"There are two kinds of beauty Eastern and Western." This is the first sentence I hear out of a pair of perfectly glossed lips the day Thanksgiving.
A friend of mine from New York connected me with a professional make-up artist, Renee, who also works with a headshot photographer here in Los Angeles, in an attempt to enhance my own make-up skills for on camera auditioning.
"You have more the Eastern look, which isn't necessarily about being Asian," Renee continues. "It just means your features are more round, soft and youthful; as opposed to Western features, which are harsh, sharp and angular."
Make-up. Some girls are born knowing how to play with it, how to highlight and change the natural contours of their own face with a little powder here and a lot of concealer there. Not me.
I'm more the 'slap it on in five minutes' and head out the door in a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal, and pray it doesn't shine.
But when it comes to auditioning, particularly for film and television, the way a person's face looks on camera has a lot to do with how their performance is received by the eye of the audience.
And to be honest, not every make-up artist knows best how to open up, with make-up, an Asian face; unless they themselves are Asian. It's a bone structure thing, that's all.Renee taught me different ways to paint, perceive, and reshape the angles in my own face, by training my eye to see the way hers do.
She talked mostly about eyes and how the eyebrows frame the face, bringing the face to the camera.
She explained why a natural look takes more time to apply than a dramatic one, and how blending is everything.
And I've never had the chance to vulnerably voice to a make-up artist who, like me, grew up Asian in a very Western looking world.
In the end, Renee didn't just teach me the tricks and trades of highlights and contouring, she taught me how to apply a stronger layer of self-esteem.
It was noticeably different, the kind of attention I got from others later that day.
There was a different twinkle of respect and acknowledgemet in people's eyes when they looked at me.
I've shot two co-stars since my session with Renee. And I'll admit, where the make-up artist didn't...I did.
A little smudge here, little outline there, takes an Asian girl's face a very long way. Conceal at your own risk.
(photos courtesy of yours truly and Renee Lee)
Yours Truly -- Ann Hu
I recently was contacted by FOX to audition for a pilot starring one of the funniest people ever. I don't wanna say his name, but he's on SNL (there!)
Anywho, I'm not in New York at the moment so I offered to put myself on tape (although I will admit, the idea of booking a quick flight did cross my mind.)
I got my friend to film for me, and I quickly edited the tape, and by quickly I mean I stayed up late to edit and woke up early to send it due to the time difference.
But that wasn't good enough for me. I called the Los Angeles office and asked if I could come in and read. I've done this before (when a New York casting office called me in for another pilot) and I got a big fat "no." But they said yes!
So the next day, I went in. I was very early, which is not my strong suit. Traffic was on my side, and I was dressed to a tee. I felt good. Lines were all memorized too!
I have not heard back yet, but the moral of the story is - fight for what you want. I was not content with that video tape and knew it would benefit me by being seen in person. Even if cold calling is scary, it is worth it!
When I first moved to LA, I did requisite sign up for a catering company. I was 21, had just moved to the city, and hadn't figured out quite what I wanted to do to make rent in the meantime. It was actually kind of fun at first, you get to meet a lot of other people, and it's an easy way to make money on a flexible schedule. One of the first events I was asked to work was the Spirit Awards. I thought it was a cool opportunity to go to my first award show, even if I was only working it.
As soon as I got there, I was assigned to be a bartender. I had never bartended in my life. I'm also not much of a drinker so I cringed at the idea of not knowing how to mix the drink orders as they came pouring in. They quickly realized I wasn't the most competent bartender so they switched me over to "tray server." I was handed a huge tray of about ten tall glasses of bubbly champagne and asked to circle the VIP area for the guests. It was packed, many of the ladies were wearing gowns with long trains on the back. There was literally no room to move around without stepping on someone or being bumped into.I was pretty horrible at making my way through the crowd and interupting conversations to offer a glass of champagne. Within a few minutes, the unthinkable happened. Moments like this happen in slow motion and this one was no exception. I watched in horror as someone bumped into me and the whole tray went sideways as all of the glasses slid off the tray. It was a combination of bubbly champagne being poured everywhere and a mixture of shattered glass bouncing across the floor. There were audible gasps as the guests tried to clear out of the way as they crashed on the floor. I was watching it happen and could not re-balance the tray to make it stop.
