Auditions: December

December was a busy month with several auditions, other work, and our trip to Atlanta for two weeks around the holidays. Here's a brief list of the auditions with a few comments as appropriate.

12/1 - Verizon @ Ross Lacy - to be one of the "network" army you see behind the main guy. There was no information really other than that. The session runner made up some stuff for us to do so they'd have something other than our slate on camera.

12/2 - Rosetta Stone @ Gabrielle Schary - I've had a couple of close ones at this office with the avail for the national Tabasco thing, but, strangely, I don't go there very often. I was dog-tired at this one, but the character was supposed to be sleepy anyway. Hooray for Providence!

12/8 - Culvers @ Liz Paulson - New CD for Culvers. I guess they're replacing our spots from before.

12/10 - DirecTV @ Cathi Carlton - This was fun! Felt good. I wore a bad tie though. It didn't look right on camera.

12/17 - Callback DirecTV @ Cathi Carlton

12/18 - Aflac @ Ross Lacy - This spot was kind of confusing, and didn't have a good flow or shape...if I could think of more obscure descriptives, I'd use them too. Oh - it wasn't sharp. No one seemed to know what to do with it.

12/18 - Coors Light @ Lisa Fields - Baseball umpire. I was perfect for it, with the experience and everything. I got to do some random calls, so I did the basic "Ball" "Strike" "Foul Ball" and then I threw in some fancy stuff like my strike three call, foul tip, check swing called strike. Afterward, I realized I should've done a little vocal warmup in the car.

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Industrial: US Food Service

I haven't done an industrial since I left Atlanta. Now that I'm unionized, they pay a good deal better. My fantastic agent called today to let me know I had been booked off my photo and online reel. That's a nice way to book a job and another first for me out here. The shoot is next Tuesday.


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ADR: Honda

My agent informed me that the Honda folks needed me in the sound booth for some voiceover work. When we shot the spot originally, we did two versions, each with a different Honda vehicle. In the end, I guess they wanted the third one. So, I spent a short time in the booth this morning. Because the replacement piece was in the middle of a chunk of dialogue, we had to work hard to match my original tone, pace and energy. That was tough. The mixer would play back the original for me and then I'd give it a few takes. Then, we'd listen to see if it was matching up seamlessly. It took a few minutes to get it, but we did. I got to see the spot in the mixing room as well. Good stuff.

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Audition: Microsoft @ POPCasting

Scheduling issues with all of our baby-watchers and my wife led to the baby accompanying me for the second time to an audition. POP casts out of Craig Colvin's studios, which I'm very familiar with, and I was sure we'd be fine. My girl had a good morning, fed, napped, etc. so our timing was working out perfectly. This was the only spot casting there this morning, and there were only a couple of other actors there. The baby was very relaxed and laid-back...super quiet. Nancy, the CD in the room, came out to give me the scoop on what to do and, of course, became immediately enchanted by the baby who was happily obliging her with smiles and cuteness. Nancy also mentioned that I should just bring her in the room with me. When my time came, that's what we did and she was perfect. We set her up so she could see me perform, and she just chilled out in the stroller. Between takes she started chatting a little, giving me direction I suppose, but she got quiet again just as we were ready for the second take. Afterward, we were toured around to the other people in the office so everyone could witness the cuteness, pinch her calves and practice their funny faces and falsetto voices. I was/am a very proud Dad.

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Audition: PG&E @ Ross Lacy

Busy week...
This was a fairly simple reaction type spot, with one twist. We did it three times, but the third time was in Spanish. It was just a few of the most basic Spanish words (si, bueno, ahora), but another first for me in an audition setting.

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Audition: Hillshire Farms @ Kathy Knowles

It was nice to get called in again so quickly. This audition took a group of 4 at a time into the room. It was a funny little cheer that comprises the client's tag line. I saw an actress with a baby in tow who looked to be about my girl's size. The actress wheeled her right into the room. Sometimes, an actor with a baby in the waiting area will just ask someone else to keep an eye on the kid for a couple of minutes. We're usually not in the room long. I've watched a baby for someone else a few times. Basically, you just stand there, make goofy faces and hope the kid doesn't start choking or something.

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Callback: H&R Block @ Kathy Knowles

So, my feeling turned out to be right on this one. The callback adjusted my take on the scene a bit, and I'm not sure how it played. I didn't feel as strongly as I did about the original audition. Never know. However, I did get another audition for this same CD tomorrow. I sent postcards out a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps that has generated a nice run of activity. A friend and I are communicating about our business tasks and goals for each day or week. It helps to stay on top of that.

