Shooting: “THE MENTALIST” @ Polsa Rosa Movie Ranch in Acton, CA – 46 miles from West Hollywood. It’s 6:45am Monday morning. I got off of work at the restaurant a little over an hour ago. I feel pretty good considering my workload of late. I’m taking a deep breath to focus on the day ahead…and the night too, because I’m scheduled at the restaurant tonight as well.

Oh yeah, I have two commercial auditions scheduled too.

Last night one of my fellow employees was telling me that I need to take time off when I book an acting job. I partially agree with him, but I largely believe that a tremendous part of my success comes from the fact that I’m willing to show up earlier than most, stay later than most and stand longer than most. It’s not the first time I’ve worked all night and travelled straight to the set for an acting job. It’s not easy and I don’t recommend it, but the entertainment business in general isn’t easy and I don’t really recommend it.

The drive to the location was beautiful with light traffic; it was also quite a bit colder than it was when I left WeHo (West Hollywood). I was prepared with layers of clothing to wear under my wardrobe to prevent frombeing a freezing mess. As soon as I arrived at crew parking a van drove me to base camp. I was shown to my small trailer that, thankfully, was warm & toasty and then headed right to make-up/hair. That, of course, only took a moment. I then headed back to my trailer to fill out my contract and was called to set for rehearsal.

Production equipment was everywhere! This was a really big scene that I had a very small part in and right after the first rehearsal things got…interesting. At least in my head they did. The star, $30 million dollar man, Simon Baker had a few opinions about a certain part of the scene. That part of the scene happened to be the part of the scene that my dialogue was in. I listened intently to his POV and understood where he was coming from and knew that if he got his way there would be no reason for me to say and/or do what I drove 46 miles after working all night to say and/or do…in the freezing cold. Yeah.

I wasn’t freaked out or anything because I really didn’t think they would change it. I felt, at minimum, they would shoot it as scripted and deal with it later. At any rate, it was cool to see how he felt about the work. After a while all that seemed to blow over and everything was back to normal.

The set was pretty cool; I was playing the part of a gold prospector. That felt a little weird at first, especially when I saw my fellow prospectors who were all background players. But I’m glad they chose me! Anyway, some of the background talent were real people that really prospect for gold! I learned a few things and they said that there was gold in the stream we were shooting at. For some reason that really got me excited.

Usually when I work I hang out with the background actors. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always done that. It was weird and a little embarrassing when I was told that I didn’t have to stand in between camera set ups…I had a stand-in that could/would do that for me. I just kind of laughed it off and introduced my self to him. I’m sure that will change when I start getting larger parts on a regular basis.

Around 11am I was released for lunch. That set up was at a slightly higher elevation where I hoped I could get cell phone reception. I was able to get a little bit of service and get the message that my commercial agency had successfully rescheduled my appointments for later in the day. At that point I felt there was a still a chance I’d be able to get there in time.

Back from lunch and my part of the big scenewas up. Up to this point I hadn’t spoken to the director, he had a zillion things going on, but he came over said “hello” and thanked me for being a part of it. Early on, when I first started doing this professionally, I always felt that they director should “say something” to me as an actor. I’ve learned that if they aren’t saying anything to me than it probably means I’m on the right track.

One tricky part was when I was dealing with a stuntwoman in the scene. I guess I expected a safety meeting or something because I had to push her into, what I thought, was a potentially dangerous situation. But, I guess they trusted me because I got nothing so I just used my best judgment and gave her a big hug after pushing her in the water both times.

After that I was finished for the day and, yes, I missed both of my commercial appointments. No, I wasn’t happy about it, but I can’t think of a better reason to miss them. After all I missed an audition for this very show just several weeks ago and got another crack at it.

Before leaving set I got to witness one of the real prospectors panning for gold AND he found some. I saw it with my own two eyes. It was very small; like very course black pepper, but gold in color of course. Simon was watching too and the gentleman said he was going to put in a vial and give it to him as a gift…just what the $30 million dollar man needs right!

Back to the trailer, out of wardrobe, sign out, inthe van, down the hill to my car and back to WeHo I go. For the life of me I can’t figure out where the energy comes from to keep me going sometimes, but I have to say that I made it through like a champ. I rushed home to try to get 2-2½ hours of sleep before going to work at the restaurant. Whew!

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I guess I’m still employed. I say that because production contacted me with my call time for Monday. It’s way out in Acton, about 50 miles away, where I shot the www.cars.com commercial in December ’09 for last years Super Bowl. I have to say that I made pretty good money on that for a commercial that very few people saw…and I didn’t even make the 30-second version. I was only in the 60-second one.

I’ve got a lot on my plate for the next several days, but I think I can handle it as long as I keep my head in the game. My schedule is this: I worked overnight last night (Thursday) and I’ll be doing the same Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights as well.

Here is where it gets interesting. I’ll get off work around 4:30-5:00am on Monday morning and I have a call time of 7:30am for THE MENTALIST 50 miles away in Acton, CA. I’ll need to be on the road around 6:15am to be on time. Some would take the evening off, but I’m planning to soldier through. I love that beautiful drive out there and I’m really looking forward to it. They say that there might be snow at that elevation.

