Megan Wilson of Coolville just celebrated her 20th birthday and has already landed herself a role on a new TV show.
Out of Darkness
set to premiere sometime this July on one of the major networks, is a new crime/murder mystery show. The show will follow in the footsteps of such shows as CSI and Law and Order. Out of Darkness will take place in Cleveland.
Wilson first heard about the show from a friend in Cleveland. Her friend gave her a Web site about the film, www.prelude2cinema.com, and she decided to check it out. She e-mailed the show's creator, Alex P. Michaels, and he immediately responded, requesting headshots and body shots.
Wilson went to Cleveland to read a few lines. Right after I got done he said 'Stop -you're a natural. You got the job
' Wilson said. She was immediately cast as the prosecutor's wife, Missy.
Michaels, who graduated from Ohio University in the mid-'80s with a degree in physical therapy, is also the executive producer of the show and plays the role of the prosecutor. He wanted to do something for his hometown, so he took a TV movie What Angels Fear
for which he won an Emmy, and turned it into Out of Darkness.
Michaels said Wilson is nice and sweet
and we just kind of clicked. Because Wilson's character is originally from New Orleans, Michaels said Wilson's Southeast Ohio accent fit the part.
Wilson only attended three or four auditions before landing a spot on the show. I was expecting to go to several auditions before I got my first break
Wilson said. One of her previous auditions had a lot of people turn out. She became nervous because other people were there as well. She learned to think about the talent
not the number.
Wilson's interest in performing began in high school. She began modeling in her junior year of high school. After putting in thousands of dollars and hours of time and effort, Wilson quit because she only landed one modeling job all year.
However, Wilson's modeling career didn't end there. While visiting Columbus, a woman approached her asking if she modeled. She gave Wilson the Web site, www.onemodelplace.com. She checked it out and posted her photos. Within a matter of weeks, Wilson received e-mails from photographers asking to model in photo shoots to enhance their portfolios.
While still modeling, friends encouraged Wilson to audition for her high school play. She got a minor role in the performance and fell in love with it.
Having been competing in beauty pageants since age 6, Wilson had no fears of performing. I was used to being in front of a large crowd and audience
she said.
Filming for Out of Darkness began April 15 -Wilson's 20th birthday. Her first scene filmed was a kissing scene. She said it may look glamorous and romantic on-screen, but in reality, there are tons of crew members watching.
Even though filming might seem awkward at first, Michaels is pleased with Wilson's work. She's totally wonderful to work with
he said.
Wilson will continue to commute to Cleveland to film for the show. Since her family owns only one car, her filming schedule must mesh with her mother's work schedule. Once Wilson earns enough money from the show, she hopes to buy a car so she can make the trip herself.
Thirteen episodes of Out of Darkness are set to be filmed for the first season. Depending on the success of season one, the show might continue. Michaels is trying to make a deal with WOIO in Cleveland to air the show. The series will also be released on a special DVD set, complete with extras and outtakes, later this year.
Wilson hopes to continue working on the show in Cleveland, but she would like to move to Los Angeles next year.
The daughter of Jane and Dave Wilson, she is a 2004 graduate of Athens High School. She hopes that once she earns enough money, she can finally go to college.
Wilson has a few words of wisdom for anyone wishing to pursue a career in acting.
My advice for anyone who wants to get in this business is to wait until after high school
she said.
There will be times when you want to give up