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Callback: 7-11 @ Colvin; Audition: H&R Block @ Kathy Knowles

I had a little juggling to do today since both of these were scheduled within minutes of each other, but in very different geographical areas. Luckily, the audition in Santa Monica had a time range and I got in on the early side. I think it went well. No lines, just physicality and an intense reaction to something. Felt convincing to me.

The callback was good too. So, we'll see. No avail call tonight, but I figure everyone is watching results anyway.

Speaking of...I'm not one to get into political discussions outside my own home. Most people believe what they want and aren't really looking for someone to change their minds, and friendly discussions turn into prickly squabbles too quickly. Since this blog isn't really a conversation per se, I'll pay homage to the day with a brief quote from Ben Franklin and you can make of it what you will. "When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic." I truly hope that's not the trend.


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Audition: 7-11 @ Craig Colvin

Last second audition for today. It was a quick hitter...get in, get out deal.

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On-Set: SoCal Honda

Had a great time and got to work with a cool director today. I also worked with a live turkey named "Jerry". I've done some weird, fun stuff in this business.

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Booked: SoCal Honda

Booked this one. Another avail turns into an actual job. Is it a trend? Wardrobe Wednesday and shoots Thursday.

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Callback: SoCal Honda @ Alyson Horn; AVAIL: SoCal Honda; Audition: TurboTax @ Ross Lacy

This callback for SoCal Honda was one I absolutely did not expect. I didn't feel great walking out of the original audition, but I'll take the callback and run. The callback went great. The director and I seemed to be on the same page. I got laughs in the room. Good stuff.

Ross Lacy continues to call me in more than any other CD in town. I want to book something in this office so badly. The TurboTax spot will be a lot of fun with some cool makeup.

UPDATE: Got an avail call for the SoCal Honda spot. Not a booking yet, but an avail is better than umm...not an avail.

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Auditions: Catch up

I think since my last post, I've had about 5 auditions. Most of them have been at Ross Lacy casting and one with Alyson Horn. No callbacks in this round so far as I know, which a little surprising, but as you read here so often, "You never know."

Yesterday's audition wasn't so grand. The session runner was giving a lot of feedback in the many rehearsals we did, but it wasn't translating into something directly workable for me. Another case of being at war with my instincts for the scene.

Will, Matt and I did a three-man improv show on the 9th that went over very well. It was our first performance as a trio, though we've been working together on writing a show that we plan to put up in January. I wrapped up Level 4 class at IO. I'm taking a break for the holidays but will probably jump back in for Level 5 after the first of the year.


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Audition: Kmart @ Ross Lacy; Cub Foods @ Craig Colvin

The Kmart audition didn't feel great to me. I wasn't completely satisfied with the way I related to my scene partner. I didn't have time to rehash it in the car since I had an appointment immediately after, luckily just a couple of minutes from there. A sign at the audition did say to keep cellphones handy as the callbacks would be tomorrow. I had "booked out" with my agency for tomorrow afternoon, but I should be able to make it work if I get the callback.

The Cub Foods audition involved kids. Craig's stuidos were packed as there were two separate family spots being cast. It's interesting to watch the kids and their parents beforehand. I was matched up with a couple of kids, and the audition was just me talking to them about school and their day.

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Audition: Life @ Mia Levinson/Josh Einsohn; Home Depot @ Cathi Carlton

A two-audition day that worked out perfectly. The auditions were solid. No unexpected surprises. For "Life", a series that I enjoy, I gave an initial read that was more understated or channeled the anger of the character differently. Josh redirected me to more of a clear expression of that anger and I felt satisfied with my adjustment.

The Home Depot was a silent, physical audition...a guy just doing stuff.

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Auditions: NBC Promo @ [CD left blank]

This was weird. I was greeted at the door to the building by people wanting me to sign a release form because they were shooting a documentary segment on this casting director for a certain entertainment channel. As I sat to read the thing, distracted from the audition mindset, a number of other actors just walked up, said "Ok" and signed without even reading anything. I don't want to tell someone how to run their business, but this release was one of those complete, wholesale, you have no rights whatsoever, give us free reign over your life kind of releases.

So, I asked, "The cameras will just be outside the room or inside too?"
Them - "Inside too."
Me - "No thanks."

