Lotto lotta

Well, I have had another audition.  (as dead as it is...)

This time for the Tennessee Lottery.

It was fun.  A husband and wife type of deal.  The man playing my husband was super quiet and didn't speak to me beforehand hardly at all..  Of course, I will say that he did become friendly once we started.  He actually put his arm around me, etc..

It's hard.  I was paired with someone through my agent, but it never happens that way.  And, I hate that.  Once, a girl only got the audition because I told my agent I'd like to audition with her, and it didn't happen.  You show up and they pair you however they'd like.  It sort of sucks.

Oh well.

Anyway, I'd like to book something soon.  It's amazing how insecure you can feel.  Although, last year, I was done working by July.  Though I had one of the busiest years.  Lots of jobs, all in the first of the year.  You never know how it'll work out.

Ugh.

NHL? Anyone??

So, I had an audition the other day for the Nashville Predators.  No, I won't be goalie any time soon; just an audition.  It was a lot of fun.  They were simple, sort of "the office" like.  Simple, normal people with these weird experiences.  It's a great campaign.  It would be a nice addition to my work.  Either way, I look forward to seeing them on air.

Unfortunately for me, a lot of my competition in town was there.  There is a small handful of actresses that make me nervous when I show up.  Well, "nervous" is a bad word.  It's usually, "oh crap!"  We're all fighting for the same jobs and we're basically on the same level here, so it gets a little crazy.

Anyway, we'll see.  I have another audition I'll tell you about later.  Things are moving along.

Of course, I had to pass last week on an audition with a Director that loves me because I went to Canada while it was shooting.  ugh!!  That is ALWAYS the case.  The old "watched pot" thing, ya know?

Yuck.

To act or not to act?

Well, nothing is going on right now in the acting world.

I do have other things I do that make me money, so please don't cry for me..

BUT, I do get creatively stressed.  I know that summer can be that way.  SLOW.

I have to remember that things should kick up again as Fall approaches.

It's hard, but true.

I am going to work this summer on my craft.  I've got some books to read, some creative exercises to do and hopefully that will keep me going.  I'd love to get involved with a play this year.  Who knows?  It's pretty slim pickings around here most of the time.

I've done musicals but I'd like to bypass those for a bit.  I'll keep you posted.

I didn't get to act in the 48 hour thing (as I said before) and that was disappointing.  I will say that I enjoy dealing with other areas of the film that I'm normally not too concerned with.  But, it's a good chance to stretch some acting muscles and that didn't happen.

I sound bummed, right?  I think it's the hot, dreary day.  Or maybe I'm missing "must see tv".  Who knows?

But, thank the Lord above for the USA network and their programming.  It'll keep me going this summer.  Check out my other blog for info on that here:  Fun Blog

Also, check out the Wednesday Watercooler to learn more about creativity and expressing yourself here.

Nashville 48 Hour Film

Are you ready for the craziest weekend of the year??  I am!  Look out and stay out of the way.  There will be crews with cameras all over the streets of Nashville.  It's madness.

I wish I could say that I was already sleeping because I'll need it after Friday hits and it's non-stop mayhem!!  Well, I'm on the same team as the last 2 years.  I like it, but unfortunately, it's more art dept. work than acting.  There are other senior players and they keep the cast small and tight, so I "may" get called up for support, but that's it.  The art dept. stuff is different; never really done it before.  It's a different side of the process that I don't usually spend so much time on.  I have to put on another brain.  

Art is weird that way, eh?  I think most art is amazing to most because of it's unusual distinctiveness.  And yet it's the very same thing that makes others think it's crazy.

Go over to Watercooler Wednesdays to decide for yourself!!

I'll keep you posted on the Fest!!

Have a great week!

Auditions a plenty

So, yet another audition. My week has picked up, eh? This time more of an "open call" thing. Which I usually hate. They take forever.

But, this time went pretty smoothly. I got there and was #59 and they were on #16. Sounds scary, but 1 hour later, it was my turn. That's not too bad. And, there were 3 or 4 friends waiting there to keep me company, so that's always helpful.

