My 6:30 pick-up to take me to the location in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Stages was running late due to snowy road conditions. It was FREEZING; I mean colder than I've been in years. We got about 8 inches of snow and it was in the 20’s temperature-wise.

I arrive on set, get set-up in my room, order an omelette and right away I'm called to wardrobe. This part trips me out every time it happens. Within 30 seconds of entering the wardrobe room with 3 women I've never met I've stripped down to my underwear. There aren’t places a man could pull that off in “real life” without getting arrested.

It’s really weird because I’ve always been very self-conscious about my body. Just like I was when I decided to wear a tank-top in the audition. I was self-conscious then too, but I wanted the job and was fortunately able to not be “self-aware”.

I’m a small, slight dude; always have been. So, of course, growing up I was constantly reminded how skinny I was and that I had a bird chest – ya know, all things kids say. The saving grace was I was a bad mofo on my BMX bike. Hells yeah!! Haha!

Just last week I was getting a new battery put in my watch and the jeweler thought the watch was for a woman. What? So I have skinny wrist. Leave my a** alone! Stop abusing me, LOL! Don’t get me started on my little ears….whatever.

So, Melissa, the wardrobe lady gives me 8-10 different tops and pants to try on – including a my own tank top and boxer shorts. I was really, REALLY hoping that I wasn’t going to be on national television wearing a tank top and boxers.

So I’m chilling in my room and the moment of truth comes. It’s Melissa with my approved wardrobe and you guessed it – they chose my own tank-top from the audition and boxer shorts. Why?!?! A few minutes later she came back with these super-duper-slim-sorta-lyrcra like booty-ass shorts for me to wear under the boxers. I’m like, “What the heck are these?” Are they for my wife? I mean I was already wearing black briefs under the boxers.

At this point I had to put my game face on. The choice had been made for me to be in shorts and a tank so I had to suck it up and be strong. I was ready to protest and go commando and shit, but thought that might not be a good decision. I’m just kidding – sorta. In the end; I decided to keep my briefs on and wear the super-duper-slim-sorta-lyrcra like booty-ass shorts over my briefs.

Me wearing super-duper-slim-sorta-lyrcra like booty-ass shorts-they even let me keep them.

Can I talk about my wife in the spot? I was so curious as to who my wife would be. I could have just asked production, but I decided to wait and be surprised. I was looking around on the plane, but figured she could be based in New York. Sure enough, she is based in Brooklyn. She is: Broadway Actress-Singer–Songwriter-Musician-Playwright-Harvard Grad and all-around cool sista Eisa Davis! How did I get so lucky to share the stage with this one? My blessings continue…

The Director, David Shane from New York-based production house O Positive, was a complete pleasure to work with too - an actor’s director. Instead of saying “Action!”; he actually said “Acting”. How cool is that?

Usually, as actors, we hear very little about the behind the scenes part unless we book and even then you may not hear much. They were auditioning for this series of spots in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. I only auditioned once, but everyone else I spoke with went in 2, 3 even 4 times. It’s always fascinating to me as to how these things come together.

We did take after take. After take after take. I think we did more takes than all of my other commercials combined. Some of that may have to do with the fact that we were shooting on video instead of film. I hope they got what they needed to make it right…I think they did. Most of it was Eisa and I sitting next to each other on the bed, but there was another part that was a little…more interesting.

So there I was in a tank top and boxers; her in a little – ya know the little things women wear to bed that they look oh so fine in. I’m sorry I just love women…they’re just cool…and most everything about them.

Anyway, we are lying in bed as husband and wife and it’s just weird, fun, but weird, but that‘s the gig as an actor…thankfully, lol! Me, the skinny bird-chested brotha, with the wrists of a woman never expected to get acting work and be less than fully dressed. So it’s a real head trip for me. In the WaMu spot I felt that I was a little bit on display physically too. It kinda makes me feel that I should take going to the gym and staying in shape a little more serious.

I’ve been asked what it’s like to be in a bed scene with a woman. Of course the first question is “Is it exciting?” LOL! Sure, it’s exciting, but not THAT kind of exciting. I mean, I’m a professional and it’s important for your partner to be able to be professional as well. BUT with that said, I can see how things…enough. I’ve only done it one other time; meaning a scene in the bed with a woman – a revisit.

Eisa and I were wrapped, had lunch with the crew and I was taken back to Manhattan. I was completely exhausted, maybe a little jet-lagged and collapse in my hotel room. I woke up later and walked around the City and got on the subway to explore.

51st & Lex on the 6

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It’s 5:15 in the morning and I’m getting in the shower to prepare for my trip to New York. I didn’t get in the bed until 4:45 so I’m dragging a little. I have to learn to sleep more! I want to sleep more; I’m just always doing something. The car service to LAX, provided by the production company, calls at 5:45 for a 6am pickup to let me know they are downstairs waiting.

There were a few construction detours on the way to LAX and I guess the driver was trying to make up for lost time. By the time I got to the airport I was nauseous from being tossed around in the back – ugh! Lots of jack-rabbit starts, quick stops and swerving left to right is no fun in the back seat of a Lincoln Town Car.

With the exceptions of going through security and customs I really enjoy flying and being at the airport – especially flying for free. I’m a people watcher that’s generally more comfortable watching people than being watched by people and airports are great for people watching.

So I get checked in and, to my surprise, learn that I don’t have to pay the $15 for my checked bag because I’m flying first-class – cool, saves me $30. I was aware that the East Coast had a was due for bit of weather, but the gentleman sitting next to me said New York could get a up to 12 inches of snow. This was really good news. Other than skiing/snowboarding I hadn’t been in snow for a long time so I welcomed the inclement weather.

We landed at JFK about 20 minutes early, but waited 45 minutes on the tarmac for a plane to clear our gate; then another 45 minutes to get our bags. The car service called as soon as I landed to let me know they were on time, but I told them it was going to be a while. I was hoping the driver wouldn’t leave but I guess delays are a part of what they do.

I guess this is my ride!

I finally got to my hotel, The W - Lexington & 49th, as the snow flurries began to fall. It was great! After getting settled I put on my winter coat and went for a walk around my old stomping grounds as the flurries turned to snow.

Sixth Ave & 50th

Walking through Times Square was a really neat thing because I used to live in the neighborhood when I first moved to the city; 450 W 46th St. between 9th & 10th in Hell’s Kitchen. I used to walk through Times Square on my way to walk everyday.

I remember Times Square seeming so crazy and insane 14 years ago. I also remember the open air drug market, in the park ‘round ‘da way on my street; and the prostitutes, LOL! Wow, it was a little much for a youngster from the suburbs of Virginia Beach, but I handled it well. I would walk through Times Square at 2am on my way home from work vowing to one day make sense of it all. By that, I mean not feeling so overwhelmed by the City.

Truthfully, I didn’t have time to be overwhelmed because I moved to New York with $200 to my name. I had to hit the streets to make it happen or go to Plan B. Plan B was also to make it happen. Besides, how overwhelmed could I be making $3 an hour plus tips? Mo money, Mo problems. No money, No problems. I didn’t have any problems.


I remember back in 2002 seeing myself in a commercial on the Wrigley's Jumbotron in Times Square. I was so excited about that; especially that I only found out because a fellow actor saw it and called to tell me about it. So being back in NYC for work is a dream come true and I expect to do it many more times in the future.

Me in front of me on big screen - 2002

Anyway, my frigid self made it back to the hotel to get rested for a 6:30 pick-up to take me to the location.

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Yesterday morning I was asleep after working the previous overnight shift. My phone rang and I saw that it was my commercial agency. I really, really hoped it wasn’t the type of news I got after my last commercial booking. That was not good news.

I retrieved the voicemail with a slight cringe having no idea what to expect. It was Jamie, one of the assistants, from the agency. Right away I felt that things couldn’t be too bad because if it was it would have been the voice of Samantha, the agent handling the booking.

The next thing that happened was that Jamie took a pause before saying whatever it was she had to say. That pause didn’t feel good. My heart was racing – I mean RACING. The next word I understood her to say was “Contract”. My split second reaction was “NOOOOO!” The next word after that was “Expired”. LOL!! I’m thinking my contract for the “KY Jelly” commercial has expired and I’ve been replaced; just like the “Cheetos” commercial! Crazy I know, but after all the weirdness I’ve had with bookings in recent years I’m a little edgy okay, LOL!

