Is Katherine Heigl Really Such a %$#@!
I get asked that question. A lot. You see, five years ago I wrote and directed an independent, low budget film starring Katherine Heigl called Side Effects. The film was loosely based on my ten years selling pills for big pharma and was just now (finally) released on DVD by Warner Bros.
For 16 days Katherine, I and the rest of the crew worked 12 to 14 hours a day. She napped on my couch (we couldn't afford a 'trailer'), she played with my kids (we couldn't afford a babysitter), she knitted on my porch. She even wore my underwear.
Given the current rumor mill about Katherine's on and off set antics as well as the time/money/stress involved with an indie production, most people assume that I must have had a nightmare on my hands during the shoot. The opposite was true. Katherine showed up ready to work. She was in 95 percent of the scenes and had to undergo multiple location, hair, makeup, and outfit changes each day with little to no privacy. She was tireless. Flawless. And gracious to everyone from key producers down to the lowest level extras and production assistants.
But I most appreciated her humor. As a first-time director taking on a controversial issue and a powerful industry, I can tell you I needed all the joking I could get. Katherine had the cast and crew laughing their asses off from sun-up to late at night and I think most people who worked on the film agree that they had the time of their life.
Breaking up is hard to do
But like any production, once the curtain closed we were body slammed back to reality. For Katherine, that meant flying from our set to her first week on Grey's Anatomy. For the rest of the cast and crew, it meant moving on to the next gig. And for me, it meant that the real (and much less fun) work of post-production, endless promotion and media appearances was just beginning. We all moved on.
I'd be lying through my teeth if I said this has been a complete love fest with the now fifth highest paid actress in Hollywood. There were moments on set that were challenging, but they were often more situational than personal. There have also been a few concerns, question marks and body blocks since the shoot in terms of bringing the film to market. This has led to some head-scratching. Is it overt? Or has the fatigue and white knuckles of independent filmmaking seriously messed with my imagination?
And in the end, does it really matter?
Because when all the beans are counted...
Katherine delivered. I got a warm, funny, and authentic performance out of her. And for that I am grateful. Every one of us with a need to know message understands how difficult it can be to reach beyond the choir. Because of Katherine and her rising star, a much larger audience will inadvertently see what happens behind-the-scenes of the pharmaceutical industry and hopefully think twice before popping that next prescription pill. These are our families, friends and lovers who would never seek out such an inconvenient truth, but they'd definitely watch Katherine Heigl light up the screen.
Gotta love that.
Loading comments…
Want to reply to a comment? Hint: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to
Who cares about a possible attitude problem. What a babe!
I just had the pleasure of working with Katie on Grey's Anatomy. To say it was an incredible experience would not be enough. The whole cast/crew was amazing!
They all welcomed me with open arms.
I normally wouldn't comment on stories of working with people but when I see negative press about someone and it's simply not true, I feel obligated in a way to set the record correct. So thank you for writing this piece. I'm glad your experience 5 years earlier was a great one, too.
Katie Heigl has the best laugh! We laughed nonstop. Her laugh is addictive. We had long days but I don't think I've laughed so much on a set before. And it wasn't funny subject material! And the second the cameras are on, she is RIGHT THERE! Every time! She knows her stuff, is completely prepared and totally professional. Not to mention, incredibly beautiful.
I hope to work with her again in the future. The entire atmosphere on GREY'S was a positive one. It was an experience I'm grateful for and will never forget.
Do people have 'bad' days? Of course. Did anyone have a bad day when I was there? If they did, you'd never know it.
Just wanted to post a real first hand account. I'm not someone who read something or heard something. I'm someone who spent a lot of time with her on set. And I loved every second of it!
Only in Hollywood do we put so much scrutiny on people for their actions. If only the press and public paid this much attention to our politicians. To find out how they were, behind closed doors and in public meetings, etc. Speculation about this poor girl teaches us what? I appreciate the kind words from the film-maker, but really, how is this important?
See Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau's Profile
Again, for me, part of the importance of this is that we need to look for multiple ways to reach people with socially conscious messages and game changing information. And USING entertainment to do that should not be overlooked.
