Sharin' and Declarin'

2011 is nearly over, and WHAT. A. YEAR.

The best way that I found to ring in the new year was with my career coach Dallas Travers' "How to Design Your Best Year Yet!"(that's her blog with instructions. HIGHLY recommended!)

Using her steps, I've spent the last 2 years detailing the year in review, and setting my sights forward. It all culminates in declaring goals for the upcoming year, and just to share:

*2011 Career Goals*
1: I will book at least 4 more East Coast TV roles!
Pretty donesies, considering that I did 2 films and 2 TV episodes! :)

2: I will have the career traction to make LA a viable option for 2012!
Done and done!

What does this leave for 2012? Something REALLY exciting, I assure you. I was talking to an LA friend, and she said:

"I'm so mad that you're not here, but I'm so happy for WHY you're not here! [read: FRANNY] When are you getting out to LA?!"

My response was, "I'm gonna be ballsy here and put it out into the universe--I'll get out to LA this spring for the first time, when I book and film my first pilot!" She LOVED it!

So there it is! One goal this year, but a doozy. In 2012 I will book a series regular on a pilot and have my first trip to LA be for work!

It feels like the right goal, and it's just so EXCITING to me that I can't not pursue it with every cell of my being!

May the upcoming year bring you STELLAR success and awesomeosity aplenty!

<3
JenFollow @JenPonton

Oh, I Wanna be a Producer...

Been itching to help produce a film lately? Well, hot dog, have I got an opportunity for you!

FRANNY needs just a little more oomph for post-production--can you help? A simple $5 and telling your friends will work wonders!

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

"Franny" is a dark comedy feature film now in post production. The film stars Frances Fisher (Titanic, The Lincoln Lawyer), Steve Howey (Shameless, Reba), newcomer Jen Ponton (as Franny), Annaleigh Ashford (Wicked, Legally Blonde, Rent) and Broadway veterans Mary Testa, Ruth Gotschall, Eddie Korbich, directed by Ash Christian, and produced by Jordan Yale Levine, Ash Christian, and Amy Salko Robertson.

Synopsis: Despite the odds FRANNY PETERSON always knew she’d make it BIG! With a heart of gold and a loving and kind personality, all 250lbs of her knew that one day she’d make it out of her small town. Who knew that today would be that day...while waiting in line at the bank listening to music on her ipod, in walks, from cowboy boots to cowboy hat, the most gorgeous guy she’s ever seen!! When their eyes meet she’s sure this is the one...The fact that RICK is now holding up the bank and taking her hostage does not deter her from her mission. This wasn’t exactly the way she dreamed it would all go down, but she’s eager to get out of her small town and is up for the adventure. Unfortunately for FRANNY, RICK has other plans.

We are currently searching for finishing funds for the film (which will include editing, music licensing, color correction, sound mixing, titles, etc...). We wrapped the film Dec 1st and are currently entering post production.

Please give us a boost at Kickstarter!

<3 Jen

Aaaaand...we're WRAPPED!

I cannot even communicate what an AMAZING, WONDERFUL time I had doing this film. It's ineffable.

Imagine the best summer camp ever--no horrible people or bad camp food or strict counselors--but all incredible friends, fresh air, and rousing bonfires after a solid day's work. That's exactly what it was like. :) Best Camp Ever, Making Movies, doing my first Starring Role. OHMAZING.

I'm home now, and while I am happy to see my husband and bunny and friends, I'm also feeling the hole where FRANNY was. I'm missing my Franny family--especially our LA members; our producer Amy, and my co-stars Steve and Frances.

What IS going to be fun for me is this--while this is my 3rd film, the first 2 haven't been released yet. So I don't yet know the thrill of having a release and reunion with everyone! Our producer Jordan is psyched for what comes now--he can't wait to pitch the heck out of Franny. ;)

What a magical, special and incredible experience this has been. I couldn't ask for a better story, better team, or better setting--I had a BEAUTIFUL time, and what a gift to have my first *ginormous* role be in such a loving family!

Thank you ALL for an unforgettably amazing time, I love you all!

<3

Jen

Halfway Through Production!

Hey y'all!

Having a BLAST here on the FRANNY set! We've collected some PRIME ink.

We're featured in The Warwick Advertiser, Around the Lake, The Express Times (my hometown paper!), and we even got coverage on local News 12 in Orange County, NY!

Though we're all paring down our FRANNY buzz to save the really good stuff for festivals and releases, I have to share this with you all. Everyone's been urging me to go red for YEARS...

