Just a friendly reminder to all in the Vancouver BC area that a night of plays in which I am preforming begins ... wait for it ... Tuesday night 8pm at Havana Theatre on Commercial Drive. That's 1212 Commercial Drive, for those with Google-mapping tendencies. Hit-up highhorsetheatre.com for tickets, $15 for civilians, $10 for students. Bring a friend or two or fifty-nine with you.
"Specter" by Don Nigro, "The Problem" by A.R. Gurney and "Fool For Love" by Sam Shepard are all part of this delicious three-course night of "... unrivaled entertainment" - The Will Street Journal, and " ... the kind of acting that makes you look at yourself in the mirror and say 'no matter what I do in life, it shall be a meaningless endeavor compared to the feat I've just witnessed.'" - The Vaughancouver Sun.
I had my first audition in a looong time last week, and it consisted of two lines, with is a 100% increase over the line I had in my previous audition which was ... six weeks ago. Memories not what it used to be.
This was one of those things where I was reading auditioners for the project, and the Executive Producer himself asked me(!) to audition for a certain role. With enthusiastic pluck, and vim, and vinegar and caffeine, I read those two lines ... well, like a nervous wreck.
The Exec was laughing at me even as I was walking in the room,
"Look at how nervous he is now that he has to be on camera!"
I don't usually think of myself as a nervous person, and in this case I didn't freeze, I just had a nervous twitch in my legs. I was able to relax more after a few takes, but man; I either need to take another acting class, or I just need to audition more.
"2009 will be your year," says my agent at my agencies voice acting workshop this past weekend. This workshop was intended to give us a chance to go into the recording studio and work on mike technique, voice over auditions and stuff like that. I discovered I can't "read" young, because I resonate too low. It's cuz I'm so many and masculine. Well, no one actually said that to me, but I could tell that they were all thinkin' it. Hopefully I'll have some luck recording commercial voice-overs. The Agency Christmas party is tomorrow. Did somebody say open bar?
Well, 2009 isn't here yet, but if I could use "my year" anytime, it would be now. I know I'm on the cusp of something. A lot of changes have happened already. Hopefully I'll a semi-permanent address soon so I can get my life in order and concentrate on what I need to do to succeed. It's why I can come a across as nervous or too serious; I just want to well. I need to concentrate very hard to do what I need to do. And a lot of the times concentration is easier said tha- I'M HUNGRY.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
T-Minus One Month
'Til I'm home in Halifax. Well, home for a rest, so to speak.
"Home is where your rump rests" - Pumbaa The Warthog, The Lion King, 1994
A lot regarding my living situation has been altered since last I wrote. In trying to get out of a place I couldn't afford, I found a replacement. Set to move in at the end of October, I was ready to move out. Didn't take long to find a new living arrangement, which I came across by chance having only concentrated on getting out of one place and not getting into another.
I met with my friend to apply for the lease, and an hour later I was on my way. I said goodbye and awaited the call from the rental office saying all the references have been called and everything was in order.
At work on Saturday, October 25 I had stayed later than planned. Being cheesed that I was missing a photo shoot with my Theatre Company, one of the hostesses came to me saying there was "some cop on the phone" for me. Odd, I thought. I hadn't done anything illegal lately, as far as I knew.
"Hello William? This is *cop's name* calling from the Vancouver Police Department, how much longer will you be at work?" I told him, and he said he was going to meet me there, because he had to talk and it was an emergency.
He met me there with his partner and asked me about the roommate that my friend (the one I was moving in with) was living with. I told them the limited information I had, having only "met" her last week. I say "met" because I never actually saw her, I just heard her voice coming from the room I was moving into. She was just some woman that he found on Craigslist to live with him for one month.
After questioning, they told me: My friend was seriously injured and was in the hospital. I had the feeling something was wrong as they were questioning me, and in the end I was glad he was in the hospital, and not somewhere worse.
After work, I went with a friend to visit him, but he was in the Intensive Care Unit, and therefore could only be visited by immediate family. The nurse told us that if he makes it out of The ICU then he'll be moved to the Burn Unit. Burn Unit?
Having little information, I called some friends who told me more: The roommate I "met" was murdered, and my friend was an innocent bystander. I found out more information from the paper, which reported that the apartment I was supposed to move into a week later had exploded. An ex-boyfriend of the woman living there was caught and charge with second-degree murder and attempted murder.
My friend remains in The ICU, receiving skin grafts and dialysis and battling Super-bugs. Another friend of mine has been visiting him regularly, and reporting on his progress.
The hardest part through all of this is seeing the story in the paper. He was just another person you read about, between the murders and the robberies and the car accidents. But he was my friend. He is my friend. One of the nicest, most self-less guys that I know, and if anyone is getting through this, it's him. I can't wait to see him again.
After all of this two of my roommates up and left the townhouse, moving back to Alberta for a few months. My remaining roommate told me to tell the guy I found to replace me to forget it; he wasn't going to live there with strangers. Rather than dash on the lease, we were left to find new tenants, which luckily didn't take long. The landlord showed the place to two groups, and the second group said they'd it. So now I had my out again, with no in. Well, I had some friends offer me a couch to sleep on, but no new place.
A slight upgrade from the couch is an entire room to stay in. I'll be staying with a very generous person for December, which works for me, because I'll be gone for a week anyway, so no point in paying a whole month's rent. But come January, I'll be wanting a place for my own. And just my own. No more roommates for me. That last sentence isn't carved in stone, but if you want to take care of yourself, you just gotta do it yourself, I guess.
November's been rough: No auditions, occasionally reading, but no full time projects. I was asked to read for next week, but work got in the way. Luckily I have one thing keeping me going: High Horse Theatre.
A couple of buddies of mine from back home finished their Theatre school, moved to Vancouver and two weeks later had an entire company up and running. Talk about efficiency. They asked me to be in their production of "Fool For Love" by Sam Sheppard. I love being asked to do things. I was more than happy to do it, and we've been rehearsing steadily ever since.
We'll be putting on our shows (three one-act plays) at Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC. The shows are on December 9-13 and 16-20. Curtain rises at 8pm each night. Don't be late. Buy tickets or donate at our website (copy and paste it):
http://www.highhorsetheatre.com
Despite how not fun it's been to recollect on the last month, I figure:
"The night is darkest before the dawn, and I tell you the dawn is coming!" - Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight, 2008
"Home is where your rump rests" - Pumbaa The Warthog, The Lion King, 1994
A lot regarding my living situation has been altered since last I wrote. In trying to get out of a place I couldn't afford, I found a replacement. Set to move in at the end of October, I was ready to move out. Didn't take long to find a new living arrangement, which I came across by chance having only concentrated on getting out of one place and not getting into another.
I met with my friend to apply for the lease, and an hour later I was on my way. I said goodbye and awaited the call from the rental office saying all the references have been called and everything was in order.
At work on Saturday, October 25 I had stayed later than planned. Being cheesed that I was missing a photo shoot with my Theatre Company, one of the hostesses came to me saying there was "some cop on the phone" for me. Odd, I thought. I hadn't done anything illegal lately, as far as I knew.
"Hello William? This is *cop's name* calling from the Vancouver Police Department, how much longer will you be at work?" I told him, and he said he was going to meet me there, because he had to talk and it was an emergency.
He met me there with his partner and asked me about the roommate that my friend (the one I was moving in with) was living with. I told them the limited information I had, having only "met" her last week. I say "met" because I never actually saw her, I just heard her voice coming from the room I was moving into. She was just some woman that he found on Craigslist to live with him for one month.
After questioning, they told me: My friend was seriously injured and was in the hospital. I had the feeling something was wrong as they were questioning me, and in the end I was glad he was in the hospital, and not somewhere worse.
After work, I went with a friend to visit him, but he was in the Intensive Care Unit, and therefore could only be visited by immediate family. The nurse told us that if he makes it out of The ICU then he'll be moved to the Burn Unit. Burn Unit?
Having little information, I called some friends who told me more: The roommate I "met" was murdered, and my friend was an innocent bystander. I found out more information from the paper, which reported that the apartment I was supposed to move into a week later had exploded. An ex-boyfriend of the woman living there was caught and charge with second-degree murder and attempted murder.
My friend remains in The ICU, receiving skin grafts and dialysis and battling Super-bugs. Another friend of mine has been visiting him regularly, and reporting on his progress.
The hardest part through all of this is seeing the story in the paper. He was just another person you read about, between the murders and the robberies and the car accidents. But he was my friend. He is my friend. One of the nicest, most self-less guys that I know, and if anyone is getting through this, it's him. I can't wait to see him again.
After all of this two of my roommates up and left the townhouse, moving back to Alberta for a few months. My remaining roommate told me to tell the guy I found to replace me to forget it; he wasn't going to live there with strangers. Rather than dash on the lease, we were left to find new tenants, which luckily didn't take long. The landlord showed the place to two groups, and the second group said they'd it. So now I had my out again, with no in. Well, I had some friends offer me a couch to sleep on, but no new place.
A slight upgrade from the couch is an entire room to stay in. I'll be staying with a very generous person for December, which works for me, because I'll be gone for a week anyway, so no point in paying a whole month's rent. But come January, I'll be wanting a place for my own. And just my own. No more roommates for me. That last sentence isn't carved in stone, but if you want to take care of yourself, you just gotta do it yourself, I guess.
November's been rough: No auditions, occasionally reading, but no full time projects. I was asked to read for next week, but work got in the way. Luckily I have one thing keeping me going: High Horse Theatre.
A couple of buddies of mine from back home finished their Theatre school, moved to Vancouver and two weeks later had an entire company up and running. Talk about efficiency. They asked me to be in their production of "Fool For Love" by Sam Sheppard. I love being asked to do things. I was more than happy to do it, and we've been rehearsing steadily ever since.
We'll be putting on our shows (three one-act plays) at Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC. The shows are on December 9-13 and 16-20. Curtain rises at 8pm each night. Don't be late. Buy tickets or donate at our website (copy and paste it):
http://www.highhorsetheatre.com
Despite how not fun it's been to recollect on the last month, I figure:
"The night is darkest before the dawn, and I tell you the dawn is coming!" - Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Bootstrap
Nicknames are a funny thing. I've had a few in my life, some I've not necessarily wanted, but as nicknames often go, they stick no matter what. "Rookie" is one that I never understood, and still don't to this day.
At work, I've received the nickname "Bootstrap", which I didn't understand immediately, but upon pondering the matter, I realized I'm nicknamed after "Bootstrap" Bill Turner from the Pirates Of The Caribbean trilogy. Often this nickname is accompanied by stereotypical pirate cries of "Yar", and the like. Now this name has since branched-off from "buckle my boots" to "Buckles", but the core name still remains.
Now, onto this week.
Battlestar Galactica was a blast. I worked with two other actors who were on for these "Webisodes", and we all got along smashingly. We all had a similar dry sense of humour, and we cracked each other up on numerous occasions. The regulars on the show were fun too, and the crew was very laid-back and easy-going.
I play a pilot on the Webisode, and anyone who has seen the show knows that all the pilots get nicknames. "Starbuck", "Boomer", "Racetrack" and "Helo" are what some of the main characters have, so what did I suggest when they asked what my nickname should be?
"Bootstrap."
"Yeah, 'Bootstrap', that's a good one."
They actually "label" the ship with the pilot's nickname, so when I later saw "Shark", I didn't quite understand why I'm flying some other guy's ship when I then realized that they didn't take my suggestion. Not that I'm complaining about "Shark". The fact that the name of a character I've played has been plastered on the side of a spaceship, while I wear a flight suit with a helmet and a gun strapped to my leg is the coolest thing I could ever ask for.
But the "Bootstrap" fun doesn't end there.
At work last night, one of the porters comes back to tell me,
"Those guys from that awful show 'Supernatural' are at the bar, and one of them is actually flexing for a fan."
Oh, I had to see this. I do a very clever thing when scoping celebs at the bar, which is I pretend I'm looking for someone else so I don't look too obvious. Oh yeah, I'm smooth. Sure enough there was Sam and Dean Winchester, the guys I play almost every time I read on the North Shore. So, I see 'em, and think "cool, I've seen 'em," and go on about my business (because it is "my business") when I later get assigned to bathroom-checking duty.
So I'm wiping up the counter that seems to never be dry, when lo and behold the Winchester boys bust in, laughing and cavorting, as often brothers do. I step out to grab some c-fold paper towels, and go back in where Jensen Ackles (AKA Dean) is talking to the guy they're with. One of the off-duty kitchen guys comes in to relieve himself and acknowledges me with a "Bootstrap!"
"Bootstrap?" inquired Jensen.
"Yeah it's my nickname," said I.
"Bootstrap?" he persisted, still curious.
"Well yeah, my name's Will, so it's like 'bootstrap' Bill Turner from 'Pirates of The Caribbean."
"Oh. I just said 'nice shirt' to that guy, 'cuz it's got the big letters on it, and he just says 'bootstrap'."
"Oh, so he totally ignored you?"
"Yeah."
"Weak, man."
And then, I couldn't resist. I had my opening.
"You know, I read for your show all the time."
"Really?" he said, smiling big.
"Yeah, actually one of the girls who works here was on the episode that aired last night."
"Which one?"
"Oh, she was the girl at the doctor's office in the '70's episode."
"Oh yeah, I remember. Hey man, I'm Jensen what's your name?"
I then shook his freshly-washed (I hope) hand, and went on my my way. I could have shot him a "see you on set one day", but that would have been a bit much.
Or would it?
At work, I've received the nickname "Bootstrap", which I didn't understand immediately, but upon pondering the matter, I realized I'm nicknamed after "Bootstrap" Bill Turner from the Pirates Of The Caribbean trilogy. Often this nickname is accompanied by stereotypical pirate cries of "Yar", and the like. Now this name has since branched-off from "buckle my boots" to "Buckles", but the core name still remains.
Now, onto this week.
Battlestar Galactica was a blast. I worked with two other actors who were on for these "Webisodes", and we all got along smashingly. We all had a similar dry sense of humour, and we cracked each other up on numerous occasions. The regulars on the show were fun too, and the crew was very laid-back and easy-going.
I play a pilot on the Webisode, and anyone who has seen the show knows that all the pilots get nicknames. "Starbuck", "Boomer", "Racetrack" and "Helo" are what some of the main characters have, so what did I suggest when they asked what my nickname should be?
"Bootstrap."
"Yeah, 'Bootstrap', that's a good one."
They actually "label" the ship with the pilot's nickname, so when I later saw "Shark", I didn't quite understand why I'm flying some other guy's ship when I then realized that they didn't take my suggestion. Not that I'm complaining about "Shark". The fact that the name of a character I've played has been plastered on the side of a spaceship, while I wear a flight suit with a helmet and a gun strapped to my leg is the coolest thing I could ever ask for.
But the "Bootstrap" fun doesn't end there.
At work last night, one of the porters comes back to tell me,
"Those guys from that awful show 'Supernatural' are at the bar, and one of them is actually flexing for a fan."
Oh, I had to see this. I do a very clever thing when scoping celebs at the bar, which is I pretend I'm looking for someone else so I don't look too obvious. Oh yeah, I'm smooth. Sure enough there was Sam and Dean Winchester, the guys I play almost every time I read on the North Shore. So, I see 'em, and think "cool, I've seen 'em," and go on about my business (because it is "my business") when I later get assigned to bathroom-checking duty.
So I'm wiping up the counter that seems to never be dry, when lo and behold the Winchester boys bust in, laughing and cavorting, as often brothers do. I step out to grab some c-fold paper towels, and go back in where Jensen Ackles (AKA Dean) is talking to the guy they're with. One of the off-duty kitchen guys comes in to relieve himself and acknowledges me with a "Bootstrap!"
"Bootstrap?" inquired Jensen.
"Yeah it's my nickname," said I.
"Bootstrap?" he persisted, still curious.
"Well yeah, my name's Will, so it's like 'bootstrap' Bill Turner from 'Pirates of The Caribbean."
"Oh. I just said 'nice shirt' to that guy, 'cuz it's got the big letters on it, and he just says 'bootstrap'."
"Oh, so he totally ignored you?"
"Yeah."
"Weak, man."
And then, I couldn't resist. I had my opening.
"You know, I read for your show all the time."
"Really?" he said, smiling big.
"Yeah, actually one of the girls who works here was on the episode that aired last night."
"Which one?"
"Oh, she was the girl at the doctor's office in the '70's episode."
"Oh yeah, I remember. Hey man, I'm Jensen what's your name?"
I then shook his freshly-washed (I hope) hand, and went on my my way. I could have shot him a "see you on set one day", but that would have been a bit much.
Or would it?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
So Hot Right Now
Before I natter-on about my life, a fellow Nova Scotian has moved out here and is blogging about his life as a couch-surfing PA (currently working on a project I auditioned for). He's also an aspiring actor, having taken Theatre at Bishop's University. It's not as highly-regarded as VFS, but irregardless of that, the link to "No I am Not Judd Nelson" is that-a-way --->
Man I needed today.
I've come to the realization that my moods depend on my acting; if the acting is going well, I feel fine. If there's nothing going, then I feel lousy.
To begin, I got a call back for Supernatural, which I think holds the record for most auditions for a single show for me. Actually, most for a TV show, "I Love You, Beth Cooper" still holds the record for most auditions for a single project.
And yes, eight months into my career, I have "records." And they are shoddily-kept. Deal with it.
This one is ... interesting. The whole story about how this audition came to be is rather remarkable. So, allow me to remark upon it.
Last Thursday I read for Supernatural Episode #407, but #408 was reading for one character: A giant, animatronic Teddy Bear. So, the guys came in, I read, they acted, and then the Casting Director suggested that I audition for the part. Well, when it's offered, who can say no? So later that day, I auditioned, and when they asked about any "costume/movement experience" I told them I played Darth Vader in a short (*COUGH* ) and that I took movement classes at VFS.
So today I got the call back for it, and it's a good part because if I book it my face won't be shown, so I can always come back and do another episode.
Maybe "Beth Cooper's" record will be broken after all.
Later that day at the gym I see none other than the Tooth Fairy himself, looking ripped. Like, very ripped. He's not as thick as he was in his wrestling days, but he's still large. I was slightly tempted to go chat him up and be all "hey, you know those guys you're acting with? I knew 'em first, and I helped all of 'em get the job," but I didn't want to bug him during his work-out. I also didn't want to suffered a "Rock Bottom" directly onto the gym floor, and the subsequent "People's Elbow" that would follow. I'm sure he still fights like that in real life.
After all that excitement, I check my phone after coming out of the gym shower, and see a message from my agent.
Without going into too much detail, I'm being "held" from the 24-27th of this month to film a "Webisode" (definition: an "episode", but on the "world wide web", hence the oh-so-clever combination of the words into "webisode"; nothing to do with spiders, I'm afraid) of a certain TV show that filmed it's last episode in July and is now making an MOW and is now apparently making webisodes. It's the show that will not die, and I never want it to.
I'm super-psyched just to be acting in it, and with no details, my brain is going wild imagining what this could entail. I mean, webisode = web series, right? Possible recurring? Ohh, I do love that word "recurring". Another cool thing is I could be shooting on the 26th, which is my birthday, which certainly beats being in an OFA class all day like I was last year. The gay improve show that night was pretty fun, glad I didn't really kiss that Drag Queen.
