For years I’ve had this thing where I try to keep my schedule as full as possible. Just always into something productive; it could be a movie, a workshop, a class, a panel, virtually anything. Lately, I’ve been shifting that a little; still staying busy, but doing different things. One of them is learning to network better. I don’t know if I will ever learn that but I’m giving it an honest shot. Other things are reading, writing, riding my mountain bike and the biggest thing is taking ownership of what I have to offer this world…however much or little that is.

I’ve been attending some of the union meetings at SAG to become a more informed actor. So last week I was checking the schedule for this week’s union meetings and there was a conflict with a SAG LifeRaft event that I had already RSVP’d to attend. So I had to make a decision on which one I was going to attend – I hate that. I’m an information junkie and I need my fix – I didn’t want to choose. At that point, for the first time, I took a closer look at exactly what the topic of the seminar was. Usually, I’ll just attend them all because there is always something I can learn. Well, the title of the conflicting one was a SAG Foundation LifeRaft event titled - “When Actors Decide to Quit Their Day Jobs!”. I literally asked myself out loud, “Why aren’t I on that panel?” I mean seriously, I’m an actor that decided to quit my day job; I prefer to say “resign” for some reason.

So I thought about it for a moment and got really nervous. Yes, I have spoken before to groups of actors, but it’s always been at events I was asked to participate in. This would be the first time I asked to be on a panel. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I don’t know why, but I get insanely nervous about things like this. In the end, I’m usually able to handle it well because I’m pretty good at putting on my game face and handling things when the time comes.

So I decided that “Yes!” in ’08 I’m going to go forward with it and take ownership of what I have to share. My story is as valid as anyone else’s and everyone else’s story is as valid as mine. I feel as though I’ll be telling every actors story of deciding to quit their day job make a go of it.

It’s incredible how nervous I am right now just writing about the possibility of being on the panel. What would they say about me? How would I be introduced? I mean, it’s easy for me to sit behind the keyboard post stuff on my blog, but this is different. I don’t know. I’ve been interviewed for the newspaper in my hometown a few times and that hasn’t been the greatest experience. They just get the story wrong; not anything malicious, but wrong nonetheless.

After sitting on it for a bit I decided to go forward and try to find who is organizing the event to see if I’m a good fit for the topic being discussed. I left a message for the organizer and a few days later I was contacted and asked to submit a few things about how I left my day job so they could get an idea of who the heck I was. The next day I got the news that I would be perfect for the panel. I guess I’m committed now! I feel good about it; I think I’m doing the right thing. Hopefully, I’ll be much less nervous by Wednesday night. It’s just the very beginning and the time before the very beginning – like now. Once it’s starts and I warm up I’m fine.

Audition: “Breyer’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Meeting: "The Quest" @ Cricket Feet Casting. This was my first "meeting" as opposed to an audition. It was intended to be "a chat" between myself, the director and two of the producers.

Again, this was my first meeting as an actor, but since I've worked as a reader for films I’ve sat in on a few meetings with actors that don’t always read for a part, but they’ll “take a meeting” so I kinda knew what to expect.

This particular CD makes available an unbelievable amount of information for the actor to fully prepare and research the project. I had the full script, biography of the director, writers and producers, storyboard, location scouting photos, etc. Remember, I wasn’t even auditioning – just meeting, but of course, I read the entire script and went through the additional material to give me a strong perspective.

The entire meeting lasted about 11 minutes and it went very well…I think. It’s always hard to tell so you can only go on what you feel. Since I was so informed I really had a strong position so the meeting was a real two-way street. I had questions, they had questions, I had answers and they answers. They seemed interested in my services; I guess time will tell.

It felt great when the producer asked for my resume because I have a nice collection of credits and directors. The director, being Italian from Italy, wasn’t as up on who the TV directors on my resume are, but he knows who Steven Spielberg is. The producer is from Hollywood and has been in the business for years and has worked on many of the shows that are on my resume. I think that moment was a strong positive as kind of a pedigree to legitimize me.

At the meeting I was just trying to get to the next step which, I assume, would be actually reading for the part. Did I mention that it shoots in Rome and Bulgaria? Yeah, and I’m really overdue for a stamp on my freshly renewed passport. I’ve gone to Tokyo, Madrid, Washington, DC and Miami for jobs; back to Europe in the summer would be nice.

The director explained that they need to get the names set before they can move forward with supporting cast. So that was it; my first meeting, but I handled it like I take meetings on the regular. Not anything weird; I just handled myself as a pro that wasn’t at the rodeo for the first time. I mean, more often than not you don’t hear anything, but who knows. I filled my agents in on how it went and that’s about all I can do for now.

