"Oy with the poodles already!" And if you don't know the quote, I'm not going to explain.
I'm so fed up. What's the point in making me feel like the dumbest QCer in the facility and completely micromanaging me after not giving me work for a week?! Really, is it necessary to post on our work-public schedule that I better be on time - as though I come strolling in ridiculously late every day?! With the laidback clock-in time to be flexible between 9am and 9:30am, I know I've come in between 9:15am and 9:30am ~ only occasionally 10am, including this past Wednesday. So that - what - forever marks me as the ditzy, late employee?! Because gee, just in case I missed it on the schedule, I better get a text at 7:15am to say "You're at the office at 9am today." That's right. TWO f@#*ing "reminders"! Hmm - I don't ever remember texting him asking if I needed to come in (due to the schedule being unaccessible online) ~ which, in the past, has been the only time that he would text me about coming into the office. For that, he deserves my snarky reply of "Thanks, I saw the schedule."
Un-frickin'-believable - Unnecessary!!!
Why can't I find a workplace where I can just be happy?
Friday, July 13, 2007
Saturday, July 07, 2007
One year, One month, and One day
Well, since I was unable to have a One year, One month, and One day party (celebrating the time I've been in L.A.), I figured a blog was in order.
To think back to the time I was in New York, or a more drastic comparison - to when I was in Arlington, I would have never imagined how much I truly am going for my dream today. To hear myself update my friends and family of what I'm up to, it's such a foreign concept compared to my life in Arlington. What was I doing there? I would've had SUCH a different life if I had stayed in the D.C. area. Editing at Discovery. Sure, maybe it would've been cool, but there still would've been that longing in me that there was something more. LOL ~ and maybe I still would've come out here thinking that I'll edit in Hollywood and somehow be gripped by an invisible "force" into the acting world. LOL
I am truly grateful to be here in California ~ a place I've wanted to be since I was very little! Everything seems to have and continues to fall in place. Who'd have thought that last July 4th, I would've met the very sweet wife of a Days actor (of course, followed by meeting her husband); the very day that I dropped off my application to my apartment, which is managed by someone who is friends with one of the Days producers, and is now going to help me get on the show (!?!). Apart from that, who would've known that my very first consultant at AIA Studios is still in touch with me today (after I'm on my third consultant) and is now my coach and helping me in tremendous ways with my career path.
From one class to another, auditions here and there for student films and for agents, with each one, I feel my talent growing and emerging, with my last audited class having the instructor (an old soap star, himself) claiming that he really liked what I did, thought I was a talented actress, and "covered" well (haha) - in a good way, but he saw there was more just shimmering on the surface, and he wants to work with me to bring it out.
It's such a different life than what I had imagined it would be one year, one month, and one day ago. ;-) I never knew I could be so committed...but being in this environment, there's so much direct and indirect support. I love having a creative boyfriend; it definitely doesn't hurt! He continuously inspires me, and he's interested and supportive of what I do everyday.
Visiting over a year ago, I didn't completely understand when someone told me that it really is an inspirational place ~ everywhere you go, you hear industry people talking; it's constant creative stimulation. It's exactly what I need to keep me on path and follow my dream!
To think back to the time I was in New York, or a more drastic comparison - to when I was in Arlington, I would have never imagined how much I truly am going for my dream today. To hear myself update my friends and family of what I'm up to, it's such a foreign concept compared to my life in Arlington. What was I doing there? I would've had SUCH a different life if I had stayed in the D.C. area. Editing at Discovery. Sure, maybe it would've been cool, but there still would've been that longing in me that there was something more. LOL ~ and maybe I still would've come out here thinking that I'll edit in Hollywood and somehow be gripped by an invisible "force" into the acting world. LOL
I am truly grateful to be here in California ~ a place I've wanted to be since I was very little! Everything seems to have and continues to fall in place. Who'd have thought that last July 4th, I would've met the very sweet wife of a Days actor (of course, followed by meeting her husband); the very day that I dropped off my application to my apartment, which is managed by someone who is friends with one of the Days producers, and is now going to help me get on the show (!?!). Apart from that, who would've known that my very first consultant at AIA Studios is still in touch with me today (after I'm on my third consultant) and is now my coach and helping me in tremendous ways with my career path.
From one class to another, auditions here and there for student films and for agents, with each one, I feel my talent growing and emerging, with my last audited class having the instructor (an old soap star, himself) claiming that he really liked what I did, thought I was a talented actress, and "covered" well (haha) - in a good way, but he saw there was more just shimmering on the surface, and he wants to work with me to bring it out.
It's such a different life than what I had imagined it would be one year, one month, and one day ago. ;-) I never knew I could be so committed...but being in this environment, there's so much direct and indirect support. I love having a creative boyfriend; it definitely doesn't hurt! He continuously inspires me, and he's interested and supportive of what I do everyday.
Visiting over a year ago, I didn't completely understand when someone told me that it really is an inspirational place ~ everywhere you go, you hear industry people talking; it's constant creative stimulation. It's exactly what I need to keep me on path and follow my dream!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Law of Attraction
Law of Attraction is seriously at play...and maybe a bit of restoring some "harmonic emotion" in my life.
So, for about three to four days this week, I was in a ridiculously stressed state. No solid reasons why, I was able to find reasons as to why I shouldn't be stressed about situations, I was able to find the positives in the situations, and I knew that I was actively correcting these situations, so why be stressed? Yeah, I don't know. Except that I simply just got too focused on it and made the situation bigger than it had to be.
Some background: As you may know, one of my biggest dreams is to have a contract role on Days of Our Lives. I know Peter Reckell by way of my boyfriend, whose client is Peter's wife. He knows me; he and his wife have given me some furniture. Neither he or his wife know that I'm an aspiring actress. My apartment manager has had - what I guess you would call - a co-starring role on Days. During that time, my toilet had backed up, and he stopped by to take a look. We got to talking about the industry and of course, his co-starring role, and he learned about my big dream. "Well, would you like to get on as maybe an extra?" he asked. To which I, of course, responded "Sure!" In the back of mind I'm also hoping that it never interferes with getting a contract role down the road. Well, my apt. manager is friends with one of the producers, so he promised to talk to him about it. Rock on!
I ran into my apartment manager yesterday afternoon (again, this is after having a few slumpy, woe-is-me days). As expected, I kept things upbeat ~ "Oh, I'm good! How are you?!" After the everyday greetings, he said that he still had to call his friend about getting me on the show, but he knows that they'll be going on hiatus in a week or so and will be up and running again mid-July. I handed him my business card, which is my headshot on a business card with my name and contact info, to give to his producer-friend. We chatted more about the industry and said our goodbyes.
That evening, Andrew and I went out for dinner. After a few minutes of contemplation and deciding on sushi, but not our usual place, and not in Hollywood (I could not deal with crowds last night), we headed to a place more down the street from me in Studio City. It was a nice change of scenery...and at the end of dinner, just as Andrew is taking care of the bill, and we're laughing about...something...I recognize this guy who's sitting at the table behind Andrew. It's Jay Kenneth Johnson, aka "Philip" on Days! *a small inward excitement dance and giggles* Thank God I have a boyfriend who puts up with me and my small obsessions! ;-) And he also knew who I was talking about since Jay's been on Scrubs a few times, as well. Anyway, I did not stop by his table as we were headed out to say "Hey, I've enjoyed your work" or anything like that; maybe I should've, but for the moment, I'm okay that I didn't. What would happen when I'm cast on Days and have to work with him day-to-day? Can't have him remembering me as "one of those fans." ;-)
Waiting for the valet to bring my car, I remembered that Jay and my apartment manager have also worked together! It was one scene when Philip came to the island to take "his daughter" back and the sheriff (my apt. manager) had to deal with that situation. It's crazy to think how we're all interconnected, and I can't believe how much Days "stuff" I'm attracting. As The Secret says..."Attention goes where energy flows."
So, for about three to four days this week, I was in a ridiculously stressed state. No solid reasons why, I was able to find reasons as to why I shouldn't be stressed about situations, I was able to find the positives in the situations, and I knew that I was actively correcting these situations, so why be stressed? Yeah, I don't know. Except that I simply just got too focused on it and made the situation bigger than it had to be.
Some background: As you may know, one of my biggest dreams is to have a contract role on Days of Our Lives. I know Peter Reckell by way of my boyfriend, whose client is Peter's wife. He knows me; he and his wife have given me some furniture. Neither he or his wife know that I'm an aspiring actress. My apartment manager has had - what I guess you would call - a co-starring role on Days. During that time, my toilet had backed up, and he stopped by to take a look. We got to talking about the industry and of course, his co-starring role, and he learned about my big dream. "Well, would you like to get on as maybe an extra?" he asked. To which I, of course, responded "Sure!" In the back of mind I'm also hoping that it never interferes with getting a contract role down the road. Well, my apt. manager is friends with one of the producers, so he promised to talk to him about it. Rock on!
