Television, here I come! Week 38. 'I'm Rich B*tch!'

My lesson this past week.  Money.

"Don't make money your goal.  Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you.  All other tangible rewards will come as a result." 
                                                                                                         - Maya Angelou

It's all about the Benjamins, baby.

Not really.  Not at all, actually.  Yes, my happiness depended on how much money was in my bank account.   A while back I requested my bank to send me text message alerts whenever there was any kind of withdrawal over a certain amount.  So, each time I got those texts, even though I spent it and I know it's coming, I'd get a knot in my stomach, a mini panic attack.  Why?  Because I was coming from a place of lack.  A part of me was afraid to let that money go because I didn't believe that it would come back.  But when push comes to shove, I know what it means to create and maintain a constant flow in all areas of my life.    Money is just one form of physical manifestation of your mind and soul.  What you believe becomes and is your reality.  And I am learning that I'm one rich b*tch.  ;)

I booked a commercial job last month through a friend, not my commercial agent.  I received the check for it.  I'm not gonna lie, the thought of not saying anything to my agent crossed my mind.  Should I give her 10% even if she didn't get me the job?  But,  at the end of the day, honesty really is the best policy..plus, I just felt better about it.  So, in good faith, I mailed her the 10%.  Shortly after, I book a commercial job!  I was on avail for it for over a week so I thought for sure I didn't get it.  I ended up getting it and I'm shooting this week!  It's for TBS, will keep you posted about when it airs.  ;)  The Universe works in very magical and mechanical ways.

I read this again from the book, The 8 Human Talents by Gurmukh.  One of my Kundalini reads.

Flow


Money is a symbol for the nectar of life.  If you are the rare person who was raised to love yourself and honor others, you probably don't have issues around money.
Having a healthy attitude toward money issues is related to the idea of flow, and that is one reason that money is also referred to as currency.  Money needs to flow, like a current, in order to function optimally for all of us.  It's an elegant spiritual principal and a practical economic reality.
The second chakra is associated with the element of water.
A practical way to remind yourself about the importance of allowing money to flow naturally in your life is to remember to drink a lot of water.
If you find yourself in a place of terror or guilt about money, make sure that you are drinking enough water.  It's practical health advice you've heard thousands of times, but how often have you resisted it?  The number one reason I always hear is, "Because I hate having to go to the bathroom all the time."
Begin to acknowledge the flow within your life.  We are beings who are more liquid than we are anything else.  We need to hydrate and urinate.  Consider the idea that if you aren't hydrating your body, chances are that you will be in a dry spell financially as well.


If you define abundance in terms of feeling there is plenty, you will be rich every day of your life.




Love!  Yes??  I've been drinking lots of agua.  I've also been visiting the girl's room more too.  Yay!  ;)
Drinking more water is definitely a great way to start feeling what flow means to me.  And by incorporating more small, flow-like behaviors, choices, and actions into my everyday, they will show up as bigger things.  I feel lighter, flexible, and able to move with more ease with all the movement in my life.  Exchanging of the energies, giving and taking, it's the Natural Law.  Feel your vibration with God/The Universe and begin dancing your dance.  From moment to moment, ask God/The Universe what you can give to each other.  It's about teamwork.  Be willing to work together and find comfort in trusting God/The Universe to guide you.  I'm starting to learn my dance.  I get frustrated not knowing the steps yet, I step on its toes, I want to sit it out sometimes, BUT, this is all a part of learning this special and unique dance.  It's so specific to ME, for ME, and no one else in the world will be able to do the dance better than I can.  This dance is definitely worth being patient to learn.  I will be committed to mastering it.  One day I will be able to let go, close my eyes, trust my partner, and dance...gracefully.  Hope you do too.  :)


Enjoy your dance this week!


Last Week's Goals:  Sign up for on-going Margie Haber, Kundalini, catch-up with friends, actors access, laundry, talk to buddy!

Update:  Done!!!  FYI on Margie Haber class.  I love it so much and am seriously feeling and noticing the difference in my auditioning approach/technique.  I feel extremely professional, experimental, connected, grounded, and excited.  My teacher Courtney Burr is soooooo amazing.  And funny.  I'm ready to kill it out there!!!  Yaaaaaow!

This Week's Goals:  Fitting, commercial shoot, first day of Margie Haber's on-going class, kundalini, talk to buddy every day, work on my personal writing project, and dance with God/Universe.  :)




with LOVE,

Alex


This is pretty darn inspiring.



