. The burly, hard-drinking actor had been a stage star in his younger days, a fact everyone he met is made aware of in the first three minutes. I know I should feel sorry for him, with his star over the horizon and all that. But after his third attempt to put a check mark by my name on his conquest list, there had been that knee incident. His hair-transplant plugs are obvious, his gut straining at his belt, and the thought of coupling with him, of anyone coupling with him, gives me the willies.
Who knew that by the end of the day, Griff Kennedy would be on his way to the morgue?
You can read more about Trudy in Death Unscripted, the first book in the NEW “Manhattan” mystery series, published by Bridle Path Press. Book is available in August 2015.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on July 27 for the chance to win a signed copy of Death Unscripted. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected.
About the author
Marni Graff is the author of Death Unscripted, the first Trudy Genova Manhattan Mystery. She also writes The Nora Tierney Mysteries, set in England and featuring an American protagonist. The Blue Virgin was named Best British Cozy for Chanticleer Media’s Mystery and Mayhem Awards; The Green Remains is shortlisted for the same award. The Scarlet Wench follows Nora’s English adventures and is set in Cumbria.
Sounds perfect for me,
Looking forword to this new series. Sounds like fun
I love the premise of this new series. I can’t wait to read this first book.
Would love to start this new series. Winning number one could be a great way to start.
This series sounds very interesting.
I would love to read this book—thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Looks great, thank you for the chance to win 🙂
Sounds right up my ally 🙂
Medical consultant for a movie studio — what a creative idea! I would love to read this book!
Sounds like a good read. Thank you for this opportunity to win a copy of Death Unscripted. 🙂
Love learning about authors to expand my bookshelf!
Sounds like fun to a retired RN.
I am not familiar with this author so it is great to see your review. Thanks so much for doing this. robeader53@yahoo.com
Since I adore M.K.’s other series I know I will love this one just as much. She is one of the most talented writers out there today in my humble opinion. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the first in this new series!
What a fascinating concept for a murder book! I didn’t know such a career even existed. I am looking forward to reading this book. 🙂 Thanks to Dru and M.J. for the opportunity to win a signed copy of this intro to the series!.
Never heard of this author, but can’t wait to check out this new series. It looks like a very fun book.
This sounds really intriguing! As a nurse, I have a little extra interest as well. Where can I get a job like that? 🙂
Very cool. Love to read this one.
Different and interesting! Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Sounds like a fun read – love the directors comments after a kissing scene.
thanks
I’ve never thought about all of the people who work on a movie or television set. sounds like a great new series to try.
Sounds good!
Captivating and intriguing. Thanks.
Another new author for me to try. Sounds good.
This sounds like a really different series and one I would like to read. Thanks.
This does sound like it will be both interesting and informative with a different type of background from my usual reads.
Oh my goodness, yes! I would love to be the lucky winner. Having worked in the medical field and still do, I love picking out the “oops!’
This one sounds really fun!
Love the ‘nurse’ story. There are a lot of nurses in my family! Can’t wait to read this one.
And it sounds like there won’t be many people lamenting his lass.
Sounds like an interesting read! Would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
Thanks to all who read about Trudy and to Dru Ann for hosting me~
Trudy’s a neat gal and that was definitely my favorite nursing job! Hope you will all enjoy the book and following Trudy’s first adventure~
This sounds like a great new series. I wanted to be a nurse, but didn’t have the stomach to get past bed pans, ICK!! I’ve got it on my wish list too, so if I don’t win, I’ll still win!! Thanks for the chance.
This series sounds like a lot of fun!
Looking forward to reading this one!
New author for me.
New series, sounds right up my alley
Looks interesting
Sounds like a good read! Perfect for a retiree with a love of reading!
You had me at “NY movie studio.” Let’s read on. Judy D.
Great premise.
The book will be in print end of August. In the meantime, my other series, set in England and featuring an American writer, has three in print: The Nora Tierney Mysteries. Happy reading to all!
I love the premise. Sounds like a great book.
Very interesting plot. Thanks for the giveaway. I’m off to look for the Nora Tierney Mysteries!
I love starting a new series and this one sounds like it has a great setting. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
This sounds like it’s going to be a really fun new series.
scarletbegonia5858@gmail.com
I can’t to read this. It sounds like a winner.
I love books that feature NYC. Looking forward to reading this.
Contest is closed.