Usually we post once a day, but I couldn't help but throw in a thing or two to emphasize Diane's point in her last post - to be good-lookin' in this Industry, you do have to look like "all that."
Funny story...when Diane and I were happy-go-lucky college girls, we always talked about upping our style sense. We dreamed about it more than we actually worked on it our junior year; but when senior year rolled around we amped up our style like we planned. We loved looking back at our photos and seeing how much we'd grown. We took a few shopping trips to places other than our usuals, and when we'd see a style we liked on someone, we'd mentally jot it down and save the idea for later. Diane taught me the powers of accessorizing and matching.
We couldn't help but gravitate back to comfort most times, though; after all, going comfy is fast, easy, and totally acceptable. Paired with the right make-up, a girl can still be a girl, and not feel closeted by the modern-day corset (whatever that may be for you).
And that's okay for going to the store, your local classic car show, or the post office to mail your headshots out. But when auditioning? The powers that be do expect a certain look, and I must say, my room looks like an absolute mess every time I have to dress for an audition. I try on a million things, and still, I never think I have enough stylish clothes...I have clothes coming out of my ears, but most of them are the comfy-girl clothes we love so much...jeans, boots, long tees...now though, I know...I have to be wearing a dress and heels, I have to do my hair nicely (no gym-ponytails!), and I always wear heels or shiny flats. I spend too much time on make-up, but that's because I'm not so pro at that yet. My speed is improving, though!
I had to teach myself how to walk in heels this summer. Yep, you heard that right. If I had it my way, I'd wear flats or boots all the time. Heels are too much trouble. But I know that to look "snazzy" it is the must-have accessory for your feet, so I started wearing heels every week to church (at least if I fell in church I wouldn't be judged, haha). I'm comfortable enough in them now. Proof? They have a place next to my flats. They aren't just kept in the laundry room anymore.
Over the summer, I have also learned to lay drywall, drive a stick, and change car oil. I have two brothers (enough said, right?). I remember Diane told me over the phone one night as I was regaling all my summer conquests, "Cat! Construction? Driving a stick? Do you still dress up?"
I laughed so hard at this, because she was so right. Was I neglecting my sense of style because I was around my brothers full-time again (since coming home from school)? Probably. Was it affecting my girly snazz? I'd have to say it was. I told myself that no matter what I was doing from then on, I'd be doing it in better style. Changing the oil? I'll be in a white tee and cute overalls. Working out in step class? A neat pony tail and just enough lip gloss to match my cheeks. Out to the store? Summer dress and boots. Audition? SIGH. As much work as it is, it'll have to be a dress and heels.
But you know what? I kind of like it. Like Diane pointed out, the confidence boost it gives you is matchless in many ways. So, your clothes may have a price tag...but getting that callback, booking that job, getting that face-to-face with an agent...priceless.
At the risk of sounding like an Mastercard commercial...
The point is, snazzy is great. What is it for you? I've always heard that if you are confident in what you wear, you can wear old curtains and still you'd shine (Maria from Sound of Music, anyone?). Some of us, though, need it the other way around. We need the style to make us confident. And that's totally okay. Because celebrities eventually launch their own clothing line anyway once they're established, right?
For now, though, we play the game.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Hey Good Looking!
I grew up with a mom who loved looking pretty. To this day, she won't leave the house unless she spent at least one hour getting ready, from head to toe. Her daily routine still amazes me. Wash this, rinse that, tone here, brush that, pluck those, shave this, wax that, moisturize here and put sunscreen there. And that's just prep. Then you're ready for the makeup.
I'm exhausted even thinking about it. But growing up with that turned me off to long prep times. I like looking pretty, but I like being comfortable more. Most of the time I'll just spray on sunscreen (yep, too lazy to rub in the lotion) and swipe some lip gloss, throw on some jeans and a tank top and I'm out the door.
To be fair, I was also in college. That was the college pretty standard. Mother Nature gave us all our youthful beauty, so we college girls didn't have to do much.
Then I started auditioning. My first few auditions said "casual dress", so I took casual to mean jeans, a cute top and some flats and simple makeup. I mean I usually go out for high school/college student roles. That's what they wear, right? That's what I wore in high school/college.