I ran into my apartment manager yesterday afternoon (again, this is after having a few slumpy, woe-is-me days). As expected, I kept things upbeat ~ "Oh, I'm good! How are you?!" After the everyday greetings, he said that he still had to call his friend about getting me on the show, but he knows that they'll be going on hiatus in a week or so and will be up and running again mid-July. I handed him my business card, which is my headshot on a business card with my name and contact info, to give to his producer-friend. We chatted more about the industry and said our goodbyes.
That evening, Andrew and I went out for dinner. After a few minutes of contemplation and deciding on sushi, but not our usual place, and not in Hollywood (I could not deal with crowds last night), we headed to a place more down the street from me in Studio City. It was a nice change of scenery...and at the end of dinner, just as Andrew is taking care of the bill, and we're laughing about...something...I recognize this guy who's sitting at the table behind Andrew. It's Jay Kenneth Johnson, aka "Philip" on Days! *a small inward excitement dance and giggles* Thank God I have a boyfriend who puts up with me and my small obsessions! ;-) And he also knew who I was talking about since Jay's been on Scrubs a few times, as well. Anyway, I did not stop by his table as we were headed out to say "Hey, I've enjoyed your work" or anything like that; maybe I should've, but for the moment, I'm okay that I didn't. What would happen when I'm cast on Days and have to work with him day-to-day? Can't have him remembering me as "one of those fans." ;-)
Waiting for the valet to bring my car, I remembered that Jay and my apartment manager have also worked together! It was one scene when Philip came to the island to take "his daughter" back and the sheriff (my apt. manager) had to deal with that situation. It's crazy to think how we're all interconnected, and I can't believe how much Days "stuff" I'm attracting. As The Secret says..."Attention goes where energy flows."
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Just Call Me Haley!
Haley...the cute girl from this season's American Idol who Simon said was cute, but not memorable. I rooted for her because - well- her voice amidst the powerful female voices of AI is how I see my voice amidst what's popular on Broadway today (sweet/classic voice vs. pop/rock voice). And last night, I saw it all come to fruition...this time in an acting class.
"Your outfit is so cute! You look VERY 'irresponsible'; great choice! But I need [xyz in acting] from you." Good lord...how do I put this? I don't want to say that I'm God's gift to acting; I'm still refining my craft. I'm currently researching and moving forward and finding places where I can grow and break through these blocks. But I seriously felt like Haley up there. 'You're cute, but hon, you need some work with that talent' (paraphrased into my own exaggeration, of course).
Then again, it could've just been the scene that didn't work for me. The first two weeks, I didn't receive one criticism from her.
In any case, I think in the end, I'm glad to hear the criticism, rather than a re-direction and a "gooood..." and not knowing if it was simply a polite statement. She made me aware of what I already knew, and it's now simply a reaffirmation, and a stronger push to find something even sooner to make me really focus on making my craft better!
The recent news before last night: I have a POTENTIAL commercial agent. He seemed interesting/a character, but nice and was interested in representing me...I'll be calling later today to see if I can schedule an interview. He didn't give us much info during the Q&A about his agency, so in an attempt to find info, I emailed some of the actors he represents to get their opinion and to find out if he's been sending them out on enough auditions. Two responded, and both said that he was interesting/nice, but he hasn't done much for them.
My other piece of news is that I'll be interviewing with Beverly Hills Playhouse tomorrow afternoon (info on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Hills_Playhouse). I found out about them as I was researching the above mentioned agency, checked out the website, and their classes, style of teaching, and instructors seemed perfect! Just what I need to kick my butt into real acting. Not to mention, one of the beloved evil characters from Days takes classes there. ;-)
Other than that, today has been all about getting acting errands done ~ thank you cards, postcards, getting postcard stamps, calling and making appointments...and of course, making a stop by Starbucks, where today, my name is Sharmane.
So...call me Haley...or Sharmane. Whatever you please...though I really don't know who Sharmane is.
"Your outfit is so cute! You look VERY 'irresponsible'; great choice! But I need [xyz in acting] from you." Good lord...how do I put this? I don't want to say that I'm God's gift to acting; I'm still refining my craft. I'm currently researching and moving forward and finding places where I can grow and break through these blocks. But I seriously felt like Haley up there. 'You're cute, but hon, you need some work with that talent' (paraphrased into my own exaggeration, of course).
Then again, it could've just been the scene that didn't work for me. The first two weeks, I didn't receive one criticism from her.
In any case, I think in the end, I'm glad to hear the criticism, rather than a re-direction and a "gooood..." and not knowing if it was simply a polite statement. She made me aware of what I already knew, and it's now simply a reaffirmation, and a stronger push to find something even sooner to make me really focus on making my craft better!
The recent news before last night: I have a POTENTIAL commercial agent. He seemed interesting/a character, but nice and was interested in representing me...I'll be calling later today to see if I can schedule an interview. He didn't give us much info during the Q&A about his agency, so in an attempt to find info, I emailed some of the actors he represents to get their opinion and to find out if he's been sending them out on enough auditions. Two responded, and both said that he was interesting/nice, but he hasn't done much for them.
My other piece of news is that I'll be interviewing with Beverly Hills Playhouse tomorrow afternoon (info on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Hills_Playhouse). I found out about them as I was researching the above mentioned agency, checked out the website, and their classes, style of teaching, and instructors seemed perfect! Just what I need to kick my butt into real acting. Not to mention, one of the beloved evil characters from Days takes classes there. ;-)
Other than that, today has been all about getting acting errands done ~ thank you cards, postcards, getting postcard stamps, calling and making appointments...and of course, making a stop by Starbucks, where today, my name is Sharmane.
So...call me Haley...or Sharmane. Whatever you please...though I really don't know who Sharmane is.
Friday, June 01, 2007
My life is being abducted again...
Whew! My world is spinning! One day off can certainly put things in perspective for a girl.
Okay, first of all, I knew that my month was going to be a busy one. Every hour I was remembering that I was scheduled for a class, an audition, meeting up with friends on this day or that. I was at a loss each time when I didn't have my planner on me! Finally, I was able to lay everything out today. What I discovered...I'm booked for 6 days straight starting June 11th for acting classes and one audition. June's gonna be non-stop...and I don't think it's going to slow down till my birthday in October, as I've just agreed to do another community theatre show. I say "another" as though I do this all the time. I used to, but my last one was two years ago, two *cities* ago.
Sidenote: going to the "Oliver!" audition the other night was so great! I can't say how much I loved being around that community theatre atmosphere. It doesn't seem to change no matter where I go ~ whether it's Richmond, D.C., or L.A. It's all the same. Musical artists coming together to put on a great show for the love of theatre. And as cheesy as it sounds, you can feel that love.
Woo! This is the first thing I've been cast in in Los Angeles! Fabulous! ;-) LOL ...oh wait. I'm forgetting "Grey's Anatomy." That was the first. Right!
I've also just submitted myself for an audition for "Bye Bye Birdie." Rehearsals would start June 9th, with performances going up July 14th-29th. How psycho am I??? No telling if I'd be cast, though.
Wow. Other than that, I've prepared my cover letter today for soap associate casting directors, I'll mail them out on Monday...it'll be mighty tough to work a schedule with them IF they want me on set this summer. If not, I can wait till the fall. ;-)
My head's still spinning...no wine for me tonight!
Okay, first of all, I knew that my month was going to be a busy one. Every hour I was remembering that I was scheduled for a class, an audition, meeting up with friends on this day or that. I was at a loss each time when I didn't have my planner on me! Finally, I was able to lay everything out today. What I discovered...I'm booked for 6 days straight starting June 11th for acting classes and one audition. June's gonna be non-stop...and I don't think it's going to slow down till my birthday in October, as I've just agreed to do another community theatre show. I say "another" as though I do this all the time. I used to, but my last one was two years ago, two *cities* ago.
Sidenote: going to the "Oliver!" audition the other night was so great! I can't say how much I loved being around that community theatre atmosphere. It doesn't seem to change no matter where I go ~ whether it's Richmond, D.C., or L.A. It's all the same. Musical artists coming together to put on a great show for the love of theatre. And as cheesy as it sounds, you can feel that love.
Woo! This is the first thing I've been cast in in Los Angeles! Fabulous! ;-) LOL ...oh wait. I'm forgetting "Grey's Anatomy." That was the first. Right!
I've also just submitted myself for an audition for "Bye Bye Birdie." Rehearsals would start June 9th, with performances going up July 14th-29th. How psycho am I??? No telling if I'd be cast, though.
Wow. Other than that, I've prepared my cover letter today for soap associate casting directors, I'll mail them out on Monday...it'll be mighty tough to work a schedule with them IF they want me on set this summer. If not, I can wait till the fall. ;-)
My head's still spinning...no wine for me tonight!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
What's in a Name?
I'm curious...is my name really that hard to spell? Am I not annunciating enough? Over-annunciating? Well, I've decided to create a sidebar list of the misspellings I've seen Starbucks employees make in writing my name on my cup.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
I'm ready to wallow now
Happy, happy, happy, happy, BLEUGH!!! It's time for my insecurities to come out. My doubts, fears, sadness, longing. Ignore everything for just this short moment of "everything is going to be okay, everything will be fine, it'll happen in your own time."
