A Real Reel

Sometimes when I think of the amount of money I have spent on my career; head shots, voice lessons for years, private coaching sessions, the tuition at NYU for crying out loud, dance shoes, make-up, audition clothes, show tickets, chiropractor visits, cab rides to auditions, gasoline now, more make-up, head shots again...it makes me want to scream!

And if I go as far back as piano lessons and gymnastics when I was a kid, my parents are going to scream with me. AH! Tax deductible, tax deductible, tax deductible...

When I was five I even started painting lessons. I think my mother really wanted me to be an artist. And as we Chinese say, "May you get what you wish for." Ha.

To be honest, I am sick with it. I am vowing to myself not to spend another dime on my career, until something big breaks. I'm not even getting my hair cut. Split Ends, bring it on!

Getting my reel done and re-done is a pain in my buttocks. I've spent a fortune on head shots since I've been in LA, and have now gotten my reel re-done TWICE, not because there is anything wrong with it, but apparently; it's too long. I've got too much material.

My friends, www.createyourreel.com, took care of me this second time around. It's a new company, new meaning, they're still reasonably priced, so get 'em while you can; 'cause it's worth it.

They not only put together what you have, but create and shoot material specifically for you, if you don't have. You know, I have never heard of that before, creating material specific for your type for your reel. Crafty.

 Again, with the technology thing, if I only had a mac, and if I wasn't so technologically challenged, I could be saving a lot of money and just doing it myself.

Why didn't I minor in computer science?!

There's uploading it onto video sites, like youtube.com, and possibly your own website or myspace page.

A friend of mine booked a major motion picture, a trilogy, via a youtube video audition. Seriously!

Again, too much technology, must rest, overload, overload. But within just an hour of consulting, a week later I have my reel. Perfecto!

Now, if I was really smart, I'd open up a school for actors that taught them all how to do this on their own.

I wonder how much I should charge for tuition on that one? As my cross country friend would say...evs (whatever). It's a real reel...next...my website...

(photos courtesy of punchstock)

Yours Truly -- Ann Hu

Comments

[WiL]

I totally understand your frustration although I probably haven't spent as much as you given I still have my 1st set of headshots. CYR looks awesome-just went to the site and hope they're LA based. Thanks for the insight, I love reading these blogs :)