Ten years ago today at approximately 4:30pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) I boarded a flight from JFK to Chicago. Why? Because I was relocating to Los Angeles. Yup, I was leaving the Big Apple for Tinseltown.

Was I nervous? Not too much. Not because I'm not a "nervous type"; (trust me, I get super nervous about plenty of things) it was more because everything was happening so fast. I felt like a passenger in it all; I was nothing more than a piece of the engine. I wasn't planning to move to LA so soon. I'd had a day/night job at the Harley-Davidson Café that I really enjoyed, a special "lady friend" that was very important to me, a theatrical agent (I stopped saying 'legit agent' about a year before leaving New York), I'd just signed with my top choice commercial agency (DBA) and I was only an hour flight or 6-hour bus ride home to Virginia Beach.

I wasn't really ready to leave New York...well, that's not totally true. Sure, I was tired of my 3rd floor walkup, my heavy-ass backpack, the stifling hot (and nasty) 42nd Street/Times Square Subway station, but I thought I'd be in New York for at least 18 more months - oooh, oooh, oooh, I almost forgot the mice in my apartment. Yes, I was tired of the mice (I had no idea at the time that I would move to LA and encounter the West Coast brethren of the New York mice- mice that fly – also known as BATS!!!!) BUT, all in all, things were working for me. I LOVED many things about New York, especially riding my mountain bike through the city dodging cabs along the way…and down the West Side Highway to Battery Park…and across the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges…

Of course I knew I was eventually moving here to Los Angeles, but I thought it would be a little more rehearsed and planned out. I was prepared, very prepared in fact, but it felt a little premature. Premature, but I knew I had to follow the signs of how things were unfolding for me.

It all started because an actor friend of mine that I met in Virginia Beach in my first acting class and moved to New York with (and shared a bed with for 4 months in Hell’s Kitchen) – long story. Anyway, he had relocated to Los Angeles from New York and booked a pilot for NBC. The pilot was picked up to series and he was coming to New York for the annual Upfront Presentation with his agent. He told his agent about me and she agreed to at least have a meeting with me whenever I decided to move to Los Angeles. That got my wheels turning.

Within a week or so I’d done a 42-piece targeted mass-mailing with cover letter to commercial and theatrical agencies in May of ‘98. The mailing resulted in 6 appointments including the one with my friends’ agent. I flew to LA in June to meet the interested agents, but had to cut my trip in half because of a commercial callback in New York. Fortunately, I was able to reschedule my meetings and get them all in before returning to New York. The meetings went very well.

The last day before leaving I looked at apartments and then hopped on the red-eye to New York that Sunday evening, my birthday June 28. I arrived in New York early the next morning, got cleaned up and went to the callback – it went great. Two days later I had another callback which also went great. Later that day I got the news that I booked the commercial. YES!!! It was for the first Ford Expedition SUV shooting in Brooklyn - Prospect Park to be exact, near where I used to live in Park Slope.

We shot July 20th & 21st and I left New York on Tuesday, July 28th on a flight to Los Angeles connecting in Chicago. I was flying stand-by and wasn’t sure if I’d arrive here in Los Angeles that night or the next morning. I called my new commercial agent from Chicago to tell her that I’d be ready to audition the next day after 12 noon and she already had an audition for me scheduled at 10:30am!!! (I’d sent my headshots to her a week prior from New York to help get the ball rolling.) So on July 29th 1998, 12 hours after moving to Los Angeles, I had my first audition. In fact, I had 3 auditions and 3 callbacks my first week in town. Wow, happy anniversary to me. Ten years!

I’ve experiences so many things along the way – great, no so great and many things in between. One of the things I’m experiencing right now is being at a job I worked at years ago – same shift, same place and even some of the same people. It would be easy to look at it as a step backwards, but I see it differently. I see it as a step, sure a challenging step, but a step nonetheless. Yes, I have to pull out my bag of mental tricks to get through it at times, but a brotha gotta do what a brotha gotta do. The job is a great diversion in my life right now and it occupies idle time.

Today I went to Magic Mountain with several co workers and rode some of the most insane rollercoasters in my life – Tatsu & X2 were two of the craziest.

me scared? c'mon.

I’m not much for theme parks in general, I’d rather ride motocross, ski, snowboard, fish, mountain bike, but I’m really glad I went. It was cool to hang out with my co-workers out of uniform and in a different environment. I had fun until I lost my cell phone at the very end. UGH! But I really like my new BlackBerry Curve that I bought the next day with a completely, COMPLETELY unexpected residual check from a foreign airing of “Bones” that covered the purchase and more - A new phone wasn't in the budget otherwise.

Where are my callbacks!?!?!

I didn’t get a callback on ANY of the last 3 commercial auditions I went on and, trust me, I was sooo good in them, LOL! Oh well – NEXT!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

YES! At 4:16pm the callback came in for last weeks “National Car Rental” commercial @ Ross Lacy Casting. NO!! At 4:45pm the call came in that they had to cancel my callback because the role was cut. Aww man! Anyway, at least they wanted to see me again for the spot. Then, at 6:04pm, another call came in for a different commercial also at Ross Lacy Casting.

Audition: “Marshall’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Another really great one. Callbacks are next week and I plan to be there.

On to other stuff…I’ve had two blood test in the last week to try and figure out this mild anemia that is sapping my energy and making me so tired. I have a sinking feeling of what the doctor will recommend for the next step of testing. I did it a couple of years ago and it’s not pleasant, but did include some good drugs…really good drugs.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Jack-in-the-Box” @ Alyson Horn Casting. These are the spots I should be booking left and right - I’m perfect for it!! And it went great too. I better get a callback; I have to get a callback.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I attended the SAG Hollywood Membership Meeting this afternoon after working all night until 7am. I’m surprised I stayed awake for the 3-hour meeting, but I did. Every time I go to a meeting more and more SAG members are attending which is a sign that actors are paying more attention to the health of our industry. We still have a long way to go in my opinion. There are 50,000 plus SAG actors in Hollywood – there should be thousands at every meeting – it’s only our futures. Keep showing up, a more informed membership is going to be a stronger membership.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “National Car Rental” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This audition went really well – again. I expect to be at the callbacks next week.

The even better part about it was chatting with fellow actors about life stuff. Mostly, non-acting related stuff It was just me and some of the usual suspects that I often see on the audition circuit over the years. I bet it’s some of the same conversations that many of today’s highly visible actors have had decades ago.

So I'm at work last night and I get a table of 7 guests. It was late...or better yet early - about 3am. They were a little rambunctious - just a little, but nothing that was a problem. I've learned to deal with many things at that hour of the morning in West Hollywood.

I had gotten them water and was finishing the taking of their food order when another gentleman joined the party. The gentleman was greeted very warmly by the party and then left to talk some other people at a different able.

Let me add that this gentleman's reputation precedes him - in a big way. ..make that a huge way.

I exited to enter the food order into the computer.

I returned to the table to deliver drinks and they were calling him by a different name; that confused me a bit, I was sure that my eyes were not playing tricks on me and it was who I thought it was. A few in the party were making comments in line with this gentleman’s reputation - that told me my hunch was right. A moment or two later said gentleman returns to the table. I give him a menu and some time to look it over. I return to the table and he asked me "what's good? I wanna get some eggs, whatchya'll got?" I go over some options for him and....