Wrong.
So wrong.
I didn't notice the faux pas right away. I noticed that most girls came in very fashionably dressed, yes, but it took me awhile to put 2 and 2 together. I started noticing when I looked more cute and when I spent more time on my outfits and makeup, I started getting more callbacks.
Then the day came. The day I went in to meet with a theatrical agent. That theatrical agent. The horrible, atrocious, I-wish-I-could-forget-it meeting. In addition to pointing out my many flaws, he also mentioned my outfit. I thought I came in cute: skinny jeans, flats, long lacy cami with a cute cover-up over it. I had my hair down with a headband and my makeup on.
He called me a tomboy. He said I should come in dressing nicer, that I should look like I was about to go on a date, not like what I was wearing.
Ouch.
Then my manager (who set up that meeting and is friends with that agent) asked me to dress up and do my hair and makeup the next time I came into his office.
Double ouch. At least he was nice enough to make sure this request came awhile after the horrible agent meeting, so I didn't feel too bad about myself.
But it WAS a wake up call.
Now, no matter where I go or who I'm meeting with, I make sure I look like I belong in a magazine. I layer and accessorize. I wear leggings and tight jeans and dresses like the best of them. I now actually own cropped jackets and jeggings (yep and they're actually pretty comfy). I now know that casual NEVER means just casual.
And you know what? I do feel more confident. I have yet to see if it helps my booking rate, but I arrive at my meetings and auditions knowing that I look my best and no one will EVER criticize me again on looking dowdy.
Then I realized my mom was right all along. Those hour long prep sessions are necessary, if you're a young 20-something actress. I hate I-told-you-so's.
I'm exhausted even thinking about it. But growing up with that turned me off to long prep times. I like looking pretty, but I like being comfortable more. Most of the time I'll just spray on sunscreen (yep, too lazy to rub in the lotion) and swipe some lip gloss, throw on some jeans and a tank top and I'm out the door.
To be fair, I was also in college. That was the college pretty standard. Mother Nature gave us all our youthful beauty, so we college girls didn't have to do much.
Then I started auditioning. My first few auditions said "casual dress", so I took casual to mean jeans, a cute top and some flats and simple makeup. I mean I usually go out for high school/college student roles. That's what they wear, right? That's what I wore in high school/college.
Wrong.
So wrong.
I didn't notice the faux pas right away. I noticed that most girls came in very fashionably dressed, yes, but it took me awhile to put 2 and 2 together. I started noticing when I looked more cute and when I spent more time on my outfits and makeup, I started getting more callbacks.
Then the day came. The day I went in to meet with a theatrical agent. That theatrical agent. The horrible, atrocious, I-wish-I-could-forget-it meeting. In addition to pointing out my many flaws, he also mentioned my outfit. I thought I came in cute: skinny jeans, flats, long lacy cami with a cute cover-up over it. I had my hair down with a headband and my makeup on.
He called me a tomboy. He said I should come in dressing nicer, that I should look like I was about to go on a date, not like what I was wearing.
Ouch.
Then my manager (who set up that meeting and is friends with that agent) asked me to dress up and do my hair and makeup the next time I came into his office.
Double ouch. At least he was nice enough to make sure this request came awhile after the horrible agent meeting, so I didn't feel too bad about myself.
But it WAS a wake up call.
Now, no matter where I go or who I'm meeting with, I make sure I look like I belong in a magazine. I layer and accessorize. I wear leggings and tight jeans and dresses like the best of them. I now actually own cropped jackets and jeggings (yep and they're actually pretty comfy). I now know that casual NEVER means just casual.
And you know what? I do feel more confident. I have yet to see if it helps my booking rate, but I arrive at my meetings and auditions knowing that I look my best and no one will EVER criticize me again on looking dowdy.
Then I realized my mom was right all along. Those hour long prep sessions are necessary, if you're a young 20-something actress. I hate I-told-you-so's.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Co-Star Audition
So I've been on very few theatrical (film/tv) auditions. For the last year and a half, 95% of my auditions have been commercials. Which is fine with me. I know the commercial world. I'm good at the commercial world. It's all about improv and personality, which happen to be my specialties. I thought that commercial world and theatrical world were similar places; after all, they're all professional, on-camera jobs. Right?
