Day 14: Passions - episode 2005

I had two relatively short scenes today with Luis and Pilar, who was new to me. Pilar is played by Eva Lemus.
My scenes were first up after lunch. Galen didn't see me until I stepped out for rehearsal, when he remarked, "Oh no...not you again!" The first 6 episodes I shot will finish airing tomorrow. The next 6 will begin airing May 8th I think. Episode 1984, which aired today, was the episode in which I got to blast Oliver, Galen's stunt double, with a high-pressure water hose. That was fun. In fact, I went into Jackie's office that day after taping and she said, "I've been watching you on the monitor...I heard you say, 'This is too much fun!'"

Shooting: Spec Commercial for Jon Hill

My friends Jon and Leigh Hill from Atlanta live out here and I shot a spec commercial for them yesterday. I don't remember if I blogged the audition... Anyway, I was playing a young dad who is confronted by the "birds and bees" question in the park. Corrin came along too and threw the frisbee around for a while. We had fun. The young actor playing my boy was a bundle of energy, so getting him to stay on his mark was a real challenge. Near the end of the shoot in a small park in West Hollywood (-ish), Rip Taylor randomly dropped by to see what was going on and network I guess. That was hilarious.

The shoot didn't take too long and then I spent an hour in an indoor cycling class at the gym. This is my new favorite form of exercise. I've dropped about 8 pounds in the last few weeks. It's a sweaty affair, but engages that competitive spirit and sense of accomplishment in me more than the treadmill or the elliptical machines. That's why I enjoy it so much.

I'm shooting another episode of Passions this Monday and next Monday. That may be it. It has been fun watching the first few episodes. Today's was particularly good for my reel.

Day 13: Passions - episode 2003

Today was tough. I had two scenes with a bunch of lines that did not just roll off the tongue. It was the first time I flubbed a line while shooting and it happened twice. It's no big deal and happens all the time in general, but one of the lines in particular was so difficult to say that I got in my head a little bit. Guess we'll see how this one turns out.

Airdates: Passions

I just received word that due to a preemption somewhere, the airdates for my episodes were pushed back 1 day. I've adjusted the schedule below. Since the May dates are a little farther out, I'll let you know of any changes there.

NBC - 2pm (Eastern and Pacific)

April 24-27, 30

May 1, 8-11, 14, 15

Suggested episodes that were particularly fun for me:

April 26, 27, 30

May 11, 14, 15

Also, I just got a script for this Monday. Surprise! But I'll take it!

Day 12: Passions - episode 1995

And the final day arrives at last. Today, I had two scenes with Emily ("Fancy"). These were originally Mike's. As a result, the content led to a big change in my character, which should be fun to watch. I dropped off some headshots at various CD offices on the lot today, and stopped by Jackie's office to get her opinion on a few agencies I'm targeting. She gave me some feedback and suggestions that will help tremendously. She also told me that there will likely be at least two more days - April 30 and May 7. Neither is set in stone yet, but so far all of the "maybes" have turned into "reallys". So, it wasn't so bad to leave knowing that it probably wasn't the final day after all.

Day 11: Passions - episodes 1993, 1994

Episode 1993 was originally scheduled to be my last. As a result of the changes, I also shot episode 1994 today. My scenes were pretty much at the end of the day, though my call time was 12:45pm for afternoon dry-block. There was one scene that was a little tricky because of the confines of the space we were working in and the number of people involved.

The scenes in episode 1994 were originally Mike's. Mike and I have established different characters, making these next two episodes an adventure. There's some fun stuff.

Day 10: Passions - episode 1990 (partial)

Since we were only doing one scene left over from episode 1990, today went by fast. It was good to be back after the break. I also got some great news. Mike, the other recurring guard, got a big guest star role on NCIS that conflicted with his episodes this week. Jackie called me to ask if I was available for Wednesday. Of course I am. So, I'm taking on his additional 2 episodes, giving me a total of 12 now.

Audition: Carl's Jr. @ Lisa Fields Casting

This is funny because two out of the three times I've been in for this casting director, I've had to take off some article of clothing. Last time it was my pants for the Allstate Mr. Change-your-pants-while-driving thing. This time it was my shirt. I was the first actor in again. The audition consisted of eating a little spear of fruit while looking at the imaginary beach scenery.

Day 9: Passions - episode 1991 (partial) & 1992 (partial)

Two partial episodes today. We did the remainder of episode 1991 and part of 1992. I also found out today that the other scene in ep. 1992 that I'm supposed to be in was cut. That was going to shoot on Monday the 16th. Instead, I'll just be doing part of episode 1990 on Monday the 16th. It was another laid back day. Call time was 11:30am, and under the direction of Phideaux Xavier once again, things were moving quickly. We didn't have a long wait before we shot the first scene. The second scene was just after lunch. By 2:30pm, we were on the way out. That gave me time to get my smog check done for the car registration. When you're waiting there watching the guy hook all the gizmos up to your car, it's tense. It's almost like your waiting for the results of some important blood test. I got a little anxious, but the car passed with flying colors, so we're good for another two years.

Day 8: Passions - episode 1991 (partial)

Today was a short scene that's part of episode 1991. "Partial" means they're shooting pieces of different episodes on the same day. The production coordinators who schedule this stuff must be good at puzzles. Call time was a very reasonable 2:30pm. The dressing room I used today had a leather recliner in it, so I took a light nap while waiting for my scene. There were a couple of last minute changes, line cuts and line swaps, but they didn't make a huge difference. However, the other guard had one line that kept cracking us all up, starting with Galen who plays Luis on the show. Once he started the laughing, we had a tough time avoiding it. Though it took us a couple of extra takes, we managed to finish and I was on my way home at 5:30pm. Not a bad day's work. I'll mention again that the cast and crew are very welcoming. Most of my scenes and chats cast-wise have been with Galen (Luis), Adrian (Miguel), Emily (Fancy), Mckenzie (Sheridan), and James (Sam). The other guard who is recurring is played by Michael.

Day 7: Passions - episode 1990 (partial)

I got a surprise call yesterday afternoon with my call time for 7:45am. It was a surprise because it was not a day that I knew about and a script I didn't have. Since it was to be one scene in which I have only a couple of lines, I decided to just pick up the script on set rather than make an extra trip. When I arrived, I was greeted happily by members of the cast and crew, again adding to the "at home" feeling. I was glad to be back too. We didn't get to my scene until after lunch due to some stunt scenes taking a bit longer than planned. Once we started working on my particular scene, it only took about 10 minutes and then I was done.