Today we’d like to introduce you to Mistie Gibby.
Hi Mistie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have an unusual background before getting into the film industry, I have worked as a horse trainer/riding instructor. I am a Marine Corps veteran. I spent my time in the Marine Corps working on Helicopters. I was a flight line mechanic on the CH53E, the super stallions. I am also a trained chef. I got into the film industry by luck. Honestly, a friend kept pushing me to go be an extra on a film. Eventually, I submit and have been working in the industry ever since.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I started off five years ago working as an extra. Extra work is not easy. They deal with long hours, low pay and do not usually get a lot of respect for the work they do. This was very hard for me, especially as a single mom. Finding the way to balance work and family was incredibly difficult. I was fortunate to have a wonderful support system that has made all of this possible.
About two years into working in the industry, I was very fortunate and was offered a stand-in job for “The Haunting Of Hill House”. That production to this day is my favorite project I have ever been lucky enough to be part of. It was ten months, five days a week of 16 hour shooting days. Every day standing were expected to be entirely off-book and know not only the actor’s movements but their lines as well. It was a great study in acting.
Working on the “Haunting Of Hill House” even helped me land my first SAG speaking role in “Dr. Sleep,” so I will forever be grateful for that show. I am currently working in Extras Casting, and I love it. It gives me a chance to help people starting out in the industry who have no idea where to start or how to get to where they want to be in the industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work in extras casting. I love being able to interact and help those just starting out in the industry. I try to always be a helpful source of information to them. I act and have been learning more about the stunt side of the industry as well.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Learn multiple aspects of the industry. It can only help you. My original problem was I wasn’t happy with my movement. So I took classes at ATLStunts to learn about the stunt side in order to improve how I move on camera. Not only did I find I really enjoyed that aspect of the film, but it improved my acting.
Never stop learning, even if it is outside of your dream career path. It can only help you. If you have the opportunity to talk to other departments in film, ask questions. Film is a team project, and every piece has to work together in order to create a successful project.
Contact Info:
- Email: mistiegibby@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mistiegibby
Image Credits:
Tyrell Scott Eric Townsend
