Parker County has become an increasingly popular filming destination for movies and television series in recent years, and local Medicare broker Lee Ann Miller has experienced much of it firsthand.
A mother of two from Willow Park, Miller, 59, started dabbling in the film industry six years ago, and from the moment she started she was hooked.
“In November 2019 I saw a casting call on Facebook for extras to film the movie 12 Mighty Orphans in Fort Worth and Weatherford,” Miller said. “I answered the ad and signed up with a local casting agency.
“I filmed a couple of days for the movie, meeting Martin Sheen in the process. It was interesting, fun and so different from my career as a Medicare broker. I loved it. I was fascinated with the whole process and the details.
“Everything from going to hair and makeup to get the correct 1930s hairstyle and makeup, to the costume department getting the period clothes just right. I loved everything about it.”
Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit a few months later and everything was placed on hold.
“When we came out of the pandemic, I started hearing about all the filming in the Fort Worth area,” Miller said. “I started checking the casting agency portal and submitting my information and photos to all the projects starting up. Most were for Taylor Sheridan productions. I didn't get chosen for anything for a while.”
Then the casting for Landman ramped up and Miller started getting booked for roles, appearing in several episodes.
“Since all the local filming started I have been approached by other casting agencies for more background roles,” Miller said. “I filmed a movie in Fort Worth last May and some local advertising campaigns as well.”
The Willow Park woman has also appeared in Lioness, and through her work on the two shows was able to work with the likes of Taylor Sheridan, Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, Billy Bob Thornton and Nicole Kidman.
Miller said the experience of working with such talented actors has been incredible.
“When we are preparing to shoot a scene and the director is working closely with the main actors I watch intently,” Miller said. “Each star is a little different, but all are very focused when listening to direction, lots of back and forth with their director. I worked up close with Nicole and Billy Bob and they were so intense and in their zone about every nuance of the scene. Things like the expression on their face or the stance they are holding. They are true professionals.”
Miller said her roles have provided a nice contrast to her job as a Medicare broker, but added she has encountered an unexpected challenge along the way.
“I found that my naturally curly hair is not something they want my characters to have,” Miller said. “They have a specific vision of each character in a scene and my hair is usually not it. The details are really important to their vision for the scene. “They have to really work at taming it in the hair department. It's a constant challenge. Eventually, I learned to wear a wig and it worked out great.”
The Parker County woman said she took acting classes all through school for fun but never pursued anything outside of that.
However, before she became a Medicare broker, she was in sales at a healthy food company startup and that included some work in front and behind the camera.
“We did quite a bit of filming for marketing on the website, YouTube and television commercials,” Miller said. “I learned how to write scripts, set up scenes, work the equipment and act in front of the camera. I liked the acting part the best.”
And acting appeals to her for many reasons.
“It's fun and very interesting,” Miller said. “I just soak it all up. The productions I have had the privilege to work on are top-notch, with experts running the show. I feel lucky to see such accomplished professionals in action. It is fascinating to watch them in their element. You never know what each scene is going to be like so you have to be flexible.
“Each experience is different and you've gotta roll with it. You could be filming outdoors in the bitter cold and have to act like it's a hot day. Or it can be scorching hot, but you have to act like it's a cool day outside. You can't whine or complain, just gotta be professional.”
One of her more memorable moments came while filming 12 Mighty Orphans when the cast members were waiting to take their places on set after a lunch break.
“I was waiting patiently on the side for directions when I turned around and saw Martin Sheen coming right towards me,” Miller said. “He had the biggest smile on his face and came right up to me and shook my hand then told me his name. He was so friendly and enthusiastic. As background actors, we are professionals and do not go up to the main actors to engage them when we are between scenes. “They are working and in the zone and we should be as well. But many times the main actors will engage when we are between scenes. Most have been friendly and funny. Martin Sheen was by far the most friendly.”
Miller said she is always willing to play whatever part is necessary for the scene but is usually a patron of some kind, and said she feels like acting has made her life more complete and fulfilling in certain ways.
“Acting gives me a fun creative hobby that is a nice change from insurance,” Miller said. “Medicare is very black and white with no gray area — it's very regulated. “Acting is more fun, creative and flexible. With acting in these productions something could change on a whim and go in a different direction than originally planned. It's fun that way. Last May I filmed a movie (not yet released) in downtown Fort Worth, and I also filmed a commercial for a large local hospital system.”
Originally from Beaumont, Miller moved to North Texas after graduation in 1990. She moved to Fort Worth in 1995 and then to Willow Park in 2001.
She loves “helping people navigate through the confusion,” as a Medicare broker and said her goals for this year are two-fold.
“Growing my Medicare business as more people are turning 65 than ever,” Miller said. “I hope to continue to do acting work as things come up in this area. Hopefully once a month. It's such a nice hobby and a nice break from Medicare.”
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