So here I am at LAX at 4:39pm on 5/13/10 waiting for my flight. Let me say this, Delta Airlines employees are sooooo lazy with the exception of this one counter lady that decided to help me out. the skycap decided that I was too close to the cut-off time of 45 minutes in order to get me on my flight. Mind you he had an hour!!! I'm supposed to be in Miami, chillin with my cousin's celebrating Haiti's independence!!!
So he decides to push me off to the inside check-n area for them to deal with me...this was all at 11:30am this morning...yes, I'm still here. An overpriced pizza from California Pizza Kitchen ($9) and 5 hours later......I'm still here. My flight turns out to be a red-eye tonight at 12:40am....So why and I complaining??? I'm on crutches people...and medicated. My brace goes half-way up my thigh!!! These folks act like I'm just fine by myself. I feel like prey out here in this LAX jungle...waiting for a wandering hyena to snip at my heels(6year old pestering a man that is obviously disadvantaged).
I'm just glad that I brought some reading material and my computer....Hit you up later.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Soooo much to catch you up on!!!!
I have been a busy bee lately. I've been lazy as hell though and still haven't enabled my Blackberry to upload what's been going on. Well to bring you up to speed, I did shoot the PSA with WIF(Women in Film) on 4/25/2010. What an awesome experience!!! I had a chance to spend some quality time with Bobby Briscoe and hear from him first hand the REAL story of Viet Nam. Platoon was a pretty white-wash version of what really went down.
All I have to say is what a feeling!!!!! Auditioning for commercials is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than a theatrical audition. I was always wondering what I was going to feel like when I booked my first theatrical job and the feeling that I experienced was not what I was anticipating. I thought I would be jumping for joy. What I felt was a feeling of accomplishment, but at the same time...I've been expecting this. I have prayed and thought about this for years.
The casting was for a PSA (Public Service Announcement) for Operation Gratitude. You have to check this organization out and see what amazing things they've done/do for our Military men and women and are continuing to do. http://www.opgratitude.com/
We shot this on 4/25/10!
I also had my first commercial casting since Killian McHugh's commercial workshop. It was for Barcardi. This was the first time I felt comfortable in the casting room EVER in my life. I am indebted to Killian. I auditioned for the room and let the chips fall where they may. I didn't get the spot, but I nailed audition. I have since seen the commercial running already, and I know why I didn't get picked. Sometimes you're just not the look that they're looking for. Being a former high fashion model this spot can't be about me....it has to be about the product, which is Bacardi. Gotta learn to dress down! lol
I also had to push back starting Kimberly Jentzen's Weekend Intensive. BLAH! I knew that i was going to be having surgery soon, but not this soon! My orthopedic surgeon called me and scheduled me for the 26th of April!! So I virtually went from one day taping the PSA to being a candidate for a Handicap placard! It's all good, because I got what I needed accomplished and I can't wait to see this spot air!
All I have to say is what a feeling!!!!! Auditioning for commercials is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than a theatrical audition. I was always wondering what I was going to feel like when I booked my first theatrical job and the feeling that I experienced was not what I was anticipating. I thought I would be jumping for joy. What I felt was a feeling of accomplishment, but at the same time...I've been expecting this. I have prayed and thought about this for years.
The casting was for a PSA (Public Service Announcement) for Operation Gratitude. You have to check this organization out and see what amazing things they've done/do for our Military men and women and are continuing to do. http://www.opgratitude.com/
We shot this on 4/25/10!
I also had my first commercial casting since Killian McHugh's commercial workshop. It was for Barcardi. This was the first time I felt comfortable in the casting room EVER in my life. I am indebted to Killian. I auditioned for the room and let the chips fall where they may. I didn't get the spot, but I nailed audition. I have since seen the commercial running already, and I know why I didn't get picked. Sometimes you're just not the look that they're looking for. Being a former high fashion model this spot can't be about me....it has to be about the product, which is Bacardi. Gotta learn to dress down! lol
I also had to push back starting Kimberly Jentzen's Weekend Intensive. BLAH! I knew that i was going to be having surgery soon, but not this soon! My orthopedic surgeon called me and scheduled me for the 26th of April!! So I virtually went from one day taping the PSA to being a candidate for a Handicap placard! It's all good, because I got what I needed accomplished and I can't wait to see this spot air!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Getting in Shape!!
It's funny how a new habit can create a domino effect in your life. I believe it was the late Jim Rohn who said,"The lack of discipline in one area of your life, is sure to reveal a lack of discipline in other areas too."
I made a commitment to myself that I would work out(1 hour of cardio and free weights) at least four times a week. Well, I've stuck with it!!! This has translated into better eating habits. How did that happen? Well, I started seeing results from working out and I wanted MORE RESULTS! Brotha man is getting cut up!!! I'll be doing Macy's underwear ads soon!