Give this song a listen, actually many listens...the more you listen to it,  the better it gets.  Saul Williams is an amazing lyricist, a genius.
I literally hang on to his every word.

Television, here I come! Week 37. 'Let the Duality Exist'

"There is strong shadow where there is much light."  -  Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe



We all have dualities existing within us.  It pulls us, pushes us and sometimes it keeps us immobile.  We have named them "Angel vs. Devil", "Light vs. Shadow", "Good vs. Bad", "Truth vs. Ego", etc....  And we have been conditioned to believe one is right and the other is wrong.  All of a sudden, making decisions, having choices can become scary because we want to do the 'right' thing.  So, are we doomed to live in a state of tug-of-war for the rest of our lives?  Absolutely not.

My Ego's going bonkers these days.  The more I try to live consciously, the stronger my self-sabotaging behaviors and patterns come to surface.  I used to have days where I would wake up in the mornings and just feel defeated.  In a matter of milliseconds...even before I opened my eyes, I no longer wanted to get out of bed, I no longer wanted to do anything....I just had thoughts, overwhelming thoughts that paralyzed me.  I'd see the beautiful morning Sun and say, 'Sorry, I can't join you today', then I would close my eyes and give up...give up on me and the day.

This is how I lived for years, in secret, feeling alone...I didn't know how to stop it.  All the momentary battles in me came together to wage a war inside of me.  Too much for my little soul to handle.

But, my soul knows better....it wants better for me.  The greater ME came to my rescue.  I didn't wake up one morning and said, "I'm going to do what it takes to get better" instead, I said "I'm open.  I want to be happy.  I want to heal.  Help me."  That's it.  I just asked for help.

Cut to:  Kundalini yoga.  I heard about Kundalini but it just went in one ear, out the other...until one day, I was ready to hear it.  I heard it....loud and clear.  I was curious so I went by myself.  You know that saying, "When you know, you just know"?  I knew I found something that was going to be a part of me forever.  It's been 3 months since I started Kundalini and I go at least 5-6 days a week.  I'm also on Day 20 of my 40-Day Meditation, 30 minutes everyday.  I asked my teacher, Tej for help because there are specific things I'd like to work through.  I love meditating.  Who would have thought??  It takes work...it's no easy task but, there is magic in practicing anything, consistently.  I am so grateful to those who mentioned Kundalini to me..even though I wasn't ready to act on my soul's behalf then, thank you.

I'm not out of the woods yet.  I don't walk around happy and peaceful all the time BUT, one thing's for sure, I'm living again.  Another one of Goethe's quotes, "Life belongs to the living."  I'm alive and I'm able to handle things with much more grace and excitement.  I see hope in my life, hope in other's lives, hope in the world.

I accept all that is ME.  What I once labeled as good or bad, is no longer.  It just is.  It is part of ME for a reason.  It's all a part of my growth and expansion.  I trust that I am perfect just the way I am...I am in this perfect moment as a perfect giver and receiver.  My life coach, Justina helped me realize that even the 'bad' was created by ME to help and protect ME.  My Ego came into existence when the little Alex needed help.  Now, the adult Alex has to draw some healthy boundaries and allow for all parts of ME to coexist and work together as a team.  No more fighting!  No more favoritism!  Be the neutral parent.

So, in a nutshell....

*  Duality exists in us all.

*  Judge no more.  It is not our job to say one is good and the other is bad.  It was created by you for you.

*  Say thank you to you...all of you...even what you thought was bad.  It was made out of love for you.  For ex:  Let's say you're a cigarette smoker, and you want to quit because you think it's bad.  Well, thank that part of you that wants to light up because you it was created to protect you from feeling something.  You no longer have to carry unhealthy feelings and habits.  And because you are always evolving, perhaps you don't need it anymore??  As creatures of habit, it's scary to let go of something that's been with us, a part of us, but, your goal is to change and to discover new things.  Allow there to be flow in all parts of your life.  Let the old go and welcome the new.

*  Ask for help.  Whether it's to a professional or to God/Universe.  And then stay open to all possible answers.

*  If you feel ready, take a Kundalini class.  I go to Golden Bridge on Highland and DeLongpre.  Go by yourself or email me, and I can go with you.

*  Trust that no matter what, it will get better.  Be okay with the feeling of discomfort.  Comfort never moves us...it keeps us where we are.  And that's good at times but, discomfort moves us into a different consciousness.  And sometimes we need that new consciousness.  It's all part of the divine plan.

