Editor’s note: This article is the first in a series spotlighting BC and local artists who are talented but “unsigned” to any major company.
By PHILLIP G. KOPP
Rip staff writer
Ever wanted to meet Tim Burton? Mark Wahlberg? Have you ever had your picture taken with Leonardo DiCaprio? Always wanted to see your face on the big screen of a major motion picture?
There is a student on campus who has done all of this and more: Rebecca Lotze.
Taking the advice of a friend, Lotze registered with casting agencies Central Casting and Axium to start doing “extra” work on various films.
She got her first role as an audience member in the talk show scene for the fairly unknown film, “The Omega Code.”
Even though Lotze hesitates to admit this, it was her definite start in a business she wanted to learn more about.
She then began working in other, more substantial movies, such as “Planet of the Apes,” and no, she didn’t play an ape. She was paid $150 a day, worked 12- to 15-hour days and got to speak with actor Michael Clark Duncan.
Lotze has also worked in “Ocean’s Eleven,” where she joked that they had to do constant retakes because Lotze and a friend kept staring at the rears of Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
After shooting “Catch Me If You Can,” a few commercials and independent films, she wanted a break.
“There are negative aspects to working in Hollywood,” Lotze said. “It’s just like any other job. You have benefits and disadvantages. You get very little one-on-one interaction with people, which sucks.”
Lotze said trying to make it in Hollywood means you are often part of a large mass of people moved around to wherever the director wants you.
The work does pay in more than just money. She has been given career advice by directors and actors who are experts and told her what not to do in show business. This invaluable information has helped her with her career and gives her an initial outlook on where to go next.
“You really get to see how it all works, and it helps you to decide whether or not you want to do it,” Lotze said.
“One cool thing is the catering. You are being catered by these excellent chefs who are trying to please the big stars, and you get some of that.”
Lotze decided to really tone her acting skills so she could start getting serious about landing an agent. However, her main goal is to help others accomplish their dream and see the benefits of the work.
Lotze has met all types of people with great ideas and wants to contribute what she can toward that. She knows it’s not easy to make things happen in a business where it’s more about who you know than what you know.
Instructor Randall Messick has worked with Lotze on and off for over three years and has called her in for acting roles.
“She’s great. She’s a really good actress. Love to work with her,” Messick said. Messick said Lotze has expanded on her craft and is always a pleasure to work with.
“I would really like to do more independent films and not as much corporate work. There’s not as much pay, but this has never been about the money,” she said.
Lotze is currently lending a hand in BC’s annual Shakespeare Festival opening later this month.