Yes, it did get on people. Yes, I was mortified. Probably the most embarrassed that I've ever been in my whole life. Luckily, no one got cut and the glass didn't actually hurt anyone. However, as people slowly stepped away, I was left with an empty tray and a mess laying at my feet. What did I do?
I started crying. My cheeks burned red and tears stung my eyes. I was in the company of actors that I've looked up to my whole life and had just dropped a whole tray of champagne all over the VIP area.
So, that was my first and only experience at the Spirit Awards.
Today, the nominations came out for the 2013 awards. I was unbelievably proud and thrilled to see two of my friends had been nominated for the 19th Annual Someone to Watch Award. The first being, my dear friend Rebecca Thomas who directed Electrick Children which I wrote about here. It was quite a different experience, two years later to hear about the Spirit Awards again. This time, it wasn't a work request to bartend the party. It was a press release that a film I had a part in was being recognized by nominating an outstanding director.
The second, being Adam Leon who I met at the Deauville Film Festival. He was there with his cast Ty Hickson and Tashiana Washington to promote Gimme The Loot. It's the most amazing film with brilliant actors that takes place in the best city in the world; NYC. I highly recommend it. Most of all I feel blessed and amazed to call such talented people friends.
I turned 23 yesterday and birthdays always inspire me to re-evaluate where I am, where I'm going, and what I want to do next. I'm about to wrap up my second year in LA and am in such a different place than I was two years ago. I've steadied into a routine and this little piece of news couldn't have come at a better time. It brings everything full cirlce to see how far I've come from working a catering event and being mortified for my clumsy self to getting to see a director I've worked with be recognized at that very same awards show.
It actually made me be able to look back at my little mishap and laugh knowing that I would love to go back and pat my 21 year old self on the back and say, "Just wait." I still get amazed at all the wonderful places and opportunities that films lead you to discover.
Interview at AFI Fest Electrick Children screening talking about my part in the film and working with Becca.
The weekend after Hurricane Sandy my friend wrote a post on Facebook that he was upset he couldn't help out. He was single-handedly keeping our company together (a downtown gym that had become a haven for those without power) and he was also about to open a production of The King and I in a week. There was no time to do anything outside of work and rehearsal, like volunteering on a far-off island.
On his Facebook post I replied, "We do what we can when we can." He didn't have time in the next two weeks to physically be on Staten Island where our colleague's neighborhood needed help. But that didn't mean he couldn't donate clothes or send money or spread the word about volunteer sites for others available to work. It also didn't mean that he was a horrible person who never did anything for anyone else or that he needed to beat himself up about it. Sabotaging your self worth over not being able to do everything every time is useless.
Then I suddenly realized: When it comes to my acting career, I should heed my own advice. I'm always beating myself up with the regular - Why haven't you gotten new headshots yet? When are you taking that class at UCB? How come a new agent hasn't signed you?
Unless you're born into showbiz or made of money, this acting thing is tough and hard and expensive. You can't use your hotelier dad as an entree to your an acting career, you might not be able to get into the Yale MFA program, or have the connections to do lunch with the right casting director, or get Judd Apatow to sign off on your hit HBO show by 22. You might. But telling yourself you have to do all those things right now will probably just make you crazy. So take your time. Do what you can when you can and know it will all add up eventually.--Jewel
Watch my free interview show ACTOR'S NEXT LEVEL here!
You never know who you're in a room with, or who you're sitting next to, or whose dog your petting, or who you're playing "Mafia" with.
So, my friend from NYU was visiting Los Angeles. It was his last night in town, and I really wanted to see him. I regard him as one of the funniest people I know (and I was in need of a lifting) , so I dragged my 2 girlfriends to his going away party.
3 hours, 2 businesscards, and one phone number later, we leave. I met alot of fun people. One in particular. An agent who I had a connection with from the start. We exchanged numbers, and attempted to hang out over the course of a few weeks.
Finally, I invite him to see a play with me. After the play, he invites me to play "Mafia" with some of his friends. Yes, MAFIA.
All actors love "Mafia", and this group was no different. There are about 14 of us, and several dogs and puppies running around the living room.
It's intense.
It's emotional.
Townspeople are killing off Townspeople. The Mafia are winning each round!!
At the end of the night, I get approached by one of the guys. He's a director. He thinks I'd be great for an upcoming commercial he's shooting. We exchange email addresses.
And the rest is history. Only in this town, huh?