Moving on.
More Celebrity sightings tonight as Owen Wilson sat at the bar at the World-Famous Cactus Club Cafe, and left happy. He was watching the Monday Night Cowboys/Eagles game, and had to be pleased at the outcome. My guess is that he was in town for "Night At The Museum 2".
I told the roomies I couldn't live where I am now, and thankfully they understood. I'm a big reason we moved here, as I wanted the three of us to stay together, but the place is just too much for me. They love it, which is good, I just need to find another person with some money to love it as much as they do. If you (yes, YOU, Mr. or Mrs. Reader) are at all interested, drop me a line and I can dish the deets on the place. Finding a replacement is top priority, finding another place will be second.
That second part should be easy, considering the front page of the paper was about the record-low vacancy rates in Vancouver. No big deal.
Man I needed today.
I've come to the realization that my moods depend on my acting; if the acting is going well, I feel fine. If there's nothing going, then I feel lousy.
To begin, I got a call back for Supernatural, which I think holds the record for most auditions for a single show for me. Actually, most for a TV show, "I Love You, Beth Cooper" still holds the record for most auditions for a single project.
And yes, eight months into my career, I have "records." And they are shoddily-kept. Deal with it.
This one is ... interesting. The whole story about how this audition came to be is rather remarkable. So, allow me to remark upon it.
Last Thursday I read for Supernatural Episode #407, but #408 was reading for one character: A giant, animatronic Teddy Bear. So, the guys came in, I read, they acted, and then the Casting Director suggested that I audition for the part. Well, when it's offered, who can say no? So later that day, I auditioned, and when they asked about any "costume/movement experience" I told them I played Darth Vader in a short (*COUGH* ) and that I took movement classes at VFS.
So today I got the call back for it, and it's a good part because if I book it my face won't be shown, so I can always come back and do another episode.
Maybe "Beth Cooper's" record will be broken after all.
Later that day at the gym I see none other than the Tooth Fairy himself, looking ripped. Like, very ripped. He's not as thick as he was in his wrestling days, but he's still large. I was slightly tempted to go chat him up and be all "hey, you know those guys you're acting with? I knew 'em first, and I helped all of 'em get the job," but I didn't want to bug him during his work-out. I also didn't want to suffered a "Rock Bottom" directly onto the gym floor, and the subsequent "People's Elbow" that would follow. I'm sure he still fights like that in real life.
After all that excitement, I check my phone after coming out of the gym shower, and see a message from my agent.
Without going into too much detail, I'm being "held" from the 24-27th of this month to film a "Webisode" (definition: an "episode", but on the "world wide web", hence the oh-so-clever combination of the words into "webisode"; nothing to do with spiders, I'm afraid) of a certain TV show that filmed it's last episode in July and is now making an MOW and is now apparently making webisodes. It's the show that will not die, and I never want it to.
I'm super-psyched just to be acting in it, and with no details, my brain is going wild imagining what this could entail. I mean, webisode = web series, right? Possible recurring? Ohh, I do love that word "recurring". Another cool thing is I could be shooting on the 26th, which is my birthday, which certainly beats being in an OFA class all day like I was last year. The gay improve show that night was pretty fun, glad I didn't really kiss that Drag Queen.
Moving on.
More Celebrity sightings tonight as Owen Wilson sat at the bar at the World-Famous Cactus Club Cafe, and left happy. He was watching the Monday Night Cowboys/Eagles game, and had to be pleased at the outcome. My guess is that he was in town for "Night At The Museum 2".
I told the roomies I couldn't live where I am now, and thankfully they understood. I'm a big reason we moved here, as I wanted the three of us to stay together, but the place is just too much for me. They love it, which is good, I just need to find another person with some money to love it as much as they do. If you (yes, YOU, Mr. or Mrs. Reader) are at all interested, drop me a line and I can dish the deets on the place. Finding a replacement is top priority, finding another place will be second.
That second part should be easy, considering the front page of the paper was about the record-low vacancy rates in Vancouver. No big deal.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
So Much To Do, So Much To See-attle
Since last I wrote, I:
- Taped an audition for something shooting in Romania.
- Pretty much became a full-time reader.
- Moved.
- Auditioned in front of the guy I was supposed to act with in Battlestar Galactica.
- Visited Seattle.
Let's take it from the top, shall we?
The taping was for a Sci-Fi MOW called "Hellhounds". I don't know who at Sci-Fi is coming up with these titles, but they're brilliant (sadly, DRAGONSTEEL has changed its name to "Mirabilis", which is the name of the world where the story is set. Lame). The audition was for the lead role, which was pretty cool, but they needed to know some things first:
1. Do you have a valid passport? (I do)
2. Do you have any allergies? (I don't)
3. Do you have any tattoos? (I don't)
4. Can you ride a horse? (I ... can, I guess)
My reader for my taping slept past her alarm, so being a little stressed before the taping didn't help. Luckily, my female roommate was able to bail me out, and I gave an audition that my agent called "good work". Well, that's a relief.
I met with him recently, saying that my work is good, but he's not sure why I'm not booking as often. He keeps harping on this "testosterone" thing that he says this town needs. So, we decided an image change might be in order. Nothing huge, just change the hair a little (which I never really cared for anyway) and grow some scruff. Sweet, the beard's comin' back, baby!
He's also worried that I'm reading too much, which is wearing me down a little. I read in the day and I work at night, which leaves virtually no time to go to they gym, or to get anything simple done, like dry-cleaning. I told him that I don't want to be a career reader, but I need the money, and I like doing it. He doesn't mind me doing it, he just thinks four or five times a week is excessive.
The move was the entire day Sunday, helping the movers get everything into the van (except for my bed, what great luck on my part) and the second half of the day was spent cleaning, which turned out to be sub-par anyway, according to the landlady.
This new place is quite nice ... but I can't stay. I'll find me a replacement roomie and cheaper digs. It's just way more than I need, and to pay for it, I need to be working way more than I should. I'm making some money reading, but it's not consistent, and Cactus Club is scaling back hours across the board. I'd be nice to book a part, but I don't have much control over that.
I thought I had a great chance with a Battlestar Galactica MOW that they're making. Edward James Olmos, the guy I was supposed to share a scene with when I first booked on the show, was directing. I couldn't help but tell him:
"Hey man, I supposed to do a scene with you on the last episode, but they didn't shoot it."
"Well, let's see if we can't get this one," he said.
Well, I didn't get this one, but I came close. But hey, close only counts in horse-shoes, hand-grenades, and US Federal Elections.
My parents came to visit last Thursday, and are currently somewhere between Golden, BC and Banff, AB. We went to Seattle last Friday, which was fun. It's the first major American city I've ever visited, and I got to see the first ever Starbucks. Way cool. I got me $100 in green-backs before going down, but I didn't spend near all of it. I wanted a Pearl Jam shirt, but I ended-up with a Big Lebowksi t-shirt, and Washington University hoodie. Not a bad haul, and the good part is that it's close enough that I can just make a day of it again.
Or a weekend of it, if the Seahawks were playing, for instance.
- Taped an audition for something shooting in Romania.
- Pretty much became a full-time reader.
- Moved.
- Auditioned in front of the guy I was supposed to act with in Battlestar Galactica.
- Visited Seattle.
Let's take it from the top, shall we?
The taping was for a Sci-Fi MOW called "Hellhounds". I don't know who at Sci-Fi is coming up with these titles, but they're brilliant (sadly, DRAGONSTEEL has changed its name to "Mirabilis", which is the name of the world where the story is set. Lame). The audition was for the lead role, which was pretty cool, but they needed to know some things first:
1. Do you have a valid passport? (I do)
2. Do you have any allergies? (I don't)
3. Do you have any tattoos? (I don't)
4. Can you ride a horse? (I ... can, I guess)
My reader for my taping slept past her alarm, so being a little stressed before the taping didn't help. Luckily, my female roommate was able to bail me out, and I gave an audition that my agent called "good work". Well, that's a relief.
I met with him recently, saying that my work is good, but he's not sure why I'm not booking as often. He keeps harping on this "testosterone" thing that he says this town needs. So, we decided an image change might be in order. Nothing huge, just change the hair a little (which I never really cared for anyway) and grow some scruff. Sweet, the beard's comin' back, baby!
He's also worried that I'm reading too much, which is wearing me down a little. I read in the day and I work at night, which leaves virtually no time to go to they gym, or to get anything simple done, like dry-cleaning. I told him that I don't want to be a career reader, but I need the money, and I like doing it. He doesn't mind me doing it, he just thinks four or five times a week is excessive.
The move was the entire day Sunday, helping the movers get everything into the van (except for my bed, what great luck on my part) and the second half of the day was spent cleaning, which turned out to be sub-par anyway, according to the landlady.
This new place is quite nice ... but I can't stay. I'll find me a replacement roomie and cheaper digs. It's just way more than I need, and to pay for it, I need to be working way more than I should. I'm making some money reading, but it's not consistent, and Cactus Club is scaling back hours across the board. I'd be nice to book a part, but I don't have much control over that.
I thought I had a great chance with a Battlestar Galactica MOW that they're making. Edward James Olmos, the guy I was supposed to share a scene with when I first booked on the show, was directing. I couldn't help but tell him:
"Hey man, I supposed to do a scene with you on the last episode, but they didn't shoot it."
"Well, let's see if we can't get this one," he said.
Well, I didn't get this one, but I came close. But hey, close only counts in horse-shoes, hand-grenades, and US Federal Elections.
My parents came to visit last Thursday, and are currently somewhere between Golden, BC and Banff, AB. We went to Seattle last Friday, which was fun. It's the first major American city I've ever visited, and I got to see the first ever Starbucks. Way cool. I got me $100 in green-backs before going down, but I didn't spend near all of it. I wanted a Pearl Jam shirt, but I ended-up with a Big Lebowksi t-shirt, and Washington University hoodie. Not a bad haul, and the good part is that it's close enough that I can just make a day of it again.
Or a weekend of it, if the Seahawks were playing, for instance.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Pending For A Bending
Looking back on my iCal, I've had as many auditions in the past week as I had in the entire month of July. Listen folks, it's slow, it's been slow and it remains slow. "It'll pick-up" is the mantra of my and many other agents, and has been for the past five months or so. Can't begrudge them for positive thinking.
I've been reading more often for the Casting Directors in North Vancouver, due to the fact that one of the girls who reads for them (from my agency, no less) is gone for the entire month of August. It's a great honour just to be asked, and to become a "regular" is even better. I hate to use the word "job" where acting is concerned, but I consider this my second job. Today I found out that I am "the guy" for a feature they're casting called "Tooth Fairy".
Basically it stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who takes a "The Santa Clause"-esque turn (it's directed by the same guy as TSC 2 & 3) as a nocturnal collector of ejected juvenile enamel. Once I found out about Mr. Johnson's involvement, my excitement regarding the project went from a 7/10 to around 70/10. I'm that pumped that FINALLY, THE ROCK HAS COME BACK ... TO VANCOUVER! I'm a wresting geek and I make no apologies for my tastes whatsoever.
I was given an audition for the project last week, as a guy who trains The Rock in the ways of the 'Fairies. I had an acting coach offer to coach me at 7:30am the morning of the audition, and though hella early, I could not refuse the offer.
"Just be good," he said, "I've had a lot of crappy coachings."
I thought I'd bond with him on that level by mentioning one of the guys who I read for in the audition room, who I felt was not auditioning at the level needed (read: I thought he sucked).
"Quit the job before you get mean."
Wow. That hit hard.
"Quit the job before you get mean, because it'll make your work small. I've just seen a lot readeritis happen, I can recognize the cycle."
I certainly don't want this reading thing to hurt my career in any way. Tonight he explained to me, after I defended myself saying that I am impressed more often than I am unimpressed in the room:
"You're not there to be impressed, you're there to get them the job." Guess I gotta know my role, and shut my mouth ... until I have a line, then I gotta read it.
After the Tooth Fairy audition, I had my agent call about a project called "The Last Airbender", which sounded familiar to me, especially after my agent's comment that it was an "interesting script". Also, the audition was on a Saturday afternoon, which is uncommon.
Here's the deal: it's the live-action version of the Nick cartoon "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (an "Avatar" is a being that can "bend" earth, air, fire wand water, but also it's the title of a James Cameron movie coming out in 2009, so this one has to drop it and stick to "The Last Airbender"). This will also be directed my M. Night Shyamalan whom, whether you've lost all faith in him or not, is an interesting choice to helm a trilogy based on a cartoon. A cartoon with martial arts and cool effects (basically "bending" = controlling the element).
My character was a fire bender, which is the most awesomest of elements to bend ("airbending" is what I do after a hearty bowl chili, "waterbending" is what I do after I "break the seal" at the bar, and earthbending ... you don't wanna KNOW earthbending.) After the audition they asked about any martial arts or dance background that I may have, to which I responded: not much. Sometimes the truth hurts ... your chances of booking the part. I don't want to sound like a defeatist, but I have snowball's chance in the fire province of bending this part, as they're casting a broad net across North America for this one.
Monday I had an audition for a Casting Director that I've tried to see twice, but couldn't due to other commitments (i.e: reading). This one was for an Movie-of-the-Week called "The Boy Next Door", a formulaic murder-mystery that was enjoyable to work on, if only to have fun with genre. This detective stuff is kind of my bag, and certain people should certainly know why.
I just wish I had my trench-coat.
I've been reading more often for the Casting Directors in North Vancouver, due to the fact that one of the girls who reads for them (from my agency, no less) is gone for the entire month of August. It's a great honour just to be asked, and to become a "regular" is even better. I hate to use the word "job" where acting is concerned, but I consider this my second job. Today I found out that I am "the guy" for a feature they're casting called "Tooth Fairy".
Basically it stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who takes a "The Santa Clause"-esque turn (it's directed by the same guy as TSC 2 & 3) as a nocturnal collector of ejected juvenile enamel. Once I found out about Mr. Johnson's involvement, my excitement regarding the project went from a 7/10 to around 70/10. I'm that pumped that FINALLY, THE ROCK HAS COME BACK ... TO VANCOUVER! I'm a wresting geek and I make no apologies for my tastes whatsoever.
I was given an audition for the project last week, as a guy who trains The Rock in the ways of the 'Fairies. I had an acting coach offer to coach me at 7:30am the morning of the audition, and though hella early, I could not refuse the offer.
"Just be good," he said, "I've had a lot of crappy coachings."
I thought I'd bond with him on that level by mentioning one of the guys who I read for in the audition room, who I felt was not auditioning at the level needed (read: I thought he sucked).
"Quit the job before you get mean."
Wow. That hit hard.
"Quit the job before you get mean, because it'll make your work small. I've just seen a lot readeritis happen, I can recognize the cycle."
I certainly don't want this reading thing to hurt my career in any way. Tonight he explained to me, after I defended myself saying that I am impressed more often than I am unimpressed in the room:
"You're not there to be impressed, you're there to get them the job." Guess I gotta know my role, and shut my mouth ... until I have a line, then I gotta read it.
After the Tooth Fairy audition, I had my agent call about a project called "The Last Airbender", which sounded familiar to me, especially after my agent's comment that it was an "interesting script". Also, the audition was on a Saturday afternoon, which is uncommon.
Here's the deal: it's the live-action version of the Nick cartoon "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (an "Avatar" is a being that can "bend" earth, air, fire wand water, but also it's the title of a James Cameron movie coming out in 2009, so this one has to drop it and stick to "The Last Airbender"). This will also be directed my M. Night Shyamalan whom, whether you've lost all faith in him or not, is an interesting choice to helm a trilogy based on a cartoon. A cartoon with martial arts and cool effects (basically "bending" = controlling the element).
My character was a fire bender, which is the most awesomest of elements to bend ("airbending" is what I do after a hearty bowl chili, "waterbending" is what I do after I "break the seal" at the bar, and earthbending ... you don't wanna KNOW earthbending.) After the audition they asked about any martial arts or dance background that I may have, to which I responded: not much. Sometimes the truth hurts ... your chances of booking the part. I don't want to sound like a defeatist, but I have snowball's chance in the fire province of bending this part, as they're casting a broad net across North America for this one.
Monday I had an audition for a Casting Director that I've tried to see twice, but couldn't due to other commitments (i.e: reading). This one was for an Movie-of-the-Week called "The Boy Next Door", a formulaic murder-mystery that was enjoyable to work on, if only to have fun with genre. This detective stuff is kind of my bag, and certain people should certainly know why.
I just wish I had my trench-coat.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Lovin' The CW
I would have had an audition for three of the aforementioned network's shows: Reaper, Smallville, and Supernatural, had Reaper's session not gotten in the way of Smallville's Monday morning. Ah well, Reaper had first dibs, and I operate on a strict "dibs-based" system.
Supernatural was Friday morning, with my North Vancouver peeps on Brooksbank Ave. It's been a few weeks since I was last there (agent still claims that business is slower than dishwater ... wait, wrong metaphor) so it was good to see them again. I get a terrible anxiety when it's been too long between auditions; so far, I'm averaging one per week, and it's been about two weeks since my last audition (which was technically a pre-screen, but screw you, I'm counting it, a'right?)
It was a fun little part, playing on the classic Werewolf (sorry, lycanthrope) scenario with the guy mackin' on his girl in his car, claiming there's no wolves in the state of Pennsylvania, before getting hauled-off by a pair of furry paws through his car window. It was awkward as hell to "act-out" that last part, with no paws for hauling, and we all had a bit of a laugh in the room. It wasn't supposed to be played comically, but we all can acknowledge the humour that is a guy standing out of a chair screaming, while walking sideways out of frame. Yeah.
Reaper was even more fun, auditioning for a recurring role in the series. This guy was a Red Sox fan who sold his soul to the devil so the 'Sox could win the Pennant. I can promise that at least 40% of 'Sox fans actually did this. The role was fun, and the audition went OK; I seem to be basing my audition's success on what kind of direction the Casting Director gives me. If it's a "Good, now let's try it more ... " then that's OK. If it's a "we're not getting the gravity of the situation ... " that's not good. On the bright side, at least he gave me another crack at it, and he didn't just figure "this kid's not getting it, let's make sure the door doesn't hit him on the way out; I don't want ass-prints on my new doors."
I went to the agency after to pick-up some more resumes, which surprisingly had Battlestar Galactica on them (actually it just says "Battlestar", and "Paul", which wasn't the name of my character.)
"Well yeah, they paid you for it, so it goes on there."
"But what if a Casting Director wants to view my acting in this particular program?"
Well whatever, they won't. I left my agencies office with a "we'll see what comes next," such is the life of an actor.
I'm going to use my free weeks pass to the Steve Nash Fitness Centre that I got from work. My World Gym membership expired, and I will miss the place; I spent the better part of the year there, and the work has shown. It's funny how when you start something, you have a certain idea of how much work needs to be done, but once you get into it, you realize you have to do so much more, and that you can go so much further.
Happy birthday to my mom today who turns -- c'mon, you don't think I'd do that to her, do you?