Katherine and stars like her give us access to the masses who won't sit down and watch a documentary OR read academic books challenging convention OR question the status quo. These people are out there...an
We can either hunker down and ignore them or meet, greet, and inform them on their terms.
I think your a bit confused. If what you mean is that the Arts themselves have a way in reaching people that would otherwise be unreachable, then yes, I wholeheartedly agree with you. The examination of a celebrities life en-masse to pick apart to try and decipher what her relationships are as an employee of a movie or TV studio, again I will repeat: What the hell does that have to do with teaching or reaching anyone? And when did the artist consent to that? How about if I follow you around over a week and do an expose on your tipping procedure, and then start a vote in a publication asking whether or not America thinks your generous or cheap? This scrutiny belongs in Washington, where it might do a bit more good.
Very good post. Thank you.
Of course she was nice, she needed the job. Now that she's a supposed "star" her true nature comes out.
I think Katherine Heigl is extremely talented and deserves the success that she has earned. I think it's a shame that she gets judged on the comments she has made, rather than the body of her work. Personally, I believe she has some very valid opinions by the comments I have heard her express.
And she gets to go home to Josh Kelley? I'm a wee bit jealous about that!
As a local business owner in Madison WI, I had the pleasure of meeting Katherine and her mom when Kathleen shot several scenes for Side Effects in our store. Katherine was incredibly nice and down to earth. Her mom traveled with her and was just as kind and easy going as Katherine. I'm a huge fan of Katherine and find all the stories being told about her very hard to believe.
Hollywood just can't stand a mouthy young woman who doesn't know her job is to stand there and look beautiful and, most of all, shut up.
I'm prepared to give Katherine the benefit of a doubt, but maybe that's mostly because I find her so breathtakingly beautiful. I *will* say that the entertainment industry (and the attendant media) seem to be more interested in manufacturing controversies than in reporting the facts. So take it all with an ottoman-sized grain of salt...
I'm not a fan of her work, but I am not inclined to believe Heigl is as vile as people say. Rachel Ray, on the other hand, that's another matter entirely.
When I'm famous, people will realize that I was always unpleasant.
That's what happens when people are hungry. She isn't anymore and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize whats going on presently. She's a diva. Not the first and certainly not the last. She's mistaken that she's Charlize Theron or somebody of that stature. Cate Blanchett she aint!
Thanks for your honesty and integrity. You describe the set of Side Effects as I remember it. Everyone working their tail off and having a great time. Her work brought out the best in others' performances as well. Job well done Kathleen-both in getting the important message from your film out to the masses as well as being one heck of a great writer/dir
Isn't it possible that the Katherine that you worked with has changed? You mentioned that your film was shot right before work on Grey's Anatomy began. Sudden and intense exposure to the limelight has been known to go to people's heads.
See Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau's Profile
Entirely possible. But I also know that life on set is more challengin
I hope for her sake and everyone around her that the rumors are inflated..
For what it’s worth, she’s currently filming a movie with the same director she worked with on her last movie. He’s been Twittering about the shoot, and sounds pretty excited to be working with her again.
That's all well and good, but it was years before she became a "star". A lot can happen to a person along that road. Still, as only an outside observer, I cannot condemn her behavior as diva-esque. But I can say that I have been disappointed by some of the things she's said and done. More importantly, I have HATED what they've done with her character on Grey's for the last two seasons. It almost seems as though she's being punished for her rising popularity, and that's not fair. So who's to say that in her shoes, we would act any "better"? I just hope she settles down and gets her head screwed on straight. If she does, she's got a very long future ahead of her.
Great behind-the-scenes and headlines story. I wish there was more of this here on the HuffPo Entertainment section. Hopefully those of us in Dupage County, Illinois will have a chance to support your efforts in an actual theater.
See Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau's Profile
"Side Effects" had a limited theatrical release a couple of years ago. It then got picked up by New Line which was absorbed by Warner Bros....th
So unfortunately it will not be in a theater in Dupage Cty--just on DVD. But I'll take it. (smile)
I'm sure you have a few stories of your own from television production
You must be logged in to comment. Log in or connect with