-- Dominique Toney | @domtoney
Photo by Jesse Dittmar
I've shot a few commercials over the last few years. 3 that appeared online, 1 that appeared in the South, and one that would play in Southern California.
So when I received a message from a friend that she had seen the commercial on MTV Jams, I silently freaked out. It's airing! Why haven't I seen it?! Well, not two nights later as I was channel flipping did I see my bright pink shirt and curly hair.
I jumped off the couch and did a dance and lifted my hands up in the air joyously. Then I sat down on the rug like a little girl watching "Rugrats" and savoured that minute and one second as if it might never come again.
Please enjoy my CashNet USA commercial!
In 2009, I co-starred in a short film about female Iraq war veterans. "Carla", directed by Henry G. Sanders, will be shown at the United Nations Association film festival at the Laemmle Playhouse 7, in Pasadena on Thursday October 25th.
This short film, which I'm sure will be the first of many (possibly features), is about the controversial, tragic problem of United States female soldiers being physicall and sexually abused by their fellow American male soldiers.
Hope to see you there on the 25th!
(photo courtesy of the United Nations Foundation)
Yours Truly -- Ann Hu
Last week I went in for a voice over audition with Carrie Faverty. I have a really good VO teacher, and his cues were in my head by the time the script was in my hand. His favorite line to encourage your audition confidence is, "I got this s**t."
After leaving this audition I called my friend Barbara and told her about the "I got this s**t" mantra. We've recently been talking about serendipity knowing that some people come into your life for a reason. I was going on about what a great teacher my VO coach is and how the mantra applies to all life. Then as I looked up on 7th Avenue, I couldn't believe it--there was my VO coach! I told him I was just at the casting studio and he said, "Oh, I know. The (product name) thing." Turns out it was him who referred me to Carrie for the audition!
Serendipity is defined as, "a 'happy accident' or 'pleasant surprise'; specifically, the accident of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it." And, of course, that lame movie with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale). In the terms of our acting careers, it means surrounding yourself with good people and being good back to them.
I didn't book the VO but, hey, acting is a marathon not a sprint. The point is: I had surrounded myself with good people, I did good work around them, and they liked me. I created my own serendipity. How can you?
--Jewel
Follow me on Twitter @Jewel_Elizabeth
Watch my interview show at www.youtube.com/ActorsNextLevel
Image credit: Starboard Photography
Recently, I have been hired away from my "ESL with the stars" job into a much more demanding position: Assistant Director. I am now in charge of handling all extra, cameo, supporting and lead actors with western faces on a Chinese TV production with hundreds of foreign roles.
Zhuhai, the city where the crew is shooting this show, has a warm climate year round and a fresh ocean breeze blowing in from nearby Macao. There could be worse places to be busy!
Photos by Nathaniel Boyd
--- Nathaniel Boyd
It's been over a month since my last post. Silence equals busy. Did another staged reading of another great play.
Participated in another fundraiser for a theater company and was interviewed about it by a youth arts program underground radio station. (Click to hear)
Found another great acting coach. This one's a keeper. And met many other great people to introduce and keep in the inner circles of my life.
I even crossed off a few other things off the bucket list like attending the LA County Fair, quenched my curiosity for speed dating (it was a birthday present for a girlfriend of mine don't judge), and pulled an all nighter with some new friends, as if we were teenagers.
I guess I've got a really long, specific bucket list.
And I started taking a workshop/class about networking in the business. I'm on avail, still on avail, called back, called back again, pinned and pinned again. You know the limerick, the drill, the usual fall line up.
And I guess because I realize this rhythm, which is my life now, is my life now. This fall I have found a great peace and trust in my life here, in the rhythms of my life here. Los Angeles feels like home.So I guess the only new thing I have to say for now, is that I am happy. I was standing on a corner the other morning, waiting to cross the street to get to another network sit-com audition, when I looked around at the beautiful, artistically designed homes around me, the blue sky above and listened to the sounds of the cars zipping by (which often sound like the ocean) when I realized; I am truly, genuinely happy in my life.
It was such a gift to have had at that moment, because not only did it sustain itself in my heart, but it was easier to act from a place of trust and peace, as opposed to anxiety or nerves.
I am happy. Nothing has really changed on the outside. But I feel new, in this new happy.
The best thing I've learned in this last month, is something from Dallas Travers, LA's top career coach, "Your career development can not exceed your personal development."
Happy equals successful.