Supernatural was Friday morning, with my North Vancouver peeps on Brooksbank Ave. It's been a few weeks since I was last there (agent still claims that business is slower than dishwater ... wait, wrong metaphor) so it was good to see them again. I get a terrible anxiety when it's been too long between auditions; so far, I'm averaging one per week, and it's been about two weeks since my last audition (which was technically a pre-screen, but screw you, I'm counting it, a'right?)
It was a fun little part, playing on the classic Werewolf (sorry, lycanthrope) scenario with the guy mackin' on his girl in his car, claiming there's no wolves in the state of Pennsylvania, before getting hauled-off by a pair of furry paws through his car window. It was awkward as hell to "act-out" that last part, with no paws for hauling, and we all had a bit of a laugh in the room. It wasn't supposed to be played comically, but we all can acknowledge the humour that is a guy standing out of a chair screaming, while walking sideways out of frame. Yeah.
Reaper was even more fun, auditioning for a recurring role in the series. This guy was a Red Sox fan who sold his soul to the devil so the 'Sox could win the Pennant. I can promise that at least 40% of 'Sox fans actually did this. The role was fun, and the audition went OK; I seem to be basing my audition's success on what kind of direction the Casting Director gives me. If it's a "Good, now let's try it more ... " then that's OK. If it's a "we're not getting the gravity of the situation ... " that's not good. On the bright side, at least he gave me another crack at it, and he didn't just figure "this kid's not getting it, let's make sure the door doesn't hit him on the way out; I don't want ass-prints on my new doors."
I went to the agency after to pick-up some more resumes, which surprisingly had Battlestar Galactica on them (actually it just says "Battlestar", and "Paul", which wasn't the name of my character.)
"Well yeah, they paid you for it, so it goes on there."
"But what if a Casting Director wants to view my acting in this particular program?"
Well whatever, they won't. I left my agencies office with a "we'll see what comes next," such is the life of an actor.
I'm going to use my free weeks pass to the Steve Nash Fitness Centre that I got from work. My World Gym membership expired, and I will miss the place; I spent the better part of the year there, and the work has shown. It's funny how when you start something, you have a certain idea of how much work needs to be done, but once you get into it, you realize you have to do so much more, and that you can go so much further.
Happy birthday to my mom today who turns -- c'mon, you don't think I'd do that to her, do you?
Saturday, July 12, 2008
... And The Lord Taketh Away
I received an e-mail from my agent telling me that they're not actually going to do my scene ... but I may be involved in some future project. I'll still get paid for going to set, but this is really starting to get aggravating. When my agent calls this "a stupid business" he wasn't lying.
So far my career looks like this:
Days on-set (offered): 5
Days on-set (actual): 3
Shots completed: 1
Odds of actually getting to act once called to set: 3720 to 1.
I'm earning a reputation as the guy who books, but never actually works. I don't want to get paid for doing nothing.
So far my career looks like this:
Days on-set (offered): 5
Days on-set (actual): 3
Shots completed: 1
Odds of actually getting to act once called to set: 3720 to 1.
I'm earning a reputation as the guy who books, but never actually works. I don't want to get paid for doing nothing.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
"What Are You Doing Tomorrow?"
I'll just start by saying I've been having a creative crisis in the last two weeks, so last night's call from my agent couldn't have come at a better time. After-hours calls are usually a good thing, and this proved no different.
"What are you doing tomorrow?"
I was working, but I figured I would ask before I told him.
"Uh, why?"
"Because they want to book you for Battlestar."
"Well, I'm working, but I'm pretty sure I can get out of it."
"Pretty sure, or can you? I need to know now, because I need to tell them tonight."
"Ok, Ok, I can get out of it."
I had to. I don't care what I had to do, I would not miss out on being on Battlestar Galactica. Before taking care of work, I had to wait for phone calls regarding call times, wardrobe and ... sides delivery?
"We need to tell transport where to deliver the sides," the co-ordinator on the phone told me. Rememeber, BSG is the show with the SUPER-SECRET-IF-THEY-READ-THIS-BLOG-I-WILL-BE-BLACKLISTED-FOR-LIFE sides, so the fact that they had to have a guy hand-deliver my pages didn't surprise me. I had to meet him nearby because he couldn't find my place.
"Sorry, we've been working a lot (like the people I speak to on the phone keep mentioning) and I'm a little fried." 'sall good, buddy. Thanks for the pages.
I get my wardrobe info, and call time later in the evening, so I then headed-down to work to get my schedule straightened-out. One of my managers made me promise to get him a car if I hit it big, which brings the grand total of car-related IOU's to eight.
At work today, I just told people I had to head-out to go to my second job, which is actually true. Not to diminish the elation of doing it, but acting is a job. You're being paid to deliver a service. A fun and wonderful service, but a service none-the-less.
Being on set again was great, even if I had trouble locating the entrance of the huge film studio. Arrive, hair and make-up, and then I hit the shoe box trailer until lunch. A lot like being on set for "I Love You, Beth Cooper", however, there was no kindly old lady telling me not to spill anything on this blog this time. Also, I didn't act. I see a pattern forming. They'll have to bring me back again if they want to get the scene.
Just another day on the job.
"What are you doing tomorrow?"
I was working, but I figured I would ask before I told him.
"Uh, why?"
"Because they want to book you for Battlestar."
"Well, I'm working, but I'm pretty sure I can get out of it."
"Pretty sure, or can you? I need to know now, because I need to tell them tonight."
"Ok, Ok, I can get out of it."
I had to. I don't care what I had to do, I would not miss out on being on Battlestar Galactica. Before taking care of work, I had to wait for phone calls regarding call times, wardrobe and ... sides delivery?
"We need to tell transport where to deliver the sides," the co-ordinator on the phone told me. Rememeber, BSG is the show with the SUPER-SECRET-IF-THEY-READ-THIS-BLOG-I-WILL-BE-BLACKLISTED-FOR-LIFE sides, so the fact that they had to have a guy hand-deliver my pages didn't surprise me. I had to meet him nearby because he couldn't find my place.
"Sorry, we've been working a lot (like the people I speak to on the phone keep mentioning) and I'm a little fried." 'sall good, buddy. Thanks for the pages.
I get my wardrobe info, and call time later in the evening, so I then headed-down to work to get my schedule straightened-out. One of my managers made me promise to get him a car if I hit it big, which brings the grand total of car-related IOU's to eight.
At work today, I just told people I had to head-out to go to my second job, which is actually true. Not to diminish the elation of doing it, but acting is a job. You're being paid to deliver a service. A fun and wonderful service, but a service none-the-less.
Being on set again was great, even if I had trouble locating the entrance of the huge film studio. Arrive, hair and make-up, and then I hit the shoe box trailer until lunch. A lot like being on set for "I Love You, Beth Cooper", however, there was no kindly old lady telling me not to spill anything on this blog this time. Also, I didn't act. I see a pattern forming. They'll have to bring me back again if they want to get the scene.
Just another day on the job.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Actor In The City
It's been almost three weeks since my last post. Lots going on, just wasn't "feeling it". And by "it" I mean "ke writing". And by "feeling" I mean "feeling li". Let's boil it down to the major days, shall we?
Tuesday, June 16:
Was quite a day. It began with me preparing a pre-screen for a Lifetime show called "Mistresses". I read the pilot script, and it's a very female show, like "Sex And The City", but I've never seen "Sex And The City", so I don't know if I can make the comparison. OK, maybe I've seen an episode or two, but it doesn't count because I watched them against my will.
This pre-screen was for a pair of casting directors that haven't seen me yet, so I wanted to make a good first impression. I prepared the scene as best I could in the limited time I had, bought some new clothes (the scene took place after a funeral) and cabbed there to be on time. Once I arrived, I found-out they were running an hour behind, which was no good, because I had a call back for DRAGONSTEEL at 4:15, while my pre-screen was at 2:30.
I called my agent to tell him, and he said he'd call me back. Upon calling back:
"OK, I told them the situation, and they're going to try to get you in first for the next session. If it ends-up taking too long, just use your judgment and leave if you have to."
Given the stress this pre-screen caused initially, I did not want to just walk away from it. 3:30 would be late, but I could book-it in a cab for my call back and still make it. Heck, the call backs were probably running late anyway (most director/producer sessions do). The Casting Assistant told me that my agent had called them, and that I would be going first, just like he said I would. Well, the next session didn't start for about 20 minutes after that, but I was still able to go into the room and give a good audi- I mean, pre-screen. I changed out of the suit and into my goblin garb, went looking for a bank to take out some money, grabbed a cab, got extremely frustrated with traffic and construction, but made it on time.
In the waiting room I saw a varying degree of hulking individuals, one of whom was one half of the twins I saw for the audition, with his boots, cut-off sleeves and 2x4 in tow. I can't help but thinking that it's gotta be awkward for them, these call backs. How does the other feel about his brother's call back? Whatever, apparently they "book lots", so I guess they're over any sort of sibling jealousy.
Upon entering the audition room, I had to immediately bolt after being introduced to the director and producers (always amazes me how many can fit in such a small room; it's like a clown car, but they're not clowns, they're directors and producers, and it's not a car, it's a room). I had to grab my bag, which I was using as a prop. I did they audish, sticking to the Casting Director's notes (this guys gives a lot of them) and felt pretty good that I pulled-off a hectic day; but they day wudn't over yet.
I had to take another cab (three all day) downtown to meet-up with my good buddy Sara to work on out scenes for that night's class. This is what I was dreading all day, but the class went well, my scene didn't get ripped-apart too badly, and I had a great talk with my acting teacher afterwards. I told him about everything I was doing, and he came to one conclusion: I'm an actor, in the city. I'm doing it.
Wednesday, June 17:
I found out I was "too good-looking, too all-American" for "Mistresses" and "too small for what we all want" for DRAGONSTEEL. Actor in the city.
Thursday, June 19:
I had my friend Greg King visit. He's a been a buddy of mine since High School, and we stay in touch by "drafting" real men with a computer program, and judge ourselves based on their weekly performances in the NFL. He was in town for a UBC conference, but he arrived early to stay in the luxurious "Chateau Will's Room" which is famous for it's plush, carpeted floor. Greg's came prepared, though. Dude lived in Inuvik last summer (check out blog, the "Summer Above 66" that I have linked to the right to read more about it!) so he came with backpacks, and a therma-rest. Dude knew what he was doing.
Friday, June 20:
I showed Greg around town, kind of randomly pointing to things, and not really knowing what to show him. He was going to Victoria the next day, to check-out the town, and to see the house he grew-up in. I had Saturday off, so I figured I'd go too.
Saturday, June 21:
Taking public transit, it's actually pretty cheap to visit Victoria from Vancouver. The ferry sails out of Tsawwassen, which is a forty minute bus ride, costing $2.50. The ferry itself is only $5 for foot passengers, and when you get to Vancouver Island, you have to take another bus from the ferry terminal to Victoria, which is another $2.25. All said, about 4 and a half hours and $9.75 one-way on a weekend.
Victoria was a lovely little town, and we spent a good amount of the day in Esquimalt, seeing the home Greg grew-up in on a military base. I'm fortunate that the home I grew-up in is still occupied by my family, but it was cool being there with Greg remembering his childhood. We went walking around Victoria some more, walked along a beach, visited Greg's great uncle (who is a spry 89 year old) ate breakfast at Smitty's (!) at 6pm, then had to hop the bus, ferry and bus to get home on time for me to work the next day. It was a great day, and it felt good to get out of Vancouver. It was my one day vacay.
Wednesday, June 25:
I had a conversation with my agent when I visited his office to pick-up some resumes. I picked-up another check for "I Love You Beth Cooper", which was sweet. He said it's tough to act and balance a full-time job, and that it comes down to money: it's good to have it. No kidding. He said another actor on his roster reads for Brooksbank, and every now and again, she'd have small parts offered to her. Here's hoping I get so lucky.
Thursday, June 26:
I had an audition for another Casting Director that hasn't seen me yet. This project was a horror movie called "Messages Deleted", and the role was a 30-year-old Real Estate agent. Another stretch for me, but hey, I'm used to it. Taking a lesson from my acting class, I worked the crap out of the scene (six very wordy pages) and the end result being the Casting Director telling me I was "very grounded" and that I looked like Jason Bateman, which I'll take as a compliment. "Arrested Development" rules.
Friday, June 27:
I received a phone call at 7:30 from the Casting Assistant at Brooksbank who needed me to read for them that morning. I agreed, and enjoyed reading for another Kyle XY session. I had a chat with one of the actors who auditioned on the way home on the bus/Seabus. I've met some actors at work, and I always find it interesting to talk to the people who have been doing it in town for longer than I have. Actors have lots to talk about, and I always find it fascinating to hear their tales and share mine. We're just a great, big acting family.
Monday, June 30:
After waking up too late, feeling ill effects of movie theatre snacks from the night before, Will sits on his bed in his underwear, sweating on a hot Vancouver day after a hot Vancouver weekend working under the hot heat lamps at Vancouver's hottest restaurant.
Tuesday, June 16:
Was quite a day. It began with me preparing a pre-screen for a Lifetime show called "Mistresses". I read the pilot script, and it's a very female show, like "Sex And The City", but I've never seen "Sex And The City", so I don't know if I can make the comparison. OK, maybe I've seen an episode or two, but it doesn't count because I watched them against my will.
This pre-screen was for a pair of casting directors that haven't seen me yet, so I wanted to make a good first impression. I prepared the scene as best I could in the limited time I had, bought some new clothes (the scene took place after a funeral) and cabbed there to be on time. Once I arrived, I found-out they were running an hour behind, which was no good, because I had a call back for DRAGONSTEEL at 4:15, while my pre-screen was at 2:30.
I called my agent to tell him, and he said he'd call me back. Upon calling back:
"OK, I told them the situation, and they're going to try to get you in first for the next session. If it ends-up taking too long, just use your judgment and leave if you have to."
Given the stress this pre-screen caused initially, I did not want to just walk away from it. 3:30 would be late, but I could book-it in a cab for my call back and still make it. Heck, the call backs were probably running late anyway (most director/producer sessions do). The Casting Assistant told me that my agent had called them, and that I would be going first, just like he said I would. Well, the next session didn't start for about 20 minutes after that, but I was still able to go into the room and give a good audi- I mean, pre-screen. I changed out of the suit and into my goblin garb, went looking for a bank to take out some money, grabbed a cab, got extremely frustrated with traffic and construction, but made it on time.
In the waiting room I saw a varying degree of hulking individuals, one of whom was one half of the twins I saw for the audition, with his boots, cut-off sleeves and 2x4 in tow. I can't help but thinking that it's gotta be awkward for them, these call backs. How does the other feel about his brother's call back? Whatever, apparently they "book lots", so I guess they're over any sort of sibling jealousy.
Upon entering the audition room, I had to immediately bolt after being introduced to the director and producers (always amazes me how many can fit in such a small room; it's like a clown car, but they're not clowns, they're directors and producers, and it's not a car, it's a room). I had to grab my bag, which I was using as a prop. I did they audish, sticking to the Casting Director's notes (this guys gives a lot of them) and felt pretty good that I pulled-off a hectic day; but they day wudn't over yet.
I had to take another cab (three all day) downtown to meet-up with my good buddy Sara to work on out scenes for that night's class. This is what I was dreading all day, but the class went well, my scene didn't get ripped-apart too badly, and I had a great talk with my acting teacher afterwards. I told him about everything I was doing, and he came to one conclusion: I'm an actor, in the city. I'm doing it.
Wednesday, June 17:
I found out I was "too good-looking, too all-American" for "Mistresses" and "too small for what we all want" for DRAGONSTEEL. Actor in the city.
Thursday, June 19:
I had my friend Greg King visit. He's a been a buddy of mine since High School, and we stay in touch by "drafting" real men with a computer program, and judge ourselves based on their weekly performances in the NFL. He was in town for a UBC conference, but he arrived early to stay in the luxurious "Chateau Will's Room" which is famous for it's plush, carpeted floor. Greg's came prepared, though. Dude lived in Inuvik last summer (check out blog, the "Summer Above 66" that I have linked to the right to read more about it!) so he came with backpacks, and a therma-rest. Dude knew what he was doing.
Friday, June 20:
I showed Greg around town, kind of randomly pointing to things, and not really knowing what to show him. He was going to Victoria the next day, to check-out the town, and to see the house he grew-up in. I had Saturday off, so I figured I'd go too.
Saturday, June 21:
Taking public transit, it's actually pretty cheap to visit Victoria from Vancouver. The ferry sails out of Tsawwassen, which is a forty minute bus ride, costing $2.50. The ferry itself is only $5 for foot passengers, and when you get to Vancouver Island, you have to take another bus from the ferry terminal to Victoria, which is another $2.25. All said, about 4 and a half hours and $9.75 one-way on a weekend.
Victoria was a lovely little town, and we spent a good amount of the day in Esquimalt, seeing the home Greg grew-up in on a military base. I'm fortunate that the home I grew-up in is still occupied by my family, but it was cool being there with Greg remembering his childhood. We went walking around Victoria some more, walked along a beach, visited Greg's great uncle (who is a spry 89 year old) ate breakfast at Smitty's (!) at 6pm, then had to hop the bus, ferry and bus to get home on time for me to work the next day. It was a great day, and it felt good to get out of Vancouver. It was my one day vacay.
Wednesday, June 25:
I had a conversation with my agent when I visited his office to pick-up some resumes. I picked-up another check for "I Love You Beth Cooper", which was sweet. He said it's tough to act and balance a full-time job, and that it comes down to money: it's good to have it. No kidding. He said another actor on his roster reads for Brooksbank, and every now and again, she'd have small parts offered to her. Here's hoping I get so lucky.
Thursday, June 26:
I had an audition for another Casting Director that hasn't seen me yet. This project was a horror movie called "Messages Deleted", and the role was a 30-year-old Real Estate agent. Another stretch for me, but hey, I'm used to it. Taking a lesson from my acting class, I worked the crap out of the scene (six very wordy pages) and the end result being the Casting Director telling me I was "very grounded" and that I looked like Jason Bateman, which I'll take as a compliment. "Arrested Development" rules.
Friday, June 27:
I received a phone call at 7:30 from the Casting Assistant at Brooksbank who needed me to read for them that morning. I agreed, and enjoyed reading for another Kyle XY session. I had a chat with one of the actors who auditioned on the way home on the bus/Seabus. I've met some actors at work, and I always find it interesting to talk to the people who have been doing it in town for longer than I have. Actors have lots to talk about, and I always find it fascinating to hear their tales and share mine. We're just a great, big acting family.
Monday, June 30:
After waking up too late, feeling ill effects of movie theatre snacks from the night before, Will sits on his bed in his underwear, sweating on a hot Vancouver day after a hot Vancouver weekend working under the hot heat lamps at Vancouver's hottest restaurant.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Business Time
I don't know if I should have auditioned for the Intern on Kyle XY before or after the casting session. I chose to do it before, which the Casting Director preferred, and that can't be a bad thing. Perhaps I would have had an edge after watching what the other guys did in the room, but I'll never know.
I was called back for a DRAGONSTEEL audition on Monday. I went in for a pre-screen for the warrior character and ended-up with an audition for another character:
A magical goblin that can turn invisible.
