Today I got the results of my lumbar puncture aka “spinal tap” 3 weeks ago.  I was braced for some not so great news, but fortunately, it was better news.  Well, more accurately, nothing bad was confirmed.  I’ll take that as good news. 

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition “Motel 6” @ Sonnenberg Casting.  Funny, funny spot, but I couldn’t get it right in the room for some reason…or at least get it funny.  My partner was great though; hopefully he’ll book it or at least get a callback. 

Audition: “Sillicon Valley” @ McCarthy/Abellera Casting.  Short and sweet and I felt great about it.

Callback: “Taco Bell” @ Francine Selkirk Casting.  Not so much, which is too bad, because I really want to work with this director.  My last callback with him was much better, but maybe I’ll score next time. 

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Audition: “Time-Warner” @ Sonnenberg Casting.  Eh, not so much on this one.  Plus, there was a little bit of a physical aspect to it and I’m not feeling 100% yet, so…

Callback: “Walgreen’s @ Shane Casting.  I don’t think this one could have gone any better.  The little girl I worked with amazing!  I have a really good feeling about this one.    

Later in the evening the headaches returned, not as bad as before, but still enough to interrupt ones flow.

Also, later in the evening, I got the news that I’ve been placed on avail for “Walgreen’s”! Yes! 

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Audition: “Taco Bell” @ Francine Selkirk Casting.  This went really well.  Me as a teacher of young children?  Perfect!

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Today is the first day since the lumbar puncture aka “spinal tap” procedure that I’ve felt relatively normal.  Not completely normal, but relatively.  I’ve been pretty much on my back for the last 5 days.  I’ve developed an entirely new scale of what a headache is to me.  The ONLY thing that would relieve the excruciating pain was lying flat…and fortunately it worked.  So that’s where I’ve been for the last 5 days…in my bed, on my back.  I think I’m on the road to feeling normal again.

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Today I had a lumbar puncture aka “spinal tap” scheduled at UCLA Medical Center.  Plainly put, I was freaking nervous. 

Before the puncture they did two other tests where they stuck me with multiple needles and shocked me with probes for 25-30 minutes.

The lumbar procedure ended up not being as bad as I expected.  As recommended I was stationary for 30 minutes following the procedure then went home.  I had been cautioned about a very specific headache that sometimes accompanies the procedure. 

Shortly after getting home it hit me.  The headache.  I immediately had to get into to bed.  I slept for 3-4 hours.  I then woke up and went to a movie.  I felt okay, not great, but not bad enough to not do anything.  I had no idea what was to come.

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Audition: “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn” @ Aufiero/Horn Casting.  I was happy with how this went and think they were happy too.  I also think they were happy with the energy that I brought in the room.  Things like that can be so important because it can really change the temperature of the room.  I have to own that more often in my life and my business.

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Audition: “Fiat” @ RMB Casting.  I think this one went okay even though I didn’t really know what was going on.  I walked in during a group explanation and missed some of it.  We’ll see…

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Today I had a meeting with my financial advisor.  This stuff is always important to me, but now that I’m only relying on acting income and savings it’s of vital importance to me.

The meeting went well.  I left feeling quite happy with what I’ve accomplished over the past several years, considering I don’t and haven’t ever made a lot of money in a given year.

In actuality, I left feeling even better about “the job” and how I handled it financially during my time there.  While employed there I contributed 20% of my pay into the 401(k) plan and with the company match they gave me over $5,600 of free cash over the years!  Plus, the contributions lowered my taxable income and that equals even more savings.  Years ago I probably wouldn’t have participated.  I’m so glad that I’m smarter in that area these days.  I may not always be debt-free, but the lessons that I’ve learned from my financial past will stay with me for the rest of my life.

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I didn’t have any auditions scheduled for today…until my commercial agency woke me up with one for the afternoon.  Great!  Since I left my night job days without auditions feel just a little bit different now that I’m flying “without a net”.    

Before I even got out of bed I received another call for a second audition.  Somehow, this gave me the energy to rush out to the gym for a quick workout.  I wish I enjoyed going to the gym half as much as I enjoy auditioning.  I think I just need the right motivation.   

Audition: “Walgreens” @ Shane Casting.  This was a ton of fun!  I love working with kids and today I had a chance to work with a 7 year-old girl and her audition “parents”.

Audition: “Audi” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This was insanely simple, just a short interview, but the other actor who I was in the room with brought his dog.  Cute dog, but he was going ABSOLUTELY NUTS in the room.  Like crazy.  The character was a PET STORE OWNER, but they said nothing about bringing a pet to the audition.

