Television, here I come! Week 12. 'Ya FEEL Me?'

I watched an amazing documentary 'I AM' with my friend and spiritual buddy, Ashley last night.  Oh, that Tom Shadyac.  :)  It left us with such an impression and we discussed how our world is shifitng towards something greater.  How grateful we felt.  Our world is shifting into a FEELING world...thinking alone is not enough.  Growing up in Brooklyn and Korean-American family, FEELING too much showed weakness..."Oh, you're so sensitive" was something I never wanted to hear.  You'd get your ass kicked if you said that to me.

Now, as an actress, but an artist above all, just call me sensitive all day, everyday.  I welcome the thought process only if it resuscitates my heart and and injects FEELINGS back into me.  I fall in love with films that do just that, I fall in love with books that do just that, I fall in love with people who do just that...stimulates me intellectually and then stimulates me emotionally even more.

The documentary was humbling to watch because I saw that I am not alone...in how I think and how I FEEL.  Thank you GOD!  But, it also empowers you at the same time.  The artist in me always wants to change the world...but, how?  Well, I think the real question is why.  Why do I want to change the world?  Is it so I can own a big house?  Lots of cars?  Fame?  Or is it because I truly want to make a difference?  I want to see more 'Love thy neighbor'.  I want to see more random acts of kindness.  I want to see more smiles on people's faces.  I want to see more happy drivers or more happy pedestrians.  I want to see more people hugging.  I want to see more people holding hands.  I want to see more people kissing.  I want to see more people joking and laughing.  I want to see more children being educated about our society and our planet and showing respect towards it.  I want to see more people listening and then talking.  I want to see more people breathing and meditating. 

And I can...I can see more of this by beginning more of this.  The change starts with me.  I AM the change.  You know what I'm sayin??  I mean, you FEEL what I'm sayin??

If you FEEL that you alone aren't enough to make such a change, think and then FEEL again.  Not to give too much away about the film but, did you know that you are probably breathing in right now, in this moment, or have, or will, the same Argon particles Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Joan of Arc, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jesus, Buddha, Sri Krishna, JohannWolfgang Von Goethe, Susan B. Anthony, William Shakespeare, Martin Luther King, Mozart, Confucius, Rumi, Cleopatra, all breathed at one point?   Food for thought/FEEL.  Do you see what's running through you today?  And will tomorrow?? 

I'm leaving for Korea this week.  But, now I'm even more excited and grateful for this trip.  I don't know what but, I know and FEEL something will be different.  I hope to catch up on my vlogging (video blogs) while I'm there so I can share with you the amazing and beautiful country I come from.  :)

So, what do you think about our world?  Or better yet, FEEL about our world?  Begin FEELING great and hope for it, because that's where we're headed.  We are.  Know it and FEEL it. 

Till next week FEELERS!  Weeeeeeeee!

This blog is dedicated to my friend Darlene Hsu.  Rest in Peace woman.  I love you and miss you...forever. 


Last Week's Goal:  Hanging out.

Update:  Done Son!

This Week's Goal:  I'm going to Korea!  Will blog or vlog from there!  Stay tuned folks.  :)  






Song of the Week is......

Television, here I come! Week 11. 'It's about WHO YOU KNOW'

It's all about who you know. 

Let me explain.  I'm not talking about Directors, Producers, Writers, or Casting Directors...I'm talking about who you REALLY know, who you surround yourself with on a daily basis. 

You all know how much I love TheDailyLove.com.  They used Will Smith as an example once and how he believes that in order to become successful, it is extremely important to take a look at who you surround yourself with.  He believes you cannot fail if you have true love and support around you.  Also, take advice from those who are living what you want.  Mastin Kipp, the founder of TheDailyLove calls it 'walking the talk'.....seriously!  For example, you want to make money, ask and take advice from people who are making money.  You want to be in a loving and healthy relationship, ask and take advice from people who are in a loving and healthy relationship.  

