Television, here I come! Week 5.

                                            Photo by Cammy Kinney Photography

This past week, I took Dylann Brander's Intensive Workshop.  She's the Head CD (Casting Director) of Law and Order: Los Angeles and Hawthorne.  I definitely walked out of there learning something..well, actually, feeling something.  I will share that with you but, first, here are some links and/or websites that are too cool not to mention. 
They have been thoroughly helpful to me...I KNOW they will help you too.


Do you remember in my Week 3 Blog where I mentioned Ben Whitehair writing an amazing blog about you and your IMDB Starmeter??  Here it is!  Plus, his blogs in general are super fun and informative so give it a read.  Trust me.
http://playbillsvspayingbills.com/2010/02/03/imdb-part-1-the-basics-and-starmeter/

Alex's Info is a FREE newsletter for us actors.  Alexandra (no, not me...she's a friend though) is extremely dedicated to helping other actors and it's pretty obvious when you subscribe to her daily emails.  The info she provides is so amazing.  Everything from 'Casting' to 'Where to get the cheapest gas'!  I love waking up in the mornings to see what she emailed.  Thank you Alexandra.  :)

And, there's Brains of Minerva.  Founded by Sarah Sido and Claire Winters...these two ladies are like your 'Big Sisters' in this industry.  I found out about Ben Whitehair through them.  Their articles are very informative as well, and insightful.  They address alot of issues and questions that I'm sure all actors have.  Another, trust me. 
Oh, and I'm attending an event sponsored by them.  February 13th at the Bootleg Theater.  Here's the link. 
http://brainsofminervapanel.eventbrite.com/          
It's a Q and A with a great group of panelists - Risa Bramon Garcia
                                                                                Thomas Wheeler
                                                                                James Frain
                                                                         and Keith David
And there will be cocktail party after.  It will be an intimate evening so you will get what you want to get out of it.  I'm so ready for this.  Oooooh!  There's a Discount Code:  BRAINY
Hope to see you there.


What did I learn from Dylann Brander or from the workshop??

If there is one thing...I have to say....Boy, am I glad that I did it.
You see, I was once the Anti-workshop/showcase girl.  Why should I pay someone to see me act?  I still get it but, I realized that it's a business after all.  There is a game being played and if I don't play it on some level, my chances of making it here are pretty slim.  I'm not in a position, not just yet, to 'fight the system'.  
Now, if you're like me, a non-union actor without theatrical representation, chances of Dylann calling you into that room to audition for something....slim to none.  Why?  Keep in mind every office is different...Dylann's office, they only accept electronic submissions....and this is through Breakdown Services.  This is what the managers and agents get when they need to cast roles.  Of course, there are those who pay someone to get it but, let's just stick to the traditional way.  Dylann even flat out told us that she never looks at hard copy submissions.  She's a straight-shooter.  But, again, every office is different so I wasn't too discouraged.  But, I realized that because of the workshop, I 'upped' my chances a bit.  That's all I wanted...just a chance.  And of course, whatever happens, happens.  But, everyday, my goal is to 'up' my chances.  After all....I've said this before and I'll say it again, because I believe this with my whole heart.....in this business, you just never know.  :)
So, my lesson here was, stay open to all opportunities that come my way.  This doesn't mean I'm signing up for every workshop in town but, I'm saying 'Yes' more and 'No' less.  I'm being more business savvy rather than being cynical.  Try things out...possibilities are endless.

Having said this, perfect segue to....

Last Week's Goal:  Mail out headshot and resume to 7 offices.

Update:  Here's my confession, I mailed out to 10 offices.  Why?  I remembered there were 3 casting directors I had met last year and I wanted to stay in touch with them.  Two were through workshops and one, I went in to read for them.  Staying in touch and cultivating a relationship with CD's are important to me.  I haven't done too much of it but, I'm starting this year.

This Week's Goal:  My homework assignment for my One-Person Show workshop, work on my vision board ( I bought a HUGE canvas and some paint), figure out what I'm going to do with my VLOGS, and get ready for meetings I have for this week.  And then, I'm going to try to squeeze in a Korean Spa session.  I think I deserve it.  :)

So, what are you doing for this week?  I know it's hard sometimes to give yourself a break but, you deserve it too.  Just carve out a little time this week...even if it's one hour for the whole week, just do it.  You will thank you.  And let's touch base next week refreshed and ready to hustle again.  


with LOVE,

Alex