Raging Bull

Last week I started my commercial acting class level 3 with casting director Chris Game. I took level 1 last summer and level 2 in the fall. So I was happy to go to the next level and learn more of what I can do better and clean up a few loose ends. Chris has gotten me a table read for a film, an brought me in for two separate film auditions. So taking his class again shows him that I show commitment and take his word serious. I come to find out last night that he cast Jason Segel in a small film 10 years ago. I had mentioned to him that I am a regular on 'How I Met Your Mother' and have met him on a couple different occasions. So that sparked up a conversation, and when the show comes back in a couple weeks, when I get an opportunity, mention to Jason about Chris and see if can make some networking come together.

Last Friday Chris had asked me to come in and audition for a short film. It was for a part that was a white trash type of character. It was down in Santa Monica, which isn't a bad drive, but what I thought was going to be a quick process, turned into me sitting around for over an hour and a half. Which put me on the 405 HWY at 4pm on a FRIDAY. But at least I got an audition and kept my mind fresh.

The other day, as I was writing my other blog, I had gotten a call from my agency for a callback for the show 'Californication.' Which was a HUGE blessing, because not only did it provide me with work, but I didn't have to spend my day on the phone looking for work. Plus I had a few friends working on it that day too which helped. Although, I did have a run in with my favorite guy, who I like to refer as 'the dude.' The dude, is this guy I see more than I would like. He always asking me about how to get SAG vouchers and wonders why his agent isn't doing it for him. After an hour of this, I had to tell the guy what time it was. I told him that he needed to accept the fact that it's a process and can't put all his faith in an agent who is just looking for quantity and not quality for his clients. I didn't mean to come off as a dick, but I hear these conversations everyday, and people are looking for instant gratification when it comes to this job.

The reason people expect instant gratification is because there are stories, very few, of actors who go to one audition, get the part, and start working right off the bat. When they come in with that mind set, and get rejected a couple times, their confidence is shot to hell. Which is great for me, because it cleans out the riff raft. But on the flip side when those people go away, and whole new batch fills in their spots. That's the part that is mentally draining is hearing the negativity. But that's what an iPod is for right?

"The talent is in the choices." - Robert de Niro