Name it. Then make it happen!

Tags

Dream, Facebook, Health, Matthew, Matthew 7:7–8, Psychology, Social Sciences, Twitter

I was raised in a Baptist environment.  I recall being in church years ago and hearing someone say, “Name it and claim it!”  That was in reference to coming out of debt, misery and/or hard times.  The suggestion was that you name what you want, claim that it would happen and then wait for a manifestation.  I’m not knocking anyone’s beliefs, customs or rituals.  But the life I’ve led has always shown me that when it comes to staking claim on anything I truly want . . . genuinely desire . . . I have to put in some work for the manifestation of whatever that thing is.  Which is why I have always been fond of the bible verse from Matthew 7:7 – ask . . . seek . . . . and knock.  For me, I have never had the personal experience of just merely saying I want something and then being able to wait for it to land in my lap.  I had to, at the very least, do some research on “it” to make certain I was in the right area, at the right time and had the right skills for it.

So, as we go into 2014 I would like to make these suggestions:

NAME IT!

Of course you have to identify what you’re pursuing.  Do you want to be an actor, singer, model, producer, director, gaffer, water boy . . . what?  No one can help you achieve your goals if you are not clear about the goal itself.

Claim it!

Yes.  Let’s just go ahead and be very positive and hopeful for the manifestation of that dream.  What sense does it make to sit around saying, “I applied for that wonderful position.  But I’ll never get it.”  Nobody likes being around people like that.  Why waste your time applying if you don’t think you have a chance.  Those of us in the acting game know rejection like we know the skin on the back of our hands.  Yet we don’t go into auditions saying to the director, “I know I’m not going to get it.  But I’m so glad to be here.”  No! You walk into that thing and rock it like it’s already yours!  Let rejection find you (if it can).  But it’s not over until the last callback is had.  So act like it’s yours until you know different.

Ask

Find a mentor, coach, leadership class or just get a pet rock.  But find a medium that will allow you to articulate your dream in a forum where someone can hear you, remember what you said and guide you to the resource that will allow you to live your dream.  And don’t be afraid to be bold!  If you see someone doing something you think you want to do ask them how they got started.  They are either going to ignore you or direct you to their website (www.gailwashington.com).  Most actors have absolutely no issues with talking about themselves.  Just be prepared to take mental and written notes and follow up on their suggestions.

Seek

There is this wonderful building in many towns across America called libraries.  They do exist and they still serve a purpose.  Yes.  Most of us are walking around with all of the info in the world in our hand.  But, in most major metropolitan areas, you will want to go to the actual building because there are people to network with there.  They will actually talk with you about career planning, guide you to resources that fit your demographic and share information that will help you to avoid investing your hard earned money into senseless schemes.

Knock  

Make yourself visible – website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, sandwich board . . . the world needs to see you.  So get out there and be relevant.  Whatever you choose as your career volunteer somewhere to do it until you can get a paying gig for it.  That way you can say (legitimately) “I’m a _________” and have some creds to back it up.

Stop being your own foe

Get out of your own way . . . out of your own head.  That may require getting the voices of your youth out of your head (you’re fat, pimple faced, have a lisp . . .); it may require you to lie about having a real job in order not to freak out the kinfolk who can’t see how living your dream can pay your bills; you may have to eat rice and oatmeal for a few months in order to have the finances to invest in that dream.  It’s your dream.  Learn the craft and do it in a way that will allow you to sleep well at night.  Not everyone can reconcile being on the pole.  So find the road less traveled to fund your adventure (there’s no shame in cleaning toilets – projectile vomiting maybe – but no shame).

The east coast is celebrating 2014 as I type this last blog of 2013.  Don’t let 2015 sneak up on you without you having even attempted to do the things you claim to love.

#breakaleg and live life strong!!!

The Familiar

Tags

Arts, David Trottier, North Texas, Screenplay, Screenwriter, Screenwriting, Sixth Sense, Spec script, Television, Television pilot

There is that point in your life when you step back and ask yourself, “How the heck did I get here and how am I able to do this?!”  Your this may be very different from mine.  But a recent revelation has prompted me to recognize and pay attention to those moments when they surface.  It is those moments that seem to catapult me into a creative frenzy and I am no longer fighting the feeling.

Early November I started a three week medical leave from my day job.  I was told to take it easy in order to have a successful recovery.  The week prior to surgery I was wondering “What the heck am I going to do for three weeks?!”  I don’t have cable and the instructions were very clear, “Travel and exercise are not an option.”

