Audition/Tape: “Switched At Birth” @ Dee Dee Bradley Casting.  This went good, I guess.  If nothing else the associate, Alison Mize, remembered me from meeting her years and years ago.  Even said I was one of her favorites.  Cool! 

Audition: “Wendy’s’ @ Alyson Horn Casting.  Simple stuff.  Nothing I couldn’t handle. 

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Last night I was working at the restaurant and I waited on a couple of actors I know from the audition circuit.  It always a little odd for me when I see people I now there, maybe not odd for them, but it is for me.  Anyway, of course, the “how are things going” talk comes up and I mentioned that I was taking an ongoing commercial class.  They were really surprised and intrigued as to why.   All of us have worked a bit in the biz and many actors look at commercials as something that don’t take much skill.  I kinda disagree with that and the bottom line for me is that I think I have A LOT to learn about commercials and performing in general. 

So today in my commercial class it was clear, very clear, as to why I am in class.  I was horrible and boring on tape.  I just didn’t look as though I was having any fun.  I know I’m not like that all of the time, but still…I’ve got a long way to go.  The particular commercial we were performing was actually an infomercial – 4 pages of dialogue.  I was concentrating more on getting the words right than being watchable.  As a result I did pretty well with the words and was pretty unwatchable…I was cringing in my seat, BUT I felt it was part of getting better.  And I’m going to have to get better if I expect to book jobs, make a living and move forward in my career. 

So yes, I’m in an ongoing commercial class.  And I’m proud of myself for getting up Sunday mornings after waiting tables all night Saturday night to do something for my career.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Finally.  Today I started a stand-up comedy class with Judith Shelton.  I was completely and utterly terrified when I walked into the class.  Fortunately, Judith, is extremely warm and inviting.  I needed that.  I was beyond nervous.  Especially when we all introduced ourselves at the beginning of the class.  I don’t know why, but I just wanted to be anonymous, completely invisible…but at the same time I have a lot to share.  I think…

Anyway, we went through a few exercises and even got up on the microphone a few times.  I think I was okay.  Not NEARLY as funny and entertaining as I can be as “myself”.  Sometimes I come off as being totally serious and not much fun, but I’m not like that all of the time or even most of the time.  Judith asked me what I’m like “around my friends”.  I told her “I gotta get some friends”.  She thought I was kidding, but I wasn’t at all.  I live a very quiet life.  I mean, I know people, but my phone rarely rings for social events.  In short, I’m pretty lonely.  She said I should call my set GOTTA GET SOME FRIENDS.  I like it.  Plus, it’s true.  Very true.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Callback! “Ford Escape” @ popcasting.  This went really well I think.  The casting director was very complimentary of my work AND I made them laugh in the room.  I was proud of my performance and, hopefully, I will get into this office more often in the future.  The rhythm of the dialogue told me a lot about who might be in the room at the callback and I was right.  No matter what happens I’m happy with how it went.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Tax Day!  Well, not “Tax Day”, but the day I’m getting my taxes prepared.  Last year I was hoping for a big return so that I could put it towards the extensive dental work I was planning to have done.  I left her office in a very sour mood.  This year was the complete opposite; my state & federal return was larger than I expected.  After last year this was a big surprise.  Ha! I’m tempted to purchase the big screen television I’ve wanted for more than a year, but I think I’m going to invest in more shares of Apple stock instead.  I figure I can put it there, be patient and maybe have the investment pay for the television.  Of course, there is no guarantee that will happen, but I am willing to take the risk that it will.


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UGH!  Oh no!  A crown came lose in my mouth while I was flossing yesterday morning.  I called my dentist and was able to get an appointment right away.  She put a very light covering on it…which lasted a whole 2 hours.  I think it dissolved.  I went back this morning and she put something a little more permanent in place for the 2 weeks while the lab remakes the permanent crown…at no charge – whew!  That “more permanent one” lasted about 4 hours…

The good news is that it’s not painful.  At all.  Well that’s not totally true.  The pain is from the work she did in preparing the tooth for the temporary.  After that last one came off 4 hours later I decided that I ain’t going back until the permanent one is ready. 