....did I mention earlier that his reputation precedes him? It does. Did I mention that he's way bigger than me? He is. Way stronger? No doubt. Way meaner? Probably…yes.

The first two things he asked for we didn’t have so I gave him options of what we did have. At that point he leaned in really close to me…really close…totally invading my personal space, but I held my cool…until he put both of his hands in his pockets…goosebumps immediately came over my body.

....did I mention earlier that his reputation precedes him? It does. Did I mention that he's way bigger than me? He is. And his rap sheet is longer than mine…..waaaay longer. Mine is mad short.

So…as he stands there…a full 8-10 inches taller than me…weighing nearly double my weight…he gives me his order. Excuse my French, but I was sweating my ass off…like seriously. I thought there was the ever so slight chance that I could be taking one of my last breaths. Not really, but sorta.

Here’s this huge presence, with a reputation that precedes him, towering over me, very closely I might add and I don’t have much of what he wants to eat – at 3am. Plus, I hardly heard what he did say he wanted because I thought I might have to duck, run or swing. I actually thought that something bad might happen – in that exact moment.

The super tricky part was that he was pretty nice and respectful which made me even more wary of what might happen. Anyway, I repeated the order while writing it down and he thanked me and went to sit down with the rest of the party.

His order came up, but since he’s quite recognizable he was talking to other people who noticed him. At one point I went to tell him that his meal was ready, but thought it was smarter for me to not interrupt this particular gentleman while talking to those particular women. He eventually returned to the table and I delivered his food. There were a few things he needed and I was there to handle them – he was always very nice and respectful.

I escaped with my life, LOL! This was just two days after I almost had an altercation while at work in a totally different situation. In that incident I wasn’t the least bit intimidated and would have done what I had to do to defend myself. Yup, I’m much more of a lover than a fighter, but there’s a time to defend yourself too, plus I’m quick and in shape.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I was confirmed to attend the SAG Board Meeting last night but I got scheduled to work and had to cancel. I was looking forward to getting insight into where SAG is as far as the negotiations with the AMPTP are concerned.

I'm trying to keep that stuff at "arm's length" for my own sanity, but it's difficult because the deal we get is most likely going to have huge ramifications down the road…just like the original home video contract in the 80’s that has never been improved upon. Can you believe that? Twenty-two years at the same terms?

Not to sound like a downer, but I felt that last Tuesday was a sad day for actors. I say that because I can't figure out what scenario that the ratification of the AFTRA contract is helping actors make a living. Sure, they made a deal to keep actors working, but at what cost to the profession in the longer term?

Listen, I could be wrong about AFTRA in general, but I can't find anyone to show me how they are fighting for me - the middle-class working actor that aspires to continue making a living in the business. I'm more than willing to listen. Why are Disc Jockeys and Television Broadcasters that are AFTRA members voting on a contract that I may be working under as an actor? It makes no sense to me.

From my POV they just seem to be so agreeable when it comes to the AMPTP. No, I don't think SAG is perfect, but if I was in a foxhole with bullets flying overhead I would rather be supported by SAG than AFTRA everyday of the week. It seems that AFTRA is fighting for more jurisdiction from SAG even at the expense of the performers that it represents. Maybe I’m crazy, but that’s what it looks like to me.

I could see this situation coming years ago between SAG & AFTRA and here we are. The scary part is that if AFTRA continues doing what they are doing I can see our current rates actually decrease.

You would think that since we are "the talent", the faces on the DVD boxes, big screens and small that we'd have some leverage….yeah, you’d think. I really hope that over the next 3 years we can figure out a way to merge or better yet absorb AFTRA into the Screen Actor Guild. I’d like to see Equity eventually become a part of a restructured performer’s labor organization as well. Isn’t there strength in numbers? A conversion between two of the head honchos.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Finally, my episode of FOX Drama “Bones” reruns tonight/Monday @ 8pm.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Callback: "American Airlines" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. I was really hoping to get to the next step for this amazing gig; so needless to say, I was very excited when the call from my agency came in. I've auditioned for this director a couple of times in the past - always via video connection from New York. That's a little weird because you're seeing them on the TV screen, but they are also seeing you - in real time. It's not like watching TV at home.

I've had many callbacks for this office over the years and even a few bookings and I really appreciate them bringing me in for these great opportunities to work as an actor.

Anyway, I've had some good ones for this particular director and I expect to get to work with him sooner or later - sooner would be nice...'cause my passport is ready to be stamped.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Today was a really great day! No specific reason. I guess because I have my health (at least I think I do) and my life and so much potential to improve my current situation. I think part of it is that I have a schedule that has put my mind in different places and giving me a breather from the SAG/AFTRA/AMPTP negotiations. It also helps me forget that I am not vacationing on the East right now.

I am really happy to have a day job right now – well, night job. Of course I’d rather be doing acting jobs, but at the present I’m weathering the storm. There’s no doubt that I’ll get more acting jobs in the future. I must admit that working the graveyard is extremely difficult, but I knew that going in – I do not recommend it.

Back at home in Virginia Beach my little nephew made the all-star team in baseball and had a scrimmage over the weekend. It was killing me that I wasn’t able to make it because normally I would be there at this time of the year. Anyway, my father, who I haven’t seen or spoken to in 5 years, went to the game. He had never gone in the past because he’s always working and I’m thrilled that he went. I can’t help but wonder how it would have turned out if I was there too. I think it would have been okay…I think.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: "American Airlines" @ Kathy Knowles Casting. This was a good audition and I would LOVE to book it. I am really, really overdue for another acting job that shoots out of town and points abroad and this one does. How about Dallas, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Caracas & Shanghai...yes, I need to be a part of this production.

Traveling overseas for an acting job is a lot of fun; although I'm sure it can become not the greatest thing if you're away from your wife and missing your kids baseball games and dance recitals too often...I don't have a wife or kids yet so send me!

The audition was conducted by one of the session directors in town that really communicates with actors and he did me a huge in favor during my audition. The audition was a series of vignettes and I had some good stuff flowing. I know that if I can make this particular session director smile I’m doing a lot right. Three vignettes deep I was doing great!

That’s when I fell into the trap of trying to do more “great stuff”. My first acting teacher in Virginia used to call it “the call of the wild”; when you hear the audience approval and try to be even more entertaining. It rarely works and didn’t work for me. I KNOW BETTER than that!!! Or maybe I don’t.

Anyway, he stopped me, put me in place by telling me that we had three great takes and not to do too much on the fourth and fifth. He then rewound the tape to erase the last take and let me do it again – less was more. He didn’t have to do that for me and I really appreciated it. I did the 4th and 5th takes and felt great about it. Hopefully I’ll get a callback; my passport is ready to go.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

My earnings period for my SAG medical insurance ended today and I’m thrilled to have met the qualifications for another year of coverage. Even better news is that I’m only half way to the end of my earnings period for my SAG pension credit, which doesn’t end until December 30th, but I’ve already met the qualifications to earn the credit with 6 months to go! That’s make 11 credits in 12 years. That is really good news in this slow period for me.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Many years ago…on this day…early…5:15am in fact…I was born in Kings County Hospital on a naval base in Lemoore, CA to George and Louise Fuller…long before “The Jeffersons” was a TV show. Happy Birthday to me!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Clorox-2” @ Jessica J. Casting. Ahh, this was just okay. Definitely not my best work. I just didn’t connect with the material. It wasn’t bad material, I just didn’t deliver.