Today’s online issue of Adweek describes me as the “much-skinnier male counterpart” in the “WaMu” commercial. I’m not skinny, I’m fit; fit like a mofo. Actually, I’m a little pudgy these days even though someone on the Disney strike said I looked like I “lost a lot of weight”. What? I’ve gained 4-5 pounds over the last 6 weeks or so.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Okay, as I’ve mentioned before I’m trying to get out on the town more often; both professionally and personally. This past weekend my friend Angel invited me out two nights in a row, both in Hollywood. I think I did okay…I guess…I hope. I absolutely suck at the networking thing, but the second night I actually gave out my card a few times.

I don’t know exactly what it is that I’m uncomfortable about, but it’s been this way since the very beginning of my career. I have a fear of rejection. Since I was fully aware of it back then I’ve been able to over compensate for it in other ways. Funny enough, none of the fear has anything to do with acting or auditioning; I don’t take any of that stuff personally. I don’t get rejected for acting jobs; the powers that be just hire someone else…frequently. I wonder if I’d further along if I was really good at “working a room”.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

It’s pretty much official that the WGA-AMPTP strike is over. Finally! Showrunners are scheduled back to work today with writers reporting on Wednesday of this week. With the timing of it all things could get really busy, really fast.

I stopped by my theatrical agents’ office this morning to bring them a fresh supply of headshots and resumes. It’s great to be able to stop by and have a quick chat with my team about what is happening.

When I first moved here to Los Angeles I specifically concentrated on commercials and television – not so much in the way of film. My rationale was that there was just more television being cast and commercials always came very natural to me. So I came up with my list of “Blue-Chip” shows and went after them.

The plan has worked out pretty well, thus far, but since the strike affected TV much more than film I felt it tremendously; and as a result I only had two auditions since the strike started. One was for a TV show and one was for a film. It revealed that my relationships with film CD’s aren’t as strong as they are in TV world. No worries, just something that I’ll have to make a decision about whether I want to really work on changing…or attempting to change.

I didn’t stress about the lack of film auditions during the work stoppage because I’ve kept myself super-busy since it started on November 5th. Between training to be a camera operator, picketing, commercial auditions, working on my screenplay, etc. I’ve kept it moving. I think ’08 is going to be special for me and many others. I like working in TV and commercials – a lot, but more film opportunities would be cool too.

First thing this morning I got the great news that the “WaMu” commercial I shot just before Christmas starting running. This was a great way to start off the week. I hear it looks pretty good; I hope it runs long and hard.

custom-made, one of a kind, V-neck top with rhinestone

accent and crotch-snap (also custon-made), hand-made

tight-ass fitting pant with rhinestone accent - WHAT!!!!

Later this morning I went to a SAG Wages & Working conditions meeting and on my way out I passed a guy who was on his way in the building and he had seen the commercial this morning and recognized me. I felt so odd, I’m not sure why, maybe because he really caught me off guard. It’s like I don’t know what to say. After 30+ national, regional and international commercials you’d think I’d have a clue by now…just another thing I’m working on in ’08.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Progressive Insurance” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This was the same one I auditioned for yesterday. I was called back in because there was a problem with the sound yesterday. I don’t think it went as well today as it did yesterday. Oh well, hopefully I’m wrong.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: @ Disney Studios. It would be nice if today was the last 3-hour shift for me on the picket lines. I’m tired, the city is tired and we all need to start making money and moving forward again. Rumor has it that there is positive movement in the negotiations between the WGA and the AMPTP so maybe my hope will become a reality.

It was a lively day today; I actually talked to several people while circling the Disney Studios lot. I spoke to an actor and a writer I worked with on “Bones” and had a conversation about the relationship between SAG and AFTRA with another actor. I feel really good about my contributions to my profession. Not just during the strike, but throughout my career; I think it’s important to not be just being a taker, but also being a giver. I learned the art of giving from my mother. I’ve gotten a lot out of being a professional actor and I’ve given a lot back. Sometimes, all I have to give is a smile and an encouraging word; others times I’ve given a bit more.

Audition: "Progressive Insurance" @ Ross Lacy Casting. The audition went well. I felt that I did enough, but not too much. That’s a very important balance I’m trying to find in my auditions. I don’t want to be boring and flat, but I also don’t want to try too hard and just come as…well, as someone that’s trying to hard.

This was kinda funny. Last night I went to a screening of Michael Moore’s “Sicko” and while waiting for the film to start I was writing in my PDA and then reading the book I had with me. The book is entitled “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. So there I am being my normal self; which is sitting all they way to the right, hat pulled low, minding my own business. This attractive, relatively tall, shapely African-American woman comes in looking for the “perfect seat” where she would be able to see without anyone blocking her view. So she sits in front of me. No problem, I could still see fine. She glanced back at her new surroundings, still wondering if she made the right decision. She looked at me and I smiled back, which is normal for me as I’m usually very friendly if approached.