The audition was easy. 3 in at a time. Basically stepping into frame, then "oohing and ahhing" about some new building. That's all. Simple, right? It would be nice to get because it pays pretty well. Especially just for some reactions.
My group was okay. One was a fellow actor that I know well. We worked together on a music video and Hannah Montana. He did a great job. The other was a very nice woman, but she was really destroying the vibe. We had to "ad lib" a lot. You know, "improvise". "Oh, look at that new room. That's going to be amazing". Instead, she'd comment on the obvious made up nature of our sentences.
EXAMPLE:
ME: "Look at that up there".
HER: "Oh, that pipe? Yeah, very rustic ."

See the annoyance? So, you just try to ignore her comments and stay in character.
Amazing how some people just really don't get it.
Oh well.  All the better for me.

Welcome to Audition Hell

Well, the weather here is hot! Really hot. It's 95 outside and probably 97 in the unairconditioned hall. That's right. No air.
There are 4 times the amount of people there that you expected. Why? Well, many are there for the first time. Though it's YOUR callback, they are getting a first shot.
Also, time moves slow here. You may sign in at 3:10 for your 3:30 audition, but they aren't looking at the sign in sheet. They have their own agenda and it's much different than the one you were told previously. They call whomever they want at whatever time they choose. Therefore, you sit and watch people just walk in and go in. As you sit, and sit and sit.
You were called for a role but no worries! They have another one, all shined up and ready for you. Mostly because they've already filled most of the roles as you sit in the hall. Waiting and waiting..
Needless to say, they don't seem to care about you at all. So why were you called to audition hell? Who knows?
But, was it worth it? You MAY receive an honorary extra role. But, let's face it. That's not why you bought the ticket.

Commercial Audition, really?

I got the call Saturday night that I was needed for an audition Sunday morning. I really hate weekend auditions. Yuck! Who likes to work on the weekend, right?
So, I said I could make it and I got the info Sunday morning. It was for a regional commercial. The Director had seen my headshot and chose me to come in and audition. That usually makes it more worth your time. Well, the company always has these really corny commercials, so my heart sank a little, but the pay was great and there were "roles" listed. So, I thought maybe this time it's a different format.
No such luck! I showed up and all we had to do was laugh and interact together in groups of 5. With lots of energy of course!! Now this happens more than you would think. It always annoys me. Why can't they just have us come in and ask some questions? You can get our personality from that! Most people know as soon as you open your mouth if you're right for the part. And, if they don't like you, they skip your slate and go to the next person. (by the way, "slate" is "Hi, my name is .. my agent is ... and I'm number...") It seems to be mostly about a look anyway, right?
The good news is it went quickly and I was about my business on a normal Sunday.
Oh, I haven't started my reel yet. I'm going to wait until I get that other DVD. You may call it procrastination..

Hannah Montana Line Dance

Yesterday was a crazy day.

I had received a casting for the Hannah Montana film (again).  They were now looking for line dancers.  I was aware that they would need those in the beginning and was sure to put down that I could do that if asked.  Of course, I was picturing a big group of people doing one of the many line dances I've "scooted" to over the years.

Not so.

I was getting the idea it was more than that.  I later saw a video of the dance and was a little shocked.  I wanted to make sure that I could even do the dance.  But, eventually I broke it down and was able to do it.  Of course, not like when I was 20, but they were seeking 28 and up!  So, not bad.  This dance is a mix of line dancing and hip hop funk.  You definitely have to be trained to do it.

Well, after rehearsing for a long time, I then realize that a HUGE argument has broke out amongst all involved (casting, agents, production) and now everyone is limited to how many they send.  I signed up later (wanting to be sure that I could do it first), so I wouldn't be going.

Isn't that nuts???  All the trying and excitement and then, oh yeah, "not gonna happen".

Well, good luck to them as they seek their dancers.  I guess I'll wait and see what it looks like in the movie.  Who knows?

If something changes, I'll let you know..

My Frustration

Just wanted to voice another frustration from yesterday's audition...

See, they were casting for 2 different things.  One was the female lead.  Now, there are many reasons why I'm not right for that.  They wanted a TALL girl.  The male lead is 6'5" so, we're talking tall.  And, of course glamorous, gorgeous and all that.  THAT is not me.

Then, they were casting "hairdressers".  But, they even said that they are to have a lot of character in their face and look as if they've lived a rough life.  THAT is not me.

So, the frustration  comes because in Nashville that is always my problem.  I'm not a supermodel, but I'm not very plain either.  So, I am in this "in between" area reserved for people like Sandra Bullock.  And, I have no chance of getting her roles.  Ya know?  I don't ever seem to get soccer mom roles either.  ugh.

