Shooting” TOTAL RECALL @ Sony Studios.  10am call time.  Back into wardrobe and ready to rock & roll!  Again, I did a bit of waiting before finally getting on set and meeting Jessica Biel…whoa, that young lady is beautiful; like naturally beautiful, not so much in a typical Hollywood way.  More like a girl next-door knock out.  She’s really nice too. 

The thing about doing these really small parts is that they can…not shoot them.  I had a weird feeling that could happen so I was really happy to finally get called to set and interact with the director, Len Wiseman.  I was dressed the same as many of the background players so I’m not really sure that they knew I wasn’t actually one of them.  It’s a $200 million dollar production with a ton of things going so I just needed to do as I was told and hope for the best; there wasn’t much more I could do than that.

After a while of doing that scene we broke for lunch and afterwards I waited around for several hours.  Finally the word came to me that I was wrapped…without shooting “my stuff”.  Ouch!  It certainly wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I have enough experience in the game to know that booking a job doesn’t mean I will get to actually shoot the job.  Well, I got to shoot a little and that’s better than none.  I’d been on set since 10am; it’s now 8:35pm and I’m supposed to be at work @ 9pm.  I had called the restaurant earlier to let them know I would, most likely, be at least a little late.

Oh yeah, I got a photo with Colin, but I promised him I wouldn’t post it until after the movie opened.  Cool dude that Colin Farrell. 

How hard is it to go from the set of a $200 million dollar movie directly to slinging burgers to drunk people on The Sunset Strip 45 minutes later?  Well, for me, not that hard, BUT I’m SO looking forward to the day when that is no longer in the cards for me.  Now, I just have to hope that I’m in the final credits…that is a big deal for the bottom line.


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Shooting: TOTAL RECALL @ Sony Studios.  I arrived for a relaxing call time of 12pm, which was nice after working all night last night.  I checked in, got into my wardrobe, waited in my trailer, talked to some background folks, waited, went to lunch, got a glimpse of Colin Farrell (dude is in really good shape) finished lunch, waited some more, had a great conversation with “Veronica” about personal finance, and waited and was wrapped for the evening, 8 ½ hours later without shooting a single frame.  Thankfully I don’t have to work at the restaurant tonight.

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My stand up comedy class went okay today.  The funny is that I felt really prepared going in!  But when I got up to the microphone I blanked out a few times which interrupted my flow.  It wasn’t all bad though, some of my material worked quite well.

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This morning I read scripts that the students at Los Angeles Leadership Academy wrote.  I think it’s a magnet school; I’m not sure what that means...or if I spelled it right, but I guess the students are “gifted” as opposed to “at risk” which sometimes describes the other schools I read scripts at.  As usual it was a complete blast.  The students and teachers really appreciate the efforts of the performers in attendance and we, the performers; really appreciate being a part of something meaningful.   I always look forward to the next one.

Wardrobe fitting @ Sony Studios.  Yeah!  One step closer to this being a real thing that will actually happen.  I say that because there are so many steps in which things “can go wrong”.  Not really “go wrong”, but not go to the full fruition of what an actor hopes a booking will be.  At this point I’m guaranteed one day of pay.  Nothing more; nothing less. 

When I arrived at the wardrobe trailer @ Sony Studios my wardrobe was all set and ready to go, but there was one problem.  The pants that they had set out for me HAD to be for a woman…a small woman.  Me, being the trooper, good sport and maybe fool that I am attempted to put them on.  I’m surprised I didn’t pass out and break the zipper in the process.  I told the wardrobe person that “we need a bigger boat”.  They found me some larger, man-sized pants and I was in and out in a jiffy.

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SFX: Phone ringing: 11:12am – After working last night, of course, I was asleep when one of my theatrical agents called and said that, Debra Zane Casting, one of my favorite casting offices requested my jacket & pant size and if I’m available this Sunday & Monday.  Exciting news to say the least.  She told me what the project was and what she thought might be going on.  Cool.  Back to sleep…with a smile on my face!

