Actor Growth

So something interesting happened recently where I saw that a person whom I have worked with in the past where I volunteered as an actor was again shooting another film. As usual he posted a breakdown of the type of actors he was looking for as well as wanting the headshots and resume.

I figured I would just pop him a message to say that I would be willing to help him if he needed while specifically saying I assumed that he knows me enough not to need my package. Sure enough he told me that he would contact me if another person couldn’t do it as he had already cast the part.

Interestingly enough the original person couldn’t be used and so I got the phone call to play a part in his film. This almost reminds of like a casting director who would simply cast people based straight up on past experiences. I guess it is less likely to happen in the more professional realm of work but I guess when you are at a certain level things like this are bound to happen.

Sorry for not updating earlier all. I have just been swamped with various stuff lately. The filming went okay as it lasted a whole day. It was more of a test run I’d say to see if people would click with each other. Overall everyone did. I didn’t actually get to see the footage yet myself.

I did get injured a little bit unnecessarily since everything was improvised and made up on the spot in many cases which involved some physical stuff. It was also interesting to learn about the process that O’Keefe went through when he had to go to the US to play some roles. Those greencards and such sound like a real pain even if a studio does all the work for you.

So far it seems like I am the only real technically savvy person within the bunch. I suppose a good thing about all of this is that at least I found another good person who is willing to teach me some of the ins and out of the business from a performer point of view.

Also, incase my updates are sporadic you guys can subscribe to my feeds where you will be updated when I post new stuff.

One thing that lingered on my mind before participating in the Olympic events was whether or not dedicating myself to it would have made me missed a lot in the acting field.

So I was just looking at the casting breakdowns and it did indeed looked very slow. Basically, for the most part probably only the more established people got work. So, in that sense I am kind of glad about committing to being a part of the events.

I did seek out and did auditions on my own during the midst of this and so I was definitely still keeping my eyes open for opportunities. I am trying to re-contact the people that were interested in making a web series too as I am still definitely interested in getting something going.

We were all tied up during the Olympics and so hopefully now we can get something going.

So yesterday I was watching the season premiere of 24 as it is one of my favorite shows. Afterwards, I decided to read about other people’s comments and what they thought about the show. One comment stuck out in my head so much. Basically, the person was complaining that there wasn’t enough “Eye Candy” in the show thus far. Basically, not enough people prepped up in a hot and good looking kind of way.

Why did this make me think so much? Because of the whole plan to make a web series as technically I would need to put a producer hat on too. For myself as the actor of course I would say that it should be all about the story telling and execution. Basically, good scripts with a good cast while presenting it in a compelling manner. But at the same time I have to remember that our job is to entertain, for a lack of a better word, and that people need to care about it.

In many ways I think the viewers look at the characters that we portray as a kind of fantasy and so they want to see these people with above average looks and skills. I guess it is just like watching a sport as you want to see people that are say faster or stronger than you perform extraordinary things.

In those cases too, granted there are many times where people want to see the “ordinary” guy. Same thing with movies. But at the same time I would say the majority would want to see the above average in one form or another. So that got me thinking about how things like the costume and makeup would work for an extremely budgeted web series.

Okay, so with that in mind maybe it’s good to have a healthy mix of male and females in the cast as I’m sure that way the group will be able to cover a lot of ground when it comes to knowing what people find “attractive” and such.

For my personal web series idea I think it caters to an Internet savvy crowd. They say you write what you know and with this idea I think it will be a blast with the things I have seen over the years.

At the same time, I’m wondering if targeting an Internet crowd would mean the standards are different when it comes to looks and all. I definitely wouldn’t want to compromise the creative to the point where I wouldn’t believe in the product anymore. Basically, in a “selling out kind of way.

I guess this whole “eye candy” thing is something I will have to keep in mind though.

Anyone else watch the Golden Globe awards tonight? I was listening to James Cameron’s speech as Avatar won an award and at the end he was mentioning that everyone in the room should be happy that they have the best job in the world.

I was just thinking, that sure probably increased the stereotype that many people have about artist that work in the film and TV business. Basically, everyone thinks that because you work in the field that automatically means it must be a glamorous and relaxing profession. lol.

Although, I think what he meant is more about the creation and impact we can make through our work and such which I agree with.

Interesting e-mail I got today. Basically, one of the other coaches in the workshop program sent me a message stating that I am one of the selected students that is being offered a special discounted rate should I decide to return immediately. I replied with a simple letter stating that as discussed with my main coach we felt it was best to hold off until I accomplish a specific goal.

The thing was? This coach expressed how he disagreed with that advice/direction. Hence, he offered me as it down with him as he apparently is interested in discussing with me about my career plans too. I guess I will take him up on that offer.