Who wants their audition to end up as fodder on some entertainment show? These things can be weird enough as it is. I received a green sticker to wear, which was supposed to alert the camera people not to film me. I was the only person wearing one for the entire time I was there. It also didn't stop the camera guys from coming into the room and trying to get me to answer questions. I just politely ignored them. The whole thing was awkward, and I think unfair to surprise actors with release forms and roving cameras on their way into an audition. The agents should've been forewarned so they could pass the knowledge to their clients.

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Audition: Ebay @ Kathy Knowles

Ahh...Santa Monica in the late afternoon. Unfortunately, there's just no good alternative to the 405 for me. Getting there was fine, but coming back in rush hour was not fun. The audition, however, was fun. There was copy that was very short, and it's a good spot in the Ebay vein of funny spots. We did some improv in the room to insert a couple of lines. I felt like I improvised more like I would in a scene than maybe I have at auditions in the past. It's tricky because although it's "improvised", you do have a minute or two to consider once you've been told the scenario. Anyway, I expect a callback here.

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Life: Baby, Showbiz: SAG Card

Those of you who check in regularly may have found it pointless as my updates have been sporadic recently. I've back dated a few items to catch up. Life is full with the baby. We've had lots of family visiting, which has been entertaining. Every time someone comes to town, we try to do/see something we haven't already done/seen. One of the highlights has been the Autry Museum here. I was very impressed with the collection and the lunch.

In other news, I received the coveted SAG card in the mail the other day. An expensive, but necessary, tool for acting work here. It comes at a time of uncertainty in the business overall. SAG and the production execs have still not reached an agreement on a new Primetime contract. AFTRA signed a deal last month. I'm an AFTRA member too. I must say it seems odd that the union with fewer overall shows in this jurisdiction would cut in front of the union with the most on the line. The whole thing has seemed a debacle and makes me wonder further why there are still two separate performer unions working against each other.

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Audition: Toyota @ Melissa Martin

For the audition, we were just asked a question and taped for the response. These types of auditions are used when there's no dialogue, but the CD is giving the decision-makers a chance to see who the actor is. Four of us were in the room at the same time. It's interesting to see how quickly some become uncomfortable talking off-the-cuff about their life.

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Audition: Circuit City @ Ross Lacy

I hadn't been in for this CD in a while. His office is one of the busiest in the city when things are rolling. It was another straight-forward, no dialogue bit. Good to be hitting the commercial streets again.

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Audition: My Wife is a... @ Kendra Shay Clark

This one came through my agent in Atlanta. It's a web series pilot. The interesting thing here is that the role description in the breakdown and the dialogue in the sides didn't really jibe in my mind. I think some lines in the sides had been reassigned to give this particular character more to do. However, some of these reassigned lines ascribed too much "hip life wisdom" to a character that seemed a little more lost. I was given a choice of scenes and went with the one that had a quick comic rhtyhm. Kendra read with me and gave my cue lines the pace they needed, which was great. It's so awkward reading comedic scenes when the reader isn't right on it. It was a pleasure reading for her.

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Audition: Zales @ Gabrielle Schary

Things have been slow for some time commercially, which is not atypical of the summer here. This audition seemed perfect for me. The spot called for a young dad coming home to his wife and infant...hmmm.... No real dialogue or anything, so it's all on the look again.

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Show: Jack & Johnny July 17

Our sophomore show didn't slump. The house was packed, the show was fast-paced...perhaps slightly more scattered than previously...and we got positive feedback from the audience and our critics (wives). We are definitely planning to get the show up more frequently, producing our own evenings or whatever it takes to get a few shows each month.

The audition front has been deserted. Class at IO is still great. At home, we've had lots of visitors and family time. We took the baby for a "hike" in Malibu Canyon last week at the hottest time of a hot day. "Poor planning" you say? Pushing the compact stroller uphill, through loose, sandy gravel and a bumpy trail made for a little adventure. We had to portage her over some larger gravelly areas. In the end, we had to turn back within a quarter mile of the MASH location because the trail was impassable with the stroller. The baby slept through the whole thing. Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa perspired through the whole thing.

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Show: Jack & Johnny debut 7/3/08

It's a belated update, but the Jack & Johnny debut was a rousing success.

We hung out earlier in the day, and let Will's wife experiment on us with her repetition exercise. Then, we rehearsed a little bit. I must admit that I find it difficult to rehearse in apartments, parks or other non-theatrical type spaces. However, classrooms and possibly yoga rooms seem to be exceptions, perhaps because they're still largely blank spaces. Anyway, the rehearsal was ok, but we were both a little tired and hot. We wrapped it up in time for me to spend some time at home with the little family and eat a bite.

