Television, here I come! Week 34. 'Finding Representation'

** Announcement **

Accepting submissions for September ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY!  My current buddy, Sean and I have been doing so well that I would like to keep this up.  If you're interested, just email me with your name, phone number, and top 3 goals (short or long term).  And all others who submitted last month will automatically be a part of the drawing again.  No need to re-submit.  :)
alexandra@alexandrachoi.com

Deadline for submission is September 7th, midnight!  Here's to getting things done!

For my new readers, if you're wondering "What accountability buddy?"  Here's the post to catch you up.   :)
'Who Wants A Buddy?!?!'




Finding representation.

I decided to change this week's post last minute.  I am writing this post now because I just received an email about a meeting for possible theatrical representation.  Yahhhooooooooooo!

I did two agent showcases in the last two weeks.  I did them both at Act Now, where I take my workshops.  What's cool about these showcases is that you get to work with a CD the first week, he/she gives you notes or directions.  Then, the second week, you and the CD read in front of agents.

Then, it gets even cooler.  Each agent receives an evaluation sheet for each actor.  On the eval sheet are 3 questions and a general comment section.  The 3 questions are:

1.  Do you like this actor's headshot?   Yes or No.
2.  Are you interested in this actor contacting you for representation?  Yes or No.
3.  Do you want to this actor to email you his/her reel?  Yes or No.

Why do I like this so much?  Because you get a straight answer.  I don't have to wonder about what they're (agents) thinking....I know.  And some agents do give you honest, constructive feedback...whether it's about your headshot or your scene.  Just take everything with a grain of salt...every agent will have his/her OWN opinion.  Take what you want and leave the rest and keep it moving.

And FYI, I didn't have any agents say they were interested in representing me.  But, some did want to see my reel.  So, I sent follow-up emails to all agents, regardless they asked for it or not.  I thanked them for their time and linked my reel.  AHEM!  Thank GOD I put together my reel a couple of weeks ago!  Preparation meeting opportunity!  That's how I roll!  :)

Follow-ups!  Do them!  I had 2 out of 6 agents that specifically said NOT to follow-up.   Okay, fine.  But, all the others, I sent them an email the next day.  AND, believe you me, if I don't get signed in the near future, I'll be sure to stay in touch with those contacts...because you never know.

So what am I learning thus far about finding representation?

*  Get proactive.  Do YOUR part. What's your part?  If you're looking for representation, start compiling a target list.  Get imdbPRO if you don't already because you can research your target contacts.  I look at their StarMeter ranking and their roster.  How many clients do they have?  Do they already have an Asian actress in a similar category as me?  And keep your list short...under 10 for sure.  No more mass mailing...instead, take some power back as the artist.  And save money.  Know who you want and don't settle.  Get specific!

*  Do showcases.  But, research them first.  Ask around, ask friends.  Showcases are so Hit or Miss but, they do work.  I know many actors who found their agents through showcases.  So, once you have found a place you're happy to 'invest' in, just keep at it.  Just like with casting director workshops, you just gotta put in the time.  As long as you keep doing it, you're on your way.

*  Do CD workshops.  Why?  The whole point of having an agent is to get you in front of casting directors.  Now, if you're already building relationships with CDs, you're making the agents job easier.  Who wouldn't appreciate that?  And I have heard stories where non-represented actors get lucky and book jobs on their own because of CD workshops, and agents start calling them!  Yup.

*  Referrals.  Agents have said that referrals go a long way.  If you have someone who wants to refer you to an agent, then how lucky are you.  BUT before you take the next step and schedule a meeting...may I make some suggestions?  Be ready.  You are not only representing yourself but, you're also a reflection of the person who referred you.  Many agents want to 'develop talent' but, this doesn't mean starting from scratch.  Time is money, and money is money, especially with agents....so, if they're able to get you out as soon as possible, the better your chances.

Here's a checklist of what you could have ready.