One evening prior to surgery, I walked into my apartment, turned on the TV (for company) and like any other day began dinner.  As I puttered around the kitchen listening to the evening news I realized there were an unusual amount of stories about inappropriate behavior at various schools across the nation.  I thought (out loud) to myself, “Are these kids learning anything?”  That thought prompted what would occupy my time during my downtime from surgery.

From Nov 9th until . . . well, until I develop an ending, I have been writing screenplays. Writing a screenplay isn’t something super new to me.  I wrote my first (an only) one the first year of college many, many years ago.  Since my focus was always on acting, I never really gave writing any thought.  Sure, I’ve written grants, policies, procedures, company manuals and a host of other things associated with my jobs over the years. Heck, I’ve even written and self-published a book. But . . . a screenplay?  I hadn’t given it much thought since those decades ago.

Knowing that I was not a screenwriter by trade I knew I would need some tools to learn the correct process and three weeks of bed rest was not going to allow for a class or seminar.  After searching the web for a reference I decided “The Screenwriter’s Bible” by David Trottier was going to be my best bet.  All of the questions I had were actually outlined in the table of contents.

So, I was prompted by a newscast to write a screenplay pertaining to the school system. I had obtained a book that is pretty much by the numbers in structuring the script from start to finish and I had nothing but time to invest in this project.  Pretty cut and dry, right? Right!  But, why?

Since November 9^th until the moment I began this blog I had been diligently writing.  I’ve actually begun several screenplays.  That may be because after my three weeks off there was an ice storm in North Texas that turned many of us into hostages.  So, the additional week off has really stirred something in me.

But as I sat writing another episode to the first script I wondered, “How am I able to form these ideas? Where is this stuff coming from?  Who are these people (characters) and why are they in my head?”  I even went as far as to go through old shows I had watched to make sure I hadn’t plagiarized anyone else’s work.  Then it hit me.  “Gail, you’ve lived a really full and odd life.  Shut up and write!”

What I realize is my characters are from this weird journey I’ve had the luxury of living.  I used to complain about so many aspects of my life; living in not so nice conditions as a child, not being able to advance in my jobs as an adult, and multiple isms to deal with in general.  But now I can, genuinely, tell a story that offers a firsthand account of what the character is doing or going through.  When I write  “. . .  as the sickly sweet essence of crack waifs through the room . . .” I’m not conjuring up thoughts from something I’ve heard.  I’m actually reliving my time as an admin assistant, working at a police station.  I still remember the day the detectives called me in to take a deposition from a guy who was so wasted on crack cocaine that he had no idea his clothes were soaked in blood and the brain matter of one of his friends who had been shot sitting right next to him.  That and the sickly sweet scent covering him is what I remembered most about that evening.

As I’ve began writing, I started (as I do too often) doubting my ability to sound believable.  I questioned my writing style, speed and all of the content I had written along with syntax, grammar, structure and phrasing.  I wondered if I were being respectful and honest with and about the characters.  This is where I had to hit pause and do inventory.  I wrote 1 (ONE) script in college DECADES ago, I’ve written a pilot script, spec script and have started three movie scripts in the last three and half weeks – WEEKS.   Other than the fact that I know how to write, I am at a total lost with every other aspect of what I’m doing.  So my inner self is saying, “GAIL!  GET OVER YOURSELF ALREADY!!!!!”.

Those of you who are too ambitious for your own good need to hear that – get over yourself.  If you want to then write – do it ad nauseum!  But, write.  I have to remind myself that I had no desire or inclination to write a screenplay.  It popped into my head and I did it.  Now, it feels right.  So I’ll keep doing it.  I’ve always had the spirit of a scribe.  But I was thinking in terms of books, novels and poetry.  I never thought to channel that energy into a possible movie or television series.

My point is: If you fall into something out of the ordinary of your daily grind – lean into it.  If you decide it’s not for you – put it on the shelf.  If it becomes a tremendous success – celebrate.  Those things that whisper to you in the night are not to be ignored.  Some of what I write has the eeriness of the movie The Sixth Sense.  It’s as if ghosts want me to tell their stories and when I don’t pay attention they start to prod me through evening newscasts.

If writing is your thing, start with one sentence or even a title. Go at a pace that will not exhaust you or cause you to hate the craft.  I have to realize that the spec script is the crawling phase.  Once I get some feedback then I’ll think of it as walking.  But I can’t see being in full stride until I have at least five really good stories and get feedback from industry professionals.  I also need to keep developing these first projects in order for people to want to know more about the characters.  This also means I’ll be seeking more classes, workshops and groups to help me hone this newly regenerated craft.

Those things that are familiar to you?  Those things you once complained, cried or cussed about?  They are what shapes your acting, writing, dancing, singing . . . all of creativity.  Be thankful to have lived through it and to have the presence of mind to want to share it through your craft.