Around 7pm, we met for a little coffee, or a lot, at a Starbucks just a few doors down from the theatre. I needed the jolt to get the blood flowing. The Pale Irish Bastards, our hosts, got the place open and we talked for a bit about movies and such. Will and I did an "idea at a time" story exercise to warm-up, which worked very well indeed. I came up with it as a result of something I learned in our first class at IOWest with Craig Cackowski, which, by the way, is a phenomenal class that I should blog about later. The exercise got us riffing and jazzed. The house wasn't huge, but we were ready to go. After a somewhat overdramatic lighting situation for our entrance, we got our suggestion "Born to be wild" and took off.

We had a fast, compact show, with all the specifics, multiple character work, high-energy play you could want. It was a very satisfying experience and quite a bit different than our rehearsals. Of course, I expected that based on what I told you above about my rehearsal quirks. Even when I was doing plays in high school, my teacher/director noticed that I seemed to hold something in reserve during rehearsals that was loosed in performance. Not a good habit I think, but it's a little like not tipping your hand or leaking the magic. What I should be able to do is have the magic in rehearsal and even more magic in the show. I'm looking forward to our second performance on the 17th! If you're on Facebook, search for and join our group "Jack & Johnny".

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Show: Jack & Johnny

My friend Will and I have finally had the opportunity to stop talking about doing a show and just do it. It's exciting to have shows coming up on July 3 and 17, and we're also taking the same class at IOWest. I'm ready to get back on the stage after a little hiatus. The show is called "Jack & Johnny" as a result of our affiliations with Johnny Lunchpail (Will) and JaCKPie (me). Here's hoping for a rousing success.



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AVAIL: ESPN

Well, it's good, but "You're hired!" is better. Wait and see.

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Callback: ESPN @ Cathi Carlton

Chuckles in the room are usually a good sign, but you just never know. I had a discussion with another actor who was in a class I took a year or two ago. He was telling me about another commercial actor who did a spot with him who was in the midst of booking 13 spots for serious dough. That's what we need here. A streak.


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Audition: ESPN @ Cathi Carlton

It has been several weeks since my last audition. I was beginning to wonder if commercials had left LA for a bit.

This one went very well I think. The wardrobe called for boxers, t-shirt, shirt, tie, slacks, jacket. I was thinking it would be another "take your clothes off" type thing, but it turned out that for the audition, it was just about being in the pants and t. The wardrobe that's involved in the final product may be different from what they need at the audition, but you never know until you get there. Sometimes, it's way off. You may get an audition notice in writing that says "suit and tie", but you may be the only one in your suit while everyone else is in safari gear. Then you wonder, how could we have possibly gotten the same notice for the same role and be this different.

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Life: Baby with the Bathwater

I haven't been posting much lately since the auditions have been sparse and I've been extremely busy with work and the little family. In an attempt to combat a nasty diaper rash, we've been giving the girl some soak time in a little tub. We have to get her wrapped up quickly afterward to keep her from getting cold.


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Audition: House M.D. @ Amy Lippens Casting

My first time into this office came, I think, as a result of casting workshops I did with the associates last year. The role is short and sweet, and so was the read. I discovered that I may have a bit of a bad habit of not instinctively looking at my reader. I made plenty of eye contact before and after, just not on my line. It's probably the result of all the commercial auditioning, which is played more to the camera. I don't think it should matter that much in this particular audition because it was so quick, but I have to remember to coach myself a little more just before going in next time. Auditions are perhaps like seeing one's brand new beau/belle off for an extended trip. For now, I must kiss her goodbye and go about my business. If she comes back to me, we'll have a grand time together.

I had to come back and add a couple more thoughts, because I'm reminded of an audition I had while living in Atlanta. I hounded my then agent (not Houghton) to submit for a movie that I found out was shooting in North Carolina. After a couple of weeks, my agent called with the audition. After rehearsal for a show I was doing, I drove the 6.5 hours up to Wilmington, N.C arriving at 3am. I booked a hotel room to catch some sleep before my 9am audition. At the casting office, I grabbed the sides for my role. I walked in, did it and was back on my way to Atlanta within about 3 minutes. The next week, I got a callback. Nice. This time I drove up and back in the same day. Yikes. In the casting office, I found out that I was called back for a different role. This one had 5 words. I was in and out within 60 seconds. Another 6.5 hours back to Atlanta. Later, I was told the production cast native Brits who were living in the Southeast. This is one of the reasons I moved to LA. I couldn't see doing that Wilmington trek again and again like that. The sides may have been short, but so was the drive.