  - Headshot and resume.
    If you're not happy with your current headshot or you just need them updated...get it done.  Don't wait until you get the meeting first.  Many actors would rather wait until the meeting to see what the agent wants them to do...which photographer to use or which 'looks' they should focus on.  Put yourself in the agent's shoes.  Would you rather represent someone who seems 'lost', or someone who seems to know what they want.  The latter for me.  Because then, it's just a matter of guidance.  Agents are like casting directors...sometimes, they don't even know what they're looking for, so if you can provide them with a clear product, SOLD!  As for resumes, just be honest.

   - Reel.
     Boy, am I glad I got this done a couple of weeks ago.  I remember feeling so incompetent as an actress whenever someone asked me for my reel and my answer was "I'm sorry, I don't have one at the time."  Because, I could have.  And a reel is just as important as your headshot and resume.  Agents, in particular want to see this.  Do what you gotta do to get a reel together.  If not a reel, then at least an audition reel.  A reel should be professional and polished.  And it should make you proud....because it's showcasing your best stuff.  However, if you're not thoroughly proud or you financially can't swing it right now, then your other option is an audition reel.  It's pretty much you sitting in front of camera and reading with someone off camera....like in an audition.  If you can, make sure the quality is decent....meaning, use a good camera and it's audible.

   - Monologues.
     I'm not a big fan but, what are you gonna do...some still ask for it.  So, have two under your belt so you're prepared.  A comedic and dramatic.  For my meeting this week, the agent's asst specified to have a 1-2 minute monologue ready, in case.  Okie dokie.  Look through plays or get one of those monologue books from Samuel French.  Be ready.

*  Believe in yourself and don't settle.  If you meet 100 agents, you will get 100 opinions.  You can't let 100 different opinions persuade you about you.  You know what's best for you and stick to doing what it takes to honor you and your dream.  When you can make that commitment to yourself, doors will open and people will appear to help you.  I know I'll be walking into the meeting this week with my own checklist.  Not only does it matter if he wants to represent me, but, what's more important is that do I want to be represented by him?  I'm extremely grateful for the meeting and I hope it works out however, if it's not a good match, then that's ok too.  I'm not afraid to hear no or to say no.  A 'No' can sometimes be the best thing.  So, with an open heart and mind, wish me luck this week.  :)


Update:  I got new headshots done!  I just shot them Sunday.


This Week's Goal:  Talk to my buddy everyday!  Retouch and get my new headshots printed.  Agent meeting!  And I start Margie Haber this week!  Twice a week, for one month.   Margie Haber is one of the best for auditioning.  I'll let you know how it goes.  And of course, more Kundalini.  :)



Have a thriving week everyone.  :)


with LOVE,

Alex

Television, here I come! Week 33. 'I Surrender'

Don't ever settle.  It is your birthright to have it all.

But, what exactly do you want?  Have you really thought about the essence of your desire?  I thought what I really wanted was an Oscar and making lots of blockbuster films but, nope.  I met with my Life Coach Justina this past week.  She asked me how acting made me feel.  What's that one pleasure I get out of it.  I thought about it and tried feeling it more.  I said, 'I feel free'.  You know that feeling when you feel carried by something and no matter what you do, it's perfect.  You can do anything...you feel in touch with your purpose, you feel like you're giving something, you feel like you're affecting, you feel like you're working with your talent, you feel light, you feel fluid, etc.

She said that's my true goal...that feeling of freedom.  Not acting.  Acting is just the avenue to get there.   

Huh.  Will you look at that.  Well, duh.  I've been making acting the be all, end all.  We all get so caught up with a certain picture in our head that we miss the essence, the truth of what we really want.  When you attach yourself to ONE 'avenue', you close up to other possible avenues that will lead you to your ultimate goal.  And what if that one idea in your head doesn't quite pan out the way you want it to?  Oh, what a way to set yourself up for some painful lessons...frustration, anger, resentment, guilt.

I'm not saying give up on acting.  Not at all.  If that is your avenue, just like it is mine, then you give it your best shot.  But, with detachment.  Find every possible way to enjoy it and love it while you're on that avenue.  But, always remember that your ultimate commitment is to the bigger picture, your true desire.

If attachment is to control, then detachment is to surrender.