This brought clarity to many things in my life.  It's not just about WHO you surround yourself with, it's also about WHAT you surround yourself with, WHERE you choose to be, and HOW you are feeling, WHEN you are.  I was making decisions based on fear, anxiety, jealousy, anger, etc.  I was surrounding myself with things and people because of fear, anxiety, jealousy, anger, etc.  All this kept setting me up to the next unhealthy thing, which would then set me up to the next unhealthy thing, and so forth.  Meanwhile, when something good happened, I couldn't celebrate it because I couldn't even recognize it. 

You know that saying "Little changes, Big results".  Absolutely.  I always wanted to make BIG changes and thought that was the only way I can give myself credit.  But really, giving myself the necessary time to make little changes was actually harder.  I didn't want to give credit to those little things that could potentially all add up to a big change because, it scared me more that if I couldn't follow through with the small things, I'd be a failure.  So, I would sabotage myself and give myself more than I can handle so I'd have an excuse to fail.  Our minds are brilliant aren't they?  It's about survival and it will do anything for you to cope or survive.  Now, I can fight with my mind all day or choose to work with it.

I had to wake up from denial and realized what I can do and cannot do.  Talk about a humbling moment.  Realizing you don't have control over all things.  Then you surrender to the powers that be for help.  You sort of make a deal...you take care of your part, and let God/Universe take care of the other things.  The things that I had control over, were making healthy choices.  Now I was able to see I was being given so many opportunities, so many chances, throughout the day to begin loving myself in a whole new way.  I no longer felt like the victim to the day or situation.   

I began taking advantage of these opportunities...little by little.  They're adding up now.  I fill my days up with inspirations...people, places, and things.  I hang out with those who make me laugh and help me feel my best.  I go see plays/shows and visit nature alot.  I'm working out more often than not.  I dedicate my time online researching and reading things that add value to my life and for others...health stuff, other actor blogs, and marketing blogs.  And then I find time to give something to someone AT LEAST once a day..whether it's a smile, a hello, or a 'LIKE' on someone's Facebook post.  Cute, huh?  Last week, I used an Oprah Winfrey quote, "You CAN have it all, just not all at once."  I have days where I see what I'm lacking, and I catch myself feeling down, so I say this to myself to remind me that I'm doing my part, and everything's on its way...in time.  Then, I'm able to focus on what I do have and be grateful for it.  Who knows, maybe if I got everything all at once, I wouldn't be able to enjoy it or be grateful for it, because there'd be no time!  So, God/Universe is allotting it accordingly for me.  Everything in my life, happening in my life, deserves my attention and thankfulness. 

So, WHO are you surrounding yourself with?  WHERE are you spending most of your time?  HOW do you feel WHEN you are there?  Success starts with me, you, here, and now.  And little by little. 


Last Week's Goal:  Hanging out!

Update:  Done

This Week's Goal:  Other than upoming auditions and meetings.....Still hanging!  :)


Have a wonderful week and hope you surround yourself with greatness.




with LOVE,

Alex


Song of the Week is.......

Television, here I come! Week 10. 'The Teacher'

The teacher in you.

What a great way to wake up this morning and feel aligned and taken care of.  I read TheDailyLove.com every morning to help me get my day started and today's featured blog was by Mariel Hemingway...and I thought, "Oh wow, this is exactly what I was thinking about this week!"  Collective consciousness.  But, it's an 'inspiring' blog, give it a read.

Mariel's blog is titled "Inspiration from Within".  I've been out of acting class for almost a year now.  It was a difficult decision after 6 years but, it no longer served its purpose for me...no longer was I experiencing growth but, I found myself just...hiding away and passing time.  Not because of the school..because of me.  I was using it as a crutch to stay in my comfort zone.  I was an active student at the school but, I wasn't an active working actor in Los Angeles.  And, I wanted to work.  I kept telling myself, "I can't stop training, I can't stop training", "I won't book jobs if I stop training", "I need coaching", "I can't do this on my own", yada yada yada.  Talk about fear and excuses.  I constantly felt this tug of war...I knew I needed to make some changes but, the other part of me was scared to leave.  Plus, it was such a community...I met most of my friends there...how can I leave my home away from home? 

