Actor Growth

Can you believe it is almost 2010 already? Not much happening in terms of acting related stuff as it is mostly preparation for the years. Looks like I am playing telephone tag with one of the coaches though as this time of the year everyone is unavailable at random times.

Was funny as I guess he was taking care of his kid and as a result his son said “hi” on the voicemail I got. I think I will launch the acting site tomorrow with the content not compete as I haven’t gotten all the footage yet. Maybe it will be a good way to get a little critique and feedback.

Surprisingly a very nice sunny day here in Vancouver today. Last year we were covered in snow. Hope everyone else is enjoying their day as well. Back into the acting groove once the short holiday is over.

Merry Christmas everyone!

So I pretty much completed the acting website in terms of functionality (No, I did not publicly publish it yet) and I am still debating how “fun” it should be. I know for a lot of actors that are still lesser known their websites seem to be so darn serious. Example, nothing but professional headshots, selective video reels that only have high budget production value, etc.

I can see why too as first impressions are definitely super important. Although, one fun thing about this line of work is connecting with fans I’d say. I was thinking of trying to whip up some kind of goofy video montage of clips from various work that I have done. Basically, everything is taken out of context in the final cut. Reminds me, I still didn’t even get the video footage from some of the work that I volunteered for.

This is taking awhile to do. Basically trying to gather up all of my thoughts for the coach about my 2010 plans and whether or not attending the workshop for January will be beneficial for my specific direction. So far I have written like a page long document along with a chart of sort that outlines how I see 2010 can turn out depending on which way I go.

Almost done and maybe I will send it off today.

So today might be the last day of this audition workshop for me. This day was a cold read audition session. Although there were seven pages we only had to perform the first five pages. It was a pretty heavy piece too.

At first I was a little weary about it as I personally have a harder time performing pieces if I am not off book. However, we were constantly told that many times in auditions it could be that the people in the room see you as a good fit for another role where they then give you another script on the spot to perform. So it’s good practice.

I did my thing and the coach told me that I was able to hit a lot of the points and it was clear that I “got it” in regards to what the scene was about. He re-emphasized that in these situations people don’t necessarily look for who can memorize the most lines the quickest but rather who understands the scene the best.

At the end of the day the conversation came up about returning to the class next month. As you all I know I mentioned that financially and business wise it just made more sense to put my efforts towards things like a web series if I didn’t accomplish my goal this year. Guess the funny thing which I even mentioned to the coach is that I booked that ad job suddenly where it gives me acting related funds to re-invest into the workshop. I joked how it was like the universe saying to me “Here’s your money. Keep going.”

Cause just like any other business I’d say it should be able to sustain itself with the profits you bring in and not having to rely on other sources to keep it afloat. Otherwise that means you need to re-adjust your business plan I’d say.

He then mentioned that the other coaches in the school were actively helping me too to achieve my goal. Maybe I’m just a sucker in some ways, but when people go out of their way to help you I can’t help to have that sense of loyalty to stick at it too. So I am really thinking at this point still. Have to gather my thoughts and see what makes the most sense.

You know what was funny after thinking about it in regards to doing that work yesterday? People often say that you should always be passionate about the things you do and not necessarily focus on the money. With that in mind, I actually have no clue what the pay rate and financial compensation was for the project yesterday.

The whole process was literally the agency telling me I was booked, was happy that the casting director and production chose me, showed up, did my job and then that was the day. It didn’t even cross my mind to ask “How much are they paying” or anything.

For one I am always just excited to work on new stuff. I guess the other reason is that I guess that is what the agent is for usually so you shouldn’t have to get too engrossed into that stuff. Although, that made me think where it is probably wiser if I did ask ahead of time.

This is your business essentially and it only makes sense to keep yourself in the light.