It IS a wig. But is red a future possibility? Perhaps...

My co-star, Steve Howey (Reba, Shameless) just arrived today, and we've already hit it off! Which is good. Considering that he's my love interest for the film.

I can't communicate how much FUN I've been having with my film family--from the cast, to the amazing creative team, to the INCREDIBLE crew, every moment with these guys is full of fun and joyful work. And it's not just me! Everyone feels the same way, so I know it's not just my peppy nature at work!

I am SO blessed to have a dream role on a dream story with a dream team. :D

<3

Jen

FRANNY arrives!

I'm writing LIVE on my one day off for the entire shoot! FRANNY began filming yesterday in scenic upstate New York, where it's been gorgeous and sunny and full of vibrant autumn colors!

I'm going into SERIOUS detail, here. I will bold the important stuff if you wanna skim!

SUNDAY

I hopped in the car with our producer and production coordinator to get to set for an EARLY start on Monday! The whole crew came to the headquarters on Sunday night, and we threw a celebratory BBQ in the freezing cold with a giant bonfire going. It's like camp for adults! XD

MONDAY

I moseyed on over to hair and make-up at the crack of dawn to get tanned, glowy and bouffanted. Our H/MU team--Yiselle and Morgan--are so friendly and super-lovely, and we'd gotten to know each other at the bonfire. I was then suited up into full bizarre Franny apparel.

Franny really marches to the beat of her own drum. So a glittery lily-pad shirt paired with a tropical gypsy skirt and hot pink Keds? MARVELOUS.

After I was all dressed and ready to go, I hopped in the car with our 2nd AD, Niki (who I adore), and swallowed a quick cup of coffee and an egg sandwich. I was catapulted into the first scene shot--which was me in my car, Sweet Yellow (a yellow 1965 Mustang). This poor car! It's SO broken-down and falling apart--so much so that the floor under the passenger seat has disintegrated.

We moved to a scene that required that poor car to move--which meant it was going in neutral, and the Art dept. was pushing in the back. ;)

We also shot a scene in a drive-through, and I moved to a SECOND car full of character--one being billed as a green Pinto!

I got to order food from an apathetic fast food server, played by our director. :)
So fun! We then moved to this gorgeous boutique for a shopping scene, where I worked with my first principal actor, Alicia Sable as the sales girl.

I had Tuesday off, but visited the set of Franny's employ, a dog grooming salon. I met Frances Fisher, who plays my mother (SHE IS THE BEST), and I can't wait to work with her!!

In actually on set right this moment as I type, in a quick break while they film a shot that I'm not in. :) I get to play with dogs all day, and my bosses are Broadway actresses Mary Testa and Ruth Gottschall! Dooooo fun. Best job to date, hands down. :)

The Calm Before the Storm

My life changes significantly on Monday, when we begin shooting FRANNY. :)

These last days beforehand are full of quiet promise, as I get together different mailings and e-blasts and blog posts! I'm still waiting on all the details (what day I leave, when I come back), but I know some exciting things--I have the script, and I know who my co-stars are (I'm keeping it mum, but EGADS)!

I'm spending lots of time with my husband before I leave, too, because I don't know how frequently I'll be home from start-to-finish. We're having lavish dinners together and demolishing Netflix TV (specifically Arrested Development and Buffy)--which is *amaziiiing*!

Trying to do as much and appreciate as much as I can while I'm here, before the whole game changes in a really PHENOMENAL way. XD

In fact, I'll be up to my gills with filming next week, so before I miss this:

"THE HEART, SHE HOLLER" PREMIERES on SUNDAY!

The miniseries runs nightly, Sunday through Friday--catch me on Weds. and Thurs.!

I'm bringing a camera to remind me to take pictures and video where appropriate, so I'm hoping to combine those with some great blogs while we're in production!

<3

Jen

Extree, Extree

What a week! I've been just reeling from the news about FRANNY!

I've had the intention of creating a press release for myself for about a year; it was a challenge that I wanted to meet by creating my own buzz and not being afraid to share my successes. If there was ever a good time to make one, this was it!

FROM 30 ROCK CARVEL CUTIE TO INDIE STARLET

CHARACTER DUMPLING FINDS DREAM ROLE IN “FRANNY”

Actress Jen Ponton is about to embark upon the kind of role that most actors only dream of—the title role in Ash Christian's indie comedy, FRANNY.

