Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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



Friday, October 14, 2011

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

Saturday, October 8, 2011

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