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Carded

The day arrived. I sent off the paperwork (and the significant fees) to become an official member of SAG. My real name is apparently already taken by someone who, although he doesn't appear to be working, gets to keep his unique hold on our name. Not a huge deal. My professional name will just include an initial in the middle.

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Life: Baby Debut

Last Monday, after a sprint labor, nervous car ride and miracle moments, my wife gave birth to our first child, a baby girl. This experience has been truly mind-blowing. I was blessed to see my wife's superhuman strength and courage. We were further blessed by a perfect little bundle of life. It is hard for me not to stare at her all the time. My wife is more beautiful now than even before. We're nervously excited about parenting, its challenges and opportunities, happy to have such wonderful family and unrivaled friends, and looking forward to all the good times ahead.

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Audition: Verizon @ Ross Lacy Casting

Had an audition this morning for Ross Lacy...a nice Verizon series of 2-4 spots that would be sweet. I think the audition went great. The material was good and I felt comfortable with the comedy and awkward pauses. It was my first audition since...ta-da...my daughter was born last week.

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Shoot: First Energy

This spot was challenging physically, and we had a little hiccup with the contract. In the end, it was all ironed out by my fantastic agent, who helped me out on the phones and gave me great counsel. It was cool to work with several of the key crew who also shot Culver's in Houston. The Culver's spot is up and running in their markets, and available for your internet viewing HERE.

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Callback: FirstEnergy @ Craig Colvin, Booked: FirstEnergy @ Craig Colvin

This was same-day craziness. The callback had just a couple hours notice, but it worked perfectly with my schedule. I went into the room with my scene partner to meet the director, producer, agency people. Guess who? The same director and production company as Culver's from January. We did the spot a few times, then the director wanted to switch the roles. We did it a bunch of different ways with redirection, got some good laughs, and I went off to my day job. Craig called me personally tonight to tell me about the booking. That's 3 now in his office. I also learned that this particular director was Budweiser's main man for quite a few years, and that he likes to use people again. Bring it! We have to recover from the crippling blow delivered by the evil IRS.

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More reasons to backup your computer

I keep finding more and more things that I need but cannot recover/remember since the terrible hard drive crash of 2007. My postcard templates, records of submissions, who I sent what, who responded when...details I need are lost to the electronic ether. It's a slow road to recovery. I should have written more of it down in my calendar.

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Audition: FirstEnergy @ Craig Colvin

This was a political/psa type spot. I can't remember auditioning for one of these before. It went well.

All is moving along with our upcoming arrival. The past several months have flown by. We found out yesterday that our building, which we just moved into a few weeks ago, is being sold by the owner. We hope that doesn't mean we have to find another place to live any time soon.

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Callback: Verizon @ ASG

I just had a feeling about the original audition and expected the callback. I suppose I should do that every time. The callback seemed to go just fine. It's hard to tell. The only redirection my "wife" and I got was that the expression should be more awe and less fear. We "wow"ed a few times and got out of there. I'm going to the chiropractor today for a much needed adjustment, and we've got a hospital tour tonight. This is our chance to ask for directions.

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Audition: Verizon 2 @ ASG

This is the 2nd time in the last couple of weeks I've been to this particular office, which is conveniently located near our apartment. Sometimes, when sides are posted online, the notice I receive will mention it, and sometimes the notice does not. I always check to see if sides have been posted. There were very recent Verizon sides from this office, so I prepared with them. However, upon signing in, I saw that that the sides I worked on were not connected to the spot I was actually auditioning for. No problem though, because the new sides consisted of "Wow." In the room, we did the "wow" several different ways. I played with the delivery a little in my tail slate too, which seemed funny to everyone else. It's weird. Sometimes little stuff like that gets you the callback, or it could just tick people off. I think I have a pretty good ability to read the situation and know the difference.

For LIFE - We've been accomplishing more tasks to prepare baby space. We painted a couple of small sets of drawers and received a Bulldogs stroller my mom got for us. Last night, we attended a meet-and-greet of local Georgia alumni. It was nice to chat with people outside the frequently intense setting of game-watching.