So I’ll get to the location, shoot for as long as it takes and somehow, someway try to make it back in time to get seen for these commercial auditions I have scheduled for Monday afternoon as well. Looks doubtful, at best, but you better believe I’m going to try and fit it all in. All that, of course, before I go back to the night job that evening. I’m tired just thinking about it! But I have no doubt that I can do it…no doubt at all.

I have to be willing to do more than the average person if I want better than average results. And I can tell you that average results, in this business, is NOT where I can afford to be. Not with the lofty goals I have for 2011…and beyond.

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Fitting: “THE MENTALIST” @ Warner Bros. studio. This was quick-fast; I was in and out. Can’t say I’m looking forward to seeing the person that fitted me on-set. He was “all-business”; not very warm…at least not to me. At least he didn’t stick any pins in me.

I gotta tell ya; I’m thrilled about the way this booking has come about. UDK Casting isn’t an office I get into very often so I feel quite fortunate when it does happen. But the really cool thing is that I had an appointment for THE MENTALIST back in November, but I had to cancel because I was already booked on the DEGREE commercial and the days would have conflicted if I booked. So here I am, just a matter of weeks later and I get another bite at the apple…and this time I booked the role! Gotta keep moving in this direction…and, at the same time, step up into more substantial roles.

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*Yeah! This morning I woke up to an email from my agent that officially booked me on THE MENTALIST. Nope, not as big a role as I would have liked, but a role nonetheless…and on a very successful show – one of, what I call, the “Blue-Chip” shows. Plus, I got a slight raise of my daily quote AND it’s SAG show. My fitting is tomorrow at Warner Bros. Studio.

Callback: “Lowe’s” @ Broad-Cast. This was fun and I felt really good about it. It doesn’t shoot for a couple of weeks so maybe I’ll hear something good soon. I know one thing is good, or rather great, is that this is an office that hadn’t been to in a really long time, but in the last few weeks I’ve gotten two callbacks there. That’s great.

Audition/Tape: “Torchwood” @ John Levey Casting. This went okay, I think; not great, not terrible.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. Yesterday, right after I finished my scene at RAISING HOPE a gentleman came up to me with a script in his hand. I wasn’t sure what he wanted. It turned out the he was the writer of the episode and wanted me to autograph his personal copy of the script. I felt all special!

One more thing; I spoke to the ad agency for the DEGREE commercial in New York and they told me the release for the commercial is Monday January 17^th. The plan is for it to run on network and cable. Hopefully it will run in foreign territories as well.

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Shooting: RAISING HOPE – I actually went to sleep last night like a normal person. It’s often difficult for me to sleep because my schedule is so erratic, but last night was a great success. I made the 25 mile trip and arrived at the studio right on time at 6:15am. I checked in, got a breakfast sandwich, signed contracts and into my wardrobe. My trailer was one of the nicer ones I’ve been in flat screen TV, stereo system, L-shaped couch, desk, shower & full bathroom.

At 7am I was taken to the stage for rehearsal with the series regular and the other co-star. I was playing a guard in a jail so they had to prop me up with the accessory belt, radio, etc. When the prop master put the first belt on me he had a feeling it wouldn’t fit because the guards are “usually a bunch of fat guys”. I smiled to myself because when I went in to the audition I was thinking the same thing; “that I was too small and slight to be a guard in a jail”. Of course, I let that thought go and went in the room to do 3 lines of the best small/slight guard I could be…I guess it worked because there I was getting ready to shoot the role.

A moment later we were rehearsing. A got a little direction from the 1^st AD and we did it again a 2nd time; then were shooting. After the first take the director changed what the 1^st AD told instructed me to do and we did it again. To be honest with you, I don’t see how I’m going to be seen…maybe my feet - unless that was a super, duper wide-angle lens they were using.

Anyway, after that take the director came out and gave me a thumbs up! Wow, maybe they could see me. I don’t know, it felt like a voiceover. At 7:25 I was wrapped and finished for the day; other than my dialogue I never even spoke to the other co-star or the series regular Garrett Dillahunt . Not bad for a full day of pay.

I emailed all my agents to let them know that I was available for the rest of the day for any appointments that might come up. I made the 25-mile drive back and took a nap. When I woke up I got news that I was on avail for THE MENTALIST audition I went in for yesterday, also that I have a callback tomorrow for a commercial and that I left my wallet in my wardrobe at RAISING HOPE. So yes, you’re right, I made the 50-mile roundtrip drive to pick it up. All-in-all a great, productive day.

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Today was a great, first business day of 2011. I started out with hitting the gym before the sun came up. Then made the 50 mile round-trip to Chatsworth for my wardrobe fitting for RAISING HOPE. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made that same trip just to drop-off an unsolicited photo with the hope of getting an audition. I’ve also made the trip several times for an actual audition and, today, it felt great to make the trip again for a wardrobe fitting. Tomorrow will be even better because I will make the trip again to finally work on a job.

The fitting went very well; I was the only one there so it was 20 minutes over and out. It’s funny because on the way out I went a different way for a strategic reason, but then I thought if that reason materialized would I even recognize it. The reason is that I was hoping to see Dava Waite, the casting director. Funny enough, I don’t always get to see them in an audition or there is so much going on the room that it’s best to just focus on the work. Any way, as soon as I rounded the corner to exit through the lobby there stood Dava. It was perfect! She introduced herself to me, but I knew it was her. She’s such a nice lady and even apologized for me having to drive back out there tomorrow to shoot. I told her that I’d much rather be out there playing with them in the studio than much else tomorrow. I can’t wait!