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Ford Escape” @ popcasting.  Wow, the commercial had way more copy than many of my theatrical auditions.  It went really well.  I implemented some of the things I’ve learned in my ongoing commercial training.  The casting director was in the room; which is pretty rare in commercials.  She seemed very happy with my performance and said that I was “making her job easy”.  Yeah!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Stride” @ broadcast.  This was interesting.  There were two parts.  In the first part I took a risk and used a Spanish accent….  Yeah, lol!  Who cares, I had fun.  In the second part of it I was more normal.  I guess, we’ll see.  Or we won’t.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Comcast” @ RMB Casting.  This went really well.  I had a great partner to work with; we rehearsed and kinda got to know each other beforehand.  I think that helped a lot.  By the time we got in the room it was just the two of us having a conversation.  I hope we both get callbacks and it shoots in New York.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition/Tape: “Hollywood Heights” @ Shaner/Testa Casting.  I had never heard of this show before the appointment, but I did a little research and help determine my take on it.  The read went pretty well and I think I’m right enough for it so; hopefully, it’ll turn into something bigger…like a booking.       

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition/Producers: “N.C.I.S.” @ Susan Bluestein Casting.  This was fun.  I left feeling good about it.  I knew my dialogue and I had my POV on the character.  I was in and out in a flash.  I SO wanna book something…and soon.      

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Callback: “Microsoft” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  After working all night and as soon as I laid my head down to sleep I received notification of this callback.  Will I ever get caught up on my rest?  I think the answer to that is probably “no”; not as long as I’m keeping the schedule I currently am.  The candle just keeps burning at both ends.  I’m not complaining; I’m fortunate to have real activity in my career.

Anyway, the callback went great I think.  Time will tell.       


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Audition/Tape: “Enlightened” @ Cami Patton Casting. This went really well and I felt very connected to the character…plus I got to say the F-word several times.  After I read it the CD’s comment was “That was perfect Stephon.”  Done.

I would love to actually book the role, but getting the casting director to say what she said is great for the long-term.  I think it’s more important from a career standpoint to book the office and not necessarily the role…but I wanna book the role!  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Microsoft” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  This was fun, small and real.  I don’t think I did too much.

Audition: “Downwardly Mobile” @ CFB Casting.  This was a pilot audition for a series regular role, my first this season.  Unfortunately, I didn’t feel all that connected to the character…and my choice of pacing was off.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “monster.com” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  This was fun and I was funny.  I should do stand-up.  I’m serious.

Today is my fathers' birthday.  We haven't spoken in years.  That kinda sucks, but it is what it is.  I have a weird feeling we may somehow connect in the future...or not.  Who knows...

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Finally, I have saved my pennies and shot my print photos today!  The photographer, recommended by my agents @ KSR Models, was Kat Tuohy and I think it went really well.  I’ll have a better indication in a few days.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Ford Escape” @ popcasting.  Wow, the commercial had way more copy than many of my theatrical auditions.  It went really well.  I implemented some of the things I’ve learned in my ongoing commercial training.  The casting director was in the room; which is pretty rare in commercials.  She seemed very happy with my performance and said that I was “making her job easy”.  Yeah!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Jack-in-the-Box” @ Alyson Horn Casting.  This required small, subtle acting and I think I may have overdone it.  That’s too bad because I usually feel like I’m right for these spots and have had numerous callbacks and avails for them in the past.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Check this out.  I was at work last night and I ran into Irish writer/director Terry George.  Several hours earlier Mr. George had won an Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Film – THE SHORE.  I had seen in the trades that he was nominated, but I didn’t know that he had won until someone said that they had seen someone with an Oscar in the lobby.  I figured it was probably Terry.

CUT TO: 20 minutes later.

I see Terry in the lobby, Oscar in hand.  I congratulate him on the win and say, “we’ve worked together before”.  He responds, “Yes, we have!  On THE DISTRICT”.  I was completely shocked.  I could not believe he remembered me from 11 years ago.  He then told his friends that, “We were in the trenches together!”  I’m thinking to myself, “How did I become “We” to this gentleman who just won an Academy Award? 

I think sometimes I forget that I have accomplished a few things in the entertainment business.  I have worked with some of the enormously talented people…and I guess they remember.  

I met Terry on Fourth of July 2000 through another Irish writer/director, Jim Sheridan.  I met Jim through a friend.  Terry was already an accomplished film writer/director and this, as far as I know, was his first foray into American television.  He was creating a new show, THE DISTRICT for CBS.  Jim invited my friend and I to the beach house he was staying at in Malibu.  After hanging out with him for much of the day he invited us to the house Terry and his family were staying at in Malibu Colony to watch the fireworks.  Before we left, Terry’s wife Margaret asked if I was an actor. “Yes, I am”, I replied.  She requested a photo.