*  Practice living more consciously...it will cause a chain reaction.  How?  Simple, to start, just focus on your five senses.  Technically, we have a so many other senses but, we don't use them because we don't even know about them!  But, on a physical level, we know of 5 so, use them!  I like to swish my chai latte with vanilla almond milk in my mouth before I swallow.  I like to smell my doggie Bells, even when she smells like corn chips.  ;)


Here's a video of one of my favorite authors, Steven Pressfield.  He truly is such a gift to artists.




Last Week's Goals:  Margie Haber, kundalini, mail outs, korean spa, oil change.

Update:  Check check check for everything except oil change.

This Week's Goals:  Two more weeks of Margie Haber left!  I'm signing up for the on-going classes.  I love it.  More kundalini!  I'm meeting up with friends this week to catch up.  Self-submit on Actors Access.  Laundry!  Talk to my buddy everyday!  Morrison is away so I have Marsha as my new buddy!  She's helping me get one of my personal projects started!  Yikes!  :)


Have a lovely week everyone.  :)


with LOVE,

Alex

Television, here I come! Week 36. 'Resources for Actors - My TOP Picks!'!

Photo Credit:  Stephanie Nelson Photography

Retouches by:  Natalia Fedner Design

*Natalia gives you two versions when she retouches.  The left ones are more saturated, because it's your thumbnail pictures that get you in the door.  It makes you 'POP' more when casting directors are literally scrolling through itty bitty pictures.  The right ones are for print, more natural.  She's such a smart cookie.  

My Top Picks for Actors!  Here's a list of everything that's helped me personally through my journey as an actress.  Hope it helps you too.  :)

Training:

Carter Thor Studio - Cameron Thor and Alice Carter

Scene Study

This is my birthplace as an artist.  Cameron and Alice are the parents to my creative life.  My first acting school and studied here for 5 1/2 years.  I learned how to be an actress and most importantly, how to be an artist here.  It's truly a family-like environment.  Most of my closest friends out here are from the Studio. And if you're daring enough, you'll have many opportunities to produce, direct, write, act, stage manage, here.  They encourage their actors to create!  I will forever be grateful.  :)

Larry Moss Studio - Larry Moss

Scene Study

This is one amazing teacher.  The depth of his soul is a gift to be around for students.  And the community is unbelievably supportive and tight.  You must experience him.  Larry comes to town only twice a year so the workshop is an intensive.  4 Days total, you get to go up twice (either Monday and Wednesday, OR Tuesday and Thursday).  Goes from 9am - 6pm.  Cost is $700.  Audit $100.  Trust me, it's worth it.  You gotta sign up with them via their website first.  There will be a mass email sent as soon as a date is set for Larry's workshops here.  Reply back immediately...spots are filled extremely quickly.  I'm committed to train with him whenever  he's here.  I love him.

Margie Haber Studio - Courtney Burr

On-Camera Auditioning Technique

Courtney is a hoot and he's so good.  Our class starts at 6pm and usually go to 1am.  It's a small and intimate class, about 12 people.  This is a one-month intensive and we meet twice a week.  You learn something new every class...and it's very specific to auditioning.  There are techniques!  It's taking all that wonderful scene study training and tightening it up and tweaking it to work for film.  I feel excited about auditioning now!!!  How many people can say that?!?!  I love him!!

Workshops:

Act Now Network - Casting Director Workshops

Usually by referral, you audition to get in.  No member fee.  You get a consultant who will guide you..based on your specific goal.  Michelle is my consultant..she is soooo awesome.  Ask for her if you're interested.  I love this place.  I've had much luck here.  This is also where I did my two agent showcases and now I'm signed!  I also took a 4-week commercial workshop with Chris Game here last year, and literally two weeks after, I was getting callbacks and avails.  I booked about 5 commercials since then.

ActorRated - Free workshops

I went to some of their free workshops.  You really do learn a lot from them.  And they're FREE.  Just go out of curiosity.  They cover everything here.  Check them out.  Get a StarCard and you get lots of perks....like discounts to places and things you use as actors.  

Photographers:  They are all very reasonably priced.  

Stephanie Nelson Photography - Stephanie Nelson

I love her!  I was referred to her by my friend Dylan.  She's an actress herself so she knows the drill.  And she's so good at what she does!  She was professional and efficient AND the coolest!  