Wrong.
So yesterday evening my manager calls me to tell me about an audition for a co-star role on a TV show. I'm so excited, because this is the first audition my manager's gotten me. And it's for a TV show! Woot! I get the sides (only 1 scene, 11 lines) and I pour over those sides. I knew them cold. I wrote each line on flashcards and I wrote an unsaid thought for each line. I pictured my environment, I made character choices. I probably spent 4 hours on these 11 lines. I knew them like no one's business.
I get to the studio. I walked up in my cute little dress and necklace and heels (no underdressing for me!) and I sign in and I wait. I see six or seven other girls up for the role; thankfully I noticed I'm one of the better dressed girls out there. I see a name on the sign in sheet that I recognize, then I realize it's not because she's a friend; it's because I've watched her on TV before. She's been a series regular and has done a large number of guest star roles on TV.
The girl next to me starts saying her lines outloud over and over. I started to go over my lines again, but I stopped myself, noticing that as I went over my lines it made me nervous. I stopped and just stretched and tried to relax, and I did feel calmer.
Then I went into the audition. Both of the ladies there were as nice as could be, but when the reader started reading, I completely blanked on my lines! It was like my nerves decided to kick in right then, and everything I had memorized flew right out of my head. Lines that I KNEW just disappeared. It was a horrible feeling.
Fortunately I at least remembered my delivery choices, even if I had to look down to grab the lines. They were kind enough to give me a second chance, telling me to look over the sides again. I took a few minutes, tried again, but I was only able to remember a few lines. At the end I thanked them and headed out.
What was wrong with me? I'm not normally like this. I thought the nerves from auditions were now long past.
I am praying that perhaps, by some miracle, they still liked my choices enough to see past the nervousness. However, knowing this business, I'm not holding my breath at all. I'll have to chalk it up to a live-and-learn experience, and know that next time will be much better than this.
Wrong.
So yesterday evening my manager calls me to tell me about an audition for a co-star role on a TV show. I'm so excited, because this is the first audition my manager's gotten me. And it's for a TV show! Woot! I get the sides (only 1 scene, 11 lines) and I pour over those sides. I knew them cold. I wrote each line on flashcards and I wrote an unsaid thought for each line. I pictured my environment, I made character choices. I probably spent 4 hours on these 11 lines. I knew them like no one's business.
I get to the studio. I walked up in my cute little dress and necklace and heels (no underdressing for me!) and I sign in and I wait. I see six or seven other girls up for the role; thankfully I noticed I'm one of the better dressed girls out there. I see a name on the sign in sheet that I recognize, then I realize it's not because she's a friend; it's because I've watched her on TV before. She's been a series regular and has done a large number of guest star roles on TV.
The girl next to me starts saying her lines outloud over and over. I started to go over my lines again, but I stopped myself, noticing that as I went over my lines it made me nervous. I stopped and just stretched and tried to relax, and I did feel calmer.
Then I went into the audition. Both of the ladies there were as nice as could be, but when the reader started reading, I completely blanked on my lines! It was like my nerves decided to kick in right then, and everything I had memorized flew right out of my head. Lines that I KNEW just disappeared. It was a horrible feeling.
Fortunately I at least remembered my delivery choices, even if I had to look down to grab the lines. They were kind enough to give me a second chance, telling me to look over the sides again. I took a few minutes, tried again, but I was only able to remember a few lines. At the end I thanked them and headed out.
What was wrong with me? I'm not normally like this. I thought the nerves from auditions were now long past.
I am praying that perhaps, by some miracle, they still liked my choices enough to see past the nervousness. However, knowing this business, I'm not holding my breath at all. I'll have to chalk it up to a live-and-learn experience, and know that next time will be much better than this.
CD Workshops
Oh boy. Am I ready to open up a can of worms with this one?