When I walked in the lobby area they guy was signing in on the sign-in sheet and the dog was cursing like sailor.  I was going to try to calm him down, but nope KILLER was not having it.  I stayed my narrow tail away.  Five feet beyond the reach of the leash.  

We get in the room and the FIDO was TURNT UP!  The session director almost sent the dog and the actor/owner out of the room so I could audition in peace.  ROVER settled a little...for a moment.  Then went crazy.  Then settled and I got through my read. 

The whole audition was just a question.  He asked me who I’d like to spend time with, right now, living or dead.  I said “My mom!” My face lit up! I went on about how cool she was and that her birthday is tomorrow.  I was so animated that I don’t think he realized that she had passed away 11 years ago.  Fortunately, SPOT, showed respect for my mom, Louise, and was quiet for that moment...well, relatively quiet.  Callbacks are tomorrow and hopefully I’ll be there. 

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Audition/Tape: “Sean Saves the World” @ Greenstein/Daniel Casting.  I’d run into CD Brett Greenstein a few weeks ago while I was still working at my night job.  I mentioned to him that I was retiring from waiting tables and he remembered ask me if I had, in fact, left.  Nice of him to ask.

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Audition: “Toyota” @ Alyson Horn Casting.  Hmm…I’m not really sure how this went.  My “wife” and I were just the 2^nd group of the morning and I think they were still sorta figuring out what the audition needed to look like, but I think they were happy with what they got in the end.

Audition/Tape: “New Girl” @ CFB Casting.  I delivered my one-line…twice.  I was happy and I hope they were too.

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Audition: “Workaholics” @ Alyssa Weisberg Casting.  Ah!  These one or two line parts used to be much easier for me to book, but I seem to have lost my mojo.  There was a period of time where I was being very selective about these types of parts, but that period of time is not now.  I really need to get in the swing of things and start booking work…even if it’s one line. 

Audition: “H&R Block” @ Jeff Rosenman Casting.  The audition went well, the session director even had me read for a different role that he thought I was right for.

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Well.  It’s over.  Last night was my last shift at my restaurant job.  I can’t believe it’s finally here.  I spent 5 years, 5 months and 15 days preparing for my departure from there.  I consider the experience a success for both parties.  I worked hard, really hard.  I feel I did what I was supposed to do for the company and they did the same for me.  Actually, now that I think about it, I feel I got even more than I expected from them as a company.

I’m going to miss some aspects of it…other aspects?  Not so much.  I WILL miss the people and some of the diners. 

I learned a lot about people while working there.  I learned a lot about myself working there.  It gave me a lot, it took a lot.

I took advantage of the 401(k) program and upon leaving will be paid my 120+ vacation hours that I had earned.  I’m thankful for that.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do next.  The first thing I’m going to do is rest and try to get on a better, healthier schedule.  I’m super excited and somewhat nervous about what the future is going to bring.  I’ll try my best to move forward with confidence that I can, again, make a living as an actor.

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Last week my 9 year-old goddaughter, Hazel, asked that I attend and present to her class (and other classes) for CAREER DAY.  She suggested that I talk about being a photographer…interesting I thought.

So I drove over to her house for a meeting to discuss the details. 

STEPHON: Photographer?

HAZEL: Yeah.

STEPHON: Well, what do you think about me being an actor?

HAZEL: Okay.

I don’t know if she was, in her own way, suggesting I’m a wannabe actor or what, but I was a little offended by the 9 year-olds’ suggestion…OR maybe she thinks I’m a pretty good amateur photographer.  I won’t ask and risk getting my feelings hurt.

What to do, what to do…

I got it!  I’ll start out with asking the students if there are any actors in the room, ya know, get them involved.  I’ll bring some old headshots, new headshots, put some commercials on a reel and show them some of the work I’ve done over the years.  And I’ll wrap it up with writing a scene for them to perform.  Now I’m excited!  I’ll get as many up on their feet as possible.

Hours later…

It’s GO TIME!

I was literally up all night writing a 4-page, 6-person scene for them to perform.  It was a great time; I had at least as much fun as they did. 

I think I better start preparing for next year’s Career Day.

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Audition: “Buick/GM” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  This should have been so simple, but it seemed so hard.  Silly right?  I felt as though I was auditioning for a background job; which I had no problem with.  At all.  I just felt like I was trying too hard when the answer would have been to just be…simple.

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YES!  After thinking production had “moved on without me” I received news this evening that I’ve been placed on avail for the “CarMax” commercial.  Needless to say, I’m thrilled.