My agent told me to wear something to make me look taller. I had no idea what the heck that meant, and my acting coach agreed that this can be a note best ignored. Big guys never have to act like they're big guys. My acting coach told me to hit the gym before the audition to feel more connected to my body, and to relax all my muscles in the waiting room before the audition.
So, just what manner of goblins would I come across in this waiting room? How about twins with cut-off sleeves and boots with 4-inch lifts, curling and pressing a 20-lb. barbell? Looks like these guys took the tallness suggestion more seriously. Another actor asked them about their unique footwear and one of them told her,
"We got them because we need them for bigger roles. Ironically, we got them two-for-one."
The Casting Director came out and gave us an important note:
"No goblin voices guys. They're just a race of bigger people."
Notes like that makes me wonder how many people did that before the CD realized he needed to let the actors know not to do it. I was kind of banking on the fact that a bunch of actors would do it, giving me better a better chance. The twins told me they heard someone go in asking to read "all the lines." Like, their lines and the other character's lines. This is why the CDs hire a reader, or in this case, the CD himself was the reader.
I got in the room, and immediately my blocking was thrown-off by the CDs insistence on "tug-of-war"-ing him off the top of the scene. It fit the script (the story had the goblin arguing with a little girl over a giant chunk of DRAGONSTEEL) but I didn't expect to wrest with the CD in the room.
"OK, so off the top here, if you want to just, take my hand ... "
So I do,
"But don't crush it."
Looks like I underestimated my goblin strength. So we switched-up out grip to more of a "thumb war" style, which immediately made me self-conscious of the length of my fingernails. The camera-man calls rolling, and we go at it. Overall, it went well, and of course, I'll be the last to know how it went.
Either way, I'll be heading to that Casting Office again on Friday for a Scooby-Doo call back. We meet again, "Beefy Jock".
Talking to my agent afterwards, he told me once I get more confidence, I won't need coaches. I'm not ditching them any time soon. He said once I get more experience I could be booking 1 for 3 like his daughter's older clients do.
He sent us an e-mail letting his clients know he'll be going on vacation at the end of the month and, like every conversation I have with him, he just couldn't help but throw-in some lessons. First, empathizing with business being down, then wishing us all the best in our auditions, then telling us that even school and training, we're far from knowing it all. How inspiring.
The first VFS almuni class went well. I heard through the grapevine that the teacher was being a bit grumpier lately, and thus, I expected the worst. I feel I got by relatively unscathed, and the teacher's words, even though I've heard most of them before, was inspiring. Bottom line: I have to work harder, because like my teacher said, auditions are good, but jobs are better. I agree.
Because my roommate asked me to, I checked my actors gig book to see just how many pre-screens/auditions/call backs I've had since I've signed with my agent. I've discovered I'm about 1 for 30. Upon telling this to the head of the VFS acting department, he informed me that he's about 1 for 503. Great, only 473 to go.
After class, the teacher asked me and friend of mine what we've been up to. I told him I went out for DRAGONSTEEL twice, once for the warrior, and once for the goblin.
"Oh yeah? I coached the twins for that one. Those guys book a lot."
I was called back for a DRAGONSTEEL audition on Monday. I went in for a pre-screen for the warrior character and ended-up with an audition for another character:
A magical goblin that can turn invisible.
My agent told me to wear something to make me look taller. I had no idea what the heck that meant, and my acting coach agreed that this can be a note best ignored. Big guys never have to act like they're big guys. My acting coach told me to hit the gym before the audition to feel more connected to my body, and to relax all my muscles in the waiting room before the audition.
So, just what manner of goblins would I come across in this waiting room? How about twins with cut-off sleeves and boots with 4-inch lifts, curling and pressing a 20-lb. barbell? Looks like these guys took the tallness suggestion more seriously. Another actor asked them about their unique footwear and one of them told her,
"We got them because we need them for bigger roles. Ironically, we got them two-for-one."
The Casting Director came out and gave us an important note:
"No goblin voices guys. They're just a race of bigger people."
Notes like that makes me wonder how many people did that before the CD realized he needed to let the actors know not to do it. I was kind of banking on the fact that a bunch of actors would do it, giving me better a better chance. The twins told me they heard someone go in asking to read "all the lines." Like, their lines and the other character's lines. This is why the CDs hire a reader, or in this case, the CD himself was the reader.
I got in the room, and immediately my blocking was thrown-off by the CDs insistence on "tug-of-war"-ing him off the top of the scene. It fit the script (the story had the goblin arguing with a little girl over a giant chunk of DRAGONSTEEL) but I didn't expect to wrest with the CD in the room.
"OK, so off the top here, if you want to just, take my hand ... "
So I do,
"But don't crush it."
Looks like I underestimated my goblin strength. So we switched-up out grip to more of a "thumb war" style, which immediately made me self-conscious of the length of my fingernails. The camera-man calls rolling, and we go at it. Overall, it went well, and of course, I'll be the last to know how it went.
Either way, I'll be heading to that Casting Office again on Friday for a Scooby-Doo call back. We meet again, "Beefy Jock".
Talking to my agent afterwards, he told me once I get more confidence, I won't need coaches. I'm not ditching them any time soon. He said once I get more experience I could be booking 1 for 3 like his daughter's older clients do.
He sent us an e-mail letting his clients know he'll be going on vacation at the end of the month and, like every conversation I have with him, he just couldn't help but throw-in some lessons. First, empathizing with business being down, then wishing us all the best in our auditions, then telling us that even school and training, we're far from knowing it all. How inspiring.
The first VFS almuni class went well. I heard through the grapevine that the teacher was being a bit grumpier lately, and thus, I expected the worst. I feel I got by relatively unscathed, and the teacher's words, even though I've heard most of them before, was inspiring. Bottom line: I have to work harder, because like my teacher said, auditions are good, but jobs are better. I agree.
Because my roommate asked me to, I checked my actors gig book to see just how many pre-screens/auditions/call backs I've had since I've signed with my agent. I've discovered I'm about 1 for 30. Upon telling this to the head of the VFS acting department, he informed me that he's about 1 for 503. Great, only 473 to go.
After class, the teacher asked me and friend of mine what we've been up to. I told him I went out for DRAGONSTEEL twice, once for the warrior, and once for the goblin.
"Oh yeah? I coached the twins for that one. Those guys book a lot."
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Cell Phone High
I did the smart thing today and got-up before my cell phone alarm went-off. I checked the address and bus schedule for where I needed to go, and ended-up grabbing an early bus anyway. I arrived at about 11:35 for a noon-ish call time, so, with no stores around that interested me, and what with the rain and all, I decided to just sit and wait on the bus stop bench. While I waited, I gave the Casting Assistant at Brooksbank a call to see if they still needed me to read Friday morning (they just asked me to be on stand-by.) She didn't answer, so I left a message.
By 11:45, I figure I should give the director a call like he instructed me. I figure 15 minutes early is better than 25 minutes early. Turns out I had perfect timing, as I called just after the first actor was finished. This other actor also shares an agent with me, and we had a lovely conversation a week or so ago while getting off the bus to go to Brooksbank to audition for separate projects.
The "studio" was little more than a small room in a dilapidated house. The microphone was simply a small clip-on attached to a battery, usually reserved for recording audio when a boom mike isn't possible. I clipped-on, sat down and got to 'er. The director sent the script to me yesterday, and I thought it was hilarious. Just a little side-project they made over the Christmas break, but it was fun to record my two lines, and be a part of it. And again, it was really cool just to be asked. The whole thing took about five minutes, which is one reason I love voice-over: it's a quick job, no need to set-up lights and cameras, it's just "action". The guys asked if I've done other voice-overs, and I informed them that the only two auditions I've had have been commercials, one of them being for roasted almonds. They agreed with me that roasted almonds can be a hard sell.
When I left, I turned-on my cell phone and immediately received a call from the Brooksbank Casting Assistant. She said she did need me for Friday morning, but they also may need me for the whole day. I told them it wouldn't be a problem, I'm free all day. Immediately after that, I got this:
"Audition for you for tomorrow at 2:20."
Aw, crap. I didn't expect that at all.
"I just said I'd read for (Brooksbank) tomorrow, possibly all-day."
"Ah, OK, well ... call and ask if they can work-around this audition."
"Will do."
I called the Casting Assistant while on the bus (which I hate doing. I don't talk on my cell phone on the bus if I can avoid it. The enemy has many spies, birds and beasts ... ) and told her of the predicament. She said she'd get back to me.
I had to stop at my agent's office to pick-up my new resumes, and he re-iterated that when I commit to reading, I really can't break it. I agreed that my relationship with these Casting Directors isn't worth an audition for a fairly small part, and I found I was reading literally two seconds before he called me. The only casting session for this project is on Friday, since it's a producer/director session. He said he'd try to get me one later in the day.
On the bus to downtown, the Casting Assistant calls, saying the sessions will end at around 2, but to call the Casting Director at the office to get a more detailed schedge.
Off the bus, on my way to HMV to return a DVD, and he calls saying I can tape it, but it'd have to be today. Fat chance I'd be able to book something with such short notice, and I really didn't feel like spending the money to tape for this.
I called the Casting Director at her ofice when I got home, and she gave me the schedule, saying the sessions should end around 1:30-2-ish. I told my agent this, and he said he was waiting to hear from the Casting Assistant on the other project (who coincidentally used to work for Brooksbank).
I had my cell phone in my pocket during my work-out, which I don't usually do, but this was serious. It was seriously serious. My agent called to tell me he was still waiting, but he received good feedback on me from his tennis rival and director of Battlestar Gallactica. He said they decided to cast the part older, but I did a good job. This is good news because, even though BSG is going off the air, the producers have about three or four pilots on their way, so it's good to get in good with these people.
Later at the gym, my agent called to tell me to forget about this other audition, to just worry about reading.
"(Casting Assistant for the other project) said not to piss-off (Casting Directors at Brooksbank)," which I agreed with wholeheartedly. These are the Casting Directors with which I have the best relationship, and I aim to keep it that way. I'd prefer to keep auditioning, and being asked to read, and coming "highly recommended" (said the director for the voice-over gig that morning).
At home after the gym my agent tells me that there's a part in Kyle XY they want me to audition for on Friday, which I'll just do after/between sessions. This is for a medical intern, so I'll have to find a spot to buy Grey's Anatomy scrubs. I think the CTV store on Burrard may have some.
"They'll find a good reader for you," he joked.
Days like this remind me why my cell phone bill is so high.
By 11:45, I figure I should give the director a call like he instructed me. I figure 15 minutes early is better than 25 minutes early. Turns out I had perfect timing, as I called just after the first actor was finished. This other actor also shares an agent with me, and we had a lovely conversation a week or so ago while getting off the bus to go to Brooksbank to audition for separate projects.
The "studio" was little more than a small room in a dilapidated house. The microphone was simply a small clip-on attached to a battery, usually reserved for recording audio when a boom mike isn't possible. I clipped-on, sat down and got to 'er. The director sent the script to me yesterday, and I thought it was hilarious. Just a little side-project they made over the Christmas break, but it was fun to record my two lines, and be a part of it. And again, it was really cool just to be asked. The whole thing took about five minutes, which is one reason I love voice-over: it's a quick job, no need to set-up lights and cameras, it's just "action". The guys asked if I've done other voice-overs, and I informed them that the only two auditions I've had have been commercials, one of them being for roasted almonds. They agreed with me that roasted almonds can be a hard sell.
When I left, I turned-on my cell phone and immediately received a call from the Brooksbank Casting Assistant. She said she did need me for Friday morning, but they also may need me for the whole day. I told them it wouldn't be a problem, I'm free all day. Immediately after that, I got this:
"Audition for you for tomorrow at 2:20."
Aw, crap. I didn't expect that at all.
"I just said I'd read for (Brooksbank) tomorrow, possibly all-day."
"Ah, OK, well ... call and ask if they can work-around this audition."
"Will do."
I called the Casting Assistant while on the bus (which I hate doing. I don't talk on my cell phone on the bus if I can avoid it. The enemy has many spies, birds and beasts ... ) and told her of the predicament. She said she'd get back to me.
I had to stop at my agent's office to pick-up my new resumes, and he re-iterated that when I commit to reading, I really can't break it. I agreed that my relationship with these Casting Directors isn't worth an audition for a fairly small part, and I found I was reading literally two seconds before he called me. The only casting session for this project is on Friday, since it's a producer/director session. He said he'd try to get me one later in the day.
On the bus to downtown, the Casting Assistant calls, saying the sessions will end at around 2, but to call the Casting Director at the office to get a more detailed schedge.
Off the bus, on my way to HMV to return a DVD, and he calls saying I can tape it, but it'd have to be today. Fat chance I'd be able to book something with such short notice, and I really didn't feel like spending the money to tape for this.
I called the Casting Director at her ofice when I got home, and she gave me the schedule, saying the sessions should end around 1:30-2-ish. I told my agent this, and he said he was waiting to hear from the Casting Assistant on the other project (who coincidentally used to work for Brooksbank).
I had my cell phone in my pocket during my work-out, which I don't usually do, but this was serious. It was seriously serious. My agent called to tell me he was still waiting, but he received good feedback on me from his tennis rival and director of Battlestar Gallactica. He said they decided to cast the part older, but I did a good job. This is good news because, even though BSG is going off the air, the producers have about three or four pilots on their way, so it's good to get in good with these people.
Later at the gym, my agent called to tell me to forget about this other audition, to just worry about reading.
"(Casting Assistant for the other project) said not to piss-off (Casting Directors at Brooksbank)," which I agreed with wholeheartedly. These are the Casting Directors with which I have the best relationship, and I aim to keep it that way. I'd prefer to keep auditioning, and being asked to read, and coming "highly recommended" (said the director for the voice-over gig that morning).
At home after the gym my agent tells me that there's a part in Kyle XY they want me to audition for on Friday, which I'll just do after/between sessions. This is for a medical intern, so I'll have to find a spot to buy Grey's Anatomy scrubs. I think the CTV store on Burrard may have some.
"They'll find a good reader for you," he joked.
Days like this remind me why my cell phone bill is so high.
"Where Do You Wait?"
While reading for the Casting Directors on Monday night, I realized I've worked with just about every generation of person possible in one casting session: old men, middle-aged women, teenagers, tweenagers, old women, and my-aged guys and dolls. Another great reading experience, in which I learned so much. They have me on stand-by to read Friday morning, and with nothing else to do, I told them I'd be glad to do it.
I showed-up on time for my shoot Tuesday morning; my coaching Wednesday morning, less so.
The shoot was a lot of fun, and it was great to re-unite with the ol' VFS crew. It was just nice to be acting in something again. I played a "rocker", complete with some lovely black eye shadow that is seemingly permanent. I scrub my eyes out, and it still seems to be there. I don't mind it so much. Makes my eyes all purdy-lookin'. If it wasn't so freaky to apply, I'd wear it everyday. For real.
I was called Monday for a pre-screen (WHY can't they just call it an audition ... why?) on Wednesday at the Broadway Casting Office. It was for a Sci-Fi Channel Mini-Series called DRAGONSTEEL. Now, it is not mandatory to capitalize "DRAGONSTEEL", but I feel that a combination of those two words demands the caps lock button to be utilized. I was thinking of bolding it ... we'll wait and see if I book or not.
DRAGONSTEEL is right up my geek alley, with dragons, swords, elves, warriors, goblins, and the titular DRAGONSTEEL, which is an object that (and I swear I'm not making this up) does everything. It just does everything. Don't ask how. Luckily with this one they sent the full script. All 182 pages of it. I'll admit, I wasn't so high on the project after reading the synopsis and the character's sides, but I really dug the script. Admittedly, it's not treading terribly original ground, but it hits all the right marks for the genre. A fine piece of escapism. The character I was pre-screening for is the main warrior, an unlikely anti-hero with a tortured past. Awesome.
Onto the coaching this morning, I don't know why I haven't fully learned to double-check my cell phone alarm for "am"s and "pm"s, or learned to just trust my biological clock. I arrived a half-hour late, but the coaching went well. After the coaching I headed for the gym where I received a surprising phone call.
A chap who received my phone number from a Casting Director wanted me to record a voice-over for a short film he made over the Christmas break. Tomorrow at noon I record my blurb. Always nice to be asked.
After the gym, I had my aud-- I mean, pre-screen. In my coaching, we had the idea for the first scene to polish one of my shoes: this gives the body something to do, the actor something to concentrate on besides giving lines. An effective technique, I almost think of it as cheating, but this isn't bowling; this is acting, there are no rules. Since I had to work right after the pre-screen, I figured to just act in my work dress code. Black shirt, black pants works well enough for a tortured warrior. Plus, my chain-mail pants don't fit like they used to.
Now, I thought my costume choice was flawless, but there's something about Vancouver, with it's 20,000 restaurants that makes a server/expediter dress code easy to identify. If polishing one shoe in front of the Casting Director didn't feel weird enough, he just had to make a comment on my clothes.
"Where do you wait?"
"Nowhere, if I book this role," is what I didn't say, but may have been a clever response. He was just concerned that I only had one shined shoe to wear to work, and so was I.
Speaking of, the last of the dry-runs took place Wednesday. It's been a sweet week of free food, and no customers. The place opens this Friday, and that's where it gets nuts. I'm working six days the first full week we're open, with only Tuesday off for my Scene Study Class. I just hope the hourly rate is nice, although working six days'll pay nicely, just so long as I don't go out for work every night like I did Sunday night.
Well, there was a reason I wanted to do this while I'm young.
I showed-up on time for my shoot Tuesday morning; my coaching Wednesday morning, less so.
The shoot was a lot of fun, and it was great to re-unite with the ol' VFS crew. It was just nice to be acting in something again. I played a "rocker", complete with some lovely black eye shadow that is seemingly permanent. I scrub my eyes out, and it still seems to be there. I don't mind it so much. Makes my eyes all purdy-lookin'. If it wasn't so freaky to apply, I'd wear it everyday. For real.
I was called Monday for a pre-screen (WHY can't they just call it an audition ... why?) on Wednesday at the Broadway Casting Office. It was for a Sci-Fi Channel Mini-Series called DRAGONSTEEL. Now, it is not mandatory to capitalize "DRAGONSTEEL", but I feel that a combination of those two words demands the caps lock button to be utilized. I was thinking of bolding it ... we'll wait and see if I book or not.
DRAGONSTEEL is right up my geek alley, with dragons, swords, elves, warriors, goblins, and the titular DRAGONSTEEL, which is an object that (and I swear I'm not making this up) does everything. It just does everything. Don't ask how. Luckily with this one they sent the full script. All 182 pages of it. I'll admit, I wasn't so high on the project after reading the synopsis and the character's sides, but I really dug the script. Admittedly, it's not treading terribly original ground, but it hits all the right marks for the genre. A fine piece of escapism. The character I was pre-screening for is the main warrior, an unlikely anti-hero with a tortured past. Awesome.
Onto the coaching this morning, I don't know why I haven't fully learned to double-check my cell phone alarm for "am"s and "pm"s, or learned to just trust my biological clock. I arrived a half-hour late, but the coaching went well. After the coaching I headed for the gym where I received a surprising phone call.