Afterwards, I ran some errands and then got lost on the Warner Bros. lot on my way to the producer/director session for THE MENTALIST.

Audition/Producer/Director: “THE MENTALIST” @ UDK Casting. I took a little risk and used a few props and I think it worked for me. I felt really good about how it went and was on my way.

While I was trying to find the correct building I realized just how many times I’d been on the Warner Bros. studio lot during my time in Los Angeles and it made me feel great. But said a “OUCH!” to myself when I walked by the building where I had my wardrobe fitting for “Ocean’s Thirteen”…that I didn’t get to shoot…long story.

I’m exhausted, I’m going to sleep, I have ANOTHER 50-mile roundtrip to make for a 6:15am call. I’m thrilled! 2011 is off to a great start.

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Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a better celebration than I did last night. Mine was spent at work. That, in itself; wasn’t the problem, I volunteered to work. Even the revelers weren’t too out of control, except for the girl who I had removed from one of my tables before her insides came outside of her body and the Australian guy who I told that he would be escorted out of the establishment if he kept throwing the menus. That stuff I can usually deal with.

There were other things, which I won’t go into, that really upset me. My attitude was completely in the toilet. It was probably a fitting wake up call on the first day of the New Year. BUT I usually have a way of making lemonade of the lemons that are in front of me. Amidst the extreme frustration that I felt I learned something. I learned that my general attitude and drive (practically every other day of the year) is one of my greatest assets. Of course, I am aware of that in general, but periodically I think it’s good to see the contrast of a good, positive attitude in action. It showed me how rare it is that my attitude is that bad and for such a sustaining period of time. That rarely happens to me. There is no way I could be a functioning individual if last nights’ feeling was a regular occurrence. No way. I’d self-destruct. It was eye-opening and things have to change…and they are.

I’m looking to make some serious strides this year and really use my talent and drive. Mentally, artistically, financially, personally, even philanthropically and any other way I can be a positive force in this world.

I had a customer the other night say a few things to me that I could have easily taken the wrong way. One of which was that I was “lazy and wasting my time toiling around Los Angeles”. Of course he’s completely off the mark about me being lazy, but I think I understood the wasting my time part. He made a few other comments too. I looked deeper at where I think he was coming from and believe he was complimenting me in a roundabout way and telling me that I should be doing much greater things than what he sees me doing. It’s easy to say that to someone, but I believe that he thinks I have what it takes to be at “that level”. I think he’s right, in fact, I know he’s right. Relatively few are going to make a living in the entertainment business; he believes I’m one of them. He doesn’t know that I paid my bills solely through performing for 7 consecutive years. I’ve been there and I’ll get back there.

I also got my yearly review at work that, on the surface, I didn’t really agree with, but again you make lemonades out of lemons. The seemingly not so positives were taken, by me, as compliments for very different reasons. Yes, I value my employment at the night gig, but I didn’t move here to sling burgers. My dreams and aspirations are so much bigger than that. My drive is bigger than that. My talent is bigger than that. Everything about me is bigger than that…and eventually the results will be bigger than that. Actually, the results are already bigger than that.

I’m very proud of how I’ve parlayed the situation thus far. I’ve been employed there for more than 2 ½ years and I’ve called in sick a grand total of…zero times. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up the slack for other people for whatever reasons. I don’t have time to get sick and think that way of thinking keeps those ailments to a bare minimum. It’s cool; I’m used to it. It’s rare that I meet people that are willing to stand longer than myself. You’ve gotta put in the work; you’ve gotta show up.

The numbers are in and I must say that 2010 was a very successful year. No, I didn’t book as many jobs as I had hoped, but my life isn’t only about booking jobs. Overall, I definitely moved the ship forward. I think part of making things happen in the entertainment business is simply not giving up your place in line. I’m definitely holding my spot. I feel that, at any moment, things can really jump to another level for me in my acting career. I expect it.

I did well in 2010 and I got a few key things on my plate for 2011. I’ve gotta stay focused, dedicated and keep my eye on the bigger picture. I can’t get too rattled by things that don’t really matter in the scheme of where I’m going. Let’s do it!

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Audition: “Chevy/SUV” @ Craig Colvin Casting. This was a surprising, same-day call. I wasn’t expecting any appointment during this week, but hey, I’m town and I’ll take it. I had a great time! No sides or anything; just a personality interview with two other actors. Hopefully, I’ll get to callbacks and finally book something at this office.

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We lost a legend today. R&B singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, etc. Teena Marie passed away today at the age of 54. As some of my close friends know she was one of my most favorite performers. 54? That’s just way too young.

Back on June 29^th 2002 one of my dearest friends, Genine, surprised me for my birthday while I was in New York. I didn’t know what the surprise was, but she needed to stop and get tickets for it at the venue. The venue was BB Kings on 42^nd St. so I waited in the car, double parked, on the busy street while Genine went inside. I had traveled up to the NYC from my Summer vacation in Virginia Beach and very vaguely knew that Teena was on the road. I thought to myself, “Maybe this is where she’s performing”.