Anyway, it turns out that it was all great news. Jamie was informing me that my commercial contract with the agency had expired and that I needed to set up an appointment to resign a new 3 year agreement. That’s good right? I’ve been with KSR (formerly KSA), one of the top commercial houses in Los Angeles, for almost 11 years and they want to keep the relationship alive. That is a reason to smile and not panic.

With that, it looks like I am really flying to New York early tomorrow morning; it’s actually going to happen. I’m really, really excited.

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Okay, I admit that every time my cell phone rings I think it’s somebody giving me the news that someone changed their mind and I’m no longer a part of the production. Not the greatest feeling, but it’s all part of it I guess. Jobs come and go. My last commercial booking came and went without me getting to shoot it; this one will be different.

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Geez, I’m pretty worn out from working last night, but as I expected my phone started ringing very early with the logistics of travel and the shoot in New York.

I really hope this happens. What I mean by that is booking the job is not always enough. Just because you book a commercial doesn’t mean you will get to shoot the commercial. Just because you shoot a commercial doesn’t mean you’ll be in the final edit. Just because you are in the final edit doesn’t mean it will run more than once. Not trying to sound pessimistic, but I’m a realist and these are all situations I’ve experience first hand in the commercial and theatrical world.

Of course, way more often than not my bookings have proceeded as scheduled, but in recent years I’ve experienced more than my share of weirdness. Usually, I try to look at it as the more I book the more likely weird things will happen…and that weirdness goes both ways; for better or for not so much better. Anyway, I should get my travel itinerary tomorrow so I know when, where and for how long. I’m also glad to say that my manager was great in making my missing work no big deal.

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Audition: “AirTran” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. This went really well and I’m perfect for it. I usually get callbacks at this office and I hope to get one for this.

While driving on I-10, at on my way home from the audition my phone rang. The logo of KSR, my commercial agency, came on the screen. My first thought that there was a problem with the equipment at the audition and I needed to go back and audition again. That happened once at the office and I think about it every time I’m there.

I retrieved the voice mail message and mostly expected to hear the voice of Leah informing me that “we’ll get ‘em next time”; her way of telling me that I’ve been released from another avail. I hear that sooo often…it’s getting old.

Instead I heard the voice of Samantha, who actually I don’t think I’d ever spoken to on the phone. Samantha is my newest agent at KSR – she started about 9 months ago. The first word I remember hearing from Samantha was “congratulations….”. Yup, she then proceeded to tell me that I booked the KY Jelly” commercial!!! Right at that moment my life went into slow motions at 65 miles per hour. I couldn’t believe it. Like seriously, I couldn’t speak I was so stunned.

I got off the highway at the La Cienega exit, pulled into the Del Taco parking lot and sat in my car - speechless. It was about 5 minutes before I could even get myself together to call Samantha back to get the points of the deal. It was the first job I had booked through Samantha and I think I made it seem like it was my first booking ever - not commercial booking #35 or so for me.

It felt great to feel that way. No, I didn’t cry, but I was maybe a little misty-eyed…a little. She told me I’d be leaving for New York in a couple of days and production would call me directly to set everything up. Wow.

I always told my managers at work that I’d do whatever I could for them as far as filling in last minute or just being generally flexible. I also told them that I knew I would eventually have very last minute things come up in my career and I’d need their support as well. I guess I’ll see how this one works out.

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hmm…still no news on the avail. Well, since this spot is traveling to New York I’m beginning to think that maybe they’ve moved on without me. I hope not, but who knows, maybe I’m still in the running. I hope so.

The last thing I want to do is totally get used to being released from these avails. I mean, “it is what it is”, ya know. It means that I am doing something right – a lot right in fact. I’m not at all defeated about it; I know that I have to just stay the course and keep it moving. I’m pretty good at that.

Oh yeah, “no news, is good news”. Right?

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No news about the “K-Y Jelly” commercial. I’ll take that as good news.

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Yes! This morning my commercial agency called to inform me that I’m on avail for the “K-Y Jelly” commercial. That is great news! I would love to go to New York to shoot it. I never would have believed that in 10+ years in Los Angeles I have yet to get back to New York to work on a project. That needs to change and soon. Well, when I think about it; I’m happier being able to say that I’ve been to Tokyo & Madrid since I had never been to those places.

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Audition: “Dave & Buster’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Not so much; I don’t think I’ll be moving to the next step on this one.

Audition: “K-Y Jelly” @ Joe Blake Casting. This was a first time call straight to callbacks. As soon as I arrived I was paired up with “my wife”. Let me tell you this woman was absolutely beautiful. So I’m there in my pajama bottoms and a tank top feeling a little weird. Moments later me and this stunning creature are cozied up rehearsing our lines. The scenarios in the different commercials were all about making love and using K-Y products. It was interesting to say the least. I know I had fun; I think she did too.

By the time we actually auditioned my partner and I were a well oiled machine. It was a straight to callback session, but only the camera operator/session director was in the room. The director was on a monitor in front of us in New York. He spoke to me as though we had worked together before, but we hadn’t. No matter, it felt like there was a bit of a connection – even from 3,000 miles away. Anyway, the session went really well and I was on my way.

Man, I would love to book this spot - KY?? Yeah! That's not like saying "I just booked a Burger King" spot or an "IBM" commercial. Saying "KY Jelly"!! Hell yeah, that'll give me some much needed street cred; ya know some edge.

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Audition: “Fred & Vinnie” @ Brad Gilmore Casting. Eh, this went okay. Well, maybe less than okay. I felt like I just went in and did a bunch of stuttering. “Next!” Is probably what the CD said when I left.

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Audition: “Dr Scholl’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Yeah, I too get tired of writing about how well my auditions are going, but not translating into bookings. Well here’s another one. Actually, I blew the first take (it’s ADD related, gotta work on that), but we did two more takes and they were great fun. Ross’ is another office that I have a good record of callbacks, avails and bookings…and avail releases too, BUT let’s not talk about that – just bookings!

A couple of nights ago I attended a mixer for CastingAbout. I have to say that I really like these guys and this company. They just seem like good people, plus they provide a tremendous service for keeping up with casting directors, associates, assistants, TV/Film projects and the status of them, etc. They’ve just partnered with Breakdown Services which I assume helps them get the word out.

I’ve always had to use several different sources to maintain my database of the casting community. It takes a lot of work, but I have been very successful at it. Keeping track of the casting community is a tough thing to perfect, but CastingAbout makes it a little bit easier and more informative – especially keeping track of associates and assistants as they move from office to office. And they plan to cover New York in the near future.

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Audition “ACE Hardware” @ Craig Colvin Casting. Simple stuff; they could cast so many different types in this spot; including me. I have a pretty good callback ratio at this office so hopefully I’ll be there whenever they are.

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Callback: (on a Sunday) “Verizon FIOS” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. Okay, this was pretty funny. Since I came up with the brilliant assessment that my glasses are holding me back in every thing I do in life I decided to go to the callback wearing contact lenses. I figured that way it might be easier to see my eyes and make “the connection”.

First, I have to say it’s great to run into so many actors that I’ve seen on the circuit for years and years some even going back to my New York days. Even though we are all competing for a job that could pay tens of thousands of dollars there is a great sense of camaraderie in the air. Make me proud to be a professional in this field.

So it’s my turn in the room with the director and the rest of the creative team. Everyone seems to be nice and the director was especially friendly. There were two different spots being casts and after the first take the director asked me if I had the glasses that I wore in the first audition with before with me??? I told him “yes, and that they were in my jacket in the lobby”.

Typically, the answer to that would be “oh don’t worry, it’s no big deal”, but no; this director was willing to wait to see those particular frames. So I run out to the lobby to get my glasses and put them on and I quickly figured out that contact lenses and glasses…on the same eyes…and at the same time do not work so well together. I didn’t want to take the time to remove my contacts and hold up the session that was already running behind schedule.

My vision with glasses and contacts was crazy! But I made it work for me; it was almost like I had a secret. In fact I did have a secret – my secret was that I couldn’t see SHIT!! Thankfully, I knew the dialogue.