Six months later I got a call from my agent for an appointment.  They commented that they weren’t sure where my photo came from, but they wanted me to come in for the role of a reporter.  When I got to the audition I saw that Terry was directing the episode.  A week later my agent called with the booking.    

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Me and writer/director Terry George and his Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short film. February 26th 2012

This afternoon I returned from Atlanta.  I was there for one day with my younger/bigger brother Jeff attending a motorcycle race.  We had a great time!  Just not enough time.  I hope jet lag doesn’t hit me tonight at work.  It’s Oscar Night and it might be busy.

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Audition “XXXX” @ XXX Casting.  I signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement for this one.  I was okay with the copy, but I felt like I needed more choices and variety in my work.  It was okay I just felt as though I was doing the same thing over and over again. 

After I finished that audition a producer for a commercial being cast in the next room asked if I was available to go in for a “Statefarm” callback.  Of course.  So they gave me the script, assigned me the role and the waiting began.  They had to see the actors with appointments first…so 2 hours later it was my turn.  BUT, right before I went in they changed the role, LOL!  I took a few moments, switched it up and went in. 

Audition: “Statefarm” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  I had a little fun in the room and left.  Then, as I was walking out the door, they came after me to be seen for a different role in a different spot.  That role went better.  So we’ll see.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Verizon” @ Spot Casting.  Okay, so I portrayed a basketball player in this one…Yeah.  It was fun working with the other guys; especially in my motocross gear.

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Audition/Producers: “Luck” @ Creative Casting.  I think the part I enjoyed the most about this audition was the extra long wait to be seen.  There was a whole lot of us waiting in the lobby…lots of funny people.  I don’t think I was all that right for the role, but it wasn’t a bad read.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Wow, what a great, useful commercial class today.  It looks I will be in this class for a while.  I have a lot to learn and seeing myself on camera is so, so helpful.  So I’ll be here for a while I think.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Callback “Nissan” @ [skirts] casting.  Yeah, this callback was very simple, but I don’t think it went too well.  Not at all terrible, but not sure how great…nice people in the room though.

The bigger news that I got this afternoon was the arrival of my new niece Sophia Renee Fuller.  I'm really excited and eager to meet her.   

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Where am I?  What am I doing?  THAT is the question.  I wish I was sure about things more often, but I’m not, plus it probably wouldn’t be normal to be in control of everything, all the time.

I’m trying to figure out how to get further along in my career…and my life for that matter, lol!  I know that I have what it takes to work at a much higher level than I have thus far in my career.  I know it and I just HAVE to make it happen.  Yes, I’m aware that I’ve done more than many who have attempted to make a go of it in Hollywood, but I believe I can do more than I’ve done…much, much more.

­­

I go to my supplemental job at 9pm.  Five nights a week.  That sucks…not the job.  Actually, within the realm of what the job is it’s pretty good.  I have a 401(k) retirement plan, vacation accrual, paid holidays, etc. and it’s a relatively easy place to work.  It’s just that I didn’t move 3,000 miles away from home to serve burgers and beer.  I often deal with people at their worst.  That wears on me.  It’s a grind.  But I also deal with very creative people; which is sometime fun or…interesting…or dangerous… 

The really scary part is that I’ve become used to it.  I’ve become used to the fact that I don’t have much of a personal life and an alarming low number of close friends.  I’m trying to change that, but it’s hard because, in general, I enjoy working, so it’s easy for me to “punch in” and try to “get something done”.  None of that is a reflection on “the job”.  The job is what it is…plus, I signed up for it and I stay by my own choice.  “The job” has been much more of a positive than a negative in my life.  As a matter of fact I have grown to greatly appreciate my employment on The Sunset Strip more than ever. 

That said, how long can I keep up the pace?  I don’t know.  It’s certainly wearing me down, but I still want to perform on the biggest stages in the business so I “keep on keepin’ on”.  I think “keep on keepin’ on” is probably the best, smartest thing I can be doing right now…keep believing and stay engaged in the game.   The last thing one wants to do is to give up when a game-changing event is right around the corner.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Nissan” @ [skirts] casting.  This audition required good, small acting and I think I nailed it.  Nuff said.

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Audition: “Chevy” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  This was another singing dealio.  I actually sang too!  In a group; not a solo type of thing.  I would’ve done that too if I had too.  Gotta be willing to put it out there.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

My commercial improv class went great today!  Of course I have a long, long way to go, but it’s good to feel like I’m moving in the right direction.  I plan to take some sort of a class at one of the improv schools in town in the near future as well.  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Toyota” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  Ah yes!  Great fun with one of the session directors that really knows how to get actors where they need to be.  It was a great time with two other actors.