(photo courtesy of Lisa Jay)
Yours Truly -- Ann Hu
Not too long ago I ventured back into the world of “day jobs”, most specifically, RESTAURANTS.
Suddenly filled with fear that my bills wouldn’t be paid, and my creative projects wouldn’t be funded, I accepted – hesitantly – a job in a swanky Beverly Hills establishment.
I was reassured that over 60% of the staff were actors, and that the managers understood such a life. As long as I gave them enough notice for schedule changes, it wouldn’t be a problem if auditions came up, or I got cast in something.
The restaurant was in the heart of Beverly Hills, situated across the street from a huge movie studio and talent agency. And the clientele who ate there? Well, they run Hollywood. Literally. Producers, CEOs’s, Managers, A list Celebrities.
I was excited to be around that kind of energy, to learn the names and faces of these Hollywood money-makers. I was excited to be associated with a restaurant of that caliber. I was excited at what information I could walk away with about this industry.
I was not excited, however, at the hour long drive I had to endure in traffic. And the cost of parking. And not getting breaks after working 6 hours.
But alas, I continued the 2 week training process. But the universe had other plans for me. . .
On the 2nd day of training a big audition came up. Had to miss work.
The next week, I had a health emergency. Had to miss work.
A few days later, I had an audition that would take me out of town for a few days. Had to miss work.
And then I got rear-ended one night on my way home from work. Car was totaled. I emailed my job to tell them what happened. NO RESPONSE.
So I quit.
I knew the management was getting tired of me – of the last minute auditions, and my schedule requests and changes. I knew that although they claimed to have a staff comprised of 60% of actors, they were not the kind of actors I’ve been around.
The kind of actors I’m used to are those who hustle, who don’t know what their next job is and who don’t know where they’ll be next month because they might get a call to do a show in Atlanta or Florida. The kind of actor who is constantly being referred to be in this project or this show or this film. The kind of actors who might seem like they are in limbo, but that’s because they’re always transitioning from project to project.
Well, I knew I was not willing to sacrifice anything creative for the day job. I was not willing to not go out of town for a television audition. I was not going to be made to feel bad for having this kind of life or this kind of schedule.
And when the day job became more stressful than the “creative job”, I knew I had to leave. Actually, I knew I had to leave when I felt guilty for being rear-ended and having to miss work because my back and neck were injured. Yea, that was definitely when I knew I was done.
Part of me was hoping for the stability that a job gives– a set schedule and a guaranteed paycheck. Guess there were other plans for me. Back to the gypsy life!
Photo byThe highlight of my summer was the opportunity to travel to France for the Deauville American Film Festival. Previously, I blogged about Electrick Children screening at Berlin Film Festival and SXSW. I had always wanted to escape away to a film festival for a week. It felt like summer camp. Most of the actors, directors, and producers were all staying in the same hotel. Each day, there was a new film premiere. The day would begin with photo calls and press conferences. Afterwards, we would indulge in delicious French lunches that would go on for hours, catch a late afternoon movie, take a nap, rise for a dinner party, and then go to late night dance parties. It's pretty surreal to rap the Jay-Z/Kanye West lyrics, "Excuse my French but I'm in France" when you're actually in France for the first time. There's no better way to begin new friendships than a week in the countryside of France. These fellow peers are the ones I hope to know and continue to work with for years to come.
It was my first experience being at a festival as an actor and not an entertainment host interviewing casts. I first got started hosting as a way to get enough internship credits to graduate college. Then, I fell in love with the chance to sit down with actors and ask them candid questions. It wasn't until I was on the either side of the chair did I realize what an art there is to being the interviewee. It's challenging to think of answers on the spot that sound relatively articulate. Rambling seems to be more my expertise.
Ever since I was a kid, I imagined what it would be like to get the chance to play a character in a film. Then, I got many wonderful opportunities to do that when I was living in New York City. There was an abundance of independent projects that were always casting. After a while, I realized it was taking months, sometimes even years for the footage to see the light of day. For instance, I had a part in The Oranges. I filmed it when I was 20 years old and I'll be 23 next month. It will finally be out in theatres this Friday. It was also frustrating when I worked on student films in return for copy/credit. Often times, the students didn't hold up their end of the bargain and would stall on releasing the footage for reels.