Deep down, I knew.  And as scared as I was to leave 'home', I had to.  I needed to finally trust my heart and give up something to make room for something else.  Here's the irony or, what I'd like to call MAGIC...I began booking.  Why?  Because I freed up that time of fighting myself and instead figured out ways to make me happy.  I asked myself what I really wanted, and how I was going to get it.  I wanted to book jobs...ok, what do I have to do?  Take new headshots, do daily submissions, and take some workshops.  Of course this didn't take overnight, but, it happened...I look back now and it happened.   Here's an Oprah Winfrey quote..."You CAN have it all, you just can't have it all at once".

Once I get back from Korea, I'll be getting back to my grind as an actor..I want to train again.  I have audited some schools and I feel there are two coaches that are right for me, right now.  Larry Moss for Scene Study, and Billy O'Leary for On-Camera.  I got excited when I audited their classes, that was my sign.  So, I can't wait to take the best vacation, and come back recharged.  I know time away from acting will help me reassess what my next steps will be.  Sometimes you just gotta walk away to gain a more clear and direct perspective.  Even this blog, I've been sitting in front of the computer for some time now but, I walked away to eat...and not eat in front of my computer while writing but, eat sitting at my dining table and just eating.  Now, I'm back to write again.

I thought I chose this career for the fame and fortune but, I think I really chose it because I wanted to live a purposeful life.  It goes deeper than money and fame...if it was, there's no way I'd still be doing it.  The ART of acting has taught me to live more consciously...and you know what's cool..when you're conscious, you become the observer rather than the person in a situation...you begin to see why you say and do things, how you say and do things, and this can be the greatest acting lesson of your life.  Then you compile all these true things about yourself and put it into your craft.  And this way, you are best at what you do, because it's simply you. 

Try this with me this week, whatever you're doing, try to become the observer for a bit.  For example, when you're talking to your friends, observe yourself..your body language, the words you choose to use, your feelings.  But, don't judge.  Just observe.  You'll see how dynamic and interesting you are.  Whenever I can do this, I learn about human behavior and relationship...and that's what acting's all about, right? 

Above all else, trust that you have that inner compass, inner guide, inner teacher.  Yes, it's important to have a great teacher in your life but, the greatest teacher is yourself.  As the actor, it's important to study the craft but, as the artist, it's important to live the life you are meant to live.


Last Week's Goal:  Daily submissions, hanging out and working out.

Update:  Done!

This Week's Goal:  Same thing.  I'm relaxing until I go on my trip.  :)



Have a conscious week!


with LOVE,

Alex


I've been obsessed with this song for some time now.  "Marchin On" by OneRepublic.

Television, here I come! Week 9. 'Oscar and Me'

Oh the Oscar's...

I enjoyed it very much.  It's been some years since I last watched it.  I've been avoiding it (my version of throwing a fit) because I think I was....uh, jealous.  Hahaha..silly, right?  I can honestly say I was jealous that I couldn't be there..and because I didn't know how else to express it, I acted like I could care less about it..."Who cares about an award?", "Who cares about who's wearing what?", "I don't care, I don't care, I don't care."   Can you imagine me with my arms crossed, lips out, and kicking my legs?  

Truth be told...I cared too much.  I care very much.  The Oscar's.  I'm not gonna lie, if there is one defining moment in my career, it would be to win an Oscar.  Yes, I want one.  I've always wanted one.

I have a funny, but cute story....

I was in high school.  I got up like I usually do and started getting ready for school.  It was a nice Spring morning in Brooklyn.  I jumped out of bed (dragged myself out of bed), threw on the radio (Z100) and went to take a shower.  I had a routine...shower, hair, make-up, and then get dressed.  I sat down in front of my long mirror, blow drying my hair, and singing along to whatever song was on.  With my hair flying all over the place, I could barely see my face so I had my eyes closed...then it hit me...a daydream.  Daydreams get me at any given time and when it does, I'm a goner.  I get so sucked into it.  I was all of sudden going to the Oscar's.......as a nominee.  Cut to, they're about to announce the winner....guess who won.  Yup, me.  With my blow dryer, I mean my Oscar in my hand, I gave the most powerful acceptance speech...so powerful that it felt so real, so real that I started crying. 
I got up and held the Oscar tightly and thanked everyone I could remember.  My parents, God, my friends, my family, my director, etc....you know the drill.  Who knows how long I was in this trance. 

