Getting the Scoop on #MysteryGirls from Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth, & Miguel Pinzon! ~ #ABCFamilyEvent

Last week I had an amazing time out in California attending various press events. Hopefully you were following along via my Twitter and Instagram accounts! I had an absolute blast and I cannot wait to share with you my fun experience over the next few months.

If you were following along, you probably saw when I visited the set of ABC Family’s new comedy MYSTERY GIRLS! The show teams up Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth, who were last seen together in 90210, as former detective television show starlets, Holly and Charlie, who now have their own private detective agency! The cast also includes up and coming talent Miguel Pinzon, who is absolutely hilarious as their assistant Nick.

Disney and ABC Family generously gave us a behind the scenes look into filming and rehearsals for MYSTERY GIRLS. I can’t tell you how excited we were when we arrived at the lot! (Yes that’s me in the back with my white sunglasses.)

When we arrived, Tori and Jennie were in the middle of filming a “commercial” for their agency. I was surprised how many times they had to film the same line over and over again. Jennie had quite a tongue twister of a line, while Tori had to catch flying objects!

Before I get too deep into the set, let me tell you the inside scoop on the show that is MYSTERY GIRLS!

Tori Spelling & Jennie Garth Interview

Tori and Jennie generously took time out of their busy schedule to sit down with us bloggers. We had a fun Q&A session right there in the audience.

I have to say, one thing I noticed right away about Tori and Jennie when they walked into the interview is that they both come across as sweet-natured, and genuine friends. In reference to working with one another, Jennie expressed how much fun they have together. They’ve known each other and have been friends for years. They already have that built-in chemistry. Tori chimed in that anyone can do a female buddy comedy, but it is their chemistry and bond of over twenty years that really brings something to the show.

When asked about how the idea of MYSTERY GIRLS came about, Tori replied that she had done a Christmas movie for ABC Family and knew the channel was looking for comedies to add to their lineup. Tori noted that she was a huge fan of mysteries in the eighties, like Remington Steele, and wanted to pair that concept with comedy.

Since Tori and Jennie met while filming 90210, we just had to inquire if there would be any 90210 cameos in the future! Joe Torta who played Nat will be in TONIGHT’s (July 23rd) episode. As for future cameos? The ladies view Season One as establishing their characters. If there is a Season Two, they’ve thought about maybe asking Shannon Doherty or Luke Perry!

When asked about what it is like working with their costar Miguel Pinzon, they just raved about him! Jennie claimed that Miguel is their third “mystery girl.” She noted how he’s such a great scene partner and how he is not only a lot of fun, but a dependable as an actor. Tori commented often it can be difficult for an actor to come into a show like this, because of how long she and Jennie have been friends. However with Miguel, they feel like they’ve known him for years! Tori loved how the friendship just felt so instantaneous.

Momma Talk with Tori & Jennie

So what do Tori, Jennie, and I have in common? We are all mommas! So let’s get down to the “parenting” part of the Q&A:

How do you manage your schedule with your children?

TORI: It’s definitely a change of pace. It’s the first time I’m acting away from them full time. So it’s been different. Luckily they can come to set and Jennie brings her children to the set. The kids play together, so we say the show is a job and a daycare at the same time.

Are any of your children interested in acting? And what you do you tell them?

TORI: My children don’t know about acting yet. My oldest is only seven. They think it’s cool now what I do, but I don’t think they would know what it would be like to actually learn lines and play a character. They’re just understanding now that I play a character.

JENNIE: All three of my girls are intrigued by it. I have a seventeen year old. While I support her passion for anything, I’m not crazy about the concept of it since she’s only seventeen. (Being in the industry a long time) I’ve seen what happens and it doesn’t matter how great you start out, a lot of things that can happen that can lead you in the wrong direction. I have three kids and I can’t always be with her. Who would want their mom out over their shoulder constantly? So it’s just a very tricky position to put a kid in.

What’s the best parenting advice you have?

JENNIE: There is like two sides to every coin on that when it comes to advice. I believe in structure. I’m a little bit strict. I protect my girls as much as I possibly can. I keep them as young as I can for as long as I can. On the other side of that, people would say, “Oh, let them be free and run and do what they want.” So I try to blend that and let them be expressive. I do provide structure and meals together every day with set bedtimes and a curfew for my oldest. I don’t let them control me. I’m definitely the person in charge.

TORI: I definitely got so much advice every time I was pregnant. Before I would always get paranoid. I thought “I’m supposed to do this,” “I’m supposed to do that.” I realize now that with four kids to just trust your instincts. It might not be what everyone else tells you. What is not right for their child, may be right for your child. So I just try to go with my own instincts.

I over-love probably. We definitely talk a lot about our feelings, because that was not something I was accustomed to. I really try to make that a thing in our household. If something is wrong we talk about it.