Slow and Fast

Some things have been a little slow lately. Other things are moving along quickly. We're only 6 weeks away from having a baby girl in the house. We haven't settled on a name for her. Or we have, but we've misplaced it for the moment. We've been building cribs, moving furniture, obtaining furniture (a real table!), going to childbirth classes, yoga classes and reading "The Little Prince". We've been reading baby product guides and poring through the baby universe of the internet. My shower door has a stripped screw. The painters fixed our walls. We almost had a melt down of exhaustion at Lowe's and/or Outback. We had dinner at our very own table tonight with real chairs like big boys and girls. I'm working more at my day job at the moment, while getting things rolling with my reel and trying to redesign all the promo materials I lost in the hard drive crash of 2007. My reel can be found HERE. We got our taxes out to the accountants, and now we pray that the evil regular tax and the superevil Alternative Minimum Tax don't kick us in the face. It's a short spring training before the regular season, which will last us the next 20-30 years. We're excited, awed and unprepared in the best possible way for it all.

Audition & Callback: Numb3rs @ Mark Saks

I got a call out of the blue yesterday to go in for Numb3rs today. This was my first time back in the office this season, and with today's results, I'm 3 for 3 with callbacks. I was reading for two FBI agent roles, one of which I suspected would end up being a different type. That was confirmed in the room. I read for the other role a couple of times, and got the callback appointment for later in the afternoon. The producers' session was smaller than previous times I've been there. My bit was short and sweet. Mark said after the reading, "Wasn't that worth the drive." I just said, "Absolutely, anytime."

Audition: Ad Council @ ASG

There were 4 actors in the room on this scene and it was supposed to be an intense scenario. I'm torn about how this went...not sure I got to where I wanted to be within the scene. Who knows? These are sometimes the best.

Audition: GM (internet) @ Michael Sanford

People seem to seek me out for advice. Maybe I should be a psychologist. At the audition today, I ran into one of the other actors who was in Houston working on a Culver's spot a few weeks ago. She asked about the progress of the baby, etc. My scene partner overheard, and after a bit, was asking about my philosophy/fears on the big combo of parenting, the career, this town, etc. Another actor had his baby girl with him. He left her in the carrier outside the room, and several of us spent some time entertaining her. The audition was taking a bit, so she eventually tired of our schtick, but he came out just in time. I've seen a lot of actors with their babies at auditions. Guess we'll see how all that plays out with us. We're only 10 weeks or so away. It's exciting and there's still so much left to do. I guess you're never fully prepared, even with the 9 months.

The audition was good. It's for a series of webisode/commercials.

Audition: Charter Communications @ M Casting

This is not the cable company we're leaving, if you ad execs are out there reading this. I've noticed that even when a casting director puts, "Must be great with lots of dialogue", or something to that effect on a notice, there usually aren't all that many lines. Then again, I guess a lot of actors come from varied backgrounds, some who haven't worked in theatre, which may make it a rarer skill than I realize.

I've added a photo from the set to the Culver's posting.

Audition: Hyundai @ Gabrielle Schary

Quick and easy audition down in Santa Monica. There's just no good way to get there from where we live in the valley.

We're mostly moved into the apartment. Just a few items and some cleaning left at the old apartment. On Friday, if all goes well with our satellite installation, we'll be free of the cable company!!! Funny that I got the best customer service from them for my cancellation. That seems backward.

Callback: Aviva; Audition: NCB @ Ross Lacy

I had another fine day of multiple auditions. First up was the NCB audition. We had to adjust my call time so I could make it back up to Studio City for my callback. The audition was good. We did two takes. In the first, I probably played "the funny" a little too much. The second, we toned down a bit and played it more real to better effect.

The callback was huge. There were quite a few people there including a group for a different spot and it took a while. It's difficult to stay focused and relaxed when things run late. The waiting area was crowded and I was getting sleepy. When I was put on deck though, I just shook it all off and got ready. There were four of us at a time reading as a group. In that situation, I've learned to consider how I can be a contrast. This group was very low-key and dry, so I played the optimism and eagerness of the scene. It seemed to work well without tromping all over everything. There were laughs in the room again. Wait and see.

On Location: Culver's - Houston

A driver picked me up early Tuesday morning for the trek down to LAX. Even at 6am, we hit a snag in the traffic, which led to an adventurous detour. The guy got me there on time. It was nice to have the driver and the sleek SUV. Sweet ride. I flew out to Houston first class. Four of the five actors hired out of LA for their 4 spots were on my plane. I chatted with one of them on the way out. This plane had individual video units for each first class passenger. We had a selection of 19 movies, various TV shows, etc. So, I ate, watched a movie and we landed. The trip went by fast.

