The "Glamorous" Life of Auditions - Day 6 ( Audition 7 )
It's pilot season - WAHOO!!! Although I rarely get the massive auditions for new T.V. shows, most people have during this time, getting one is huge for me because one is always better than none and I don't believe I had one last year - I was in Santa Barbara doing a play and the season passed me. I'm not known in the network world and my agency is small but hardworking, there's only so much one can do except to keep building their body of good work however they can. Remember me having the nurse audition for a musical show and I decided to take the risk ( although not written in the script ) of singing one of the lines? I didn't book that role but welp, the same office called me back and this time for this pilot with 2 co-stars roles that could go anywhere. Now understand that pilot season is that much more difficult...some movie stars are now becoming the series regs/head lining the shows so the usual series regs working actors are now the ones looked at for the Guest Starring parts, the actors that are recognizable - that usually get those Guest roles are being considered for the bigger co-star roles that could reoccur so that leaves the rest of us, no names...floating. It's a more difficult market that gets harder every year but a shot in the room, is still a shot and another chance to make a fan. This is my 2nd time in Fasano/Kanani's Casting Office in a matter of a few months ( November 2016 ), all I can keep doing are the things that will keep getting me called back into that room for another shot. Yes, it's a one in a million chance but things do happen and you must keep in belief that they do...nothing is worse than a light getting snuffed out before it's chance to shine - Persist, PerSist, PERSIST!!!! Got to do the 1st scene twice since she wanted a take where I looked more busy since I gave her some to go off of and then the smaller role was what it was, she laughed and we were done! I got to see my gal ( Tiffany ) again and nothing warms my heart more than seeing beautiful women in the room putting it down. This business is hard enough already, make someone smile...
Callbacks went well and there was nothing more I could've done in that room, I laughed, I cried, I was angered...everything I could find in a few pages, I did my damdest. I was there on time and they were running behind but understand things work out the way they are. This short was being filmed for AFI ( which wasn't stated in the breakdown since I usually skip these because of no compensation ) and I had no clue whether they were paying but I had submitted since the role seemed like something I should have..."A spoken word mother being found..." I did find it misleading that they put the rate of pay as a SAG short film rate which could be anything and nothing was clarified whether it was deferred. I would've brought it up during call backs but I was called in with 2 other actors auditioning for the role and we all left around the same time and I wasn't trying to linger since I had been there for some time already. I decided although I wanted the part, if offered I would have to ask since most AFI films have very little to no monetary compensation and I wasn't going to do it unless my time was compensated, not much but something to take up the day and gas at the very least. At some point and time you must decide how much of your art you're willing to give and whether you should be compensated and what that is to you. I'm not a person that asks for much, I did a low budget film and wound up finding out that I was to be opposite of Sally Field and Tyne Daly so pay isn't the defining factor. I'm sure many turned that role down/not auditioned for it, not knowing who'd be in it/directing it because of the low budget pay - you can't take yourself out of the mix because it isn't the full SAG rate, again, you'll be waiting for some time to work because recognizables are doing those roles. Give yourself the opportunity to get work but understand your work deserves something in return besides tape if you've been at it for awhile. $75 - $125 a day doesn't seem like much but if it's a role that's guest starring/something you don't get a chance to play, that's not only some footage and some cash but also a earned credit you might not get the opportunity to have unless you've already got it so keep these things in consideration, they may surprise you. You may not even get to audition for a big co-star unless there is some guest starring roles/lots of little co-starring roles on your resume so think about it and choose wisely. You can be selective now with what you're wanting to do since money isn't the driving force...decide how the role can push you, give another look into your work, make you not you etc. You've gotta build your career wisely, each part/step should be something to push you forward if you're looking for longevity, fame is a different story and there are easier ways to accomplish that so again, stay focused and clear. I don't mind doing the occasional freebie, especially for good friends with great scripts but figure out how/if it helps you and then decide.
"Bee Luther Hatchee" is finding it's last weekend in a couple of days and I couldn't have been more proud of a show. Although the houses haven't been sold out, they've been full and more so as the weeks chug along and I know it's because of the content plus the name being unfamiliar but those who have came, watched and participated in the talk backs (after every show) have all left with a bit more perspective on cultural appropriations, social responsibility and comradery that we're in this fight together if we so choose to do so and to do so with open hearts and minds. Most patrons have stated that it's been the best show they've seen at that particular theatre and it gives me hope that Sierra Madre will continue to dive into deeper, more meaningful works of art as well as their usual productions. Making these type of transitions can be disheartening when you think no one is paying attention but I see a different story amongst our beautiful audience who linger behind to discuss their feelings and bias in a safe, comfortable setting. This show may not have sold out, but the amazing reviews to wonderful responses given should be taken in that our culture, our society does want more in art at times as well. This can only grow up from here and I'm looking forward to seeing it as well as being a part of it whenever I can! "Libby Price" was challenging to the core and to have people say that part was tailored to me is satisfaction in my art well done!!! Got to see my gal Christianne in the house as well as "Trouble Creek" writers/directors Stacey K. Black & Shea Butler...so humbled whenever my peeps can come out and watch me in a show or just send me good vibes...I take those too!!!! DON'T EVER STOP....