Anyway, I felt that the callback went well and the director seemed particularly interested in what I had to offer, but he might have been that way with everyone.

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Audition “Verizon FIOS” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. YES! I always have great auditions at this office! Well, not always, but more often than not it goes really well and I get a callback or and/or avail. I hope this is another one.

Tonight in my acting class I was watching myself on tape and noticed that it was quite difficult to see my eyes through my glasses. It felt a bit disconnected to be honest. I wonder if that could be helping me get released from some of the gigs I’ve been close to booking…an interesting thought. I like my current frames, but they do give me a headache at times. I’m not too much of a fan of contact lenses on a regular basis since getting an eye infection back in New York. I don’t ever wanna go through that again.

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Audition/tape “Castle” @ Donna Rosenstein Casting. I was really happy with how this one went and I think I’m right for it. More importantly, I feel that they’ll keep bringing me in for whatever they are casting and that’s of vital importance for the big picture of my career.

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This morning I did a reading of scripts of students in a screenwriting program at Venice High School. It was a complete blast! I had been wanting to do something like this for a while and finally saw an opportunity and jumped on it. I’ll definitely do more in the future.

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Audition: “Dairy Queen” @ [skirts] casting. Yeah, this one went pretty well; not great, but well enough. I think I might be too young though.

Callback: “Planter’s Peanuts” @ Digital Dogs Casting. This was a good one – fun too. It’d be nice to book something soon – practically anything would be cool.

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Callback “UPS” @ ASG Casting. Uh oh, “this not go so well”. Yeah, I didn’t show too well at this one. Let’s just assume that they will be moving on without me.

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Audition: “Glee” @ UDK Casting. Yes! I like going in on these recurring guest-star roles; there is just more to do and more fun to have. I read it once; got a slight re-direct and did it a second time. It went very well and the casting director was very complimentary of my work – not just this time, but every time I read for him. That is a great place to be especially in that particular office.

Honestly, me and my agent think I play a little too young for the role, but she submitted me anyway and I got an appointment. After reading the casting director explained that he didn’t know if the role would remain in the script as it had been cut before and put back in. At any rate it was a great showing. After the audition I went to my acting class, which went really well.

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Audition: Planter’s Peanuts” @ Digital Dogs Casting. This was a very last minute audition that I was fortunately able to make. It went really well too. The was a little bit of improv at the very end of the second take and a “bad word” slipped out. Hey, I was in the moment. No, I don’t make it a habit of cursing in auditions, but it there it was. I doubt it matters one way or the other, but I think they should bring me in for callbacks regardless. Yeah!

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Audition: “UPS” @ ASG Casting. This was pretty simple and it went well. While there I was told that my footage from a non-paying promo I had auditioned for a couple of months ago is going to be used for the project. I hardly remember the project, but it’s usually good to book something.

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Callback: “Roundtable Pizza” @ [skirts] casting. I need more callbacks to go like this one; that way I’d be able to get that house I want to buy. My partner and I were both a little confused when we entered the audition room because we didn’t hear all of the group explanation but we just trusted it, stayed in the moment and let things unfold. I need to work on that staying in the moment stuff.

I left the audition feeling great about what I left in the room and several hours later I got the call informing me that I had been placed on avail. This booking would be a great way to start off the year.

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Audition: “Time-Warner Cable” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Yes! This was a lot of fun and I expect to be at the callbacks next week.

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Wow; what a historic day today was. I’m glad that I’m old enough to truly understand the significance of what has taken place. While I don’t believe that Barack is magic; I do believe that he will have positive impact on this country and the world in this time of great need. I also believe it could be a good thing for someone like myself in my career.

Audition: “Roundtable Pizza” @ [skirts] Casting. This went really well; callbacks are this week.

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Audition: “Ambien CR” @ Alyson Horn Casting. Good stuff. I think I’m really right for it too.

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Shooting “Grey’s Anatomy” @ ABC/Prospect Studios.

I’m tired, really tired. I got off work early this morning; my call time is early this morning.

I’ve been running like crazy for the past several weeks including a little travel and I’m going home for thanksgiving next week. It’s all good though ALL GOOD; I didn’t move to LA to watch paint dry. So I’m not complaining; I’m just voicing stuff.

So I get to the studio and my little trailer and wardrobe and contract are ready and waiting for me. Shortly afterwards the 2nd 2nd AD leads me into the hair and make-up trailer. The first people I see are Sarah Oh and Ellen Pompeo in their chairs preparing for the day of shooting. The two ladies in charge of hair take a quick look at me and say ‘Ha! You’re easy and perfect; see you on set”. Then I go to make up and she takes a look at my skin and says “oh you’re fine, I’ll get you later”. I’m done; free to go back to my trailer to finish filling out my contract.

30 or so minutes later there is a knock on my door and it’s time to go to set for a quick rehearsal. I walk out to the golf cart and Sarah Oh is getting into the front seat while I get in behind the driver. Sarah turns around to introduce herself and says, “we’ve met before…haven’t we?” I was really caught by surprise, but yes, we had met before – we worked on “Arli$$” together on February 6th, 2001 @ the Andrita Stages. I could not believe that she remembered me.

Then the “Grey” in “Grey’s Anatomy” – “Meredith Grey” series lead Ellen Pompeo slipped into the back seat beside me and introduced herself. Sandra immediately told her that we’d work together, years ago and we made the short trip to the stage to rehearse.

We did a quick blocking run-through and then again and one more time before 2nd team took our places to do the camera stuff…I even had a stand-in. I was back in the trailer for a bit and then the call for make-up came. Shortly after that we headed back to the stage to shoot the scene.

It was fun! It’s always fun. I really look forward to the day when I’m acting on a daily basis as a regular on a show…it’s got to be one of the best jobs in the world.

After about 3 or 4 different camera setups we were finished and I was wrapped for the day. Success! It was a smaller role, but I’m thrilled to have booked it. The really funny part is that 2-3 years ago I may have decided to not go in on it, but times change.

Check this out. On a medical show like Grey’s Anatomy one would imagine that they would go through scores of lab coats over 5 seasons. Right? Random tech here, random doctor there. I thought it was interesting that my lab coat had my character’s name embroidered on it and not on a removable tag. I wonder if they do that for all characters because, I assume, that after embroidering a lab coat they couldn’t use it again for another character. That would be a lot of lab coats. That makes me wonder if maybe my character might return to the show in the future…hmmm. Who knows, I sure don’t…one can only hope.

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Audition: “Advair” @ Gabrielle Schary Casting. This one didn’t go so well; there was a ton of dialogue. It was going well in rehearsal, but not so well in the room.

I started a new 8-week on-camera acting class with Leslee Dennis this afternoon and I think I’m going to like it. I’m also looking into a photography class and another class after I’m finished with this one.

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Audition: “Kingsford” Ross Lacy Casting. Another good one in the books.

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It’s over; my vacation has come to an end and it’s time to leave on a jet plane back to Los Angeles. I had a great time at home with my family; fortunately I was able to go ride my dirt bike too.

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Aww man! My agent called with an appointment for “CSI: Miami” @ Nan Dutton Casting and I’m still in Virginia on vacation. I’ve been trying to get in this office for years and I hated missing this particular one. The sides were a lot of fun and I would have loved to get a chance to flex with the character…oh well hopefully they’ll bring me in another time.

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It’s over. 2008 is over. What a year…to say the least. A good year. A great year. Not the year I envisioned in many ways, but definitely, without a shadow of a doubt it was the year that I needed. Yes, that is very true.

The smartest thing I did in 2008 was to re-join the workforce. Well, “re-join” isn’t accurate because obviously I’ve always worked, but I mean as in a day job. The biggest and most important thing it has done, outside of earning extra income, has been to give me a distraction away from “the biz” as much as usual.

Don’t get me wrong I really enjoy the entertainment business, but there are so many other things I like to talk about as well. Being at “the job” occupies my mind with other things and fills my schedule. Don’t get me wrong I’d rather be doing more commercials and TV/film gigs, but it wouldn’t change my hunger to have conversations about other things

YES!!! I’m so excited to be going to North Carolina to ride my dirt bike today. Unfortunately, my brother Todd was unable to go, but I took my niece, my nephew and his friend with me. I didn’t ride all that great, but we had a ton of fun and that is what’s it’s all about.

