An Afternoon on the set of the X-Files

It's funny how we remember certain dates as they approach annually.  October 13th is one such date for me. Why, you might ask? Because it's Chris Carter's birthday (of course!). He was the creator and Executive Producer of The X-Files -- a television show that was close to my heart for obvious reasons. My fascination with extraterrestrials and U.F.O.s began long ago. I started painting aliens back around 1985. The one below is one of the first E.T. portraits I painted. Where that painting is now, I have no idea. Like many others I sold it for $50.00 or so to help pay my bills when I first moved to L.A.

 Painting these ugly little bug-eyed creatures over and over again was my way of getting to the truth. I was looking within myself and trying to access some sort of memory or knowledge buried deep within (a search that continues to this day). I still don't know exactly why I'm obsessed, I just know in my heart that there are other beings out there living on thousands if not millions of planets, and I'm haunted by the amazing possibilities that come along with that fact. (And, yes, I do believe it is a fact.)

So, when The X-Files first began airing in the autumn of 1993 I felt a certain affinity with Chris Carter and the characters he created, like Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. They were also in search of the Truth and they knew it was 'out there' just as I did!

About six years after that show began airing I was working for the City of Santa Clarita.  It was an odd match. I don't consider myself a 'government worker' type but somehow I found my way into the bureaucratic system, and into the Parks & Recreation Department.

During that time I received an offer in the way of a memo that had been circulating:  "Become a Mentor! Make a difference in a young person's life".  I gave it some thought but dismissed it almost immediately. I was too weird to be a mentor! I was an artist and rock musician and an alien painter for chrissakes! No way! I didn't want to be a bad influence on someone's life - that would certainly be counter-productive!  But at the last minute I decided to submit for it. And I'm glad I did because the girl that I was assigned to could not have been a more perfect match!  Her name was Guinevere and she was 13 years old. She and I got along great and when I discovered our mutual love of The X-Files I soon came up with an idea. A scheme if you will.  What if I offered to give one of my alien paintings to Chris Carter in exchange for a day on the set of The X-Files for Guinevere and I?  It was crazy! A total long shot and I was just smart enough to realize that most likely I would never even hear back. But I still had to try, right? So I wrote a heartfelt letter and gathered some photos of some of my alien portraits and sent them in to the production office. I didn't want to get Guinevere's hopes up so I kept it to myself.

After two long weeks of waiting and hoping... It happened! I received a phone call from Chris Carter's assistant and she did indeed invite us to spend an afternoon on the set of The X-Files! Holy Mackerel!!! Only in Hollywood!  Within a day or two Guinevere and I were at the local shopping mall. We each bought a new outfit for that very special occasion.  Mine was metallic silver (of course!).

When the big day arrived I drove us to Fox Studios in West Los Angeles and gave the security guard our names. I half-expected him to look on his roster and search and look again, only to say, "Sorry, I don't see your names here..." But, our names were on the list and he gave us a parking pass along with a map to the stage and nearby offices. Guinevere and I were giddy with excitement as we drove onto the lot. After I parked I scooped up my painting from the backseat and we walked inside and in to the lobby.  Once again, I was nervous. Will he be too busy to see us?  Was there an emergency production meeting or location scout, or trouble on the set?  I guess I still didn't believe it would happen. But, once again we were given the green light as Chris Carter's assistant came out and greeted us. She was gracious and kind and made us feel like we were the V.I.P.s!  A few moments later we were invited into Chris Carter's office. Dressed in a white t-shirt and a casual pair of Levi's, he was very handsome and had an incredible presence about him. He greeted us with a bright smile.

Honestly I have no idea what I said to him! I was stuttering and blushing and I probably sounded somewhat inarticulate. But I'm pretty sure that I at least told him how much I loved his show and Guinevere expressed the same.

Then I presented him with his new painting (pictured here to the left) and I think he genuinely appreciated it!  Although if anyone would appreciate an alien portrait it would be him, right?!

Moments later we were on the set of The X-Files! We got to meet David Duchovny and Mitch Pileggi (Agent Skinner)! We watched several scenes being filmed and sat in a special area designated for the 'production team'.  It was a wonderful and magical afternoon on the set and a special memory that comes back around annually. And along with it, each October 13th, I send out a psychic 'happy birthday' message to Chris Carter through the ethers. After all, if anyone could receive such a message this way, it would be him, right?

Guinevere, Chris Carter & Janine Cooper Ayres (1999)