After I woke up I was talking to my little brother, Todd, about how I sometimes forget about the strides I have made in my career thus far.  It’s so easy to get caught up in what I haven’t accomplished and forgot what I have accomplished.  I was explaining to him how important this casting office is in the business.  Some of her recent credits are:  Plant of the Apes, Twilight, & The Hunger Games and a new NBC series on the horizon.  I am quite fortunate to have someone like her in my corner AND she’s a great lady to boot!

Cut to: Phone ringing  - 5:08pm - The call comes that “they are going with me for TOTAL RECALL.  What?  TOTAL RECALL???  Wait, I’m confused.  I thought I was being considered for a role in a pilot being shot.  TOTAL RECALL sounds like a film; a remake in fact.  Part of the reason I’m confused is that I didn’t audition for either project.   Yeah, this is a direct booking.

Turns out, there was a little bit of confusion as to what the project was/is.  For a moment I thought I had booked two, separate projects, but that wasn’t the case.  I’m excited no matter what; it’s been a long time since I’ve been cast in a studio film.  So yes, the booking is one or two days on TOTAL RECALL starring Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel & Kate Beckinsale. Debra cast me in THE TERMINAL from dropping of my headshot, also Ocean’s Twelve & Ocean’s Thirteen…(didn’t actually get to shoot either one though…long story).  Debra and her team that includes, Tannis & Shayna, are just wonderful people and I feel so, so fortunate that they think of me for their projects.

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Audition: “Nissan” @ RMB Casting.  This was fun, but I had NO idea what I was doing.  I just tried to act like it.  I think I did a pretty god job.  

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My comedy class went pretty well today.  Better than last week.  I was much less nervous and I like my teacher and classmates.  The homework writing exercises are difficult because things don’t usually seem so funny when I’m writing them down.  I guess I just have to try to make it a habit.  Or not.   

My 23 year-old nephew, Trey, called me today with some great news.  He opened up a Roth IRA account.  I had a conference call with he and his older sister September 5^th 2009 about the topic of personal finance.  At the time he was a junior in college and didn’t really have the money to do it, but the information stayed with him.  I’m far from an expert on the topic, BUT I am an expert on how I became debt-free.  I wanted to give them some of the guidance that I didn’t get when I was their age.  It might not even be guidance.  Maybe it’s just a sounding board and a sharing of ideas.

I also treated a fellow employee to lunch this week while we discussed his financial situation.  We started talking about it 2 years ago, but he wasn’t committed enough to actually start moving in that direction back then, but now he seems to be a little more serious about it.  It’s scary to think how far along he would be in the process if he’d started then, but it’s better that he start now than later.  I spoke to him a few days later and I can tell that our time together was fruitful.  He sounds more confident and actually excited about the future of his finances.  He’s got a new pep in his step.  I can attest that it’s made a huge difference in my life and I’m just trying to encourage others to take a serious look at their hard-earned dollars.

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This morning I received an email from a New York-based CNN producer about a story that broke concerning a Super Bowl commercial that had been airing.  Reportedly, the casting notice for the commercial was looking for an “African-American car dealer.  Nice looking, friendly.  Not too dark.”  Ooops. 

The producer wanted to know if this sort of thing was common and if I was available to speak with them about it.  Hmmm.

Then, a while later, I received another email from a Los Angeles-based CNN producer.  This producer I know and am friendly with.   It was tricky and I wasn’t sure I wanted to get involved without knowing much about the specific casting.  I am very familiar with the casting office, I audition there regularly and have booked commercials there in the past. 

The story didn’t specify who or why the directive was put in the casting notice.  Did it come from the ad agency, the client, the casting office, etc?  I don’t know.    Was it for technical/lighting/special effect reasons, was it racism, etc?  I thought it was probably best that I issue a “No Comment” on the matter...my agents agreed.  I felt important for a moment.  Like my opinion mattered!

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.       

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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.      

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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!  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.   

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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

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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”. 

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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.

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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.     

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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!

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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