I will say that the Directors don't really know what they're looking for until they see it.  I was cast in a music video at 28 years old, yet they were looking for a rough looking woman in her 40s.  Once I auditioned for a black ex-prostitute.  Sort of a modern day "woman at the well".  The best part of that is the Director called to tell me that I was his choice, but the client really wanted the cast to be diverse, so I was too white!

I shouldn't complain too much.  My agent has her work cut out for her.  I'm a 30 something white female who seems to do a great haggard 40 something or black ex-prostitute.

Music Video Audition

So, last night I received an email about an audition I was to attend today.  Lots of preparation time, right?  Music videos are really done like that.  Bam!  It's done.  They work 'em pretty quick.  I've done several and they are shot quick and out quick and gone before you know it!

The audition was for James Otto.  I haven't heard of this guy yet, but in Nashville, that's not shocking.  I was to play a "hairdresser".  Now, both my mother and sister are hairdressers by trade and I don't see anything exciting about how they dress so I assume they mean the "caricature" of one.  I dressed up sort of "Steel Magnolias" meets Flo from Mel's Diner.  Whatever!

There was no script so it was sort of a free for all.  3 of us at a time went in and first were told to pretend a cell phone was a remote and the camera was a tv and we were fighting, trying to get it to work.  Then, one of us played a woman whose hair was ruined by another salon and she was asking the other 2 for help.  They had to convince her it would be fine!!  That's it.  And, go!

You always try to lead because otherwise, some schmo will take over, mess it up and there's no way to save it.  BUT, you also don't want to be yelling over each other with everyone trying to drive.  This was somewhere in between.  One woman was a little over the top and they did ask her to chill a bit.  The Directors were there, which almost never happens.  So, it took awhile longer than usual.  But, they must know what they are looking for.  Right?

Not usually..

We'll see, won't we?

Nashville 48 Hour Film Fest 2008

Well, I just found out that the 48 hour film fest is coming to Nashville July 18-20, 2008.

Woohoo!

I have worked at the Fest the last 2 years.  The first year I starred in the film, "There's No I in Spy".  The next year (2007), I did makeup and wardrobe (and many other tasks) for the winning film, "Electricity:  Unplugging the Myth".

I have NO idea what I'll be doing this year.  But, stay tuned...

For more info on the 48 hour film fest, check them out here:  Nashville 48 Hour Film.
The entire film is written, filmed, edited, etc. in a weekend. Friday evening the genres are selected for the teams. Then, it's go time for all. You scamper around the city trading favors until you collapse from exhaustion. Sound like fun? Check it out.
See ya!
Life is slow, so I'm going to my "other" job today.

Business is slow

Yeah, not much going on right now.  My agent is slow (I haven't even been helping in the office).  But, it always seems to be that way.  Spring gets a little crazy and then we hit a wall.  It'll pick up again.  Summer is sometimes down time.  UGH!!

Of course, when you're in a small industry, it seems to suck even more.  Kill me..

I did get my first paycheck from Hannah Montana.  Apparently, it'll come in pieces so that's okay.  I have to get it all together and then pay my agent her fee and then, basically I've made NOTHING.  ha.

It sure is a lot of work for not a lot of payoff!

Can I get an "amen"?

Anyway, peace out..

My Paparazzi Moment

Well, I have to say that while filming "Hannah Montana the Movie", I had my first taste of the paparazzi.

When we first started filming (day 1) I truly expected to see some sort of mania.  But, it was like any other set I've been to.  Sort of quiet.  Yeah, people are looking but as they're walking to work and they don't quite know what's going on.

But, day 2 was different.  While on set, they released us for lunch.  That meant moving from one location to 2 blocks away where lunch was catered.  So, we started heading out of the back of the building along a road that had been blocked off for us.  As me and one other woman extra stepped out the door flash bulbs exploded!!  Hilarious!  Across the street was a small gaggle of about 20 folks behind a yellow police line.  I'm sure they started snapping to catch Ms. Miley Cyrus.  And, I'm sure they instantly knew we were not her in any way.  But, who else could we be, right?  So, they kept flashing away as we gracefully walked out into the street and started heading to lunch.  

Ha!  

The sad part of the story is that poor Miley was then "found out".  That day they figured out which trailer was hers and began stalking around.  The photos surfacing are all from that 2nd day of filming.  

Sorry Miley.  But, I enjoyed the excitement oh for just a moment...