I arrived home, late last night, and have been in the car all day with my brother Todd, niece Sophia and her mom.  Todd and I are taking them to Dulles airport in Northern, VA so they can travel to Lithuania (where mom is from) to visit and so that Sophia can meet her family for the first time.   

It was a long day, but a great trip even if just to look out of the window of the car at a different, East Coast landscape.  We even ran into a little bit of “Hollywood” at the airport.  My brother spotted Tommy “Tiny” Lister aka “Deebo” from “Friday” walking towards us with his driver.  Todd remembered that I’d been a reader for him years ago for a potential film project.  His driver sprinted off to get the car so he wouldn’t have to walk in the heat and humidity.  I walked up to Mr. Lister and, of course, he had no recollection of when we’d met, but we chatted and my brother and I took a photo with him.  He asked me what I was doing there in VA.  I told him I was “still in LA”, but just home on vacation. 

As I was walking away he called after me and asked, “What’s a reader?”  I explained to him that I was the person that he read the scenes with for the casting director.  Funny!

Me and Tommy "Tiny" Lister at Dulles Airport 

While waiting for his driver to bring the car he walked over to us and sat on the bumper of the open trunk of our car and chatted with us.  We asked him about the rumors of a new Friday film being produced and he said Ice Cube had turned in a script, most everyone seemed to be on board and it looks like it might actually happen.  It was a pretty cool experience.

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Today I am leaving on a jet plane to go home to Virginia on a much needed vacation.  I’m really looking forward to meeting my newest niece, 5-month old Sophia, for the first time.      

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My younger/bigger brother, Jeff, was in town this week from Virginia Beach and we had a great time!  We went to The San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park, an LA Dodger game, Go-Kart racing and even visited a Rolls-Royce Dealership…

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It’s my birthday…yeah.  I’ve never been too big about celebrating my date of birth. I’m not sure how that started, but I think it has to do with my extreme fear of rejection.  I’ve never once asked for anything for my birthday and definitely don’t have the guts to attempt to have a birthday party.  I just feel that nobody would show up, but that has been proven wrong because a co-worker pulled together a celebration for me a few years ago and people did show up!  It all probably has to do with me being rejected by my father growing up and still being rejected to this very moment; just a guess.  I think I’m on to something… 

On another note, I was interviewed about how I became debt-free by The JW Financial Coaching Podcast.  It was great to be able to share my journey on one of the smartest things I have ever done in my life by paying off ALL of my bills and turning into a saving machine!  I hope it inspires even just one more person to take control of their finances.  Here is the link:

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Audition/tape: “Hollywood Heights” @ Shaner/Testa Casting.  I felt ready for this read, but got mush mouth after the CD said “Action!”. It was weird; it was like I had marbles in my mouth.  Fortunately, the CD gave me another shot and I felt much better the second time around.   Then I did the second scene and that was good too.  I would love to FINALLY book something at this office.

After the audition I made my way to the credit union for my weekly deposit and ran into Matt Nolan, an actor I worked with on WEEDS in 2005.  Back when he and I worked on the show I didn’t have another job; I was making my entire living through acting.  Matt had been a similar situation, but needed to pick up a regular job and told me that he worked that job for 7 years.  I remember that my entire body shook when he said “7 years”.

The thought of having to go back to a regular job terrified me back then; even though I knew it could happen one day.  So here I sit, 7 years later from working with Matt on WEEDS.  I’ve been back at my supplemental job for 4 years…and who knows how much longer I will be there or somewhere else to make a living outside of performing.  The job wreaks havoc on me in many ways and has been a really good thing in as many ways too. 

Anyway, it was great to see Matt and he gave me a heads up on some things that he’s doing that could help me out as well.   

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Audition/producers: “The Wedding Party” Kendra Shay Clark & Helen Geier Casting.  Yes!  I had a great time in this audition…so much that I bought a dozen of donuts (Krispy-Kreme) on the way home.  A booking would be nice; I gotta get my butt in gear and produce some results in 2012!

