Don’t let the fact that model and actress Brittney Alger was a finalist in the Maxim Hometown Hotties contest fool you, she is definitely out to make a name for herself in the acting world. The gorgeous actress is laying down the groundwork for a long and fruitful career not only in front of the camera, but behind the scenes as well.
The Mississippi native has made appearances in television series such as Treme, Common Law and Breakout Kings. She was also seen on the big screen in the films 21 Jump Street, 13 Sins and The Demented. Up next for the talented newcomer, she will be in an upcoming episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia as well as appearing in the highly anticipated action film Furious 7.
With all this going on, Brittney took time to sit down with us and discuss her busy career, what she thinks of the auditioning process and what her future plans are in the business.
Pop Culture Principle – You originally got your start in the industry with modeling. How did the modeling career begin for you?
Brittney Alger – Honestly, it’s crazy to call it a modeling career because I really haven’t chased modeling. I entered a hometown hottie contest with Maxim magazine. I originally only did it because one of my friends told me how hard it would be and I am a very competitive person, so I entered the contest. I tried it and ended up making it into their top 10 and they flew me to Vegas. I ended up building up a relationship with Maxim and that led to me doing a couple of other things with them.
Pop Culture Principle – When did you decide to get into acting?
Brittney Alger – Well, I was already doing some acting before I did the stuff with Maxim. I was living in Mississippi and New Orleans; they were really busy because of the tax cut, so a lot of big budget films were filming out there for half the cost. It gave the locals a chance to build their resumes and be a part of these big projects. They were auditioning a lot locally for smaller parts, so I was already doing that in New Orleans and that sparked my interest into coming to Los Angeles.
Pop Culture Principle – Do you remember your first time on a set and where you nervous?
Brittney Alger – I find out that I got a featured extra part for an upcoming project. It was the chance for me to get back on set and see if acting was something that I wanted to do. I really hadn’t acted since theater in high school, which of course is completely different than film. I went to work on that and the funny thing is that scene took almost two months to film. The scene was for Green Lantern and it was a great experience for me. I was in a scene with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. I got to watch them work and ended up becoming friends with the director’s son and his friends. It was great getting to see the behind the scenes aspects and watching such talented actors. I learned a lot and that’s what really made me want to take more classes and start coaching.
Pop Culture Principle – You were involved with the Amazon pilot Really. What was your experience like working on that set?
Brittney Alger – I absolutely loved that pilot and the cast. Such a super nice group of people to work with. I taped the audition in Los Angeles and sent it to my agent in New Orleans and they booked me for the part. So, I flew out there and worked on the pilot. It was actually my first time working with comedians and the comedy scene. It was so different than what I had done at that point. Selma Blair is such a unique actress herself and it was great being around people I watched on televison. It’s one of those moments where you are a fan of someone, but then you find yourself working a scene with them. I don’t know why it didn’t get picked up because it was such a great pilot.
Pop Culture Principle – You also were part of the A&E pilot Occult which was written by James Wong. What can you tell us about that pilot?
Brittney Alger – Right now the industry is such a gamble and what is upsetting is that a lot of great television isn’t getting picked up. It’s kind of sad and heartbreaking and you see a lot of people are acting in independent films where you can do something different and where it’s not your typical punchline show. It would have been great to see Occult go to series, but for whatever reason it didn’t.
Pop Culture Principle – It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is celebrating its 10th season this year. You have a guest star appearance this season. What can you tell us about your role and working on the set?
Brittney Alger – Again, it was another comedy and I was a little intimidated at first because they had been together so long working on the show and they are amazing at what they do. I’m not a comedian, but I am a naturally goofy and funny person. I was nervous, but excited and anxious at the same time. What is really bizarre is that I had only seen one episode when I went home for Christmas. It was at my ex-boyfriend’s family’s house and he watched the show and wanted me to watch as well. What’s so insane is when I flew back to LA, Sunny was my next audition. Going into it I was nervous working with Danny DeVito who is obviously an icon, but I learned a lot. They are so nice and are just as funny off camera as they are on camera. They are all literally so humble and it was such a pleasure. I felt completely blessed to even be a part of that show.
Pop Culture Principle – One of the biggest movie franchises today is the Fast and Furious franchise. You will be involved with the upcoming Furious 7. How does it feel as an actor being part of such a huge franchise?
Brittney Alger – Yes, that’s actually just a really small part. They were looking for someone last minute and my manager had submitted me for it. They chose me and flew me out for it. Basically I am a decoy in one of the party scenes without giving it away. I got to work with Tyrese whose personality is so infectious and he just brightens any room he walks into. He’s one of those people that you don’t forget working with. He had me cracking up the entire time on set and not only had me laughing; he had all of the crew cracking up as well.
Pop Culture Principle – Do you enjoy the audition process?
Brittney Alger – I enjoy it, but I don’t at the same time. It’s one of those things where I enjoy meeting new casting directors and I love going in for the audition. Like everyone, you still get nervous and have butterflies in your stomach and get anxious. Sometimes you can prepare and be so great at it, but once you go into the casting process, you are nervous or the casting directing is changing your energy. You have to learn to be able to tune them out because sometimes they can throw you off or change your energy. You have to always be focused in on what you are doing and have your moment before and let the nerves go. Honestly, I don’t know if the nerves ever do go away though. I always wonder if actors like Angelina Jolie, when she first started, was ever nervous during her early years auditioning.
Pop Culture Principle – What has been the biggest challenge for you as an actor so far?
Brittney Alger – I think most actors are really hard on themselves. Just stay positive and you have to continue to believe in yourself and know what you have is unique and different. Don’t try and be someone else because they are working and because someone saw something in them that sparked their interest. Just remain positive and confident when you are told no. It takes time and it takes the right role and person to see and believe in you. It will happen when the time is right so keep pushing and don’t give up. I had to realize that I am blessed to be here and blessed to be getting into these rooms. Just enjoy the ride and don’t be stressed about the next job.
Pop Culture Principle – As your acting career progresses, do you see yourself branching off into writing, producing and directing?
Brittney Alger – Absolutely! I have actually already started writing some things. It is crazy when you move here for one thing, then you find out that you want to do other things as well. Directing is something that I want to do in the near future. I’ve been writing a lot lately and I can’t decide if I want to turn what I’ve been writing into a book or a treatment. It’s really heavy and may be a little too much for television, but hopefully a book first then a movie. Hopefully I will be able to star in it or direct it one day.
When I am done shooting a scene, I like to stay on set and observe and watch and take on everything. There is so much that goes into creating a project that people don’t understand. You are watching an hour, but there is so much that goes into each and every project. That’s why I have always said even if I am not a fan of the show; I can appreciate any and everything that is done. The effort that goes into it and the energy and passion people put into it is incredible.
I really enjoy the aspect of putting stuff out there that impacts people’s lives and helps them through situations. Everyone loves those shows that make you laugh when you are going through tough times or you see a movie that just inspires you and you leave the theater wanting to do something great. Those are the movies and shows that I appreciate the most.
Pop Culture Principle – Any upcoming projects you can talk to us about?
Brittney Alger – Well, I don’t want to jinx myself, but there is something going on right now which is different. We’ll see how that goes and as far as this year, I hope to get into more rooms because I have more things coming out soon. Stay tuned!
A big thank you to Brittney Alger for sitting down with us for this very enjoyable interview. If you would like to keep up with all her latest news and projects, you can follow her on Twitter @BrittneyAlger11 or like her Facebook page here.