I hadn’t ridden since the last time I was home in July ’07. That was when I blew the crank in the motor and I told myself that I wasn’t coming back home until I could afford to get it repaired. One of these days I’ll be able to ride at least a couple of times a month – that’s going to be great!

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You have no idea how happy I am to be going home to Virginia Beach. I am taking a highly anticipated break from Los Angeles for the rest of the holidays.

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YAY!!  The woman who I helped yesterday with her SUV and such called and left a message of thanks for going through the effort of returning her keys.  I was really glad to hear from her and that it all worked out.

Six more days until I go home to Virginia – yes, I am counting.

Audition: “TurboTax” @ Jeff Gerrard Casting.  This is a last minute thingy that needs to be cast in the next day or so.  I went just okay so I kinda doubt I’ll be hearing anything more from them.  I’m not too happy about that because I haven’t auditioned for Jeff in quite sometime; he hired me many years ago for a “Pizza Hut” commercial  that I didn’t even have an appointment for – I didn’t actually crash the audition; I just didn’t have an appointment.  My photo used to be on his wall in the office.  Hopefully, I’ll start getting back in a regular basis in ’09 for his projects.    

I think mentally I’m spent and ready for a vacation; so basically I’m just working everyday until I go to LAX and leave on a jet plane… 

http://www.stephonfuller.com

This afternoon I treated myself to one of my favorite places for lunch – Panera Bread in Studio City. No, it’s not a fancy restaurant, but I feel like it’s a good value for my hard earned dollars and I leave there feeling that I got a good meal that isn’t going make me regret it later.

While waiting to back out of my parking space there was an unusual amount of traffic in the parking lot. I waited patiently until finally I was able to get in line to exit the lot. After a few moments I could see what the issue was; it was an SUV that, for some reason, wasn’t moving forward. There was only one lane leaving the lot and one lane entering and so when cars were going around the immobilized SUV to exit it would turn into complete gridlock with horns blaring and drivers swearing.

As I eased my vehicle around the SUV I could see that there was an exasperated woman who looked like she could really use some assistance. I wasn’t in a big hurry and I decided I was going to see what I could do to help. I illegally parked around the corner and jogged back to her vehicle.

I asked the cute Latina woman what the deal was and she said, through her accent, that she’d run out of gas. So I looked around and offered to try my best to push the SUV out of traffic so that she could at least get out from under the pressure from the other motorists, none of which offered help – at least not that I saw.

This begs the question from me – How do you not help someone in distress? Sure, there are plenty of legitimate reasons. Maybe you’re running late for an appointment. Maybe it’s a dangerous situation. Maybe you’re bleeding from the head and dealing with your own stressful situation. I don’t know, but barring things like that I feel that we HAVE to help one another – we have to. Why not? No, I don’t stop for every stranded motorist I see, but I try to help when I think I can and even when I’m not sure if I can. Sometimes just the act of letting someone know that you are concerned is enough to make a situation better than if you hadn’t showed any concern at all.

Anyway, if you don’t already know ; I’m a pretty small dude – 5’8” and I weigh less now then when I graduated high school - 145 pounds on a good day wearing only my smile. The Black Ford Edge SUV has a curb weight of 4073lbs. plus it was on a slight incline – advantage Ford Edge.

After helping the woman get the vehicle into neutral I attempted to push. I think I actually heard the vehicle say “wassup punk”; my answer to that was to really give it my all and push super, duper hard – the Black stallion chuckled. Shortly after that another man pitched in to help and we were able to move it together, but since there was no power steering; the woman couldn’t turn the wheel enough to back it into the parking space. So I say, “aight, let’s go forward!” She turns the wheel better this time but still not enough and we hit the curb going forward. We were beginning to look like the 3 stooges, but hey, at least we were tying to solve the problem.

At this point another man showed up to help and asked the woman to let him steer the vehicle. We try to go backwards again but hit the curb - AGAIN! Mind you we are completely blocking traffic in both directions, but one more attempt going forward and we finally got it into the spot. She was very, very thankful that several complete strangers came to her aid.

I asked her if she called AAA or some kind of service and she said that she had left a message with a friend who had not called back yet. I offered to drive her to the gas station down the street to get some gas so she could be on her way and she accepted my offer.

We arrived at the gas station and the attendant pointed her to where she could buy a gas can. The woman thanks me and says that she can walk back to the vehicle since it wasn’t too far down the street. I said okay and good luck and was on my way.

It wasn’t how I wanted to handle it; I would have preferred to “finish the job” and make sure the “damsel in distress” had gas in the vehicle, the vehicle started and I could witness her drive off into the sunset. But I went against my instinct and let her have her way because I didn’t want to be creepy and insist to offer help that she didn’t feel she needed.

So I drive back over to my side of the hill and run a few more errands before going to picking up some friends at LAX. Before going to the airport I wanted to check the flight status of their already delayed flight. Right before going into my apartment I glanced down on the floor of the passenger seat in my car and I see something that wasn’t familiar to me. I leaned over to get a closer look and to my horror it was the Latina woman’s full set of keys that she left in my car. Oh $#!!!

Without even thinking I started my car and headed back to Studio City – in the complete opposite direction of LAX. I didn’t know the woman’s name and she didn’t know mine. The only thing I knew was that she was going to be late for work and that she worked on the Hollywood side of the hill.

LA traffic agreed with me as I breezed over the hill back to where I left her about 90 minutes earlier, but both she and the vehicle were gone. What to do, what to do. The only identifying thing attached to the vast array of keys was a Los Angeles City Library Card bar-code thingy.

So I drive back from Studio City to Hollywood to LAX, but I decided to stop at the library branch on Sunset. I didn’t want to just leave the keys with them, but I wasn’t sure how to get any information from them without seeming to be weird and stalker-like. When I walked in the library there were two uniformed police officers on patrol. I told them the story. The agreed that maybe we could swipe the card and get the woman’s contact information to get her keys back to her.

The library attendant swiped the card and a warm feeling came over me when the woman’s’ contact information came up on the screen complete with a phone number that we hoped was current. The attendant proceeded to dial the (818) number and guess what? It was missing a digit!!!

So I left the keys with the police along with my phone number asking the woman to call me so that I would know if she got her keys back.

Moral of this long a** story? Label your shit. I do just that and people over the years have made fun of me. Whateva. I remember flying home to Virginia Beach one year and on the last leg from Newark to Virginia I was using my $400 PDA and fell asleep and unbeknownst to me it slid off of my lap when we landed. An older woman several rows ahead of me found it and gave it to her son. He called me and FedExed it back to me. Label it!

I hope this woman calls me so I know she got her keys back. I guess that’s what I get for not “finishing the job”.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/www.stephonfuller.com/Chapter_%2828%29_Dec_08-Jan_09.html

Audition/Producers: “Better Off Ted” @ Thomas/Adler Casting. This was a real producers session in the sense that it seemed like the entire creative team was there. I’ve gotten used to just going on tape with casting or just a few from the creative in the room. It’s all good though; it went well.

The only thing is that I believe it’s an AFTRA show - and you know how I feel about AFTRA. I don’t believe that AFTRA is truly looking out for the interest of actors. I think AFTRA is looking out for AFTRA. I have felt that way for a while, but I’m always open to be convinced otherwise...I’m fair like that. I’m not looking forward to the day I have to join that organization to work a job.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition “McDonald’s” @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting. I’ve booked at this office in the past, but I don’t know if I’m right enough to go further in the process on this one.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Oh no! I was just released from my “Raytheon Ethics” avail. What are they thinking? They need me! Right? Evidently not so much…oh well; on to the next one.

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I know I say this all the time, but this went great and I think I’m perfect for it! Actually, let me back up a bit. It went pretty good and I think I’m perfect for it. It just seem like a really fun spot to be a part of; so maybe I’ll be one of the fortunate ones to get called back.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Wow, this came as a surprise; I’m on avail for the “Raytheon Ethics” industrial I auditioned for last week. I guess they did like what they saw. I hope I book it!

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Audition/Producers: "Raytheon Ethics" @ Michael Donovan Casting. I've known Michael for years after having met him in CD workshops and seeing him speak on different panels for actors, but I think this is the first time I've actually auditioned for him. I don't mean "know him, know him", like personally; just professionally as in an actor to CD type of way. Nice guy and a big fan of actors.