For those of you who don't know, CD workshops are workshops held by casting directors. They're a way to get in front of casting people who are currently casting shows and it's an unofficial way to audition for them. Unofficial because the facilities that hold them charge each actor $40-$75 per workshop to be in front of the CD for a few minutes. In my mind, it's basically a "pay-to-audition" kind of thing.
I was pretty against CD workshops by principle for the longest time. I thought it was ridiculous to pay someone to audition for them, especially knowing they may not be casting anyone of my type. Until I met my current manager. He seems to be a fan of them, since it's a way to get new talent in front of casting, provided they are casting the right types of shows for you.
I've been thinking about the whole risk-vs-reward thing and I've now decided that CD workshops aren't completely evil. They can definitely be used as a tool in the actor's toolbox, provided they fit a few qualifications:
1) The CDs have to be casting the right types of shows for each actor. For me that means anything Disney/Nickelodeon (Young looking? High energy? Light and fluffy? So me!) and any kind of medical drama/crime scene show (because they use a lot of people. Lots of new patients and dead people needed all the time).
2) I have to be willing to see them several times. In sales, you try to get to the 4th "No". Why? Because for whatever reason, after people say "no" 3 times, they are more likely to say "yes". Why do you think sales people continue to persuade you after you decline? It's because people tend to say yes eventually. It's a proven fact.
So I don't want to scatter my efforts. I plan on targeting a specific group of people over and over, so I can make a better impression on them. I need to give them a chance to say no several times, so I can eventually get to that yes.
With all of that said, I think CD workshops will be a very small part of my overall marketing plan. Why? Because it's pricey and the chances of a CD calling an actor in from a workshop is slim.
I just RSVP'ed for a CD workshop this week. The CD is one that currently casts both a Nick and a Disney show, and she's one that I've auditioned for in the past (not through a workshop). We already have a connection, so I'm aiming for my 2nd "no" with her. Plus I think she's a really fun person (during my audition I got to throw a paper towel roll past her head).
I'll keep you updated on how it goes!
For those of you who don't know, CD workshops are workshops held by casting directors. They're a way to get in front of casting people who are currently casting shows and it's an unofficial way to audition for them. Unofficial because the facilities that hold them charge each actor $40-$75 per workshop to be in front of the CD for a few minutes. In my mind, it's basically a "pay-to-audition" kind of thing.
I was pretty against CD workshops by principle for the longest time. I thought it was ridiculous to pay someone to audition for them, especially knowing they may not be casting anyone of my type. Until I met my current manager. He seems to be a fan of them, since it's a way to get new talent in front of casting, provided they are casting the right types of shows for you.
I've been thinking about the whole risk-vs-reward thing and I've now decided that CD workshops aren't completely evil. They can definitely be used as a tool in the actor's toolbox, provided they fit a few qualifications:
1) The CDs have to be casting the right types of shows for each actor. For me that means anything Disney/Nickelodeon (Young looking? High energy? Light and fluffy? So me!) and any kind of medical drama/crime scene show (because they use a lot of people. Lots of new patients and dead people needed all the time).
2) I have to be willing to see them several times. In sales, you try to get to the 4th "No". Why? Because for whatever reason, after people say "no" 3 times, they are more likely to say "yes". Why do you think sales people continue to persuade you after you decline? It's because people tend to say yes eventually. It's a proven fact.
So I don't want to scatter my efforts. I plan on targeting a specific group of people over and over, so I can make a better impression on them. I need to give them a chance to say no several times, so I can eventually get to that yes.
With all of that said, I think CD workshops will be a very small part of my overall marketing plan. Why? Because it's pricey and the chances of a CD calling an actor in from a workshop is slim.
I just RSVP'ed for a CD workshop this week. The CD is one that currently casts both a Nick and a Disney show, and she's one that I've auditioned for in the past (not through a workshop). We already have a connection, so I'm aiming for my 2nd "no" with her. Plus I think she's a really fun person (during my audition I got to throw a paper towel roll past her head).