Making this opportunity all-the-more juicy is the fact that Ponton is a woman of size—a budding market as studios and networks try to better reflect the diversity of their viewers. Indeed, after actress Melissa McCarthy (ABC's“Mike and Molly”) took home an Emmy, plus-size actresses are facing new and exciting career prospects. For Ponton, it is no different. “I know that my type is classically the best friend and the second banana,” she says, “but I've always felt like I had the spirit of a leading lady.”

Walking into a room, Ponton is a human cupcake. Adorably plump with blonde hair, bright colors and a smile from ear-to-ear. She is bubbly and radiant. She will be right at home as Franny, who is confident, lovely, brave and kind--and who ends up being the hero of her own story.

“It's like a dream come true!” exclaims Ponton, who, only one year ago, had a memorable co-star on NBC's “30 Rock” as a sweet and gullible Carvel employee who is scammed by Kelsey Grammer. The episode, “Reaganing,” was nominated for an Emmy, and was Ponton's first breakthrough role.

When asked what's on the horizon for her, Ponton gushes, “Sitcoms! A series regular, that would be my dream.” And the world of film? “I really love Christopher Guest, I think I'd swallow my tongue if I got to work with him.” She also expressed interest in Judd Apatow and Paul Rudd. “They're the new great comedy,” she says. “They're the ones putting out the best brand of funny, and I feel so aligned with that.”

FRANNY begins filming this November in upstate New York.

Jen Ponton is a New York-based actress, with recent credits on “30 Rock,” “Law & Order: SVU,” Adult Swim's “The Heart, She Holler,” and the feature films “King Kelly” and “Jack and Diane.” She is represented by Prestige Management. www.JenPonton.com

Actress AND Journalist. AND I made my first meatloaf last week. Winning!

<3

Jen

Newest Indie Starlet? Srsly?

If the idea that 'every actor has their breakout role' is true, then here is mine:

I've just booked the starring, title role in the new indie feature film FRANNY. XD

It was a long process--the role is so perfect for me, and I auditioned for it, like, a month ago! There were weeks of hearing nothing, and then out of the BLUE, my manager called me last week telling me that I'd been called back to read with the casting directors and the director, Ash Christian.

*(Small world: Ash and I were actually both cast in King Kelly! We had no scenes together and had never met, but we ended up being Facebook buds before I even realized he was directing Franny!)

(Smaller world: I also auditioned for Ash's last film, Petunia. Cast by Susan Shopmaker, who also cast King Kelly.)*

ANYWAY!

I had my callback with the PalmStar gents and Ash, and we just had the BEST time. It felt so right, and I felt like it just HAD to be what was next for me.

Lo and behold, my manager--who has the best way of leaving cryptic voicemails when I've booked something ("You're in big trouble. Call me back.")--put on his best aloof voice as he asked me when I'd be going to LA.

"Well, I'm NOT, if I'm Franny!"

"Well then, I guess you're not going to LA, kiddo!"

And it's true--I will likely NOT be fulfilling that trip, since we're shooting for 3-5 weeks starting in November! I'll miss my friends, but clearly, booking something like this was the whole reason I intended on going in the first place. ;)

I am so, so SO VERY EXCITED. As we go into production, I will do my best to supply pictures and news and even video!

BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS POST:

I would be utterly remiss if I didn't mention the GIANT FLOODS OF SUPPORT AND LOVE AND POSITIVITY that my friends and family and peers and colleagues (and acquaintances, even!) have unleashed upon me! I swam against the current of others' faith for so long, and I'm finally at a point where all my people are better cheerleaders than I could have even hoped for! You can't have any idea how much it means to me, or how wonderful it feels when you express your belief, support, love and congratulations to me. It means EVERYTHING!

MUCH love right back to all of you! <3 <3 <3

<3

Jen

OHBOYOHBOYOHBOY

IT IS ALMOST HERE.

There are few things that I love more than the Muppets. The same goes for Thanksgiving, basically the Best Holiday Ever. This year, I am oh-so-lucky--I get Muppets AND Thanksgiving in a PACKAGE DEAL.

Only one thing I have to say to that:

<3

Jen

Time to Holler!

"The Heart, She Holler" has finally landed a premiere date--12:30am on Sunday, November 6th! (As in, late late Sunday, early early Monday.)

Adult Swim has just released the promotional video, and it is BEYOND INSANE:

Confused-but-delighted feedback is popping up all over the intarwebs! Important things to know:

-For now, it's a 6-episode miniseries. I know the original intention was to be a full-on episodic, but I'm unsure of the status right now.