At 5:49pm just as I was walking in to see a movie my agent calls with a last minute appointment for a small role in a big film.  She didn’t expect me to be able to make it on such short notice, but I had other plans.  Those plans were to see the movie at another time and try my best to book a role in a movie.  Of course!

I had to sign a non-disclosure form so I can’t say anything else about it.  The audition went well and even after finishing I still didn’t know what project I had auditioned for.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition/Tape “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” @ Rachel Tenner Casting.  This was fun.  I felt prepared and present and DIDN’T have a better read on the way home…in the car, LOL! 

It felt great to be in the company of actors from CAA, Gersh & UTA…the big dogs. 

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Well, the verdict on the McDONALD’S gig came in this morning and I have been released from my avail.  Ouch!  NEXT!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Today was the day I was supposed to hear about the potential McDONALD’S Industrial booking…but I heard nothing.  I’ll take that as “no news is good news”. 

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Another weekend of classes.  The improv class went much better than the first one last week. It was a confidence building experience to be sure.  The commercial class on Sunday went well too.  Practice, practice, practice!

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Callback: “Old Navy” @ Gabrielle Schary Casting.  I felt this callback went pretty well and I think I’m right for it, PLUS I shop there often AND I used to work there.  Not to mention I worked at the GAP for one day in the 90’s, LOL!  Yes, they should hire me.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

I attended the CBS Diversity Comedy Showcase this afternoon. It was an entertaining, smooth 45-50 minutes of laughing.  I’d love to get in the showcase one day.  I’ve tried and have auditioned for it and I’ll keep trying.  One day I’ll get through.     

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Yay!  This morning I got the news that I’m on avail for the Joe Pytka-directed McDONALD’S industrial.  They said it should book on Monday to, most likely, shoot Tuesday.  Great!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Yesterday I started my commercial improv class @ Killian’s.  It was a rough start for me.  Rough, but good.  It’s stuff I need to learn; that I HAVE to learn so that I can be more “me” while I perform.  I feel great that I’m doing something that I don’t necessarily want to do.

Today I had a fun commercial class, I’m getting better at this stuff. 

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “VW” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  This was pretty good I think, plus I got to chat with the session director about comedy and a class I’m thinking about taking in the near future.

Audition: “McDonald’s” Industrial @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting.  This was a lot of fun AND it’s to be directed by Joe Pytka.  BUT it’s an industrial which means that it pays very little.  BUT there is usually at least a chance for it to become a commercial.  No matter, I’d like to book it.  I like being on set.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Old Navy” @ Gabrielle Schary Casting.  Geez, I haven’t auditioned at this office since July ’09!  Wow.  I have a plan to restart things at some of these offices around town that I haven’t been to in forever.  Don’t get me wrong; I get called in regularly by many of the busiest commercial casting people in town, but I wanna get called in by more of them.  

Anyway, the audition was a success!  We started with an interview and I made up a story that, I think, worked very well.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

After working all night my phone rings with a same day commercial audition.  I already had one scheduled for later in the afternoon and this one fit in perfectly time-wise and location-wise.  Actually, it was the same casting director, but different locations.

Audition: “Best Buy” @ RMB Casting.  Wow, I was quite confused after the group explanation for this one, but I didn’t worry too much because I think that was the idea of the spot.  So confused I looked.  Strangely, I think it went really well; it certainly felt organic and real. 

Audition: “Maxwell House” @ RMB Casting.  This one went okay.  There was a sizable amount of copy and a bunch of different movements.  I didn’t feel great about it, but I didn’t feel horrible either.  Just more stuff to work on.  I’m cool with that.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Mercedes-Benz” @ Petite - a casting company.  This was funny.  I was in the lobby waiting to get seen for the audition and the gentleman sitting next to me said, “Now, I remember where I know you from”.  I smiled, but didn’t think I had met him before.  He explained that years ago he was the assistant to Robert Wuhl; Mr. Wuhl was the star/creator of the HBO Comedy Arli$$.  I worked on the show February 6^th 2001.  He was watching a tape of my audition with Robert and Robert asked, “What do you think of this guy?”  Since I had dreadlocks at the time and so did the guy he responded, “He’s cool!”  I booked the job!  We got a laugh out of that.  You never really know what goes in to getting a gig...or not.  Anyway, the interview style audition went well.