I'll keep you updated on how it goes!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Product
As a companion to my last blog post, I want to emphasize that this business is not all fun and games. This business is serious business! Seriously awkward that is. I’m almost certain no other industry is as crazy. Take the audition for example. In most cases, you go into an interview for a job and talk about your qualifications. Not in show business. Here’s a typical commercial audition: Imagine being placed into groups of six. Then having everyone walk in and stand on a straight line in front of 2 very unamused people who have been there for too long. They say slate and you state your name. They say profiles and you turn 90 degrees one way then the other. They say hands and you put your hands in front of your face, flipping them back and forth. They say smile and you show them your teeth. And they go down the line, while you stand there quietly looking forward.
Any shred of dignity you have is gone by that point as you show them you. And that’s just the preliminary stuff. Then they ask you to do the real fun stuff. “Pretend a spider is chasing you.” “Pretend your washing machine is overflowing and you can’t figure out how to fix it.” “Pretend your mom is really proud of you” (yep that was an actual instruction from an audition I had. How does one react to that?).
It’s so silly. But it makes sense, because this is a business. You are the salesperson and you are the product. Any good salesperson will show all of the features a product has (like the Magic Bullet. I love those infomercials). So go out there and show them your teeth, your hair, your profiles and your mad pretend skills!
Any shred of dignity you have is gone by that point as you show them you. And that’s just the preliminary stuff. Then they ask you to do the real fun stuff. “Pretend a spider is chasing you.” “Pretend your washing machine is overflowing and you can’t figure out how to fix it.” “Pretend your mom is really proud of you” (yep that was an actual instruction from an audition I had. How does one react to that?).
It’s so silly. But it makes sense, because this is a business. You are the salesperson and you are the product. Any good salesperson will show all of the features a product has (like the Magic Bullet. I love those infomercials). So go out there and show them your teeth, your hair, your profiles and your mad pretend skills!
Monday, September 27, 2010
What a Wonderful World
Hi! My name is Catherine, and I am voice number two on this blog all about the wonderful world of acting. This business called "show" is such a big, crazy, enthralling, and exciting place to be; it's an Olympian-sized event where the main games are held in Hollywood every year, and the A-listers train and travel all over the world to study the craft and make motion pictures. Anyone aspiring to join and earn recognition must also train and earn their keep, sometimes twice as hard; others win the proverbial lottery and get discovered by someone with enough clout to pull strings and create success.
Most of us are in that stage of trying to earn our keep. We're trying to do student films to build our reels, we relish the chance to be a paid-and-fed extra on a big movie, we have stars in our eyes when we watch the Oscars, and we audition for everything. Some of us have representation, some not yet. Some pray hard for success, which too many people say is hard to come by.
I refuse to believe that. I think success is completely possible, and I think if you really love what you're doing, it will come. What you believe in your mind will manifest in your actions, and those actions will come back to you, so keep at it!
Here's where I stand: I have a degree in Drama from UC Irvine, and I love acting and screenwriting. (I love acting more, but screenwriting is nice because you can always create a job for yourself that way :) Always dreamed of playing a certain character? Write her down on paper! It's like good ol' Sylvester Stallone did with his iconic character, Rocky.)
I moved back up north with my family, so the San Francisco market is now where I operate, at least till plans change (and who can predict when that will be?). My stories, advice, experiences, and commentary will all come from the perspective of girl who's still trying to swim with the big leagues, but for now is comfortably wading still. I don't yet have representation, but there are at least 7 reputable agencies here in SF that I want to work with...I'm waiting on 5 more responses, because 2 of them already said that they could not take me on right now. But ah. So goes this Biz. You learn to roll with it and take it in stride.
Diane and I have had quite a few experiences in this industry between us, so I hope you'll keep reading as we share with you from opposite ends of California. Leave comments, let us know what's on your minds, ask questions. We'd love to hear your feedback.
Thanks for reading, and here's to many happy travels ahead...for all of us!
Most of us are in that stage of trying to earn our keep. We're trying to do student films to build our reels, we relish the chance to be a paid-and-fed extra on a big movie, we have stars in our eyes when we watch the Oscars, and we audition for everything. Some of us have representation, some not yet. Some pray hard for success, which too many people say is hard to come by.
I refuse to believe that. I think success is completely possible, and I think if you really love what you're doing, it will come. What you believe in your mind will manifest in your actions, and those actions will come back to you, so keep at it!