Believe it or not I met ANOTHER member of the cast of the show I like to talk about the most - “The Wire”. That’s 3 in the last 3 weeks. I’m looking forward to season 5 being released on DVD.

Here we go - I'm at work the other night and a regular diner comes in. She was a nice, quiet young lady that's always a pleasure to serve. I was on my break when she arrived so I didn't know exactly what type of soda she was drinking - diet or regular. The other server had taken over my section while I was on break so when the diner in question arrived I was downstairs in the break room. I noticed that the diners' drink was getting low when I returned to floor and I wanted to get her a fresh one, but I wasn't sure what it was. So I found the other server in the back and asked her because I wanted to be smooth and not interrupt her dining experience. Ya know, just sweep through, take the old glass and replace it with the new one.

The other server said "Coffee and Coke". I said "Coffee and Coke? Really? Eww. That's nasty. Are you serious? She's drinking coffee and Coke?" She repeated, "Yeah, coffee and Coke". I said, "Wow, that sounds harsh" and went back on the floor to get it. Mind you, this young lady is a regular customer on my shift, but I never remember her drinking this particular concoction of "Coffee and Coke".

You see, I've never had a cup of coffee or a drop of alcohol in my entire life so I'm always learning new things that people drink. I once had a guy order a Bloody Mary with grilled shrimp in it. What? News to me, but I don't get out all that much so maybe it's all the rage in Hollywood. Anyway, so I get a tall glass for my female customer (still thinking it's odd) fill it with ice and half way with coffee and, you guessed it, I put Coke on top. Then I smoothly switched out the old one for the fresh one and went about my business.

I was doing my job; checking on my other tables and happened to glance over at her and she caught my eye. She gave me an inquisitive look “what is this? I immediately knew I had messed up big time. I went over to her and explained what she was drinking and, thankfully, she was a sport about it. It was sooooo funny.

``````
So I catch up with my fellow server and said “you told me she was drinking ‘coffee and Coke!’”

She replied, “Yeah, Coffee and a Coke”.

I said, “Ohhhhhh!!!! Coffee and A Coke! I gave her “coffee and Coke!

She said, “No you didn’t! Coffee and Coke? In the same glass?”

I replied, “Yeah, that why I said it sounds harsh.

She said, “What did she say?

I said, “She laughed, she was cool about. I feel so stoopid, LOL!!!”

``````

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: "Folger's" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This session was being conducted by one of my favorite session director/camera operators in town and it went well. I think I'm really right for it so hopefully I'll get a callback.

After the audition I skateboarded to the post office to get a few stamps. The clerk, who I've dealt with many times over the years, looked at me and smiled...and kept smiling...then offered to help me...while still smiling. It threw me off because it wasn't an "I love my job, 'how can I be of service' type of smile". It was an "Oh snap! That's dat dude from so and so" smile. Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic; more like "hey, didn’t I just see you on uh uh uh uh...." type of smile.

At any rate it was pleasantly weird because I didn't know if she thought I was someone else or if she had really seen me in something recently. But what? Well, I did have about 5 things re-run in recent weeks. Maybe that was it. I don’t know. It’s interesting how we actors are often treated differently – whether trying to get a job or buying stamps.

This was a little odd as well. I was at work the other night and taking a food order for a table of two men and a woman. I had pen and pad in my hand just getting to ready to take the order for the lady and one of the men said “OMG look at his hands”. I was like “huh?” I thought I had a finger missing that I didn’t know about or maybe grew an extra one. Then he said, “look at his nails, he has perfect nail beds”. Then he zoomed in on one particular nail on one particular finger…and actually touched it! He touched my finger! I wasn’t quite sure what to say or do; I just stood there and eventually uttered “wow, really?…I’m not sure what to say…how about ‘Thank you!’”. ‘Yes, thank you. I haven’t really heard that before at least not like this. Then there was 1.5 seconds of silence; it felt like 2 whole seconds of silence. I then said to the lady “and you’re having…

I try to keep my hands looking presentable, but nothing overly presentational at all. I guess he has a thing for hands. Admittedly, when I lived in New York I used to get a manicure every two weeks. Yup! I had my Korean spot on 57th bet. 6th & 7th Avenues; between the old Motown Café and the sneaker store! Damn, I miss those days! Every two weeks! It was an event that was on my calendar. I didn’t get my nails painted or anything like that. Nope, no clear coat either; just cutting & shaping my nails and massaging my hands. Myself, I’m a sucker for a woman with natural, beautifully manicured hands. I can become mesmerized with a womans’ hands if they’re nice like dat! Hmm…do I have a hand fetish? Woman’s hand fetish? Not so much into guys hands…

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

The last time I was in Los Angeles on the 17th of June was 2001. I’m usually home in Virginia Beach riding my Motocross bike, spending time with family, cutting the lawn, cleaning the garage, working on bikes, fishing and leaving my LA life in the distance for several weeks. It’s certainly one of the highlights of my year.

But things are different for me in 2008. Unfortunately, I’m not able to get home at the present, but hopefully that will change sooner than later. It’s okay though; I talk to or communicate in some way with someone in my family everyday. That way I don’t feel so far from home and I get to laugh which I love to do every chance I get…but it has to be funny and don’t laugh at just anything.

The sisnlaw (She can ride too!)

'da brothas


some of 'the crew (Yup, the neice can ride too!)

'da fish


'da 'lil sis

'da bikes

'da memories

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Costco – The 99 Cents Only Store – cleaning my Honda Accord – HBO’s “The Wire”. What do they all have in common? They are some of my favorite things to talk about; especially “The Wire” which I think was one the best shows on Television. I love talking about the characters and the storylines.

Recently I’ve spoken to two of the lead characters on the show. I ran into Wendell Pierce who played “Det. William 'Bunk' Moreland” and had a few words with him. Then, 3 days ago, I had taken my seats out of my car to clean the interior in front of my apartment building and Wood Harris comes walking up the sidewalk. Wood played “Avon Barksdale” on the show. We had a nice conversation about the show and his point of view of it. Nice guy, super-talented and he’s really excited about his upcoming projects.


It felt great to be a true fan of their work, but not a fan in the Hollywood fashion just in recognizing talent on its merits. Too bad The Emmys haven’t done the same; somehow the missed the boat time after time.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Callback: "Cox Communications" @ Craig Colvin Casting. Another of many callbacks for this particular office which I hope will turn into an avail followed by a booking. Yes! That sounds like a plan.

The callback went really well. Actually, the director thought we had worked together before, but we hadn’t. It was kinda funny when I revealed that we’d never met, but then I wondered if I should have just let him think that we had…hmm. I don’t know, I made the room laugh through it all and the work felt real and good. So we’ll see I guess.

One of the days I’m going to book something for Craig Colvin Casting; I promise!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I attended the SAG Solidarity Rally at SAG Headquarters this morning and let me tell you there were a lot of actors that are very upset with what is going on between SAG & AFTRA – or better yet, what is not going on between SAG & AFTRA. It’ll be very interesting to see if the new AFTRA deal is approved or not by the members. If I was a member of AFTRA I wouldn’t vote for the deal.

