Okay, now I’ve been officially released from the “Sprint” print ad. I actually had a talk with my agent about always being the "just released" guy. I get a lot of avails, but a lot of releases too. Anyway, moving right along. Today was a really good day of accomplishment in getting some other exciting things done; I’m still not sure how I’m going to finish it, but I know I’m moving forward. I hardly notice how quiet it’s been lately on the acting front; hopefully that will change soon.

Blast from the past alert!!!

Long A** Time Ago
Long A** Story
Long A** Cadillac

Who knew there were several cheerleaders in my past? Ha! She might have been voted “Most like to….”. I don’t know. I was voted “Most likely to jump in a lake…on my BMX bike”…not really, but I did it anyway.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Again?! What?! You have to be kidding. Nope. It's only the beauty of my life experiences.

The anatomy of how booking the job isn't always the whole story. An "official booking" is about 91.07544% of the way - Let's talk about the other 8.92456%....

A couple of years ago I booked a role in the film of an Oscar winning director, Steven Soderbergh. I was scheduled to work with two Oscar nominated actors; Elliott Gould and Don Cheadle. Unfortunately, the scene was cut before I got a chance to shoot it - yes, I was paid. The film was "Ocean's Twelve".

One of the cool things about the booking was that I booked it about 3 months before I was scheduled to shoot. So I had those 3 months of promoting it in postcards and on my resume. Then the news came that the scene was cut from the script. I took it in stride, of course, and after a while I thought about it less and less and moved on. Then, of course, when the film was getting ready for release it was like it was happening all over again. I would drive past Warner Bros Studios and see the posters and just shake my head.

I looked at the experience as a great story to be a part of and I strongly felt that Steven Soderbergh would hire me again in the future.

Cut to:

A couple of years later. Mr. Soderbergh hires me a second time and, true to form, I am scheduled to work with an Oscar winner – this time Al Pacino. I book the role four months before shooting with gives another great window of promo and the enjoyment of knowing that the shoot is coming up.

The months turn into weeks and before I know it the shoot is “next week”, but conflicts were on the horizon. Conflicts in the form of a commercial booking. The moving dates started shifting and things got really interesting. In the end I had to pull out of the film due to “scheduling conflicts”. Having to back out of this role morphed into a pretty cool story I must say.

I shot the commercial only to get cut out 4 months later just before airing. Wow. So here I sit again; another “Ocean’s XX” movies that I booked, but will not appear in. Who else can say that? Actually, I wish I wasn’t able to say it myself. It would have been nice if things could’ve worked out, but I trust that things happen the way they do for a reason…and with that I trust that Steven Soderbergh will hire me a third time…and I might even get to shoot it…and that is the other 8.92456%...

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

This writing that I do and the effects of it never ceases to amaze me. Even I’d think that I would be used to it by now, but honestly I get extremely nervous when someone says something to me in public about it. I have no idea why. I think at the end of the day it comes down to me not being too comfortable in the spotlight.

Don’t get me wrong, I can handle myself with no problem, but I kinda like being in the shadows and watching others. I have little desire to “make it” on any type of mega-crazy level. The attractive part of that for me would be to be able to fly home to see my niece play field hockey and my nephew play baseball, have dirt bikes to ride, learn to play tennis, start racing BMX bikes again, do ceramics and woodworking, learn about investing, work on cars, learn to cook, etc.
Make no mistake; I really want to work more too – a lot more. Being on-set and on- location is an incredible feeling. Landing in another country after a long flight with a different native language and seeing the driver picking you up holding a sign that says “Fuller” is pretty incredible. Getting per-diem in another country’s currency is also pretty incredible.

Anyway, what the heck am I talking about? Who knows. I was at a workshop tonight, sitting in the back row, against the wall – a comfortable spot for me. It’s a safe place where I just kinda watch what goes on – I am fascinated by people in general and just love to watch what they do and why.

So I’m sitting there, sorta hiding, hat pulled low and the one of the guest is talking about how it’s great to meet new actors. Shortly after that he looks straight at me and says “I’ve seen your website”. I was frozen and just muttered something; he then said “You have a website right?” I answered, “uh…yeah…yeah I do”. He told the room that when he was an intern at a talent agency he read my entire Long Ass Bio over a 3-day period. What? Are you kidding me?

Afterwards, we spoke one on one and he told me the he’s recommended my writings to others to read. Who would’ve thought – not my English teachers in grade school that’s for sure.

Also this week I received a particular e-mail that nearly brought me to tears. It just hit me at the right time. I’ve been putting a lot of pressure on myself lately to get a few really important things accomplished and it gets to be overwhelming at times. Nothing bad, in fact, they are all very good things. It just involves a bit of concentration, patience and research. Nothing I can’t handle. After having a tough couple of days it was the right medicine for me – thanks again Debbie.

