Move the Poop

This past Saturday I was cast in a commercial for a fancy cat litter box. I didn't know much about it other than it would not be a speaking role and I needed to bring a suitcase full of wardrobe choices. And at least this time I knew I needed to have my nails done as my hands would be prominently featured.

I arrived at a home in Wilmette after driving through the treacherous snow. A crew of six people and two cats greeted me as I walked into a strangers house. Everyone was incredibly friendly. They were setting up lights and filming the cats hoping they would get a shot of one actually using the litter box. Ew. I would definitely clam-up and not be able to perform if someone was filming me going to the bathroom. In the meantime, I did a fashion show for the clients and they decided on a green shirt and jeans for my look. Hair down, makeup natural and fresh, shoes plain-jane since they didn't want me to look too hip. I mean, you can try to make me normal, but I can't help but look hip all the time.

Most of the time I was filmed demonstrating how the product worked. Then came the extra props. Tootsie Rolls. I don't have cats so I don't know what cat poop looks like, but the tootsie rolls looked pretty convincing. So for the next three hours I was told, "Okay, move the poop. Can you place it closer to the wall side of the box? Now further away from you. Good." and "Take the poop back out and scoop it in again." "Make faces as if this is gross and smells bad." I needed no convincing. Just the thought of scooping real cat poop made me borderline...what's the word...pukey. You all know how I am with bad smells.

So I spent the whole day scooping Tootsie Rolls. This is art! This is going to make an impact on someone's life! Honestly, everyone was incredibly friendly and easy to work alongside. They even sent a motorized litter box to my aunt and uncle since I don't have cats. You can check out the old video on http://www.scoopfree.com/. My hair is less feathered than the original actress and my clothes a bit more up to date. Plus I hear my face will be featured more often. They warned me of possible informercials. I think I would die. Me scooping cat poop. But hey, you have to start somewhere! The new and improved video featuring yours truly should be up and at'em ASAP. I'll be sure to post it.