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Most of the time when the mail carrier arrives it is to leave advertisements, bills and often times, checks.

Residual checks.

I’m not sure why actors aren’t receiving these electronically. When I’ve asked the question at union meetings they say that the studios refuse to participate. Usually, these checks are for relatively small amounts, like $57.60 for an airing of the episode of FRIENDS, my very first TV job, I shot in January of 1999. I do remember one day, while living in New York. I was on my way to my restaurant job and stopped by my P.O. Box at Rockefeller Center. In it was the largest check I’d ever seen made out to me, it was 5 digits for a PEPSI job I did in Spain. I was in a fog after looking at it. I don’t even remember the walk the rest of the way to the restaurant.

Or $0.49, before taxes, ($0.27 after taxes) for a film I worked on in 1997.

Actually, several months ago, I reached a milestone in my career. I had finally received one of those residual checks that I had heard so much about. It was a check, made out to me, for…$0.01. For a movie that I am not even in…at least they didn’t take taxes out of it. Glad I’ve got that milestone out of the way. Things can only get better from $0.01…

Right? Of course.

Well I think, “of course” depends what ones definition of “right” is in a particular situation or perspective. “Right” could mean that I received a much larger check than I received, so many years ago, for the PEPSI job. Wouldn’t that be nice?!

Or it could be the milestone-worthy check I received today. Fortunately, it was large enough so that taxes could be taken out of it. This check really put a smile on my face…especially the amount remaining after taxes. It even had a section on it listed “Deposit Advice”!

That’s right. Today I received a residual check for…

WAIT FOR IT!

* * VOID * *

as in $0.00, (after a $0.01 deduction of FICA-SSA tax).

I will certainly not spend this…“all in one place”.

Callback: “CarMax” @ Brigid Mcbride Casting.  I was good in the room for the most part and I think I had a pretty good connection with the director.  There was one little part that I think I fumbled a little bit, but hopefully that won’t take me out of the running.

Oh, and good news.  My last day at my restaurant job will be Monday the 4^th.

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It’s official.  I submitted my 2-week notice at my restaurant job.  As of now I plan for my last day to be November 8^th.  I’m not exactly sure because I have some Paid Time Off (PTO) days I’m due and around 115+ vacation hours.  Not sure how all of that shakes out.  I’m thrilled, relieved, a little nervous and counting the days until I can rest my body, mind and spirit. 

Hopefully I won’t stress too much.  I’ve spent 5 ½ years preparing my escape from the grueling overnight schedule.  I don’t feel I could be much more ready than I am. 

http://www.stephonfuller.com

My Life on Martel Ave…

EXT. Martel Ave – 10:00am

Stephon Fuller, African-American, thin…ish, 40’s, wearing spectacles that are designed to make him look…smart.

I’m driving a spotless, white, 2012 Acura TSX towards the end of my street on my way to a 10:15am commercial audition. Before getting to the end of the street I spotted an elderly woman with a cane who looks as though she is attempting to cross the street.

In these situations I like to come to a complete stop so that the pedestrian, especially an elderly person, feels safe and is able to cross the street safely.

I stop the car, but the woman stands in place without attempting to cross the street. I flash my high beams. She still stands in place without moving. So I motion with my hand indicating that it’s safe to cross.

She then looks directly at me and points. Me, not sure what to do, slowly creep forward towards her.

To self. “Uh no, maybe she was waiting for a ride from a friend and she thinks it’s me.” It’s not me. I gotta get to this audition.

I lower my passenger window.

STEPHON: Hi, how are you?

ELDERLY WOMAN: I’m waiting. You take me Bank of America. On Sunset. I pay you.

I’m thinking “what??” Well, how bad could it be Sunset is right behind me.

STEPHON: Umm…on Sunset?

ELDERLY WOMAN: You take me. I pay you.

STEPHON: …okay.

I unlock the passenger door, clear the seat of personal items and she eagerly gets in my car. Did I say she eagerly got in my car? She brought the cane with her too.

What the heck just happened? I have no idea…

She had to be 80 years-old…at least. But 80 is the new 53.

I made sure she was buckled in, turned right, off of Martel and onto Fountain, and took the first right onto Vista because, after all, Sunset is right there…

(At this point I did something that might be illegal…I recorded our conversation.)

ELDERLY WOMAN: I am nervous.

STEPHON: You’re nervous?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Yes.

STEPHON: Why?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Where are you from?

STEPHON: Virginia originally.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Birginia?

STEPHON: Where are you from?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Armenia.

STEPHON: Okay.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Long time here?

STEPHON: 15 years.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Oh, 20 me.