Next thing I know, my mom was standing a couple of feet away from me ready to shake me out of it.  She looked scared.  "What the hell is wrong with you?  Why are you crying?"  Oh my gosh, I was so embarassed.  What could I tell her?  That humiliation quickly turned into anger and I yelled at her.  "Why don't you knock?!  Get out!"  Apparently, she knocked a couple of times, I just didn't hear her...remember, the radio and blow dryer were on. 

I haven't thought about this in such a long time and as I write and reminisce, I can't stop cracking up right now.  I remember being so mad at my mom for intruding and catching me in such a vulnerable moment but, now, I'm glad we shared that together.  I think I will bring it up in our next conversation.  Who knew that girl in Brooklyn would eventually end up in Hollywood.  I feel extremely blessed.  I did it.  I'm another step closer to my dream.  I'm here, I'm doing it. 

So, watching the Oscar's last night, cemented my love for what I do.  The camaraderie, the history, the nerves, the dreams, the joy, the dresses, the hair, the make-up, the show, the love, the passion, everything choked me up.  Having pursued acting for 6 years now, I know how much you have to love this to stay in it.  And when you get love and support from others, it makes the journey that much easier and bearable.  I read one time Sandra Oh said, and don't quote me on this..."Pursue acting only if it pains you not to."  I know this.  I feel this.  This isn't your typical nine to five job...this is about learning about yourself, in the most honest way possible, loving yourself in the most complete way possible, and believing in yourself in the most fearless way possible.  Yes, you don't 'need' the recognition but, if you got an award for all the hard work you put in, wouldn't it bring you to your knees??  I was so happy for each winner and nominees.  All well-deserved.

Regardless, you win or not, you're a part of something bigger.  Bigger than you.  You come together with fellow filmmakers...it doesn't get better than that.  I can only hope to join them soon.  So, I will continue writing my future acceptance speech.  I will continue daydreaming about  it (it's become more detailed now).  I will continue feeling the gratitude I will feel on that day.  Oh, I can't wait!

So, have you written your acceptance speech?  You should.  And I hope to see you there one day.  Let's walk the red carpet together, throw high fives at one another, share tears of joy together, and thank one another.  :*)



Last Week's Goal:  Mail outs.

Update:  Done.

This Week's Goal:  I'm just going to relax and be patient.  I do daily self submissions so that's good enough for this week.  I just want to hang out with friends and work-out.  Plus, I'm getting ready for a big trip...I'm going to Korea for a month!  So, there's much to do.  I'm living life.

Oh yeah!  I got a new hairdo.  Got it straightened...Bye bye curls!
Here's some pics.  I love my hair.  :)

Enjoy your week.


with LOVE,

Alex

Television, here I come! Week 8. 'Feeling Healing'

                                                                 Click West Photo

I feel brand spankin NEW.

God/Universe is working miracles in my life.  If my life is a play, I'm entering a new act...a new tone...a NEW..............ANEW.

And to align my work with my life, I changed the name of my blog....did you notice it???  It's now called 'The Diary of The THRIVING Actress'.  I am no longer climbing...I am thriving.  I'm a big believer in living as though you are or you have it already......I'm owning it.  Now, let the manifest begin.  :)

Yesterday was a perfect example....guess what happened yesterday?!  I got Taft-Hartleyed!!!!!!!!!!  Thank you to my wonderful friend Adam Ward.  Adam and I met last year on a feature film and stayed in touch.  He called me early this year...literally right after I posted a blog post about my being non-union and how I wasn't going to let that get me down or get in my way.   He's writing, producing, directing, and starring in a webisode and asked if I can play a part in it and they'll Taft-Hartley me.  Crazy huh?  No, that's the kind of magic that happens to me all the time now.  I met amazing people on set yesterday and it was such a blast.  I'll keep you posted on its development.
Thank you again Adam....I hope to return the favor to you one day.  This means alot to me.  :*)

Acting isn't just a career to me.  This is my dream.  And I'm realizing how profoundly my physical life, emotional life, mental life, and spiritual life is linked to my dream.  And by making this a priority, taking care of me, my career will find a place in this world and do great things.  So I'm healing myself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  I'm healing.  I'm learning.  I'm accepting.  I'm asking.  I'm forgiving.  I'm allowing.  I'm welcoming.  I'm reading.  I'm dreaming.  I'm doing.  I'm breathing.  I'm listening.  I'm crying. I'm laughing.  I'm loving.   I'm feeling.  I'm dancing.  I'm singing.  I'm living.