-It's gonna run NIGHTLY (not weekly) from Sunday 11/6 through Friday, 11/11. 12:30am each night!

-My episodes are #4 & 5, so I *should* be on Weds. and Thurs.

I know for a fact that this show is offensive, repulsive, insane and HI-LARIOUS. I can't wait to see it!

<3

Jen

Audition-Palooza!

I am on a ROLL with auditions (mostly for feature films)--6 in less than 2 weeks! I love the snowballing of work going on--I'm super excited to see how the rest of the year works out!

Among these:
-I was called in for *3* offices who've never called me in before
-I was called in for my very first starring role!

It's just the perfect time, too. :) I'm working on a goal for the remainder of the year: to book my first GUEST STAR billing for TV!

With a record high of *23* shows filming in NY (including the return of Sesame Street...which would be heart-stoppingly *AWESOME*), I think I stand some pretty good chances. :) Yeehaw!

<3
Jen

I've Never Been On A Plane Alone

It's totally true! But all that's changing soon...because I am making my very first trip EVER to Los Angeles later this fall. :) Details soon!

<3
Jen

"Kelly" Parties it Up!

I feel like such a wild child! (This is probably because 'a crazy night' for me is falling asleep to a Katt Williams comedy special with the lights on.)

"King Kelly" wrapped last Friday, and by Friday night, we had the celebratory bar party. The star and our whole crew were deliriously tired, and had maybe snuck in a quick nap before getting ready for festivities.

None was more excited for this party than my dear husband, Andrew, who was so thrilled to come that he even got a haircut. ;) *Adorable*!

Though "King Kelly" is laying low for the time being, the first released article is right here on indieWIRE. Enjoy! :D

<3

Jen

Emm-Me?

Delighted to share some fantastic news with y'all:

My episode of 30 Rock last year ("Reaganing") has been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Writing!

Who's behind the hilarity? This guy:

Mr.Matt Hubbard, producer and writer for 30 Rock. And yes, that is a 2009 Outstanding Writing Emmy in his hands.

Not only is Matt pee-your-pants ridiculously funny, but he's also a really kind, encouraging, great guy--I worked with him directly on set, and you just couldn't find a nicer dude!

So happy for this crazy-talented writer, as well as the whole 30 Rock team and their veritable SLEW of nominations--they deserve such rampant success!

<3

Jen

"King" of Queens

What an AWESOME time I had last week!

I recently booked a supporting role in the indie film "King Kelly," a story about a smarmy, cheeky girl with big dreams of taking over the internet porn-o-verse. Louisa Krause stars as Kelly herself, who films all her days (and freaky-deeky nights) on an iPhone and throws them up on YouTube. I'm playing Angela, her older sister, who has little tolerance for Kelly's nasty attitude and shady business ethics. It's kind of exciting for me, because (aside from being a supporting role), I was also cast as *MY AGE*! This is a first, folks! Angela is married with a 6-year-old son. While I fully embrace the fact that I look like a 12-year-old, I'm so happy to have been cast as a legit adult! :D

I was told to take LOTS OF GREAT PICTURES while I was on set, and though I am *terrible* at taking pictures (I get super-distracted), I made a concerted effort to pull out my camera and grab at least a couple of moments.




















Diana Masi, who plays cousin Donna, snuggles Mr. Prince, the actor-pug!







The wardrobe rack, thanks to SeeThink Films' feed!













Aaron (my husband Tom), Anthony (my son Timmy) and Andrew (my dad)




















Mama & son--Anthony was an *awesome* child actor!










King Kelly is only my 2nd big indie film (the first was Jack and Diane , still being produced), and the experience was still so new for me! Our director Andrew Neel was just FANTASTIC--really great to work with, fun, excellent direction, and we had a lot of playful discovery in the scenes.

I had such a great time on-set with them, and I can't wait to see the final product!

<3
Jen

Fancy AND Schmancy!

As I've recently had the GREAT pleasure in working on a fledgling TV Show ("The Heart, She Holler"), I also got my very first invitation to a WRAP PARTY!

Since "Holler" is done filming for now, the team was able to kick back and enjoy all their hard work. So on Thursday night, I got to chill with all my fellow actors, crew members and show creators, catch up with them and enjoy a GORGEOUS rooftop party!