Miguel A. Pinzon Interview

While there at the set we learned that Miguel was nominated for a 2014 Teen Choice Award in the category of Choice TV: Male Breakout Star! So just in case Miguel is reading this… CONGATS AGAIN on your nomination. So exciting!

Throughout the interview Miguel had us absolutely in stitches laughing. What a genuinely funny guy! When asked if he was anything like his character Nick, Miguel was quick to note that Nick is indeed slightly more psychotic than him. When asked what he thought about the wardrobe, Miguel replied that he loved how it’s so wild with such a vibrant color palette. He noted that the show is not about subtlety and the wardrobe definitely mimics that in it’s bright playfulness. Miguel commented that Nick is very thematic in his outfits. For instance if he were “going to a murder mystery party, he’d wear a smoking jacket, ascot, and a prop pipe since he really loves playing the idea!”

How did you get involved in the show?

MIGUEL: I was in San Francisco doing a non-acting job. My agent sent me the information, asking me to put myself on tape. I said I couldn’t since I was doing 10 million things at once. He’s like “please, please, please just do it.” So I scrambled and put it on tape. About two weeks later I got a call that the producers wanted to see me. Then it just sort of happened, which was amazing.

I’m a big fan of fortuitous circumstances, and that everything is a guidepost if you’re looking for them. My character Nick is new to LA and the first thing he does is he gets on the Hollywood tour bus and stops to take a picture of Katy Perry’s mailbox. When I found out that I got the job I was at my partner’s house. Then a Hollywood tour bus went by like literally! Then after I hung up the phone, my partner pointed out that above his house is Katy Perry’s house! I was like “Wait, you’re kidding me???” It was just one of those really fantastically parallel moments.

Is this your first job?

MIGUEL: This is my first big rodeo. I came from New York and had been in LA for a period of time. I did a little thing on Law and Order. Then did a little bit on 30 Rock. Though this is my first time as a series regular and my first time I get to do a three camera comedy. It’s so awesome.

What do you suggest for up-and-coming actors when they move to Hollywood?

MIGUEL: First I would say to make sure they’re in all sorts of classes or anything they can get their hands on to make their gifts and natural abilities as sharp as they can. Training. Specificity, as in talent should look at television and movies and see where they think they see themselves, or people that are similar to them. Ask yourself who who’s the director on that? Who is the casting director? Who is the talent on that show? Who are their agents? Target those types and either send a blank submission or send a cover letter and reel. And the third one… Pray?

****

When asked what Miguel loves about Nick, I could see his eyes light up at the mention of his character. Miguel praised Nick for his authenticity, for living just as who he is, with no apologies. As we chatted with Miguel, it was very apparent that it wasn’t just Nick who was authentic, but Miguel himself comes across as someone appreciative of their acting role, and genuinely excited to be on this show. He has such a fun personality! He chatted about how if he could star in any “action” flick, he would pick River Wild, or an X-Men movie! He raved about Carol Burnett and commended her ability to always land the joke. The best part? As we ventured around the set, Miguel had no problem chit chatting with us post interview and taking selfies and photos with everyone!

Speaking of the set…

Mystery Girls Set

Now as I mentioned earlier, when we first walked onto the set, the ladies were filming a “commercial” for their agency. It was really cool to see the live and in action!
After the ladies finished filming, they proceeded to go change for rehearsal. While they were off-stage, the production crew did a mock rehearsal to figure out placement for props and placement spots for the actors.After the crew finalized placement, the actors showed back up for rehearsal. It was interesting to see how many times the actors go over and over their lines to try different tones and body placement.

After the rehearsal was over it was time for us bloggers to take over the set! It was really interesting to check out all the little details throughout the set.

Plus I just love all the pink! My favorite part? The desk! I think I may have to redo my office in this palette. What do you think? Does pink suit me?

We also toured the wardrobe department! So many bright and fun colors. Purses, boas, dresses galore!

I had an absolute blast touring the set and seeing everything that goes into filming a television show. It’s so amazing and I have to give it to the cast and crew for all their hard work during production.

I’ll say this.. MYSTERY GIRLS is a FUN show, and I just loved meeting the lovely cast. Everyone seems to have so much fun together and genuinely cares about putting on a great show for an audience of all ages.

Don’t forget to tune in at TONIGHT at 8:30pm ET/PT on ABC Family! Joe E. Tata (You may know him as “Nat of Beverly Hills, 90210”) will guest star tonight’s (July 23rd) episode!

Be sure to connect with Tori, Jennie, and Miguel on Twitter! You can also connect with MYSTERY GIRLS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Missed my live updates from my LA adventure? No worries! Just head over to my Twitter (@AshBG) and Instagram (@ashb4211) and look for the hashtag #ABCFamilyEvent!

While I attended an expense paid trip by Disney to the press events for Guardians of the Galaxy, 100 Foot Journey, and ABC Family, all opinions are 100% my own.