There are many things I’ve learned through this journey I can write about without fear or hesitation. But, trust me, I never, EVER want to experience or be in the presence of many of those issues/events EVER again.  Several things that immediately come to mind:

1. Being in the presence of crack, meth or any other addictive spirit that consumes the souls of a person.
2. Hearing the screams of residents trying to evacuate a blazing apartment complex.
3. Listening to someone try to justify why they abused another person in an effort to stay out of jail. It only makes sense in their sick little world.
4. Interacting with my boyfriend’s friends and family members – only to find out he’s not really single.
5. Being lost on the Chuo Expressway in Japan with no formal training on how to read Kanji.
6. Falling down a hill only to land face-to-face with the butt of a carabao.
7. Yodeling at 4AM. You had to be there!
8. Tequila!

If you are diligently seeking ways to have your heart’s desire manifest might I suggest you listen to the whispers in the night?  While you’re searching it may be in a evening newscast, overheard in a casual conversation while standing in the check out line or just a tap on the shoulder waiting for you to release it.  Don’t worry about the timing.  3 weeks or 30 years, when it happens that will be the right time.

#Breakaleg #Dallastalent

I am just the vessel

Tags

Actor, Audition, BUFFALO CASTING, Crossfit, dallas, DallasTalent, gail washington, God, Lois Lane, Netflix, Paul Weber, Performing Arts, Professional, Script

When I was young, I used to be a tomboy.  I loved climbing trees, running through the streets with friends (normally screaming at the top of our lungs) and I once even allowed my brother Keith to talk me into being his Lois Lane – which ended with us attempting to jump out of the second floor window of our home in Indiana.  Thankfully our mom was close by and stopped that potential trip to the emergency room.  God protects babies and fools.  That day we were both.

As I grew and matured I was still defiant about my looks and style.  NOBODY was going to tell me how to dress, wear my hair or conduct myself.  I was an independent woman and could make those decisions on my own!!  Well, that is a nutty thought process for anyone wanting to be an actor.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news.  But, unless you become a one person show, you are a canvas for others to create on.

If acting is truly what you want to do you must reconcile the fact that your job is to be someone or something else.  Meaning, if you have a commercial audition for a corporate spot you need to show up looking like you work in a corporate environment.  Yes, yes.  I know!  Your tattoos and piercings are a unique expression of who you are as an individual (you and several thousand others) and you are not going to limit yourself to what the status quo wants you to be.

Well Chippy, for the few moments of that audition and if you book that gig you will be exactly what that producer, director and/or agency needs you to be to sell the product or character.  This is because it is not the status quo who will be writing that check to help you keep your lights on.  Also, you get fair warning (a breakdown/script) of the requirements prior to the audition for that gig.

My defiance did not end in my teens.  Nope. I’m no quitter.  I had a birthday this past July 23^rd (way past the year 18) and I’m still ignoring other people’s opinions of my physical appearence.  And I will continue to . . . with one minor adjustment.

I have a physical condition called Hypothyroidism.  For years my weight has fluctuated (256lbs at its highest).  I am on the correct meds and finally, last year, found a diet and workout plan that actually took the weight off (if you saw the Curves commercial).  YAY!  I was so excited to have lost those few pounds I celebrated with an insane amount of the wrong carbs and maybe liquor.  Regardless, the combination was just wrong!  Then I went back to sitting on the couch, enjoying my Netflix subscription and waiting for my agent to call me for auditions.

After attending an amazing workshop at Buffalo Casting in Dallas with Tisha Blood and Paul Weber I finally saw the light.  That light, along with a picture they had posted on their website showing me deliver an astonishing bit of copy (with my ass flowing over the chair) catapulted me back to the gym.

During that seminar Paul was very clear that “talent” is what an actor needs to present the character and craft in a believable, respectful and professional manner.  He was also very clear that LOOKS MATTER.  But we knew that, right?  As an actor you cannot be overly sensitive about losing gigs because you are insanely talented but do not fit the physical image the writer or director had for that character.  No.  It’s not fair.  No.  It shouldn’t be that way.  But . . . until you start writing, directing and/or producing – it will be as it is.

So, with that said, I have chosen to surpress my inner tomboy (unless the script calls for an over-aged tomboy).  I also hit the gym 5 days a week and am having a serious love/hate relationship with Crossfit (Burpee’s are evil!!) I will not allow excuses or ego to cloud my vision as I pursue my passion.