Click West Photo - John Phillips

John is amazing!  He's another actor/photographer/professional!  I loved ALL my shots by him!  And he gives you the cd of all your photos right after your shoot...if you can hang out for like an hour.  Check out his website...and see who the homepage girl is.  ;)

Cammy Kinney Photography - Cammy Kinney

One of my best friends of all time.  Photographer and friend extraordinaire.  If you ever need badass photos, she's the one.  Cam's got a unique style and her forte is shooting edgier things however, she'll do headshots for friends.  

Retouches/Website Building:

Natalia Fedner Design - Natalia Fedner

I met her at one of the ActorRated free workshops.  She was the speaker.  She's extremely knowledgeable because she's an actress herself, and she has interned for few casting offices.  She knows what's up.  She does all my retouching!  Generally, it will cost you about $40 to do basic to medium retouching for photos but, Natalia charges $25 per picture plus she gives you an extra version for your thumbnail!  She also does websites.  Check her out.

Sarah Sido 

Another multi-talented friend of mine.  She is the co-founder of Brains of Minvera.  She does websites too!  But, if you wanted to learn the skill for yourself, she does private sessions or workshops to teach you how to build your own on Wordpress.  I'm going to schedule a session with her soon because I want to learn Wordpress.  :)

Reel:

M. Constant Pictures - Dylan Bell

Dylan has his own production company so I asked him for help with my reel.  He helped me shoot a scene and he cut the reel together for me.  Amazing, Amazing!  Love him!!!  

Headshot Reproduction:

Argentum 

I love this place and the people!  The staff is amazing!  Especially Stacy!  He's so dope.  I recently got new headshots printed, new business cards, and new postcards.  AND, because of my photographer, Stephanie Nelson, I got 20% off everything!  

Reproductions

I loved this place until Argentum.  I went to the Reproductions in New York so naturally, I stuck with them out here.  Tommy always helped me out.  He's another dope dude!  Depending on your agent, you'll get 10% off here.

Marketing/Creative Career Coach:

Dallas Travers 

She is the best out there!  I took her workshop Sept. 09 and I've been a marketing monster since.  I feel more in control because she teaches you practical ways to take productive steps towards your dream.  Dallas says to make it in this business, it's 25% acting, and 75% marketing.  I believe that.  She's always a part of my blog posts, she's a part of all the 'ships' I send out.  The Accountability Buddy idea is all her.  I learned so much from her, it's only right to pass it on.  Check out her website and at least sign up for her free workshop.  You'll see what I'm talking about.  I love her!

Life Coach/Spirituality: 

Actor's Life Coaching - Justina Vail 

Justina's my life coach!  She's helping me tremendously in the most delicate way possible.  Since I've made the commitment to get to know myself and heal myself deeply, she helps me process things coming up and out in a healthy and new way.  

Kundalini - I go to Golden Bridge Yoga

Kundalini yoga is a BIG part of my life now.  Kundalini yoga is known as the 'Yoga of Awareness'.  It's my spiritual food and this is the most important, in my opinion.  This is the best way to love yourself, and heal yourself.  When you begin loving yourself, you'll see love and hope everywhere.  And the people there are lovely.  My favorite teacher, Tej.  :)   

Breakdowns/Audition/Submission Accounts:

Actors Access - Theatrical (mostly)

LA Casting - Commercial (mostly)

Casting Frontier - Commercial

Miscellaneous:

Samuel French - Books and Plays for actors, writers, directors, producers, etc.

ActorLikes - Let's get those StarMeters up by helping each other!

CastingAbout - Production info on everything, pretty much.  

Beauty:

Red lipstick - People are loving my red lipstick...I love my red lipstick too!  This particular red looks good on lots of people.  

MAC - Ruby Woo.  Lipliner is Cherry.  Classic look.  And sometimes I'll dab Chatterbox (looks like a bubblegum pink) on top of Ruby Woo...such an awesome color if you're feeling a lil funky.  

AND for those who are curious about how the Accountability Buddy project is going, here's a video!  Sean and I had a blast and we were so productive.  Also, announcing new buddy!!!  Check it out.  :)

This Week's Goal:  More Margie Haber, more kundalini, mail out some postcards and new headshots to casting directors I know.  Talk to my new buddy.  I'm just going to take it easy this week...I'm going to squeeze in a Korean Spa day.  Oh yeah, and gotta get an oil change for my car.   

