CompasFest 2010!!!

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.

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!

Test

Test

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.

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!!!!!

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!!!!!

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!!!

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!!!

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!!!!!!!!!

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!

Haiti Relief fundraiser

I'm kinda trippin' out on how quickly the news stations have just kinda moved on from reporting about Haiti. Haiti's history is pretty much a black eye for the rest of the world though. Anyways, I don't want to go off on that, because the truth is already starting to come out on the real history of Haiti and how it has come to the place of where it is today.
So on February 18, 2010 I will be doing a fundraiser with a really good friend  of mine's restaurants http://www.salvadorenorestaurant.com/  to help relief efforts in Haiti. I am of Haitian descent...matter of fact I'm more Haitian than I am American(my friend who's family owns would say I'm more Latino, I grew up in the barrio, y yo entiendo todo)...my heart has always been there. Haiti saved my life, and when I'm through with this blog I will reveal how and why Haiti saved my life. Yes, I do have a script in the works, and it is going to be one of the most diverse films ever made.
Anyways, Yesenia(friend who's family owns the restaurants) emails me and tells me about the idea to have a fundraiser and the restaurant will donate 20% of the gross sales to our family NPO. Okay...I've already lost you. My grandfather was a Bishop....Bishop Remus Arbouet. He along with my grandmother Jamine Moyse Arbouet started a church in Petit Goave, Haiti in 1942. This church organization grew to over 400 churches and dozens of orphanages at it's peak. Several years before my grandfather retired, he decided that he wanted his church organization to go on serving the people of Haiti even after his passing. So along with my mother, and her brother and sisters they formed  a NPO, what is now Int'l Eben-Ezer Church of God, Inc. It has been registered since January 2001, and has 501(c)(3) status. If you feel so compelled and want to donate to a grass roots organization that has people on the ground and helping people daily, got to our website. http://www.ebenezer-international-churchofgod-haiti.com/  It now has 200+ churches and 4 orphanages. Three of the 4 orphanages have been destroyed and several churches have been destroyed, including the mother church in Petit Goave.

I'm completely dedicated to doing anything I can for Haiti stateside. It's very tough to see the house that you played in destroyed, and the church that you worshipped in as a little boy completely leveled. I feel so removed being way over here in California.
We've been lucky and have only lost a couple of family members. I can't wait to go back and help out with the rebuilding....that's it or now.... I'm whooped!!!!!!

Knee Surgery????

Well, I've been going to therapy to try and mend a torn meniscus and a MCL strain(I play soccer), and it looks like I'm going to have arthroscopic surgery this month. This sucks, but at least I'll be out of pain!
Thinking about changing agencies right about now. LEMONLIME is looking really good right now. They're soooo on it.
It's time for some new headshots too. Damn February is gonna be a busy month....I'm gonna get a print agent too....might as well make it happen. I also got my first follower today!!!! AIMES!!!!!!!! Thanks girl!

Commercial Workshop is Done!!!

So today was the last day of my commercial workshop. I've gotta say, I have been in the business for years and realize that I had no  clue how to properly audition!!! LOL  The trippy part is how many national commercials I was able to book without knowing what I was supposed to be doing.
After doing some research, I decided on Killian McHugh's commercial workshop. Week 1 started and was eye opening. Earlier during that day I had a casting for ING. It came with sides(Script) the night before, so I was prepared. I did the audition  and was convinced that I had to be getting a "call-back"(2nd casting). Well, I showed up to Killian's class(which is run just like and audition), and I was critiqued. I knew...I just knew I WASN'T GETTING THAT CALL BACK FOR ING!!!!!!!!! Eye opening doesn't explain it. I just didn't know what I didn't know. Modeling is one thing and bringing it in front of the camera is EASY for me.
Killian taught me an technique, a tool. I feel completely empowered. Now I know what other actors have been feeling when they show up to a casting COMPLETELY PREPARED. Something's been missing and I just didn't know what it was. Now I've got it and I'm GEEKED!
I realized something else today.....during the break that I took from the bizness,  I had lost my groove....Cue-Tip...BabyKane was missing...my whole vibe had changed. I removed myself from the environment that I loved the most and replaced it with what???? The complete opposite. Would I change anything? NO, I wouldn't change a thing.  Those decisions I've made, have made me the man I am today. I truly don't believe that I was prepared for success several years ago. I would have sabotaged myself...but I am now.....and I feel like the old Babykane/CUE!....but the new version if that makes sense. So what's my next step??? Next Wednesday I'm meeting with Kimberly Jentzen and going to be enrolling in her Scene study class. I will continue with Killian's refresher courses too....the journey continues.

New Month, New Goals

So this Wednesday is my last class with Killian McHugh and his commercial workshop, and I've got some realistic goals to book a National commercial by the end of April. This is totally doable. Especially after finding out that I've been  screwing up my own castings without even knowing it. LOL All I can do is laugh right now about it. I've booked about 8 national commercials auditioning the wrong way!!!! Now do you understand why I'm excited??? Well Wednesday night is the night that we are taped and then the tape will be sent out to the top commercial casting directors in Los Angeles.
I'm not about to starve over a dream ya'll, so I do have a regular gig. Have you ever tried to get a decent paying gig with benefits, and the hours that allow you to be free during the day to go to castings no matter what time they are? Anyway it's a decent gig, but layoffs are looming....this sucks. I've really gotta  get some things going...a pilot, a feature...something.
Trying to think about what I did today to further my career....other than read a great book that gets my head straight....nothing. I even skated on working out. I've got my work out for me. I'm 6'2 and weigh 200lbs...I need to get down to 180lbs. Metabolism is slowing dooooooooooooooooooown....:-(
Going to play some golf on Wednesday....I need a free day. Damn, didn't I just take one? :-)
Wait a minute...worked on my website! www.kaneowens.com
I need to read more scripts...will be implementing that in my daily schedule....back to grind!