I can’t prove I lost gigs due to my weight. But, the non-verbal reactions I recall getting during past auditions (when I walked into the room and after I delivered copy) were too blatant to dismiss. I recall comments from a wonderful director many years ago who said, “Gail, you are very talented. But this is a food commercial. No one wants to give the impression that their food will make people fat.” My feelings were hurt.  But I often wonder if I had paid attention to that statement in 1995 if I would be playing the mom in the peanut butter commercial today.

By knowing the brands I promote and what they want to reflect I can be more confident during my auditions and in my delivery without taking offense when I’m not chosen. If I take Gail into the room and forget that she is just the vessel, I am setting myself up for failure and rejection.  I’m there to showcase the product – not me.

Last note – Take care of you!  You are your product.  You are your bread and butter.  Regardless of what career you chose – good health (mind, body, spirit) is something to always strive for.  Continue to be your unique self.  But add a healthy diet, exercise, quiet time and some fun into the equation.   Read your script, familiarize yourself with the client, and your character and book those roles!

Break a Leg

Almost there!

Extra Extra – Being Responsible for You!

Tags

Actor, actress, background, bradley cooper, extra, new orleans, on set, performance, production, production assistant, working actor

I remember my first role as an extra.  It was for a commercial for a (now non-existent) bank.  The most exciting part was seeing Brian George (Babu Bhatt from the Seinfeld show).  As I sat waiting to get instructions on how and where to stand, I thought “This is it.  I’ve made it to the big time!”

Finally the production assistant (PA) gave me my marching orders.  The theme of the commercial had something to do with a circus.  So we were in an auditorium for the filming.  I was instructed to sit in the third row on the sixth seat.

Wow!  I was going to be directly in front of the camera.  My excitement started to dwindle as soon as I sat down.  Mainly because my direct on camera shot was right behind a large pole.

As I sat there thinking, “No one can see me in this shot”.  Someone next to me said out loud what I had thought.  As if they had read my mind, a very comedic voice from out of nowhere said, “Welcome to the big time!”

Now, I have done numerous gigs as an extra – many which did not pay a dime.  That is called, paying your dues.  As I beefed up my resume, continued training and got an agent, those roles changed.  Even now I will take work as an extra.  But at this level it is normally a “featured extra” for a national campaign which means a totally different pay grade.

Being an extra or background talent is normally the foot in the door.  Every moment you are on set should be a moment for you to learn how a production is set up and executed.  It is not play or talk time.  It is crunch time!  It is time to show those executives that you know how to conduct yourself and that you are serious about going to the next level.  It is also a chance for you to connect with someone who can give an agent a recommendation to represent you.  Do not make the mistake of thinking that you are soooo gorgeous and soooo talented that you are going to have your own trailer and assistant by the end of that shoot simply because you have it on your vision board.

One unfortunate example of how to miss out on an opportunity while acting as an extra happened when I was working on the show “Nash Bridges” (starring Don Johnson and Cheech Marin).  I was playing a cop that day.  There were at least eight of us in the holding area.  One of the featured extras was rerouted to another role.  So they needed to fill that spot with another body.

As the PA walked in the room he picked a guy who looked similar to the one they had removed “You’re going to be in this spot”, the PA says.  This guy said jokingly, “Sure.  Let me finish my cup of coffee.”  The PA looked at him and said, “No problem”.  As I watched this little exchange go on the PA looked at me, pointed and said, “Let’s go.  You’re going on!”  I did not open my mouth to question any aspect of what had just happened.  I knew it would be in a primary scene (standing right next to the killer).  As I walked alongside the PA I was doing the happy happy joy joy dance in the deepest core of my spirit!

As an extra you are there for the extra work.  Meaning you will sit behind poles, you will stand with your back to the camera while  pointing  at buildings, you will walk in front of the camera 30 times (in heat, rain, smoke, at midnight on a real or fabricated corner in a non-existent part of the world) in order to fill in those spots that are crucial to the scene.  You are not there to question, aggravate, annoy or take over the production.

If you choose to work for no pay – HOORAY!  You are to be commended for your desire to contribute to that production.  Plus you won’t have to cook that night because they will always feed you.  If you are a paid extra – BRAVO!!  You got lucky and made it onto a production that has a bit more discretionary cash to invest in their production.  Once you get an agent (or if you’re a savvy negotiator) you will either continue working as an extra and getting paid more or you will move on to principal roles.  There are people who only want the extra work.  That is a choice you can make and do not let anyone make you feel bad about it.  This industry has many horror stories of productions being knocked off schedule because they cannot find reliable people.  People who are dedicated to what they do well will normally do it very well and are very professional about it – extra, principal, featured, co-star – just be professional.

Here are some things you need to know if you do not have an agent and choose to work as an extra.

Take a book or a crossword puzzle – electronic equipment is normally a distraction and sometimes may interfere with production equipment.