A chap who received my phone number from a Casting Director wanted me to record a voice-over for a short film he made over the Christmas break. Tomorrow at noon I record my blurb. Always nice to be asked.
After the gym, I had my aud-- I mean, pre-screen. In my coaching, we had the idea for the first scene to polish one of my shoes: this gives the body something to do, the actor something to concentrate on besides giving lines. An effective technique, I almost think of it as cheating, but this isn't bowling; this is acting, there are no rules. Since I had to work right after the pre-screen, I figured to just act in my work dress code. Black shirt, black pants works well enough for a tortured warrior. Plus, my chain-mail pants don't fit like they used to.
Now, I thought my costume choice was flawless, but there's something about Vancouver, with it's 20,000 restaurants that makes a server/expediter dress code easy to identify. If polishing one shoe in front of the Casting Director didn't feel weird enough, he just had to make a comment on my clothes.
"Where do you wait?"
"Nowhere, if I book this role," is what I didn't say, but may have been a clever response. He was just concerned that I only had one shined shoe to wear to work, and so was I.
Speaking of, the last of the dry-runs took place Wednesday. It's been a sweet week of free food, and no customers. The place opens this Friday, and that's where it gets nuts. I'm working six days the first full week we're open, with only Tuesday off for my Scene Study Class. I just hope the hourly rate is nice, although working six days'll pay nicely, just so long as I don't go out for work every night like I did Sunday night.
Well, there was a reason I wanted to do this while I'm young.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Too Much To Expect, Not Too Much To Ask
Working at Cactus Club has been about what I expected so far: busy spurts, sore feet, learning curve, and a little messy. What I didn't expect was having my fingers smell like vinegar from buffing cutlery. Apparently it gets the spots out. Who knew. While on the subject of vinegar, I also heard that a cap-full in a load of darks will prevent the colours from fading. I tried it with my new black shirts, and so far it's working. So far.
I received an e-mail from someone who read my "You're Hired" Blog, asking me to help them get a job at Cactus. I know I mention the fact that anyone can read this, but complete strangers takes that to a new level.
On Wednesday I had to pick-up my SUPER-SECRET-OH-MY-GOD-I-SHOULDN'T-EVEN-BE-SAYING-THIS sides for a Battlestar Gallactica audition. Just grad the envelop in the bush outside my agency, and don't make eye contact with anyone. Oh well, it's for the series finale, so I won't have to do that again. This was actually for two characters, so I figured I had twice the chances to book on this one.
When I arrived at Brooksbank, I found out a certain someone would be in the room: the director. A little surprising, but he was a cool guy, having my do a few takes for each character. My agent says he's an "actors director", of which I've always been a fan. I certainly prefer that to the "gaffers director", no offense to any gaffers out there.
I was supposed to meet-up with my friend Sara (fellow Cactus employee, at the location where I'm training) after work, but an audition came-up. Luckily, one came-up for her too, for the same show at the same Casting Director's office, at around the same time. And she had a car to get us there. Boo-ya.
The show was "Kyle XY", an ABC Family show about a dude who has a mysterious past and no belly button. The role was "Burly Guy". I don't know why I'm being sent-out for these huge parts (I mean "huge" in character description, not role size) like "Beefy Jock" and "Burly Guy", but hey, I'll take 'em. I'm dying to book something, I don't care what it is at this point. This session also had the director in the room, which I thought was unusual for first auditions, but the last two days have proved otherwise. The actual audition went well, the sides seemed a bit awkward, and there was a highly awkward moment in the room, but it worked for the scene, and the director liked it enough that he didn't have to see another one.
After all this auditioning, it'd be great to be just be offered something. Well, wishes do come true. I have been asked to act in a VFS Port Short this Tuesday, which is extremely flattering. The Port Shorts are, well, shorts written by the VFS writing class. I was supposed to act in one last September, but mandatory OFA Level 2 training nixed that. I've made sure I had work and my agent free-up my Tuesday morning for this. Can't wait to do it, and maybe this one will hit VFS' YouTube channel.
Is that too much to ask for?
I received an e-mail from someone who read my "You're Hired" Blog, asking me to help them get a job at Cactus. I know I mention the fact that anyone can read this, but complete strangers takes that to a new level.
On Wednesday I had to pick-up my SUPER-SECRET-OH-MY-GOD-I-SHOULDN'T-EVEN-BE-SAYING-THIS sides for a Battlestar Gallactica audition. Just grad the envelop in the bush outside my agency, and don't make eye contact with anyone. Oh well, it's for the series finale, so I won't have to do that again. This was actually for two characters, so I figured I had twice the chances to book on this one.
When I arrived at Brooksbank, I found out a certain someone would be in the room: the director. A little surprising, but he was a cool guy, having my do a few takes for each character. My agent says he's an "actors director", of which I've always been a fan. I certainly prefer that to the "gaffers director", no offense to any gaffers out there.
I was supposed to meet-up with my friend Sara (fellow Cactus employee, at the location where I'm training) after work, but an audition came-up. Luckily, one came-up for her too, for the same show at the same Casting Director's office, at around the same time. And she had a car to get us there. Boo-ya.
The show was "Kyle XY", an ABC Family show about a dude who has a mysterious past and no belly button. The role was "Burly Guy". I don't know why I'm being sent-out for these huge parts (I mean "huge" in character description, not role size) like "Beefy Jock" and "Burly Guy", but hey, I'll take 'em. I'm dying to book something, I don't care what it is at this point. This session also had the director in the room, which I thought was unusual for first auditions, but the last two days have proved otherwise. The actual audition went well, the sides seemed a bit awkward, and there was a highly awkward moment in the room, but it worked for the scene, and the director liked it enough that he didn't have to see another one.
After all this auditioning, it'd be great to be just be offered something. Well, wishes do come true. I have been asked to act in a VFS Port Short this Tuesday, which is extremely flattering. The Port Shorts are, well, shorts written by the VFS writing class. I was supposed to act in one last September, but mandatory OFA Level 2 training nixed that. I've made sure I had work and my agent free-up my Tuesday morning for this. Can't wait to do it, and maybe this one will hit VFS' YouTube channel.
Is that too much to ask for?
Friday, May 23, 2008
A Class Act
If I ever open-up an acting school, that's what I'm calling it. With a possible "With William C. Vaughan" attached to the end to make sure people know what's what and who's who.
When last we left our hero(?), I was auditioning for the Scooby-Doo Prequel. Well, the audition went well. Not much more to say than that.
After I did the "Doo", I was called to audition for the most far-off thing for which I've been sent-out for so far. A 35-year-old gay Russian geologist who is blasting-off 400 million miles away from earth. Yeah. I thought a coaching was in order.
Optimally, I'd get a dialect coach, but without a phone number for one and with limited time, I could only get an acting coach. I wanted a dialect coach for the accent, but after working the scene once with the acting coach it turned-out my faux-Ruski was acceptable. This is the first time I've coached with this particular teacher (another VFS instructor). His methods are a little different, but he really helps bring the character closer to the actor, to make the scene more real. I got a pretty good reaction from the Casting Director at Brooksbank, so the coaching paid-off. Whether I got the role or not, I gave a good audition, the most real and natural I've done thus far. Given the challenging role, I'll chalk that up as a success.
I was supposed to go back to set for "I Love You, Beth Cooper" on Wednesday, when I received a called from the 2nd AD telling me they may need me instead on Thursday ... or not at all. Y'see, the 2nd AD told me that Chris (as in Columbus) has cut the scene together (as in "edit", not "erase" or "discard") and he found that the scene can work without my shot. So, Wednesday afternoon, before my first Cactus Club shift, I get the call telling me they don't need me anymore. And that's the end of that tale. I'm pretty disappointed, but hey, it's out of my hands. All that's left to be done is book the next role ... hopefully with more lines and, if I'm lucky, a shot of my face. Here's hopin'.
The worst part about not going to set is that I had to pay for my haircut instead of getting hair and make-up to do it for free. I got my ears lowered on Thursday at a place called "The Chop Shop", which has a kind of 50's car-motif thing going. It looked way too cool for me, but I excel at being a round peg in a square hole and fitting into places I don't belong. Or not.
Like I mentioned, I had my first Cactus Club shift Wednesday at the Ash St. location. It was trial by fire, and I certainly didn't expect to be walking with a tray and running food to tables on my first day, but aside from a handful of table-number-screw-ups, I did alright. I had a second shift added Thursday because I wasn't going to set (dang) and therefore I'd be missing the opening night of Indiana Jones (daaAAAAaang). I did better that night, felt more comfortable. It's way more hectic than security, which is a good thing, as two hours can pass without even noticing it when it gets busy. It'll be a hard-working, short-staffed summer, but I hope to be serving within a few months. It's all up to me. And them, part of it is up to them.
It's my last Friday at Black Box, tomorrow's my last shift. I shall miss it so. Paladin's treated me well, and the people at Black Box have been great. My Manager said there's always a job for me at Paladin, so I know that, even in my darkest hour, I at least won't be homeless. Not working graveyards has been a great choice, and the hours got worked-around if an audition came-up. I need to keep telling myself that once I reach server at Cactus, I'll be making more money. It's the name of the game.
To bookend on the acting class theme, I finally registered and paid-in-full for a Scene Study Class with one of my favourite VFS instructors, in a class specifically for VFS Alumni. I've wanted to branch-out and try classes with instructors I've never had before, but I know I can still learn a lot from this guy. It's been ten months since I've graduated and taken a real acting course, so this is way overdue. It promises to raise my audition-success quotient by 200%!*
*Results not typical.
When last we left our hero(?), I was auditioning for the Scooby-Doo Prequel. Well, the audition went well. Not much more to say than that.
After I did the "Doo", I was called to audition for the most far-off thing for which I've been sent-out for so far. A 35-year-old gay Russian geologist who is blasting-off 400 million miles away from earth. Yeah. I thought a coaching was in order.
Optimally, I'd get a dialect coach, but without a phone number for one and with limited time, I could only get an acting coach. I wanted a dialect coach for the accent, but after working the scene once with the acting coach it turned-out my faux-Ruski was acceptable. This is the first time I've coached with this particular teacher (another VFS instructor). His methods are a little different, but he really helps bring the character closer to the actor, to make the scene more real. I got a pretty good reaction from the Casting Director at Brooksbank, so the coaching paid-off. Whether I got the role or not, I gave a good audition, the most real and natural I've done thus far. Given the challenging role, I'll chalk that up as a success.
I was supposed to go back to set for "I Love You, Beth Cooper" on Wednesday, when I received a called from the 2nd AD telling me they may need me instead on Thursday ... or not at all. Y'see, the 2nd AD told me that Chris (as in Columbus) has cut the scene together (as in "edit", not "erase" or "discard") and he found that the scene can work without my shot. So, Wednesday afternoon, before my first Cactus Club shift, I get the call telling me they don't need me anymore. And that's the end of that tale. I'm pretty disappointed, but hey, it's out of my hands. All that's left to be done is book the next role ... hopefully with more lines and, if I'm lucky, a shot of my face. Here's hopin'.
The worst part about not going to set is that I had to pay for my haircut instead of getting hair and make-up to do it for free. I got my ears lowered on Thursday at a place called "The Chop Shop", which has a kind of 50's car-motif thing going. It looked way too cool for me, but I excel at being a round peg in a square hole and fitting into places I don't belong. Or not.
Like I mentioned, I had my first Cactus Club shift Wednesday at the Ash St. location. It was trial by fire, and I certainly didn't expect to be walking with a tray and running food to tables on my first day, but aside from a handful of table-number-screw-ups, I did alright. I had a second shift added Thursday because I wasn't going to set (dang) and therefore I'd be missing the opening night of Indiana Jones (daaAAAAaang). I did better that night, felt more comfortable. It's way more hectic than security, which is a good thing, as two hours can pass without even noticing it when it gets busy. It'll be a hard-working, short-staffed summer, but I hope to be serving within a few months. It's all up to me. And them, part of it is up to them.
It's my last Friday at Black Box, tomorrow's my last shift. I shall miss it so. Paladin's treated me well, and the people at Black Box have been great. My Manager said there's always a job for me at Paladin, so I know that, even in my darkest hour, I at least won't be homeless. Not working graveyards has been a great choice, and the hours got worked-around if an audition came-up. I need to keep telling myself that once I reach server at Cactus, I'll be making more money. It's the name of the game.
To bookend on the acting class theme, I finally registered and paid-in-full for a Scene Study Class with one of my favourite VFS instructors, in a class specifically for VFS Alumni. I've wanted to branch-out and try classes with instructors I've never had before, but I know I can still learn a lot from this guy. It's been ten months since I've graduated and taken a real acting course, so this is way overdue. It promises to raise my audition-success quotient by 200%!*
*Results not typical.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Surpassing Expectations
The "Scooby-Doo" audition went well, well enough to get called back; for another part. The reason I hope this gets picked-up as a series, is just that: the incidental roles that come with episodics. My agent once told me that a few years ago there were something like 14 episodics shooting in Vancouver and currently there are about ... four or so ... but don't quote me on that. Seriously, don't.
Like I said, episodics are good. Not only is there the chance that you could be cast for the pilot and be a series lead and have a decent, constant paycheck for a while, but also there's the aforementioned incidentals that may only have a few lines in one episode, or turn into a recurring character (popping-up every now and again) or even a series regular (in about every episode, but not a major character.) Any way you slice it, it's a nice piece of working pie for actors, and that's a good thing. Unless you hate pie and actors, in which case buddy, yer readin' the wrong blog.
I was asked to read for Brooksbank again on Thursday, this time putting in a full eight-hour day. I'm going to keep tight-lipped on what I read and who I saw, because my agent and his daughter warned me against spilling my guts about the projects and screwing myself professionally. Remember, I'm broadcasting this for the world to see with my big fat name emblazoned right on the front page, I'd hate to shoot my career in the foot by accidentally mentioning a secret project and/or name. What I can say was the reading was, again, a real learning experience, and a tonne of fun. It's really interesting to see what actors can get away with in the room, and it's going to free me up for future auditions because, like my second term Audition Technique teacher drilled into our heads: It's your audition. Really, the Casting Director shouldn't object to anything that helps the actor give the best audition possible. Mistakes are allowed, and perfectly OK, even I messed-up a few times. That's the beauty of taping. Luckily my screw-ups weren't severe enough that they didn't want me to read for them again, because they asked me to do another full day on Friday, which I had to turn-down because I had Cactus Club Expo Orientation that morning, and my security job in the afternoon. I wish reading was my full-time job, that would be sweet. I still don't know what they're paying me but, heck, I'd do it for free (but don't tell them that.)
This security gig is going to be tough to leave. As I write this, I'm watching the Dallas/Detroit game, and am fully intent on watching the Philadelphia/Pittsburgh game tomorrow. I can Blog, chat on MSN/Facebook/the phone pretty much all weekend, and the people I work with in the afternoons are pretty cool. They're sad to see me go, and who can blame them. Trust me, I've seen the alternative, and as far as security guards go, I'm pretty dang personable. Heck, that's a big reason I'm leaving: My people skills can be better utilized elsewhere.
I've hashed-out a training schedule at a different Cactus Club location, just so I'll be trained-up by the time the new restaurant opens. First impressions are important, and the first few weeks of being open are going to call for nothing less than a top-notch effort from everyone. I don't know what to expect, but it's going to be fun, no matter what I have to do to make it so. I used to get a certain rush from being busy at previous jobs, and unlike my current job, boredom will not be an issue at Cactus Club.
I finished the novel of "I Love You, Beth Cooper". It was very funny, and looks like it will make for a fine film. Highest recommendation. Speaking of, my agent told me they might want me on set for Thursday the 22nd, instead of Wednesday the 21st. I'm free for whatever, so long as they give me fair warning and don't mind cutting my hair. I haven't cut it in over two months because I didn't want to screw continuity, and also because they can cut it for free. Yeah, I'm cheap like that. Free haircuts, so long as I keep booking roles. My agent is expecting me to do two more times by years end.
I hope I can surpass his expectation.
Like I said, episodics are good. Not only is there the chance that you could be cast for the pilot and be a series lead and have a decent, constant paycheck for a while, but also there's the aforementioned incidentals that may only have a few lines in one episode, or turn into a recurring character (popping-up every now and again) or even a series regular (in about every episode, but not a major character.) Any way you slice it, it's a nice piece of working pie for actors, and that's a good thing. Unless you hate pie and actors, in which case buddy, yer readin' the wrong blog.
I was asked to read for Brooksbank again on Thursday, this time putting in a full eight-hour day. I'm going to keep tight-lipped on what I read and who I saw, because my agent and his daughter warned me against spilling my guts about the projects and screwing myself professionally. Remember, I'm broadcasting this for the world to see with my big fat name emblazoned right on the front page, I'd hate to shoot my career in the foot by accidentally mentioning a secret project and/or name. What I can say was the reading was, again, a real learning experience, and a tonne of fun. It's really interesting to see what actors can get away with in the room, and it's going to free me up for future auditions because, like my second term Audition Technique teacher drilled into our heads: It's your audition. Really, the Casting Director shouldn't object to anything that helps the actor give the best audition possible. Mistakes are allowed, and perfectly OK, even I messed-up a few times. That's the beauty of taping. Luckily my screw-ups weren't severe enough that they didn't want me to read for them again, because they asked me to do another full day on Friday, which I had to turn-down because I had Cactus Club Expo Orientation that morning, and my security job in the afternoon. I wish reading was my full-time job, that would be sweet. I still don't know what they're paying me but, heck, I'd do it for free (but don't tell them that.)
This security gig is going to be tough to leave. As I write this, I'm watching the Dallas/Detroit game, and am fully intent on watching the Philadelphia/Pittsburgh game tomorrow. I can Blog, chat on MSN/Facebook/the phone pretty much all weekend, and the people I work with in the afternoons are pretty cool. They're sad to see me go, and who can blame them. Trust me, I've seen the alternative, and as far as security guards go, I'm pretty dang personable. Heck, that's a big reason I'm leaving: My people skills can be better utilized elsewhere.
I've hashed-out a training schedule at a different Cactus Club location, just so I'll be trained-up by the time the new restaurant opens. First impressions are important, and the first few weeks of being open are going to call for nothing less than a top-notch effort from everyone. I don't know what to expect, but it's going to be fun, no matter what I have to do to make it so. I used to get a certain rush from being busy at previous jobs, and unlike my current job, boredom will not be an issue at Cactus Club.
I finished the novel of "I Love You, Beth Cooper". It was very funny, and looks like it will make for a fine film. Highest recommendation. Speaking of, my agent told me they might want me on set for Thursday the 22nd, instead of Wednesday the 21st. I'm free for whatever, so long as they give me fair warning and don't mind cutting my hair. I haven't cut it in over two months because I didn't want to screw continuity, and also because they can cut it for free. Yeah, I'm cheap like that. Free haircuts, so long as I keep booking roles. My agent is expecting me to do two more times by years end.
