Actor Growth

I got a phone call from the coach and this time it wasn’t about a bad memory for the delay in response it seems but rather it was about having access to a computer. I was a little confused at the end of the conversation as he offered me some more suggestions in terms of how to accomplish my goal.

Basically, the person that was supposed to get back to him didn’t yet and so he told me that he has more tricks up his sleeve, so to speak, to try out. By the looks of it though, basically with or without the original person’s help the coach and I are supposed to start executing a plan this coming week.

I think this is pretty much the last week that I can really do this too as realistically most of the activities in the film industry will be shutting down soon until the new years. So if there is a delay in doing this then for sure I won’t be able to accomplish the goal. The good thing is that it sounds like the coach is still alive with all of this.

Okay, so a semi update about what is happening so far that is kind of interesting. As I mentioned in a previous entry I sent the acting coach an e-mail about wanting to focus more on the business side of my career. So far that has remained unanswered and usually the workshop takes place on Sundays.

So just today I did get an e-mail from him but it was a mass one sent to everyone as it was an audition side breakdown for the class. This worries me for two reasons. One, it seems like my e-mail was completely ignored. The second reason why this is making me wonder a bit is that after quickly glancing at the sides this seems like a very serious/dramatic piece.

You guys may remember that before the coach told me that I don’t really need to work on these types of roles anymore as my weakness is more with genres like romantic comedies which is what he said he would try to give me from then on. Now there is actually someone in the class who says that drama/serious roles are his weak points and I know he said that he was returning to the program for sure next month.

Unfortunately, one part of my head is saying that the coach has completely blown me off now knowing that there is a high chance that I won’t be returning if I don’t accomplish my business goal. Hence, I am more like just a number to deal with until this month is over since I already paid for the workshop.

Was all that talk about wanting to offer me help and guidance just a sales tactic? I really don’t want to believe that is indeed what is happening here as he seemed so genuine in so many cases. That would kind of suck too if that is what it is going to turn out to be as I genuinely wanted to give that school a good word too to help them grow. I know how hard it is for artists to find genuine schools that are not in it just for the money for example.

On the flipside, I remember last time my e-mail was completely ignored too and he responded to me with a funny text message saying that he was “horrible” and all. Seems to be a common theme that he has a very forgetful memory in that sense which is ironic for an actor considering the amount of dialog you need to always remember. lol. (Probably is the case here again)

I guess one good thing about documenting my journey thus far is that if this whole thing does turn out to be like a sham where it was all about getting money from me then you can all see the tactics that were used on me to keep me going initially. On the other hand, if everything still works out and I get the support as advertised along with what was told to me then you can see how patience is a virtue.

One conversation that I heard yesterday was about two actors who were debating about a fairly new acting school. It was super expensive by the sounds of it. As well, it was well into the five figure range for a yearly program. The funny thing is, coincidentally both of the actors were offered a heavy discount to attend the program. Literally, it was like 50% off.

One person was saying how everything sounded like a used car salesman pitch. He brought up an interesting point too how many times people will tell you anything as they just want your money and simply play on your hopes and dreams. In this case specifically, they kept saying how they were guaranteed to be working after the program is over.

It definitely is very tricky as it could be like one of those get rich quick schemes where the person keeps telling you that you need to keep buying their books and attending their seminars or else you will miss the boat where every month they keep saying next month is your big chance.

I think the perfect way to test this is to try and find out how much those acting coaches and schools are willing to help you even if you are not enrolled in the school. Example, just like graduating from a more traditional school usually teachers are still motivated to help students find work such as offering letter of references.

So I would say a red flag is that if they are only willing to help you if you are paying them a lot of money I would think twice about their intentions and ethics. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should expect people to like teach you for free. But if getting simple things like a reference or tip will always cost you money then all they really wanted out of you was your money I’d say.

Today I got an interesting message from the coach. As you all know, he is actively helping me to achieve my goal. Turns out, the person he was talking to couldn’t help me directly but instead is going to give him a list of potential contacts to share with me.

I was just thinking how there are so many twists and turns with this situation where at this point it looks like I am not going to accomplish the milestone goal and therefore will need to stop attending the workshop and begin the different route.

For my current remaining days of class, assuming my goal isn’t achieved, I have just sent off an e-mail to him too where I expressed how I think it is wiser to spend my workshop time going over all this business stuff instead. Basically, I would rather spend the time going over film industry stuff with like a mentor to better help me in achieving my goal rather than focusing on skill building at this point. Waiting for the response and reaction to that.

I was working on a TV show today and while talking to other people it sounded like so many people were contemplating about creating a web series of some sort. Interestingly enough, over the weekend I learned that some of my acting coaches were interested in it as well.

Guess more and more people are taking the creating your own future route. I was trying to think of an idea and I think I thought of something that would be right up my alley. I think I need a female actress to partner up with that has the right background though as that would create the perfect dynamic for the theme.

Today I was working on a set that happened to be shooting exterior scenes. It was just simple background work so nothing too big. Now the places we were shooting happened to be around businesses. Therefore, it was a highly visible production.

One lady came out to see what was going on. I was standing in my spot in preparation for the take. In between the lady kept asking me if I was like a movie star and she seemed so excited about the notion that she was potentially standing next to a famous person. Of course, I just said I was not a star.

However, for some odd reason she just stuck at it. She then asked for my name and I mentioned it. Again, she asks if I am famous and I mention that I am not and even stated how just the fact that she has never heard of me should be a good indicator. Now the thing is she thought I was like being modest or something as she then says maybe I just don’t like to think that I am famous. She then starts to smile and all while constantly saying my name and telling the other business owners my name.

What an interesting day this was. The only thing I could think of that created this is because I was wearing high end clothing items which made me look more fashionable and wealthy. I guess this shows you the power on how much of an impact that you as a performer can have on people’s lives.