Then, my dream transitioned into imagining what it would be like to be in a project that actually got distributed. It's a let down when you work on a film with a story that means something to you and it never gets to be shared with an audience. I had been in films that went straight-to-DVD but that wasn't really a part of the dream. It was surreal to be doing exactly what I had dreamed of doing. It also re-inspired me to keep with it. Every now and then I get really burnt out and imagine what it would be like if I left la-la land for a while. It was inspiring to be in the company of legendary industry vets who shared stories of their struggles in the beginning of their career. The talented director William Friedkin commiserated it, the regarded producer Paula Wagner shared it, and the ever so lovely Salma Hayek unanimously agreed. The common thread from all of them revolved around one central theme, "Don't give up."
I met someone last week that recognized me from this blog. She had recently moved to Los Angeles. I remembered what a long road it had been to find stability, peace, and happiness in this crazy town. There were so many times I wanted to move back to New York City. My time at this dreamy film festival reminded me of how much I love movies and there is nothing quiet as satisfying as when a little piece of your dream gets realized. I just wanted to remind all of you readers, "Don't give up."
By the way, I met the director Rebecca Thomas and got the part through doing a student film at Columbia University. She was always extremely gracious in getting the footage to me for my reel. I meet a lot of actors starting out who scoff at "wasting their time" on student films. You have to do what's best for you but sometimes it forms bonds that might open doors later.
Photo: Jean Sébastien Baschet
Recently, I was contacted by a blogger who had read my Unscripted Blog Post awhile back about my hair. She wanted to interview me for her blog about natural hair in the media. How serendipitious and ironic and full circle-ish. . .
I've never been interviewed before! How thrilling! I was pretty stoked. What would she ask me? How would I respond? A few days later we were on the phone discussing everything from Beyonce and her blond hair, to all the straight hair in the film "Think Like A Man."
I've always been passionate about hair, and getting to speak extensively about my hair process and how my hair affects me as an African American actress was really enjoyable. There's also a really fun gallery of all my headshots chronicling my hairstyles. You can read the article here!
-- Dominique Toney | @domtoney
Photo by Jesse Dittmar
There are so many things that we can do as actors, musicians, dancers, writers- any type of artist to improve ourselves and our craft. Take classes, practice, audition, read books. All of this is extremely helpful and important. Without classes, how can we improve, without auditioning, how do we get the exposure we need to work? Recently though, the biggest thing I have found that helps me grow as an artist and gives me the most inspiration is going to see other shows and performances, both on Broadway and from my peers.
Last week I saw Cyrano de Bergerac during its first preview. The show blew my mind; I was ecstatic that I had the opportunity to see it. Hodges was so incredibly talented and committed through the show, I felt like I was truly transported back to 17th Century France and was completely enamored with him. Watching these Broadway artists do what they love and transport the audience to a completely different place and time period makes me so inspired and reminds me why I pursue what I do. The set was imposing yet so elegant, and the way they poured their hearts out as the characters brought tears to my eyes.Watching a show on Broadway is great because not only am I enjoying an incredible show, but I’m looking at where I want to be and where hard work and talent will eventually get me. But it’s important to enjoy, attend, and embrace seeing my peers performing in smaller venues in Off Broadway shows. It’s so nice to see other friends of mine working and getting the opportunity to do what they love and showcase the reason they came to New York. The thing that I love about New York is that everyone comes here with a huge dream and works their butt off trying to make it a reality. No artist shoots for mediocrity, and it brings me so much pride and joy to belong to a group of peers who are making that happen.
My friend is an opera singer, and I attended a recital of hers on Saturday. The show was filled with both emerging and professional artists, and it gave me chills and such inspiration seeing talented performers doing what makes them happy. Opera isn’t something I would typically go to see, so being exposed to an art form I rarely appreciate was eye opening and impressive. I couldn’t believe that such powerful voices were coming out of my tiny friends! My other friend recently wrapped up an Off Broadway run of The Jungle Book, and I felt really proud watching her perform at the amazing Playwrights Horizons Theatre. These shows and more make me proud to be a member of a group that is doing what they love as artists and making their dreams a reality.
I believe that it is crucial to expose ourselves to what other artists are doing in order to enhance our own growth. Classes are great, and promoting your own work is vital, but to fuel your own soul as an artist and create a healthy outlook on what we are working towards, attending other shows and performances is an irreplaceable outlet and wonderful way of spending an evening.
Image Courtesy of Jeffrey Hornstein
I'm lucky.
Not because I occasionally book acting jobs or have an agent that believes in me, though that is how I would have categorized luck before.