I hope I can surpass his expectation.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I Saw Sara At The Audition
When I showed-up at the Casting Office, I found no people and the door closed. Did I screw-up the day again? Thankfully, no. A quick call to my agent alleviated any concerns, and a few minutes later the Casting Assistant came downstairs to open the doors and to tell me to come upstairs to get the sides. We were only auditioning one part, and it was a girl part. Awesome. And she's supposed to be hot. Double awesome. Doublawesome.
Sitting in the waiting room, I quickly learned that readers, much like the actors who work with them, also sit in the waiting room. While waiting, who should show-up first but my great buddy Sara. She blew a snot-bubble laughing.
"Who are you auditioning for?"
"I'm actually reading."
"WHAT?"
Well, who better to read with first than the girl I quite often read for? I helped her go over the sides (well, she helped me too), much like we'd do when I'd help her put stuff on tape.
There were only about seven or eight actresses auditioning, so I also took-over as a Casting Assistant, which just meant that I had to highlight the list of performers, and bring in the head shots and resumes in the right order.
It was very interesting to see the different actresses come through the doors, and to see their varying takes on the character. I didn't hear any "dirt" in the room, since I was relegated to waiting outside the door and being called in when the actresses were.
The whole thing went off without a hitch, so there may be a chance I'll get asked to read again. Here's hoping. I'll be getting paid for it and everything.
Afterwards, my agent called, laughing about running into Sara.
"I wanted to see if she could handle it."
So it was all a dirty trick! Why I oughta ... thank him for all he's done. I don't think it threw Sara at all, she's been through enough that this wouldn't be a big deal. But look at me, carrying-on.
The next Pre-screen is with the "Altitude"/"Revolution" folks -- wait a minute. OK, I'm starting a new Casting naming system. I shall name them by street name, so as not to name them directly, but it'll get too confusing to name them by projects. These Casting folks shall henceforth be known as Broadway (and for the record, my North Vancouver peeps shall be known as Brooksbank. Make a chart if you have to.)
So I'll go to Broadway tomorrow to pre-screen for a Scooby Doo prequel. This will be a made-for-TV-movie that they're hoping to make into a series. I'll be pre-screening foer the part of Fred, my lady roommate is going out for Velma, which she is perfect for. This is going to be fun, and I'm really glad I got that bleach-job yesterday.
Turns out losing that bet worked in my favour, however, this is the last time I pick Germany in an IIHF hockey game. I just thought Canada had to lose sometime ...
Sitting in the waiting room, I quickly learned that readers, much like the actors who work with them, also sit in the waiting room. While waiting, who should show-up first but my great buddy Sara. She blew a snot-bubble laughing.
"Who are you auditioning for?"
"I'm actually reading."
"WHAT?"
Well, who better to read with first than the girl I quite often read for? I helped her go over the sides (well, she helped me too), much like we'd do when I'd help her put stuff on tape.
There were only about seven or eight actresses auditioning, so I also took-over as a Casting Assistant, which just meant that I had to highlight the list of performers, and bring in the head shots and resumes in the right order.
It was very interesting to see the different actresses come through the doors, and to see their varying takes on the character. I didn't hear any "dirt" in the room, since I was relegated to waiting outside the door and being called in when the actresses were.
The whole thing went off without a hitch, so there may be a chance I'll get asked to read again. Here's hoping. I'll be getting paid for it and everything.
Afterwards, my agent called, laughing about running into Sara.
"I wanted to see if she could handle it."
So it was all a dirty trick! Why I oughta ... thank him for all he's done. I don't think it threw Sara at all, she's been through enough that this wouldn't be a big deal. But look at me, carrying-on.
The next Pre-screen is with the "Altitude"/"Revolution" folks -- wait a minute. OK, I'm starting a new Casting naming system. I shall name them by street name, so as not to name them directly, but it'll get too confusing to name them by projects. These Casting folks shall henceforth be known as Broadway (and for the record, my North Vancouver peeps shall be known as Brooksbank. Make a chart if you have to.)
So I'll go to Broadway tomorrow to pre-screen for a Scooby Doo prequel. This will be a made-for-TV-movie that they're hoping to make into a series. I'll be pre-screening foer the part of Fred, my lady roommate is going out for Velma, which she is perfect for. This is going to be fun, and I'm really glad I got that bleach-job yesterday.
Turns out losing that bet worked in my favour, however, this is the last time I pick Germany in an IIHF hockey game. I just thought Canada had to lose sometime ...
Monday, May 12, 2008
Tables Turned
I just got a phone call from one of the people at my Agencies office asking me to be a reader tomorrow morning.
For the uninitiated, a reader is just the person who, well, reads the opposite character or characters in an audition. They stand by the camera and provide a cue/eye line for the actors auditioning. This will be for "Smallville" and will be for my peeps at North Shore Studios.
I'm really privileged just to be asked to do this, and it'll also give me a chance to be on the other side of the audition. The pressure will be off ... or it may be augmented. If I screw-up during an audition, that's a ratio of one standard screw-up-per-day, but if I screw up a couple of these, it'll be a ratio of a coupla-screw-ups-per-day. Ah well, mistakes happen. I'm glad my incredible friend Sara let me read for some of her on-tape auditions for practice. It certainly paid-off.
Friday night was the Celebration of Hires for the new Cactus Club. The staff there is going to be huge, 165 or so, and it looks like we'll need every last one of them to keep the place running. Big expectations for that location, and I couldn't be more stoked to be a part of it. I'm nervous about it, but once I start working, I'm sure I'll take to it like a Steelhead Salmon to the beautiful, deep-lake waters of Lois Lake.
Saturday night was the General Manager Orientation, which handles how the restaurant is ... handled. After that was our Food Orientation, sans real food, which made learning about the dishes really, REALLY hard. I hit-up my mom's afterward and ran into some people I haven't seen in a while. Sunday night, I maintained my catch-ups when I went to dinner with a friend I haven't seen in over a year. He's in Nanaimo and works for the plane company there, so he can fly into Vancouver for free, which is a nifty perk.
Someone remind me tomorrow, between the gym, reading and working to wish my dad a happy birthday. No gift in the mail (sorry, dad) but he's got a massive IOU for ... something big in the future. He knows I owe 'im.
For the uninitiated, a reader is just the person who, well, reads the opposite character or characters in an audition. They stand by the camera and provide a cue/eye line for the actors auditioning. This will be for "Smallville" and will be for my peeps at North Shore Studios.
I'm really privileged just to be asked to do this, and it'll also give me a chance to be on the other side of the audition. The pressure will be off ... or it may be augmented. If I screw-up during an audition, that's a ratio of one standard screw-up-per-day, but if I screw up a couple of these, it'll be a ratio of a coupla-screw-ups-per-day. Ah well, mistakes happen. I'm glad my incredible friend Sara let me read for some of her on-tape auditions for practice. It certainly paid-off.
Friday night was the Celebration of Hires for the new Cactus Club. The staff there is going to be huge, 165 or so, and it looks like we'll need every last one of them to keep the place running. Big expectations for that location, and I couldn't be more stoked to be a part of it. I'm nervous about it, but once I start working, I'm sure I'll take to it like a Steelhead Salmon to the beautiful, deep-lake waters of Lois Lake.
Saturday night was the General Manager Orientation, which handles how the restaurant is ... handled. After that was our Food Orientation, sans real food, which made learning about the dishes really, REALLY hard. I hit-up my mom's afterward and ran into some people I haven't seen in a while. Sunday night, I maintained my catch-ups when I went to dinner with a friend I haven't seen in over a year. He's in Nanaimo and works for the plane company there, so he can fly into Vancouver for free, which is a nifty perk.
Someone remind me tomorrow, between the gym, reading and working to wish my dad a happy birthday. No gift in the mail (sorry, dad) but he's got a massive IOU for ... something big in the future. He knows I owe 'im.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
"The Men From The Boys"
Yesterday didn't all go according to plan, but it wasn't a complete disaster, either.
I woke-up and got all "Hipstered-up" for my "Samurai Girl" pre-screen. I didn't allot a lot of time to get there, having to take two SkyTrains, but I lucked-out and by the time I got to the studio I was ten minutes early which is a little later than I'd want to be, but not late enough to be considered late.
My agent called me, en route.
"Well isn't that nice," he boasts in his usual non-greetular manner, "A call back."
"For ... what?" For a brief moment, I blanked. I knew about the "Caprica" call back, but I didn't have time to search my mind in the 0.08 seconds for anything I've auditioned for recently for which I could have been called back.
"For 'Caprica' ... don't tell me you forgot, you're not sleeping are you?" I guess he forgot I got a new job that let me sleep at night.
I do the routine check-in with the security guard at the gate of the studio, and - he's surprised to see me there.
"News to me," he said after I told him my pre-screen time. He scooted his wheelie chair to check the names and times of the talent.
"What time did you say again?"
"Uh, 11:20."
"What I got here says 4:50."
Oh, God.
"Really? That's odd ... I'm gonna call my agent" (I've always wanted to say that, but not like this, never like this.)
I called him up, and wouldn't-cha-know-it, I WAS supposed to be there at 4:50.
"Yeah, for some reason that went to my deleted box," the agent explains, "they got you in for 4:50."
Hoo, boy. I'm not happy. Now I have to boot it from the 3:25 audition in North Vancouver, to this 4:50 audition in Burnaby. Not to mention I came out at 11:20 for nothing. Well, it wasn't for nothing, because I had to drop-off a void cheque to Paladin because my bank account information had changed, and they were just one more SkyTrain Station over. But still, I'd have to pre-screen in my "Caprica" costume, and although my Hipster get-up wasn't all that, the "Caprica" costume wasn't close to what they were looking for.
I was further thrown after meeting the "Caprica" Director. When I showed-up to the casting office I found it just as I like it: empty. The assistant asked if I wanted to go in early (I was there at 3:00), but then the other actor showed-up, and I went in the room at my scheduled time.
The room set-up had the two Casting Directors to my immediate right, then on the couch where I saw Diablo Cody three months prior sat the Director, and some woman I didn't recognize, likely an exec. of some sort. It was a few tense seconds before one of the Casting Directors said "Hi."
"Hey, how you doin', man?" asked the director who looked like a combination of George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola and those hippies from that "Simpsons" episode.
"Uh, it's going good, goin' good," I said, which was kind of a lie given what happened that morning.
"Why?" He asked.
"Uh, wha'?" I wasn't really expecting that.
"Why is it good, man?"
I made-up some stuff about it being good because I was going out for things during this "very dry period", and hoped that would be a sufficient answer. It turned out to be sufficient, and he proceeded to give me the low-down on the character, and after that, I went to work. I did the two scenes, and the Director gave the requisite "good, man."
"You think so?" Don't know why I asked it.
"Yeah, I enjoyed that, man," which was about all I could ask for.
I called my agent after, and told him I was a tad thrown by the Director.
"They try any little ploy to throw you, it's how they separate the men from the boys." Not sure if the Director saw me as the former or the latter.
I hopped the two buses from North Van. to Burnaby, arriving for my new 4:50 pre-screen with plenty of time to spare. These pre-screens took place at a big studio, so they were casting in a trailer. Trailers: is there anything they can't do? The trailer waiting room was full of Hipsters, none of them drunk yet, but that would change as soon walk into the casting room. This one went as well as I hoped: short, sweet and no major screw-ups.
So that was the day: 70% in transit, 17% waiting, 10% playing Pokemon Puzzle League, 2% acting and 1% getting thrown off my game by a hippie.
I woke-up and got all "Hipstered-up" for my "Samurai Girl" pre-screen. I didn't allot a lot of time to get there, having to take two SkyTrains, but I lucked-out and by the time I got to the studio I was ten minutes early which is a little later than I'd want to be, but not late enough to be considered late.
My agent called me, en route.
"Well isn't that nice," he boasts in his usual non-greetular manner, "A call back."
"For ... what?" For a brief moment, I blanked. I knew about the "Caprica" call back, but I didn't have time to search my mind in the 0.08 seconds for anything I've auditioned for recently for which I could have been called back.
"For 'Caprica' ... don't tell me you forgot, you're not sleeping are you?" I guess he forgot I got a new job that let me sleep at night.
I do the routine check-in with the security guard at the gate of the studio, and - he's surprised to see me there.
"News to me," he said after I told him my pre-screen time. He scooted his wheelie chair to check the names and times of the talent.
"What time did you say again?"
"Uh, 11:20."
"What I got here says 4:50."
Oh, God.
"Really? That's odd ... I'm gonna call my agent" (I've always wanted to say that, but not like this, never like this.)
I called him up, and wouldn't-cha-know-it, I WAS supposed to be there at 4:50.
"Yeah, for some reason that went to my deleted box," the agent explains, "they got you in for 4:50."
Hoo, boy. I'm not happy. Now I have to boot it from the 3:25 audition in North Vancouver, to this 4:50 audition in Burnaby. Not to mention I came out at 11:20 for nothing. Well, it wasn't for nothing, because I had to drop-off a void cheque to Paladin because my bank account information had changed, and they were just one more SkyTrain Station over. But still, I'd have to pre-screen in my "Caprica" costume, and although my Hipster get-up wasn't all that, the "Caprica" costume wasn't close to what they were looking for.
I was further thrown after meeting the "Caprica" Director. When I showed-up to the casting office I found it just as I like it: empty. The assistant asked if I wanted to go in early (I was there at 3:00), but then the other actor showed-up, and I went in the room at my scheduled time.
The room set-up had the two Casting Directors to my immediate right, then on the couch where I saw Diablo Cody three months prior sat the Director, and some woman I didn't recognize, likely an exec. of some sort. It was a few tense seconds before one of the Casting Directors said "Hi."
"Hey, how you doin', man?" asked the director who looked like a combination of George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola and those hippies from that "Simpsons" episode.
"Uh, it's going good, goin' good," I said, which was kind of a lie given what happened that morning.
"Why?" He asked.
"Uh, wha'?" I wasn't really expecting that.
"Why is it good, man?"
I made-up some stuff about it being good because I was going out for things during this "very dry period", and hoped that would be a sufficient answer. It turned out to be sufficient, and he proceeded to give me the low-down on the character, and after that, I went to work. I did the two scenes, and the Director gave the requisite "good, man."
"You think so?" Don't know why I asked it.
"Yeah, I enjoyed that, man," which was about all I could ask for.
I called my agent after, and told him I was a tad thrown by the Director.
"They try any little ploy to throw you, it's how they separate the men from the boys." Not sure if the Director saw me as the former or the latter.
I hopped the two buses from North Van. to Burnaby, arriving for my new 4:50 pre-screen with plenty of time to spare. These pre-screens took place at a big studio, so they were casting in a trailer. Trailers: is there anything they can't do? The trailer waiting room was full of Hipsters, none of them drunk yet, but that would change as soon walk into the casting room. This one went as well as I hoped: short, sweet and no major screw-ups.
So that was the day: 70% in transit, 17% waiting, 10% playing Pokemon Puzzle League, 2% acting and 1% getting thrown off my game by a hippie.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Double-Header
The first is a pre-screen, which my agent doesn't understand, because I've auditioned for these Casting Directors before. In fact, they were my FIRST real audition (my first EVER was "Altitude", but that too was a pre-screen) for Startgate: Atlantis back in February. I guess two-line auditions are pretty forgettable.
This pre-screen is for a show called "Samurai Girl". It's about the adopted daughter of a powerful Japanese millionaire, who reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage. However, there is no happily ever after, as armed assassins invade her sacred ceremony, killing her brother and making her their next target. To avenge her brother's death, she has her good friend instruct her in the martial arts, and lo and behold, she catches-on quick. It's a wholesome, family-friendly series for ABC Family.
The role is a short one, a drunk Hipster who hits on the title character, only to have her training run wild on his arm joints. A classmate of mine went for the same role on Friday, making this the fourth (I think) role I've gone out for in direct competition with a fellow VFS alum. In life I'm not a "Hipster" at all, and the type of clothes their looking for I: a) don't have, and b) can't get before tomorrow. Oh well, I can come-up with something, though I doubt I could lose the requisite 40 pounds in one night.
I've been called back for "Caprica", that Battlestar Gallactica prequel series that I auditioned for last Thursday. Looks like that "fair interpretation" was a good choice. This will be for the Director, and I'm pretty pumped.
My canceled-day check for "I Love You, Beth Cooper" is at my agent's office, ready for me to pick it up and drop it down to the bank. Free money's nothing to sneeze at; unless there's something in the ink that you're allergic to.
A pre-screen, an audition, and a check all in one day. I just need a home-run, and I'll be hitting for the cycle.
I need to stop watching MLB highlights at the gym.
This pre-screen is for a show called "Samurai Girl". It's about the adopted daughter of a powerful Japanese millionaire, who reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage. However, there is no happily ever after, as armed assassins invade her sacred ceremony, killing her brother and making her their next target. To avenge her brother's death, she has her good friend instruct her in the martial arts, and lo and behold, she catches-on quick. It's a wholesome, family-friendly series for ABC Family.
The role is a short one, a drunk Hipster who hits on the title character, only to have her training run wild on his arm joints. A classmate of mine went for the same role on Friday, making this the fourth (I think) role I've gone out for in direct competition with a fellow VFS alum. In life I'm not a "Hipster" at all, and the type of clothes their looking for I: a) don't have, and b) can't get before tomorrow. Oh well, I can come-up with something, though I doubt I could lose the requisite 40 pounds in one night.
I've been called back for "Caprica", that Battlestar Gallactica prequel series that I auditioned for last Thursday. Looks like that "fair interpretation" was a good choice. This will be for the Director, and I'm pretty pumped.
My canceled-day check for "I Love You, Beth Cooper" is at my agent's office, ready for me to pick it up and drop it down to the bank. Free money's nothing to sneeze at; unless there's something in the ink that you're allergic to.
A pre-screen, an audition, and a check all in one day. I just need a home-run, and I'll be hitting for the cycle.
I need to stop watching MLB highlights at the gym.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Play The Game
I earned my "Serving It Right" certificate yesterday, which means I can now serve booze in BC to anyone ... provided they're of age and not already wasted. The exam was open-book, which I thought was kind of unnecessary; in fact, I kind of found the whole program unnecessary. Just tell your servers not to serve anyone underage and make sure intoxicated people have a safe way home, and that's it. But, I guess the program makes people more aware of legalities, so whatever. Gotta play by the rules if you wanna play the game.
I went to "Watermania" in Richmond yesterday, which was pretty fun. I has a wave pool, which was kind of small, and I almost fell out the water slide, but that just added to the excitement.
I woke-up today at seven to slam a Xyience and hit the gym before my coaching at ten. After the coaching I went to the UBCP office to receive my Apprentice Number and learn all the fun benefits involved with joining the Union. I just hope they'll be worth the $450.00 Full Membership fee I'll have to pay when I get four more credits. Again, gotta play by the rules to play the game.
After stuffing myself with delicious sushi (I ate all that I could) I headed to hallowed North Shore Studios for my "Caprica" audition. I know I don't describe these auditions in great detail like I used to, and that's for two reasons: first, I really need to be careful what I say. I've been surprised before by who reads this, and I need to watch what I say about whom. Second, really, if you've done one, you've done 'em all to varying degrees. It's largely the same thing every time, with the occasional thing worth mentioning, which I had tonight:
There was a way I read a certain line that caused the Casting Director to ask why I read it the way I read it. I just backed myself up with what was happening in the script in that scene, and she understood. She said it was a "reasonable interpretation," which could mean I was way off the mark of what they were looking for, or she really never thought of that choice before. Either way, it got noticed, and that can't be all bad.