I went through today with no inspiration. It was such a depressing feeling that I tried hard to come out of. Looking around our gray, dim-lit, QC room and thinking "What can inspire me?" I look at the TV monitor (which I'm supposed to be watching anyway) and try to find some sort of inspiration from what I'm QCing. What was I QCing??? There were German voices coming at me from the headphones, shots of guns and mob guys chasing each other for tons of money (in the end, I think it ended being a movie within a movie). Inspiring? No. Next movie. I was listening to music and effects, and watching some horrible acting with a storyline that was perposterous (I heard the dialogue yesterday afternoon). No. No inspiration.
Nothing to look forward to today or tomorrow or this weekend. No plans. I haven't seen Andrew...sorry, I correct myself...I haven't spent time with Andrew in four days ~ and I don't even think Sunday counts since he was jet lagged, not talkative, and all we did was watch TV, he slept for hours, then we did laundry. So, I take that back. I haven't spent any REAL quality time with my boyfriend in 12 days! And why was our last conversation last night about him meeting up with his ex for lunch in a couple of days? Honestly, it's not that I don't trust him ~ I trust him completely. I just don't like his ex. Shocker? Probably not for most. My reasoning is that she was completely rude to me the first time I met her. You know the people who won't look you in the eye, won't acknowledge that you're there standing right next to their friend? Thus making you wonder why you're there; you're not a part of the conversation. That would be the situation of my first lovely encounter with her. So as a result, any thoughts, topics brought up about her makes me cringe. Ms. Rudeness.
I missed my improv class tonight. Second one I missed out of four. The class is over now. I'm disappointed in myself, but I also felt like I had no energy for the class whatsoever. It's one where you have to be on top of your game, your creativeness HAS to be flowing at all times. It wasn't in me tonight. It just wasn't in me.
My mom has brought the harsh reality of money to my face. I've been aware, but still avoiding it somehow. I've trusted that in taking the acting classes that the money will be there, it will come one way or another. And it will...and I realize that I just have to be careful about spending money on whatever else I spend money on. It's made me sad that I'm dismissing a possible great opportunity to take a workshop with Jason Alexander because I don't know if I have the money for it. And it's not that expensive compared to other classes I've taken.
Little devilish doubts of accomplishing my dream of acting, of being on Days or anything have crept in (this is despite the fact that my apt. manager, who's friends with a producer on Days, said he could probably get me on as an extra; not to mention I'll be working on the film version of "Get Smart" on Monday). And I'm trying to ward them off before they find a dwelling inside of me.
I'm off. I'm completely off today.
It makes me wonder what has brought me to this point. The tragedy of a few weeks ago? My lack of keeping on task of creative projects? Not being able to relax and spend some quality time with Andrew? Not talking to my closest friends in a while? My lack of energy to go to acting class? Perhaps a combination.
All I know is that I'm feeling blue. I'll get out if it soon. I know I will. I just need this short moment to wallow.
I went through today with no inspiration. It was such a depressing feeling that I tried hard to come out of. Looking around our gray, dim-lit, QC room and thinking "What can inspire me?" I look at the TV monitor (which I'm supposed to be watching anyway) and try to find some sort of inspiration from what I'm QCing. What was I QCing??? There were German voices coming at me from the headphones, shots of guns and mob guys chasing each other for tons of money (in the end, I think it ended being a movie within a movie). Inspiring? No. Next movie. I was listening to music and effects, and watching some horrible acting with a storyline that was perposterous (I heard the dialogue yesterday afternoon). No. No inspiration.
Nothing to look forward to today or tomorrow or this weekend. No plans. I haven't seen Andrew...sorry, I correct myself...I haven't spent time with Andrew in four days ~ and I don't even think Sunday counts since he was jet lagged, not talkative, and all we did was watch TV, he slept for hours, then we did laundry. So, I take that back. I haven't spent any REAL quality time with my boyfriend in 12 days! And why was our last conversation last night about him meeting up with his ex for lunch in a couple of days? Honestly, it's not that I don't trust him ~ I trust him completely. I just don't like his ex. Shocker? Probably not for most. My reasoning is that she was completely rude to me the first time I met her. You know the people who won't look you in the eye, won't acknowledge that you're there standing right next to their friend? Thus making you wonder why you're there; you're not a part of the conversation. That would be the situation of my first lovely encounter with her. So as a result, any thoughts, topics brought up about her makes me cringe. Ms. Rudeness.
I missed my improv class tonight. Second one I missed out of four. The class is over now. I'm disappointed in myself, but I also felt like I had no energy for the class whatsoever. It's one where you have to be on top of your game, your creativeness HAS to be flowing at all times. It wasn't in me tonight. It just wasn't in me.
My mom has brought the harsh reality of money to my face. I've been aware, but still avoiding it somehow. I've trusted that in taking the acting classes that the money will be there, it will come one way or another. And it will...and I realize that I just have to be careful about spending money on whatever else I spend money on. It's made me sad that I'm dismissing a possible great opportunity to take a workshop with Jason Alexander because I don't know if I have the money for it. And it's not that expensive compared to other classes I've taken.
Little devilish doubts of accomplishing my dream of acting, of being on Days or anything have crept in (this is despite the fact that my apt. manager, who's friends with a producer on Days, said he could probably get me on as an extra; not to mention I'll be working on the film version of "Get Smart" on Monday). And I'm trying to ward them off before they find a dwelling inside of me.
I'm off. I'm completely off today.
It makes me wonder what has brought me to this point. The tragedy of a few weeks ago? My lack of keeping on task of creative projects? Not being able to relax and spend some quality time with Andrew? Not talking to my closest friends in a while? My lack of energy to go to acting class? Perhaps a combination.
All I know is that I'm feeling blue. I'll get out if it soon. I know I will. I just need this short moment to wallow.
Monday, April 16, 2007
My Va Tech Hokies...
After the day's events at Virginia Tech (my alma mater for those who don't know), I wanted to share these two pieces of writing. My shock and sadness has left me without words...except for the repeated "this is crazy. this is ridiculous. so surreal. TECH???" I used to LIVE in West AJ! The media's questions have been ridiculous "why didn't you do this? why didn't you do that?" Completely hounding on the "safety" of the campus; asking students aren't they scared? Are they reconsidering going back next year? A majority of students are saying "no, this isn't an everyday occurance." Duh! The media just doesn't get it.
Below is an email from the head of the communications dept. at Va Tech. She describes what the media isn't reporting. And here's a link to a Dateline correspondant/VA Tech alum. She gets it.
She gets it.
http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/16/153162.aspx
Below is an email from the head of the communications dept. at Va Tech. She describes what the media isn't reporting. And here's a link to a Dateline correspondant/VA Tech alum. She gets it.
She gets it.
http://insidedateline.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/16/153162.aspx
Dear Communication Alumni:
I know you share our devastation at today's events. We're in shock.
When the university releases the names of the victims, everything will
become very, very real.
Here's what you can't hear on the news. People around campus took
responsibility for securing areas and protecting students. I can only
share the great response from your faculty. We learned in the Morva
incident to listen to police scanners online at the first sign of trouble.
Events transpire too quickly for the university administration to get
word to everyone nearly as quickly as everyone would hope.
Beth Waggenspack and Emily Stallings pulled a high school Art club from
West Virginia off the sidewalk and into Shanks Hall. We secured them
in a basement classroom until we knew the danger had ended. Beth and
Emily ordered students walking around campus inside. Others facuolty
kept students calm down at the Shultz Media Center. I know similar
efforts were made by faculty and staff around campus. Now, our Student
Affairs staff are bearing a tremendous burden as they notify and support
families of those killed and injured.
I know many of you want to know what you can do. We can only ask that
you keep everyone, especially the victims and their families, in your
thoughts and prayers. As other initiatives develop, and we know they
will, we'll send word.
For now, hug your loved ones.
With a sad, sad heart.
Rachel
Rachel Holloway, Head
Department of Communication
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Two and a Half Months
So, without fail, it's been a while since I've posted. The past couple of months have flown by filled with ups and downs, but mostly ups. Since January, my schedule has been filled with QC work, two trips to Oakland and San Francisco (a viewing of "Legally Blonde, the musical," which was GREAT!!!), Baltimore, Arlington, and Richmond.
The trip to Baltimore was for Andrew's sister's wedding, which then lead me south to visit friends and family. A much needed trip after having my Christmas vacation cut short. When I returned to L.A., I was swept away into more background acting work on a new show (yet to be picked up) called "The Apostles." They're describing the show to be "Law and Order" (or some other cop show) meets "Desperate Housewives." I worked on the show for three days ~ reason being, uncooperative weather...like HAIL. Yes, hail in Southern California. That, the sudden downpours of rain, and cold 40-degree weather was ridiculous! Especially when we're shooting what's supposed to be pool party on a warm, sunny California day. It was so nice to actually see 20 minutes of sunshine on the third day. Highlights of the week: the production crew was totally nice and remembered every one of the background actors names. On my second day, I saw a background actor that I actually recognized...Mikey ~ the winner of last season's "I Wanna Be a Soap Star." Yyyup. We chatted a bit, and after we had introduced ourselves within the small group, I asked him if he was on "Soap Star." I had to. He was exactly as they portrayed him.
