Mississippi River Sharks

SYFY Network

Hey Ladies & Gents!!!  I’m so excited to share this blog about Mississippi River Sharks with you all!!!  During the Shark Week world premier, Dean and I were live tweeting (@MichelleBWest & @TheDeanWest); but we were getting Instagram and Facebook DM’s, as well, and it was tough to answer all of them during the watch party.  With that said, I took screenshots; and decided to do a blog on the experience to answer you guy’s questions because some of you had the same ones!

I think I covered them all below; but if I forgot anything, please feel free to comment or DM me and I can always add to this blog!

Q:  What was your favorite scene to watch?  and to film?

A:  This was the most common question and I answered this on my Insta-story for you all; but for those who missed it, it was totally the scene where I pushed Dean out of the way to fall flat on his face lol.  It was the scene when we’re both trying to get to Jason London.  For the record, no, I didn’t push him that hard … it’s all in the acting ;).  But we definitely all cracked up while filming it and watching it!  Oh, and our director, Misty Talley, and I didn’t tell Dean it was coming up to create some extra fun lol!  But honestly, I love any moment sharing the screen with my main man!

Q:  How often do you and Dean get to work together?  And how do you like working together?

A:  Dean and I actually get to work together a lot, which is kind of unheard for a married couple; but we absolutely love it because, being that we love our job, we feel like we get to go on mini vaca’s together pretty often.  Sometimes we have scenes together and sometimes, barely any, like this film; but it’s just fun to be on the same production together.  When we produce, we can make the call; but on films like this one, when we are just actors, we get lucky and it’s lots of fun.

Q:  Where did you guys film?

A:  We filmed in Ocean Springs, Mississippi; and Dean and I fell in love with this area.  We’ve been to Biloxi numerous times; and it’s only a few minutes away but it was our first time there.  We will definitely be visiting more often.  Side note: We found a restaurant, called Bayview Cafe, in which we ate at least every other day the entire time we were there!  If you get the chance to go, order the Tuna Steak Sandwich on Focaccia bread … OMG, I want one right now!  Not kidding, I ate this sandwich eight out of the 14 days we were there!  And on the days I didn’t, it was because the cast wanted to switch up the lunch spot lol!  The waitress knew us by the first week!  Oh yeah, and find Pop Brothers (menu below) and get the cookies and cream dipped in chocolate … you’re welcome!

Q:  What did you guys use for sharks?

A:  Most of the sharks were CGI (computer-generated imagery) effects that all happened after the film in post production editing; but we did have a mechanical fin that we used in some scenes.  Our director, Misty Talley, was also the editor; and she was actually the first woman to direct a SYFY Channel original movie, Zombie Shark, in 2015.  Power to the women!  When I posted a pic of the fin on my Insta-story during filming, I received DM’s asking if it was real; so I guess it was pretty believable lol!

Q:  Who was your favorite cast member?

A:  Well, of course, Dean!!!  But other than him, I can’t even answer that!  Everyone in our cast and crew was so amazing and so fun to be around!  It was definitely a set full of some wonderful, fun energy!  I mean, our 2nd A.D. bought us popsicles on the last day!  Ok, with that said, he wins as my fav, shout out to Eric Davies!

Q:  How long did it take to film? And when did you guys film it?

A:  The production filmed for about 12 – 15 days total; so it was pretty quick.  And we filmed this past February; so I was really glad that my character didn’t die because the water was cold!  And yes, some cast members had to get in the water; and they were troopers!  Taking one for the team!

Q:  Who has been your favorite actor to work with so far in your career?

A:  That a VERY tough question!  Again, for sure, Dean; but besides the obvious, it would be Sam Trammell from True Blood.  I honestly haven’t worked with anyone that I didn’t like yet and I am very thankful for that; but Sam was such a humble, helpful, and sincere person.  He has worked a lot and sometimes that can get the best of people and change them; but he is such a pleasure to be around.  Btw, I worked with him on It’s Time, which is a film based on the true story of Chucky Mullins.  I will let you all know when we have updates and release dates!

Q:  How did you get the role?

A:  Dean and I have both worked with one of the producers before; so we put the audition on tape like everyone else and we were cast in the roles 🙂

Q:  What else do you have coming out next?

A:  I am not sure where or when it will be released; but it’s actually the film, It’s Time, mentioned a few questions above.  It’s based on the true story of Chucky Mullins.  It’s an amazing story and definitely a tear jerker!  I will post updated once I know when it will be released!  And of course, the one that everyone is anticipating, Cypress Bayou!!!  We actually go some great updates recently; but we aren’t allowed to say anything yet.  As soon as we get a green light give you all updates, etc., I promise to deliver.  Believe, I am just as excited and anxious as you all are!  In the mean time, you can follow @cbayoufandom on Instagram and they will post what they can there, as well!  If you’re new to my blog, to learn more about Cypress Bayou, check out my blog post, Cypress Bayou Cast at Magic City Con!

Q:  How was it watching it for the first time after filming it?

A:  Honestly, that is always a little nerve wrecking because, as the actor, we did our best to bring a character to life and tell a story; so we always hope that it is perceived well and relatable to all of our viewers.  We usually get to see it early so that’s always fun because it’s usually the cast and crew and we are all laughing when certain things spark our memories of the filming process.

Q:  Did you get to see it before it aired on TV?

A:  Yes, we actually had a screening on a roof top bar in New Orleans on the Saturday before the Monday world premier on SYFY.  Our director put it together and it was open to the public.  Dean and I announced it on our Facebook pages for those who were local!

Q:  Can we still watch it if we missed it?

A:  Yes, I think it is still on On Demand 🙂

Q:  Where do the dogs go when you guys film together?

A:  We have an amazing dog/house sitter who comes to stay with them; and we couldn’t not feel more secure while we are gone!  He’s one of the most reliable, trustworthy people we know; so we know our fur babies are in good hands.  P.S. Thank you guys for the concern for our fur babies … winning my heart!

Lots of you had commented or messaged saying that you were glad Dean or I didn’t get eaten by the sharks LOL; and we agree!!!  Fingers crossed for a sequel!!!

Three other favorite moments:

My Dad’s txt was hilarious; so I thought you guys would enjoy this!

“Everyone is excited about you and Dean.  I tell them Dean is the good looking fisherman; you’re the gorgeous one … like her mama … thank God.  And my daughter plays a reporter just like her dad … good … and it involves butt-crack!!!  Ugh!!!  LOL”

I hope you all enjoyed that little glimpse of my proud dad LOL!

While watching the film, our three year old nephew screamed, left the room, and said, “I’m not watching this no more!  The sharks are killing all my people!”  We died laughing when they sent us that video; but even better, he called us and said, “You have to come here now.”  We thought he just missed us; but apparently he thought we were dead from the sharks so he wanted proof LOL!

And one of our best friends sent us a video of Dean’s godchild in his underwear watching the movie and he was super excited to see his “Pirate” and “Pirate’s girlfriend” on TV … LOL!!!  Yes, he calls us Pirate and Winch!  In the video, he said “Is that Pirate’s girlfriend?” LOL!

I hope it was fun for you all to get a little extra insight into the movie making process; and I look forward to sharing all of my future experiences with you all as they come and/or are released!  And I will always Insta-story or Insta-live anytime when filming so you all can be a part of the fun!

XOXO,

Michelle