Audition: “Dodge” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  I had a great time in the lobby AND in the audition room for this one.  Ha!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Aaleyah, my 17 year-old niece got on a plane to return to Virginia Beach this afternoon.  I think her trip to Hollywood was a success.  We stayed busy and I did my best to show her what I could of the city.  I’m not the greatest host, but I think I did pretty well. 

Aaleyah fuller in Hollywood.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Callback: “McDonald’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  I think this went pretty well, but I probably had an even better time in the lobby chatting with fellow hilarious commercial actor Leonard Jackson.  Leonard seems to book commercials ALL the time.  That’s where I wanna be…

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Today my 17 year-old niece, Aaleyah, is arriving for a visit to Hollywood.  I bought her a ticket so that she can see a part of the country she hasn’t seen before going into her senior year in high school.  Just a little something to, maybe, help her think big and go for her dreams in life…I wish someone would have done something similar for myself.  I got so little guidance growing up it’s scary, lol!  I’m trying “be the change” I want to see in my family by supporting the younger ones coming up.  I have to say that it’s quite the uphill battle.    

Anyway.  Yes, I’m a little nervous about how it’s going to turn out as her and I have had a slightly rocky relationship as of late.  I’m hoping for the best. 

Audition: “Hot in Cleveland” @ Greenstein/Daniel Casting.  This went well and was a lot of fun.  It was great to confirm that I’m still on the radar of this casting office as it had been a while since I’d auditioned there.  Now I have to race to Santa Monica for my next one.

Audition: “Honda” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  I barely made it to this one, but once I got in the room I had a great time with my scene partner.  They should just hire us both!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “McDonald’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  I’ll admit that I felt  little lost in this one, but I also felt that it went really well based on the reaction from the session director.  Hopefully, I’ll be at call backs next week.  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Oh well.  It looks like I’ve been released from the “UPS” commercial avail @ TLC/Booth Casting.  Darn.  Oh well, I guess life moves on…of course it does.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Yay! I got a call this afternoon informing me that I’ve been placed on avail for the UPS commercial from last week.  It would be so nice to book something…anything at this point.  In other news, TOTAL RECALL opens today and I don’t think I’ll be in it unfortunately.  I’m pretty certain that my part was left on the cutting room floor. Who knows, maybe I’ll be in the DVD “uncut version”. Is that what they call it “uncut”?  I think I meant “deleted scenes”.

Audition: “Toyota” @ Petite, A Casting Company.  I tried to get to this audition early out in Santa Monica because I needed to get to my callback back in Hollywood. 

I arrived early hoping to get in and out, but it didn't really help. My category didn't start until I arrived anyway. So I sat there on pins and needles trying to get out of there as soon as I possibly could. I hate being "that actor" having to ask other people if I can go ahead of them, but I guess you’ve got to do what you have to do.  It was great to see that the other actors were very accommodating and sensitive to my situation.  When I finally got in the room to audition I think it went really well.  I had a wife to work with and she was great.  It’s funny, I work really well with “wives” in auditions; sometimes I wonder how I would work with a wife in real life…

Callback: “AT&T” @ spot casting.  The callback went great! They kept me and had me wait for another actor to read with him as well. I was very happy with how it went, so we’ll see.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “AT&T” @ spot casting.  While rehearsing for this audition with the two other actors I had to become “that actor”.  What I mean by that is that I thought it was written a certain way but one of the other actors didn’t seem to get the joke and I had to inject my two cents of what I thought was going on.  Eventually they saw it my way.   I think I was right and fortunately they didn’t seem to take offense.  In the end I feel like it went really well, we had fun and we’re on our way.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

I was funny when I walked into this audition.   It was weird. Every little thing that the casting director or the other actors said I had some sort of little funny thing to comment about.  Anyway, the Casting Director thought I would be great for a different commercial that they were doing as well so, as a result, I got to audition for that one too.

Audition: “Dodge” @ Rick Montgomery Casting.  This was the one that I got pulled into; I think it went okay.  I was okay with that so we’ll see if they were okay with it as well.

Audition: “Ford” @ Rick Montgomery Casting.  This one was fun. I was supposed to go in with a fellow actor but no one else showed up so it was just me. I read with the casting director and had a great time with a little improv at the end.   It was a blast.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Audition: “Statefarm” @ Alyson Horn Casting. This was fun, funny stuff.  I got to work with kids and that’s always good time for me; I like messing with them!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

14 years ago today I moved to Los Angeles from New York to further my acting career. I can't believe it's been 14 years.  I guess I should be calling Los Angeles home now, but for some reason I’m still not sure…

In other news I started a 7-week INTRODUCTION TO IMPROV class at iO today.  I think I need to be looser while performing and hopefully studying improv will help me achieve that goal.  It’s funny because I have no problem with being loose in real life, but sometimes when I perform I almost seem like I have a stick up my a** so I’m trying to fix, LOL!