The following week, I was flooded with phone calls. On Wednesday, there was a call asking if I could do background work for another pilot. I couldn't accept the work, though, as I had already lost so much money the week before doing the 3 days on "The Apostles." Thursday, I received a call asking if I would be interested in participating in an industrial commercial on Saturday. However, I already scheduled myself for an audition for "I Wanna Be a Soap Star" ~ they're giving the winner a 13-week role on "Days of Our Lives"! How could I resist?!? When I got home that evening, I had an email in my inbox saying that I have been scheduled to audition for a student film called "Losing the Funny"...for Saturday! Geez! :-) I was starting to feel like an idiot...submitting myself for projects that were all happening on the same day I was auditioning for "Soap Star." But then I realized that none of the ads posted listed when their projects/auditions were happening. I had turn the commercial down, but I was able to make both "Soap Star" and student film auditions.
I WANNA BE A SOAP STAR AUDITIONS:
An interesting experience. The gals I met while standing in line were very sweet, and they kept me laughing. While were waiting in line, the production crew got shots of us being "enthused," screaming/whoo-ing, smiling, waving, etc. None of us felt like being that enthused at 8:30 in the morning.
By 9am, the host of the show, Cameron Mattheson had arrived, and he shot his intro-to-the show bits. They brought all of us into the shot by getting us into a group behind him. He intro-ed the show, and we screamed the last line with him..."I Wanna Be a Soap Star!!! ...whoooooo!!!!" Yeah. Whoooo. We shot this a number of times, as you can imagine by now...and they tried to rotate us, so they'd have different faces in the front. I didn't exactly make it up there. Stuck in the middle, and every once in a while in camera view.
10am/10:30am, they brought us the stage where the auditions were being held. By the way, we were at the same studios where "Grey's Anatomy" is shot. So, when we passed by the "General Hospital" stage, the girls I was chatting with let out huge gasps. When I told them "Grey's Anatomy" is also shot here, they let out more gasps.
As we approached the stage set, a crew member started pairing us to go in. They gave us a scene to improv (just as Mikey had told me a couple of weeks ago). Our scene (I was paired with a guy named Ryan): we were married for 5 years and taking a cruise. It was a long needed vacation; a second honeymoon. BUT the ship was sinking! and he needed to tell me something really important. Aaand go! The important thing he had to tell me...he was married to my sister...but it's over and he loves me, and he'll be with me to the end! My reactions: what?!? I was in shock, trying to catch my breath, tearing up, how could this happen?!? He said she looked so much like me, he thought it was me. How?!? We're not twins!!! She's 15 years older than me!!! Are they divorced??? No. Anyway, this went on, and they finally stopped us.
The next little thing they had us do was make up a new jingle for the show. Ryan went first and did really well! Then I went, and after some thought, I told them that I was going to riff off of Ryan's jingle because it was stuck in my head. It wasn't the greatest, but whatever.
They said "thank you," and that was it. I thought that maybe they would be calling us if they wanted us back fro a call back, but then Ryan pointed out that it looked like the people who got call backs got a couple of papers and had to go to a table to register. One of the girls I talked to found us and asked if we had registered already. We were like "Oh! You got a call back?!" And she said in surprise "Oh! I guess I did!"
So, I was able to make it to the next audition with no worries AND with some time to stop by my apt. for some brunch.
STUDENT FILM AUDITION:
I submitted myself for this film because it looked interesting, and I had read that it's good to do student films because (a) you have a chance to work on your acting skills, (b) you have footage to build your demo reel, (c) if the director applies for a SAG contract agreement, you can get a SAG voucher and/or become SAG elgible if you have lines (gotta find out about that), and (d) the film could be going to festivals, and (e) today's student filmmaker could be tomorrow's Steven Spielberg.
I think it went all right. No way to really tell. I read for two parts ~ Michael/Michelle (they're not sure which way they'll go with the gender yet) and the Waitress, who has one line and will always be in the background, as the main characters use her restaurant as their office. The one thread of hope I have to hang on to is that the director asked if they had my contact info - email address, phone number. If he weren't interested in using me at all, I don't think he would've asked. It just seems to be the way it works. You don't always get a call or email to say "Sorry. We don't need you." -- in acting or the video post production world.
The trip to Baltimore was for Andrew's sister's wedding, which then lead me south to visit friends and family. A much needed trip after having my Christmas vacation cut short. When I returned to L.A., I was swept away into more background acting work on a new show (yet to be picked up) called "The Apostles." They're describing the show to be "Law and Order" (or some other cop show) meets "Desperate Housewives." I worked on the show for three days ~ reason being, uncooperative weather...like HAIL. Yes, hail in Southern California. That, the sudden downpours of rain, and cold 40-degree weather was ridiculous! Especially when we're shooting what's supposed to be pool party on a warm, sunny California day. It was so nice to actually see 20 minutes of sunshine on the third day. Highlights of the week: the production crew was totally nice and remembered every one of the background actors names. On my second day, I saw a background actor that I actually recognized...Mikey ~ the winner of last season's "I Wanna Be a Soap Star." Yyyup. We chatted a bit, and after we had introduced ourselves within the small group, I asked him if he was on "Soap Star." I had to. He was exactly as they portrayed him.The following week, I was flooded with phone calls. On Wednesday, there was a call asking if I could do background work for another pilot. I couldn't accept the work, though, as I had already lost so much money the week before doing the 3 days on "The Apostles." Thursday, I received a call asking if I would be interested in participating in an industrial commercial on Saturday. However, I already scheduled myself for an audition for "I Wanna Be a Soap Star" ~ they're giving the winner a 13-week role on "Days of Our Lives"! How could I resist?!? When I got home that evening, I had an email in my inbox saying that I have been scheduled to audition for a student film called "Losing the Funny"...for Saturday! Geez! :-) I was starting to feel like an idiot...submitting myself for projects that were all happening on the same day I was auditioning for "Soap Star." But then I realized that none of the ads posted listed when their projects/auditions were happening. I had turn the commercial down, but I was able to make both "Soap Star" and student film auditions.
I WANNA BE A SOAP STAR AUDITIONS:
An interesting experience. The gals I met while standing in line were very sweet, and they kept me laughing. While were waiting in line, the production crew got shots of us being "enthused," screaming/whoo-ing, smiling, waving, etc. None of us felt like being that enthused at 8:30 in the morning.
By 9am, the host of the show, Cameron Mattheson had arrived, and he shot his intro-to-the show bits. They brought all of us into the shot by getting us into a group behind him. He intro-ed the show, and we screamed the last line with him..."I Wanna Be a Soap Star!!! ...whoooooo!!!!" Yeah. Whoooo. We shot this a number of times, as you can imagine by now...and they tried to rotate us, so they'd have different faces in the front. I didn't exactly make it up there. Stuck in the middle, and every once in a while in camera view.
10am/10:30am, they brought us the stage where the auditions were being held. By the way, we were at the same studios where "Grey's Anatomy" is shot. So, when we passed by the "General Hospital" stage, the girls I was chatting with let out huge gasps. When I told them "Grey's Anatomy" is also shot here, they let out more gasps.
As we approached the stage set, a crew member started pairing us to go in. They gave us a scene to improv (just as Mikey had told me a couple of weeks ago). Our scene (I was paired with a guy named Ryan): we were married for 5 years and taking a cruise. It was a long needed vacation; a second honeymoon. BUT the ship was sinking! and he needed to tell me something really important. Aaand go! The important thing he had to tell me...he was married to my sister...but it's over and he loves me, and he'll be with me to the end! My reactions: what?!? I was in shock, trying to catch my breath, tearing up, how could this happen?!? He said she looked so much like me, he thought it was me. How?!? We're not twins!!! She's 15 years older than me!!! Are they divorced??? No. Anyway, this went on, and they finally stopped us.
The next little thing they had us do was make up a new jingle for the show. Ryan went first and did really well! Then I went, and after some thought, I told them that I was going to riff off of Ryan's jingle because it was stuck in my head. It wasn't the greatest, but whatever.
They said "thank you," and that was it. I thought that maybe they would be calling us if they wanted us back fro a call back, but then Ryan pointed out that it looked like the people who got call backs got a couple of papers and had to go to a table to register. One of the girls I talked to found us and asked if we had registered already. We were like "Oh! You got a call back?!" And she said in surprise "Oh! I guess I did!"
So, I was able to make it to the next audition with no worries AND with some time to stop by my apt. for some brunch.
STUDENT FILM AUDITION:
I submitted myself for this film because it looked interesting, and I had read that it's good to do student films because (a) you have a chance to work on your acting skills, (b) you have footage to build your demo reel, (c) if the director applies for a SAG contract agreement, you can get a SAG voucher and/or become SAG elgible if you have lines (gotta find out about that), and (d) the film could be going to festivals, and (e) today's student filmmaker could be tomorrow's Steven Spielberg.