My valuation of luck was skewed though, and I was doing nothing to improve it. I scoffed at gratitude journals. Why bother? All I need is to look in my son's sparkling eyes to feel blessed. But I was missing the full expression of gratitude.
About eight months ago I started to sense that something was off in my body. I can't quite explain it, but something felt strange, wrong. I went to my gynecologist (Yes, for the squeamish, it was a lady parts issue.), and asked for a breast exam. She didn't feel anything. I wasn't surprised because I hadn't felt anything either. But I insisted that something wasn't right, that I had strange sensations in my left breast that weren't normal for me. She obliged to send me for a scan to ease my mind.I went for the scan, but immediately felt ridiculous when I arrived at the office. All around me were women dealing with real problems, or much older women, or more endowed women; the kind of women I figured usually needed these thorough breast scans. What was I doing here? Was I a silly little girl who was blowing a few weird twinges completely out of proportion?
(There was a problem with my paperwork. I considered leaving. I stayed.)
After a very long wait and further paperwork issues, I was fuming when it was finally time for the scan. I was distracted and annoyed when it started. I couldn't wait for this to be over. To just be labeled an hypochondriac, and go on my merry way.
But that's not what happened.
The tech started the scan. She paused for a moment over each inch of my breast until resting on a particular spot and staying there for a very long time. She took picture after picture of this one small area, and didn't move on for quite a while. She remained very quiet and focused, then rose abruptly and informed me that she needed to consult with a physician and would return shortly.
And so commenced the longest "shortly" of my life.
I laid in the small, dark, cold room blinking wide-eyed at a terribly plain print of a brown bird flying over a brown lake, with some brown trees in the background. I willed myself not to think of anything, then thought of things, horrible things, then chastised myself for thinking of them. I criticized myself for waiting two months before I told my doctor something was wrong. My eyes welled up with fearful tears, which I immediately labeled ridiculous and wiped away. Then I thought about my family, and my body went cold and tingly. What if I had to give them bad news? How would they handle it? How would I? Then I stopped this line of thinking, convinced myself that this was nothing, and chuckled at my stupidity. There was probably just a glitch with the machine.
As I'd feared would happen, the tech returned accompanied by a doctor, but he wasted no time before explaining to me that while there was a mass in my breast, it was not believed to be cancer, was quite common in women my age, and would likely not ever become cancer. None the less, they wanted to send me to a breast specialist, monitor the lump for six months to make sure it didn't change, monitor it for six additional months, and if there was still no change I could more or less forget about it.
I left the office as quickly as possible without fleeing in an exam gown. I explained the issue to my husband, but didn't really dwell or ruminate on the matter. I mentioned it to a few friends, in a "Listen to the crazy thing that happened to me" kind of story, but nothing more than that.
When the notice came to go for my six month scan I didn't rush to make the appointment. I took my time. It wasn't cancer and it wasn't going to be cancer, so why worry?
And I was right. At my six month scan, I was informed that there had been no change in the mass. It was just as they'd thought, and non-threatening. I would come back in six more months for another scan, and then I was done with the monitoring.
Exactly what I'd thought would happen. I dressed and left. I then quickly returned to doing what most people who completely take things for granted do. I continued being pissed about the cab driver who took me on the scenic route to my appointment, wasting precious time, and running up the fare. I moaned when I encountered a long line at my lunch spot. Later that day I bitched to friends about an audition I'd had recently where my agent had been informed I was first in the running for the part, and yet I still hadn't booked the job. I snapped at my toddler for spilling his milk. And I'm sure I probably nagged my husband about crumbs on the coffee table. Not once did I acknowledge my good fortune.
Then, as I was finishing up an episode of my favorite show, my gratitude ship came blowing in...
With about seven minutes to go in the episode, one of my best loved characters received a breast cancer diagnosis. It was a series of scenes, with no dialogue, that shows how few steps it actually takes for your world to completely cave in. And I'd gone through most of those steps but one. I have a mass, but I do not have cancer.
Finally this fact sunk in.
I began to sob, thinking at first I was reacting from how emotional and sad, and effectively the story was being told, as well as my affection for the character. But as I continued to weep, past the point that you should ever cry over a fictional character, I realized that my heart had lifted. I was crying tears of relief and, yes, gratitude.