Right as Genine was getting out of the car a limousine pulled in front of me. I knew there was no way that it was Lady Tee herself, but I reached for my camera just in case. I couldn’t believe my eyes; it was Teena coming in for a sound check. I eagerly leaped out of the car and Genine snapped this shot of the two of us. Thanks Genine for one of the best birthdays ever for me. Teena, thanks for the 10.6 hours, 1.11GB adding up to 123 songs on my hard drive. R.I.P.

Me & Teena Marie/New York

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Happy Holidays! I hope everybody had or is having a great holiday season. I worked last night; of course it was pretty slow in the restaurant. I think I get more tired when it’s slow than when it’s busy because I was completely exhausted today. I just didn’t feel like getting out of bed…so I didn’t; until my younger brother called and we discussed things we plan to do in the near and distant future.

That conversation gave me a serious boost of energy and I decided to get out of bed and go skiing at Mountain High, the closet ski resort. They have night skiing so I figured I’d go get a few hours in on the slopes. I think I underestimated how cold it was going to be; I was freezing! But it was a blast at the same time. Until I finished and was packing up! It had started snowing pretty heavily; at least for me. I must admit that I was a nervous wreck driving down the mountain in my little Honda. I refused to be a statistic and get into a fender bender…or worse. THAT was NOT how my quiet and potential depressing Christmas was going to end up. I saw cars on the way down the hill that didn’t have such great luck in getting out of there without running into something, but fortunately, I made it unscathed.

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Callback: “Capital One” @ ASG Casting. This went fine; I think the director might have had a long day by the time I got there or maybe it was the rain. It wasn’t bad though. I have to say that I think it’s a long shot for me to be placed on avail or book. Why? Well, because in this particular spot I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s going to be a Caucasian actor to book the role. If they cast me, a black actor, they would probably cast a black wife and kid to go along with that. Of course that can happen, but I would think that they would already know if it’s going to be a black family…of course there is option that it could be a mixed family. Again, what I think doesn’t matter, but it was great to have a callback. It gives my agents & casting the continued signal that I have the goods for the big stage.

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Audition: “Lowe’s” @ broad-cast. This was a ton of interesting fun! I had a great fellow performer in my “wife” and we connected really well. I expect both of us to be at callbacks.

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Yes, it’s official! I’m booked in the role on RAISING HOPE. It’s a smaller co-star credit…the kind I’d really like to move on from, but at the same time it’s great to be on set and get a current show credit on the resume. Plus, I expect to have a great time. The part that I’m truly conflicted about is that is an AFTRA show. I’m not sure if I’ll have to join that union before working, but I sure wish it was a SAG show. Oh well, if I have to join, and I will eventually, I’ll try to make the best of it.

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After a very restful night of sleep I was awoken with a call from one of my theatrical agents. The news was that Greg Garcia, Creator/Executive Producer of RAISING HOPE, MY NAME IS EARL & YES, DEAR viewed my tape from yesterday and wants me to read for another, larger role, today @ 2:15; this time at Paramount Studios. That is great news!

After downloading the 6 pages of material, doing more research in trying to see who this character is interacting with in the script and just before getting my video camera set up...I got ANOTHER call from my agent saying that Greg had already made a choice with a different actor and that my appointment had been cancelled. Ouch!

It’s not at all a lost because I’m very happy that after viewing my tape he saw the potential to use my talent in a more substantial way. My agent also informed me that I am still on avail for the role that I read for yesterday and I should be officially booked by the end of the week.

Audition: “Best Buy” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. This was great, especially because, Marvin, the session director makes me so nervous. Not bad nervous, just nervous nervous because he’s so good at his job and I don’t want to look unprofessional when I read, especially for him. So it was a good time for myself and my partner and hopefully Marvin too.

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Busy day on tap, but I think I can handle it.

I am scheduled today, noon – 4pm, for some training for my night job, but it doesn’t look like I’m going to make it. Just more proof of why working days or evenings for a supplemental income gig probably wouldn’t work out for me.

Audition: “Capital One” @ ASG Casting. I’m getting better with knowing my dialogue, which is a good thing because it enables me to be much more free in the performance. This went really well.

Audition/Producers/Tape: “Raising Hope” @ Dava Waite Casting. Not sure how right I feel I am for this one, but I’m going to give these few lines all I have to give. I went in a few months ago for this show and am glad they have invited me back to make the 50-mile round trip drive to audition for another part. Actually, I like making the drive. I’ve done it numerous times; usually just to drop a photo, with the hope of getting an appointment. So to actually get an appointment is a victory for me.

The audition goes well…I think. It’s hard to tell, but I guess…time will tell. Next!

Audition: “Starburst” @ Joe Blake Casting. This was a complete blast! I had a great time with my partner, Mike, and the session director. Funny guys, funny spot.

While I was walking back to my car I got the call from my agent that I am, “On Hold” for “RAISING HOPE”! Of course I’m not actually “On Hold” because that would mean that compensation is involved and there isn’t, which means, more accurately, that I’m “On Avail/Watch & Advise”. Yeah! The dates to clear are January 3^rd – 7^th. I’m assuming it’s just one of those days. Cool. I’m not even that upset that accepting the job would force me to join AFTRA…don’t get me started on that.