Supposedly, I’m still on-avail for the “Sprint” print ad, but to be honest, I’ve mentally released myself – NEXT!!!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Tonight I started a new voiceover class with Lori Tritel; I’m trying to make it happen in this area as well. Gotta diversify my portfolio! Class was fun; I have to work on finding and controlling my voice, learning to breath, trusting my instincts yet being much more imaginative at the same time – whew!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

In general, actor showcases are designed for performers to hopefully get representation from Agents and/or Managers and to be seen by Casting Directors. I haven’t been in one because I, fortunately, have usually had effective representation. Tonight I attended the Cricket Feet Casting Actors Showcase produced by:

Cricket Feet Casting is a company run by our showcase producer Bonnie Gillespie, indie film casting director, author of Self-Management for Actors, and weekly columnist for Showfax.com. Showcase coordinator Eitan Loewenstein is a working actor, available through Origin Talent. In addition to being an accomplished theatre director, our showcase director Richard Tatum is a busy voiceover actor/coach and headshot photographer.

There were 35 very talented actors participating in 17 very well directed scenes – all in one hour.

The team did their homework in putting this event together and it showed. The scene transitions and music were great. Complimentary food and drink before and afterwards and get this - validated parking. Something else they accomplished was to smother the myth that it’s impossible to get industry professionals to attend showcases. The house was packed with CD’s, agents, managers and producers, etc.

Congratulations to all and I predict that many phones will ring with opportunities as a result of the showcase – good luck!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Callback: “Bank of America” @ Jeff Rosenman Casting. The callback went pretty well. Jackie “my wife” was so sweet beautiful and smart. I really enjoy talking about stuff other than acting with her – nice! For some reason I don’t expect to hear anything else from this spot. I don’t know why.

Audition: “Swiffer” @ Craig Colvin Casting. It went okay, nothing special.

Jenny, my print agent, informs me that I’m still on avail for the “Sprint” ad; I was supposed to hear “book or release” last Friday. One of these day I’m gonna……

In other news, my friend, photographer Aaron Wulf, finally has his new website up and running. Aaron shot my print card and was great to work with. He has an incredible eye for composition and is reasonable – check him out at https://www.aaronwulf.com/portfolios.html

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Okay, I've decided on a new direction concerning my "not so great" attitude towards AFTRA. As one man and one actor I can't change AFTRA as an entity, but I can change my relationship with AFTRA.

My new attitude is to fully embrace the guild known as AFTRA and make it work for me. This morning I called my theatrical agents and asked them about daytime soaps. I’m not really talking about contract players; more like something recurring. I just wanna continue to be on set and act. This afternoon I did a mailing to the 5 LA-based soaps.

Doing a mailing was really weird because I hadn't done one in years. I've always been a "get out there in the mix" type of guy, but I didn't think I'd be able to drop-off in person at one of the studio lots so I just mailed all five. Hopefully, between this mailing and my agents I can get on the road to success.

Funny enough, I've been in Los Angeles for almost 9 years and I have never had an audition for a daytime soap - not once. Soaps haven't been my focus, but still. My focus from the very beginning was commercials and "Blue Chip" TV shows - 30+ commercials and an estimated 25 TV bookings later I'd say I've seen some progress. In '03 I added Studio films to the mix and have booked 3, but only appeared in one for various reasons. So time will tell if I can crack this daytime soap thing. Even in New York I only had one daytime soap audition in nearly 4 years.

For the last several years I've had serious questions about whether I wanted to stay in Los Angeles for the long haul. No, I don't have a college degree, but there are many other things I feel I could do well. Plus, I can always go to college if I want.

In recent months I've come to the decision that I gonna make LA and the entertainment business work for me – long-term. Well, I’m not necessarily saying for the rest of my life, but at least for the foreseeable future. I can’t deny that I have forged a great way to make a living. No, I haven’t made tons of money, but I have been able to pretty much do things “my way” and that is a great feeling. I’m excited. I have a lot of things on my plate right now and they all aren’t acting or entertainment related which is refreshing. I love business and “the biz”, but it’s so nice to get away from it. I wanna ride my motorcycle or go skiing!

I also spoke with my commercial agent about voiceovers. I used to have a v/o agent at my commercial agency, but when she left to go to another agency they closed the entire department. So I contacted her at the powerhouse agency that she’s currently at and explained my situation. I’m gonna take a voiceover class, get my demo together and submit it to her. Cool!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Oh well, obviously, I didn’t go to Cleveland over the weekend for the “ESPN” promo gig. I’ll be on the lookout for the spots to see who they chose, plus they were really funny.

Audition: “Mazda” @ Spot Casting. My partner and I had a good thing going in this one – just real and subtle.

This evening my print agent called to let me know that I’m on avail from the “Sprint” print ad I went in for last Friday. Cool! It would be great to book something – anything! Ha!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Print go-see: "Sprint" @ Ben Sealey Casting. You know how these usually go - quick, fast and in a hurry.

