Interview with Monique Parent
Monique Parent is an actress who has appeared in the music videos "Yummy" by Justin Bieber and "Small Talk" by Katy Perry.
You're doing interviews for That's A Wrap. What's the movie about?
The movie That's A Wrap is a homage to 90's slasher horror movies. So keep that in mind when you watch it. It is about, Mason Maestro is a director. And he has just created what he believes to be is his masterpiece, and he is holding a cast only wrap party. So, all of the cast of the movie comes to the wrap party, but then, one by one, they start disappearing, as our very own villain, from the movie that we made, comes back and starts killing and people.
Do you have a favorite moment from the movie?
I do have a favorite moment from the movie, and it is the very last moment.
How would you describe the personality of your character?
She is over it. She is over being used by men. She is over being used by her husband. She is over seeing her husband sleep his way with all of the other actresses. She is over being belittled and pushed down as an actor; she is done.
Do you find any aspect of acting in horror movies particularly challenging?
What I find challenging about working in horror films is, and it's not even challenging, it's just it really only works when you give it your absolute all. You cannot half-ass it. You cannot phone it in. You have to bring everything to the table, and that's challenging because it forces you to bring everything to the table, and you can't leave anything on the table. It's a wonderful challenge and an exercise to just empty yourself out to take everything you have in you and just put it into the character, put it into your performance.
Regarding acting in music videos, did you get an introduction with the singers?
I did briefly meet both singers that I have worked with music videos. They're both pretty big productions with a lot of people going on, and there's a lot going on in their big days. I've done two music videos where I'm seen on. I did a third music video where I was pretty much cut out of it, and I cried bitter tears. But Justin Bieber was a joy to work with, and Katy Perry was terrific.
Did you need to do any special preparation for the roles?
Not for the one in the "Yummy" video by Justin Bieber. I didn't have to do any special prep for that. I did have to do - they did a lot of look on me for the Katy Perry. It was kind of fun, because they wanted people who matched dogs, who looked like certain breeds of dogs. And one of the characters that they wanted was a Cruella Deville. So, I put on my black and white, and I brought my faux fur, and I put the black streaks in my hair. And, you know, it was it was terrific. Then, when they created my look for it, we had so much fun in the fitting, as they're just putting on all these different black and white outfits, and then they created the big hair. It just was so fun to have all of these people bring this vision to life.
What do you like about appearing in music videos?
One of the reasons I chose to appear in music videos is because I'm an older woman with silver hair, and I find that our youth today, because of the way society markets things, they are terrified of aging, really, truly terrified. And I want people to see that. We're still fun, and we're still vibrant when we're older. It doesn't go away. Yeah, your hair changes colors. Yeah, you get some wrinkles, but being alive and aging is certainly way better than the alternative, and to stop worrying so much about getting old, because it really is freeing, especially in your forties and fifties. I look forward to my sixties and seventies. I'm going to be a crazy eccentric old lady.
When performing in music videos, what are some things that you need to consider as an actor?
I think that as an actor working in a music video, you really need to understand that this is the artist's vision the artist has created the whoever music video it is. This is their creation that they have worked with their teams and when I'm doing a movie, I can certainly give my opinions on whether I want to say or not say something or say in a certain way, when you're working as a music video, you're really you need to bow to the vision of the director and bow to the vision of the artist and take your ego and put it aside.
As far as you know, is the casting aspect of music videos more or less competitive and TV and movies?
You know, that is a great question. I honestly don't know. I would imagine that it is just as competitive as it is for TVs and movies, particularly if it's a good paying job. I'm a little snooty. I don't go out on everything. It has to have a minimum amount of pay. I spent thirty-three years paying my dues so that I now with that position where I can do it, but I still go on auditions. You know, I submit myself to any casting director, just like any actor on any level. I think they are just as competitive, but it really depends on the rate of pay. And music videos have a really brutal shoot schedule. They are long days. You are generally working a fifteen, sixteen hour workday when you are on a music video. So, settle in, they will very likely confiscate your phone, so you won't be able to have your phone with you. Bring a book. Get a book; bring a book. You're going to be sitting around a lot. and just wear your comfy shoes. Have comfy clothes. Bring your bag with the stuff you need to keep yourself entertained and just sit back and enjoy the fifteen hour day.
Would you consider acting in future music videos?
Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. Every time I see a music video that has an a character that I think might be interesting for me, I'm always checking it out.
What is the general payment for appearing in very high-profile singers music videos?
Oh gosh, it can really really vary. Music videos are incredibly expensive to produce, and you don't really see the payoff like you do in a movie. You can't really track it. So, they're very budget conscious. For a main character role, I would usually expect to see about $500 a day.