Audition: “Shake It Up” @ Howard Meltzer Casting. I felt good about how this pre-read went. It’s a multi-camera show and I love to be on it. I guess a callback is the next step since there wasn’t a camera present.

Again, when I was walking back to my car, I received another call from my theatrical agency. This time it was a Producer/Director session for THE MENTALIST. This is especially great news because I had to cancel the appointment I had with them last month because it conflicted with the shooting of the DEGREE commercial.

This was a busy, busy day and one of the main reasons why I moved to Hollywood. I’m following my dream; yes, I am.

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Wow, I haven’t had an appointment for over a week, but I have one today. This was 2 different spots with quite a bit of dialogue and I left feeling pretty good about both of them. I call that a victory!

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I got off work this morning and just before jumping in the bed to get some rest I got the news that a friend, actress Chane’t Johnson, had died of a heart attack at the young age of 34. Needless to say I was speechless.

I remember, years ago, when she first arrived in Los Angeles to take on this world of Hollywood. We attended casting director workshops together at Actorsite. Not only was it immediately evident that she was incredibly talented and dedicated, but she was also a sweetheart with a warmth about her that was the size of her home state of Texas.

Chane’t didn’t waste any time letting the industry know that she had arrived. She started amassing TV credits right away. I remember her first one on The Division back in 2002. Many, many more followed. We lost a great one in losing her…she really cared about people. Rest in Peace Chane’t.

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Callback: “TidyCat” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Hmm…not so much. I didn’t feel too much of a connection on this one. They even had a real cat to see how the actor would interact with the feline. That interaction ith the cat went better than the actual audition. Don’t get me wrong; it wasn’t a terrible showing. I just felt kind of “neither here nor there”. BUT I’m smart enough to know that what I think doesn’t really matter. So who knows, maybe I’ll get some good news.

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Audition: “Well’s Fargo” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one was quick-fast and went great with a great partner.

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Audition: “TidyCat” @ Ross Lacy Casting. I think I did well in this audition involving a little gymnastics with two vacuum cleaners.

Audition/Tape: “Untitled Teen Action Comedy” aka “Spiderman 4”@ Francine Maisler Casting. This was the kind of role that I’m perfect for AND it went well. Big film, big casting office and I hope I book it.

Audition: “Staples” @ Shane Casting. This same-day call went really well also. Hope to see them at callbacks!

Audition: “The Killing” @ Junie Lowry-Johnson Casting. Another really big, important office and a hot project. I had to do an accent for this one, but it was very little dialogue. I think I did pretty well.

That was a great busy day in the field and it all worked out perfect!

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Callback: “AT&T” @ broad-cast. Looks like my hunch was right in that I would get a callback. The callbacks were held at a different studio than the first audition and, of course, I forgot and went to the original place. I made it to the correct address in time and I think it went okay. Not great, not bad. The director was on a monitor in New York or Chicago I think. Anyway, it was great to get to the next round again, but I’d LOVE to book something before the year is out.

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Audition: “AT&T” @ broad-cast casting. Hmm…this one was a little confusing because I often over think things that are very simple for most people. I’ve tried to get a handle on that, but I don’t think it’s working. Anyway, the session director gave me direction, I promptly made it confusing, but I still think, for some odd reason, I have a good chance at getting to callbacks.

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Today I shot more photos with Hazel Dean. I think we underestimated how cool and windy it was outside. It definitely made it much more difficult to shoot while we were just trying to keep warm and not blow away. Even still, I think we captured a few interesting shots.

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WAKE UP! I worked last night from 9:30pm until 5:45 this morning, got in bed at 6:15am and awoke 15 minutes later @ 6:30 to get showered and drive to downtown LA to be on-set for my 8am call time. If nothing else, I’m dedicated…

Shooting: National Network commercial for DEGREE with Bear Grylls. I arrived downtown at the location, checked in, got reacquainted with my fellows actors from the fitting a few days ago, jumped into my wardrobe and checked in with the producers and the directing team – The Perlorian Brothers. About 30 minutes after arrived, I have to say, that a strange feeling came over me. Why? Well, I’m a true fan of his show(s), Bear Grylls’ show, and I think he does thingsthat take incredible resolve, faith, skills, etc. Plus, even though, at this point, I hadn’t spoken to him directly he seemed like a super-nice guy…I’m a complete sucker for nice people.

I walked to set to watch them shoot a scene I wasn’t in and to get final approval for my wardrobe. Shortly after that the whole cast and crew drove a short distance to another location where I was to be working. While we were assembling for a rehearsal Bear came over to introduce himself to us. And yes, it’s confirmed, Bear Grylls is one of the nicest, most sincere, people I’ve ever met.

I have to say up that until immediately before the first rehearsal myself and the other actors had no idea what we were doing – nothing. Right before “ACTION!” the producer gave us the instructions of what he wanted. Of course, we did numerous takes and variations of what they were looking for. Something that was, I think, a great sign was that we were rotating 3 different versions of the same product for different territories around the world. Hopefully, that means that there are big plans for this campaign. Shortly afterwards we broke for lunch.