Leave your phone in your car – you will be asked to leave the set (and possibly the area) if you get a call during a scene.  If Bradley Cooper’s phone goes off during a scene no one will flinch.  It’s Bradley FRICKEN Cooper.  No one has committed your name to memory – yet.  You want them to remember you for good stuff.

Take a map – if you are doing a production in an area you are not familiar with do not rely on your GPS to get you there in a timely fashion!  I am guilty of this.  My GPS took me to a graveyard instead of the site of the production.  Now, I booked that role myself and it could have been the directors way of telling me my career was dead (I’ve never heard from them since that incident).  But I want to believe that had I printed off instructions to this place instead of relying on my electronic device that maybe I would have made it.

Have somewhere to stay – I’m in the Dallas area.  There are dozens of productions in my hometown of New Orleans.  I do not have to worry about food or lodging if I get booked on a production there.  If you are going to take a gig in a city not near your home, make sure you have lodging.  The production company is not responsible for getting you a place to stay and most will not even make a recommendation.  The call times (hours on set) are sporadic.  So you may have to leave and come back.  Plan to give them your entire day.  But make certain you have somewhere to go if they release you from set. Use hotels.com or expedia.com or just a basic search on the internet to help you with your accommodations.  The YMCA and hostels are also options if you have a strict budget.  Many people will even sleep in their car.  Just keep in mind that it is your responsibility to find your accommodations.  Again, they will feed you.  But housing is on you – unless of course you are a featured extra and your agency negotiated a hotel into your contract.

Get a copy of your contract – if you get bumped up to a principal role as an extra you are more than likely going to get a credit (Taft-Hartley) for union eligibility.  Go to www.sagaftra.org to find out more about the union and its stipulations.   Texas is a right to work state.  Meaning – I am not obligated to join the union.  But, I cannot work in union states without joining because I have too many Taft-Hartley’s.  Knowing when to join the union is a discussion you should have with your agent or a union rep.

Pay your phone bill – you do not want to miss your call time or updated instructions because Sprint, ATT or T-Mobile do not realize you’re trying to become an actor.

Now, get out there and get those gigs!

Time to Graduate – What have you learned?

Tags

acting, Actor, Arts, Associate degree, Career Change, Education, Lesson, New Life, Performing Arts, Student

I’ve presented you with 6 lessons for getting started as an actor.

• Lesson 1 – Classes
• Lesson 2 – More classes
• Lesson 3 – Getting Organized
• Lesson 4 – Finding work to build your resume (Extra Extra)
• Lesson 5 – How to take advice
• Lesson 6 – Do not waste their (agents) time

None of this information is for the intermediate or advanced actor.  If you are in those categories you should have a set groove at this point.  This is information for those of you who state, “I think I want to be an actor” or “I did a play in the 3rd grade and had a lot of fun.  I’m considering trying my hand at acting again”.

If you are still on the fence, delve into those classes and see if that bug keeps gnawing at you.  If it doesn’t, but you still think you may want to do something in the entertainment industry, do not count out other positions that may be available.  For instance, there are always crew positions position on actor repositories or maybe you see yourself as a writer, producer or director.  Those are obtainable goals.  If you’re going to go that route you will also have to take classes.  But to make it cost effective I would suggest a community college for a 2 year Associates degree or Certification in Mass Communications or Film Study.  Once you complete 2 years (which will fly by) then you can decide if it’s necessary to proceed onto a Bachelors or Masters degree.

I have come to realize that working in any portion of the entertainment field is like a bug.  It’s not just an acting bug.  It’s that creative tick that digs deep into your core and insists that you do something so off the cuff that even YOU are amazed by your abilities.

If you have learned nothing else from these lessons I hope you take away a desire to learn more, do more and to drive yourself harder than you thought you ever could.  This career option will require you to invest in, motivate and correct yourself far more often than this cruel world will attempt.  Understand that humility should be at the forefront of your quest and that you, from this day forward (should you take this plunge), are a walking billboard for everything you do and everything you say.  Because the breakfast you ate this morning may very well be the same one you’re promoting next week in front of a camera.

From this point on you are to utilize these lessons are referrals.  The blog will not end – neither will the lessons.  But, now you have to pay attention, read, retain and grasp an understanding without a lot of bullet points and hand holding.

I want to hear about successes.  I want you to ask questions.  I want you to encourage others.  Most importantly, I want you to book those roles and enjoy the hell out of this journey!!  There are no second takes in real life.  Therefore, if you still are wondering if you should become an actor, might I suggest that you did not read all of this just to amuse yourself.  You are which you claim to be.  You are an actor.  Now get out there and apply the lessons and see what happens.  Do it scare, broke, mad or just because you think you want to.