Callback: “Cox Communications” @ jacob casting. This callback was a pleasant surprise because I thought I was a little too young for it. Good thing they are smarter than me! Anyway, it went well and I was happy with the outcome. I get plenty of callbacks and it’s time to turn them into bookings – yeah, I like the sound of that.

Would it be weird to say that I’m happy to have a job again? No, it’s not perfect and some of the situations I find myself in are “interesting”, but you do what you have to do. Plus, it gives me a schedule again and I’m much better when I have a tighter schedule than not. Yes, the hours are tough, but I knew that going in. For the time being I need to still have my days open for auditions and such. My personal life will take a hit, but like I said I gotta do what I gotta do. This part of the actors’ journey – the rollercoaster.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I got off work about 7am this morning to find a text message from one of my brothers informing me that one of my other brothers’ was in the ER with a bulging disc in his back. I immediately felt an insane amount anxiety. I had no idea what had happened and call right away to find out.

It turned out that he’d aggravated something while riding his mountain bike last week and the pain became unbearable. I know my brother and he must have been in an extreme amount of discomfort to have gone to the hospital emergency room @ 1am. Geez, if it ain’t this it’s that these days.

I couldn’t talk to him just yet; he was drugged up, but I did talk to the brother that sent the text. He told me that even morphine wouldn’t ease the pain so they had to give him something stronger through an IV. I don’t know what the heck he was trying to prove on the mountain bike. He knows he will NEVER be able to hang with me on a mountain bike – ever. All of my male siblings are quite active and sometime we don’t know when to stop I guess.

I can’t tell you how much I love my siblings and how much it hurts me when things aren’t okay with them. Like many I don’t have a perfect family, but they are mine. I’m not extremely close with all of them, but I love them nonetheless. Nobody in this world makes me laugh like my siblings and laughter is one of my favorite things.

Get well brother…so I can wax your ass next time I come home.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

So my agent contacted me with the news that I won’t be going any further with the pilot. Oh well, there’s always next time.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition/Producers: “Kath & Kim” @ Greenstein/Daniel Casting. After 5 weeks without a theatrical audition this one came through. It was a very last minute session for a new series regular in the pilot. They’ve been looking for this character for months, even changing the gender from female to male. It actually is scheduled to shooting next week.

My agent, who was very excited to have gotten the appointment, and I talked extensively about the approach to take with the character. I had two ways prepared to do it at the audition; one really, really over the top and another that was more rooted but still a little zany. In the end I don’t think they were interested in either choice I had. I think I would have been better of if I’d just simply had a conversation with the other character, but that seemed like it would have just come as flat. I figured that they had seen everything in town and were looking for a different way, but it wasn’t my day and I didn’t leave feeling so great about it. I called my agent afterwards to fill her in with the details and she said she’d follow up on it.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

So it’s been two full weeks back at my old/new job…. It’s been interesting to have to return there. Someone very, very dear to me asked if I was humiliated or embarrassed about being back there. I’ve admittedly had and continue to have many different thoughts about the experience, but fortunately humiliation and/or embarrassment are not two of them. No, it’s not easy, but I have nothing to be ashamed of - at all. Heck, I’m proud that I was able to make a living as an actor for 7+ years without another job.

My fellow employees have all been welcoming to me; some of which I worked with when I was previously employed there. Yes, I do think about possibly pursuing other things, but honestly, I really want to continue to be a working actor. So for now I’ll be working there to stabilize my income while I figure out what my next move will be.

I wish SAG & AFTRA were working together as a negotiating team. More accurately I wish there was just one union for actors and not two competing against each other – for the same work. Sounds crazy I know. I hope the “working actor” that can realistically raise a family in Los Angeles doesn’t disappear because I want that in my future.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Wow, it’s been just over a month since my last theatrical audition. That’s a long time for me. I went 3 full weeks without a commercial audition before that started back up. I had the BK callback, but it’s obvious now that I didn’t book it. Oh well, I’ll get ‘em next time. Hopefully, it’ll start up theatrically soon too. I’ll give it the rest of the week and if I don’t have any TV/Film activity I’ll call my agents just to see what’s happening. It’s a weird time in the industry; I don’t think it’s dead, but weird nonetheless. Hopefully it’ll stabilize soon.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Comcast” @ Craig Colvin Casting. This went great and I think I’m perfect for it; well maybe not perfect, but right enough. Hopefully, I’ll get called back.

Speaking of Craig Colvin Casting; I’ve referred several of my consultation clients there for commercial classes at his Cocola Studios and they have been very happy with the results. Myself, I’ve been auditioning at Craig’s office for years with numerous callbacks and avails, but no bookings – YET!! One referral I sent there booked 3 commercials over the last 2-3 years or so. Where’s my booking??? It’s coming, I’m sure.

Another company that provides a great service for Los Angeles-based Television Casting Directors is CastingAbout. Since CD’s move around so much it can be a challenge to keep up with them, but CastingAbout does a great job sorting it all out.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: "Cox Communications" @ jacob casting. This went okay, but I think I'm too young for it. Who knows though, I could still get a callback - fingers -crossed!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Callback: “Burger King” [skirts] casting. This spot is pretty funny. They kept me to read with several different women. I’m not sure what that means, if anything, but I sure hope they book me. As always, it’s neat to get to see different people do their interpretation of the same material. Some of it was really great and some was quite boring. At any rate I hope I get to shoot the spot.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “AT&T” @ Joe Blake Casting. I walked into Ocean Park Casting expecting it to be the madhouse that it usually is. It wasn’t. In fact, it was a ghost town. There was only one job being cast with one actress and one actor waiting. “Wow”, I thought, this is “not” what I expected to see. Maybe it was a barometer of how quiet it’s been for me…or maybe not.

Anyway, I signed in, got my copy and started rehearsing the dialogue. After a while, the three of us were called in for a group explanation. The other actor stayed in the room to audition; myself and the young lady left to be next. I was heading to the other side of the room to continue rehearsing when she called my name. I had never seen this really attractive actress before and was a bit startled. She was explaining that she’d read my blog in the past and that it helped her before she moved to Los Angeles. Her fiancé had told her about it. She was so excited and rambling pretty fast when she just stopped and said “I feel like I know you, can I give you hug?!” I said, Of course!” So we hugged.

The timing of it all was just perfect because it was a concrete message that I’ve given something back to my profession and that my contribution matters. If it wasn’t for this “Alicia”(sp) I probably wouldn’t have known that today. It’s easy to forget that my contribution, in the form of this almost 600 pages blog, is read by quite a few people – some actors, some not. Alicia, you made my day, thank you!!!

Afterwards, the audition went really well and I hope and expect to get a callback.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

It is worth it? …hmmm. It’s definitely been worth it, I’ve had a great, rewarding journey thus far. But is it worth it moving forward? I don’t know. I’m at a crossroad…I think.

I’m speaking of continuing on this acting journey. I’m just not sure how much more I’m willing to do. I’m not really close to “hanging it up” just yet, but honestly it crosses my mind…quite often actually. That’s not anything new; I’ve had those thoughts for years. I'm just venting-I've worked too hard, too smart for too long to give up...I think.

These feelings will probably subside once these SAG-AMPTP–AFTRA negotiations are over. It would be so much easier if I could just ignore the state of the business and what we are up against. Many actors do just that and I understand why. Who wants to really read all that literature that comes in the mail from the guild? Who wants to attend the meetings? It’s not fun or interesting to most, but our future as performers depends on it.

