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?
Thursday, May 29, 2008
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.
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