Meetings

My recent meetings with a couple of different agencies have gone very well. Even though we all know we're evaluating the situation from moment one, it's nice to go in and have a rounded conversation and get to know a little about the people I'm meeting. We're all people first and business people second. In this way, no matter what happens, I'm richer for the experience. You control what you can, and let go of what you can't. This philosophy is also entirely applicable to casting meetings. Actors should do their homework first. Then, you go in, relax, trust in the work you did, and focus on delivering your performance rather than worrying about needing the job, the other actors in the waiting area and all of that other goo that gets in our heads. Desperation and neediness might be called for in a character, but who wants to work with that in an actor? And having been in on some casting sessions now, I know it shows.

The AAMCO spot should be up and running at the end of the month. I inquired about getting copy for my commercial reel, and the gentleman who was assisting me said everyone there was really pleased with the result.

Class is going very well. We've had some complicated scenes and focused rehearsals. This month's work is blending the casting scenario with scene work, and how the two are interdependent. I'm continuing on next month with the goal of really being prepared to step into the theatrical arena when I have the opportunity.

My wife and I attended a stand-up taping for AOL & HBO (connected to The Comedy Festival in Vegas) last night with some friends. It was the first time I've been in the audience for a stand-up show, and the comics were great. Initially, we were told the taping would last about 4 hours, but it ended after 2. So, it was just right. I guess you can look for it in streaming content on AOL, but don't ask me how. I have never really investigated AOL.

Today reminds me of Atlanta a lot. Driving home last night, we saw lightning...first time since we've been here. In the middle of the night I woke to the sounds of thunder and rain which persisted on and off until this afternoon. When I got out of bed this morning, I just looked out the window for a while to watch the rain. It's been so long since I've seen it. Kinda miss that a little.

I had my first theater audition in LA on Friday. It went very well I think, but my scheduling issues may have been too much for them to deal with. We're going back to Atlanta for my brother's wedding at the beginning of October. Football season is underway once again. My university has a great alumni club out here that gets together to watch the games at a local bar. It's so much fun to watch in a group of fans...almost like being at the game...sort of...in a small way...with beer service.

My September acting class at Lesly Kahn & Co. is great. It is really energizing to focus on work in class and to rehearse outside class as much as we do. I look forward to putting what I've learned to work for me on audition material.

Another agency called and wants to see some of my work, so I have to put what I have on tape and let them know I'm still tracking down copies. Getting tape can be difficult. It seems that I have to really hound people to get a copy of the material I've performed for them. In one example, it took me a full two years of requests and broken promises to finally get a copy of a 30 second commercial. When I finally received it, the person who sent it was kind enough to include a bill. I have no problem reimbursing expenses, but if I'm going to pay a service fee, I'd appreciate a little more service. There are some exceptions of course. Most of the small indie films and many of the commerical/industrial folks have been very responsive. I'm continuing to try to assemble as much of my commercial material as possible to complete my reel, but it's tough. Tomorrow, I'm checking in on the AAMCO spot to see if that's available.