STEPHON: 20 years! You beat me!

ELDERLY WOMAN: Huh? You know me?

STEPHON: No, I don’t know you.

ELDERLY WOMAN: 20 years, but I can’t drive now. My eyes…close. I have car, but I can’t 3 years no.

STEPHON: Oh.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Glaucoma.

STEPHON: Glaucoma, yes, I understand.

PAUSE

(CON'T) STEPHON: You have family in this area?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Yes, my son don’t like it. He lives in New York.

STEPHON: Oh okay.

ELDERLY WOMAN: He live in New York. He don’t like California.

STEPHON: Okay.

ELDERLY WOMAN: I pay the registration for my car. $150. DMV. DMV tell me if you don’t drive, you don’t pay.

STEPHON: Right.

ELDERLY WOMAN: But last year I pay $200. I don’t know.

STEPHON: I think it’s planned non-operation (PNO).

ELDERLY WOMAN: But I don’t put my car outside. Only garage.

STEPHON: Do you plan to sell the car?

ELDERLY WOMAN: huh?

STEPHON: Are you selling it?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Yes I sell it. Toyota Camry. I drive almost 13,000 miles. 2007.

STEPHON: ‘97?

ELDERLY WOMAN: No, 2007.

STEPHON: 2007!?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Nobody, nobody ever sit in backseat.

STEPHON: Ever?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Never. Only I drive.

STEPHON: Wow.

ELDERLY WOMAN: One time I’m driving and my eye {GASP} and my eye goes like this.

STEPHON: You can’t see?

ELDERLY WOMAN: {Gestures} I can’t see, my eye goes like these. What is this, what is this? And I stop. I can’t drive. I call my friend. I go to doctor.

She then looks at me and closes one eye.

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: I can’t see you.

Opens eye.

(CON’T) I can only see you 50%.

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: My son is crazy. I’m sorry. 24 thousand cash give. Why? Lease? You did lease? Know how they give I don’t know.

I couldn’t really understand what she was getting at here.

LONG PAUSE

At this point I’m really wondering where I am taking this woman. I have an audition to get to…and I'm headed in the opposite. Completely opposite.

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: Your car is new?

STEPHON: Uh, 2012.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Only 1 Year.

STEPHON: Yeah, I bought it used.

ELDERLY WOMAN: You pay money or a lease?

STEPHON: Pay money.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Like me, no good.

STEPHON: Wow, 2007?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Toyota Camry, it’s good.

STEPHON: Only 13,000 miles.

ELDERLY WOMAN: 13,000

STEPHON: Beautiful car.

ELDERLY WOMAN: I don’t go for rebate. Nothing. If you want to see I give my telephone number you come see.

STEPHON: …Okay. If I know anybody who is looking.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Uh huh.

STEPHON: How much do you charge?

ELDERLY WOMAN: $15,000.

Crossing La Brea on Sunset.

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: You have family here?

STEPHON: No, no family here.

ELDERLY WOMAN: In Virginia?

STEPHON: Yes, in Virginia and one sister in Alabama.

ELDERLY WOMAN: My brother in the Paris. I like Paris.

STEPHON: Okay.

ELDERLY WOMAN: You been there?

STEPHON: Not yet. One day.

ELDERLY WOMAN: You go; you are young. Very good.

In front of ArcLight on Sunset. She hears loud startling noise from a nearby truck.

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: What. Ooh. …Are you working?

STEPHON: Yes, I work at a restaurant and I’m an actor.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Whoa actor, good.

STEPHON: Yeah.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Yeah. Interesting huh? Restaurant?

STEPHON: It’s called ……..

ELDERLY WOMAN: I go in my country Doctor, MD.

STEPHON: Doctor? Okay, wow.

ELDERLY WOMAN: I didn’t pass the license here because I don’t speak English. Try two times for the exam. Didn’t pass. Language is difficult for me.

STEPHON: Oh.

ELDERLY WOMAN: In my country, I go, I can open my office.

STEPHON: Right away.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Yes.

STEPHON: Well, your English has come a long way.

ELDERLY WOMAN: My English is no good.

STEPHON: I understand you perfectly.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Because you understand. I only own a dictionary and TV. I never go to school here.

STEPHON: I see.

ELDERLY WOMAN: You speak one language?

STEPHON: (laughs) yeah, only one…a little bit -

ELDERLY WOMAN: Is good. I speak Armenian. I speak Russian. Little English; not too much English, Turkish.

STEPHON: Armenia, very close to Turkey.

ELDERLY WOMAN: My neighbor is Turkish, I learn. She speak, I learn too. It’s easy language.