I'm living.  I'm living so I can be a better actress.  A better artist.  A better storyteller.  I have a wonderful life and career ahead of me.  I'm here for a reason.  I want to discover it.  I want to be it.  And I can.  I just have some work to do but, it'll be a piece of cake as I align myself with my purpose, my God, my Universe, my Source.  I'm on my way. 

And to honor all these changes in me, I'll be getting a new hairdo.  Yep.  I've been hiding behind these curls...it's a perm after all.  I had this limiting belief that my hair was getting me all the jobs..."Oh, here's an Asian girl with curls, let's cast her!".....and I've been afraid to change it because I wanted to continue booking work.  I guess I'm not afraid anymore.  I booked those jobs because of me, not my hair.  And because I'm changing as a person, as an artist, I want to stay true to that.  Change is good.  So what, I'll have to get new headshots.  Big deal.  I want to live my life and let the career happen and not live for my career.  So, stay tuned for my new transformation!  I'll put up a picture on my next blog!  Yay!  :)


Last Week's Goal:  Write cover letters and Breeeeeathe. 

Update:  Done and Done!

This Week's Goal:  Mail those babies out!  I'm going to seal it with a hug and kiss and begin my own ritual before I send out anything into the world, the Universe.  The loving energy I put out, I will get back.



So, how are you doing phyically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually??  Your peace and happiness will translate into everything else you do in this world.  How will you take care of yourself this week?

If you want a good read...I'm almost finished with this book that was loaned to me.  Spiritual Warrior - The Art of Spiritual Living, by John-Roger.  It's pretty friggin great and uplifting.   



Have a soulful week.


with LOVE,

Alex

Television, here I come! Week 7. 'Happy Valentine's Day'

Happy Valentine's Day to you and your loved ones. 



Relationships.

Cultivating relationships comes with the territory in this business.  All relationships take time and commitment.  But, have I been committed to the most important person in my life??  Me?

I'm not only an actress, but a daughter, a sister, a niece, a granddaughter, a friend, a cousin, an aunt, a mommy (to my doggie Bells), a client, a student, a product, a consumer, etc.  Relationships.  And of course the perfectionist in me wants to be the perfect "______" to, and for everyone.  But, what about to myself?  How much time and commitment do I dedicate to myself?

I recently started seeing a Kinesiologist to help get my body and mind back on track, the natural way.  My doctor does muscle testing where my body literally tells him/me the balances or imbalances in me.  Think of it like Science meets Eastern medicine minus anything invasive.  My doctor can also figure out certain energy blocks and clear them because, again, my body tells him (sort of like acupuncture but no pins).  With his help, I'm gradually developing an awareness of my precious body.  Finally, I'm listening.

Because I'm committed to getting healthy, I've been seeing him weekly.  It's going on Week 3 now.  I've changed my diet, which is a lifestyle change and I take herbal supplements three times a day.  I don't miss it.  Also, I'm cleansing my body of toxins (mercury, mold, aluminum)...I'm still eating but, sticking to food that's good for me.  And as you know, any kind of detox takes commitment, and committed I am! 

The last visit, he asked me if he can clear away some things emotionally.  I was a little confused but curious.  I hopped right back on the table.  Do you guys remember one of my posts called 'My Beautiful Monster'?  I wrote about how my being acne prone is probably linked to emotional toxins I was holding in?  You see, writing that post helped me understand it intellectually but living it and believing it can get hard when you're an actress(where your face is your product) and you're frequently breaking out. 