Surrender to the bigger plan.  That's Oprah's secret.  "God can dream a bigger dream for you than you can ever dream for yourself."  "How can you use me and how an I live in that dream?"  It's been working for her, don't you want to give it a try?

I'm learning and working on letting things go and letting things be.  I'm learning to accept what is.  I'm learning to surrender to the bigger plan.  I'm learning that I can only do my part in any given situation and leaving the rest up to God/Universe.  I'm learning that no matter what, I'm guided.  I'm learning that by staying in a state of gratitude and in a state of serving, life seems easier.

I have no doubt that I'm on my way to fulfilling my purpose.  To be honest with you, I don't know exactly what I'm meant to do and how that will manifest for me in my physical world but, all I know is, I'm definitely on my way.  I'm getting to know me better so that I can be the best instrument I can be.  I'm going to develop my talent the best way that I can.  Then I'm going to use that talent to serve and help others.  And then I'm going to be grateful that I am able to do all that.

I'm ok with walking away from acting now.  I don't feel bound to it.  I want it but, I don't have to have it.  If that's what I get to do for the rest of my life, wow.  But, if it becomes a territory I needed to explore to lead me to another path, then so be it.  I surrender.

How do you feel about it?




Last Week's Goal:  Talk to buddy, agent showcase, sketch writing class, start new CD workshop with buddy, and get my reel on some dvds.

Update:  DONE!!!!  My buddy and I have been on a roll!  The agent showcase went great.  Three agents were there...Abrams, Don Buchwald, and Across the Board.  Sharon Paz, the agent from Abrams said that you also have the power and right to choose the right agent for you.  Just because someone will represent you doesn't mean he/she is the right person representing you.  Know exactly what you want and don't settle....even if it's Abrams.  :)  Thought this was great advice.  Then the workshop went well too!  It was fun doing it together with my buddy.  We have two classes left.  And the sketch writing workshop was straight up fun.  Jesse Gaskell was our teacher.  Love her!  I wrote a cute lil sketch about my mom.  :)  And got my reel on dvds!

This week's Goal:  I want to get new headshots.  Something more specific.  Now that I know how specific I want to brand myself.  Yay!  I have another agent showcase this week!  More CD workshop, meet with life coach, and more kundalini!



Have a detached week and may all your wishes come true through the practice of surrendering.  :)


with LOVE,

Alex

Television, here I come! Week 32. "My 5 cents on CD workshops"

Helloooooo World!

What an incredible week I've had.  Productive and feeling wonderful.  :)

*My 7 year anniversary!  I moved to Los Angeles August 14, 2004.  Woweeeee...amazing 7 years.  Looking back...it's been amazing.  I trust the next will be even more.  Thank you God/Universe.  :*)

*My buddy Sean and I have been getting things done!  Things are being checked off daily...that alone makes your day more full and your heart happy.  And it's fun cheering each other on everyday.  I'm grateful to her for being my accountability buddy this month and I'm so proud and impressed with how much she's getting done.  :)

*I have a Life Coach!  I had my first session with Justina on Friday.  I'm experiencing lots of changes right now....and I'm learning a lot.  But, what to do with all this new information??  I feel like I'm slowly shedding my old life and creating healthy space for the new one.  It feels like a re-birth all around....physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Yup.  My Saturn Return.

*'Three Guys and A Couch' made it into the Hollyshorts Film Festival and we screened on Saturday evening.  I loved being surrounded by creative films and its dedicated filmmakers.  Inspiring evening.

*I shot an Intel commercial!  Thank you to my friend Jason for hookin a sister up!

*My reel is done!  I've waited 7 years for this.  Yes, 7!  It's my very first reel and I'm so proud of it.  I'm proud because I took some power back as an actress.  Getting footage for projects I have worked on wasn't easy and that was my #1 excuse as to why I didn't/couldn't put a reel together.  No more excuses.  With the help of my friend Dylan, we shot the first scene to add to my reel.  I picked a scene that I loved and shot it.  Simple as that.  I had so much fun shooting it and I think it looks great.  :)  It's also under 2 minutes because I wanted it to be what I call the 3 S's....short, sweet, and specific.