Audition: "Bank of America" @ Jeff Rosenman Casting. This was a lot of fun; in the spot my "wife" and I just bought a house and we were discussing our happiness in having done it – I plan to imitate at least part of that equation sooner than later.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Callback: "ESPN Promo" @ ASG Casting. Yes! One step closer!

So I enter the audition room that I've been in several times in recent months for callbacks and see the familiar couch where the producers, director, client and ad agency people sit. The only thing that was different was that no one was sitting on the couch - it was empty. As a matter of fact the entire room was empty.

I go in and sit in one of the 3 chairs while the other actors entered the room and there was a TV monitor in front of me. I could see about 6 people on the monitor - and they moving. I wasn't sure if they could see me so I waved to them - and somebody waved back.

The entire creative team was in Cleveland and we were performing through tele-conference. The read went well especially the improv part. So we'll see; I'd love to go to Cleveland tomorrow.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Okay, I did something really, really stupid yesterday. I had kind of a really busy weekend - for me. Ya know, several late nights in a row. Bottom-line is that I overslept this and was late moving my car. I was supposed to move my car by 8am and I didn't wake up until 8:40.

So I jumped up, put on some pants, grabbed my skateboard and rush to get to my car. Mind you, at this point I had only been awake about 60 seconds from a very a deep sleep. So I'm skating to the stoplight to cross the street and for some reason I crossed/skated in front of a car that I had a feeling was going to start moving forward very soon - like now.

Sure enough I was right and wrong at the same time. Right because the car did start moving forward and wrong because I shouldn't have been crossing without first seeing if "the coast was clear". As a result I almost got my a** ran the heck over this morning - seriously. And it totally would have been my fault - straight up. I probably scared the heck out the driver because I sorta came out of nowhere. My apologies to the driver of the white Mercedes-Benz - sorry.

Audition: "Safeway" @ Ross Lacy Casting. Good time; we'll see.

Audition: "Citibank" @ Ross Lacy Casting. The woman I auditioned with is also with KSA for commercials. I see her on TV all the time; we had a great time together.

Audition: "ESPN" Promo @ ASG Casting. This spot is with Jimmy Kimmel and LeBron James. Funny, funny, subtle stuff. It went great and shoots this weekend in Cleveland.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Audition "Applebee's" @ Sobo Casting. This went okay, I misunderstood what the session runner said, through his New York accent, when he instructed us what to do. Maybe that means it's time for an East Coast visit.

Anyway, he said "discuss your 'day". I thought he said "discus your date". So I start this improv about online dating and my partner just lights up, but then session runner stops and says, "not date, day".

LOL! We did it again and it was more what he was looking for. I got to go twice because they needed another man to read with another woman who didn't have a partner.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

Audition: "Direct Energy" @ Craig Colvin Casting. This is when having an open schedule dedicated to my career comes in handy. This call came in @ 12:05pm and the appointment was 1:05pm. I guess, in a sense, part of my job is to simply be available for what might come up. It went well and I think I'm right for it.

Ya know I've been doing drop-offs since first arriving in Los Angeles almost 9 years ago. Even back when some would say it was a "waste of time and not a way to move your career forward". Even back when you could effectively do commercial drops; after all that's what led to booking a "Pizza Hut" national commercial which led to two additional "Pizza Hut" nationals. It also led to the "Honda" job that I shot 4 days here in LA and 4 additional days in Japan.

As a result of my methodology concerning drop-offs I find myself having to curtail the practice. Why? Because it's worked so well and in order to move forward in my career I need to alter my tactical approach. That doesn't mean I'll no longer do drops, of course I will, it just means I have to dig deeper and diversify my thought process.

Speaking of the "Honda/Japan" commercial I did almost 5 years ago. I decided to stop by the office of the producer in an attempt to reconnect. I didn't even know if they were still active or still at that address.

When I walked in the building I saw a drop box with the company name on it and I figured that was a good sign. So I go upstairs to the door of the suite and pause to get my head together. I needed to freshen my own memory of the experience; after all it was 5 years ago.

I couldn't see through the door because it was frosted; so I knocked.....nothing. Then I see a shadow walking towards the door; my heart was pumping, I didn’t know what to expect. The door slowly opens and it’s Ron, the producer that hired me 5 years ago. He seemed a little surprised to have a visitor; especially considering he had no idea who I was. I was prepared for that and had all the buzz words ready to quickly bring him up to speed. In an instant I was able to refresh his memory and, ironically, he said he had just worked with one of those producers just weeks ago.

I didn’t want to take up a lot of his time, so I gave him my headshot and was on my way. He then made sure my agent info was on it and said he would keep me in my mind if anything came up. Great! That’s all I was trying to accomplish. Sure, it’s a long shot, but I have to remember that I originally got the job 5 years ago while out doing drop-offs…I didn’t have an appointment. I still smile when I think that a drop-off lead to a trip to Japan.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html