STEPHON: Turkish is easy?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Very easy.

STEPHON: Armenian is easy?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Armenian is difficult.

STEPHON: Do you know how to write them too?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Everything. Armenia write and read. Russian write and read. My country I go 12 years for the school, high school, 10 years for MD.

STEPHON: Okay.

ELDERLY WOMAN: 24 years, all of my life.

LONG PAUSE

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: Your work is this way?

STEPHON: (laughs) No.

ELDERLY WOMAN: (laughs) No. My God, I’m later for you.

STEPHON: It’s…uh…okay. I feel it’s the right thing to do.

Long Pause

ELDERLY WOMAN: how much you pay money for the rent?

STEPHON: Uh, almost $x,xxx.xx

ELDERLY WOMAN: (GASP) Oh My God! Alone?

STEPHON: Alone, yes.

ELDERLY WOMAN: You work and –

She starts to give directions

STEPHON: I’m going to Vermont? Oh that’s Western.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Vermont, left, then two blocks Bank of America.

PAUSE

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: $x,xxx.xx…me? 4 people $1,100. For you, difficult.

STEPHON: Yeah, by myself.

ELDERLY WOMAN: You give energy, you give gas, give rent, telephone, you give insurance, you give…nothing left.

STEPHON: Nothing left.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Everything give, give.

LONG PAUSE

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: My cousin has restaurant too, but he sell restaurant.

STEPHON: Restaurant in Los Angeles?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Yes, Santa Monica. He sell because not too much come in money. Right now it’s difficult. Everything is expensive.

STEPHON: Yes.

At this point there is a woman in the middle of the street, trying to cross moving traffic with no crosswalk. Of course I stop.

STEPHON: (to self) Slow down, slow down.

ELDERLY WOMAN: This is crazy!

STEPHON: (laughs) re: woman in street: Uh huh.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Yeah, look, don’t afraid.

STEPHON: No crosswalk.

ELDERLY WOMAN: What is your name?

STEPHON: Stephon.

ELDERLY WOMAN: (Excited) Armenian name! Many Armenian name Stephon! Yes! It’s a…holy name. Stephon yeah. My name is Madia.

STEPHON: Madia. Nice to meet you Madia!

ELDERLY WOMAN: Me too!

PAUSE

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: Stephon. Stephonous!

STEPHON: (Laughs)

ELDERLY WOMAN: Yeah, holy. Too many Armenian men.

STEPHON: Do you always go to this particular Bank -

ELDERLY WOMAN: You go to Vermont, make left.

LONG PAUSE.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Vermont is coming, another one is Vermont.

PAUSE

ELDERLY WOMAN: 20 years ago, not too much cars. Now, too much cars come people. (Re: traffic) What is this?

PAUSE

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: You pay the insurance? How much?

STEPHON: $xxx

ELDERLY WOMAN: $xxx Because is new.

STEPHON: Yeah.

ELDERLY WOMAN: After 2 years is going down.

We pull into the Bank of America parking lot…

STEPHON: You were waiting for someone to pick you up.

ELDERLY WOMAN: No, nobody don’t come because I maybe I have somebody…my credit card…they crazy. My number won’t take…check…

PAUSE

(CON’T) ELDERLY WOMAN: Okay, thank you very much.

STEPHON: Okay.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Now I pay you.

STEPHON: No, no you don’t pay me. Can I get a photo.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Me? No. Take my number. xxx-xxx-xxxx. You call. You sell my car, I’m happy.

STEPHON: $15,000? Toyota?

ELDERLY WOMAN: $15,000, Toyota Camry.

STEPHON: 2007

ELDERLY WOMAN: 2007

STEPHON: What color?

ELDERLY WOMAN: Silver. This color.

STEPHON: Silver. Okay

ELDERLY WOMAN: Thank you Stephon.

STEPHON: You’re welcome!

ELDERLY WOMAN: I wait your call.

STEPHON: okay.

ELDERLY WOMAN: Thank you, have a nice day. Now you can go to work. Maybe 1 hour…

STEPHON: Bye-bye.

=======

So that’s how my morning started yesterday. I have no idea why she was going to that particular B of A, because I passed about 127,000 other B of A locations along the way.

I arrived at my commercial appointment 45 minutes late and had a great audition!

This happened yesterday and guess who I saw today while driving on my street? Yup. Did I stop? Nope. I was really in a hurry this time and had to keep it moving.

Audition: “Nike” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  Fun, low-key acting was the order of the day for this one and I think I nailed it.

http://www.stephonfuller.com