I think it went all right. No way to really tell. I read for two parts ~ Michael/Michelle (they're not sure which way they'll go with the gender yet) and the Waitress, who has one line and will always be in the background, as the main characters use her restaurant as their office. The one thread of hope I have to hang on to is that the director asked if they had my contact info - email address, phone number. If he weren't interested in using me at all, I don't think he would've asked. It just seems to be the way it works. You don't always get a call or email to say "Sorry. We don't need you." -- in acting or the video post production world.
Grey's Anatomy Pics
My cousin was awesome enough to grab these screen stills of my Grey's Anatomy appearance from the first two episodes of the 3-episode story arc of the ferry boat disaster. The first two pics are from towards the end of the first episode, "Walk on Water." The last three are from the beginning of the second episode, "Drowning on Dry Land."
To see a bigger picture, click on the images below.
To see a bigger picture, click on the images below.
Friday, January 26, 2007
A "Grey's Anatomy" Afterglow
Three days after being - correction: *working* on the set of "Grey's Anatomy," and I still have that afterglow.
My day there is more than words can say. It's a little hard to describe it without jumping up and down and exclaiming "and then...! and then...!" It was hard for me not to do it THERE!, but I did have to remain professional, of course. And I'm a pro at pulling off "professional."
So, to professionally describe my first working day as an actress, it started at 7:30am when I arrived at Prospect Studios in Hollywood. As I headed to the wardrobe trailer, the first person I saw was Sara Ramirez ("Dr. Callie Torres"), who was coming out of one of the trailers. We looked at each other, and for whatever reason, my brain decided to be confused as to whether or not to say "hi." So, after an internal shrug, I continued onto the wardrobe trailer. There was a short line as the other background actors waited to check-in and have their wardrobe checked out. The costumer was a short, possibly French man with very little patience. "Do you have another scarf? It's blue? Can I see it? Oh, it's in your car?" and with a flip of his head, "Come back at 8; I thought you were ready." As the next actor was called up, he and the check-in guy learn that the actor has an 8am call. They're turned away, and the guys ask if any of us have a 7:30am call. None of us did, so of course, we're scolded for being at the studios early. Great start. We checked in, got our vouchers, and were sent away to fill it out and told to come back at 8am.
Not knowing where to really go, I made a bee-line to a park bench next to the "General Hospital" stage. A brunette girl about an inch shorter than me joined me a moment later. Within minutes, we were talking, and she told me of the other shows she's done background work on since August. [an aside: One of which was "Gilmore Girls." Being a GG fan, I had to ask how the experience was. Sadly, it wasn't the greatest. They don't feed the background actors, and from what I heard from someone else, Melissa McCarthy ("Sookie") doesn't have as nice a personality as her character. When the background actors were coming in for a scene, she rolled her eyes and said "Here come the cockroaches."] My new friend-for-the-day's name was "Ryan" (it was spelled in an unusual way that I don't remember).
Lining back up for wardrobe to deal with the ever so delightful costumer at 8am, I get pushed aside once again when he tells us that he will deal with "bandaged victims" (that's me!) last. The reason was because we would be entering the scene with dirty clothes, so instead of the clothes that we brought, we would be borrowing from the wardrobe department. My costume = punk jogger = tan-ish jogging jacket and dark brown cargo pants.
Once in wardrobe and meeting one more background actor, Manford, we ("Ryan," Manford, and I) decide to grab some breakfast after seeing person after person come in with scrambled eggs and such. Breakfast was less than stellar, but it was food, and at least we wouldn't pass out on the set.
Soon after, a girl, who I'll just call the coordinator, came in to inform us of the scene we were about to shoot. There's a huge disaster (news has leaked as to the sort of disaster; google it!) and tons of people are rushed to Seattle Grace Hospital. The first scene we shot was in the waiting room where we're waiting for news on our loved ones. Apparently, even though I was a "bandaged victim," I got no bandages and I wasn't hurt that badly! Dr. Alex Karev (played by Justin Chambers) comes in to give us the news. This is one scene where I might have some good screen time.
The next scene shot was with T.R. Knight ("Dr. George O'Malley"). Another scene where I could possible be seen. I was close to T.R., and we were both bent or kneeling talking to some kids.
The final scene had Justin Chambers and a guest-starring female doctor. They're standing in front of two bulletin boards with pinned pictures. I go up to one of the boards and take one of the pictures after one of the actors exclaims "This is Fatima!..." and exits. Justin Chambers was standing right next to me when I grabbed the picture.
These scenes were shot over and over again from a million different angles and kept us there to about 9pm.
Now for the inside scoop and such. Justin and T.R. both seemed like very down to earth people. Being near them in scenes, we ended up making eye contact, and both of them smiled at me...Justin added a wink (ha!). And yes, he is married and has 5 kids in Catholic school. Someone at my last work place told me she met T.R., and he was the sweetest, most humble guy. He's a good friend of one of her friends, and they met at party. When she told him that he's on one of her favorite TV shows, he pretended he didn't know what show she was talking about.
I loved working on the "Grey's Anatomy" set. The crew all seemed very nice (with the exception of the costumer, who's rumored to not be so nice -- I personally had no problems with him and vice versa) and they really seemed to enjoy each other's company and the work that they do. The background actors I met (we formed a nice circle in the holding area ~ I was part of the "popular" crowd ;-)) were all very cool and no flying egos, as there shouldn't be! I also felt very comfortable in the environment; everyone was in shock that it was my first time. I don't know what that actually means, but I've taken it as a compliment.
**Expected Airing...after doing some googling, I discovered that this storyline is following a 3-episode story arc. My assumption is that the big disaster is going to occur at the end of the first episode of the story arc, and the "aftermath" of worried and disgruntled friends and family will be the second episode. And that should be my episode. However, I could absolutely wrong about this...so, you should just watch every episode till you see the scenes I described earlier. The expected dates are: Thurs., Feb. 8th; Thurs., Feb. 15th; and Thurs., Feb. 22nd at 9pm on ABC.**
My day there is more than words can say. It's a little hard to describe it without jumping up and down and exclaiming "and then...! and then...!" It was hard for me not to do it THERE!, but I did have to remain professional, of course. And I'm a pro at pulling off "professional."
So, to professionally describe my first working day as an actress, it started at 7:30am when I arrived at Prospect Studios in Hollywood. As I headed to the wardrobe trailer, the first person I saw was Sara Ramirez ("Dr. Callie Torres"), who was coming out of one of the trailers. We looked at each other, and for whatever reason, my brain decided to be confused as to whether or not to say "hi." So, after an internal shrug, I continued onto the wardrobe trailer. There was a short line as the other background actors waited to check-in and have their wardrobe checked out. The costumer was a short, possibly French man with very little patience. "Do you have another scarf? It's blue? Can I see it? Oh, it's in your car?" and with a flip of his head, "Come back at 8; I thought you were ready." As the next actor was called up, he and the check-in guy learn that the actor has an 8am call. They're turned away, and the guys ask if any of us have a 7:30am call. None of us did, so of course, we're scolded for being at the studios early. Great start. We checked in, got our vouchers, and were sent away to fill it out and told to come back at 8am.
Not knowing where to really go, I made a bee-line to a park bench next to the "General Hospital" stage. A brunette girl about an inch shorter than me joined me a moment later. Within minutes, we were talking, and she told me of the other shows she's done background work on since August. [an aside: One of which was "Gilmore Girls." Being a GG fan, I had to ask how the experience was. Sadly, it wasn't the greatest. They don't feed the background actors, and from what I heard from someone else, Melissa McCarthy ("Sookie") doesn't have as nice a personality as her character. When the background actors were coming in for a scene, she rolled her eyes and said "Here come the cockroaches."] My new friend-for-the-day's name was "Ryan" (it was spelled in an unusual way that I don't remember).
Lining back up for wardrobe to deal with the ever so delightful costumer at 8am, I get pushed aside once again when he tells us that he will deal with "bandaged victims" (that's me!) last. The reason was because we would be entering the scene with dirty clothes, so instead of the clothes that we brought, we would be borrowing from the wardrobe department. My costume = punk jogger = tan-ish jogging jacket and dark brown cargo pants.
Once in wardrobe and meeting one more background actor, Manford, we ("Ryan," Manford, and I) decide to grab some breakfast after seeing person after person come in with scrambled eggs and such. Breakfast was less than stellar, but it was food, and at least we wouldn't pass out on the set.
Soon after, a girl, who I'll just call the coordinator, came in to inform us of the scene we were about to shoot. There's a huge disaster (news has leaked as to the sort of disaster; google it!) and tons of people are rushed to Seattle Grace Hospital. The first scene we shot was in the waiting room where we're waiting for news on our loved ones. Apparently, even though I was a "bandaged victim," I got no bandages and I wasn't hurt that badly! Dr. Alex Karev (played by Justin Chambers) comes in to give us the news. This is one scene where I might have some good screen time.
The next scene shot was with T.R. Knight ("Dr. George O'Malley"). Another scene where I could possible be seen. I was close to T.R., and we were both bent or kneeling talking to some kids.
The final scene had Justin Chambers and a guest-starring female doctor. They're standing in front of two bulletin boards with pinned pictures. I go up to one of the boards and take one of the pictures after one of the actors exclaims "This is Fatima!..." and exits. Justin Chambers was standing right next to me when I grabbed the picture.