Bear, who definitely could have gone back to his large motor home, opted to, instead, dine with myself and the other actors. I have to say that it was weird to see him eat normal food…on a plate. You have to remember that, prior to this, I’d only seen him eat on his show, MAN vs WILD. On there he eats things like raw, live fish, snakes, caterpillars, etc! I kept thinking that it was probably boring to him to eat like the rest of us. I actually told him that I didn’t think that he ever got cold or uncomfortable in any type of conditions, but there he was; looking for a jacket like the rest of us, “I need a fleece mate!” He said. Great guy and I’m in complete awe of his knowledge and talent as an adventureman.

After lunch we changed into our underwear to brave the chilly temperatures, fake snow…and the freakin’ fog machine…the fog machine! The fog machine about put me down for the count. We finished up and heard, “It’s a wrap on our test subjects!” and got a big applause from the crew. One of the directors, the Perlorian brothers’, approached me to get my email address to make sure I got a copy of the finished product. I don’t think that’s ever happened to me before. With that, I headed back to my tiny room in the trailer to change, return my wardrobe and I was on my way….On my way where? Home. To, hopefully take a nap before going back to my other job. BUT as soon I got almost all of the way home from downtown I realized that I had forgotten to get my wristwatch back fromthe wardrobe assistant. Ahh! So I called to make sure they were still there and drove all the way back downtown to retrieve it. That silly move cost me at least an hour of precious time in my lovely, ultra plush, queen-sized bed with 600 thread-count sheets. Believe it or not, 2-hours later I was due back at my night job. Hey, you gotta do watcha gotta do.

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Audition: “Turbo Tax” @ Ross Lacy Casting. I had to get rescheduled for this because the original it was during the fitting for DEGREE; fortunately it worked out. The audition went really well and my fingers are crossed for a callback! The fitting was cool too and I’m looking forward to a great shoot.

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Good news! It seems that the DEGREE people haven’t changed their mind about me. The talent coordinator and the people from wardrobe have called to set me up for a fitting tomorrow.

I say that because booking the job is only a step to actually getting to shoot the job. I have had that very thing happen on 3 different occasions for 3 different reasons. One was a commercial and two were studios films. Even though it was painful at the time it happened; I look at it as a success in my career. I believe that the more jobs one books, the more likely those things are to occur. It’s earning my strips in the business. So on to the Santa Monica fitting I will go.

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Today I participated in another student script reading project at West Adams High School. These kids wrote some really great stuff and, myself and the other performing had a great time reading it.

In other, great, fitting news on a Monday morning was a call from Alicia, one of my commercial agents. I don’t usually talk directly to my agents unless I stop by the office or its something real important. Most correspondence is through email with the wonderful assistants – Megan & Ariel.

So, the fact that it was a Alicia’s voice get me the feeling that great news was on the horizon. Sure enough, the news was that I booked the DEGREE commercial! I was so happy to get the news. The project run is National network, cable, internet & syndication.

In the “ebb & flow, comes & goes” column I was scheduled to go to producers for THE MENTALIST tomorrow, but it shoots the same day as the commercial. Oh well, I can’t think of a better reason for that to happen. Hopefully, they’ll bring me in on something else and another fitting, deserving actor will get my audition time. The timing of this might be perfect for earning my SAG Pension credit and qualifying for SAG medical insurance for next year. Plus, this commercial looks to be a lot of fun!

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Callback: “Degree” @ Spot Casting. Yes! Callback for DEGREE! I think it went well. On to the next step.

Audition/Tape: “Mad Love” @ CFB Casting. This was a same day call for a few lines on this new CBS multi-camera comedy. My agent wasn’t sure if I would agree to go in on it and told me that she would support whatever I wanted to do. Even though I would much rather go in on something more substantial I’m more than happy to go in on this. So in I went.

When I arrived at the casting office I was told that the sides had changed so I spent 10 minutes or so working on the changes. I think it went pretty good after asking for a rehearsal, but I could tell that I hadn’t read for a multi-camera sitcom in a while. It’s definitely different than single-camera and it’s good that I recognized that.

Good news! My agency called to inform me that I’m on avail for the DEGREE commercial. It seems like forever since I’ve been on avail for anything.

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Today I went to a photography workshop that was conducted at UCLA and it was great…and at a great price. It was valued at $450, but I found it on Groupon for $59 AND I actually learned some things about my camera. It was a great, productive and long day. I even booked out with my agents for it.

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Audition: “US Bank” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Good audition and for another session director that I usually feel pressure to do well for…I think I accomplished that.

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This afternoon I took a surfing lesson in Santa Monica that I found on Groupon. Although I had issue with the business practices of the company with changes the terms of the deal I had a good time. It was a great couple of hours of vigorous activity…I might do it again.

My agency called with an appointment for THE MENTALIST for next week…almost a week in advance. Cool.

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Audition/Tape: “Law & Order: Los Angeles” @ Megan Branman Casting. I felt good about this one; it’ll probably be cast from tape. It is the type of role that I go in for quite often.

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Callback: “Xerox” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. This was another callback with director David Shane who I booked the KY BRAND commercial through. He wasn’t in the room with us, but on the video monitor in New York. I think it went okay; he is so SO specific in what he wants from actors and very nice at the same time. Glad he continues to bring me to callbacks as I hope to work with him again in the near future.

Audition: “Degree” @ Spot Casting. Great audition; fun spot. I would LOVE to book this one. For some reason I think it might be for the Super Bowl, but I don’t know…and it doesn’t matter. I’d just like to get called back at this point.