The way I look at it is that we actors didn’t always get residuals or have decent wages & working conditions. They weren’t given to us by the studios without a fight and trust me at every negotiation the studios are trying to minimize those benefits. Somebody stood up a long time ago to fight for the benefits that I now get and I have to do my part to help for the people who will come after me. No, I’m not on the Board of Directors of SAG doing the really heavy lifting, but I like to call myself “a good soldier” who can and does enlighten my fellow performers at every chance I get. Sure, I probably take it a little too seriously, but it’s difficult for me to just think everything is going to be okay…it’s only my future.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Tonight was my first shift working on my own after training. It was pretty busy and I think I handled myself quite well. Something funny happened. I waited on an actress that is a regular on a current TV series. I immediately knew who she was, but I, of course, I didn’t say “Hey, you’re on that show!” I just did my job. She was kinda looking at me like we’d met before, but we hadn’t. She finally asked what I used to do before working there. I told her that I was an actor and she said, “I knew I’d seen you before!” It was pretty funny and quite unexpected. I’m guessing maybe she had seen the ”WaMu” commercial.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Wow, I had my first training shift last night at my new/old job. OMG! Is about all I can say. This experience is going to be a trip for many, many reasons. It’s so weird to back in the exact physical space that I was 7 years+ years ago. I don’t mean that necessarily in a negative way; just in a way of memories flying back in my head and clouding my thinking. The shift went well; I just gotta get back up to speed and learn my way around.

Audition: “Burger King” @ skirts Casting. Ha! Imagine that – an audition! I was started think I had been dropped by my agents! My last audition was 3 weeks ago; which is a long, long time for me. The audition went really well. The spot is pretty funny - I was slapped repeatedly by the female in the spot. She was great to work with, but realistically, I doubt they would ever cast me, an African-American actor, in that role – I’ll be up for the other male role. What ever works; hopefully I’ll be at callbacks on Tuesday.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I had orientation for my new/old job today. It went well considering I’ve been away for 7 years. Sure, I have mixed feelings about. I’d obviously rather be booking guest spots on TV or commercial campaigns, but you do what you have to do when you have to do it. The flip side is that I’m enjoying having a little bit of mental space between me and the business. It could be a turning point for me career –wise.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Tonight I attended the SAG Town Hall Meeting at the WGA Theatre. Let me tell you, the actors in attendance were fired up – me included. We were lined up before the doors opened eager to get the latest word on the negotiations between SAG and the AMPTP. I really, really wish there were more actors that showed up for these meetings. I find that many actors don’t think it affects them all that much and I can understand why, but this is a business and we are doing jobs that we need to be fairly compensated for. These negotiations affect me and the rest of us working-class actors in the most direct way possible.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Finally! I got to see my new, white-haired elderly friend; and she is going to be just fine. Yeah, she was a little sore, but she’s feeling much better. I was glad to get confirmation that she was okay.

It seems like it’s been forever since I’ve had an audition and who knows much longer it will be. I don’t know and I’m not too pressed about it for some reason. I was on-call for jury duty last week for the 3rd time in the last 5 ½ years. I was hoping to get called in to serve, but I couldn’t even get in on that. Ha! Nobody is interesting in my services it seems, LOL!

I’ve been going through old records and had to do some new calculations and in ’05 I drove over 4,000 miles in auditions, callbacks, rehearsals, bookings, classes and workshops. If I included drop-offs it would have been a total of at least 6,000 miles or more.

I was even surprised by those numbers and don’t know how I kept that pace up for so long. It’s easy to do it for a day, a week, a month or even a year. Try it for 10 years. It’s a monumental amount of work and I’m glad it’s behind me for the most part.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

It’s official. I got my old job back. Interesting, to say the least. I’m not tripping out over it either. If anything, I’m tripping by the fact that I’m not tripping.

I stopped by to see that elderly couple from yesterday’s mishap. I didn’t get to see the wife because she was resting, but I talked to the husband. More accurately, I listened to husband. He told me this incredibly long story about…something. I had no idea what he was telling me through his accent, but I trust that it was a great story. He was so animated while telling it; his face just lit up with joy. Or maybe he was saying “keep your dirty paws off of my wife or I’ll breaka your face!” I don’t know.

No auditions for two weeks. Wow. I wonder how long it will last. Another day? Another week? A month? Another hour. I don’t think I’ve had my last audition, callback or booked my last job, but who really knows when the last one is? Time will tell.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Check this out. This afternoon I had gone out to get something out of my car and on my way back to my apartment I sensed “something” was going on. I had no idea what; it was just one of those feelings you get. I stood on my tip-toes to look around and saw, in the distance, a Black woman struggling with a Caucasian man on a 4-wheeled scooter. The kind an elderly or disabled person might use. I sprinted across the street with lightening speed to help, but to be honest, I had no idea what was really happening between the man and the woman.

As I got closer I could see that the woman was in her 50’s and the man, probably in his 80’s. The cart that the man was sitting on was trying to move forward, but the woman was trying to stop him. It was only then that I could see that an elderly, white-haired woman was under the scooter while the man was completely out of control with his hand on the throttle trying to go forward. The motorized wheels kept lunging forward while the Black woman was trying to get the man’s hands off of the controls. The white-haired, elderly woman was screaming “GET IT OFF ME, GET IT OFF ME!!!

Thankfully, I’ve been working out at the gym on the regular and I’m strong like a MOFO! I lifted the scooter off of the woman like the Incredible Black man that I am. You shoulda seen dat sh*t yo! I rolled up like I was gonna save everybody and everything. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time for me to rip out of my shirt and scream like the Incredible Hulk...or Michael Jackson.

So I get the scooter off the woman, comfort her and have her lay still to make sure she wasn’t seriously hurt. She kept repeating, in an Eastern European accent, “I didn’t want to go, I knew something bad would happen”. She didn’t know what the heck had happened except that a damn scooter was pissed off at her for some reason. At that point I didn’t know what had happened either. I slowly helped her get to her feet and guided her to a shady area to gather her wits. Her glasses were bent which gave her a small cut on her cheek; she had a small scrapes on her head and hands and a little abrasion on her leg. Also, her pants were torn and she was quite dirty from being laid the eff out on the sidewalk.

It was only at this point that I got the full story of what happened. The Black woman in her 50’s was a hospice nurse. She was walking along side of the elderly man on the scooter when, all of the sudden, he started going really fast and out of control down the sidewalk. The elderly, white-haired woman was also with them, but she was walking some distance in front of them further down the sidewalk using a walker. She was also his wife. Yup, he had run over his wife with his scooter.

The man on the scooter hadn’t used it for a while and was getting familiar with it again. He’d also had both legs amputated just above the knees and was wearing prosthetics. He was confused and felt terrible about what had happened.

I thought about calling an ambulance, but after a moment or two I assessed that she was okay, just a bit shaken up, bruised and sore. I wasn’t sure what to do next; it all happened so fast. Then the woman asked me if I worked in the area. I replied, “yes”. Then she asked if I had a car. Again, I said “yes”. Next she asked if I would take her home. I said “Of course I would”.