Anyway, the audition was an industrial and I thought it went pretty well. Maybe I wasn't what they were looking for because I don't think I connected with the "powers that be" in the room all that much. Funny enough the two other actors I read with felt the same way. I just said' "you never know what they are thinking, maybe they loved us right away and didn't need to see anything more - who knows". At any rate I was very happy with my performance.

Callback "Verizon" @ Ross Lacy Casting. Yes, I knew I would make it to callbacks! One day I’m going to book one of these commercials; I promise I am! The callback goes well and hopefully it'll turn into an avail. I get a fair amount of callbacks and avails at this office and it's time for a booking...and the opportunity to actually shoot it.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Verizon” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Simply, easy, I’m perfect for it and I will be at callbacks – yup, I know it.

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Of course I sometimes wonder why I seem to be the crash test dummy of what can happen when it comes to booking an acting job. Ironically, I was supposed to be a crash test dummy in the Cheeto’s commercial that I booked and then was unbooked from. Guinea pig? Maybe that’s just the way it goes in life – things come and go.

I mention this because I wonder who showed up on set at FOX studios today to shoot the role I was “the choice” on “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”. It sure wasn’t me, but that’s okay. Actually I take it as a compliment. My commercial agent said this about the situation; “Welcome to the big leagues where you are in conflict with your own performance...” I love that!! Especially coming from an agent/owner of such a well respected agency.

I had a situation back in 2000 where I was on the other side of the coin. An actor had booked a job in a movie-of–the-week and then fell ill; ultimately I ended up with the job. Eventually, years later, I met the actor I replaced in that MOW and always have great conversations with him to this day. Interesting enough I hadn’t ever brought it up to him because I thought he knew what had happened. To my surprise he told me that he was so sick that he had no recollection of what had happened. I filled him on the story that he was hearing for the first time; it was pretty neat because I assumed that he knew all these years – we got a good laugh out of it.

Anyway, I say congratulations to whomever got to work on the show today; it wasn’t me, but something else will come through for me in the near future. I believe it, I know it.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Well it’s tomorrow. Today is when my agent should call with, hopefully the official booking for “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”. Of course I was asleep when she called; I was totally beat from working last night.

So I checked the voicemail and it was my agent Caleigh saying to call her. This didn’t feel quite right. I mean of course she wanted me to call her, but I could tell by the sound of her voice that something interesting had taken place. “What now?” I wondered.

So I dial up and she answers that she has some interesting news. A large part of me knew what was coming because I thought about it last night. There was no question that the producers, director, writers and casting wanted to hire me for this job, but there was one little fly in my soup.

It’s funny because in all my years doing CD workshops I would naturally ask questions that most didn’t ask and some didn’t understand why I would ask in the first place. Occasionally actors would ask me afterwards exactly what I meant by the question and, of course, I would explain…in great detail.

I have written at length in the past about how booking the job is not always enough. I’ve experience this several times first-hand. Being the “first choice” of the writers, producer, director isn’t always enough either. If anyone knows this it’s me. These situations have cost me dearly in cold, hard cash and funding for SAG P&H and of course credits on my resume.

On the other hand these experiences are a big part of what makes me an excellent consultant on the business of the acting business. I can speak on these sorta rare situations from a direct point-of-view. Even though things don’t always go my way I take the experience in stride – even a smile.

Back to the fly in my soup - that fly was a fox as in FOX: the Network. Yup, FOX: the Network wouldn’t/couldn’t approve me to work on “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”. First “Cheetos” and now FOX. Hey, at least people in this town know I exist.

The exact reason was that the episode of “Dollhouse” I shot in August is scheduled to air in the same week of January that “Sarah Connor” is scheduled to air. Can you believe that? I didn’t book this because I’d had booked another job. What luck I have.

2008 has been a doozy for me. It’s hasn’t been bad; extremely challenging at times, but quite productive. I had hoped things would be very different, but the reality has been good to great in a few ways.

This evening I dropped by the casting office to thank them for thinking of me and again giving me the opportunity to work in this business. They had very kind words for me and assured me that the creative team really wanted to hire me and that there will be many more opportunities in the future.

I keep all my agents abreast of what is happening in my career so I emailed one of my commercial agents; the one that handled the “Cheetos” booking/unbooking and she responded in part with this “Welcome to the big leagues where you are in conflict with your own perfomance...”. Wow, I just loved the sound of that; especially coming from a partner of a very important agency on both coast.

So there you have it; a great day in a very interesting way. It’s not over though. There are still several weeks left to make things happen in 2008. Traditionally this time of the year is pretty busy for me; so I will keep fighting the good fight until the end.

Lastly, another funny thing that’s been happening at work. Lately, several guests have recognized me from some of my past work. That just blows my mind; one person specifically remembered me from my first episode of “Frasier” – I could hardly believe that, but he described the scenes I was in. I guess I’m making at least a little progress in the biz…even though I won’t be working on “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” on Tuesday.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

I got the news this afternoon that I am the choice for the role on “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”. Cool. It’s not an official booking yet; I have to be approved by the network first. I hope that guy from “Cheetos” isn’t one of the ones needs to give the thumbs up. 

My agent cautioned me that they are running a really tight financial ship over there and she wasn’t sure if I would agree to do the job. The figure they original offered was really low and she got them to give me more if they book me, but still not my quote. I agreed to do the job with a “no quote” in place. I should get the yay or nay tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Louise Fuller – I miss you; I love you.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Chef Boyardee” @ Jessica J. Casting. This was great, first of all, because I ran into an old friend from New York, a wonderful actor Susanna Santiago. We met in our early days in Manhattan and it’s great to see that we are both still in the game and what we’ve accomplished over the years. We’ve come a long way baby!

The audition also went very well. I think I could be a little young for the role, but if not they should holla back for a callback… 

I’ve been getting a lot of same day calls lately. I’m not complaining I just have to remember to keep my phone on when I try to rest during the day. 

Audition/Tape: “Ghost Whisperer” @ Donna Rosenstein Casting. This went okay although I saw other guys there that looked more the part than I think I did, but what I think doesn’t matter all that much…holla!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” @ Zane/Pillsbury Casting. I used to go to this office quite often, but it’s been a while since I’ve been there. It’s funny how that works with casting offices that you go to a lot and then it just seems to stop. At any rate I’m glad to get back in there again. 

It’s also easy to feel like you’ve been forgotten by the casting community, but time and time again I’m reminded that plenty of casting professionals do remember who I am. I know, Angela, the associate in this office from when she worked at Debra Zane Casting.

The role was that of a “night tech”. I think I’m perfect for every night tech role in the history of night techs. The problem is that many, but not all, of the night tech roles are very small. There is always the series regular tech guy on 1 hour dramas like “Bones”, “Numbers”, “CSI”, etc. That series regular tech guy is the role I think I’ll eventually book – hopefully sooner than later. In the meantime I keep moving forward with what’s in front of me.

The audition went pretty well considering I had a completely different set-up in my head than what they needed for audition purposes. It was no problem though; I adjusted, did two takes and was on my way.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Okay, today will be the day I rest. Right? Well, it’s not always up to me. My faithful ones at KSR gave me the news that my rest today will again be short.

Callback: “H&R Block” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. It went well. I did my job and hopefully they will do theirs and “bookabrotha!”

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Wow, I am SO tired today and I have plans to fix it that by sleeping ALL DAY and up until I go to work tonight. My plan was going really well until KSR called a with a same day appointment. Of course I welcomed the audition, but boy did I need some more rest. The appointment was for later so I didn’t have to gt out of bed right away.

Cut to: 30 minutes later -

KSR calls again with another same-day appointment for about the same time as the other one which is in the Valley; this one is clear on the other end of town in Santa Monica at the beach. No complaints from me; this is why I moved 3,000 miles from home and I always recognize how fortunate I am to have agents that consistently do their best to get me acting jobs.
Audition: “H&R Block” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. It’s funny because I haven’t auditioned at this very busy office for a good while and now this is my 4th time in 2 weeks. The audition went well and I think I’m pretty right for it so hopefully I’ll get a callback.