We were picked up by a PA from the airport and driven to our hotel. After a few minutes of getting checked in and settled in the room, we were driven to the fitting. I ended up wearing some new pants and a new sportcoat I just bought last week with a shirt from the production. Some of us had dinner at the only restaurant near our hotel, which was not in a great area, but the food was good.

Wednesday
Call time to leave the hotel was early and the weather was not cooperative. My spot was to be shot mostly outside, a drive-thru theme. I was concerned that we may not get it in. On set, there were contracts to fill out, makeup, hair, wardrobe, and then we got rolling about an hour late on my spot, even with a light, misty rain falling. The crew worked hard to keep the car clean and clear. With only a few different shots to knock out, and then some voice only versions for the sound, I was done and out of there by about 1:30pm. Before I left, they told me I was coming back to finish up on Thursday. I got back to the hotel, tired, but in need of a little walk. I walked to a mall that was about a mile or so away. When I entered, I could tell I was a little out of place. Without dawdling, I made a quick circuit and exit, walking back to the hotel.

Thursday
Another morning call time to wrap up the last few shots for the drive-thru spot. It was nice to get the extra day. The rest of the actors I flew with were travelling back to LA Thursday. A new actor arrived Wednesday night, and her spot was up first in the day. Today, I told the PA/driver about my jaunt down to the low-end mall. He told me the locals don't call our area "Greenspoint", they call it "Gunspoint". Yikes. Wish I had known that yesterday. The sky was overcast and it was even colder than Wednesday, but at least it wasn't raining...until I got in the car of course. This time, though, it only sprinkled a little and then held off until we were done. These shots were mainly on me for the reactions that form the "joke" of the thing. I felt good about the process, had fun on the takes and managed to flub my lines just once, and even then, there was a sound problem anyway. We had fun and played around with various tag lines and reactions. People around the monitors seemed to react well and laughed, but I didn't see any playback. We'll find out in the end. Thursday night, I was able to meet up with a cousin that I've rarely visited with. She was older than me growing up. Well, she's still older than me, but you kind of "catch up" at a certain age I guess. It was fun talking with her.



Friday
Back to LAX, back in the same SUV with the same driver, and home at last. This was the longest my wife and I had been apart since well before we got married. We moved some stuff into the new apartment in the afternoon. She had already moved a few things. We're making the transition at a comfortable speed. And so, it's back to work of a different sort, doing the day to day and working to get the next job. We all hope the Culver's job is the first of many this year.

Booked: Culver's

I got word late last night from my agent that I booked the Culver's job. It's nice to break through the avail gates and book a spot. It's my first official acting business trip.

Callback/Avail: Culver's @ Craig Colvin

I nailed this callback. I got the laughter immediately in the room, and they'd already seen it done 6 other times by my predecessors. After my first take, someone threw in the comment, "Check the gate," which, on a set, basically means we're done. The director redirected me twice more, solid laughter each time, and I was out of there. On the way back home, my agents called with the avail notice. I'm ready to break the avail cycle and shoot this thing in Houston next week. Pre-audition was interesting. I read the new copy and had a strong instinct for the vibe they wanted. There were some notes from the session runner that were a little contrary to what I was feeling. Sometimes, you have to just go with your gut. So, I decided I would go in with my instinctual read anyway, and let them adjust me if they felt it necessary. Before I even began, the director mentioned that I should feel free to let it fly a little bit and get bigger if I felt it. Precisely my instinct. It was nice to know that I was on track already.

My buddies met me over at our new apartment to help me move a fridge from another apartment in the complex into our place. That thing was a beast. It was the first time I've seen the apartment since we first viewed it. There's new carpet, new countertops, a new sink, and the cleaning crew is coming Saturday. I think we'll try to get our stuff shifted over next week sometime, pending the utility switcheroo.

Audition: Aviva @ Francene Selkirk-Ackerman

This spot involves swimming in open water - exciting. They asked us to rate our swimming abilities on a scale of 1-4. I hate these kinds of ratings. I'm a good swimmer, no racing. I don't do laps all the time and I don't swim often, but I can swim. Is "4" Olympic quality? I mean, it IS the top rating, so I wouldn't think you could find a better swimmer than a "4". Is a "3" someone who couldn't compete in the Olympics but did swim on their high school team? Is "2" someone who can swim across the short side of a pool, but not without a break in the middle? Is "1" someone who requires swimmies? I overthink these things and that's why I hate them. I put 3.5, which is a cop out, maybe, but at least says I don't think I'm the greatest swimmer you'll see but I won't drown on your shoot.