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Today I had a short meeting with my new print agent.  She seems to be on the ball and ready to rock and roll.  I hope my photos that I’ve invested a lot of money in do the trick.  I’ll give it 2-3 months and see how much, if any, print auditions I get.  I really don’t want to have to reshoot…I wanna book some jobs.

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Callback: “SoCal Honda” @ Alyson Horn Casting.  I’ve had callbcks for this director several times in the past, but I never walk away feeling great.  Never bad, but not great…which has little to do with whether one books the job or not.

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Callback: “Fiber One” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  I felt good about this callback and had a great wife to work with.  Hopefully, I’ll be placed on avail…or booked.

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Audition: “SoCal Honda” @ Alyson Horn Casting.  I think this went pretty well; mostly because the session director was so generous with his time, support and instruction.  My partner and I eventually got it right and walked away feeling great.  I was really happy because I actually overslept and woke up 5 minutes before my appointment.  I jumped in and out of the shower in a flash and raced over to the office; fortunately I live very close and wasn’t too late.

Audition: “Dodge” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  Eh…not so sure about this one.  Even though it was just a personality interview type of situation I don’t know how well I came off on camera.  I was last in a line of 5 people and I think I might have been trying too hard to be interesting.  I don’t know; I just didn’t feel like it was a success…but that doesn’t mean I won’t get a callback.

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Audition: “Fiber One” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  This was a great time!  I had a great wife that I played a great, affectionate husband to and two other male actors in the scene that really went for it.  I was so impressed with their commitment while watching them work.  

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Audition: “Audi” @ Plaster Casting.  Ha!  This one felt really good; even though I wasn’t totally sure what I was doing…I did it.  So, hopefully, I’ll be at callbacks.

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Audition: “Samsung” @ Cathi Carlton Casting.  Hmm…not sure how this one went.  I had to dance and I’m not that good at dancing.  Plus, I injured my back last week at the gym and I’m still a little stiff.   I did the best I could, but I think I…needed a little more…

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So yesterday I went to see THE AVENGERS.  Honestly, I don’t know too much about the history of each character and all of that since I’m not too versed about comic books.   As a kid I was out playing in the woods finding snakes or building a ramp to jump over people on my BMX bike – stuff like that.  As a result I didn’t watch a ton of TV…I know who Superman is though.  So I just watched the film and enjoyed it for what was on the screen in front of me.  I liked it.

At the very end my mind perked up to some dialogue that, for some reason, seemed familiar to me; very familiar.  I couldn’t figure it out at first, but then it came to me.  I’m referring to the people at the very end of the film that were, basically, talking about how cool it was that The Avengers were there to save the day. 

Cut to:

Back on February 3^rd of this year I got a last minute call for an audition for a small role in a very large studio film.  I didn’t know what the project was then, but now I know it was THE AVENGERS!  Obviously, I didn’t get the role, but I mention it because it made me feel as though I don’t give myself enough credit for what I have accomplished in the entertainment business.  It’s easy to concentrate on the fact that I didn’t get the role, but what I did get is confirmation that I’m on the mind of one of the most important studio film casting offices in Hollywood.  Just last month I booked a role in TOTAL RECALL, without auditioning.  That booking came from being on the mind of a different, really important, casting director in town.  Yeah, I’m making progress and I need to remember that and not be so hard of myself…while still pushing to make this career go to the next level.

I had a good commercial class today; I was pretty happy with my performance.  During the class a funny thing happened when the instructor was talking about an ad campaign from some years ago that was very successful.  The client, a bank, then changed ad agencies and shot a new campaign which, I guess, was a failure.  That bank is now out of business.  I was in one of the commercials of the new $100 million dollar campaign.  Ha!  Am I failure?  I don’t know, but I had a great time shooting the commercial and I made good money it.  I guess if one books enough commercials some of those companies will go out of business…just pay me first! 

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Audition: “Verizon” @ Pogo Casting.  I had no idea what I was doing in this one, well, maybe a little bit, but “my wife” was very helpful.  Thanks baby, lol!