I laid back down on the cushioned table and he said "Put your arm up".  This is how they muscle test.  You hold one arm up and he asks specific questions.  He tries to bring your arm down and all the while you try to resist it.  With each question, my arm stay strong or get weak.  You must stay open and clear-minded through this.  Trust that your body knows better than you and wants to take care of you....just listen to it.

He began asking questions rapidly and a little under his breath..so there's no time to think on my end nor could I clearly hear what he was saying at the time...it's all my body.  "Is the acne hormonal?", "Is it with her career?", "Is it with relationships with family?"  "With friends?", "Is it stress?", "Is it emotional?",  arm got weak.  He asked, "How long?  2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12", arm got weak again.  He asked me how old I was and minus 12 years.  What happened 12 years ago?  Well, I was in high school and who really ever enjoys their high school days, right?  He said, "Alex, your acne isn't hormonal like you think it is, it's more emotional.  You've been holding onto something for about 12 years.  It's ok, let's clear it a bit today."  He told me to repeat after him "I love my face"....I made a face like "oh, come on" but, said, "I love my face",  "I love my skin" - "I love my skin", "I am beautiful" - "I am beautiful".  Oh jeez this was feeling so silly and uncomfortable.  He continued, "I am beautiful inside and out" - "I am beautiful inside and out", "I forgive myself" - "I forgive myself", "I forgive myself for being mean to my face" - "I forgive myself for being mean to my face".  A lump in my throat.  I didn't want to repeat anymore.  He continued, "I forgive myself for not loving my skin and my face" - "I forgive myself for not loving my skin and my face", "I forgive myself for not loving me for the past 12 years" - "I forgive myself for not loving...".  Twelve years, twelve years of anger, hurt and pain shot up my body..starting from stomach, to my chest, my throat, my face, and exploded out of my eyes.  I sat up quickly and sobbed.  I saw bits and pieces of my life twelve years ago...things I buried so deep, were asking for its place in my life now.  "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry" was all I could say.  I'm sorry to the little Alex, the young girl, the teenager, the young woman, to me now.  I couldn't even catch my breath but, I kept saying "I'm sorry".

Five minutes passed, which felt like eternity but it felt perfect and wonderful.  I cleaned up my face and got still for a second...I felt like the old me...not the new me, but the old me, the true me.  When I left the office, I couldn't stop giggling.  I had the giggles all by myself...walking to my car, I was giggling, driving in my car, I was giggling.  Oh, thank God for Bluetooth these days.  :)

I forgave myself a little that day.  There's more work to be done but, it's all a process.  But, I started.  I'm beginning to understand TRUE LOVE.  It's gotta start here first.  In me first.  With me first.  Only then can I give the love, be the love that's inside me.  Only then can I give my best to the world...because the world deserves my best.  Everybody in my life, including me, deserves my best

I'm not gonna lie...I'm only human and I need some daily dose of TLC.  And it's completely FREE.  Where do I get mine?  TheDailyLove or TheBraveGirlsClub (sign up for their Daily Truths).   I love these because they help me get my day started.  I now wake up, treat myself to a damn good breakfast and read, watch, or listen to some inspiring things and get to work.

I welcome LOVE into my life.  I welcome relationships into my life.  But, I will work on me for now..and 'allow' for the others to happen as they should.  Happy Valentine's Day Alex.

So, who is your Valentine?  Today is no different from all other days.  But, if you want a reason to start loving, today is the day of LOVE.  So, go love somebody and most importantly, LOVE yourself..because you are worth it.  :)



Last Week's Goal:   Research theatrical agents and make sure my LA Casting, Actors Access, and IMDB are up-to-date.

Update:  Done and DONE.  I was going to research some Theatrical agents but, it's Pilot Season!  They're busy!  So, my new target is managers instead.  I already have my list.  And, all my accounts (LA Casting, Actors Access, and IMDB) are up-to-date.  Holla!

This Week's Goal:  I'm going to write some cover letters.  Simple.  Oh, and BREEEATHE.  :)




Have a love-filled week everyone.


with LOVE LOVE LOVE,
Alex      

 

Television, Here I Come! Week 6. 'Online Marketing'

                                                                     Click West Photo






CAN I GET A DRUM ROLL PLEEEEEASE!!!!

