Archive for March, 2010
Crazy, just like you!
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
I just read a letter to actors about the current state of show business by James J. Jones, of The Premier Talent Group http://markatteberry.blogspot.com/ According to Mr. Jones, I fit into the category of “developmental or sometimes working” actor. Apparently, it is the most not happening and unwanted group to be in the last couple of years. It may come as no surprise that if you are in this group, finding representation, specifically theatrical representation, has been quite a challenge. Agents and Casting Directors don’t have the time to take chances. The top names, and working actors are cycling through the majority of the work and leaving us out. This reality may cause an actor to want to yell “Bull Shit” and perhaps find another line of work - at least the actor that is not determined and willing to persevere through the lean times. Here’s what to do; be patient, get a life, work on your craft. You’ll be ready when opportunity comes again, assuming the current condition is not permanent as the letter maintains. Knowing this now, I’m very grateful I did an under 5 on a Comedy Central Pilot about a month ago. I wonder what pilot season would have looked like or should I say will look like when the trickle down casting subsides and the flood gates for the “developmental or sometimes working” category. It’s a soothing thought for the ambitious. I would not have come across this article had I not been on Twitter, therefore I have come to the conclusion that Twitter is proving to be a useful tool in my journey. I think it’s wise to research and follow what’s going on in the business side of things so we can plan accordingly and keep our sanity. After all, sanity walks a fine line in Hollywood. Falling into a funk is easy on a slippery slope.
Just keep on knockin’ baby!
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments
All right, here’s a ramble. My brain is kind of numb today and I don’t know what to do with myself. It’s been a slow couple weeks, but wait, I can breathe – isn’t that nice? Maybe, I dunno, sometimes I think I feel more secure when things are crazy insane busy, or maybe not crazy, just a little bit more steady. The last audition I went on was for a Web Series called “It’s Always Smoggy in LA.” That was a couple of weeks ago. Last Friday I got called by the Producer/Writer would really like to put me in an episode but doesn’t know which one yet. Hey that’s cool!! I’m going to go join him and some other cast members this evening for a read through of some new material (comedy sketches). They are planning on Shooting in May so I look forward to that.
It’s March now and I’ve booked something each month so far this year, yeah I know March is only the 3rd month, but I intend to work each month this year. Yeah I’m aiming high baby! This is a record for me, a true breakthrough and I’m very happy about it. When an actor finally makes a big jump in their booking ratio, it feels wonderful. It is the Year of the Tiger(Chinese Astrology), after all. My goal is to work consistently enough to have the financial stability in order to not need a “day job.” Thinking of that day makes me drool a little bit on my keyboard. Yesterday I had a voice over audition for Sealy Posturpedic Mattresses. That was interesting and a first because I had to record the audition myself, edit it and e-mail my agent a MP3 to forward to the Sealy People. That just goes to show how important it is for a Voice Over artist to have their own recording equipment at home. I really wish the Minnesota State Lottery Commercial I auditioned for a couple of months ago would have chosen to cast like that, it would have saved at least a dozen actors tons of driving to the Audition, 1st and 2nd call backs. I calculated that I drove close to 100 miles for those three times they called me in to hear my voice but not cast me. Hey, can’t you tell whose voice you like after the first time? But what do I know? Thanks for calling me in! Wink, wink. There’s something to be said about GREEN casting. I hope it catches on. Luckily, my boyfriend has SoundForge and a good MIC that he lets me use. Thanks, baby.
Currently I’m reading “What’s Holding You Back” by Sam Horn. I’m on page 74. So far it’s all about having the courage and confidence to get out there and do what you want and develop the communication and social skills to meet people that can make a difference. Networking, right… something I do not feel like I am very successful at. I’ll keep reading the book and tell you if I’ve had any breakthroughs. I do think it’s a great book though, even if you think nothing is holding you back, you might be surprised that there might be something that actually is. What people have a hard time understanding is it’s not what’s going on around you that’s at fault, it’s the thoughts inside your head that are nothing but patterns of synapses firing, keeping you down. “You” keeping you down. Yeah, I love that shit. You can change your choice of actions, and different actions can lead to different results. Pay close attention to what Pablo Picasso said, he wasn’t joking – “Action is the foundational key to all success.” You can’t sit there waiting for something to happen to you. You have to DO to BE and to HAVE. Yeah that idea is primarily from Landmark Education. I will not go into that, you have Google to do your own investigating.
Well, I’m ready for a juicy National Commercial Audition, a Pilot/Episodic Co-Star and a Feature Film Audition. Knock Knock!!!