Before I went in to read Andre Royo walked in. Andre played “Bubbles” on HBO’s “The Wire” for 5 seasons. You might be aware that I think “The Wire” is, without question, one the best production I have ever seen. Amazing acting, directing, writing, production design, prop, etc. and Andre’s portrayal of “Bubbles” was incredibly rich. We spoke briefly and he really appreciated my kinds words. He is about the 5th person from the cast that I’ve spoken to in recent months. Too bad The Emmy’s missed the boat in fully recognizing the series.

Audition: “H&R Block” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. Somebody over there must think I’m doing a great job because they keep bringing me in for different things. I was on-point and hopefully they’ll see me again at callbacks…and again on-set.

Audition: “Priceline” @ ASG Casting. This was fun; it was another spot featuring William Shatner. I had to mimic his voice and style of speaking – I did pretty well I think.

Needless to say that after driving from Miracle Mile to Santa Monica to Universal City my rest time was short.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition “FedEx” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. Yes! This went great and I am completely overdue to book again at this casting office and for this particular product. I expect to get a callback on this.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition “Casting Networks Promo” @ Beau Bonneau Casting. This was a promo for the online “Fast Cast” product that Casting Networks offers to Casting Directors. I believe Mr. Bonneau is the person who started LA Casting/Casting Networks up in San Francisco years ago. Anyway, the “Fast Cast” system is pretty amazing; I know first hand since I trained to run camera for commercial auditions last year. Although it doesn’t pay; the promo went really well. I guess it could be good exposure to the casting community that use the service. Plus, it would be nice to work on something.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Check this out…I was at work last night and someone, a beautiful young Black woman came up to me and asked if I was on the cover of a magazine last month. I went blank for a second because that was the last thing I expected her to ask. After a moment I answered that I had in fact been on the cover of BackStage. She congratulated me and said she enjoyed what I wrote – funny huh…

Audition: “AT&T” @ [skirts] casting. It went okay and I think I’m right for it.

Audition/Callback: “Tide” @ Lisa Pantone Casting. OMG! I don’t think I’ve auditioned for Ms. Pantone since the 90’s. This straight-to-callbacks appointment was for 3 15-second spots and it went really well and was a ton of fun. It’ll be a quick turnaround for this since I think it starts shooting on Tuesday.

Audition: “TurboTax” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This was my 3rd audition today and it was great!

Afterwards I had a conversation with Christopher Duncan about things other than the entertainment business. I run into Chris from time to time at auditions and we always have a great, spirited conversation about this or that. We don’t know each other well, but we connect and have great talks.

Funny enough, although he’s worked a tremendous amount over the years, he’s gained a huge recent following, with his dead-on impersonations of our new President-Elect Barack Obama on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He’s a great guy and a great actor – check out his website here.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Life” @ Mia Levinson Casting. Ugh! I wished I would’ve asked a few questions about this character before reading. It didn’t go bad at all, but I think I could have made a different choice that might have put me more in the running for the prize. Oh well on to the next…

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Wow! Some amazing sh*t happened yesterday. We have a new President-Elect and for the first time in the history of America it’s not a Caucasian man. I have a very general disdain for politicians of all colors, genders and party affiliations. I don’t hate them; I just have very little confidence in their integrity and that’s always tough when it comes time to cast my vote. Basically, in my eyes, politicians are guilty until proven innocent. Sure, I’m exaggerating a little, but you probably see where I’m coming from.

I’m an independent thinker and have always been that way. My way of running my acting career says that loud and clear. But I have to say that I like this Barack Obama guy. When I say “like him”; I mean him personally or what I know of him from a significant distance. I think he’s cut from a good cloth. I think he has a lot of integrity. I think family means a lot to him. I think he’s smart, really smart. I even think he’s cool - Denzel cool. That’s pretty cool coming from me. None of these things means that he’ll be a successful President, but I think it’s a great start.

I’m rooting for him, his daughters, his wife and puppy in a big way; not only because I like him, but because the short term success of many in this country are relying on it. I sure hope he can get things turned around onto a better track.

Audition/Tape: “Surviving Suburbia” @ GO Casting. I was right! Well, sorta. Remember yesterday when I was talking about being in the elevator with the casting associate? When I entered the room to audition today, the associate Stacy Taylor, acknowledged that she had seen me just a day prior in the building. Also, one of the partners, Leslie Gelles (the “G” in GO Casting) was acting as the reader in the audition and said that she also saw me get out of the elevator and that reminded her to bring me in.

It’s funny because often times I get the impression that many actors think that drop-offs are a waste of time. I am living proof that they are not a waste of time. Or it could be that my perspective is very different than most. It’s the intangible things about drop-offs that have benefited me the most over the years. Well, there have been tangible things too – like going to Tokyo and booking “The Terminal” from a drop.

At any rate it was a very cool thing to hear from Stacy and Leslie; I hadn’t seen Leslie since she was an associate years ago and it was great to get reacquainted with her. The audition went well and hopefully they’ll bring me in for something else in the near future if I don’t book this one.

www.stephonfuller.com

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Check this out - this afternoon I was out dropping off photos and when I was waiting for the elevator in the last building I saw a young woman that I thought I recognized.  I couldn’t remember her name, but I was pretty certain that she was a casting associate. 

 

After a moment the elevator came and me, her and one other guy got in.  I was searching my head trying to remember her name, but I didn’t say anything to her; after all I could have been mistaken.  Plus, my preferred style is in the low-key realm – most of the time.

 

I thought I knew where she worked in the building and I sometimes drop a photo there when making the rounds, but this time I forgot and only had one photo on me – the rest were in the car. 

 

So the other guy got off the elevator, which left just her and I; I still didn’t say anything to her verbally, but here’s what I did do.  I had my photo in my hand and I wanted her to see it and my name – especially my name.  I figured, if I couldn’t remember her name, maybe she couldn’t remember mine.  So I kinda played with my photo, with the headshot and the name facing her.  I was sorta bouncing it on my leg while waiting for my floor to exit.   I didn’t want her to possibly have something on her desk that I was right for but not be able to remember my name. 

 

Who knows, maybe my photo would jog her memory.  Maybe she already knew who I was.  Maybe she had no idea who I was and didn’t care and didn’t look at the photo.  Maybe she works at a law firm and has no idea how TV and Film is cast.  I don’t know.

 

I do know this though; less than 20 minutes later my agent called with an appointment from her casting office – at least the one I think she works at.

www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “H&R Block” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  Yes!  Great, great audition - and fun too.  It was more theatrical than many of the commercial appointments I go to.  They HAVE to bring me in for callbacks - well they don't "have to", but they have to.....right???  Yeah, it would just be smart.

What is going on? At times I’m not really sure, but all-in-all I feel pretty good these days. It’s been an interesting year thus far; not really what I had envisioned back in December ’07, but interesting nonetheless. It’s all good.

The economic squeeze is being felt by many. I’m doing okay and moving in the right direction, but I’m completely busting my ass doing it. I think I’m way overdue to go back to Virginia. Maybe I’ll go right after Christmas.

I’ve had some really good things happen this year and some more challenging ones too. I‘ll just keep moving forward like I always have. I’m hoping to be debt-free by the end of the year. It’s amazing to me that I’ve been in LA for a decade and I still think about being home, closer to my family. I talk to my two younger brothers everyday, usually numerous times a day. I absolutely love being in their company; they make me laugh like nobody else.

I’m really enjoying my new MacBook. Between graveyard shifts at work, going to workshops at the Apple store, building my new website and “trying” to get to the gym I haven’t been doing much else, but that needs to change…I’m trying to get out more. I went to an incredible performance at bang. Comedy Theatre a few days ago featuring two-time HBO Def Poet, Joe Hernández-Kolski, and internationally-known beatboxer, Joshua Silverstein. Them dudes got mad skills…here’s a review.

Audition: “HBO Promo” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This went really, REALLY well. It was much more like a theatrical audition; I had a bit of a monologue to read while my partner took notes. Hopefully, I’ll get a callback.

Audition: “Time-Warner Cable” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. This was another really good one – bring a brotha back!

Audition: “M&M’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This went well – again.

Print Go-see: “Uniqlo” @ Heather Lynn Casting. I was in and out with the quickness. I’m gonna book a print job at least once before I retire.