Here's where I stand: I have a degree in Drama from UC Irvine, and I love acting and screenwriting. (I love acting more, but screenwriting is nice because you can always create a job for yourself that way :) Always dreamed of playing a certain character? Write her down on paper! It's like good ol' Sylvester Stallone did with his iconic character, Rocky.)
I moved back up north with my family, so the San Francisco market is now where I operate, at least till plans change (and who can predict when that will be?). My stories, advice, experiences, and commentary will all come from the perspective of girl who's still trying to swim with the big leagues, but for now is comfortably wading still. I don't yet have representation, but there are at least 7 reputable agencies here in SF that I want to work with...I'm waiting on 5 more responses, because 2 of them already said that they could not take me on right now. But ah. So goes this Biz. You learn to roll with it and take it in stride.
Diane and I have had quite a few experiences in this industry between us, so I hope you'll keep reading as we share with you from opposite ends of California. Leave comments, let us know what's on your minds, ask questions. We'd love to hear your feedback.
Thanks for reading, and here's to many happy travels ahead...for all of us!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Things I love!
I constantly hear about how difficult this business is and what a struggle it is, so since I’m big on positive energy, I thought I’d make a list of things I love about this business. These are the things that make it worth all of the challenges:
-Getting the call that you booked a job. That just makes my day and it always warrants a happy dance. Where else can you be this happy about working?
-Craft services. Large selections of free yummy food. Does it get any better than that?
-Wardrobe fittings. Seeing entire racks of clothes, shoes and accessories that are precisely your size. Knowing that you get to play dress up.
-Hair and makeup. Getting to come to work in PJs and no makeup is awesome. Getting to sit in a trailer and get made up by some of the nicest people is even better.
-Seeing familiar faces. Whether in an audition, class or on set, I love seeing faces I’ve worked with before. It makes me feel like Hollywood isn’t so big after all and I have at least one ally in that waiting room.
-Being around pretty people. I don’t know why that makes me happy, but I often look around me and notice how gorgeous everyone is. It’s kind of cool in a surreal sort of way. Like living in an alternate universe. It’s Pretty-land.
-Seeing the awe of people who pass by the set. People always seem fascinated as soon as a camera arrives. I’m in awe that they’re in awe.
-Free time. No 9 to 5’ers for me! I have my part time jobs (I refuse to call them survival jobs) and I have my acting work, but I feel like my time actually belongs to me. I can choose where and when I’m going to be somewhere. The freedom is amazing.
- The paychecks. You mean I got paid hundreds for acting and eating craft services? It’s pretty cool!
- Seeing the finished product. I love seeing the final edited project. Just seeing the collaboration between the writer, producers, casting director, director, actors, stylists and crew cumulate into a product that people watch is pretty gratifying.
What do you love about show business?
-Getting the call that you booked a job. That just makes my day and it always warrants a happy dance. Where else can you be this happy about working?
-Craft services. Large selections of free yummy food. Does it get any better than that?
-Wardrobe fittings. Seeing entire racks of clothes, shoes and accessories that are precisely your size. Knowing that you get to play dress up.
-Hair and makeup. Getting to come to work in PJs and no makeup is awesome. Getting to sit in a trailer and get made up by some of the nicest people is even better.
-Seeing familiar faces. Whether in an audition, class or on set, I love seeing faces I’ve worked with before. It makes me feel like Hollywood isn’t so big after all and I have at least one ally in that waiting room.
-Being around pretty people. I don’t know why that makes me happy, but I often look around me and notice how gorgeous everyone is. It’s kind of cool in a surreal sort of way. Like living in an alternate universe. It’s Pretty-land.
-Seeing the awe of people who pass by the set. People always seem fascinated as soon as a camera arrives. I’m in awe that they’re in awe.
-Free time. No 9 to 5’ers for me! I have my part time jobs (I refuse to call them survival jobs) and I have my acting work, but I feel like my time actually belongs to me. I can choose where and when I’m going to be somewhere. The freedom is amazing.