I had another interesting thing happen the other night at work.  I guy that I shot a commercial with 5-6 years ago came into the restaurant.  As we were chatting about this and that he told me that we were both very close to booking the roles we auditioned for in AVATAR.  What?  Yeah, he said they kept going back and forth and somehow he knew I was the other guy.  He said the role was going to New Zealand for like 2 weeks...  He wasn’t booked either.  He thinks they cast it locally.  Ouch!  OUCH!  Anyway...

http://www.stephonfuller.com 

The Christmas holidays came and went and now it’s back to work.  I didn’t do much over “the break” but work at the restaurant and go to the gym.  Of course its really slow at the restaurant, so earnings have been challenged, but it’s that time of the year.  It’s okay,  I’ll get things back on track soon enough.

Audition: “Mobius” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  What did we do in the audition?  We had a blast!   We sang.  I sang...and I don’t sing.  That in itself was kind of funny…but fun.

Afterwards I had a meeting with my print agents @ KSR.  I’m making another push at getting the print part of my business in line to be profitable in 2012.  I requested a meeting  to sit down with them, face to face, to make sure that we’re on the same page before I drop a few hundred dollars on a photographer.  I’m ready to do it now that I got the dental work completed that I had been wanted to do since forever.  The meeting went well and now I have to save my pennies, choose a photographer and shoot!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Time-Warner Cable” @ Spot Casting.  Another audition!  Wow.  Anyway, this was another very simple one.  I’m gonna book one of these TWC spots soon.  I go in for them all the time it seems.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Wow, twenty-one days into the month and I haven’t had a single audition...until today.  Actually, it’s worked out just perfect because for the last week or so I’ve been a little under the weather; not feeling so great.  A cold, or something, has been chasing me for about 6 weeks and I knew it would finally catch me.  I even lost my voice and couldn’t go to my commercial class on Sunday.  I was disappointed about that, but there wasn’t much I could besides drink tea and soothe my throat.  I’ve tried to keep my schedule as best I can because I feel much better when I’m active.

Audition: “HP” @ Petite, a casting company.  This went well.  Quick-fast, simple and I think I’m really right for it.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

I had a really good and useful session in my commercial class today.  I’m learning so much by doing, understanding, observing AND watching myself on tape...without cringing.  That’s a good thing.

I’m really excited about next year.  Actually, there is still time for me to get more done this year.  I’m just really ready to move this thing to the next level...I HAVE TO.  I feel like I’m in a bit of a do or die situation with my career.  Make it work or do something else.  I’m not sure what else...so I better get my narrow tail in some commercials, films, TV shows, stages, voiceovers, print gigs...something.  I cannot wait tables forever...or even too much longer.  I have SO much more to offer.  The more tables I wait the clearer it comes to me that I should be amongst the working performers in this town.  I believe that I have what it takes.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Xxxxx” @ Xxxx Xxxxing”.  Another non-disclosure formed signed so I won’t say much other than it was pretty interesting sleeping with a woman I’d never met before during the audition.  I think I’m a little young for the spot, but we’ll see.

Audition: “Pepsi” @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting.  Nice!  Another Joe Pytka-directed spot!  The audition was fun and it went pretty well, BUT I think I had a few better ideas in the car on the way home.  I’m getting better, day by day.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

It’s 5am and I’m on my way back to JFK for my flight to back to Los Angeles.  I had a great Thanksgiving weekend with my family.  The time on planes, busses & trains gave me time to think about my immediate future.  Simply put, I’m hungry for success.  Really hungry.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

My nephew Trey and I are back in New York after a looong bus ride...arriving two hours late.   The weather was unbelievably nice in New York.  We were pretty tired, but dropped our bags at Trey’s apartment in Brooklyn and raced up to Harlem to eat at a soul food restaurant called Amy Ruth’s.  It was well worth the trip.

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Today my family and I went to the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.  It was great to see so many people of all races and colors paying respect to MLK’s cause.

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Up bright and early with my nephew Trey to catch the Megabus in Manhattan to Washington, DC.  Wow, I miss NYC!  Not sure how long it’s going to last...there are a lot of stairs in New York.  I don’t miss climbing them.

I ate SO much for Thanksgiving; it seemed like I stayed up all night and just ate...and ate.  Now, I’m feeling bloated...not good.

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On my way to New York, then Crown Heights, Brooklyn and the next morning Washington, DC to be with family. 

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Today is my late mother’s birthday.  Happy birthday mom -  I love you and I miss you.  