Audition: “Snapple” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Blah, blah, blah…pretty well too…

Audition: “Subway” @ Spot Casting. This went pretty well.

My agent called this morning with a Top-of-Show Guest star audition for a comedy called “Rita Rocks” @ Greenstein/Daniel Casting. I was really excited after printing and reading the 12 pages of sides. Soon after my agent calls back to say that new, revised sides will be released in about an hour and not to get too attached to the ones I just printed. Okay, cool.

The call comes in later that my appointment has been cancelled entirely. They decided that they were no longer going to see “more petite” guys, as my agent put it, for the role. “More petite??” WTF is that? I asked my agent about her smart-ass comment and we both laughed and knew I was going to say something about the comment. Hey, I’ve been told that I have a phat ass. Slightly phat…a little phat…I’m just sayin…it’s true.

Anyway, it was great that this very busy casting office was willing to call me in for a series regular role after recently booking me on a two-line role. So that the plus I’ll take away from the experience.

Arrgh!!!! Today was not a great day. First I get released from my “T-mobile” avail @ Ross Lacy Casting, then my car breaks down and I have to ride my bike to the employee meeting at work. THEN I notice that my tire is flat when I was preparing to ride home from the meeting to deal with my car. Geez, can I get a break? Plus, I’m starting to feel just a little sick. I mean it’s not terrible compared to how things could be, but lets hope there are better days ahead.

On a different note; my commercial/print agency of 10 years Kazarian-Spencer & Associates(KSA) has changed its name to Kazarian-Spencer-Ruskin & Associates (KSR).

Audition: “Toyota” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This goes pretty well; I’m not sure how right I am for it though.

So I was at The Grove this evening and after attending a workshop at the Apple store I went into Barnes & Noble and who did I see? Me, yeah, on the cover of the Backstage West. Obviously, I knew I was on the cover of the issue, but I hadn’t actually seen it.

 

Myself & Kito Robinson on the cover of BSW.

I must say it was a pretty neat feeling. I hadn’t thought too much about it before, but I’ve heard from a lot of people that have seen it and that made me feel that it was a bigger deal than I previously thought. I even had a woman that lives in my apartment building leave a dozen copies at my door – I think she works for the publishing company.

I’m on the cover of the current issue of Backstage Magazine – go figure. I was interviewed about a month ago, but had no idea I was going to be on the cover. I’ve written an article or two and been interviewed by the magazine in the past, but I always just emailed a headshot to them. This time, while I was shooting recently cancelled FOX Drama “Do Not Disturb” I got a call to schedule a photo shoot. At that point I had no idea it was for the cover. Even at the photo shoot it was just a rumor that we’d be on cover. I’d kinda forgotten about it until I started getting text messages informing me about it this morning. Pretty cool I guess.

Audition: “Ford” @ Joe Blake Casting. This went really well and I hope and expect to be called back for round 2.

Audition: “T-mobile” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Another one that went
extremely well; they should bring me to callbacks too.

I’ve been burning the candle at both ends lately (what else is new?). Not sure how long I can keep the pace or that I want to. At times the day/night job has my mind in a frenzy; but other times it’s okay. I’m super focused at times and super confused other times with incredible headaches. What to do, what to do…do guys have a biological clock? I think I might…

I have to say that something that’s GREAT is that I have a new laptop and I can take free workshops at the Apple store. It feeds my thirst to learn new and exciting things. I look forward to getting deeper into photography as well and part of me wants to be home working in the family business with my brothers. So much on my mind these days…

I attended another SAG Town Hall Membership Meeting tonight and, once again, there were embarrassingly few SAG members in attendance. Not to judge, but I don’t understand it, there are 50,000+ plus SAG members in Hollywood and I would think that at least 1,000 would attend some of the meetings. It’s only our futures as professionals at stake. Let me tell you, the AMPTP is trying their best to eliminate residuals, weaken SAG and work closer with AFTRA who seems to be willing to make things as easy as possible for them to give actors the short end of the stick. Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s the way it looks to me.

Some of the newly elected SAG board members were in attendance, but none of them spoke. Hopefully, they can help to get things back on track – whatever that means these days.

Sleep is a wonderful thing. Good sleep is even more mo’ betta. Once again, I woke up to a missed call from KSA - my commercial agency. In my drowsy state I checked the voicemail while my mind wandered about what the call might be concerning this time – an audition for this afternoon or something else entirely.

I knew that if the voice of the person on the message was that of assistants Leah or Stefanie it was most likely an audition or a callback. I also knew that if the voice was that of my agent, Alicia, there was a good chance it was “something else”.

Sounds familiar huh? Stay with me.

Last night was supposed to be my night off after working 5 graveyard shifts in a row – yup, until 7am. BUT I received a call from management asking if I would be so kind to come in to work for a 6th night . Me, the sucka who always wants to help, agreed to help out.

More accurately, me the sucka who needs to replace his 6 year-old Sony VAIO desktop computer before it completely freezes up and dies; looked at it as an opportunity to make a little extra cash. Extra shifts (and acting jobs) fit in with my plan to get a new laptop in the coming weeks or months. With all of the times I’ve helped them out at the job with picking up shifts it’ll be interesting to see what happens when/if I find myself in a jam and need someone to help me out.

Okay, back to the voicemail. Who would it be? What would they say? What is the difference between making a “brotha wanna holla” and making a “brotha wanna scream”? Again, I have chosen to keep it short.

It was 7pm on Wednesday September 22nd 1993 when I started my first acting class in Virginia Beach, VA. Wow, 15 years ago!!! So much has happened since then! All the way up to and including this morning. It was definitely a life altering decision. I admittedly wonder what things would have been like if I’d gotten along better with my father and never left home and continued to work in the successful family business with my brothers. It’s amazing how often I think about that. Don’t get me wrong; I’m happy enough here in LA and had a great time living in New York, but I have the best time when I’m with my family at home in the suburbs. It’s been a great 15 years and I anticipate that it will get much better.

Okay, I won’t keep what happened in that voicemail THAT short. This is what happened. I woke up this morning at 11am to get ready for my 12pm wardrobe fitting for “Cheetos”. On my BlackBerry was a voicemail message; turns out it was from my agent Alicia which was immediately concerning. I’ve booked 25+ commercials though her and there was no reason I could think of that she, in particular, should be calling me at 9:49am. The call should have come from production or the assistants at the agency, unless it was extreme news – good or bad, but any normal correspondence shouldn’t have been from Alicia.

The extreme news was that one person on the creative team for the “Cheetos’ commercial wouldn’t give his approval for me and that I had been “unbooked”. That’s all I really know. I don’t know if he had given approval and then revoked it or what happened, but I do know that I am no longer a part of the production of the national “Cheetos” commercial.

Wow.

I wasn’t quite sure what to say. I could tell that it was a very hard call for Alicia to make. She assured me that I should take full victory and ownership of the fact that I booked the spot. She also feels that with all of the callbacks and avails that I’ve gotten we, as a team, are turning the corner to many more bookings.

So that’s it. Just like that, after all that anxiety of getting to the callback from FOX studios and whatnot – poof, up in smoke. This is ANOTHER prime example of when booking the spot isn’t the whole story. Just because you book a commercial doesn’t mean you will get to shoot the commercial…I know from experience.

What to do; what to do…I could feel really bad about this happening to me on my anniversary or I can find the gem in the experience. I’ll find the gem. I look at it as badge that I wear and it’s a testament to the successful career I’m building. Simply, if I book enough jobs this is bound to happen; so in that sense I’m proud to be able to share the story. Now I need a drink! Isn’t that what the cool people do? I’m not and have never been that cool.

I could buy a new pair of shoes. No, that doesn’t fit either. I know what I’m going to do to take my mind off of this and at the same time celebrate my 15th year anniversary in the business – I’m going to get a new laptop – a MacBook this time. Today. Right now!!! Happy Anniversary Stephon!!

Audition: “Honey Baked Ham” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Ironically, this was at the very same casting office of the “Cheetos” spot. I stopped by Ross’ office and thanked him for believing in me and giving me a chance to make a living for all of these years. He said not to worry and that they’ll get me on something else soon.

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

Sleep is a wonderful thing. Good sleep is even more wonderfuller…is that a word? Probably not, but let me tell you; I slept like Rip Van Winkle well into the afternoon.