These scenes were shot over and over again from a million different angles and kept us there to about 9pm.
Now for the inside scoop and such. Justin and T.R. both seemed like very down to earth people. Being near them in scenes, we ended up making eye contact, and both of them smiled at me...Justin added a wink (ha!). And yes, he is married and has 5 kids in Catholic school. Someone at my last work place told me she met T.R., and he was the sweetest, most humble guy. He's a good friend of one of her friends, and they met at party. When she told him that he's on one of her favorite TV shows, he pretended he didn't know what show she was talking about.
I loved working on the "Grey's Anatomy" set. The crew all seemed very nice (with the exception of the costumer, who's rumored to not be so nice -- I personally had no problems with him and vice versa) and they really seemed to enjoy each other's company and the work that they do. The background actors I met (we formed a nice circle in the holding area ~ I was part of the "popular" crowd ;-)) were all very cool and no flying egos, as there shouldn't be! I also felt very comfortable in the environment; everyone was in shock that it was my first time. I don't know what that actually means, but I've taken it as a compliment.
**Expected Airing...after doing some googling, I discovered that this storyline is following a 3-episode story arc. My assumption is that the big disaster is going to occur at the end of the first episode of the story arc, and the "aftermath" of worried and disgruntled friends and family will be the second episode. And that should be my episode. However, I could absolutely wrong about this...so, you should just watch every episode till you see the scenes I described earlier. The expected dates are: Thurs., Feb. 8th; Thurs., Feb. 15th; and Thurs., Feb. 22nd at 9pm on ABC.**
Saturday, January 13, 2007
A New Year
It's surprising to see that my last blog was in October! How can that be??? Oh. Right. I got a full time QC job. Wow, that seriously took over my life.
New in my life for the new year:
~ No longer chained to a full time job; I am freelance and lovin' it, baby!
~ Headshots!!! Finally have professional headshots of which I can be proud to hand over to casting directors, agents, managers, homeless guy on the street - no, wait. Take that back. That's a little creepy.
~ Taking control and freeing my creative self! Sounds so California, huh? Yeah, well, for the first time in a long time, I'm feeling the most "me" and feeling very positive of the future.
~ A warm January! (I'll ignore the 30-40 degree temps we had yesterday)
~ Serious plumbing problems. Last week, the bathroom. This week, the kitchen. Oh joy.
~ An interview for another freelance QC job...and closer to where I live!
In the works for the new year:
~ More acting classes. I'll be starting an on-going soap class taught by my wonderful instructor from the 4-week class at AIA Studios. He's a casting director on Y&R, has such a positive attitude and a joy to work with!
~ Subcategory on the acting ~ performing for commercial agents to land an agent. Yikes! I gotta find some script.
~ Teaching piano to kids (and considering adults) for extra cash and another creative outlet. Gotta read up on some boring piano teaching manuals.
Hope everyone has a safe and HAPPY 2007!!!
New in my life for the new year:
~ No longer chained to a full time job; I am freelance and lovin' it, baby!
~ Headshots!!! Finally have professional headshots of which I can be proud to hand over to casting directors, agents, managers, homeless guy on the street - no, wait. Take that back. That's a little creepy.
~ Taking control and freeing my creative self! Sounds so California, huh? Yeah, well, for the first time in a long time, I'm feeling the most "me" and feeling very positive of the future.
~ A warm January! (I'll ignore the 30-40 degree temps we had yesterday)
~ Serious plumbing problems. Last week, the bathroom. This week, the kitchen. Oh joy.
~ An interview for another freelance QC job...and closer to where I live!
In the works for the new year:
~ More acting classes. I'll be starting an on-going soap class taught by my wonderful instructor from the 4-week class at AIA Studios. He's a casting director on Y&R, has such a positive attitude and a joy to work with!
~ Subcategory on the acting ~ performing for commercial agents to land an agent. Yikes! I gotta find some script.
~ Teaching piano to kids (and considering adults) for extra cash and another creative outlet. Gotta read up on some boring piano teaching manuals.
Hope everyone has a safe and HAPPY 2007!!!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Make It Happen...
Completely scary to feel that your true goal in life may never be attained. As much as I've wished and longed for this in life, these past few days, it's been gnawing at me just how much I want to be a professional actress. Whether it's because my acting teacher really seems to be loving the work my scene partner and I are doing, or how much I feel like I'm learning from that class...I'm more and more inspired everyday.
Everytime I pass by a studio, I feel like THAT'S where I'm supposed to be. In the back of my mind, though, is my mom's voice nagging about how impractical a career choice it is...but this is why I continue along my post production path. However, when people ask what I do, and I tell them, they're more excited about my job than I am. I always feel like a fraud as I tell them about my career...because I have to appear just as excited. Well, not that I really HAVE to. I COULD share my passion for acting with them. I usually choose not to, though, as I don't need to hear them say "Yeah, you and everyone else in L.A."
And, of course, that's what makes it scary. There are so many people out here with dreams of acting. And whether you have talent or not doesn't always matter. Every producer, director, casting director is looking for something different. You never know what that might be.
It's a game of chance; win or lose, I'm throwing myself in...wish me luck.
Everytime I pass by a studio, I feel like THAT'S where I'm supposed to be. In the back of my mind, though, is my mom's voice nagging about how impractical a career choice it is...but this is why I continue along my post production path. However, when people ask what I do, and I tell them, they're more excited about my job than I am. I always feel like a fraud as I tell them about my career...because I have to appear just as excited. Well, not that I really HAVE to. I COULD share my passion for acting with them. I usually choose not to, though, as I don't need to hear them say "Yeah, you and everyone else in L.A."
And, of course, that's what makes it scary. There are so many people out here with dreams of acting. And whether you have talent or not doesn't always matter. Every producer, director, casting director is looking for something different. You never know what that might be.
It's a game of chance; win or lose, I'm throwing myself in...wish me luck.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Wish...
A year and a half later, I again ask: Who’s taken over my life??? A year and a half ago, the answer was “Beauty & The Beast.” Now? L.A. (L.A. = work/post production companies). Good thing, right? Yeah, I think so. I can’t keep up with what’s going on or what day it is. It’s been a juggling act, and I really hope that with the juggling, I don’t drop a ball or more. It feels strange to say that my life has been “crazy,” but with the three jobs, an acting class, and scheduling rehearsal outside of class (and keeping that time free), it DOES get hectic! Lo and behold, I AM starting to have some sort of resemblance of a life in California!
Speaking of acting class, I’m feeling so invigorated and so inspired! The “Agnes of God” scene is going well, and with each class performance, our teacher is giving us more to work with, more to play with with our characters. I also attended a free class last Friday called The Actors Instrument. The class had us explore freeing our body and voice, and had us practice focus, relaxation, and imagination exercises. It was fabulous! And just a little while ago, I opened my patio door and overheard a meeting my apartment manager was having with, apparently, some TV writers! Whether it’s amateur or professional, I don’t know…but exciting and inspiring nonetheless!
Somehow, being surrounded by acting (minus the music) is stimulating; being surrounded by music in New York, while exciting, was intimidating. Strange how that is…
I just reread a birthday card from my friend, Randy. It reads: “Wish…and make the wish come true.” Inspiring words. And I need to do it.
Speaking of acting class, I’m feeling so invigorated and so inspired! The “Agnes of God” scene is going well, and with each class performance, our teacher is giving us more to work with, more to play with with our characters. I also attended a free class last Friday called The Actors Instrument. The class had us explore freeing our body and voice, and had us practice focus, relaxation, and imagination exercises. It was fabulous! And just a little while ago, I opened my patio door and overheard a meeting my apartment manager was having with, apparently, some TV writers! Whether it’s amateur or professional, I don’t know…but exciting and inspiring nonetheless!
Somehow, being surrounded by acting (minus the music) is stimulating; being surrounded by music in New York, while exciting, was intimidating. Strange how that is…
I just reread a birthday card from my friend, Randy. It reads: “Wish…and make the wish come true.” Inspiring words. And I need to do it.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Singing La la lala laaaaa
Oh my goodness, what a crazy fantabulous day! Well, first, I'll start with last night. Last night was great; had my acting class and we were given film scenes to work on with a partner. I was given "Agnes of God," and I'm playing the role of Agnes, a nun (I think? Kinda crazy story that I need to figure out). Why am I always playing a nun? I feel like I am, anyway. I THINK I was given the role of a nun in my last acting class...and part of me is wondering if that was also "Agnes of God." haha, but anyway, it's okay. I just find it funny.