Have an amazing week ya'll!!!

with LOVE,

Alex

Television, here I come! Week 35. 'My Sacred Rituals'

Stephanie Nelson Photography

This week's blog post comes a little late.  But, better late than never!!!

It's been the busiest, no, the most productive couple of weeks for me.  Actually, my last couple of months have been awesome.

Good News anyone???

Remember the agent showcases?  Well, I got TWO meetings out of it.  Yes, that's right...I met with them both last week and they both wanted to sign me.  Ladies and gents, your girl got to choose....I had a choice.  I made my decision...and of course, knowing me, I went with my feelings rather than thinking it through so much.  I also left it to God/Universe and let the answers appear to me.  But this is the funny part, the first two times I asked, I intuitively got my answer but, I didn't trust it.  So, third's the charm right?  I put both names into my hat and drew (just like what I do with my accountability submissions).  Yup, same answer...thrice.  :)

Also, quick update on Margie Haber!  The one month intensive is INTENSIVE!!!  Especially, with Courtney Burr.  Our class starts at 6pm and if we're lucky, we'll get out at 1am.  Yeah..it's no joke, Courtney is no joke.  But, I like it.  He's amazing.  I've already learned so much in three classes...I feel excited about auditioning now.  I've been an avid 'scene study' student, however, auditioning is a whole other ball game....if you want to be a working actor, get some sort of auditioning skills under your belt.  You'll see how effective you can be.  I love it.


Create a Sacred Ritual for yourself.


With all these amazing experiences and lessons coming my way, I find myself carving out more time for ME.  Sounds ironic, no?  It's hard to wake up early, it's hard to eat well when you're on the run, it's hard to work out or meditate....it's hard to be good to yourself.  But, you have to be good to yourself in order to continue functioning at your optimal level.

Create a sacred ritual for yourself and your dream...everyday, every moment you get.  And I'm not talking about lighting a whole bunch of candles and making a big performance or event out of it....it can be as small as waking up in the morning and saying to yourself, "I'm gonna be good to you today", OR thanking each of your body parts before going to bed for taking such good care of you, OR simply taking a nice deep breath and saying thank you from the bottom of your heart.  If I told you all the rituals I have created along the way, you'd think I was adorable.  ;)

My go-to ritual these days is taking a nice deep breath and saying thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I have so many things to be thankful for so, no matter where I am, who I'm with, what I'm doing, I'll stop, stay still, take a deep breath and say thank you....it only took me 30 seconds.  What matters to me is acknowledging the blessing and feeling gratitude in a deep and sacred way...and it was less than a minute.  Quality, not quantity.

The more I say Thank You, the more I realize even the good things must be released or detoxed from the mind, body, and soul.  Not just the bad.  We tend to detox our bodies from all the unhealthy stuff we put into it and detox the mind and soul by seeing a shrink or another type of professional.  But, how about the good things??

What do I mean?  For example, I did a little cleaning and found some things I bought as gifts for friends...I never gave it to them.  I had them taking up space and energy.  It was a beautiful gesture on my part to buy it for them in the first place but, I never followed through by giving it to them, the rightful owners.  Gifts are meant to be given, not hidden....especially in my closet buried away.  So, I released that.  This goes for your talents too.  You are born with your own talent, your genius, don't hide it and keep it all to yourself....give it away.  Let the world have it.

So, SACREDLY say your thank you's today...as many times as you can.  Release it all into Universe.  Give back when you are given.  And especially for us artists....we are here to experience, process it in our own unique way, then let it go to allow others to experience and process it in their own way......wow, a beautiful cycle, circle.

I just took a deep breath and felt grateful that I woke up early to write this.  :*)


Oh, and next week's blog, I'm going to compile a list of resources for us actors!  Things that have worked for me, I will share!

And if you have a moment to read this...read it this morning and moved me.  Mitch Joel is one of my marketing gurus...his blog is awesome.
I'll be participating for sure.  :)
http://www.twistimage.com/blog/archives/do-some-good-right-now-today/

Hope you all have a sacred, ritualistic day.



Update:  I got new business cards, postcards, and headshots printed.  And they look so rad!

This Week's Goal:  Drop off some headshots to my agent; work on my sides for a CD workshop this weekend; make a short re-cap video with my accountability buddy, Sean; pick my new accountability buddy and make a video; compile a list of resources for actors.




with LOVE,

Alex

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