I guess I should start by introducing myself. My name is Ethan Wills. I am a normal kid with a really cool job. I am an actor. Currently, I work on a new television drama called “Granite Flats.”

Life on set can be a challenge. Every day you are flipping back and forth from being a kid in school to being a working professional that “plays a kid.” As a professional actor, I am always preparing for the next scene, the next day, and the next audition. I am always aware that time is money in the whole production process. Every minute of filming is worth a lot of money, because of all of the professionals and equipment that are needed to make a scene work well. Sometimes heroes arise amidst these pressure-filled moments on set.

When I am working, I rehearse a scene with the other actors for the director to see how they want it to move through the room for location that the scene is in. This is called blocking. We decide where everyone will begin and where and where the action takes place. This is all done with the director and the director of photography (DP), and then the crew comes in and watches as we “do the scene” so that they know how to set up lighting, sound, electrical, cameras and equipment. Every single job is so important in filming because you have to have every member of the team doing their job perfectly in order to capture the perfect picture. Sound, lighting, cameras, acting, directing, wardrobe, set design, hair and make-up, electrical — all of this must work together just right in a short amount of time to get each scene just right. I love it because I love being a part of telling a great story and working with so many funny and great people.

When I think of a moment where someone “heroic” greatly influenced me, I immediately think of Beth Howard, the Creative Director on the show. Popular heroes in film (Batman, Superman, etc.), are always coming to the rescue, but are comfortable being behind the scenes until they are needed. This is Beth Howard. When on set, she is quietly working to get the job done, but goes out of her way to help others.

I remember one day in particular that was really challenging for me. I had a lot of dialogue and was working with a large group of kids who were watching me in a classroom setting. To top it off, there was a new director on set and we had just returned from a long break from filming. I had put a lot of pressure on myself to make my part of the scene PERFECT. However, if you have ever watched bloopers or out-takes of any show or movie you would know that sometimes actors make mistakes. Well, I did and I was feeling awful about my performance. I felt guilty for slowing up the filming process and setting back production. When I was at my weakest moment, Beth stepped in. She was so reassuring and made me realize that I had put too much pressure on myself and made it a much bigger deal than it really was. (An actor being dramatic, how ironic is that! Ha!) Most importantly, Beth was a friend. I needed a friend at that moment. I think that being a true friend IS heroic. Beth inspired me and reminded me to be that friend to others in my life.