Today, I had an interview for a freelance QC position, and I got it! And this morning, I received a call from a casting director for a makeover series on USA in response to my reply to their ads. It was a silly thing that I figured "why not?" The ads were titled "Have you ever wanted to be a professional cheerleader?" and "Have you ever wanted to go back an era?" (such as the 1950s). I was all over both. hahaha. I think there's compensation, so that would be cool if I were cast. My interview is on Monday afternoon. AND I think I just saw Jason Mraz driving home. We were on Magnolia Blvd. (not that most of you would really know where that is) at a stoplight. I looked in my rearview mirror and noticed this guy pulling down his sunglasses to look at my vanity plates ~ which are still VA, Virginia Tech plates that read "LILHOK"...translating to "Little Hokie," of course. My first thought was "Is that Jason Mraz???," but I wasn't sure if his home was L.A. and I wasn't sure if he was out on tour. We ended up next to each other on the corner of Magnolia and Vineland, as I was making a left onto Vineland. When the light turned green, he definitely caught a last glance at me as he continued straight on Magnolia. As soon as I got here, I checked out his MySpace page. His home IS L.A., his main pic shows him with the same sunglasses I saw on the dude on Magnolia...and he's not on tour. And guess what ~ his next stop is at VA Tech in a few weeks.
Mad craziness.
Now, I'm off to clean my apt. since my acting partner will be meeting me there tomorrow. Well, first will be dinner and catching up on Days. Oh! and I gotta find a place for Andrew and me to eat when he gets back from the east coast.
lalala!
Today, I had an interview for a freelance QC position, and I got it! And this morning, I received a call from a casting director for a makeover series on USA in response to my reply to their ads. It was a silly thing that I figured "why not?" The ads were titled "Have you ever wanted to be a professional cheerleader?" and "Have you ever wanted to go back an era?" (such as the 1950s). I was all over both. hahaha. I think there's compensation, so that would be cool if I were cast. My interview is on Monday afternoon. AND I think I just saw Jason Mraz driving home. We were on Magnolia Blvd. (not that most of you would really know where that is) at a stoplight. I looked in my rearview mirror and noticed this guy pulling down his sunglasses to look at my vanity plates ~ which are still VA, Virginia Tech plates that read "LILHOK"...translating to "Little Hokie," of course. My first thought was "Is that Jason Mraz???," but I wasn't sure if his home was L.A. and I wasn't sure if he was out on tour. We ended up next to each other on the corner of Magnolia and Vineland, as I was making a left onto Vineland. When the light turned green, he definitely caught a last glance at me as he continued straight on Magnolia. As soon as I got here, I checked out his MySpace page. His home IS L.A., his main pic shows him with the same sunglasses I saw on the dude on Magnolia...and he's not on tour. And guess what ~ his next stop is at VA Tech in a few weeks.
Mad craziness.
Now, I'm off to clean my apt. since my acting partner will be meeting me there tomorrow. Well, first will be dinner and catching up on Days. Oh! and I gotta find a place for Andrew and me to eat when he gets back from the east coast.
lalala!
Friday, September 15, 2006
Allusions ~ They make me feel good
Well, I think my last update was accurate. Things ARE looking up! Work has steadily been picking up...or at least, the allusion is there. ;-) E! called wanting to book me for 3 days this week, but it ended up only being 1 day. Another post production company called wanting to book me for 2 or 3 days, which I ended up turning down because I was booked with E! Then, as noted above, E! dropped my last two edit sessions. Work at the hospital (for the baby photography) has picked up, as well, which is GREAT news for me. The past 3 to 4 weeks were very depressing ~ no moms were interested in taking pics, so I would drive out there only to waste 30 to 60 min. of my time.
My apartment is gradually becoming more "home-y"...or again, it's all an allusion. Still no furniture, but I have desk!!! and a desk chair ~ my first ever! and I got a grill (also, my first ever)!!! Andrew and I used it the very first night! Kabobs and hot dogs...yummm! :-P Next on the list is a closet organizer for my bedroom. It'll be such a relief to not live out of my suitcase anymore! It's been 3 months. It's about time...
On an even more exciting note, I had my first acting class last night! As always, I was very nervous going in, but I think there's a good bunch in the class, and the teacher is great. Very much an L.A. actor (in a non-obnoxious way) if that makes any sense. Umm, funny that I peg him with that description when he was born and raised in Brooklyn! The class has a different feel to it than previous classes I've taken. Perhaps because it's for on-camera vs. my previous classes, where - I think - it was assumed that we would be on-stage. In any case, we talked about the basics ~ character and environment. So, that really shouldn't have been an affect of the different feel. I can't put my finger on it.
Oh! and I saw Jay Leno on the 101 last week! I was driving home with the convertible top down, and I heard this loud rumble. I thought "WHAT is that ridiculously loud noise?!?" I turned my head and saw this antique convertible two lanes to my left. As he passed me, I saw the white hair and wondered "Is that Jay Leno?"He turned his head to the right as he crossed over a lane, and then another, two cars in front of me. I grabbed my camera-phone for a quick shot, and while it's not the best one, there it is. My first celebrity sighting in L.A.
That is the update, my dear friends. As I sit here on the hard, carpeted floor, leaning against my make-shift couch of 3 plastic storage bins, slightly covered with a semi-fluffy blanket...I wish you a good day! :-)
My apartment is gradually becoming more "home-y"...or again, it's all an allusion. Still no furniture, but I have desk!!! and a desk chair ~ my first ever! and I got a grill (also, my first ever)!!! Andrew and I used it the very first night! Kabobs and hot dogs...yummm! :-P Next on the list is a closet organizer for my bedroom. It'll be such a relief to not live out of my suitcase anymore! It's been 3 months. It's about time...
On an even more exciting note, I had my first acting class last night! As always, I was very nervous going in, but I think there's a good bunch in the class, and the teacher is great. Very much an L.A. actor (in a non-obnoxious way) if that makes any sense. Umm, funny that I peg him with that description when he was born and raised in Brooklyn! The class has a different feel to it than previous classes I've taken. Perhaps because it's for on-camera vs. my previous classes, where - I think - it was assumed that we would be on-stage. In any case, we talked about the basics ~ character and environment. So, that really shouldn't have been an affect of the different feel. I can't put my finger on it.
Oh! and I saw Jay Leno on the 101 last week! I was driving home with the convertible top down, and I heard this loud rumble. I thought "WHAT is that ridiculously loud noise?!?" I turned my head and saw this antique convertible two lanes to my left. As he passed me, I saw the white hair and wondered "Is that Jay Leno?"He turned his head to the right as he crossed over a lane, and then another, two cars in front of me. I grabbed my camera-phone for a quick shot, and while it's not the best one, there it is. My first celebrity sighting in L.A.That is the update, my dear friends. As I sit here on the hard, carpeted floor, leaning against my make-shift couch of 3 plastic storage bins, slightly covered with a semi-fluffy blanket...I wish you a good day! :-)
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Finally!
Things are looking up! I’ve purposefully avoided writing another woe-is-me blog the past week and a half. Between being concerned about a girl I graduated with who is in the hospital for a brain aneurism (which then led me to wanting to visit home) and finding a job for myself, I resisted every single urge to splatter my emotions online. The last thing I want is for this blog to become a huge downer.
My morning started with walking into my living room only to find a big, nasty cockroach crawling along my carpet. Hmm, flashback to seeing my first NYC cockroach…but not as horrible. The L.A. cockroach was half the size and did not run at me when I went to towards it. With every ounce of courage (and some whimpering), I was able to chase it onto my patio. I think it found it’s way out into the wilderness.
A few hours later, a housewarming plant arrived to my apartment from my favorite aunt and uncle. Such a great surprise! I mean, I knew that it was arriving…however, I was expecting flowers, not a plant…and a plant is SO MUCH BETTER!!! I love how it’s just warmed this place up!
E! is reinstalling me as an assistant editor for the next few days. I couldn’t be more excited and nervous (again!) at the same time. Just why do they have to stick a producer with me on an evening shift? Ah well, that which doesn’t kill me…, right?
Tomorrow’s a full day. 10am ~ interview for a photographer position with a family portrait company (one that goes out and about to take the pics, not just an indoor studio). 1pm ~ free hair color touch-up (cuz the color didn’t stick first time around). 5pm ~ work.
Also on my plate is the, hopefully, beginning stages of my “acting career.” Should I even be putting quotations around that? I’d really rather not jinx myself by removing them. ;-) I just got off the phone with an acting studio that will basically act as my mentor, provide industry contacts for me, acting classes, and workshops with well-known actors/producers/directors. I have a meeting with them on Saturday!
Do I see a light at the end of this tunnel?
My morning started with walking into my living room only to find a big, nasty cockroach crawling along my carpet. Hmm, flashback to seeing my first NYC cockroach…but not as horrible. The L.A. cockroach was half the size and did not run at me when I went to towards it. With every ounce of courage (and some whimpering), I was able to chase it onto my patio. I think it found it’s way out into the wilderness.
A few hours later, a housewarming plant arrived to my apartment from my favorite aunt and uncle. Such a great surprise! I mean, I knew that it was arriving…however, I was expecting flowers, not a plant…and a plant is SO MUCH BETTER!!! I love how it’s just warmed this place up!
E! is reinstalling me as an assistant editor for the next few days. I couldn’t be more excited and nervous (again!) at the same time. Just why do they have to stick a producer with me on an evening shift? Ah well, that which doesn’t kill me…, right?
Tomorrow’s a full day. 10am ~ interview for a photographer position with a family portrait company (one that goes out and about to take the pics, not just an indoor studio). 1pm ~ free hair color touch-up (cuz the color didn’t stick first time around). 5pm ~ work.