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Today I attended a free, informational seminar conducted by my current commercial teacher and Lemon Lime Commercial Owner/Agent Robin Harrington.  No, I’m not looking for a new commercial agent, but yes, I’m always looking for new information to give me insight into the process.  It was a great investment of a couple of hours of my time.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Shooting: CDW Downtown Los Angeles - Day Two.  I worked from 9pm, got home around 5:15am and left my apartment for the set at 6:20...on no sleep.  Yeah, I was a little tired, but ready to work.  Sometimes others tell me that I should call off of work from the restaurant when I book acting job, but I never have except for the time I flew to New York for a commercial shoot.  Maybe they are right, but I feel like calling off has its own drawbacks.  

Most of the time I don’t know the call time until the last minute and sometimes I don’t know the day until late in the process which would probably make trying to get someone to cover a shift at the last minute an even more anxiety-ridden thing.  The last thing I want to do is to leave my career in the hands of someone who has no stake in my future...I have a huge stake in my future.  So, at this point, I’ll suck it up, work the long hours and do what many others aren’t willing to do.  But I do have to find a better balance in my life to generate more social activity and fun stuff.  The problem is that I like working and keeping a tight, busy schedule. 

Back to Day Two:

Glad to be back!  Not glad to be possibly missing a commercial audition for “Charter Cable”, but there isn’t much I can do to prevent it.  

First up was getting my elf ears back in place and into wardrobe.  Then into another wardrobe.  Then back into the first wardrobe.  Then back into the second set of clothing.  At this point changing clothes became...not funny.  

Great.  I just got a call from my theatrical agent for a same-day appointment this afternoon for “GLEE”.  Unfortunately, it’s not looking like I’ll be able to make it.  That makes two appointments I’m missing today, but shooting is one of the better reasons to miss them. 

Finally, a few hours later I was shooting.  Fortunately, Mr. Pytka, was in a good, sharp humor-laden mood.  Our scene was up, we laughed, did our dialogue and we were finished, but not before I had some good-natured back and forth smack talking with the chief in charged.  I’ve never had a problem handling myself in the humor department.  Hey, maybe Mr. Pytka can make me a starrah!

We shot the scripted stuff plus some new stuff that had been written for us.  I have a good feeling about this whole situation.  Not that I think this spot, in particular, is going to do big things.  I think my commercial career into 2012 and beyond is going to kick into a higher gear and I cannot wait.  I’m excited and I’m ready!

After I was wrapped for the day I was thrilled to get the news that I was able to keep my elf ears.  Ha!  Yeah, I planned to wear them to work at the restaurant tonight.  I don’t know why; I figured it would be fun.  Anything to make the time go by.  

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Shooting: “CDW” Downtown Los Angeles.  I felt I was off to a great start with this shoot when the director, Joe Pytka, arrived on set and smiled when he approved my costume and look.  Joe doesn’t smile for kicks; plus I’m wearing elf ears!

When I was booked my agent wasn’t sure I’d be working tomorrow and Friday, but it seems as though I will.  Wardrobe has asked me a few times if I have certain items to wear tomorrow.  Great, but hopefully I won’t miss any appointments.  We had a long day of work and before leaving it was confirmed that I’d be working tomorrow as well...at 7am.  Ouch!

So I was wrapped and on my way.  The only thing was that I REALLY wanted to wear my elf ears to work at the restaurant tonight, but I couldn’t because they needed to be reattached tomorrow.  Anyway, I was able to get a whole 1 hour and 15 minutes of sleep before going to my night job to sling burgers at 9pm.  Ouch again.

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Audition: “MetLife” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  Eh, this went okay I guess.  I thought I should have been able to get to the money shot sooner, but fortunately the session director helped me through it.

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After a long night at work last night I got a great wake up call from my commercial agent Alicia with the news that I booked the CDW industrial.  The greatest part of the booking is that it’s to be directed by the legendary Joe Pytka.  I refer to Mr. Pykta as the “Steven Spielberg of the commercial world”.  He is an amazingly, talented and sometimes...interesting guy.  Plus he has a HUGE reputation for using actors over and over...and over again.  

I’ve worked with Joe twice in the past; both times for IBM.  The first of the two commercials didn’t air too much, but the second one aired a lot, was great fun...both on set and in the bank account.  Mr Pytka has a bit of a reputation for being tough on everybody on his set.  That includes the ad agency personnel, client, cast & crew.  I’ve heard stories of actors refusing to work with him again after a bad experience with him.  In my limited encounters with Joe I’ve always found him to be someone who has a biting sense of humor, but usually fun and good natured.