I woke up to a missed call from KSA - my commercial agency. In my drowsy state I checked my voicemail while my mind wandered about what the call might be concerning – an audition for this afternoon, an audition for Monday, another callback for “Cheetos”, the not so great news that I’d been released from my “Cheetos” avail or “something else”.

I knew that if the voice of the person on the message was that of Leah or Stefanie it was most likely an audition, a callback or “that thing” I’m trying to become less familiar with - an avail release. I also knew that if the voice was that of Alicia there was a good chance it was “something else”.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m grateful every time I speak to Stefanie and Leah, but at this particular time, on this particular day Alicia’s voice would be the voice that would “make a brotha wanna holla!” As I lied in my bed pushing the keys of my phone the voice mail menus seemed to take forever. Finally, I was less than one second away from hearing whomever it was that was going to utter the first syllable of this message to me….

The conversation was a blur and I don’t want to bore you with details so I posted the rest of it here…I choose to keep it short…

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

Audition: “SuperValu Cub Foods” @ Craig Colvin Casting. This was so fun! I got to play the dad of 3 young children; a girl and twins boys. I knew it was about chemistry so I immediately tried to connect with them so we would come off as a family on camera. While the session director was setting up I asked the kids how old they were. They were all 6 years of age. Then, right away, I said, “let me guess your ages”. The first boy I guessed 7; he laughed and said, “wrong”. For the little girl I said 4 and she said, “no!” and the other little boy - I paused, squinted at him like I was really going to guess correctly this time and then said 15! They all laughed and were charged up and ready to go. By that time the session director was ready to put us on tape. It went wonderfully; I hope we all get callbacks! Do I look like I have 3 kids? Who cares…

So I've been at my day/night job for 4 months now and it's working out okay I guess. As I've said in the past it's been a great diversion from being so involved in "the biz" and talking about it what seemed like all the time. I also like having a tighter schedule, but don't get it twisted...I'd rather be on a series than slinging burgers and delivering raspberry mojitos...and I firmly believe that being on a series and more is in my future.

Part of the reason why the job is a positive thing is because I'm an "idea man". I'm always coming up with ideas about things in general – I can’t help it; they just flow. I'm not saying they are always great ideas, but they are always worthy of a listen. Sometimes it gets in the way because I can easily get buried in “hmmm…how can I make this…” rather than just “keeping things simple”. The job gives me that outlet…even if only in my head.
Yeah, I’m currently working at the restaurant fulltime, but that doesn’t make me a “company man” per se. I care much more about my personal future than I do the job; after all, “the job” doesn’t care about me either. The job cares about making money and so do I. So maybe it’s a good fit for the time being.

Sometimes my mental state while I’m there swings wildly. It’s never too negative, but usually quite interesting – at least to me. One minute I’m taking a drink order from an A-list celebrity and the next I’m being asked from someone from the Midwest how I can possibly work the graveyard shift on The Sunset Strip. That usually leads to:

“well, I’m an actor and I need my days free for auditions”;

which leads to “Oh yeah, what have you done?”;

which leads to “ah, a little of this and a little of that”;

which leads to “anything I might have seen?”;

which leads to “…yeah maybe…I’ve been fortunate to work on some pretty cool projects over the years, but it’s been kinda quiet lately;

which leads to “Like what projects?”

which leads to “well the last commercial was….”.

Yeah, that’s how it usually goes. Last week, after an exchange like that with a table of out-of-towners at 4 in the morning I had this AMAZING feeling that I was “living vicariously through ‘my own past’” while talking about the jobs I had done. It completely blew my mind!! For an entire day I wasn’t sure what to make of my thoughts about it. I was confused. I was proud. I was tired. I was ready to get my a** back on the horse and book some freakin’ jobs!

I guess its all part of the gig as an actor. I feel like I’m doing what I need to be doing. I don’t know how long I’ll last at the job because; physically it’s just so hard to keep the hours and burn the candle brightly at both ends.

I’m never hope to not have auditions scheduled for the next day, but I have to say that I’m really looking forward to sleeping most of the day tomorrow. It’s been a long week and I really need the rest.

No word on the “Cheetos” avail. After so many calls to release me from commercials avails in recent years; I’ll take “no news” as “good news”.

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

Shooting: “Do Not Disturb” @ Fox Studios. Day 2. This morning started with the hustle of trying to get rescheduled for the “Cheetos” callback at Ross Lacy Casting. My call time for “Do Not Disturb” had been pushed from 11am to 12pm so I asked my agent if it was possible to be seen by the creative people earlier instead of my scheduled time of 4:30pm. She put me on hold and called the casting office, but the answer was “no” because at that time they were doing an entirely different spot with an entirely different creative team. Okay… Plan B…whatever that is.
I’ve worked enough multi-camera sitcom days to have a great feel of how “show day” is structured and I believe there is a good window for me to be able to make my appointment. I knew when my scene was scheduled for rehearsal and I knew what time the network run-through was. Sometimes the 1st or 2nd AD can be a little difficult about releasing an actor, but I think it’ll work out. I informed David, the 2nd AD, last night of my “situation’.

Great! We finished the network run-through at 3:15 which gives me plenty of time to drive from Fox Studios to the Casting Studios on LaBrea. I think my category for the callback starts at 4pm so hopefully I can be one of the first groups and get in and out before my 4:30 appointment time.

When I arrived around 3:45 there were already some actors there for what I think was a different spot or a different part in the same spot.

It took FOREVER for them to start my category; I’m sure it just seemed that way because I needed to get back to the Fox lot….in afternoon traffic. Actually, it was looking like I was going to have to just leave without getting seen at all because I really had to get back to Fox…after all they were paying me and the “Cheetos” callback wasn’t.

Finally, they started my category and I was in the 2nd group. It was over in a flash and I did the same exact thing I did in the first audition. With that I ran all the way back to my car and was on my way. I made it back to Fox right as lunch was over. Other than being hungry it worked out perfectly.

I went to my much nicer dressing room, put on my sharp, tweed suit and went straight to make-up. Of course make up takes me all of 3 minutes and I was ready for the cast pre-show speed read of the script. We read the script and the show was ready to start. Working on a sitcom is a lot of fun and I hope to get on more in the future. There aren’t that many multi-camera shows left, but I’m going to try to get on them before it’s too late….especially the ones that work under SAG contracts and not AFTRA.

As soon as we finished the cast speed read my commercial agent called to tell me that I was on avail for the “Cheetos” commercial. Nice! Of course I’m available!

About 7:30 I got a call from a fellow employee at my night/day job to ask me to cover her overnight shift tonight. I have to tell you that I was really looking forward to getting a good night sleep tonight. I’ve been at Fox since 12 noon, drove across town full of anxiety and back for a callback, missed lunch and don’t expect to finish until 11pm tonight. I’m kinda beat. BUT in this particular situation, for this particular person I felt I had to do it. I would’ve have felt terrible if I’d said “no”; so I said “yes”. I told her that I probably wouldn’t be there for the 11pm start of the shift, but I could most likely get there by midnight. What was I thinking? I’m not Superman…I don’t even play one on TV.

A couple of hours later our scene was up; I was playing 1 of 3 reporters at a press conference. It went well. Yeah, I completely blew one take, but I had several good ones too. I’ve learn to not worry about that stuff so much; it’s all going to be pieced together from 4 cameras anyway and director knows when he/she has what they need.

Vanessa Mizzone, me and Allen C. Lui.

The casting directors, Brett, Colin and Tessie were all in attendance and I also got to talk to the co-executive producer Kirk J. Rudell. Kirk was also one of the writers/producers of “Good Morning, Miami” that I worked with in ’02 &’03. He said he saw me on the tape and thought “of course were going to hire him”. Cool! You never know if you’re being remembered or not. With that, I said good-bye to everyone, changed out of my cool-as** tweed suit, went by my apartment to pick up my uniform and was on my way to my day/night job. 12 noon to 11pm; then 12 midnight to 7am…what was I thinking when I said yes…at least I’m getting paid. Actually, it’s all good because I know I’m going to need someone to help to me in a pinch too one of these days.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Me and Jolene Purdy.

Me and Jerry O'Connell.

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

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

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