Fake names

I'm realizing that I'm not going to be a gossip columnist, So I'll be skipping some things or just give them aliases....I just realize I know too many people in public and some stuff you just don't need to know! Sorry....

How I Got Started In The Entertainment Business

I was sitting there thinking that I don't keep a journal. Of all the stuff that I've done in my life...my excursions, adventures and countless,"Did you see that !???" incidences, I thought this would be a great way to get started. Plus I seem to lose all of the paper that I write stuff down on. Let me bring you up to speed. I've titled my blog "Second Time Around..." because I'm now on my second trek in the entertainment industry. With many credits already to my career in print and commercials, I didn't think it would be that tough to get back in my groove....boy was I wrong!!!!
The way that I got started was a total fluke. I have a really good friend of mine(Denny-D) who knew a man(Omar Alberto) that owned his own modeling agency. I was single and Denny-D said,"They've got open-call on Tuesdays.....let's go look at some six-footers!" I was game! So here I am in heaven...just  heaven. Six-footers all over the place. I had never been around so many fine  women in my life in one room....a gang of sistas too! Growing up in Orange County, this was a treat...that's another story. Anyway, we're kickin' it and Denny-D, and Omar are talking business. Omar goes on to ask me something. I thought he asked me if I wanted a job. I said,"No I don't want to be behind a desk!" LOL Omar goes on to say,"No, do you want to be one of my guys on the wall??(model) I said, "Well, yeah!!" What Omar and Denny-D didn't know is that I had ALWAYS wanted to be an actor, ever since I saw Rodney Allen Rippy on those Jack-n-the box commercials. I saw my opportunity and I grabbed it!
So Omar sets up a test shoot with Jim Malucci and Michael Walls(photographer & Stylist). Denny-D came with me to the shoot to make sure I wasn't nervous. Malucci and Walls were the BOMB!! They made me comfortable and the shoot went great.
So I get the proofs(that's what they called them back in the day) over to Omar and he's diggin' em. He decides that he wants to represent me. So now I officially have an agent!!!! I'm represented by Omar's Men....Here's a trippy thing that I have to share with you. About two weeks prior to meeting Omar I saw an article in the LA Times magazine and they featured a model...Ronny Marquette(RIP) who was represented by Omar's Men. I was trippin' out when I walked in the agency for the first time. Destiny is a trip.
After picking some shots to put together a Zed Card, I'm introduced to my booker...Maria Minelli....she's the bomb!!! She still is..check her out at her own agency(M Management). Within 30 days I was put on hold by Peggy Sirota for two big Campaigns(Coca-Cola, and Esprit). I booked the Coke campaign and made more money in a day than I had made in a month.....no job for me, I'm in the ENTERTAINMENT BIZNESS!!!!
I did tons of catalog and print work for a lot of the young lady magazines...YM, SEVENTEEN etc.., but two months after working with Peggy Sirota, I booked the biggest modeling job of my life and I didn't even know it.
I booked a Ralph Lauren Polo Sport campaign with Bruce Weber!!! I received a call from my agent and I said,"Who's Bruce Weber?" Can you imagine that??? Talk about ignoratnt. I was still in my Football/Track world and I could care or less. But what an experience working with Bruce Weber...an awesome photographer and even nicer man. While on the POLO SPORT shoot, I found out that I booked my first commercial...a three commercial deal for DENNY'S. I was able to join SAG(Screen Actors Guild) immediately. Things were happening fast. I'm leaving a lot out, but I'm getting the main points.
So, I got sidetracked like some people do and lost momentum...very bad mistake. I forgot what I wanted out of life. It took me some time to realize that I was only going to be happy if I was pursuing my dreams. I'm hard-headed and it cost me dearly. Luckily, I was raised right and when it was time to get back at the grind of castings, I didn't burn any bridges. Omar was my first call...he's my boy and I truly respect everything that he has done in his career to further other peoples careers. I love him like a big brother. I'm also not naive to think that this is business too. I have been dropped from an agency, so it's not like it was smooth sailing from the jump. Omar's track record speaks for itself. Omar makes a call and places me at a commercial agency(Industry Talent). Just like that. Do you understand how hard it is to get an agent in this town??? So here I am...back on the grind. I am in my last week of a commercial workshop(Killian McHugh...the man knows his STUFF), and I'm getting back in my groove. Next is a Theatrical agent and doing some Student films at AFI....I've left so much stuff out, but it's the past and who cares anyway. I'm not sure how often I'll be leaving posts...we'll see how it goes. Oh yeah, I almost forgot....I've gotta lose about 20 lbs....brotha has been grubbin!!!! LOL
With my sports background I'm gonna give P90X a shot....I'll post the changes in my body too...don't laugh!