I'm proud to present my very 1st Press Release for a feature film I'm in called 'Terror Bytes'.  Read the article!  Very cool!  Anticipating a Fall 2011 release.  I felt like throwing up when I saw it.  From happiness.  :P

My goal for this past week was to take it easy.  But, a last minute workshop totally threw me off.  But, it's all good.  This was a free workshop that was hosted by Natalia Fedner, "Internet Marketing for Actors:  Take Control of your Career".  Check out her website because she does websites and retouches photos, both at VERY AFFORDABLE prices....and she's really GOOD.  I have 6 photos she's worked on already (she also gives you 2 versions - one for online and one for print - you'll see why, keep reading).  But, here are a few so you can see her skills..

 
So, I'm a pretty active participant when it comes to the various Social Media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, plus I follow Mitch Joel and Seth Godin, my marketing gurus and I keep up with their blogs all the time so I thought, "Yeah, why not, maybe I can learn a thing or two."  Uh, Wrong!  I learned a ton!!!!  Natalia, an actress herself, stays in the loop by interning for casting offices.  She definitely knew what she was talking about.  I walked away so impressed by her and with so much information, I didn't know what to do with myself.  I wanted to write this blog ASAP so I can share all the amazing tips I got from her.  Ready??

She broke it down.  From Headshots --> Websites --> Online Etiquette --> Online Resources for Actors --> Online Rip-Offs --> Interning.
Two hours went by so quickly and I couldn't quite process everything.  But, here's what I got.

*  It's all about ONLINE/ELECTRONIC submissions now.  Hopefully, you have both LA Casting and Actors Access accounts....if you don't, what are you waiting for??  Hmmm??  And because of this, make sure your thumbnail photo is amazing.  Seriously.  THIS IS WHAT GETS YOU IN THE DOOR!  Your actual headshot is just for reference.  I love this tip from her...with your thumbnail, saturate that baby (don't go overboard so you look like you have a crazy tan),  but do it so that you'll 'POP'....and then your actual headshot can be the more natural you.

*  How many photos should you have for each account?  At least 4.  No more than 7 or 8. 

*  Make sure your headshot looks good in Black and White...I don't mean take B & W photos, nor do I mean get them printed in B & W, but CD's will make photocopies so, it should still look like you after the photocopy.

*  You know when photographers tell you to wear bright colors??  And we end up bringing blacks or muted colors??  WEAR BRIGHT COLORS!  Blacks are okay, but, steer clear of muted colors for sure.  It makes a difference...can you imagine scrolling through hundreds to thousands of small photos??  The CD's literally scroll.  Bright shirts will help you be more impactful...especially for commercial shots.  Oh, and NO PATTERNS.

*  Communicate with your photographer.  CD's want to see YOU, not your photographers skills.  You don't have to have fancy photos.  I've been getting extremely great feedback on my new headshots.  Click West Photo.  Plus, tell John I sent you and he'll give you 25% off.  Amazing price.  I get no kick-backs..it's all love.  Thank you John.  :)

*  Submission ratio between LA Casting and Actors Access.  Yes, granted that LA Casting is more for commercials and Actors Access is more for theatrical, but if there is a certain project that's listed on both sites...go with Actors Access.  It's just simple mathematics.  More people use LA Casting than Actors Access so go with the one where you don't have as many competition.  I've been more active on LA Casting and since I want to book television shows this year, Actors Access is my first pick now.

*  Unfortunately, CD's have their favorite agencies, so their clients will be bumped up to the top of the list in submissions.  HOWEVER, did you know that if you add a video you will get bumped up too??  Any video will help you but, of course, don't do a disservice to yourself by adding just any old thing.  CD's will watch and you don't want to negate anything..especially if they clicked on you for a reason.