I just finished Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project. In it she refers to the happiness wasted on healthy people, because it is only when one is ailing that she truly realizes the gift of health. I'd accepted my good health as an entitlement, and didn't stop to show gratitude for the bullet I may have missed. Instead I went back to sweating the small stuff. And I'm sure that at various times during all of this I've criticized my body for it's superficial flaws, rather than fully appreciating the heart that beats clean blood, the brain that thinks clear thoughts, and just how freaking amazing it is to be alive.
(Photo by Alex Brown)
Ok, so I dedicated this summer to attending alot of Casting Director workshops. It was important to me to build great relationships with key industry players this year so that by the time Pilot Season rolls around, I am an actor they are familiar with.
I've learned a lot things that have blown my mind about what goes on in the casting room and what goes on inside the head of a casting director.
I'm excited to be sharing these simply because I am relatively new to the TV/Film world (went to school in NY, have done theatre since high school) and I figured that if I didn't know about alot of these *secrets*, than many people perhaps didn't.
Ok, here goes!
- Don't ever give casting directors a reason to say no to you. If you give them any doubt or show them you're needy, they will not call you back. This includes:
a) Talking too much. The quicker you can start working, the better.
b) Asking too many questions. If you have a question about a relationship between 2 characters, go ahead and ask. But you should have all the information you need in those sides. And you know those areas that are crossed off? Read those too!
c) Taking too long to "center" yourself. To the actor who asks, "Can I just take a moment to center myself?" - you're already in hot water! Again, the quicker you can start working, the better.
- Common sense: Don't touch anyone. Don't shake their hand unless they extend it to you. It's an issue of germs really. And please don't touch them in the scene. Again, common sense.
- Anything that can help you get the job, do it! Reading the entire script is crucial, as it tells you what the tone of the show is. Call the casting office and ask if you can come down and read it. If they have access to the script, most times they'll let you come in and read it.
- Every choice is valid. It might not be the right choice, but it is a valid one. A bold choice is much more appreciated than no choice at all.
- No need to memorize your sides, that's what they're there for. However, if there is a part of the script that you are consistently tripping up on, memorize those lines!
- However, if you've been asked to come in fully memorized, try memorizing without the sides in your hand. Since you will not have them inside the audition, it's important to keep your hands free while you memorize.
- For a pre-read, you will get a choice of scenes to read. Choose the scene that shows what you do best and gives you range.
- Common sense: Couches zap your energy. Waiting around for a long time sucks, but don't stay seated the whole time. You will regret it come audition time.
- If your audition is being taped and you flub a line early on, it's okay to ask if you can do it again. Now, if you are almost done with the sides and you flub a line, you should not ask to do it again. But a few lines in? Go ahead.
- Putting a directors name on a resume helps to establish trust.
- Lastly, paper this town. Have your face be seen. Don't be afraid to send your headshot and resume in, and to follow up, and to send postcards. Eventually, they will start to recognize your face.
Hope this helps, it sure was enlightening to me!
-- Dominique Toney | @domtoney
Photo by Christopher Ford
There are a thousand things I could have done with my life - engineer, doctor, hedge fundie, politico. Hell, I was already a lawyer. Tried that for 3 years actually (which doesn't count the 36 months of Vietcong-style torture that is law school). I was rich by any measure outside of Wall Street, Hollywood, and Martha's Vineyard. I'd have been a millionaire in 10 years if not sooner.
I could've travelled the world or been an astronaut or at least an astronomer. I could've written books or poems or occupied my time with enlightening the minds of America's youth. But I chose to act.
Why?
I chose to act because I want to touch people's lives. I have no interest in fame (I'd do without it if I could). Fortune is nice, but I've already had that and it's not enough. I need to feel like I'm doing good in the world. Movies are universal. Regardless of your station in life or location on the planet, movies have the power move you. Whether you're in India, China, Russia, Belarus, Britain, Sudan, Argentina, or the United States, the feelings are the same when you see Andy Dufresne escape from Shawshank, Tom Hanks rescue Private Ryan, and Luke Skywalker save his father and the galaxy.
Aaron Sorkin is brilliant. He could have done anything other than screenwriting. But if he had, we wouldn't have The American President, The West Wing, A Few Good Men, and The Newsroom. What's beautiful about those stories is that they show us what we aspire to in political discourse, intellect, and moral fortitude. Whether or not such a state of affairs is even possible, it's important that we believe it is and even more important that we try to make it so. Seeing it represented on screen motivates us to strive for the greatness we see there. Sorkin used his ability to show us what we can be, and for that I am eternally grateful. I want to do the same.