One thing that was my vice was eating too late. I absolutely LOVE PIZZA and a "beverage". Well, guess what? If you eat it later in the day, there isn't enough time for your body to burn all of that pasta and carbs off!!! I was eating my pizza at 8pm! Duh! that's where those little handles came from. Well, they're gone now and I'm on my way to my 32 inch waste. I've also cut out my occasional Mechilada(google that if you're clueless),because the are addictive!
I'm amazed at how you can start slippin' in one area of your life and the next thing you know....you're 20 lbs overweight! Talk about a lifestyle change.
I made a commitment to myself that I would work out(1 hour of cardio and free weights) at least four times a week. Well, I've stuck with it!!! This has translated into better eating habits. How did that happen? Well, I started seeing results from working out and I wanted MORE RESULTS! Brotha man is getting cut up!!! I'll be doing Macy's underwear ads soon!
One thing that was my vice was eating too late. I absolutely LOVE PIZZA and a "beverage". Well, guess what? If you eat it later in the day, there isn't enough time for your body to burn all of that pasta and carbs off!!! I was eating my pizza at 8pm! Duh! that's where those little handles came from. Well, they're gone now and I'm on my way to my 32 inch waste. I've also cut out my occasional Mechilada(google that if you're clueless),because the are addictive!
I'm amazed at how you can start slippin' in one area of your life and the next thing you know....you're 20 lbs overweight! Talk about a lifestyle change.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
WELLS FARGO CASTING TODAY
Today I had a casting for a Wells Fargo print job. They're looking for "real people", whatever that means. Very interesting how castings are done nowadays. This was done at a photographers studio, which had a waiting room that was way too small to hold all of the people they called in. Nonetheless they were very organized and it ran smoothly.
Technology has allowed the casting company the opportunity to photograph their prospective models as much as they would like with digital pictures. Gone are the days of the polaroids, the messenger running your book across town for $25, mailing off submissions and Fedexing your pictures for a photographer to see you. It's really short of amazing.
It was a pretty simple casting, go in take some stills(straight on, 3/4, and some big smile pics) and then move on. This particular job only pays $1,200 for a 4 day job!! Yes, I said only!!!! They actually have a "buy-out" for like two years or something!!! I remember when my day rate was $1,250 a day!!!!! It was not unusual to get booked for an 8 day long shoot and get paid for travel...Imagine that..getting paid because you're sitting on plane going to a job!!! Those were the HAY DAYS!!! Now, you're happy just to have a casting....how things have changed. At least the location is going to be beautiful!!! See how I'm breathing that one into existence!!! Mammoth mountain...here we come!!! Looks like it's picking up in LA and Pilot season is over. I can't wait to get some face time on this PSA I'm shooting next month.
I learned something from that Q & A that LemonLime Agency/Killian McHugh put on. I think that this is something that should be shared with everybody, because I got it twisted early on and thought this entertainment business was business and friendship all rolled up into one....WRONG!!!!! Killian said,"This is a weird town where we want to work with people that we like, but there are no FRIENDS(Agency &; Talent relationships)! People get it confused and if your agent is giving you a hard time about leaving the agency, they need counseling!" And he is so right!!! This is a business! I was introduced to this business through a friend. Literally brought in through the back door, so I had a warped perspective on the business. How warped?? When I first got dropped from an agency....I was crushed. I felt like I got dumped! LOL I know better now though and was recently put in this situation when my commercial agent decided she was leaving and wanted me to leave with her. She didn't know what agency she was going to hang her hat at yet, but she wanted me to leave the agency and wait for further instructions! RED FLAG TO ME! Do you have any idea how hard it is to find an agent in this town????? What if her plans didn't work out??? Then what? Initially I was ready to bounce and roll with her. I had just reunited with her(she was my first ever commercial agent) so it was hard to say I wasn't going. That's when it hit me...I'm not making any stupid mistakes like I did the first time around...that's why this blog is titled NO MORE DISTRACTIONS....My agent was being a distraction! Well a month later she called me a "traitor!" I explained that it wasn't anything personal, but to expect me to make a move and you don't know where you're going....I couldn't do that. She said a few days later that she understood. I finally felt like I was handling business the way I should have been several years ago...it was empowering. And then to hear Robin(LemonLime Agency)/Killian McHugh was confirmation!!! Until next time!!
I'm going to go to a "refresher course" of Killian's until I book a commercial!!!!!
Technology has allowed the casting company the opportunity to photograph their prospective models as much as they would like with digital pictures. Gone are the days of the polaroids, the messenger running your book across town for $25, mailing off submissions and Fedexing your pictures for a photographer to see you. It's really short of amazing.