So I went to get my car, cooled it down with A/C blasting, put her walker in my trunk and helped her to the passenger side. We left the hospice nurse and the husband to get home with the scooter on their own. On the way home she was very appreciative of my assistance and I asked her where she was from. She was from Poland and had come here through Canada, had 4 children in the area – one of which is a producer. (I can’t get away from the business, lol!)

I helped her out of the car and up the sidewalk to her home and was on my way. Shortly after arriving back at my apartment I remembered that her walker was still in my trunk. So I drove back to her place to drop it off. She was resting out on the front stoop and was surprised to see me again. She said she was going to be okay. I believed her. Growing up in Poland in the 20’s and 30’s. I’m sure she has seen many things tougher than a silly runaway scooter – even if her husband was driving it.

It totally made my day to be able to help a stranger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I haven't had a single audition in more than a week. Not alarming, but a little unusual.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

WOW! Talk about full circle or should I say “fuller” circle – no pun intended. I applied for a job today. Not just any job; my old job at the place I used to work at years ago. I say “fuller circle” as opposed to simply “full circle” because when I worked there I used to dream about “not” working there and coming back in a different incarnation. That exact thing happened when, about a year after I left, I booked a job that was to shoot in Japan and the fitting was held at my former place of employment. I thought that was “full circle”, but today the circle grew another dimension, to “fuller” when I filled out the application. Yes, it felt a little weird, but it wasn’t as bad and jarring as I thought it would be. There were several people that I knew from years ago when I worked there that greeted me warmly. Another thing that was weird was that I didn’t know how much I hadn’t forgotten about that experience until I was physically back in the space. It was a long time ago – but you gotta do watcha gotta do.

It was the logical place to return to. Why? Parking. I’m only sorta kidding. Parking in LA is one of the things that has the potential to drive me absolutely crazy. I’ll see what happens. Who knows, maybe they’ll hire me. At minimum, if I get the job, it’ll help keep me stable while I decide what I’m going to do in the near future. I’m not looking at it as my exit strategy away from my life as an actor, but I can’t help but think about leaving LA as often as it crosses my mind. It’s not a new thought it’s been that at least the last 5 years. I know I can make LA work for me I just have to try harder, be smarter and there are a few things I can change in my life.

One thing is that it’s more difficult trying to make a living booking co-star roles. So my approach is to relax a little more and not put so much pressure on myself. I’m not thrilled about doing those roles in the career sense, but at the same time I love being on set even in that capacity. There is no question that more guest-starring and beyond roles are in my future; I just have to keep moving forward. So I’m going to trust my foundation that I’ve so carefully built and get smarter with my hustle - whatever that entails. That doesn’t mean I’m going to sit idle; it just means that I’m looking at some things a little differently.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Part of this journey is being able to “do whatcha gotta do when you gotta do it”. That being said it looks like I’ll be rejoining the work force. I’m not sure in what capacity, but I have some ideas so what we’ll see what works for me.

I was looking at my earnings over the years on the SAG website (not that it’s been THAT much, it hasn’t), but I can say that I’ve earned several hundred thousand dollars over the course of my career - all under Screen Actors Guild contracts. Now the key is to keep earning and moving forward with a positive attitude onto bigger and better things.

My problem is that I’ve gotten bogged down with the serious side of the industry. It’s hard not to considering the current state of the entertainment business. Sometimes I wish I could just remain oblivious to the inner workings of Hollywood, but it might be my future so I have to have to pay attention to the really important stuff. Honestly, it has me completely drained and beat up, but I can’t complain because there are many more people that are actually doing the real union work. I’m more like a good soldier who has always done a great job of informing fellow performers, attending meeting and when needed, being on the picket lines.

We actors didn’t always get residuals, pension & health benefits, overtime, etc. Somebody, many people, had to fight for these provisions in our contracts. I feel as though I HAVE to participate in the process to protect these benefits for and make things better for those who will come behind me. After all someone did it for me.

Things are changing in this line of work and I don’t know how the chips are going to fall, but it’s going to be different. I’m already feeling the way new media is affecting the landscape as this tough business gets tougher.

Example: My “Bones” episode hasn’t rerun on network, BUT it was available – online - for months after it first aired and I didn’t receive a dime for that additional use of my work. The online version had 4-5 commercial breaks for which, I assume, the network received advertising dollars, but the actors received nothing. I’m way past the point of just being happy to book a job and see myself on TV, in a film or a commercial. It’s a job, a job I love when I get a chance to perform, but a job nonetheless.

I’ve worked plenty of acting jobs for free and will do more in the future I’m sure, but for those jobs I knew up front that it was going to be free. The play I did several years ago was free, heck, it actually costs me money to do, but I had an absolute blast doing it and I knew what I was signing up for in the beginning. The “Bones” appearance wasn’t meant to be free.

I am thankful that I have the experiences behind me that I do. By that I mean my foundation and infrastructure, the team that I’ve built over the years and credits that I’ve earned. I’m tired and I think I need to slow down in order to help myself move forward.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

”Miscellaneous Commercials”. You gotta be kidding! No, not at all. That is what I found as I was looking into some old financial statements. An envelope labeled “Miscellaneous Commercials”. Wow, that was “back in the day!” when I always had at least one commercial running, or just filmed one or one being held by the ad agency…at least one. I gotta get back on the stick and get some jobs. I must admit I smiled when I saw “Miscellaneous Commercials”. It’s not like I’ve done THAT many, but more than most.

At times it’s easy to forget exactly how much I’ve accomplished in my career. Just being able to say “career” is a huge accomplishment. I don’t take it for granted; I have been very, very fortunate – not to be confused with lucky. It took me years to be able to say I was a professional actor on my own personal level. I was a “waiter/actor”, then an “actor/waiter”, then simply “an actor with a career”. “Actor”; that is exactly what it says on my tax returns.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Charter Communications” @ M Casting. I had more dialogue in this audition than in a lot of my theatrical auditions. I read for 3 different roles – I’d like to book one of them.

Afterwards I had a meeting with my new agent at my commercial agency and I like her a lot. Hopefully we can book some jobs together.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition/Producers/Tape: “24” @ Pagano/Manwiller Casting. I’ve been trying to get into this office for years. It’s is 27.9 miles from my apartment so I haven’t made regular drops there over the years, but I’ve recently tried to dig deeper into places where I haven’t been before as far as casting offices go. So lately I’ve been making the long, gas guzzling trek out the 101 North to the casting office to try to get my name in this office. I guess it worked or maybe my efforts had nothing at all to do with it – who knows.

The audition – I haven’t had this happen in a long time. I completely blanked out. Yup! I had my first moment, said my first line and then just came up empty. I don’t know what happened, but I recovered admirably. I didn’t ask to start over or apologize; I just backed up to my starting mark, paused 2 seconds and began again – and nailed it if I may say so myself. I felt bad for stumbling, but I felt better for how I handled it. Of course they may have already tuned out from my performance. Oh well there always…”next time”. Geez, I’m tired of saying that.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Not so great news. I was released from the “Chili’s” avail. Oh well, I‘ll get ‘em next time. The great thing is that Top LA commercial casting director Ross Lacy continues to call me in more than anyone in this town. No, I'm not always great, but more often than not I leave good stuff in the room. I’ve booked 3 commercials for him so he knows I’m professional, talented and can do the work. Thanks Ross!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: "Cox Cable" @ Joe Blake Casting. Yes! This audition went really well even though I was preparing the wrong character the entire time I was preparing in the lobby. I knew the copy backwards and forwards so I was able to switch it up right away. I expect to get a callback on this one.