Break a Leg!!!

“I’m anxious to get started. I’m calling an agent tomorrow” – Lesson 6 Do Not Waste Their Time!!

Tags

acting, Actor, actress, Cast, casting agent, casting director, community college, community theater, Headshot, High school, Johnny Depp, Résumé, talent agent

Have you ever gone out to a fast food restaurant and stood behind a person who seemingly had never, in their lifetime, stepped into a fast food restaurant?  They stand there, staring blankly at the menu board, with their mouths open saying, “Ummm . . . I think I want . . . no . . . let me get. . . wait!  Wait, I changed my mine.  How about a . . . . “

Frustrating, right?  Well, that feeling of wanting to get in that persons face and scream, “GET THE NUMBER 5 AND GET THE HELL OUT OF THE LINE!!!” is the exact level of emotional distress agents feel DAILY!

Think about this.  Their job is to find the best talent in their area to market to varied industries (local, national and sometimes International) for consideration of work.  They are skilled enough to know which novice talent can take direction  until they can receive classroom training and which individual who walks into their office off of the street may have what it takes, but will not be as marketable because they don’t have the look.  So, when someone contacts them with the “I think I want to be an actor” speech, it makes their blood pressure go through the roof.  Here’s an example of one of those conversations  –

AGENT: So, do you have A headshot?

POTENTIAL ACTOR (age 28): Oh, my graduation pictures are awesome!  Would you accept those?!

AGENT: Are you talking about high school graduation pictures?

POTENTIAL ACTOR: Yes!  Everyone tells me I haven’t changed a bit since high school.  They were taken at . . .

<click>

POTENTIAL ACTOR:  Hello . . . Hello . . . .

Get the picture!  If you are 28 years old and are still talking about high school stuff then you need to go back and re-read Lesson 1 of this blog.  You cannot waste an agent or agency’s time!  You may just be getting started.  But you have to fake being professional in order to catch their eye.  For the love of Pete!  You’re an actor!!!  Acting PROFESSIONAL is your first gig.

Bottom line on the right time to get an agent – “WHEN YOU ARE READY”.  No, that’s not sarcasm.  That’s a direct quote from an agent to me during one of my first classes.  That was followed by, “and here’s what you need to do to get ready” –

TAKE ACTING CLASSES

If you don’t know the craft then you can’t be taken seriously.  You are not Johnny Depp!  He is a genius who can pull a character out of his butt and make it look easy.  YOU need to take some classes because your intentions for wanting to become an actor may not be the most honorable.  “They get free stuff and I want some free stuff” is the extent of it for some people.  I’m not judging!  But those who are serious about the craft know that training is on-going.  Those who want “stuff” . . . well . . whatever!

GET SOME WORK

Community Theater, sign up with a casting agency to become an extra (re-read Lesson 4) student film projects, volunteer to read to small children and act out the book characters with sock puppets!  Those are legitimate gigs that you can put on your resume.

PUT TOGETHER YOUR RESUME

Once you do SOMETHING you can then start pulling together your resume.   You will need one to show the agency that you are, at the very least, making an effort to become an actor.  They need to know your range and ability in order to know how to sell you.

GET QUALITY HEADSHOTS

Your headshot must look like you.  Sounds odd but many people think since they are actors their headshots must be taken while in character.  No.  Your headshot must look like you and you must be in character when you arrive for the audition!

Once you are trained, have something for your resume and a decent headshot then (and only then) are you to contact an agency.  DO NOT CALL THEM!  Go to their website, look for the words SUBMISSION GUIDELINES and follow those directions to the letter!!!  Do not deviate from their guidelines.  Why?  Well, if you had to answer 300 letters a day which ones would you read?  The ones that look as if they cut and pasted your directions and followed them by the numbers (allowing you to read all of their work in under a minute) or the packet that looks like the recipe for building a spaceship, neatly packaged in some weird wrapping with colorful duct tape holding it together?!  This, by the way, takes a team of 5 to open because YOU think you’re worth the suspense so you want them to savor the moment of opening the packet to get to your information.  BE PROFESSIONAL!!

TO DO LIST

• Acting Lessons
• Resume
• Headshots
• Find agency submission guidelines
• Constantly be professional

BREAK A LEG!!

“Sit Down and Shut Up!!” – Lesson 5 How to take advice (the good, bad and ugly)

If your feelings hurt easily now is the time to rethink being an actor.  This is not a career for a sensitive spirit.  Time is money and money is time and when the camera’s start rolling you better know what you’re doing.