And a humongous shout out to Dylan!  Thank you for being so professional and quick.  I had my reel done in 3 days!!!  Dylan shot it and edited it.  And everything was half of what other reel makers charge.  I'm so happy!
http://mconstantpictures.com/

Here it is!!!  I hope you like it as much as I do!!!


I emailed my reel to Scott David, CD for Criminal Minds to get his professional feedback....verdict??  He loves it!!!  Yeeeeah!

Speaking of Scott...CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOPS.

I had my first audition this past week because of a casting director workshop!  Cara Chute called me in for a UCLA grad thesis film.  I did her workshop about a month ago and she called me in for a project!  Cara works with Dylann Brander and they cast for Hawthorne.  So, now I know I'm on her radar!  How exciting!!!!!!

My thoughts on CD workshops.

*They are great as long as you know WHY you're doing it.  If your one and only reason is to book jobs through them, you're wasting your time and money.  Don't expect immediate gratifications here....instead, think of them as investments...you're planting seeds...building a foundation.  This is why I like the multiple week workshops...it costs more but, if you're going to spend the money anyway, 'up' your chances...get more time with the CD.  Plus, if you find yourself complaining about not auditioning enough...this is the perfect environment to practice your auditioning skills.  Win win.

*If you haven't had any sort of training...wait this out.  Yes, it's still a workshop and not an audition but, that's just technicality.....there's still the "You never know" factor.  I don't expect but, I stay hopeful...there's a difference. So, bring your A game.  You're still getting in front of a casting director and the whole point is to show them what you CAN do...not what you can't do.

*This one comes directly from Bob Lambert (CD for All My Children).  You wanna book jobs??  Know your product.  How you see yourself may be different from how others see you.  For example, I thought I would be right for quirky, funny but, the general consensus from CD's thus far is I'm more upscale, edgy, pretty.  Hahaha..well, duh.  ;)  Ask professionals and friends to list some adjectives that describe you.  Narrow it down to one specific thing and bring that into every audition room.  Never waiver from your product.  Believe in you and your product.  You will be hired for YOU.
"If you build it, they will come."

*To get as much out of workshops and your money, do be specific about the workshops you choose.  My goal this year is television so I have been focusing on television CD's.  Also, my product may be more right for a certain show than another.  Do your research.  Know the style of their show(s).  Also, if you're non-union, make sure the CD is open to that.  Some CDs tell you off the bat that they only work with SAG actors.  This wouldn't be the best investment if you're non-union.

*Usually CD's will give you their information (address and/or email address), use it....unless specified otherwise.  Don't bombard them with mails or emails but, make sure you stay in touch with them from time to time.  Let them know what you're up to so they see you're proactive and dedicated.



What do you think?


Last Week's Goal:  Prepare for agent showcases, more Kundalini.

Update:  Done Son!  As I'm writing this post, I can't believe how my week was!  Holy Cow.  Ommmmmm Mooooooooo.  Hey, it's a palindrome...sort of.  :P  Great week..great week.

This Week's Goal:  Talk to my buddy everyday.  Agent showcases this week.  Starting another CD workshop this Saturday.  My buddy Sean and I are doing it together!  Yay!  More Kundalini.  And I have to get my reel on dvds to mail out to my contacts.  Hoorah.  Oh!  I'm taking a Sketch Writing class this coming Sunday!  Exxxcited!



Have a fulfilling week world!



with LOVE,

Alex

Television, here I come! Week 31. 'Accountability Buddy Announcement'!!!

Helloooooooo!!!!!!

This past week has been one productive week!  I shot my scene for my reel!  Aaaaah!  I already sat in with my friend/editor to begin cutting the rough for it and if I may say so myself....I am proud of my reel.

I wanted to shoot a scene because a)  I didn't have enough footage to use  b) the footage I did have didn't quite fit into how I wanted to brand myself or it didn't showcase what I can do.  So, I picked a scene of my choice, tweaked it a bit, and shot it!  It was so much fun.  Now, no more waiting around....let's just get it done!

