The set of Verdict Street was filled with energy when Brianna arrived. Bright lights, moving cameras, and makeup artists rushing between trailers. Everyone seemed to know exactly where they were supposed to be..Everyone except her.
She stepped out of her uber and took a slow breath, clutching her tote bag against her chest. Seeing how dressed up everyone else was, she felt embarrassingly underdressed in a plain white T shirt and jeans
She quickly sent a text.
Where are you? Feeling a little nervous.
The reply came almost instantly.
Anna: We're in the dressing room! I'm helping style people. Come quick!
Of course she was. Anna had been an assistant fashion consultant for Verdict Street since the first season, and Bri felt lucky to have her best friend nearby. She followed the signs through the studio hallway, past a few production assistants hauling wardrobe racks, until she found the dressing area.
At the entrance, she could see Anna holding a clipboard, arguing with a makeup artist over lipstick shades.
"Excuse me," Bri said softly as she navigated through.
Anna turned, her face lighting up. "Bri! You're here!"
Before Bri could say a word, Anna crossed the room and pulled her into a quick hug. "You look great, but we're changing that. Come with me."
The costume department was a maze of fabric and hangers. Anna flipped through a rack before pulling out a modest navy blue blazer, a white silk blouse, and a gray knee length pencil skirt, professional but flattering.
Within minutes Bri was standing before a mirror, her reflection a far cry from the woman who wore a wedding dress the day before.
Her hair was tied back neatly, and she wore black closed toe heels, no jewelry and no makeup except for light powder. Simple. Perfect for the role. Her props for the day were a stack of court files, a pen, and a name tag.
The first episode for the season was titled
"The Price of Truth", a courtroom storyline of the trial of a tech executive accused of manipulating evidence to frame a rival. His defence team was the owners of the prestigious law firm that the drama revolved around. Hale& Waxler LLP, with David Hale and Jessica Wexler being the senior partners. David, was played by the charismatic Ethan Cole, who owned every room he walked into..sharp, confident, and effortlessly charming both on and off camera. His quick wit and magnetic energy made him a fan favorite in season one, and even now, on set, his presence drew attention. Jessica Wexler was portrayed by the fiery Vanessa Cruz, and she was his perfect counterpart..poised, brilliant, and unafraid to challenge him in every scene.
For Bri, acting alongside them was both thrilling and unnerving. Her character, Clara James, was to appear in the first major courtroom scene, which was also her official debut as the court clerk.
As production began, she waited anxiously for her turn. The courtroom set up looked real enough to fool anyone.. dark wooden benches, scattered papers, and cameras ready. As per the script, David Hale whispered to his client as the Jury took their seats.
Just then, a production assistant called her name.
"Brianna Carter? You're next!"
Anna gave Bri a little push. "Go. You've got this."