Inside Scoop on LIFE OF THE PARTY (+ What It's Like to be On a Movie Set)
Travel and accommodations provided by Warner Bros. Pictures.
I've been keeping a secret for something like 480+ days!? Well, it's time to spill the beans! Have you heard about the upcoming LIFE OF THE PARTY movie starring Melissa McCarthy that will be in theaters on May 11th!? Well, something really cool happened to me that I never expected and I haven't quite decided if time seriously flew or if its been the longest year + ever. Back in 2016, I was invited on set in Atlanta where they were filming the opening scene for this movie! Can you even believe that? Like... the real deal!
We were literally ON SET while the LIFE OF THE PARTY was being filmed and we were able to interview Melissa McCarthy, Gillian Jacobs, Maya Rudolph and sooo many more in this amazing lineup of talent.
What's LIFE OF THE PARTY about?
The movie trailer was just released earlier this week and I couldn't be more excited to see it. Make sure to check it out here: LIFE OF THE PARTY Trailer. In the movie, Melissa McCarthy plays Deanna, a stay at home mom who after getting ditched by her husband is inspired to go back to college with her daughter. Let's just say, she's doesn't quite know what she's getting into. Her mom clothes and mom hair (P.S. we got to find out that it's not real) are as adorably hilarious as Melissa McCarthy is in real life. Take a look:
As a woman and as a parent, it's so easy to put everyone else first... then suddenly you have an epiphany and it might seem a little crazy. I think that's what makes the movie so relatable through all the humor. Jumping ahead.. since announcing that I got to essentially be on set and talk to Melissa McCarthy, I've been asked how she is in real life.
She was so kind, patient, sweet and funny. Pretty much just exactly the way I pictured she would be. What surprised me the most is how interested she was in us and what we do as parents and bloggers. We got to interview her while she was on set for filming and in costume. She shared that if she never left where she grew up in the midwest, she'd actually probably share the same style as her character in this movie and that Deanna's style is inspired by her own mom. Hard to picture her in these funny mom sweaters in real life... but I'll take her word for it. 
Now, let me tell you what is was really like to be on the set with all of these famous actors and actresses!
What It's Like to be On a Real Movie Set
Ever since I started writing, creating and taking photos for my blog, my curiosity about movie and TV production has grown more and more. I tend to think about creative things differently now. Now that I know just how much work can go into writing just one blog post from start to finish including brainstorming ideas all the way to sharing on social media. I wonder... how long did it take to do that? What kind of equipment was used? How many people were involved to make it all happen?
Basically everything we see being shared around us and every movie we see on the big screen and beyond is literally a work of art. With all of the moving pieces and people involved in the creation, I finally was able to see the hustle for myself on set for LIFE OF THE PARTY... in real life. I'm so excited to be able to share a little bit of what the day was like.
Here are some basic answers that I discovered while on set.
Is everything staged?
Surprisingly not. Some scenes are actually recorded in real scenarios and not on some movie set out in Hollywood. The opening scene for LIFE OF THE PARTY was filmed right in Atlanta at a historic location that they rented. While they were recording, there was traffic literally driving by. I'm pretty sure we even saw a school bus or two. The film crew has to compensate with all of their fancy equipment to block out the sounds and the whole crew has to be pretty ready to do the scene over and over again if needed.
Is everything scripted?
One of the most fun things about seeing the opening scene in the movie being recorded was to see how the basic script stayed the same, but some things were ad libbed. I can't wait to see what lines made the final cut.
How Many People are Involved in Filming a Movie?
So so many. Way more than I even imagined. There are SO many moving parts involved from every sound you here to every word spoken on screen. It's pretty amazing to actually see what kind of hard work goes into the production. This particular set had so many workers that they even had staffed chefs that prepared food and refreshments on site. We totally got to eat with the crew!
Can you Record and Take Photos?
Nope! Things need to be kept super top secret. After all, nobody likes movie spoilers!
I hope that helps paint a picture of what it's like behind the scenes on a movie set. It was an amazing experience that I won't soon forget.
LIFE OF THE PARTY looks to be not only gut-busting hilarious, but it also really resonates with those things in life that you wish you could just do over again. Watch the movie to see how Deanna transforms into "Dee-Rock! It promises a good time.
Share the Official LIFE OF THE PARTY trailer and stay in the loop by Liking ‘LIFE OF THE PARTY’ on Facebook and following along on Twitter and Instagram!
Who will you be bringing to see LIFE OF THE PARTY on 5/11?
This sounds as though it would be an amazing experience. I would love to visit a movie set one day!
"I knew her when...."! Lol! This is great cuz, so happy and proud. Can't wait to check out the movie. Did you also get to interview Maya Rudolph?
What an amazing experience! I wish I could visit a movie set one day!
What a fun experience it must have been to be on set! I can't wait to see this movie in theaters. It's going to be great for a Mom's Night Out.
Such a great experience. The movie sounds great
Oh how fun! What an awesome experience and the movie previews crack me up. It's going to make us laugh until we cry!
Wow, what an incredibly BIG secret to keep. That must have been incredible. An experience you will remember forever.
This movie sounds like a hoot! I cant wait to see it! I bet it was amazing being on the set!
I looooooooooove Melissa McCarthy! I canNOT wait for this movie. It sounds so funny!
That must have been an amazing opportunity. I would have loved to meet Melissa. I can't wait to see this movie!
You are so incredibly lucky to have been invited on set! How exciting! And anything involving Melissa Mccarthy must be hilarious so I am sure a lot of that script was libbed.
I love that Melissa McCarthy is so nice in real life. Being on set and seeing everything in action sounds fun!