I had a super-good time getting to know everyone a little better, getting excited about other people's new projects, and hearing that the show looks *hilarious* and creepy (which is the best combination that my mind can conjure)!

Here's a sneak-peek shot from the set, thanks to series regular Joe Sikora:

(John Gemberling as CLEM, Jen Ponton as GRINDER)

So far, the tentative air date is in early November...but I will firm that up as we get closer!

<3

Jen

Monsters Under....the Sink?

One of the very best parts of my day is the morning, when, bleary-eyed, I make my way to the shower.

Why?

Because this is what I see:

Hubby and I absolutely fell in love with this monster bathroom set way back when we were registering for our wedding. We found it at Kohl's! We were really trying to make classy, adult decisions, but we couldn't resist all the bright, fun colors, the googly eyes and polka dots.

So we registered for this wonderful set! Out of all the crock pots and sheets and photo frames and toasters, we were just SALIVATING over this bathroom set.

Lo and behold, the night after the wedding, we have received ONE lone Monster gift: the shower curtain. What happened? we wondered. We registered for every. Last. Monster. Item. Surely our guests saw these on the lists!

And then it clicked. Oh, those pranksters, Jen and Andrew! our lovely guests were thinking. Surely they wouldn't want a bathroom set that was made for a 5-year-old!

We love you, guests. But that was cold.

If you are as tickled by this set as we are, they're phasing them out at Kohl's, but there's still some fun stuff left. ;)

<3

Jen

Recurring in the Holler!

Hey folks!

Thanks for hanging in while I did various things like, oh, getting married, for instance.



That's right! Hubby and I did our nuptials in May, and I spent a nice amount of time wearing fancy dresses and heels, visiting lovely destinations and just enjoying our time together.

Now that we're fairly settled into our normal lives, I'm back at the grindstone! Lots of auditions and workshops, and I even booked a brand new job--a super-exciting recurring role as Grinder on the new hillbilly soap opera, "The Heart, She Holler"! Produced, written & directed by the minds behind Wondershowzen and South Park (Vernon Chatman & John Lee), it's going to be a LIVE show on the Adult Swim programming block. :D

I am super-psyched to work with this fantastic team on a crass, ridiculous, offensive sitcom. ;) Here's a sneak peek!

I grew up in the sticks of Jersey, and as my best friend wisely said, "You always come full circle." ;) Can't wait to see you in the Holler!

<3 Jen

Almost-Agent Pon

This past week, I was put on-hold for a principal role in "Men In Black III"!

While I didn't book the role, I was extremely close, and I would have spent 2 days with Will Smith.

(This is a major career fantasy of mine.)

Worry not--when I *do* get to work with Big Willie, maybe it will be as his awesome, goofy sidekick. ;) AMAZEBALLS!

<3
Jen

I Am Cordially Invited

It feels great to audition for a role, nail it, get called back and finally BOOK it. You work tirelessly to seek out breakdowns and audition notices, to read the piece or watch the content and prepare yourself, and to create a good relationship with your potential employer. You map out how to get there, how much time to allot yourself, and how to be professional but open. It feels darn great to work so fully for yourself and get that reward.

But you know what feels even better?

A phone call or an email that says, "Hey, we're doing [insert title here] and we thought of you--how'd you like to come do this with us?"

Being thought of and INVITED to play feels just fantastic. It's been happening a lot to me, and I'm so delighted! My friends over at Garage Theatre Group invited me to do a super-staged reading of "Mrs. Parker and George S.K...", and my friends at The Theater Project asked me to be in their annual NJ Young Playwrights' Festival! I've been invited by a friend and fledgling headshot photog to do a session with her, and I've got a dear friend writing a pilot with me in mind. What a wonderful feeling!

Thanks to all my generous friends for thinking of me and inviting me to the Awesome Party!

<3
Jen

Gooooooooooals!

What a 2011 I have ahead of me! I've been working very diligently towards some major career goals for the year:

-Book at least 4 more solid co-star/guest star roles in East Coast TV.
-Prepare for a move to LA by early 2012.

These two goals are my bread and butter this year, but a really fun short-term goal for me this spring has been to book a pilot, specifically a sitcom pilot! I did an incredible pilot audition workshop in January, and I've been so excited to see where it takes me!

All of my prep work paid off--I was just called in yesterday for a co-star on a procedural pilot, and asked if I'd be available for a callback. :D

It simply tickles me that, even if you don't get to your ridiculously specific goal (series regular on a sitcom pilot), you can still get darn close!

<3
Jen