Class today was fun and there are some talented people in there, so it should be a great experience.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Guess who has an audition?  Me!  It feels it’s been forever.

Audition: “UPS” @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting.  It’s funny; every time I audition at that office the conversation, before and after the audition, takes longer than the actual audition.  It’s always good, interesting conversation about politics, music, the economy, etc…and I’ve booked in the office several times in the past; including my last commercial booking.  The audition went well and was a nice welcome back to work that I moved her to do!

Uh oh…my credit for TOTAL RECALL on IMDB has been changed to “uncredited”.  That isn’t good news for my possible appearance in the film…or any future residuals.  Well that’s the way it goes sometimes. I mean I can't be upset, after all, they did pay me for my 2 days of work and the really great thing is that the Casting Director, Debra Zane and her associate Tannis, has me on her mind.  I really appreciate that.

Debra has cast me in 4 studio films, although I’ve only gotten to actually shoot 2 of them and looks like I'll only be appearing in one of them.  That one is THE TERMINAL.  She cast me in OCEANS 12, but they were over budget and behind schedule some my scene was cut.  She cast me in OCEANS 13, but they were ahead of schedule and the dates I had been given changed after I had also booked a commercial for MICHELIN.  After a lot of trying to make the dates worked I finally had to pull out of the movie. That was a really hard thing to do because not only, obviously, I wanted to work on the movie but I also had a scene with Al Pacino.

I later found out that I had been cut out of the MICHELIN commercial.  OUCH!  Yeah, tough stuff. I’ve been hired twice by Steven Soderbergh but I’ve never gotten to shoot anything for him or even meet him.  It’ll happen one day in the future.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

Well, it’s over; my vacation that is.  I really wish I had another week away from the hustle & bustle of Hollywood, but time is short and I have a plane ticket back home.  Is LA home for me?  I’m still in denial after 14 years of being here.  Geez. 

Overall, the trip was bitter/sweet and it seems to get more bitter and more sweet every time.  As many of us know, family can be trying and beautiful at the same time.  I got most everything done that I had planned and new horizons concerning the future of the family business are exciting.  Nothing concrete or officially involving me, but I’m an optimist of what the future might hold.

It’s amazing, I left Virginia Beach 17 years ago and I still dream of somehow, figuring out how to be in two places at once.  I have such strong feelings that our family business, Philadelphia Cold Cuts, has the potential of being wildly successful…and I want to be a part of it.  I talk about it ALL the time.  I’d love to work with my brothers again, but it’d never happen with my father in the mix.  At least I can’t see how it could.  The kicker is that I still, very much, want to perform professionally.  I don’t know…

One thing I do know for sure is that I can do FAR more than I am doing in this life and I need to find a way of getting closer to realizing my full potential…in Hollywood and out of Hollywood.    I didn’t move to Hollywood to serve burgers and fries and I while I greatly, from the bottom of my heart, appreciate the employment; I should be doing so, SO much more.

Speaking of Hollywood; I missed an audition today for a web series because I was travelling.  Oh well, not much I can do about it except for attempt to get rescheduled.

Without question, the coolest thing about coming back to LA was flying first class.  It makes SUCH a HUGE difference.  I could definitely get used to traveling first-class.  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

This was a bit of a head trip for me.  Today I went to a small family reunion on my father’s side of the family.  Even though the gathering was only about 50 miles away my father didn’t attend.  Who knows why; my father was just being…”my father”. 

The crazy thing for me was that I haven’t seen or spoken to my father in 9-10 years so I don’t really know what he looks like anymore.  I mean I have an idea what he looks like, but that’s it, an idea.  When we arrived, some of the first few people I saw were two of his nephews - my cousins.  I was kind of staring at them in this weird way because they are the closest thing, in my life, that resembles my father.  And they were living, breathing, talking, interacting with people, etc!  It was just odd…and quite sad actually.  Not the event, just the notion of being so rejected by my own dad.  It’s amazing; I guess I don’t exist in his world anymore.

I’d be lying if I said that being rejected in that way hasn’t affected me; it has.  Of course it has…and does.  I’m not sure what I did to contribute to it being this way between he and I…maybe nothing.  It has always been this way from what I can remember.  I’m one of 6 children and he had his favorites and I certainly was not/am not one of them.  “Favorites” might not be accurate, but he treated some of us “more favorable” than others.  Maybe it’s just that way he’s wired.  It scares me for my future to be honest.  I’m so afraid of ultimately being like him that I feel that I may end up being…exactly like him.

At any rate, I had fun at the event.  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.      

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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…

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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:

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.   

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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…

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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! 

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.     

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.


http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.  

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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.

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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!

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

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

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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


http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

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


http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com

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

http://www.stephonfuller.com