Movies show us the best and worst of ourselves. They allow us to cry. They force us to laugh. They incite, inform, instigate, and inspire. They tug on our innermost heart strings and tickle our funny bones til we're blue in the face.
Good films make dancers and dreamers of us all.
I want to be a part of that. I would trade a dozen Oscars to be in one Shawshank Redemption, Apollo 13, or Seven Pounds. I want to do more than entertain. I want to help people escape, take them on an adventure, make them smile, and give them hope. I want to make people believe that Elliot's bike can fly over the moon. I want others to share in the magic of Harry, Gandolf, and Yoda. I want to make people believe in the impossible.
That is what I aspire to. That is why I act.
What do you aspire to?
(photos courtesy of Andrew Parkhurst, David Carangan, Will Wallace, Jonny Robinson, and Rashel Hagmayer)
-- Gabriel Voss
I want to talk about the influence of stories. All actors are storytellers. Remember that, particularly for the end of this post.
Now, see this kid on a horse? He eats stories for breakfast. I should know. That's a decade-and-a-half-old picture of me.
I inhaled stories. I absorbed them through my pores. I didn't even know it half the time. I don't just mean books. Sure, I read stories like a sponge soaking up spilled water, but I would watch TV, movies, listen to my parents and grandparents, NPR, friends, teachers, whatever came within range. I'd play videogames on a game boy with the volume off while re-listening to audiobooks of Sherlock Holmes tracking down impossible criminals, James Herriot getting kicked in the shins by large animals he was trying to take care of, or Patrick McManus hilariously getting chewed out by his wife/best friend/parents/inanimate objects when all he wanted to do was go fishing.
These had an effect.
When people tell you stories change lives, it’s a cliché and you’d be forgiven for just rolling your eyes, even if you like the sentiment. When somebody goes and changes your life with a story, that’s when the truth of the statement hits you.
I don’t just mean that in a new-agey, lets-heal-the-world way. I mean that as a concrete, scientific fact. Let me give you an example: in his book, Redirect, Timothy D Wilson reviews a study done with college students with mediocre grades in the middle of their first year. They were brought in for a survey. Before taking the survey, they were split into two groups. The first group was handed a story to read. It was about a student who got mediocre grades, realized that that was an indication of the grades he would get, and continued to get those grade until graduation. The other group got another story. It told how a student got mediocre grades his first year, buckled down, got serious about studying, and finished well ahead of the curve.
Here’s the thing: unbeknownst to them, the students’ grades were then tracked over the next three years. They consistently followed the pattern of the story they had each read. If they read about the student who got better grades, they got better grades. If they read the other one, they didn’t. No other pattern more accurately predicted their academic success as a group. Remember this was just a story about one random student in each case. Nowhere did it say “this is what will happen to you” or anything like that. It was just a story.
Read Wilson’s book and he’ll give you half a dozen other examples of how “story interventions” changed people’s lives. Or read Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind, about the effectiveness of storytelling in marketing, management, and a slew of other practical matters. Or Blake Mycoskie’s book “Start Something That Matters” about how the story of his company, TOMS, propelled his business success, and gave away tens of thousands of free shoes to poor children in the developing world.
Or, if you don’t have a library card, (go get a library card but also) just think about acting performances you've seen, that changed how you think. Think about the story. Think about how your life reflects some of the stories you’ve absorbed, even without your thinking about it at all at the time.
Now, if you’re an actor, bring that all together, and you’ll find two important things. First, remember, you’re a storyteller. Second, you can change someone’s life with those stories.
Take mine. Most of the stories I took in were the Hero’s Journey type. You know the one: main character is at home, gets called out onto a quest, refuses, gets dragged out anyway, overcomes trials, conquers evil, saves world, comes home a better character.
I decided early that if that didn’t happen to me in real life, I’d go out and make it happen. So I saved up all my money, starting when I was little, through day and weekend jobs in college. And then I went out and did it. I spent 19 months traveling the world. I hit over sixty countries across all seven continents and came home after the adventure of a lifetime. I even wrote a little about it.
All because I read/watched/played/heard those stories.
So do yourself a favor, and, next time you’re deciding what jobs to audition for, think about the story and what life change you want to inspire in someone. It might be a lot bigger than you think.
(Picture is my own)