*  Be honest on your resume.  Whether it's credits or special skills, you don't want to find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.  I heard this from Dylann Brander too.   She said they will check your imdb page and they will test you on your special skills.  Yikes.  Guess what a little birdie told me...Groundlings and Second City offer one FREE class of Improv.  Take it.  Then, at least you can say you do have Improv background and you won't be lying.  Hollaaaa.  :)

*  Websites.  Flash or HTML??  Don't get crazy with it.  The simpler the better.  But, if you really want to use Flash, as Natalia put it, "Use it like salt".  As actors, our focus is to just get the most basic and clean message across.  Also, make sure your website is phone-friendly.  If it doesn't upload fast enough on their phone, eh, moving on.  Time is money in this industry.  Make it easy, not fancy!

*  Website Vernacular:  What do they mean??  Natalia said to think of it like Real Estate.
    Hosting - You renting (GoDaddy.com)
    Domain - Your address (GoDaddy.com)
    Website - Your house

*  Webmail.  Get another email address other than your main.  For security reasons.  When you purchase a domain name through GoDaddy, you get a free one.  Look into it.

*  Links.  Anything that's yours..link them together.  This will help you get bumped up on Google, plus you're easier to find.  For example, just today, I added my Youtube Channel and Personal Blog links to my IMDB page.  Some of my friends and I click on one another's imdb pages so our StarMeter goes up.  My StarMeter is now at a steady 5-digit number, used to be in the 6-7 digits.  (And with all sites, personalize them...if you can, for example, with imdb, you have the option of choosing your vanity URL-www.imdb.me/alexandrachoi).  Keep in mind though you can be "Google-able", Google arranges the order in how they appear by how much traffic there is for a particular site.  And by linking all my sites together, my online presence is stronger and it'll bump each site up.  It's like that saying, "United we stand, divided we fall"...all my different sites are working together now as a team.  To learn a little more, read Dallas Travers's Blog. Super helpful. 

*  How Appropriate is it to use Facebook to contact industry professionals??  Well, everybody's different so you'll have to feel it out with the individual.  Only "friend" someone you've worked with, or had some sort of contact with...at least.  But, if you really want to reach out, just write a nice message first to assess the situation.  Some professionals use Facebook as much as we do...some don't.  Dylann Brander, specifically said she uses it for personal reasons, not professional.  I've had other CD's "friend" me but, they have thousands of friends.  Again, everybody's different.  Use the online platform as your advantage, not disadvantage.  If you're super personal on your facebook page, create another one, like a Fan Page.  Yada yada yada...I'm sure you get what I'm saying.

*  Get IMDBPro. 

*  Interning.  I'm going to look into this myself.  The best place that I know of to find which casting offices are hiring is Alex's Info. 

Phew!  That's all I got!


Last Week's Goal:  Vision Board, Figure out what to do with my Vlogs, Korean Spa.

Update:  Done, Done, and Done.  I started painting my vision board...I'm going to put EVERYTHING I want to manifest on that beautiful board.  :) 

And I know what I'm going to do with my Vlogs!  I've been talking to a few friends about my new idea...they love it.  This makes me so excited.  It makes my soul happy just thinking about it.  I'm writing all the ideas down now.  I'll keep you posted.  :)

Korean Spa, I love you.  Went there twice this week.  I usually hang out there for at least 3-4 hours.  I come out feeling brand spankin new. 

This Week's Goal:  I start a new workshop (4 classes) this week with Michelle Levy, who's with Marci Liroff.  They usually cast features but, they're also working on a half hour Paul Reiser sitcom.  And they're open to Non-Unions. 

Also, I'm researching some Theatrical agents now.  I do believe it's time.  And since I'll be getting Taft-Hartleyed this month, all the more reason!  I'm ready, I'm ready!  So, this week I'm going to pick a few agencies and write a cover letter. 

Then, I'm going to go over my LA Casting and Actors Access accounts.  Make sure all information is up-to-date. 





I love this year already and it's only February.  How many more amazing things can happen??  I still have 10 more months left!  :)

Have you checked your LA Casting and Actors Access accounts lately??  Are you up-to-date?   Photos, video, resume??  Check them this week with me.  Also, if you're also looking for a manager or representation, what do you need??  Headshots?  Cover letter?  Begin it this week.  Starting is the hardest but, you can do it.  Just take care of one thing this week.  :)


I listen to songs on repeat...this week's jam. 



Enjoy your week and have fun!  I am!


with LOVE,

Alex