My agent sent an e-mail yesterday saying that things are slow because of the impending acting strike in the US. Some people up here think it may benefit us up-and-comers, but I don't think it will at all. They'll simply halt productions without the stars. No one wants to see a bunch of scabs starring in the big features (however, that scenario has given me an idea for a movie, but I've got the feeling that it's been done already.)
I enjoyed an alright banana protein smoothie on the bus and Seabus on the way home and made my Costco shopping list. Back home, Costco (first known to me as "Price Club") used to be such an event, but now that I live within walking distance, it's just a good place to go to get 4L of Helmann's for a good price. My inherent thriftiness puts the idea in my head that I can carry my two 50lb bags of goods, instead of pay for the cheap cab ride home. The guy in the elevator agreed: there's no better workout than the "Costco Carry".
In the odd ironies department, I can't help but be amused by the fact that Mario Kart Wii introduces motorcycles to the series; motorcycles that you control with the new "Wii Wheel". It's still fun, with a bit more of a learning curve due to the new control option, and the online play is a blast. Some people complain about Wii's online play, but the first time I tried it with MKW, I was racing with 11 other people around North America in about two minutes. That's good enough for me.
I went to "Watermania" in Richmond yesterday, which was pretty fun. I has a wave pool, which was kind of small, and I almost fell out the water slide, but that just added to the excitement.
I woke-up today at seven to slam a Xyience and hit the gym before my coaching at ten. After the coaching I went to the UBCP office to receive my Apprentice Number and learn all the fun benefits involved with joining the Union. I just hope they'll be worth the $450.00 Full Membership fee I'll have to pay when I get four more credits. Again, gotta play by the rules to play the game.
After stuffing myself with delicious sushi (I ate all that I could) I headed to hallowed North Shore Studios for my "Caprica" audition. I know I don't describe these auditions in great detail like I used to, and that's for two reasons: first, I really need to be careful what I say. I've been surprised before by who reads this, and I need to watch what I say about whom. Second, really, if you've done one, you've done 'em all to varying degrees. It's largely the same thing every time, with the occasional thing worth mentioning, which I had tonight:
There was a way I read a certain line that caused the Casting Director to ask why I read it the way I read it. I just backed myself up with what was happening in the script in that scene, and she understood. She said it was a "reasonable interpretation," which could mean I was way off the mark of what they were looking for, or she really never thought of that choice before. Either way, it got noticed, and that can't be all bad.
My agent sent an e-mail yesterday saying that things are slow because of the impending acting strike in the US. Some people up here think it may benefit us up-and-comers, but I don't think it will at all. They'll simply halt productions without the stars. No one wants to see a bunch of scabs starring in the big features (however, that scenario has given me an idea for a movie, but I've got the feeling that it's been done already.)
I enjoyed an alright banana protein smoothie on the bus and Seabus on the way home and made my Costco shopping list. Back home, Costco (first known to me as "Price Club") used to be such an event, but now that I live within walking distance, it's just a good place to go to get 4L of Helmann's for a good price. My inherent thriftiness puts the idea in my head that I can carry my two 50lb bags of goods, instead of pay for the cheap cab ride home. The guy in the elevator agreed: there's no better workout than the "Costco Carry".
In the odd ironies department, I can't help but be amused by the fact that Mario Kart Wii introduces motorcycles to the series; motorcycles that you control with the new "Wii Wheel". It's still fun, with a bit more of a learning curve due to the new control option, and the online play is a blast. Some people complain about Wii's online play, but the first time I tried it with MKW, I was racing with 11 other people around North America in about two minutes. That's good enough for me.
Monday, April 28, 2008
"You Want Another Audition?"
Along my trek from the bus stop to my apartment, what should I come across but $20 on the sidewalk. What one does with found money speaks volumes about a person's current situation; both in life, and the immediate situation in which that person is in upon first coming into contact with the discovered currency.
In life: How's your money situation? Do you need this badly? Is $20 a lot for you, or is it simply some bar cash? Is it considered "lowly" of you to stoop and pick-up a damp bill from the sidewalk?
Immediate situation: Is there anyone watching? Does this particular bill look "suspicious" in any way? Are there any bodily-fluid/bodily-solid-coloured streaks upon the visage of The Queen? Are there any homeless/less-fortunate people along the path from the site-of-discovery to your residence?
After asking all of the above questions in my head, I ended-up being $20 richer. Cash-money is untraceable, so it's finders-keepers, losers-shoulda-been-more-carefuls. I can't wait to spend this newly-found bar cash.
I have a meeting Thursday with UBCP (Union of British Columbia Performers) to get an apprenticeship number. I called my agent today, because I still need the contract from ILYBC as proof of my credits, or something. He had it faxed to him, but he's thinking they'll need the original to process everything, so he asked to have the original mailed to him, which he'll have by tomorrow or Wednesday. Great, my only agent interaction of the day.
But as the late Jack Palance said in his portrayal of the rough-and-tumble Curly Washburn "Day ain't over yet."
I got a call at work, of all places.
"You want another audition?"
It was like asking one of those kids on the "World Vision" commercials if they want just 15 cents per day.
"Yes please," said I.
"How about you book this one, God Dammit."
Avec plaisir.
He went on to explain how things in this business are cyclical, which is what I've always been told. It's feast or famine, and I've been starving for a while, so this will be good to break the fast.
This one is for Pilot for a new show called "Caprica" which is a Battlestar Gallactica prequel. Looks like fun, and has a bunch of big words which make me feel all smart and stuff when I talk them with my mouth. It's on Wednesday night with my favourite peeps in North Vancouver, so I'm expecting a hero's welcome.
Hopefully not the 'Nam type of hero's welcome.
In life: How's your money situation? Do you need this badly? Is $20 a lot for you, or is it simply some bar cash? Is it considered "lowly" of you to stoop and pick-up a damp bill from the sidewalk?
Immediate situation: Is there anyone watching? Does this particular bill look "suspicious" in any way? Are there any bodily-fluid/bodily-solid-coloured streaks upon the visage of The Queen? Are there any homeless/less-fortunate people along the path from the site-of-discovery to your residence?
After asking all of the above questions in my head, I ended-up being $20 richer. Cash-money is untraceable, so it's finders-keepers, losers-shoulda-been-more-carefuls. I can't wait to spend this newly-found bar cash.
I have a meeting Thursday with UBCP (Union of British Columbia Performers) to get an apprenticeship number. I called my agent today, because I still need the contract from ILYBC as proof of my credits, or something. He had it faxed to him, but he's thinking they'll need the original to process everything, so he asked to have the original mailed to him, which he'll have by tomorrow or Wednesday. Great, my only agent interaction of the day.
But as the late Jack Palance said in his portrayal of the rough-and-tumble Curly Washburn "Day ain't over yet."
I got a call at work, of all places.
"You want another audition?"
It was like asking one of those kids on the "World Vision" commercials if they want just 15 cents per day.
"Yes please," said I.
"How about you book this one, God Dammit."
Avec plaisir.
He went on to explain how things in this business are cyclical, which is what I've always been told. It's feast or famine, and I've been starving for a while, so this will be good to break the fast.
This one is for Pilot for a new show called "Caprica" which is a Battlestar Gallactica prequel. Looks like fun, and has a bunch of big words which make me feel all smart and stuff when I talk them with my mouth. It's on Wednesday night with my favourite peeps in North Vancouver, so I'm expecting a hero's welcome.
Hopefully not the 'Nam type of hero's welcome.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Money For Nothing
From Rush to Dire Straits two posts in a row, what can I say?
Since the ILYBC people didn't call to inform me of Friday's cancellation, I get paid the actor's day rate because I was not given 24 hours notice. I have been feeling like all I've been doing lately is waiting by the phone for a call (still no word on NATM2, it's not looking promising), which is what a lot of actors complain about. The obvious solution to this is to "make your own breaks", so I'm looking into doing something, anything performance-related where I call the shots. My thing, my way. I just need the gear, although the MacBook is a good, albeit low-fi start. Something like "Will 2.0". I made that up.
Back to ILYBC and phone-waiting, it is very stressful just waiting for the dang call. I don't know why they couldn't give a few days notice, but hey, that's why they're paying me for doing nothing. Really though, someone in the production office couldn't just say "Hey Murray, can you call this William guy, tell 'im we don't need 'im? Well then PAUSE it then! What? Whaddyah mean Mortal Kombat II can't be paused?" It really can't be.
But I should watch what I say, Fox is reading this after all. I will say that I have bought the book (available at fine bookstores everywhere) that the movie is based-on, and it is quite funny. Larry Doyle also penned the screenplay, so ILYBC fan-boys and -girls have no one to complain to if they "changed too much stuff" from the book for the movie. If the book is any indication, then the movie will be the best and funniest film ever made, hands-down.
Not only is Fox reading this, but upon arriving at the Cactus Club tent yesterday, I was met with some shocking news:
"Hey man, we checked-out your blog!"
Oh no they di'n't. Yeah, they di'd. It's a good thing I was nice after my interview, but in all honesty, all my dealings with this company have been pleasant.
And every work day thereafter for the rest of my life will be better than the last, and the profits, they will make for us the bed of eternal slumber, praise be to Feenie.
I do think it humourous that a restaurant (albeit a major one in the Lower Mainland) did an internet background check, but neither SECURITY company did any check whatsoever; or, if they did, gave no warnings about the NDA's I have signed with both companies in regards to any online publications. You'd even think EA would make sure the people working for them, contracted though we may be, didn't spill-the-beans online in the form of, say a Blog, Podcast, or a "Shoot the monkey, find-out about new features in NHL 09" Flash banner ad.
Heck, the fact that I am writing this very post FROM THEIR FRONT DESK COMPUTER is funny enough to me.
I'll be out of a job by tomorrow.
I find it odd that Fox and Cactus Club both found this-a-here lil' website, but upon Googling myself (my palms have a five o'clock shadow) I come-up with bupkiss. Nothin'. Nadda. I fail to find myself in any combination of my names that I enter. Ah well, if I didn't want people to find this, really, I wouldn't make it. Everyone online should know that they are literally broadcasting to the world, and anything they post can be seen by anyone at any time. No one is safe.
On an unrelated note, Steve, you said you needed to borrow my credit card, and I'm sorry I was too busy to get it to you today, so I'll just type it here: 4556785609871453, Expiry 06/10. Hope that helps, buddy!
Check-out the links to the right, I've just added my horrible Geocities page that I made five years ago. Your eyes have been warned.
Since the ILYBC people didn't call to inform me of Friday's cancellation, I get paid the actor's day rate because I was not given 24 hours notice. I have been feeling like all I've been doing lately is waiting by the phone for a call (still no word on NATM2, it's not looking promising), which is what a lot of actors complain about. The obvious solution to this is to "make your own breaks", so I'm looking into doing something, anything performance-related where I call the shots. My thing, my way. I just need the gear, although the MacBook is a good, albeit low-fi start. Something like "Will 2.0". I made that up.
Back to ILYBC and phone-waiting, it is very stressful just waiting for the dang call. I don't know why they couldn't give a few days notice, but hey, that's why they're paying me for doing nothing. Really though, someone in the production office couldn't just say "Hey Murray, can you call this William guy, tell 'im we don't need 'im? Well then PAUSE it then! What? Whaddyah mean Mortal Kombat II can't be paused?" It really can't be.
But I should watch what I say, Fox is reading this after all. I will say that I have bought the book (available at fine bookstores everywhere) that the movie is based-on, and it is quite funny. Larry Doyle also penned the screenplay, so ILYBC fan-boys and -girls have no one to complain to if they "changed too much stuff" from the book for the movie. If the book is any indication, then the movie will be the best and funniest film ever made, hands-down.
Not only is Fox reading this, but upon arriving at the Cactus Club tent yesterday, I was met with some shocking news:
"Hey man, we checked-out your blog!"
Oh no they di'n't. Yeah, they di'd. It's a good thing I was nice after my interview, but in all honesty, all my dealings with this company have been pleasant.
And every work day thereafter for the rest of my life will be better than the last, and the profits, they will make for us the bed of eternal slumber, praise be to Feenie.
I do think it humourous that a restaurant (albeit a major one in the Lower Mainland) did an internet background check, but neither SECURITY company did any check whatsoever; or, if they did, gave no warnings about the NDA's I have signed with both companies in regards to any online publications. You'd even think EA would make sure the people working for them, contracted though we may be, didn't spill-the-beans online in the form of, say a Blog, Podcast, or a "Shoot the monkey, find-out about new features in NHL 09" Flash banner ad.
Heck, the fact that I am writing this very post FROM THEIR FRONT DESK COMPUTER is funny enough to me.
I'll be out of a job by tomorrow.
I find it odd that Fox and Cactus Club both found this-a-here lil' website, but upon Googling myself (my palms have a five o'clock shadow) I come-up with bupkiss. Nothin'. Nadda. I fail to find myself in any combination of my names that I enter. Ah well, if I didn't want people to find this, really, I wouldn't make it. Everyone online should know that they are literally broadcasting to the world, and anything they post can be seen by anyone at any time. No one is safe.
On an unrelated note, Steve, you said you needed to borrow my credit card, and I'm sorry I was too busy to get it to you today, so I'll just type it here: 4556785609871453, Expiry 06/10. Hope that helps, buddy!
Check-out the links to the right, I've just added my horrible Geocities page that I made five years ago. Your eyes have been warned.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Something For Nothing
Really the only things to report since my last post of ten days ago are that I've been shortlisted for Night at the Museum 2 (as of last Monday) and I didn't get called to set (on Friday.)
For all I know that NATM2 short listing may now be an un-listing, and if it is I'm hoping te get a re-listing to audition for some other part (ala 1492's other production known as, say it with me now, I Love You Beth Cooper.)
Other than not auditioning, the past week was filled with a lot of not working and not getting any younger. I went up a mountain on Wednesday. That was fun (and expensive), but at last I was able to look down from the heights that I look up to everyday. At last, I was able to look down upon my world be as tall as I feel (look for pictures to come soon, none of them taken by me.)
Monday I meet at Cactus Club to hash-out a training schedule, get all my training manuals. I find it mighty ironic that I pass the time at my current job by studying for my future job, and I guess that's technically what I was doing when I worked on auditions at work.
That's about all to report for now, so without further ado, here are some random thoughts:
- Happy Pot Day, pot heads! I'm sure glad there's at least one day (or two, if you count July 1st ... and some other random day I can't recall, but it's on lamp posts all over town, so keep an eye out, y'hear?) dedicated to smoking of your beloved "Sweet Leaf". I never understood the appeal of pot, I've tried to distance myself from it as much as possible.
Why? Because I know it would take me under if I started. Really, I don't need anything else in my life to make me lazy and give me cravings for junk food; I can manage that well enough stone sober, thank you very much. Vancouver is a city where people smoke it on the streets and no one bats an eye (unless they get smoke in it, ow) and it's quite popular among the kids my age.
"More people do it than don't," a friend of mine from back home once argued, and it took a lot to stifle the urge to echo the words of my dear, sweet muddah "if more people jumped-off a bridge than didn't, would you?" (I always thought that was the dumbest parental phrase in world until she added "well, what if there was water underneath?" THEN I would do it.)
- This morning I saw one of those planes dragging a banner ad. This particular ad was for a local College. How do you explain that to the registrar's office? There's bound to be a question on some application form that looks like this:
29A. How did you hear about this College? (Please CHECK ALL that apply):
i. ( ) Friend/Family
ii. ( ) Newspaper Ad
iii. ( ) Radio Ad
iv. ( ) Television Ad
v. ( ) Internet pop-up Ad
vi. ( ) Public Transportation Ad
vii. ( ) NASCAR Bumper Ad
viii. ( ) Hockey board Ad
ix. ( ) An airplane dragging a banner Ad
29B. If you checked "xi." what else, if anything was being advertised? (Please CHECK ALL that apply):
i. ( ) BUY WAR BONDS
ii. ( ) THE FORD MODEL T ... NOW IN RED!
iii. ( ) DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN
iv. ( ) DRINK COCA-COLA ... NOW 100% COCAINE-FREE!
v. ( ) SEE "JVLIVS CAESAR" PERFORMED AT THE BRAND NEW GLOBE THEATRE
- What's with student film-makers and zombie movies? I swear, every single living film-maker has made one at some point in their career, most of them making them in their early days. I don't dislike the genre, but ... c'mon, enough with the zombies already. What about ... botany? Not enough flicks happening about botany, and I can't see why: No need for crappy make-up or gore effects, and plants are always the first to show-up and the last to leave. Heck, it's like they've never left their mark since they were placed there. They are truly the ideal performers (although some trees come-off as a bit wooden.)
As you can tell, I'm heinously bored, and shall stop myself here before I cause anymore damage to myself and others.
For all I know that NATM2 short listing may now be an un-listing, and if it is I'm hoping te get a re-listing to audition for some other part (ala 1492's other production known as, say it with me now, I Love You Beth Cooper.)
Other than not auditioning, the past week was filled with a lot of not working and not getting any younger. I went up a mountain on Wednesday. That was fun (and expensive), but at last I was able to look down from the heights that I look up to everyday. At last, I was able to look down upon my world be as tall as I feel (look for pictures to come soon, none of them taken by me.)
Monday I meet at Cactus Club to hash-out a training schedule, get all my training manuals. I find it mighty ironic that I pass the time at my current job by studying for my future job, and I guess that's technically what I was doing when I worked on auditions at work.
That's about all to report for now, so without further ado, here are some random thoughts:
- Happy Pot Day, pot heads! I'm sure glad there's at least one day (or two, if you count July 1st ... and some other random day I can't recall, but it's on lamp posts all over town, so keep an eye out, y'hear?) dedicated to smoking of your beloved "Sweet Leaf". I never understood the appeal of pot, I've tried to distance myself from it as much as possible.
Why? Because I know it would take me under if I started. Really, I don't need anything else in my life to make me lazy and give me cravings for junk food; I can manage that well enough stone sober, thank you very much. Vancouver is a city where people smoke it on the streets and no one bats an eye (unless they get smoke in it, ow) and it's quite popular among the kids my age.
"More people do it than don't," a friend of mine from back home once argued, and it took a lot to stifle the urge to echo the words of my dear, sweet muddah "if more people jumped-off a bridge than didn't, would you?" (I always thought that was the dumbest parental phrase in world until she added "well, what if there was water underneath?" THEN I would do it.)