I'm getting even more specific these days.  I've been getting similar feedback from casting directors and I'm taking their advice to see what happens.  What's the feedback I've been getting??  Well, I think I'm quirky and funny.  Unfortunately, I don't come off quirky and funny.  According to CDs, I look 'upscale', 'pretty', 'smart', and 'edgy'.  I'm saying it like it's a curse right?  Hahaha...oh hell yes!  Who wouldn't mind being upscale, pretty, smart, and edgy?  Now that I feel comfortable with that, I'm going to run with it.  I'm going to be the next badass....like a Bond Girl.   Watch out now!  :)  

So, my reel should be cut by today or tomorrow!  I'm so excited.  I will post my reel for next week!  Keep an eye out for it!

Speaking of casting directors....I've been getting questions about workshopping.  I will write my next blog post about my experience with CD workshops!


ANNNNNND.   The moment you've been waiting for.......ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY!!

I thought it would be cute to make a video to make the announcement.   Yay!  Can't wait to get started buddy!  :)




Last Week's Goal:  Reel

Update:  Done!  I can't believe it's already shot and in the cutting room.  I can't believe I'm going to finally have a reel!  Waaaahhhooooooo!

This Week's Goal:  More Kundalini.  I have two agent showcases coming up this week and next.  I picked a new scene to go with my upscale, smart, pretty, edgy look.  Prepare for that.  And I have a Life Coach now!  Yes!  I will have my first session with her this week.  I'm building a team of professionals around me to help me get where I want to go.  I will keep you posted on that as well.


Sending productivity vibes your way!!!  Have a great week everyone.  :)


with LOVE,

Alex

Television, here I come! Week 30. 'Pass It On'

Hello errrrrrrbodyyyyyyyy!!

Two announcements before we proceed!

1.  'The Diary of The THRIVING Actress' is now one of the FEATURED blogs (Lifestyle section) on Alltop.com!!!!  Isn't that crazy?!  Alltop is a community for bloggers...from all over the world.  And I'm featured!!!  I still can't believe it.  SMH.  :)

2.  Accepting ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY submissions until August 5th, midnight!
     Announcing BUDDY August 8th!
If you're thinking, "What the hell are you talking about?  What accountability buddy?"  Then, here's the previous post to catch you up.  :)
'Who Wants A Buddy?!?!'

L   O   V   E                 L   O   V   E                   L   O   V   E                      L   O   V   E

I did Kundalini 5 times this week.  And the more I do it, the more I want to learn about it in depth.  I'm reading The 8 Human Talents by Gurmukh with Cathryn Michon.  It brings tears to my eyes because I feel like I've been on a spiritual quest for some time and finding Kundalini feels like a blessing to help me along my way.  And the community is incredible.  I feel like I belong already and I'm new.  Kundalini feels right to me...hits a perfect place somewhere inside me.  I once said, "I would never do yoga".....never say never.  jeeeeez.

All I know is....I can't believe I've been living without breathing properly or even knowing how.  I'm a 'Chop Chop', 'Walk and Talk' type of gal.  Taking a deep, cleansing, relaxing breath was very difficult.  Now it's easy.  Would you like to know how??  But, wait.  Read this before you begin.  It's from the book The 8 Human Talents and I was 'WOWed' by it.

"Breath Work To Build Trust"
'Inhale deeply through the nose, and then exhale through the nose every last molecule of air.  Experience what it means to give everything away.  Only when we are willing to give away every last particle of breath, which is our life force, can we truly receive.'

OMG.  OMG.  OMG.  This did something to me.  I feel like I found gold.

Just remember this:   Inhale - soften your belly, let it expand as you slowly breathe in through your nose. Hold it for as long as you can without forcing.  Then exhale through mouth and slowly push out as much air out of your body, your belly should be contracting in towards your spine now.  When you hold in between your inhales and exhales...it creates a momentum to help you take or release your next breath completely.  Do this whenever you can.  I do it throughout the day.  Once I had a taste of breathing for real for real, I don't want to go back to half assing it.  No way.  So, how does it feel??  Ahhhhhhhhh.  :)

I wanted to share this because it changed me...a part of me got re-wired after reading this.