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Audition/Tape “Mr. Sunshine” @ Lauren Gray Casting. This was my first time meeting Lauren and she really seems like a nice lady. She was surprised to read on my resume that I had never had alcohol or coffee in my life. The read was fun and I hope it leads to a booking or more opportunities during this TV season and beyond.

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Audition: “Xerox” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. This was fun and I always feel great when I do well for this particular session director. He really knows what he needs to get from an actor. I’m not always able to deliver, but today I did and that is a victory for me.

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Callback: “cars.com” @ Spot Casting. I was very happy with my performance on this one. The creative team seemed much more interested in the other actor for the other role, but I couldn’t do anything about that. I was very happy with what I did in the room.

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Audition: “SoCal Honda” @ Alyson Horn Casting. I think I did okay on this one, but I felt kinda stiff…which happens more often that I’d like.

This afternoon I went to Dorsey High School to participate with a group of actors to read the scripts of at-risk students. As usual, it was a great experience and I always thrilled to be able to give back to the community.

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Audition: “US Cellular” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This was quick and simple; just a few questions about things we enjoy.

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Do you ever wonder what the heck you’re doing? Professionally, personally or just generally in life? I do; always have. Not so much in the sense of not being sure, but I constantly wonder about other things. Most everything.

Recently, at my night job, I shared with a fellow employee that I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t depressed about my circumstances. At least I don’t think I’m depressed. I’m talking personally, financially, socially, my family situation, etc. Nothing really outrageous, just things that many of us deal with in our lives. It’s confusing because I use different coping methods to make a given situation work for me. Yes, a bit of it is denial; actually a lot of it is denial. I’ve never been anyone else in this life so I don’t have anything to compare it to.

Part of the headtrip is that I have so much to look forward to while I live with the challenges. The night job is a beast…to say the least. Not sure how long my body can’t take it…or my mind for that matter. So I go to my safe place. Which is to make a challenging situation work for me. I’ve tried to get the most out of it so that I can make the good parts out weigh the tougher aspects of doing it. It’s been 2 ½ years and I think I’m winning the battle and in a big way. I just can’t let the areas of success cloud the pursuing of my career.

Sure, sometimes things are tough at the night job, but as many of us know, dealing with the public can be difficult. At the same time it can be wonderful and the amount of talent that I’m surrounded by is incredible. Also, I’ve developed some really cool relationships with many of my co-workers. Some of it is just light and fun, but other times it’s more life stuff. One of the greatest parts for me is that I get to encourage younger people to develop a healthy relationship with their finances. Now, I’m not trained in that field or anything like that, but I’m an expert on how I, myself, have become a super-saver. It’s a great feeling when one of them asks a question about it or tell me how they have decided to pay off a credit card or join the company 401(k) plan. I explain to them that the greatest thing I will ever be able to do for them is to encourage them to be responsible with their finances and, of course, treat them with respect.

I think the main reason why I’m able to get through to them is that I can talk to them in a way that I know they can understand. I sure wish I had someone in my life to do that for me at that age. My father tried to do that the best way he knew how, but he had no idea how to really get through to a teenager…no idea at all. Or maybe he just couldn’t through to me. It wasn’t like I was a difficult kid or anything like; we just never had any kind of meaningful father/son connection. I haven’t seen or spoken to him for years and I think about how much of a difference he could have made for me…and I for him. I think, subconsciously, I’m trying to do for them what didn’t happen for me. That might be a little weird, but my heart is in the right place and they seem to be receiving it well.

So no, I don’t think I’m depressed or being less than real with myself; I’m just really optimistic about my future. I have visions of working with my brothers in business. Now THAT will be cool. Actually, just last month, one of my younger brothers and I started saving money together to invest in the future. Those investments could be commercial property, residential property, stocks, etc. I am really excited about it and it’s given me something outside of acting that I’m totally into. I’m doing a lot right, but there is still much work to do.

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I attended a free workshop with a script consultant today. I’m trying to re-ignite the energy and focus to finish my romantic comedy script. It was a great thing to have done and she and the other two women who attended were very helpful and encouraging. They recommended a few books that I’m going to look into hopeful get on track and writing again. Yes! That would be great.

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Audition: “Wendy’s” @ ASG Casting. I had a complete blast in this audition with a great partner to work off of. In the details for the audition they asked that we be “clean-shaven”. At first I didn’t pay too much attention to that note, but later said to myself “why not?” I’m not on avail for anything else at the moment and if this will give me an edge it only makes sense to do it. I booked a “Wendy’s” spot years ago when I was based in New York and got to travel first-class to Miami, stay in a 5-star hotel and earned a nice payday along the way. Actually, it saved my butt from living in my car when I first arrived in LA…not really, but it helped me out a lot. Maybe lightning can strike again!

Audition: “cars.com” @ Spot Casting. This went well too. I’m still being paid for the “cars.com” commercial I did for this years Superbowl. Funny enough, even though it hasn’t really aired all that much I’ve made much more money than I thought I would. They should hire me again. I can do it!

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Today, I spent several hours shooting photos of my friend, actress, writer, producer Hazel Dean. It was fun and I think I learned a little bit more about photography.