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Callback: “Cox Cable” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  Okay, so I made it to, what I consider 3^rd base, callbacks.  I went in with another great group of guys that I jelled with and had a ball.  I even got some direct attention from the director…which I think is a good thing.  

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Audition: “Cox Cable” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  Yes!  This was a fun time with a fun group of guys.  Hopefully I’ll get a callback.

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Audition: “Temptations” @ Spot Casting.  This was good, simple and over in a jiffy.  I’d be a little surprised if they’d cast a black actor in this particular role, but I’ve been surprised before.  Hope I get a callback!

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Tonight I performed my comedy set in the showcase of my comedy class.  I taped it myself and, obviously, I have a lot to learn, but I was pretty happy with how it went considering where I’m at.  I was nervous, of course, but I got through it; even got a few laughs. 

I didn’t invite anyone because the only way I could have done the showcase is if no one knew about it.  I’m not sure what that’s all about with me, but I feel as though I have no friends.  I know it’s not true, but I often feel that way.  I think it stems from my intense fear of rejection; and that probably stems from never being accepted by my father.  It seemed that one of the students had invited half of the 30 people in the audience.  I was amazed at how far away I was from something like that. 

I’m not sure what I’m going to do next with the stand up comedy thing, but, at minimum, I’ll probably do some open mic events and see how I feel.    All in all, it was fun and I consider it a success.

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Audition: “Alltell” @ Joe Blake Casting.  After I signed in an actor approached me and said, “You stole my commercial”.  I laughed and was like “nah, couldn’t have been me I haven’t booked anything of note recently.  We talked a bit more and, in fact, it was me he was talking about.  It was the WaMu commercial from 4-5 years ago.  That was the one where he was “the choice” and the client changed their mind and “went another way” at the last minute.  That, “another way” was “my way!”  The casting office, I later learned, knew they chose me before we auditioned at the 3^rd audition.  I didn’t tell him that though…too much information.  We had a good talk, turns out he went in for the Degree spot I booked as well.  I’m sure he’s booked a bunch of stuff I’ve gone in for too.     

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Audition: “Walgreen’s” @ Joe Blake Casting.  I think this went…pretty good.  There was a lot of “business” to do, but I think I handled it well.  

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Tonight I did my first comedy open mic at Tribal Café with some folks from my class.  I even had a vegetarian sandwich!  At first I considered not going, but then I figured how stupid that would have been.  So I went.  I mean, after all, it was a chance to be out amongst people…which is something I really need to do more of.  It went okay…I think.  I learned a little; which is good.  I learned a lot from my classmates so I’ll call it a great success.  I’m less nervous now, but still nervous.  I’m looking forward to getting that out of the way.

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Audition/Producers/Tape: “The Secret Life of an American Teenager” @ Peter Pappas Casting.  I think this was the fastest audition I’ve ever had.  I walked in, signed in, went in the audition room, read the scene and was out the door in, I think, less than 1 minute…definitely less than 2 minutes.  It went well too!

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Audition: “Tide” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  After I signed in I took a look at the session sheet for the day and saw that I was one of 43 actors that received an appointment for this role in the commercial.  I felt fortunate that I was chosen out of the hundreds or even thousands of actors that are right for the role.  The actual audition was incredibly simple and I was on my way to my comedy class. 

My comedy class went really well today; much better than last week.  I have very little doubt that I can entertain and be really funny.  I just have to find “my way” and get the nerves out of the way.  Sometimes I am so confident and others times I am anything but.  

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Audition/Tape: “Bunheads” @ Jeanne Bacharach Casting.  I hadn’t seen Jeanne since I booked “Brothers & Sisters” years ago.  It was good to see her and Mara again.  I think it went pretty good.  I got direction on the second take and then completely different direction on the third take.  Not sure what that meant, but I appreciate them taking the time with me. 

Audition: “AEP” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  This was fun and went great!  My partner and I went for it.

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Audition: “Boost Mobile” @ Alyson Horn Casting.  This was fun with a fun partner to work with; I think I did okay.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.  

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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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