I asked for Strength...

And God gave me Challenges to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom...

And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity...

And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage...

And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love...

And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors...

And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted

I received everything I needed.

Balled my lil Korean eyes out....you know why??  Because I have been given everything I have asked for.  They just came to me packaged differently than I wanted so I didn't recognize them.  I recognize them now.  It was like the first time I read the Footprints in the Sand poem.  When you realize how much you're loved by love that's so unconditional, so steady, so healing, so inclusive, so deep, so patient.....it is humbling and overwhelming.   A montage of memories, not the best of memories but, I could literally feel them being quickly processed into lessons, see their correlation to who I am today......curses became blessings, enemies became teachers.  I couldn't stop crying and sweating....this was my body coping with releasing what had to be released.  I sat in my car and let it all go, consciously...until my breathing became calm and my shoulders relaxed.  It was an intimate moment with myself.  Moments like these birth new thoughts, ideas, and feelings.  Creativity comes alive again.  

I'd like to share one other thing.  Listened to Mitch Joel's podcast...Mitch Joel is one of my marketing gurus.  He recently interviewed Steven Pressfield, known for Legend of Bagger Vance, and my favorite of the favorite of the most favorite, War of Art.  It's my go-to book whenever I need a kick in the butt.  Guess what?!  A new book!!!  Do The Work!  It's another short read like the War of Art.  It's all the rave.  

Pressfield breaks it down for us....why we creatives have a difficult time creating.  Resistance.  Why it's there...where it comes from....how to understand it....how to use it for good.  

Here are some things I got out of the interview.  It's helped me be more kind to myself...to let myself off the hook at times....and to believe that I'm on my way.

*  Who experiences Resistance??  99.999999999999999% of us.  Pressfield said he knows ONE person that doesn't experience it...and that is extremely rare.  Find comfort in that and don't be so hard on yourself.

*  "Things can come fast but only after a period of gestation".  

Be ok with where you are now.  Changes are inevitable.  If you're in a situation that doesn't thrill you...know that it's not permanent.  Think of it as a vacation from God/Universe.  Use the time to recharge yourself, take care of yourself, prepare yourself for what you want, because it's on its way.  It's on its way!  It's on its way!!!  And then one day when you're about to say 'it's on its way' again, you'll realize, 'it's here'.  :*)

*  "It has its own timetable.  It appears when it wants to appear.  But, having a practice and making yourself available to it daily is the best way to be ready when it comes".

Persistence folks.  I love persistence.  Because when you are persistent, you believe in yourself.  And when YOU believe in yourself, it becomes your truth, your reality.  And by being consistent, you're being persistent.  

*  "Put in the time and oddly enough, the most mysterious dimension seem to go hand and glove with the most mundane work ethic.  And they do seem to go together.  I don't know but it works".

I couldn't have said this better.  This is what I believe with all my heart.

*  Pressfield quoted Steven Soderbergh after he received his Oscar for "Traffic"

"Here's to anybody or everybody who chases their dreams.  One hour a day.  I don't think you need any more than that".

*  "The journey of an artist is really a journey of self-discovery.  The artist's journey is a journey to revealing ourselves what we truly love and who we truly are".

If this hits home with you, then get the book War of Art and/or Do The Work!  I promise you, if there is anything you want to do, or start, or finish, you'll be inspired and motivated.



Take care of your spirit first and foremost.  Your spirit must be happy.  And when your spirit is happy, everything clicks into place.  And you'll experience and relish every moment.  What a wonderful life we have ahead of us.

I wish you a week of calm, peace, deep breaths, happiness, and lots of smiles.  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)

Last Week's Goal:  Getting ready to shoot my scene for my reel.

Update:  Done!  We're locking down a date today or tomorrow.  Hopefully, we'll be able to shoot some time this week.  Excited!

Next Week's Goal:  I have two agent showcases coming up in the next couple of weeks!  I figured it's time to start looking...because I'm ready!  :)  Memorize and prepare a scene.  And more Kundalini!!!  Weeeeeeee!






with LOVE,

Alex