In a recent Dallas Morning News article (totally unrelated to acting – but a good point) a young man by the name of Paul Gudmundsson talks of how he “Won by losing”.  He states he “grew accustomed to success as a right . . . success was far more common than failure.”  Paul talks of how being in an environment where everyone celebrated “mediocrity” was a hinderance.  I applaud Paul for outlining this subject.  Because, outside of your parents living room, you will not get an affirmation with everything you do.  Therefore, here is a compilation of good “firm” advice I’ve received over the years as it pertains to acting.  I will not name the sources.  But I am thankful to them all – the good, bad, ugly and (seemingly) clinically insane!

DO NOT PISS OFF THE RECEPTIONIST

Janitor, gardener, extras or anyone else, for that matter!  Whether it’s an audition, seminar, training session or a meet and greet at Starbucks – HUMBLE YOURSELF!  You have no idea who those people are, who they are related to or what they are trying to accomplish in this business.  Many casting directors will have their children work for them during the summer months.  So, if you walk into an audition and the person checking you in doesn’t seem really professional. Understand that mom or dad is probably making them “earn their keep” and they probably have no interest in the business to begin with.  Meaning, it may not seem professional.  But, you are not there to make friends. Walk in, get directions, sit down, shut up and listen for your cue!

YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SMILE – USE IT

Translation: Use your assets in the affirmative.

Many years ago, during one of my first auditions; I slated, delivered my lines and glared at the camera without smiling.  It was a commercial for a bank and since I hadn’t read in the script that I was supposed to smile, I didn’t.  The casting director (immediately after the words “Cut”) said, “Gail, you have a beautiful smile.  I’ve seen it!  Why won’t you use it?”  My feelings were a little hurt.  But, I learned that day that during a slate (when you say your name to the camera) you smile – a BIG one too!  I learned years after that, while doing radio, that a smile can be “felt” in your voice through the radio and on the telephone.  Smile during your slate.  Smile at the end of your audition.  Heck, smile when you walk into the audition!  It let’s people know you’re not taking yourself too seriously.

YOUR MOTHER DOESN’T (nor any other member of your family) WORK HERE!

Again, you can’t be overly sensitive and work in this business.  If you are dealing with the personal issues of family members who did not support you or an issue with having had your feelings crushed in the 4th grade – get a therapist now!  The rejection (re: guidance) you will get from this business will sting briefly.  You should not internalize it.  Again, you need to use it as a means to strengthen you.  Your cousin telling you you’ll never make it has a totally different meaning from a casting director saying, “Get some more training and then come and see me in 6 months.”  Your cousin has probably been a jackass all of his life.  The casting director, on the other hand, is letting you know that you just need to get polished before they invest their time, efforts and money into you!  I heard the words “stupid, fat and lazy” associated with my desire to act for many years.  I have never forgotten how useless I felt thinking that my desired career seemed like an epic failure to people around me.  Luckily, I now recall those feelings when the audition requires me to be pissed off, sad or worthless!  It’s all advice . . . guidance . . . structured criticism (for lack of better words.)

IF YOU WERE A PROFESSIONAL YOU’D HAVE THAT!

I once went to an audition wearing jeans and a t-shirt.  I know that doesn’t seem like an unprofessional move.  Afterall, I went right after work on a Friday (which was our casual day).  But, the character I was auditioning for was not having a casual Friday.  The character was a professional woman and should have been in a suit.  It is rare (especially in the Dallas market) that you will not get ample notice before your audition.  Therefore, if you know you will have to leave work to go directly to an audition you should have your clothes in your car and be ready to change – in a parking lot if need be!

Being in the Dallas market I have had to travel 3 hours north (Oklahoma) and 3 hours south (San Antonio/Austin) for auditions.  I now have an audition pack in my trunk.  What is an auditon pack, you ask?  Well, who might you need to be during your audition?  Will you need to be make-up ready?  I guarantee you will not look fresh after those 3 hours in your car trying to find the audition location in a town you’re not familiar with.  Get a garment bag, suitcase or dufflebag and pack it as if you’re going to work in corporate America (a really nice suite), on a cruise (yes, ladies – a gown/fella’s the penguin suit) and to a festival (something casual and comfy).  You do not need to keep it in the trunk of your car.  But you need to keep it somewhere where you can grab it, quickly, as you head out – especially if your audition is late in the day.  Do not show up looking like a bum if you’re supposed to be a CEO!

So, sensitive is not a good emotion unless the character is supposed to be and dress appropriately for which ever emotion is needed.

BREAK A LEG!!!

 

 

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT – May 2012

There are days when I feel like a professional auditioner.  To my knowledge, there is no actual career that pays to just audition.  If you have 20 auditions a year and book at least one count it as success!  Use the energy from the lost to motivate you to work on your skills!

