Beth Littleford at Premiere
Premiere’s December 2013 program was attended by several celebrities from children’s favorite television shows. One of these celebrities was Beth Littleford who currently plays the role of Ellen Jennings on the Dog with a Blog television series. In addition to participating in our event, Beth shared some stories and advice from her experience in the industry.
Premiere
At the conclusion of her time at Premiere in Orlando, Beth shared her impressions of the experience. “I just want to say that it’s been a great week here at Premiere,” said Beth. “I’ve been so impressed by the group of kids, I’ve seen them nurtured and grow. This final event tonight – a group of gorgeous, polished professionals showed up. I mean everyone has sparkled, there’s a lot of talent. It’s been a really fantastic experience.”
During her time at Premiere, Beth took photographs with all the child participants. “The photographer said he took 500 pictures last night of me with the kids – so that was two each kid – so I met several hundred kids,” said Beth. “I remember so many of them though. I remember the incredible smiles on their faces, the sparkle in their eyes, the delight they had to be here. You know, the fans of Dog with a Blog, it just made them so happy to see me and it made me so happy to see them so happy. It was really a lovely experience. I’d come back. Bring some of my Dog with a Blog family.”
Breaking into the Industry
Beth discussed her experience getting into the entertainment industry. “You know when I was starting out a long time ago there wasn’t anything like this. So it really was just about doing theater, which was fantastic training, but there wasn’t an opportunity to take it further,” said Beth. “I had to wait until I was an adult to go to New York and you know really had to seek out an opportunity to meet with casting directors to know what the real business was about. And there wasn’t a lot of teaching what the real business of acting is and I think it’s fantastic that we’re not only talking about the art and craft of acting but really how we do it. How you become a professional actor.”
Advice for Kids
Beth provided some advice for young actors trying to break into the industry. “Well, I’ve said it again and again, and all that it takes to make it in this business is to just keep going. And it’s not about being the biggest or the best, it’s about doing what you love as much as you can,” said Beth. “Just keep doing it. You can always perform, you can always find opportunities to perform, and you can always create opportunities to perform. So just keep going. Don’t give up.”
Advice for Parents
Beth also shared some tips for parents with children working in the industry. “Couple things I want to tell parents: One, make sure this is something your kid loves because it is hard, it’s a hard road so you want to make sure it’s their passion. Two, support them but don’t put pressure on them. Three, make sure both of you, you and the kid, are very professional. That really goes a long way in this business,” said Beth.
“A cautionary tale: I was on the Bonnie Hunt Show, it’s an ABC sitcom, it’s kind of her second ABC sitcom. I recurred the first season and I came back the second season she was missing a daughter. They just kind of erased the daughter – not because of the daughter but because of the daughter’s real-life dad – was hard to work with. So it really is about being professional, kind, respectful, everyone is there to help you. You try to be there to support everyone as well. You know, we’re all in this together. So professionalism and kindness and consideration goes a long way.”
Dog with a Blog
The Dog with a Blog TV series centers on the story of Chloe and Tyler James, step-siblings who hate each other, but end up coming together in the pilot episode. The family also deals with a big adjustment when they realize that their new dog, Stan, has the ability to speak. However, only Avery, Chloe and Tyler know that he can talk. The family is unaware of the blog that Stan writes, which he uses to discuss the events taking place in the Jennings-James household.
Beth Littleford plays the role of Ellen Jennings, Avery’s mother and Tyler and Chloe’s step-mother, who does not like dogs and makes it obvious that she is initially not fond of Stan. Later on in the series she begins to get along with Stan. Beth is also known for her roles in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), Drillbit Taylor (2008) and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (1996).