It seemed like the SAG-AMPTP negotiations might have been moving forward, but now it seems like “no so much”. To be frank - this sucks. It makes me sick to my stomach that these huge entities - the studios - are so greedy. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the near or distant future concerning the entertainment business, but things are changing and I hope I can continue to make a living in this business…

…on to better news. I received my official notice from the Screen Actors Guild today informing me that I’m now a vested member of the guild. I’ve earned my 10 pension credits and I qualify for an early retirement. This is really exciting news for me because if I decide to retire from acting and do something else I’ll have something tangible to show for my time spent in the field – a pension for the rest of my life.

Speaking of retirement or better yet being tired I am contemplating going back East for a while – I’d like to go back for the rest of the year and come back in January to be honest. As it stands right now, I have no idea what I’m going to do, but I’d love to be away from Los Angeles and the entertainment business for a spell.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Callback: “Chili’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. YES!!! This is the first commercial callback I’ve had in a while and I’m super- excited. The director seemed to be completely exhausted, but my group did well I felt. It would be nice to hear something like ''Stephon! You booked the ...spot!" Yeah, I like the sound of that.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I’m not wearing shoes.
I’m not wearing socks.
Pants? ...Nope, no pants.
Shirt? Missing in action.
Underwear? Nowhere in sight.

I am naked, sitting on a cold, padded vinyl table covered with a thin layer of sanitary paper. Well, naked except for the assless medical smock I'm wearing and it’s not even tied up in the back.

I know what you're thinking - sexy.

Not so much.

What the heck is going on you might ask…or you might not.

I’m at the Bob Hope Health Center for my annual Comprehensive Physical Examination (CPE). Yup, gotta take advantage of the wonderful SAG medical benefits that I've worked so hard to earn and keep.

Okay, back to being naked...and cold...and a little weirded out that the nurse is going to return to the room to take my vitals. I'm NAKED! Well, except for the untied, assless smock loosely draped over my body. I'm sure it's all in a days work for her, but for me...I'm a little nervous. I mean what if she has X-ray vision? What if she's "checkin' me out?" Actually, if she's checking me out I'll be aight...I wear size 11 Skechers and a Large glove...and you know what they say...

So the young nurse does her thing and after a while the doctor that is going to perform the examination enters the room. We make a little small talk and he starts asking the usual questions while poking, tapping and peeking into different parts of my body. One thing I really wanted to ask about was the constant ringing in my ears.

The whole time I was going though this process my mind was clouded by the fact that I knew the doctor was going to utter a series of words.

The first in the series of words was:

"Okay, roll over on your left side".

That sounds harmless enough, but don't forget about the assless and untied smock I'm sorta wearing.

The second series of words were:

"Pull your knees up to your chest."

As I'm getting myself into the fetal position I'm face-to-face with a stainless-steel table and at that very moment a box of tissues lands on it. I knew what was to happen next and tried to just relax and get it over with.

Behind me the latex-gloved doctor was lubricating his index finger...(I guess that's the offending finger he used). There should be a warrant out for the arrest of that finger. If nothing else to protect ALL men who have to get their...thing checked.

Oh sh*t. "Why? Why? Why?" I asked myself.

You can probably guess what happened next...I was informed that my prostate still works and is good shape. Can't wait until next year to do it again...not so much.

Audition: “Kellogg’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Simply- they need to bring my ass to callbacks…at least. Skip all that - justbookabrotha!

One of my consulting clients, the one that signed with my theatrical agency finally got a commercial agent as well and today was her first appointment through them. Ironically, it was at the same place and around the same time as my audition so I waited for her to arrive. We are in touch quite a bit concerning her career and I wanted to wish her good luck in person. I believe she is going to work a lot both commercially and theatrically.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “So Cal Honda” @ Alyson Horn Casting. This was fun and since they needed me to read twice I portrayed “The Husband” for two different women. It was fascinating at how different each women’s’ approach was after receiving the same group explanation. I think both of their approaches worked and, of course, I was on point too. Callbacks are tomorrow and I plan to be there.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Chili’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Nice! Another one that goes really well and hopefully they’ll bring me back for the next round. It would be nice to book something…and soon.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

The business. Sometimes, I think I’m too cerebral about the realities of the entertainment business. I’ve never felt that it was a “cutthroat business” as so many people say - at least at the day-to-day level. Sure, it’s extremely difficult to forge a career as a performer, but I haven’t dealt with many that I would call cutthroat. Not any agents, not any casting directors and not any actors.

Having a job as an actor is a great way to make a living – if you can get enough work. If not, it can be challenging to say the least. In many situations these days even if you can get the work the question is how much can you make on a given job. Our industry is going through a tremendous change and the opposition is doing their best to make sure we actors, writers and directors get as little a piece of the financial pie as possible. Truthfully, it’s quite depressing for me.

The studio level is where it’s ruthless and it affects us all – every last one of us. Sure, it’s fun to get an appointment from your agent, get callbacks and shoot projects, but at the end of the day it’s a job. If there is a time that it’s crystal clear we are workers it’s now - today, yesterday, tomorrow and beyond.

Tomorrow SAG starts negotiating with the AMPTP for our new theatrical contract and there is much strife in the air you can cut with a knife.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition “ESPN Promo” @ Lien/Cowan Casting. This went well too…they should bring me back for callbacks…yup, they should.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Crank 2” @ Kelly Wagner Casting. This one was pretty fun; I had to do an English accent for it. If nothing else; a major victory was that I was able to do the accent without being in my head about it. It was fun and freeing to just deliver and not worry about sounding silly. So much of what we do as actors is not being afraid to make a fool of ourselves. I was fearless today in Marina Del Rey! …hey that rhymed…

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “GMC” @ skirts Casting. This was for a 4-sport spot campaign. It went great! I was very happy with how it went and my ability to get the dialogue and feel of the different spots. A commercial campaign would be nice before the possible work stoppage – really nice.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition/Producers/Tape: “Ghost Whisperer” @ Donna Rosenstein Casting. I had good moments in this one – I say “moments” because I didn’t get a strong opening beat. What happened was that I was ready to start reading and in the mental space I wanted to be in. I was waiting for the red light to light up on the camera, but it never did so I waited. Finally, I looked up at the associate and I kinda got the look of “anytime now”. So I started, but not with the strength that I wanted to – no worries though I recovered and caught some nice moments.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Verizon Fios” @ Ross Lacy Casting. I wish this one went better. It wasn’t bad, but not great. My mind wasn’t clear and I had trouble concentrating.

Actually, truth be told, I know exactly what was going on; I’d had a troubling night last night. Simply put, I miss my mom. I don’t think the void of having her in my life will ever go away and since my father and I aren’t in touch it makes me feel a bit like an orphan at times. Sure, it has gotten easier to handle, but when it hits me it takes me down for the count. I also think the fact that I didn’t go home for the Christmas holiday is weighing on me as well. I usually get a serious recharge by going home and getting out of LA, but I missed it this time.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition/Producers/Tape “Lost” @ April Webster Casting. Finally! I’ve been trying to get an appointment for this show for the longest time. The role of a teacher was a nice two page scene. I was prepared and ready to rock & roll.