Every down moment should be a fed with training!

Break a Leg!

“Agents – when, where, how?” | Lesson 4 – EXTRA EXTRA!! Do not put the cart before the horse!

Okay, you’ve taken 1 class and three seminars.  Now what?

The first thing would be to look into more training.  Training will be on-going.  Therefore assume that taking more classes will be a given with all lessons.

First – you do not want to attempt to contact an agency until you are ready.  Second – You must be confident in your ability to execute the craft.  Third – Your focus should be on getting your resume together.  Meaning, you need to find work!  It’s a catch 22 – you have to have something on your resume before you can get work.  Makes sense, right?  So, how do you go about this magical trick – EXTRA EXTRA!!! 

If you are over 18 and totally new to acting then you do not have those high school productions to put on your resume.  Yes, you can start a resume with your high school work.  Your ACTING resume must include acting gigs – high school plays and musicals, kindergarten production of “I’m a little Teapot”, church Easter pagent, your role as baby Jesus in your churches Christmas production.  It’s acting.  But that is the stuff you list if you are still in high school!  If you have graduated high school then you will need to get gigs via the route of community theater or as an EXTRA!

Now, in respect to getting gigs as an extra.  I got my first extra gig after taking a class at Beau Bonneau’s studio in San Francisco in 1995.  Sure, I had high school productions to list on a resume.  But I had been out of high school for quite a while at that point.  Actually, I was still fresh out of the military.  My high school info would have been a joke on a resume at that point.

After the class, I signed up with the Bonneau studio and booked my first extra spot on a commerical for a bank.  No, it was not necessary to take a class to get registered with them.  But it just made sense to take classes with a casting agency (not to be confused with a talent agency – lesson coming soon) that casted extras! 

So, here’s what you need to do.  Type CASTING AGENCIES and your city or state into a search engine.  You should get a list of casting agencies that are in close proximity to you.  Most agency’s prefer that you be within a 100 mile radius of their office.  This is mainly so that you can be on set ON TIME if you are booked. Many agencies now allow you to register on their website.  For example: Check out Glorioso Casting in Sherveport, LA.  The “get into the sene” tab is the link to registering as an extra.  Follow the guidelines listed on the casting agencies page.

ALERT ALERT ALERT – –  NEVER pay a casting agency, talent agency or anyone claiming they can make you famous!!!!!!  IT IS A SCAM!  Reputable agencies are normally listed with the Better Business Bureau, have a list of credits on their website – Heck, HAVE a website!! and legitimate contact information on their site.  DO NOT CALL THEM!!  Follow the instructions for the registration.  This will be your first test with them.  If you can’t follow basic instructions, trust me on this, they will not want you on their set.  And should you happen to get on a set and act as if you were raised by wolves, you will never be asked back.

Here’s your homework:

• Study actor’s resumes.  Check IMDb, ActorsPage and other sources to see how resume’s are formatted.
• Start compiling your work in the correct format.
• Never done this before?  Search for CASTING AGENCIES in your area.  Hopefully you are near a major Metropolitan area.  Most small towns just have community theater.  I’m in the Dallas Market.  Dallas has gotten a lot of work lately.  Over the past 3 years we have had several major network shows (The Deep End (Fox), The Good Guys (Fox), Chase (NBC), GCB (ABC) and the newly revamped Dallas series (premieres June 13 on TNT).
• Find an acting class and start building relationships

Until next time . . . Break a Leg!

Several Sites You Should Bookmark

If you’re not a working actor you should be an actor working on your craft and educating yourself on the industry.  To many it seems like a hobby.  But as with any profession, if you do not keep up with the trends and techniques of the industry you will be overlooked or eliminated.  Therefore, here is a list of websites to commit to memory.

Break a Leg!

Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA (SAG-AFTRA)

The nation’s largest labor union representing working actors.

BACKSTAGE Espresso

Entertainment-industry news and analysis for professional actors.

BACKSTAGE Unscripted

A popular and insightful blog about acting careers and the lives of actors, written by real working actors.

BACKSTAGE BlogStage

A top source for casting news and entertainment-industry insights for actors and performers.

Actors Access

Provides resume services, articles, audition monologues and links.

Casting Networks

Nationwide database for casting professionals, agents and talent.

Mandy

Film TV Broadcast Production resource: film television production jobs, casting calls,
facilities listed by territory, equipment classified ads, film sales.

On Location Casting

A full service casting company which provides extras, stand-ins, crowds, real people, models and principal actors to the entire entertainment industry.

Now Casting

Services for the entire entertainment industry.

Voices.com

The industry leading website that connects businesses with professional voice talents.