Also on my plate is the, hopefully, beginning stages of my “acting career.” Should I even be putting quotations around that? I’d really rather not jinx myself by removing them. ;-) I just got off the phone with an acting studio that will basically act as my mentor, provide industry contacts for me, acting classes, and workshops with well-known actors/producers/directors. I have a meeting with them on Saturday!
Do I see a light at the end of this tunnel?
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Self Re-Invention
Overall, a great day yesterday! Andrew and I both had hair cut appointments at his salon in Burbank, and I also had mine colored. A cut and color were LONG overdue! This change seemed to go along with the decision to reinvest in myself.
After being beaten down for the past several weeks, it's about time for me to once again focus on brushing up on my editing skills; So that when the time comes again for an interview or to go on a freelance job, I'll have as much confidence in editing as I do in QC-ing. As soon as I finish goofing around (yet, polishing, refining, and learning) with some "Gilmore Girls" footage, I even have an original project to work on with the hopes of having it aired on The Travel Channel (oh, the irony since I left Discovery almost a year ago) and being paid up to $1000 for it. Woo! Let's not get our hopes up, though. ;-) And today, I started looking into acting gigs. On Monday, I'll be calling the company for "Grey's Anatomy" to get more information on doing background work.
Back to my girl-talk...I love, love, love the new hair-do! All the blonde highlights are gone and have been replaced with brown-red highlights...and I have a touch of bangs!!! that I can hide whenever I feel like. It's strange to have hair in my eyes again. We spent almost 3 hrs. in the salon...talk about Andrew being a good boyfriend! ;-) He was quite interested in the process (he took a pic of me with all the foil in my hair!), and at least, he's basically friends with his hair stylist (the stylist is a guy).
Once the hair was done, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at a sushi bar, and I had my first sushi hand roll. Yum yum! Then we went to the theatre to see "Talladega Nights." Funny stuff! and at the end of the movie, I learned that someone from my high school alma mater was one of the main characters ~ Leslie Bibb. She's been in movies here and there, and was in a WB or UPN show called "Popular." This is just the first movie, I believe, that I've actually seen her in...except for her very small role in The Howard Stern movie. She did a good job! ...she should find me a job! Help a fellow alum! ;-)
It was a perfect day yesterday. I'm not even going to let my dead-battery-car get me down today!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
A Day with the "Boys Only" Club
Let me tell you about my day.
First of all, you know how stressed I am about my non-job situation, right? Well, imagine the luck I felt when a company called a couple of days ago asking me to come in for an assistant editing position. Immediately, I looked up the classified to reaquaint myself with the job requirements. Holy crap, I had no experience with half of what was listed. Well, they called me! So, they must think I'm capable enough to handle the job! I googled what I didn't know, found one easy to learn, and the other wasn't even goog-able or wikipediable. Must be their own company term. Oh well! In any case, I planned on preparing for this interview and being ready for any sort of test they may throw my way.
Completely nervous this morning. I hide my nerves well, though. The guys seemed happy with my background and happy that I could start anytime soon. I was happy that the shifts weren't crazy hours and that benefits were included after a 90-day trial period. Leaving there with a positive outlook, I headed home for a much needed nap and chill day.
11:30am ~ the company calls. It's HR. She tells me that the guys liked me, there was a ton of work, could I start NOW? I had JUST changed into my comfy yoga pants and tank top. "Sure! I can be there by 1pm," I reply.
12:30pm ~ I'm there. That's right. EARLY. This SHOULD be appreciated. I get the tour, start learning the ropes, do a few things on my own, talk to a couple of guys. One of the guys tells me that coming into this assistant editing job, he knew NOTHING. "So, you should be fine since you have some background," he tells me.
During some of the downtime, I look around the asst. editing room and notice that all the movie posters are chick posters, there are tons of x-box games (not that I have anything against that! ;-)), and on the opposite wall was the standard boys' dart board. Hmm, I'm thinking they brought me in JUST to have a little bit of estrogen in the room.
5pm ~ things REALLY slow down. Perhaps I can go home... Nope! I'm sent off to take a dinner break. They're not even sure if they'll be work when I come back. Well, I take advantage of that time, go to Quiznos and The Coffee Beanery for some much needed coffee.
6pm ~ still no work for me to do at the office. However, the two upper/head assistant editors have an interviewee who's coming in, and they're waving his resume around in my face! Soon, they start ragging on his resume, on his probable exaggerated job titles/duties, his two years spent working at Starbucks, and the fact that he didn't go to college. Oh, and did I mention they were ALSO ragging on him for being late?! and coming up with random questions to ask him just to see if he was lying on his resume.
Should it have surprised me that as they came back from the interview, they were completely jazzed about this guy, the head of post production/operations/whatever gave the assistant editors a thumbs up and asked "So, what do you think of this guy??? I think HE'S it! He's Number One! ...and he's so cool!" This was immediately proceeded with the head assistant editor turning to me and saying "Charlene, I don't think we'll be needing you tomorrow, but I'll put you on a list. Thanks for dropping everything today and coming in."
Well, they have their boys club back. Good riddance. I've never seen such unprofessionalism.
First of all, you know how stressed I am about my non-job situation, right? Well, imagine the luck I felt when a company called a couple of days ago asking me to come in for an assistant editing position. Immediately, I looked up the classified to reaquaint myself with the job requirements. Holy crap, I had no experience with half of what was listed. Well, they called me! So, they must think I'm capable enough to handle the job! I googled what I didn't know, found one easy to learn, and the other wasn't even goog-able or wikipediable. Must be their own company term. Oh well! In any case, I planned on preparing for this interview and being ready for any sort of test they may throw my way.
Completely nervous this morning. I hide my nerves well, though. The guys seemed happy with my background and happy that I could start anytime soon. I was happy that the shifts weren't crazy hours and that benefits were included after a 90-day trial period. Leaving there with a positive outlook, I headed home for a much needed nap and chill day.
11:30am ~ the company calls. It's HR. She tells me that the guys liked me, there was a ton of work, could I start NOW? I had JUST changed into my comfy yoga pants and tank top. "Sure! I can be there by 1pm," I reply.
12:30pm ~ I'm there. That's right. EARLY. This SHOULD be appreciated. I get the tour, start learning the ropes, do a few things on my own, talk to a couple of guys. One of the guys tells me that coming into this assistant editing job, he knew NOTHING. "So, you should be fine since you have some background," he tells me.
During some of the downtime, I look around the asst. editing room and notice that all the movie posters are chick posters, there are tons of x-box games (not that I have anything against that! ;-)), and on the opposite wall was the standard boys' dart board. Hmm, I'm thinking they brought me in JUST to have a little bit of estrogen in the room.
5pm ~ things REALLY slow down. Perhaps I can go home... Nope! I'm sent off to take a dinner break. They're not even sure if they'll be work when I come back. Well, I take advantage of that time, go to Quiznos and The Coffee Beanery for some much needed coffee.
6pm ~ still no work for me to do at the office. However, the two upper/head assistant editors have an interviewee who's coming in, and they're waving his resume around in my face! Soon, they start ragging on his resume, on his probable exaggerated job titles/duties, his two years spent working at Starbucks, and the fact that he didn't go to college. Oh, and did I mention they were ALSO ragging on him for being late?! and coming up with random questions to ask him just to see if he was lying on his resume.
Should it have surprised me that as they came back from the interview, they were completely jazzed about this guy, the head of post production/operations/whatever gave the assistant editors a thumbs up and asked "So, what do you think of this guy??? I think HE'S it! He's Number One! ...and he's so cool!" This was immediately proceeded with the head assistant editor turning to me and saying "Charlene, I don't think we'll be needing you tomorrow, but I'll put you on a list. Thanks for dropping everything today and coming in."
Well, they have their boys club back. Good riddance. I've never seen such unprofessionalism.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Oreos, please...
Today felt like Murphy (as in "Murphy's Law") was playing with me. Not so fun when you realize that your checking account is low and rent is due ~ it can't be a day late, otherwise, you get slammed with a $50 late fee ~ you drive 40 min. (in traffic) to get to your closest bank (I know, what bank do I belong to that it takes 40 min. with traffic to get to?), you get there only to find out that their network is down. What the hell??? And you know that this wouldn't be happening if only someone in their right mind would hire you! Not to mention, that two cars were very close to hitting me on the way back home, AND every street I turned onto seemed to have a car stopped in front of me ~ either making a right turn and waiting for pedestrians to cross, or simply being there double parked. All I wanted to do was get home, have a sandwich, and pig out on Oreos.
It's mind boggling to me (6 in one hand, half a dozen in the other) that I could make the move to New York City ~ 80% fearful that I would not have a steady freelance gig, or that I would even find a second freelance gig just in a case the first one didn't work out ~ and actually having it all work out that I end up dropping that second freelance gig. Yet, as much as that worked out, I wasn't completely happy. There was only one friend I had in the city (my roommate), and the dating scene stinked! My sole purpose in New York ended up being: to work. Now that I come to California, the job situation is shakey; however, my living style, dating and friend scenes are great! Where's the medium? Or can I just have it all, please?
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