Anyway, Alicia gave me information for a fitting this morning that I can’t talk about since I signed a non-disclosure agreement.   All I’ll say is that it was great fun.

Tonight I attended a seminar entitled INSIDE THE MIND OF A THEATRICAL AGENT.  It was very informative and probably worth the $25 admission fee.  

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Audition: “Vlasic” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  This went really well.  It was in the same room as the kid I auditioned with a few weeks ago who seemed to be quite inexperienced.  This time it was an older lady who seemed just as new to the game.  She wanted, Michael, the session director to play the tape for us after we read the copy.  He didn’t.  It was funny though. 

As soon as I walked out of there my agency called with the news that I’ve been place on avail for the CDW industrial audition from Saturday.  Cool.  

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Today’s commercial class went pretty good.  It’s getting easier to watch my self on tape and be figure out what I need to work on and that gives me confidence.  I think this is really going to change my commercial presence in the market.

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Audition: “CDW” @ TLC/Booth Casting.  Another Saturday audition, this time for an industrial.  I haven’t been to this office in who knows how long.  Funny, I drove by there just the other day trying to figure out how I could get back in there to audition.  Anyway, the audition had a lot of copy and I was happy with how I handled it.

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Oh well.  I got the news this afternoon that I’ve been released from my DUNKIN DONUTS avail.  That’s okay I’m gonna book something else soon…at least that’s what they say at the agency.  Heck, with all I’m learning in my commercial class I wholeheartedly believe it too.

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Audition: “Oreo” Jeff Rosenman Casting.  Great, subtle work.  I left the audition room very happy.

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Callback: “Dunkin Donuts” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  Yes!  I walked out feeling really good about this whether it goes any further or not.

CUT TO: 6 hours later.

My agent calls to inform me that I’m on avail for “Dunkin Donuts”.  So close; yet so far.

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Audition: “Wal-Mart” @ Kathy Knowles.  I might not be quite right for this spot, but I think it went really well.

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Ouch!  Wow, I had a great, productive, but tough day in the commercial refresher class.  I’m so glad I’m facing my short comings and risking more; THAT is what’s going to make me better in the room.  2011 isn’t over; I’m not finished booking jobs.

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A tough day, a really tough day.  Not sure what else to say…

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Audition “Dunkin Donuts” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  This went well; I’m feeling more confident in my auditions. 

Audition/Tape: “Prime Suspect” @ Lowy/Brace Casting.  This went great!  CD Linda Lowy even referred to me as “One take Stephon” with that I gracefully exited from the room with a huge smile on my face.  I think I might be too young to book the part, but that’s okay.  There will be another day for me at this office.

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I must admit that I’m about to go crazy because I cannot get my iPhone to sync with iCloud and my calendar on my laptop.  I live by my calendar and when they are out of sync I’m not happy.  I have auditions on my calendar from back in 2001 and I do refer back to them for various reasons.  After 5-6 trips & 8-9 hours at the Apple store they escalated it to a senior analyst.  After 2 hours on the phone with him I’m back in business!  Yes!  No, Apple isn’t perfect, but they do try and I appreciate that.

Audition: “Aflac” @ Jessica J. Casting.  This was fun, painless and hopefully I’ll get a callback next week.

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Today I did a play reading with an actor who was on a very popular series a few years back.  I had never met this person before; my name was passed onto this person from someone else.  It was pretty cool, but right before walking in to the reading I got some very disturbing news that tested my focus.  I also got a chance to see what kind of living quarters four years on a successful network series buys.  Nice place.

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Audition: “Flight 7500” @ Kelly Wagner Casting.  This really should have gone a lot better than it did.  I was so caught up in whether I was going to make it scheduling-wise because the SAG Short shoots today as well.  My head was not in the game.  I think I was maybe a little young for the part, but I should have still auditioned well.  Sorry.

Shooting: “The Reginald F. Lewis Story”.  I had a good time with everyone on set.  I even got to say a few words in the scene.  

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Okay, tonight was the 4^th and final night of my commercial class and I am thrilled to say that I learned a lot.  I think it’s going to make a big difference in my auditions and callbacks which should lead to more avails and bookings…at least that’s the plan.  I’m going to take another class there; I’m not sure what, but something to help cultivate my talent.  Maybe improv for commercials. 