It was a pretty simple casting, go in take some stills(straight on, 3/4, and some big smile pics) and then move on. This particular job only pays $1,200 for a 4 day job!! Yes, I said only!!!! They actually have a "buy-out" for like two years or something!!! I remember when my day rate was $1,250 a day!!!!! It was not unusual to get booked for an 8 day long shoot and get paid for travel...Imagine that..getting paid because you're sitting on plane going to a job!!! Those were the HAY DAYS!!! Now, you're happy just to have a casting....how things have changed. At least the location is going to be beautiful!!! See how I'm breathing that one into existence!!! Mammoth mountain...here we come!!! Looks like it's picking up in LA and Pilot season is over. I can't wait to get some face time on this PSA I'm shooting next month.
I learned something from that Q & A that LemonLime Agency/Killian McHugh put on. I think that this is something that should be shared with everybody, because I got it twisted early on and thought this entertainment business was business and friendship all rolled up into one....WRONG!!!!! Killian said,"This is a weird town where we want to work with people that we like, but there are no FRIENDS(Agency &; Talent relationships)! People get it confused and if your agent is giving you a hard time about leaving the agency, they need counseling!" And he is so right!!! This is a business! I was introduced to this business through a friend. Literally brought in through the back door, so I had a warped perspective on the business. How warped?? When I first got dropped from an agency....I was crushed. I felt like I got dumped! LOL I know better now though and was recently put in this situation when my commercial agent decided she was leaving and wanted me to leave with her. She didn't know what agency she was going to hang her hat at yet, but she wanted me to leave the agency and wait for further instructions! RED FLAG TO ME! Do you have any idea how hard it is to find an agent in this town????? What if her plans didn't work out??? Then what? Initially I was ready to bounce and roll with her. I had just reunited with her(she was my first ever commercial agent) so it was hard to say I wasn't going. That's when it hit me...I'm not making any stupid mistakes like I did the first time around...that's why this blog is titled NO MORE DISTRACTIONS....My agent was being a distraction! Well a month later she called me a "traitor!" I explained that it wasn't anything personal, but to expect me to make a move and you don't know where you're going....I couldn't do that. She said a few days later that she understood. I finally felt like I was handling business the way I should have been several years ago...it was empowering. And then to hear Robin(LemonLime Agency)/Killian McHugh was confirmation!!! Until next time!!
I'm going to go to a "refresher course" of Killian's until I book a commercial!!!!!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
BABY STEPS
Been a minute, but I'm still here. I was reading an online publication from SAG by Laurie Records about following casting directors on TWITTER(I'm on there by the way...FOLLOW ME!!!!) as a way to get your face in front of them more. So, I'm coachable...I start following some of the casting director in Los Angeles that I can find. The most active ones on Twitter that seem to even have a personality and something to say are LemonLime Agency(Robin and Chaim) two funny as hell people. I don't know them, but they are on their game!!! Killian McHugh is also on his game.
Well these two get together every month for a Q & A. It is amazing how many people say they want to get in the business or are in a slump, but won't sign up for a FREE Q & A!!!! Being out of the game for a minute, this stuff is like oxygen to me. I was soaking it up and was brought up to speed about this business. Man, I have to say.....this business has changed significantly over the years.
You know the internet has made it so that agents don't even have to be good at their jobs and promote their people anymore...it's kinda sad. That's the only down part...but my goodness...that is the best part!!!
An agent that is great at creating relationships has the biggest and best agency. The internet is killing SALES(in the commercial/print business)!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every other aspect is the same....you better know SOMEBODY!!!!!
Well these two get together every month for a Q & A. It is amazing how many people say they want to get in the business or are in a slump, but won't sign up for a FREE Q & A!!!! Being out of the game for a minute, this stuff is like oxygen to me. I was soaking it up and was brought up to speed about this business. Man, I have to say.....this business has changed significantly over the years.
You know the internet has made it so that agents don't even have to be good at their jobs and promote their people anymore...it's kinda sad. That's the only down part...but my goodness...that is the best part!!!
An agent that is great at creating relationships has the biggest and best agency. The internet is killing SALES(in the commercial/print business)!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Every other aspect is the same....you better know SOMEBODY!!!!!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Theatrical Coach
I need to get my phone hooked up so I can make entries via mobil phone. I've made a decision on starting in Kimberly Jentzen's Acting studio. I'm going to start out with her weekend intensive and then get my schedule rearranged so I can attend her ongoing Scene Study on a monthly basis.
I've put off signing with a theatrical agent right now, because I want to have some leverage when I set up a meeting with the right agency. Right now being a fresh face is kinda tough. So here's the plan...I've already signed up with the SAG CONSERVATORY and getting ready to get some really good screen time with the student films.
Oh yeah....I've lost 12 lbs!!! Brotha's getting cut up!! I'll post some pics soon!!!