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Audition/Tape: “Svetlana” @ Lauren & Jordan Bass Casting. Wow, I have no freaking idea how this one went. It wasn’t scripted. We just did an improv; I had fun and wanted it to go longer, LOL! It seemed before I knew it I was in the car! Again, I don’t know what happened in the room, but I had fun and would have loved to see where the improv would have gone.

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After a busy, draining day of driving yesterday I slept soundly last night and woke up late this morning to the sound of…rain. Lots of rain. In fact, it was raining cats & dogs, East Coast-style! A feeling immediately came over me that I had to get out in the street and do my photo drops…especially today, especially in the rain.

I look at a rainy day of doing drops in LA as like a bonus; a day where the average person is going to stay home…because it’s raining. The thing about that way of thinking is that it usually garners average results, and average results, particularly in this business, is NOT where I want to be. So I have to do more than most…and on a consistent basis. I admit that it’s an energy-draining proposition, but what else can I do but stay engaged in the game if I’m going to play the game.

Amazingly, I had one of my most successful days in the field. I completed my entire list for the day. That does not always happen. It felt great to feel like I was helping myself and my team to move forward; now I need to book some of these jobs that I get appointments for!

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Geez, TGIM! Yeah, Thank God it’s Monday. Why do I say that? Because my “Monday” is like a normal person’s Saturday. I’m tired. After working 5 overnight/graveyard shifts in a row, for who knows how many weeks back-to-back, I’m in need of some downtime. So I get home around 5:30 am, talk to my little brother back in Virginia and get in the bed around 6am in an attempt to catch up on the weeks’ sleep…which rarely works.

See, the thing is that I don’t really have a “weekend”. My “night job/server/Sunset Blvd babysitter” weekend is Monday/Tuesday and my acting weekend is Saturday/Sunday. Often times I feel like as though I’m on-call 24 hours a day. Plus, sometimes I have employee meetings on my day off and weekend auditions.

I’m often asked, “How I do it”. At times, I ask myself the same thing.

Honestly, I’m not sure how I do it and/or have done it for such a long time. My body isn’t sure either. The physical toll it takes on me is evident…mentally and socially too. Part of me has to live in a state of denial and associate certain things with certain things. Another part of me feels that it’s highly unlikely that I can work as hard and as smart as I have for as long as I have and not get to where I’m trying to get to.

What keeps me going? For one thing I still have a burning desire to act professionally…I love being on-set. Another thing is that I feel like I am “right there” at the point where real career building jobs will fill my resume. Still, another reason is that I’ve come a long way from Virginia Beach and it just makes sense to continue on the journey. I'm not at all complaining or even venting; I'm just talking about my situation. I'm quite fortunate to have two jobs that I earn money at.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was offered a promotion at the night gig, but after seriously considering it for a week or so I respectfully declined the offer. It would have included a bump in pay, but I’m just not prepared to take on the extra responsibility. I also didn’t want to accept the position and have it put me over the “tipping point” of my sanity…it’s such a tough job. Not tough like digging ditches, but tough nonetheless. The greatest part of the whole thing is that I put myself in a position to being able to decline the offer. I’ve used the job to place myself in the driver’s seat vs. the passenger position and THAT feels great. Three years ago I might have HAD to accept the position.

CUT TO: 10:33 this morning, I’m in a deep sleep – Phone ringing.

It’s my commercial agency. I let the call go to voicemail, but right away it’s ringing again. It must be a same-day call so I answer it. Sure enough, it’s a callback for 12 noon, in 87 minutes in Santa Monica. I was so tempted to roll over and grab just 5 more minutes of rest, but I thought better of it and got up, in the shower and on my way.

When I got in the room I immediately recognized the director, David Shane. He directed the “KY Brand” commercial I did in New York last year…unfortunately it never ran, but it was still not a bad financial experience, plus I got a trip to New York out of the deal. The audition went well so we’ll see what happens.

After the audition, and since I was way out in Santa Monica, I figured I might as well drop-off some photos…even though I really wanted to go back to sleep. Gotta keep on…keeping on.

This is where something really inspiring happened. I stopped by one place on my list and there was an empty drop-off box. I didn’t want to put my headshot in there because it was raining a little and the box didn’t look active to me. So, I paused, and then opened the door to the office not knowing what I would find. I knew whom I might see because I knew who the casting associate was, but you never know what might happen. My style of drops is to stick and move, but I’m extremely calculating at the same time.

When I opened the door, I saw, at the very back of the office the associate in question. I waved and just said I wanted to drop a photo for their files and she politely motioned that she was on the phone. With that, I was on my way…I’m always careful to not be a burden while being a pleasure to deal with.

Twenty minutes later I received an email on my phone from her and it read:

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hi nice to see you for a moment today

sorry i couldn’t come say hi

we cast the role in XXXXX but i will hang on to your pic for future stuff

signed XXXXX

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Actually, I didn’t even know there was a role I was right for in the project. I was just doing a general drop-off to remind them that I’m still here, available and ready to work on whatever they are casting

It was such a boost to validate all of the effort it takes to drive around this city for as many years as I have. That includes countless miles, hours, photos and a few parking tickets along the way beginning in August ‘98. This same associate, years ago, as an assistant at a different office, received my postcard, called me in and booked me on a popular dramedy a few years after arriving from New York!

There has been a lot of question of whether or not it’s worth to do drop-offs; especially the way the casting process has changed. I think it’s worth it.

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