Callback: Pizza Hut @ Ross Lacy

Sound the trumpets! I had my first callback in the office that has called me in more than any other. My original scene partner and I were teamed up again for the callback. I know for a fact that our dialogue portion was solid again. We were redirected a few times. Since he was playing the "hero" guy, he had to stay and eat a slice of pizza. As I was signing out, the session runner popped back out to ask me to hang on and run the thing one more time switching the roles. That went well too. Then, I also had to eat the slice. I didn't feel quite as good about this. They get very, very specific with how they want you to eat something in a commercial. I did the take multiple times with slight adjustments in the direction each time, but I'm not sure I nailed it. I think I was better for the other role anyway.

Audition: Culver's @ Craig Colvin

Had a quick audition today in Craig Colvin's office. I hadn't been there in a bit. The audition was for Culver's, which is apparently a restaurant chain in the Midwest. I also just got a call from my agents with the callback info for Pizza Hut tomorrow.

Life: Apartment Successfully Hunted

A big relief...we found an apartment and came in under our max budget. The place is massive compared to our humble one bedroom, which has been very good to us. The new two bedroom has wonderful closet space with built-in shelves and cabinets. We'll have a real, full-sized kitchen, and an area where we can have a proper table and chairs for eating instead of eating on the couch all the time. The building is well cared for with a pool, and the manager has been there a long time. We're excited about the move and getting ready for our new roommate's arrival in May.

Audition: McDonald's @ Deborah Kurtz

This audition was ok. It was one of those "sit in the chair and give a couple looks like this..." kind of deals. Who knows? Watch these fast food spots and pay attention. You will only see skinny people associated with the company doing the advertising. A regular Joe might appear to represent the competition. For instance, that Subway spot I got called back for before Christmas is running all the time now. There's a guy who eats burgers (my role) who gets not so subtly nailed for having a big butt. I guess I should be flattered that they didn't cast me.

Our meeting with the doula was good. She seems like a very nice, knowledgeable birthing helper person consultant. Not sure what the exact description is. We spent the entire morning driving around looking for "For Rent" signs. Why do people put out a "For Rent" sign without saying how many bedrooms? They must get a ton of calls like ours - "How many bedrooms?...oh...thanks." Click. We're at sea in a world of people who don't think. Unfortunately, we seem to have experienced a serious rent escalation around here. The stuff we looked at today was already at the top of our price range and most were not acceptably appointed. We walked into one place that was renting for $1250/month (sadly one of the cheapest), and every single apartment's patio was loaded with trash. The whole place smelled like a dump. It was startling that someone would let their property deteriorate to that level.

Life: Belly moving

Last night was another milestone in the pregnancy adventure. While I was brushing my teeth, my wife said, "Ok, I just saw my belly move." I finished the brushing, and then we watched her belly for about 10 minutes straight. It's so wild. The visible movement is small right now, just a little fluttering here and there, but it feels much stronger than previously. We hired a doula, which is basically a personal childbirth assistant, since we don't have a lot of resources ourselves out here and it's our first time. My wife has obviously met her already, but I'll be meeting her for the first time Friday. We have to find a childbirth class, I have a couple of books to read, and we have to find a new apartment before things get out of hand, or rather, belly.

Audition: Pizza Hut @ Ross Lacy

This office calls me in more than any other, and I'm waaaaay overdue for a hit. The audition went great. "Must eat meat." No problem. I love these pizza or food auditions in the morning. They frequently have the real food there, but you know they can't get it at 10am. So, it's been in someone's fridge overnight. Delicious.

Audition: Purina @ Jessica J.; Production idea?

Today was cool. I had an audition for Purina in a new (to me) office. The audition felt really strong again. No actual dog in the room, but a stuffed bear filled in nicely as my scene partner.

Over the last week, a reality show idea has taken root in my head. It's not a stupid reality game show, but more along the lines of something you'd see on TLC or HGTV or something. A friend of mine works for a successful producer in this arena and arranged a phone call for me. We talked for a few minutes, he gave me some good ideas about what to do next and offered future assistance as well. I've got to do some more conceptualizing, but it's fun to bat it around.

Callback: AT&T @ Joe Blake

The audition was before the holidays. Luckily, the callbacks were scheduled to be after we got back. I was supposed to have a scene partner, but the guys for the other role weren't there at the time. Instead, the session runner played along with me. I think it was a solid callback. The director gave me some re-direction a few times, let me improvise a little, and I got laughs in the room, which is usually a good sign.