- This morning I saw one of those planes dragging a banner ad. This particular ad was for a local College. How do you explain that to the registrar's office? There's bound to be a question on some application form that looks like this:
29A. How did you hear about this College? (Please CHECK ALL that apply):
i. ( ) Friend/Family
ii. ( ) Newspaper Ad
iii. ( ) Radio Ad
iv. ( ) Television Ad
v. ( ) Internet pop-up Ad
vi. ( ) Public Transportation Ad
vii. ( ) NASCAR Bumper Ad
viii. ( ) Hockey board Ad
ix. ( ) An airplane dragging a banner Ad
29B. If you checked "xi." what else, if anything was being advertised? (Please CHECK ALL that apply):
i. ( ) BUY WAR BONDS
ii. ( ) THE FORD MODEL T ... NOW IN RED!
iii. ( ) DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN
iv. ( ) DRINK COCA-COLA ... NOW 100% COCAINE-FREE!
v. ( ) SEE "JVLIVS CAESAR" PERFORMED AT THE BRAND NEW GLOBE THEATRE
- What's with student film-makers and zombie movies? I swear, every single living film-maker has made one at some point in their career, most of them making them in their early days. I don't dislike the genre, but ... c'mon, enough with the zombies already. What about ... botany? Not enough flicks happening about botany, and I can't see why: No need for crappy make-up or gore effects, and plants are always the first to show-up and the last to leave. Heck, it's like they've never left their mark since they were placed there. They are truly the ideal performers (although some trees come-off as a bit wooden.)
As you can tell, I'm heinously bored, and shall stop myself here before I cause anymore damage to myself and others.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
"You're Hired"
Alright, so my good, great buddy Sara suggested I come in to the restaurant where she works and apply for a job. It's a little place called Cactus Club Cafe, and it was one of the first "out here" chains I visited when I moved to Vancouver.
When I lived in Nova Scotia, being part of youth ministry there, we would go out for wings and beer after our youth nights every week. The locations changed over the years, but the idea remained: a social outing with friends to unwind a recap the night/week, and it was always good times. Well, they had the same idea (I think FD brought it over with him) at the parish in Richmond where I sing in the choir. When I first arrived they'd head to the Cactus Club, and I found it quite delightful. To be fair, if there's a place that'll put food in front of me I will likely give it top marks, but Cactus maintained a pretty high level of quality food-wise as long as I've been here.
So with my extremely light work schedule, I made time to visit her yesterday afternoon, and enjoy some of that rockin' CCC chow. I brought my resume, which when combined with my weak-sauce application form made it glaringly obvious that I've had no experience in serving tables, which is what I was gunning for. You can make some serious coin handling hot plates, just ask Sara, my roommates, and any other class members of mine out here who come home with their pocket-seams struggling to contain their tips.
I wasn't guaranteed an interview and there was a management meeting going on when I visited, but I go an interview anyway. I turned-on the William C. Vaughan charm, and was told that I'd be great at that location ... for the kitchen. Not my first choice, but I'd work it if I had to. Then the interviewer recommended I check out the new Cactus Club they're building downtown. I've read about this place, with it's 20' ceilings, authentic art and suspended dining room located in the middle of the business district, this place is literally going to be the hottest restaurant in Vancouver once it's open (June 2nd). The interviewer said to grab a shirt and tie and look alive, because the Regional Manager was going to be on-site to oversee hiring, and he's keeping an eye out for sparkling personalties. Welp, you know what that means.
SHOPPING SPREE!
I headed to the only place I knew with clothes that looked as good as fabric as I do as flesh and bone: Sasso. Again introduced to me by the Richmond contingent, this place specializes in imported European clothing at surprisingly good prices and just moved downtown (corner of Nelson & Granville) in the last few months. I wanted a shirt and tie, and I came out with more than I bargained for, but that didn't surprise me. Let it be known, if you walk inside that store you're almost guaranteed to go from looking at it on the rack to looking at it on your rack (if you're female) in a matter of seconds. And the staff won't let you stop there, just be open to what they give you and know when to say no.
I ended-up saying "no" to a fair bit, but I also said the most expensive "yes" ever at a clothing store, but hey, it's all an investment: for the interview, and for auditions, and it ain't hurtin' the ol' self-esteem neither (fun fact: for those who don't know, that flamboyant blue shirt and vest combo that I sport in my head shot comes from the very store you've just read about.)
I planned on going at around noon today, but I went to the gym first, and then the Princess kept being in another castle, so I didn't get there until the late afternoon, sporting my brand-new shirt, tie, blazer, jeans and sense of confidence.
I rolled up in there and the guys at the front table asked if I was there to audition for "So You Think You Can Dance"
"NO! I'm here to apply for the Cactus Club here, STUPID!" would have been the wrong thing to say, but I enjoyed their playfulness, and told them that I was there to be the best employee in the history of Cactus Club, which may not have been the right thing to say either, so instead I just played-along and said,
"Yeah, should I just get set-up at the front there?"
Then we got down to brass tacks and when they asked I told them that I was there to be a server, BUUUTTT I knew I'd have to start at a lower position first.
"Well, we're hiring Porters right now."
Awesome. I don't really know what a Porter IS (like a bar-back, right, like he helps, uh, "port" stuff around?) but I'd do if it got me to a serving position someday.
So I fill-out another applications form. I hate these because they really make my credentials look awful.
Did you go to University?
Y
How many years did you attend?
1
Did you graduate?
... N
Did you just give-up on that and try acting instead?
Y
List your previous employment experience, with the most current first.
Security Guard, Call Centre Agent, Video Store Clerk.
Are you freaking kidding me?
... N
I slogged through that double-sided nightmare once again, and then the interviewer took a seat in front of me.
"Are you American?"
"No, I'm from Halifax, I've just taken extensive acting training to get rid of may accent."
"Oh, so if you drop that you're saying 'car', 'far', 'bar' (all with hard "r's")?"
"Pretty much, yeah."
We jawed through the typical interview questions, and he said I'd make a good Porter, being a good size, and not being afraid of a little physical labour. I told him I can do pretty much any job I'm trained to do, and I like to joke-around but get down to business when necessary.
"You're hired."
Just like that. Like I said, the place opens June 2nd, so the training will start in the middle of May. I need to get a "Serving it Right" number (legally required to serve alcohol in BC) and I'll meet with them next week to receive the manuals to start to read-up on everything. The other thing they need from me is more people, so you heard it here first, Vancouverites: if you're looking to apply, tell 'em Willie sent'cha.
(Ironic quirk of the day: Securiguard was going to have me patrol the same set of buildings that Cactus will be a part of. Now the guard becomes the guarded. I feel so secure.)
When I lived in Nova Scotia, being part of youth ministry there, we would go out for wings and beer after our youth nights every week. The locations changed over the years, but the idea remained: a social outing with friends to unwind a recap the night/week, and it was always good times. Well, they had the same idea (I think FD brought it over with him) at the parish in Richmond where I sing in the choir. When I first arrived they'd head to the Cactus Club, and I found it quite delightful. To be fair, if there's a place that'll put food in front of me I will likely give it top marks, but Cactus maintained a pretty high level of quality food-wise as long as I've been here.
So with my extremely light work schedule, I made time to visit her yesterday afternoon, and enjoy some of that rockin' CCC chow. I brought my resume, which when combined with my weak-sauce application form made it glaringly obvious that I've had no experience in serving tables, which is what I was gunning for. You can make some serious coin handling hot plates, just ask Sara, my roommates, and any other class members of mine out here who come home with their pocket-seams struggling to contain their tips.
I wasn't guaranteed an interview and there was a management meeting going on when I visited, but I go an interview anyway. I turned-on the William C. Vaughan charm, and was told that I'd be great at that location ... for the kitchen. Not my first choice, but I'd work it if I had to. Then the interviewer recommended I check out the new Cactus Club they're building downtown. I've read about this place, with it's 20' ceilings, authentic art and suspended dining room located in the middle of the business district, this place is literally going to be the hottest restaurant in Vancouver once it's open (June 2nd). The interviewer said to grab a shirt and tie and look alive, because the Regional Manager was going to be on-site to oversee hiring, and he's keeping an eye out for sparkling personalties. Welp, you know what that means.
SHOPPING SPREE!
I headed to the only place I knew with clothes that looked as good as fabric as I do as flesh and bone: Sasso. Again introduced to me by the Richmond contingent, this place specializes in imported European clothing at surprisingly good prices and just moved downtown (corner of Nelson & Granville) in the last few months. I wanted a shirt and tie, and I came out with more than I bargained for, but that didn't surprise me. Let it be known, if you walk inside that store you're almost guaranteed to go from looking at it on the rack to looking at it on your rack (if you're female) in a matter of seconds. And the staff won't let you stop there, just be open to what they give you and know when to say no.
I ended-up saying "no" to a fair bit, but I also said the most expensive "yes" ever at a clothing store, but hey, it's all an investment: for the interview, and for auditions, and it ain't hurtin' the ol' self-esteem neither (fun fact: for those who don't know, that flamboyant blue shirt and vest combo that I sport in my head shot comes from the very store you've just read about.)
I planned on going at around noon today, but I went to the gym first, and then the Princess kept being in another castle, so I didn't get there until the late afternoon, sporting my brand-new shirt, tie, blazer, jeans and sense of confidence.
I rolled up in there and the guys at the front table asked if I was there to audition for "So You Think You Can Dance"
"NO! I'm here to apply for the Cactus Club here, STUPID!" would have been the wrong thing to say, but I enjoyed their playfulness, and told them that I was there to be the best employee in the history of Cactus Club, which may not have been the right thing to say either, so instead I just played-along and said,
"Yeah, should I just get set-up at the front there?"
Then we got down to brass tacks and when they asked I told them that I was there to be a server, BUUUTTT I knew I'd have to start at a lower position first.
"Well, we're hiring Porters right now."
Awesome. I don't really know what a Porter IS (like a bar-back, right, like he helps, uh, "port" stuff around?) but I'd do if it got me to a serving position someday.
So I fill-out another applications form. I hate these because they really make my credentials look awful.
Did you go to University?
Y
How many years did you attend?
1
Did you graduate?
... N
Did you just give-up on that and try acting instead?
Y
List your previous employment experience, with the most current first.
Security Guard, Call Centre Agent, Video Store Clerk.
Are you freaking kidding me?
... N
I slogged through that double-sided nightmare once again, and then the interviewer took a seat in front of me.
"Are you American?"
"No, I'm from Halifax, I've just taken extensive acting training to get rid of may accent."
"Oh, so if you drop that you're saying 'car', 'far', 'bar' (all with hard "r's")?"
"Pretty much, yeah."
We jawed through the typical interview questions, and he said I'd make a good Porter, being a good size, and not being afraid of a little physical labour. I told him I can do pretty much any job I'm trained to do, and I like to joke-around but get down to business when necessary.
"You're hired."
Just like that. Like I said, the place opens June 2nd, so the training will start in the middle of May. I need to get a "Serving it Right" number (legally required to serve alcohol in BC) and I'll meet with them next week to receive the manuals to start to read-up on everything. The other thing they need from me is more people, so you heard it here first, Vancouverites: if you're looking to apply, tell 'em Willie sent'cha.
(Ironic quirk of the day: Securiguard was going to have me patrol the same set of buildings that Cactus will be a part of. Now the guard becomes the guarded. I feel so secure.)
Monday, April 07, 2008
Sailor Hat FTW
I'm digging this new weekend job, it's like the old job, only better in every way: Better hours (although it's hella early in the morning), better location, the computer has speakers, so I can watch DVDs all day (finally finished season 2 of Lost on Saturday), I work by myself, and the twin plasmas in the lobby can be turned-on to the hockey game or any other channel. It's a nice way to make money.
I now work exclusively for Paladin, who took care of the remaining three months with Securiguard somehow. I couldn't work for both (Securiguard's doing, not Paladin's) so I'm sticking with the new company. I'll go on record and say that Securiguard is the most poorly managed company I've ever worked for. Such a pain in the rear cheeks to deal with. I'll be happy to give them back their yellow jacket and vest and never deal with them again.
The Night at the Museum 2 call back went well. I was relieved to walk into a relatively empty waiting room, but that changed quickly. The place was a swarming hive of talent, which always gives me anxiety; even if they're not all competing with me, it's just the crowdedness of it all. Makes me edgy.
BUT, I did "lossen up" and showed some character in the room. I introduced myself to the director, Shawn Levy, and realized how awkward it is to meet people in the audition room. I've always felt awkward doing it, but today I realized why: no contact. They're over there, sitting on the couch, looking to employ you in their motion picture, and you're just kind of standing on the mark going "hey, how's it goin'?" without a hearty handshake, or even an enthusiastic "respect knucks" to seal the deal.
First thing I asked him was,
"Hat or no hat?"
"Yeah, I liked the hat, it helped me picture it."
Sailor hat FTW.
I did the first take, and got some direction from an "actor's director" (according to my agent, who also said he wouldn't have any time to give direction.)
"I liked the read, I just want to see you try it with less 'eager beaver' energy. I just want to see if you can settle into it more."
That may not make sense to most people, but it did to me, and I gave a solid second take. They seemed to like it, and I left feeling pretty good.
I called my agent as per usual, and he said he had some MONEY for me. I keep forgetting about that part. I'll be picking it up tomorrow. It won't be my first professional paycheck, I received that last year doing a Walla* gig that I was set up with through VFS.
*- Walla is essentially giving audio ambiance to scenes. Six actors stand in a recording studio and "voice" the people in the background. You can hear it on movies and TV shows if you listen for it, but it's turned down so low that you can hardly make-out anything specific. It's fun to do though, not a bad was to make $75 for six hours work.
I now work exclusively for Paladin, who took care of the remaining three months with Securiguard somehow. I couldn't work for both (Securiguard's doing, not Paladin's) so I'm sticking with the new company. I'll go on record and say that Securiguard is the most poorly managed company I've ever worked for. Such a pain in the rear cheeks to deal with. I'll be happy to give them back their yellow jacket and vest and never deal with them again.
The Night at the Museum 2 call back went well. I was relieved to walk into a relatively empty waiting room, but that changed quickly. The place was a swarming hive of talent, which always gives me anxiety; even if they're not all competing with me, it's just the crowdedness of it all. Makes me edgy.
BUT, I did "lossen up" and showed some character in the room. I introduced myself to the director, Shawn Levy, and realized how awkward it is to meet people in the audition room. I've always felt awkward doing it, but today I realized why: no contact. They're over there, sitting on the couch, looking to employ you in their motion picture, and you're just kind of standing on the mark going "hey, how's it goin'?" without a hearty handshake, or even an enthusiastic "respect knucks" to seal the deal.
First thing I asked him was,
"Hat or no hat?"
"Yeah, I liked the hat, it helped me picture it."
Sailor hat FTW.
I did the first take, and got some direction from an "actor's director" (according to my agent, who also said he wouldn't have any time to give direction.)
"I liked the read, I just want to see you try it with less 'eager beaver' energy. I just want to see if you can settle into it more."
That may not make sense to most people, but it did to me, and I gave a solid second take. They seemed to like it, and I left feeling pretty good.
I called my agent as per usual, and he said he had some MONEY for me. I keep forgetting about that part. I'll be picking it up tomorrow. It won't be my first professional paycheck, I received that last year doing a Walla* gig that I was set up with through VFS.
*- Walla is essentially giving audio ambiance to scenes. Six actors stand in a recording studio and "voice" the people in the background. You can hear it on movies and TV shows if you listen for it, but it's turned down so low that you can hardly make-out anything specific. It's fun to do though, not a bad was to make $75 for six hours work.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
"Show More Character"
Thinking I would walk into a room of various scurvy sea-dogs, it turned-out I was the only guy who thought to dress as a sailor to audition for the role of a sailor, and sadly my hat only lasted one take in the audition room.
"It's the kind of thing the director would want to see," explained the Casting Director when she told me to take it off. It was also a tad disheartening to hear every guy who went in before do close to the same thing I was doing choice-wise. I wish they'd soundproof that door better.
Something that surprised me when watching the first "Night at the Museum" (doing my homework, natch) was the logo for "1492 Productions" who is the only other production company on my resume that isn't from VFS. Yep, Chris Columbus produced the first one, along with Mark Radcliffe and Michael Barnathan (all three are producing "I Love You, Beth Cooper") and all three are producing the sequel. I have my fingers crossed for a possible call back and possible producer-director session. Like, I have all ten fingers crossed here, and it is NOT easy to do that and type at the same time.
I called my agent after the audition, as per usual.
"When did you first shoot on Beth Cooper?"
"Uh, about two weeks ago ... yeah, two weeks ago today, and then I went in again last week."
"Yeah, 'cuz they usually pay you after nine days, so I'm just wondering what's going on here ... I need to call (the Casting Director) and ask her if they're bringing you back."
You mean they may NOT?
It was also odd that he'd ask the CD and not, y'know, someone on the movie itself. So now it's back to waiting by the phone again ... not like I do anything else.
He did go on to tell me that a friend of mine in the agency tested for something in LA yesterday, flying out there at 3:30 am. They didn't go with her, but my agent says "she's getting close." I hope she is, she's working her little fanny off, and deserves everything she's earned.
When I got home (after running to and from the bank to pay for my helpful BC MSP) I had two e-mails from my agent. The first one said that the role of Stavros (the character I read for "Spectacular!") went to someone else in the agency. The second e-mail said this:
"Everyone says your work is good and keep going. One thing is to show
More character and lossen up. Just a suggestion"
I called a buddy and got to watch the first Canucks game of the season with him, which was one of the last games of the season. In fact, it's the game they lost to officially miss the play-offs. Great. So it's screw the Western Conference, and go Pengiuns. Hockey's got me so stressed.
I guess I should lossen up.
"It's the kind of thing the director would want to see," explained the Casting Director when she told me to take it off. It was also a tad disheartening to hear every guy who went in before do close to the same thing I was doing choice-wise. I wish they'd soundproof that door better.
Something that surprised me when watching the first "Night at the Museum" (doing my homework, natch) was the logo for "1492 Productions" who is the only other production company on my resume that isn't from VFS. Yep, Chris Columbus produced the first one, along with Mark Radcliffe and Michael Barnathan (all three are producing "I Love You, Beth Cooper") and all three are producing the sequel. I have my fingers crossed for a possible call back and possible producer-director session. Like, I have all ten fingers crossed here, and it is NOT easy to do that and type at the same time.
I called my agent after the audition, as per usual.
"When did you first shoot on Beth Cooper?"
"Uh, about two weeks ago ... yeah, two weeks ago today, and then I went in again last week."
"Yeah, 'cuz they usually pay you after nine days, so I'm just wondering what's going on here ... I need to call (the Casting Director) and ask her if they're bringing you back."
You mean they may NOT?
It was also odd that he'd ask the CD and not, y'know, someone on the movie itself. So now it's back to waiting by the phone again ... not like I do anything else.
He did go on to tell me that a friend of mine in the agency tested for something in LA yesterday, flying out there at 3:30 am. They didn't go with her, but my agent says "she's getting close." I hope she is, she's working her little fanny off, and deserves everything she's earned.
When I got home (after running to and from the bank to pay for my helpful BC MSP) I had two e-mails from my agent. The first one said that the role of Stavros (the character I read for "Spectacular!") went to someone else in the agency. The second e-mail said this:
"Everyone says your work is good and keep going. One thing is to show
More character and lossen up. Just a suggestion"
I called a buddy and got to watch the first Canucks game of the season with him, which was one of the last games of the season. In fact, it's the game they lost to officially miss the play-offs. Great. So it's screw the Western Conference, and go Pengiuns. Hockey's got me so stressed.
I guess I should lossen up.
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