- The paychecks. You mean I got paid hundreds for acting and eating craft services? It’s pretty cool!
- Seeing the finished product. I love seeing the final edited project. Just seeing the collaboration between the writer, producers, casting director, director, actors, stylists and crew cumulate into a product that people watch is pretty gratifying.
What do you love about show business?
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Agent Thing
Last night I was chatting with a dear friend who was talking about her struggles to find representation. It seems to be a common theme with many of my fellow new graduate actors; agents and managers are hard to meet and harder to sign.
I’ve had representation for a year and a half now, but I remember my struggles to get my first agent. I remember being envious and in awe of those friends who did have agents. I remember making a list of 6 agencies and creating those mailings. I remember putting all of my hopes and dreams into those envelopes and mailing them off with a kiss and a prayer. I remember waiting anxiously by my phone, hoping they would call for a meeting soon. Then I remember getting them all back a week later, sent back by the post office because I didn’t put on enough postage (FYI it costs $1.05 to mail a headshot, resume and cover letter!). Major fail. I didn’t do another mailing after that.
Instead I put my energy into getting my own jobs. I signed up for LA Casting and Actors Access and submitted like crazy. After booking a couple of jobs, I researched agencies again and I emailed just one youth agent my headshot and resume. She happened to call me in and a week later I had across the board representation (across the board meaning theatrical and commercial representation).
And that’s how it happened for me. So for all of you actors who are still on the hunt for agents, don’t forget to put most of your energy into working. Learn a skill, get set experience, take classes. Submit yourself for jobs (which I continued to do even after I got my first agent). Have fun and enjoy the process!
For those who have agents, how did you get your first agent?
I’ve had representation for a year and a half now, but I remember my struggles to get my first agent. I remember being envious and in awe of those friends who did have agents. I remember making a list of 6 agencies and creating those mailings. I remember putting all of my hopes and dreams into those envelopes and mailing them off with a kiss and a prayer. I remember waiting anxiously by my phone, hoping they would call for a meeting soon. Then I remember getting them all back a week later, sent back by the post office because I didn’t put on enough postage (FYI it costs $1.05 to mail a headshot, resume and cover letter!). Major fail. I didn’t do another mailing after that.
Instead I put my energy into getting my own jobs. I signed up for LA Casting and Actors Access and submitted like crazy. After booking a couple of jobs, I researched agencies again and I emailed just one youth agent my headshot and resume. She happened to call me in and a week later I had across the board representation (across the board meaning theatrical and commercial representation).
And that’s how it happened for me. So for all of you actors who are still on the hunt for agents, don’t forget to put most of your energy into working. Learn a skill, get set experience, take classes. Submit yourself for jobs (which I continued to do even after I got my first agent). Have fun and enjoy the process!
For those who have agents, how did you get your first agent?
Friday, September 24, 2010
Check it out!
Student films are either a hit or miss. Either you get the really talented people who know what they're doing, or you get the ones who are completely distracted by the craziness of running a production.
A month ago I was contacted by Jonathan Dhauw, a film studies major at UCI (Zot! Zot!). We have previously acted in a short film together (which never got finished) and he invited me to act in his newest project, a short for a film contest sponsored by some big names.
I love student films. It becomes less about the finished product and more about the learning experience. I learn a lot more about film production during a student film than during a professional shoot, since I get to do more things. I got to help out with lighting (putting my photography training into play!), I got to hold the boom, and I got to really add my ideas to the film. And I had so much fun!
Check it out at the link below and comment on it at the Interpretations website. The more comments we get the better our chances of winning!
http://interpretationsfilm.com/members/zotshot/
A month ago I was contacted by Jonathan Dhauw, a film studies major at UCI (Zot! Zot!). We have previously acted in a short film together (which never got finished) and he invited me to act in his newest project, a short for a film contest sponsored by some big names.
I love student films. It becomes less about the finished product and more about the learning experience. I learn a lot more about film production during a student film than during a professional shoot, since I get to do more things. I got to help out with lighting (putting my photography training into play!), I got to hold the boom, and I got to really add my ideas to the film. And I had so much fun!