I've put off signing with a theatrical agent right now, because I want to have some leverage when I set up a meeting with the right agency. Right now being a fresh face is kinda tough. So here's the plan...I've already signed up with the SAG CONSERVATORY and getting ready to get some really good screen time with the student films.
Oh yeah....I've lost 12 lbs!!! Brotha's getting cut up!! I'll post some pics soon!!!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
DIET?????
So here I am getting my self back in shape, and it's tougher with my metabolism slowing down. i used to eat everything in sight! Man even a couple of cocktails seem to be out of the question, at least until I hit my goals. Right now, I'm really focusing on my diet. My knee has been killing me and doing too much cardio makes it worse. I have a pool and would love to do some lo impact training, but it is freezing out there.
I'm gonna buy a bike...so it's decided. Let me see how this works out, because this brotha needs to burn some calories! I've lost 8 lbs(192 lbs) I nee to get to 180lbs.
Keep ya posted!!!
I'm gonna buy a bike...so it's decided. Let me see how this works out, because this brotha needs to burn some calories! I've lost 8 lbs(192 lbs) I nee to get to 180lbs.
Keep ya posted!!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
New Theatrical Workshop
Last night I experienced another life changing moment. I had followed my Aunt/mentor's advice on which acting coach to study under,Kimberly Jentzen http://www.kimberlyjentzen.com/ .
Have you ever been following your intuition and when you do, you get confirmation? Well, that's what I got last night. I had signed up for her free audit(which is run just like a class) and was completely taken back by Kimberly's passion for acting and actors.
After her introduction, we did an exercise and got into a scene with our partner. I was very rusty to say the least. I hadn't read a scene in about a year and a half. I kinda felt like I hadn't been to the gym in a year! All fat and flabby. She pulled no punches and called me on several things....and you know what???? I loved it. She wants to see you succeed as an actor and I've gotta say, I can't wait to get started in her class.
So the next thing is getting a theatrical agent. I'm sure by the time I'm half-way done with this class, I'll have one.
My knee is still killing me. AHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Have you ever been following your intuition and when you do, you get confirmation? Well, that's what I got last night. I had signed up for her free audit(which is run just like a class) and was completely taken back by Kimberly's passion for acting and actors.
After her introduction, we did an exercise and got into a scene with our partner. I was very rusty to say the least. I hadn't read a scene in about a year and a half. I kinda felt like I hadn't been to the gym in a year! All fat and flabby. She pulled no punches and called me on several things....and you know what???? I loved it. She wants to see you succeed as an actor and I've gotta say, I can't wait to get started in her class.
So the next thing is getting a theatrical agent. I'm sure by the time I'm half-way done with this class, I'll have one.
My knee is still killing me. AHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Update On The Knee
I totally forgot to even mention what kind of injury I had. That's a brotha having a blonde moment. I'm new to this so cut me some slack! First off, I've played sports my whole life, and have NEVER had a serious injury. Now that I'm no longer in "competitive" sports, I decided to take up my first love...soccer. I've always played on weekend leagues, so this was no different. My boy Jimmy-P had been trying to get me out there for almost two years now to play with the same team I played with years ago. This is a great bunch of guys, and I truly did miss playing.
So I head on out there to play and realize that I am completely out of soccer shape. Then I noticed that Jimmy has changed. Hes drinking far too much. I mean our game was at 9am and homeboy was sippin' on something. Anyway...several games down the road, I'm working my way back into "soccer shape" and I'm making a run for the ball and I start to slow down and my cleats get stuck in the grass!! I strained my MCL and tore my meniscus.
So after consultations with a doctor, an orthopedic surgeon, therapy and finally back to the orthopedic surgeon today, they decide there's only one thing left to do before surgert. He decides I need a cortisone shot! I've heard horror stories about them, but mine seemed to go okay. So if nothing happens and there is no improvement by April, he's gonna scope me and clean me up...HMO's take forever. I started this process in September '09.
I still feel pain and no change whatsoever....till next time!
So I head on out there to play and realize that I am completely out of soccer shape. Then I noticed that Jimmy has changed. Hes drinking far too much. I mean our game was at 9am and homeboy was sippin' on something. Anyway...several games down the road, I'm working my way back into "soccer shape" and I'm making a run for the ball and I start to slow down and my cleats get stuck in the grass!! I strained my MCL and tore my meniscus.
So after consultations with a doctor, an orthopedic surgeon, therapy and finally back to the orthopedic surgeon today, they decide there's only one thing left to do before surgert. He decides I need a cortisone shot! I've heard horror stories about them, but mine seemed to go okay. So if nothing happens and there is no improvement by April, he's gonna scope me and clean me up...HMO's take forever. I started this process in September '09.
I still feel pain and no change whatsoever....till next time!
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