I asked a few questions before I started to read and the answers informed me and slightly changed some of what I prepared to do. I felt great about how it went. I think I was a little young for the part, but I can’t do anything about that.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Seven years ago today I worked my last shift waiting tables at The Hollywood Standard on Sunset Blvd. Wow, Happy Anniversary to me! Right? I guess so.

Geez, I don’t know much I like living in Los Angeles. I know there are some things that I can do to make it better, but I don’t know that I will ever call Los Angeles “home”. I do my best to fake it, but it only goes so far. I’ve been here for almost 10 years, but I don’t think I’ll ever say I’m from here or that I’m a native. It’s not anything against Los Angeles per se; LA has been great to me over the years. I’ve had my challenges, but overall, moving to LA has been a very successful move for me. I just don’t like living in a huge metropolis anymore. I wouldn’t want to live in New York either. Been there done that too. I'd like to be in the suburbs with a garage to work on my car and a lawn to cut...one day.

Maybe I’d feel different about being here if I was married with children because I would need for my wife and kids to feel that they had a home, but it’s just so hectic here for me. If it wasn't for "the biz" I'd BE OUT unless I had a serious reason to stay – dating can put a twist on things.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Honda” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This was a good one, I listened well. Hopefully, I’ll get to the next round of the casting process. Yeah, a callback would be nice.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s” @ Francene Selkirk Casting. Since I put my car in the shop last night to have some work done I opted to ride my bike from my apartment in Miracle Mile to Studio City. I took the subway for one stop because it’s a little dicey riding my bike over the Cahuenga Pass. I love riding my bike! I also really enjoy riding the subway when I have the opportunity. Sure, it would have been easier to just ask somebody for a ride, but I like when situations arise and I have to figure something out – especially when it leads to riding my bike, bus, subway or skateboard.

The audition went well and was fun. I worked with an actress I had previously met while working on “The Terminal”, Carlease Burke.

I guess the “WaMu” commercial is still running pretty strong because I’ve been hearing quite a bit about it at auditions – at least I hope it’s still running. I haven’t seen it myself, but that’s okay I just like to know it’s continuing to run.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

There was a film I was a reader for several years ago that I also booked a role in. When I work as a reader I don’t attempt to work my way in the production. I do what I’m asked, but on this one after the first day of being a reader on this project the casting director told me that they were going to put me in the film somewhere. I ended up being a reader for several days and had a great time.

They eventually booked me and gave me a start date. When my day came to shoot I never received a call time from production so I called them the night before to see when and where I was supposed to be. I found that things had changed and I wasn’t needed. No problem, but I was a little annoyed that they never called to let me know – just a little. They said I’d be rescheduled soon. So I was rescheduled and when I showed up on-set I was taken to my room and before I even finished filling out my paperwork I was wrapped and was told that I’d be rescheduled again. I was never rescheduled and heard through the grapevine that the indie production had “financial difficulties”. I gave it a couple of months to see if I was going to get paid for my time and energy then called SAG to see what the deal was.

The really interesting part was that they finished enough of the film and sold it. Months later it was airing on a sister channel of a major network. I stayed on top of my claim with SAG and today received a check for two days of work plus penalties on a film that I only actually worked as a reader on – I never filmed any principal work. It was well worth those two days of “not working”.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Print go-see: “Apple” @ Yvonne Armstrong Casting. This was another same-day call which is happening more and more these days. I think it’s because of online casting and the fact that casting directors have the ability to put sessions together at the last minute. Not a problem for me as I’m usually available (which will probably change in the near future as I may be picking up a side gig.)

Anyway, you know the drill with print; it’s usually 2-3 digital stills and out the door never to hear from them again. Actually, I used to get a fair amount of avails for print, but never book the job. I know I’ll eventually book in the print arena and it’ll seem like it came “out of the blue”. This should happen sooner than later. Yeah, that sounds good.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

It looks like I’ll be getting back in shape. Yep. I renewed my gym membership. It ran out 6 months ago and I didn’t renew it in an effort to keep my expenses super low in anticipation of the just finished WGA strike and possible, upcoming work stoppages. No, I wasn’t thrilled with the company I was dealing with, but I had a great deal. The deal was from a coupon I was given years ago. I originally signed up for $90 for a year and it would increase around $10-$13 a year – also, part of the deal was that I was limited to just one location of the gym locations available.

Every time I considered moving to another company I realized I had a great deal and I’d have a hard time beating it. As I said before I wasn’t crazy about the company I was dealing with and I knew that if I renewed my membership after being inactive for 6-months of the term they would try to only give me 6 months instead of the full year I’d be paying for. Nah dawg; caint do dat.

Well, in January, while listening to a podcast I learned the company received a last place rating in a national magazine. Several weeks after that they started sending me offers to renew my membership that weren’t too much better than my original renewal so I ignored them. Then a couple of weeks ago they sent me a deal I couldn’t refuse. It was a “Welcome Back!” deal. Renew for $90 – pay up front and they will give me 60 days free for a total of 14 months. Also, as long as I stay current, it’s only $9 a month or $90 a year if pay annually, never to increase, cancel anytime and I’m now a Premier member that can go to most any club nationally. $90 a year!!?? In Los Angeles? Now I can get my girlish-figure back! I love beating big companies at their own game, but I'm still a little suspect of the fine print...and my interpretation of it.
Wow, I’ll no longer be “pudgy”. I might even get my “nice buns” back from the “WaMu” shoot – scary. Don’t sleep!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Question: Is HBO’s "The Wire" the best display of writing, acting, directing, lighting, props, production design, wardrobe, hair & make-up, etc. on TV?

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Callback: "Progressive Motorcycle" @ Ross Lacy Casting. Not good. Nope, no two ways about it. I felt terrible about this one. I looked like I had no idea as to what I was doing. I felt like I had no idea as to what was doing. I was all confident going in and it went bad immediately after slating.

Part of the problem was that I was wearing a motorcycle helmet and couldn't hear anything - nothing. I couldn't tell if the director was talking to me or my partner. It was a complete disaster to say the least. It’s too bad because I had a shot at booking and I gave it away.

It was a perfect example of how I don't think a bad partner isn't going to hurt your own performance. My partner was great; I think the audition went fantastically well for him. It wouldn't surprise me if he books. So I don’t think that me sucking affected him in the least – he did his own thing…NEXT!!!!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Get Bruce and Lloyd” @ Roger Mussenden Casting. This is the first time I’ve been to this office and I hope it isn’t the last. I was put on tape by the associate, Jeremy, who I’ve met before at another major film office. He was a pleasure to work with. He also commented that he’d seen the WaMu commercial several times. I still haven’t seen the commercial on TV, but it must be running a lot because I hear about it everyday through e-mail, text messages, MySpace or seeing people in person. I’m thrilled to finally have something on the air, LOL!

Anyway, I think the audition went well and I made another positive connection in another office.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: "AT&T" @ Ross Lacy Casting. Pretty simple and fun setup on this one. I would think I’m perfect for it, but…

Audition: "Progressive Motorcycle" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This also went pretty well. I'm not sure what they're really looking for since I had a full faced helmet on the entire time - maybe a certain body type…and it’s common knowledge that I’m “fit like a mofo!”…not really; I haven’t worked out in months and I’m little pudgy these days. My belly is like jelly - oh my!

ttp://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w