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Ugh!  I attended the SAG National Membership Meeting today.  Not sure what to feel about it, but I wish more actors would show up.  These contracts are very important and it’s only getting tougher to make a living as an actor.  I guess SAG and AFTRA are going to merge next year and I really hope it’s the start of a new beginning for us all.  A great, new beginning.

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Week 3 in my commercial class.  OUCH!!  And I say that for the entire class.  At least the first half of the class.  The instructor, Killian, let us know that we were not up to the level we needed to be for callbacks.  He stopped the class and had a serious talk with us.  Yeah, this acting stuff, especially commercials, should be fun, but it’s serious business too.  He got through to us and the second half of the class was much better.  I’m thinking about taking this class over again early next year.  We’ll see.  I just feel like I’m learning a lot that will help me in the future. 

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Audition: Review with Forrest MacNeil” @ Rachel Tenner Casting.  Another okay one; yeah, just okay.

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Busy morning.  Some fun, acting stuff and some serious exciting personal stuff.

Audition: “Safeway” @ broadcast.  This one was simple; it went okay.  I had very little to do, but I’m not sure how well I did it.

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Yes!  I bought a Groupon last year for a deal to drive a NASCAR car.  Is that how you say it?  I don’t know.  Anyway, it was at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.  I had a blast and drove faster than I ever have in my life – 150.20 MPH.  It was a cool thing that I’d like to do with my brothers some day.  The crazy thing was that there was nothing preventing my from really jacking things up and putting that car into the wall at 150 miles per hour.  It wasn’t like there was padding around the track or anything.  It was just me haulin’ ass round dat der track getting’ er done!  Yee haw!

That excitement was quickly doused on the way home with some other more serious news I needed to give my attention to.

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Audition: “Clorox” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  This was an interesting one because I was working with a child who, I think, was very new to the game.  He needed to do something to me in the scene.  Something he might have gotten in trouble for in real life and he had trouble crossing the line…into the dark side.  Maybe that’s a good thing for society that he knew right from wrong.  The flip side is that it might have cost our group a callback…who knows.

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Week number two of commercial class.  Things went a little better this week for most of the class.  Funny enough, I’m already considering taking this class over again early next year.  Why?  Well, I’m learning a lot and I think I can learn a lot more by facing my shortcomings, diving in headfirst and staying in.  There is a lot at stake for me.  I have to produce and get out of this “okay place” in my career.  I’ve got to make some things happen and make a serious push to move forward in this thing called acting. 

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Audition: “Xxxxx X” @ ghskgh Casting.  Can’t really talk about this one, but I hope I get a callback.

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After a long, busy night at work I woke up bright and early for the table read of the SAG short film I’m doing a small role in THE REGINALD F. LEWIS STORY.  Small, as in, not a single line of dialogue.  No problem.  The table read went well and I was able to have a presence even though I didn’t have much to say in the actual script.  It’s all a part of the bigger picture for the future.

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Yesterday I read student scripts at Sun Valley High School and had a lot of fun getting to perform and act a little nutty.  Good times.  Today was a very exciting look into my future.  Wow.

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Finally; my first night of my new commercial class at Killian’s Commercial Workshop.  Wow!  Killian runs the course in a very no non-sense fashion.  He’s there to teach, not to make you feel good…if you don’t do anything that warrants praise you will not get anyway, but he isn’t mean either.  I like his methods; it’s the real deal.  It wasn’t a good first showing for me, but that’s a good thing.  I have A LOT to learn about commercial and I am looking forward to getting better…much better.

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Today I had a meeting with my financial advisor at the AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union.  For the last several years I’ve been trying to better with my finances.  I have to say that it’s made a huge difference in my life being able to pay all of my bills on time and save for a rainy and retirement…and a few other major things going on.  I think I understood about 20% of what she said, but at least it’s more than I understood beforehand.  2012 is going to be a very different year for me so I’m trying to get ready now.  Did I say 2012 is going to be a very different year?  It bears repeating, LOL! 

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Callback: “Sears” @ Francene Selkirk Casting.  So I’ve been going to this office for over 13 years and 2 months, through numerous callbacks, many avails, and…not one, single booking.  NOT ONE!  BUT, I know it is going to happen and, I believe, sooner than later.  The callback went well I think.  It was one of those auditions where they ask a question of you.  My question was, “What is something that others wouldn’t know about you?”  I revealed to the room that I cried during the film THE NOTEBOOK.  Ha!  The room got a good laugh out of it; which I think is a good thing.  Maybe I’ll get a call saying “I’m booked!”  That would be a great thing!

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