Check it out at the link below and comment on it at the Interpretations website. The more comments we get the better our chances of winning!
http://interpretationsfilm.com/members/zotshot/
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Callback!
"When it rains, it pours"
Since signing with my new commercial agency in June, I was only sent out on 4 auditions. In almost 3 months. That worried me, especially since this agency was known for getting their people out a lot. Was it me? Was it my pictures? Did they not know/care/pitch me? There were a lot of questions going through my mind.
But I should have known: things just come in spurts. Sure enough, last week alone I had 5 auditions from them. 2 for print, 2 for SAG national commercials (the big ones!) and 1 for an industrial (non-broadcast videos, usually for private company use).
The main ones I cared about were the 2 commercials. One of them was having callbacks on Monday and one on Wednesday. They usually inform you the day before, so I knew if I didn't hear anything by Tuesday, I didn't get a callback.
Tuesday came and left. And I had 0 calls from my agency about any of my auditions.
Then yesterday I got the call. I had a callback for one of the commercials for today! I guess they moved the callback date.
While at the callback, I was one of the only 2 "ethnic" girls there (out of the 20+ people I saw) and I'm pretty sure I was the shortest (I'm 5'5). They were looking for young, hipster people so everyone there was model gorgeous and tall. I felt kind of out of place but it was a fun callback. No matter what happens I was happy just to get called back. We will see what happens!
Meanwhile, I've been getting text messages and Facebook messages that my 365 episode is now airing on the Disney Channel (thanks everyone for letting me know!). If you haven't seen it yet, check it out here:
http://www.disneymusicals.com/show.php?show=camp_rock
Updates soon and please leave a comment if you're reading my blog! I'll try to update regularly but only if there seems to be interest :)
Since signing with my new commercial agency in June, I was only sent out on 4 auditions. In almost 3 months. That worried me, especially since this agency was known for getting their people out a lot. Was it me? Was it my pictures? Did they not know/care/pitch me? There were a lot of questions going through my mind.
But I should have known: things just come in spurts. Sure enough, last week alone I had 5 auditions from them. 2 for print, 2 for SAG national commercials (the big ones!) and 1 for an industrial (non-broadcast videos, usually for private company use).
The main ones I cared about were the 2 commercials. One of them was having callbacks on Monday and one on Wednesday. They usually inform you the day before, so I knew if I didn't hear anything by Tuesday, I didn't get a callback.
Tuesday came and left. And I had 0 calls from my agency about any of my auditions.
Then yesterday I got the call. I had a callback for one of the commercials for today! I guess they moved the callback date.
While at the callback, I was one of the only 2 "ethnic" girls there (out of the 20+ people I saw) and I'm pretty sure I was the shortest (I'm 5'5). They were looking for young, hipster people so everyone there was model gorgeous and tall. I felt kind of out of place but it was a fun callback. No matter what happens I was happy just to get called back. We will see what happens!
Meanwhile, I've been getting text messages and Facebook messages that my 365 episode is now airing on the Disney Channel (thanks everyone for letting me know!). If you haven't seen it yet, check it out here:
http://www.disneymusicals.com/show.php?show=camp_rock
Updates soon and please leave a comment if you're reading my blog! I'll try to update regularly but only if there seems to be interest :)
Introducing...
Hi my name is Diane and I'm an actress.
Am I a recognizable actress? Definitely not. Am I completely new to the world of acting? Almost, but not quite.
I'm somewhere in between. An entry-level actress. Which makes sense, considering I received my degree in drama this past June (woot Class of 2010!). My minor was in business management and that's how I plan to pursue acting: like an actual business. No unrealistic dreams or starry eyes. No diva like antics. Just good old fashioned hard work and lots of ambition.
Welcome to my world.
Am I a recognizable actress? Definitely not. Am I completely new to the world of acting? Almost, but not quite.
I'm somewhere in between. An entry-level actress. Which makes sense, considering I received my degree in drama this past June (woot Class of 2010!). My minor was in business management and that's how I plan to pursue acting: like an actual business. No unrealistic dreams or starry eyes. No diva like antics. Just good old fashioned hard work and lots of ambition.
Welcome to my world.
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