Blo Stylist Helps Movie Producers Tell Powerful "Story of Tammy Jo"

Online, August 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - When Blo Master Designer Brittany Wilson goes to work she helps people achieve their best looks. Conversely, Wilson recently spent a week doing just the opposite as the hairdresser and makeup artist on the set of "The Story of Tammy Jo" by Happy Tree Films and Reel Life Productions. The drama is set in the Appalachian Mountains, telling a compelling story of child abuse and neglect.

"Tammy Jo is a film about love, culture, family and the human spirit," said Producer Jake Lawson.

Larry King called the film "a gut-wrencher. One of the best short scripts I've seen."

Additional details on the film can be found on the "Tammy Jo" Facebook page.

Recently, Wilson spent one week working on the project, which has been filming in Nickelsville, Va. Wilson began each day by 7 a.m., often working out of an elementary school library. The lush hills and mountain views provided a stark contrast to the characters in the film, each of whom were made up to look dirty, malnourished and tired.

"I used a heavy, deep conditioner in the hair to make it look like it hadn't been washed and gray eye shadow to counteract the natural pink pigment on cheeks," she explained. "I'm used to going into work every day to make people look their attractive best. But these characters had to look really worn out."

Wilson prepared between two and 15 actors each morning for their shoots and then remained on set during filming for touchups or changes. Shoots lasted as long as 2 a.m. some days, making it an exciting but challenging experience.

"The most exciting part was sharing what I've learned at Blo with the actors and producers," Wilson said. "I taught many of them how to achieve an everyday style with just a blow dryer. Many of the women also asked me about makeup tips for daily wear."

"Working with other professionals from different backgrounds gave me a broader perspective," she said. "I'm excited to see the finished product!"

One of Wilson's longtime goals has been to work in TV and movies. Now that she and Blo have earned this credit, future work could be on the horizon.

"It's a tremendous opportunity to achieve a life-long goal," said Bryan Nunes, Blo owner. "More importantly, though, I'm proud that she could help contribute to such an important project, sharing a story that we hope will touch people about the issue of child abuse."

"Participating in this film was eye-opening in that I learned facts about child abuse," said Wilson. "Five children die each day related to abuse and neglect."

"The Story of Tammy Jo" is expected to be completed in September and will be entered into major film festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, Telluride and South by Southwest.

Located in Raleigh, N.C., Blo is home to "A Lot of Hot Hair." Recently named Salon Today magazine's "2011 Salon of the Year," Blo offers guests an energetic, metropolitan experience featuring the state's most highly trained Redken Certified Stylists working together. Big egos are passe and replaced with unmatched unity and professionalism. Named by Independent Weekly readers as "Best Salon in Wake County," Blo features two color tables, a makeup styling gallery, a private hair removal room, and two hair styling galleries that accommodate 24 guests and the largest wedding parties.

Blo has received international recognition for its commitment to stylists' continuing education and dedication to community service. Home to the state's one and only "24-Hour Cut-A-Thon," Blo has donated $50,000 to area charities in recent years. ELLE magazine even named Blo among the "Top 100 Salons" nationally. Book appointments online: http://www.justblo.com and converse with us at our sassy weblog http://www.justblo.me.