It's pilot season - WAHOO!!! Although I rarely get the massive auditions for new T.V. shows, most people have during this time, getting one is huge for me because one is always better than none and I don't believe I had one last year - I was in Santa Barbara doing a play and the season passed me. I'm not known in the network world and my agency is small but hardworking, there's only so much one can do except to keep building their body of good work however they can. Remember me having the nurse audition for a musical show and I decided to take the risk ( although not written in the script ) of singing one of the lines? I didn't book that role but welp, the same office called me back and this time for this pilot with 2 co-stars roles that could go anywhere. Now understand that pilot season is that much more difficult...some movie stars are now becoming the series regs/head lining the shows so the usual series regs working actors are now the ones looked at for the Guest Starring parts, the actors that are recognizable - that usually get those Guest roles are being considered for the bigger co-star roles that could reoccur so that leaves the rest of us, no names...floating. It's a more difficult market that gets harder every year but a shot in the room, is still a shot and another chance to make a fan. This is my 2nd time in Fasano/Kanani's Casting Office in a matter of a few months ( November 2016 ), all I can keep doing are the things that will keep getting me called back into that room for another shot. Yes, it's a one in a million chance but things do happen and you must keep in belief that they do...nothing is worse than a light getting snuffed out before it's chance to shine - Persist, PerSist, PERSIST!!!! Got to do the 1st scene twice since she wanted a take where I looked more busy since I gave her some to go off of and then the smaller role was what it was, she laughed and we were done! I got to see my gal ( Tiffany ) again and nothing warms my heart more than seeing beautiful women in the room putting it down. This business is hard enough already, make someone smile...
Callbacks went well and there was nothing more I could've done in that room, I laughed, I cried, I was angered...everything I could find in a few pages, I did my damdest. I was there on time and they were running behind but understand things work out the way they are. This short was being filmed for AFI ( which wasn't stated in the breakdown since I usually skip these because of no compensation ) and I had no clue whether they were paying but I had submitted since the role seemed like something I should have..."A spoken word mother being found..." I did find it misleading that they put the rate of pay as a SAG short film rate which could be anything and nothing was clarified whether it was deferred. I would've brought it up during call backs but I was called in with 2 other actors auditioning for the role and we all left around the same time and I wasn't trying to linger since I had been there for some time already. I decided although I wanted the part, if offered I would have to ask since most AFI films have very little to no monetary compensation and I wasn't going to do it unless my time was compensated, not much but something to take up the day and gas at the very least. At some point and time you must decide how much of your art you're willing to give and whether you should be compensated and what that is to you. I'm not a person that asks for much, I did a low budget film and wound up finding out that I was to be opposite of Sally Field and Tyne Daly so pay isn't the defining factor. I'm sure many turned that role down/not auditioned for it, not knowing who'd be in it/directing it because of the low budget pay - you can't take yourself out of the mix because it isn't the full SAG rate, again, you'll be waiting for some time to work because recognizables are doing those roles. Give yourself the opportunity to get work but understand your work deserves something in return besides tape if you've been at it for awhile. $75 - $125 a day doesn't seem like much but if it's a role that's guest starring/something you don't get a chance to play, that's not only some footage and some cash but also a earned credit you might not get the opportunity to have unless you've already got it so keep these things in consideration, they may surprise you. You may not even get to audition for a big co-star unless there is some guest starring roles/lots of little co-starring roles on your resume so think about it and choose wisely. You can be selective now with what you're wanting to do since money isn't the driving force...decide how the role can push you, give another look into your work, make you not you etc. You've gotta build your career wisely, each part/step should be something to push you forward if you're looking for longevity, fame is a different story and there are easier ways to accomplish that so again, stay focused and clear. I don't mind doing the occasional freebie, especially for good friends with great scripts but figure out how/if it helps you and then decide.
"Bee Luther Hatchee" is finding it's last weekend in a couple of days and I couldn't have been more proud of a show. Although the houses haven't been sold out, they've been full and more so as the weeks chug along and I know it's because of the content plus the name being unfamiliar but those who have came, watched and participated in the talk backs (after every show) have all left with a bit more perspective on cultural appropriations, social responsibility and comradery that we're in this fight together if we so choose to do so and to do so with open hearts and minds. Most patrons have stated that it's been the best show they've seen at that particular theatre and it gives me hope that Sierra Madre will continue to dive into deeper, more meaningful works of art as well as their usual productions. Making these type of transitions can be disheartening when you think no one is paying attention but I see a different story amongst our beautiful audience who linger behind to discuss their feelings and bias in a safe, comfortable setting. This show may not have sold out, but the amazing reviews to wonderful responses given should be taken in that our culture, our society does want more in art at times as well. This can only grow up from here and I'm looking forward to seeing it as well as being a part of it whenever I can! "Libby Price" was challenging to the core and to have people say that part was tailored to me is satisfaction in my art well done!!! Got to see my gal Christianne in the house as well as "Trouble Creek" writers/directors Stacey K. Black & Shea Butler...so humbled whenever my peeps can come out and watch me in a show or just send me good vibes...I take those too!!!! DON'T EVER STOP....
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