A moment later she turned around again and asked if anyone was sitting beside me. I said “no” and she made her way back. As she squeezed her way in through the very tight seats in this particular theatre she put both of her hands firmly on my shoulders. This woman was about an inch taller than me – I felt her electricity. No! I really did. Touch! Is a very important way of connecting!

So she’s sitting beside me and we’re making small talk, very small talk. I don’t think she wanted to disturb me too much because I was reading and I already had to get up so she could get in the row to sit beside me. After another couple of moments I could feel her looking around again to see if she could find an even better seat. There was one behind me so she got up to move to that one and again I had to move so she could get to it – YES!!!! More electricity and physical contact – you know, the hands on the shoulder thing.

Before the movie started I put the book down, slipped out to the mens room and returned to read a little more. At that point she leaned in and asked if I was reading the book on my own or if my wife requested that I read it. At first I paused, because the question caught me off guard. Then, a second later it made sense – I still have the wedding band on from the “WaMu” commercial. LOL!!!! I told her “No my wife didn’t request I read it because I’m not married and I don’t have a girlfriend”. I explained to her that it was a long story, but in short, I had shot a commercial in which I was married and the prop ring from the shoot was a “good omen”. She didn’t know what to say to that. I couldn’t stop laughing. After seven weeks I usually forget that I have it on, but I guess it makes quite a statement. Why am I still wearing the ring? Because I can and it’s the beauty of being me – I don’t have to have a reason.
All that “electricity” and I didn’t even ask for her number…I don’t think she had a ring on so maybe she was available.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: @ Warner Bros. Studios. I'm getting better! I'm a freakin' networking king! Not really, but I spoke to three different people on the lines today - two were writers and one asked for my card so she could get in touch with me when her current script is finished. It felt natural and not “networky” which works well for me. First, she really appreciated me, being actor, supporting the WGA and that I am totally invested in the outcome.

I went to another SAG Wages & Working Condition Meeting at SAG last night. I can’t really disclose what went on because of confidentiality, but I have to say we are in the fight for our careers – no two ways about it.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: Paramount Studios. We received a briefing on the strike lines this morning and it seemed to be encouraging news. I sure hope so; this thing needs to end and soon. I sure hope there is great news on the horizon.

Print go-see: "Viread" @ Brigid McBride Casting. Three digital still photos and I was finished.

Something weird has been happening to me lately.

While at the print go-see today I ran into the other actor who was in the running for the same role in the "WaMu" commercial that I shot in December.

Last week I ran into an actress who was in the running for "the wife" in the "WaMu" commercial. She commented that the last time we'd seen each other was at the first callback. At that moment, for some reason, I just froze - completely. Why? You may or may not ask. I faced the "dilemma" of revealing to her that I actually booked that job. Or not saying anything about the booking and then her eventually seeing the spot and thinking I'm an a**hole for not stating the obvious. I didn’t want to be that person who says “look at me and what I’ve done”. I know it may sound really weird, but I usually detest drawing any type of attention to myself. Sometimes; not always. Stage fright? I don’t think so. Odd? Certainly.

So, after about 10 seconds of silence from me I had this confused look on my face.

I told her the news and, of course, she was very happy for me. It was almost like I felt guilty because I booked the job. That is so crazy! What the heck is wrong with me? It's not like it's the first job I've booked. Another thing I'm trying to get the hang of in '08. I better get the hang of it because I will book more than I did in ’07 – regardless of the strike.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: CBS Television City. Funny enough this is the first time I had gone to this particular strike location even though it's the closest to where I live. I might not go back to this one because it seemed a little dangerous at times with the way the cars were trying to get into the gate.

I actually spoke to someone this time instead of listening to podcast on my PDA. He was a screenwriter from New Jersey; we had a good conversation. Also, a very nice woman gave everyone that was picketing the hottest, thickest hot chocolate I've had in my life. Nice lady.

Afterwards I went to a Wages & Working Conditions Meeting @ the Screen Actors Guild Headquarters. The purpose of the meeting was to get ideas from the membership in preparation for the upcoming negotiations of the SAG TV/Theatrical contract. Interesting stuff to say the least.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Roundup” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This went okay. The second take was better than the first; hopefully they will see that one. I'm not sure what my problem was; the session runner explained it to me well enough. Oh well.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I had a very interesting meeting this evening. Could I be awakening the giant within? Perhaps…

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: @ Paramount Studios. Another day on the lines – a short day, but another day nonetheless. I’ll be glad when this is over.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Today was the WGA/SAG Solidarity Rally @ Fox Studios and there was a pretty good turn out. I actually saw several actors I knew from auditioning and workshops. It was great to see actors there today because the writers need and appreciate our support. I’ve tried to devote time out there on the picket lines because I think it’s important for me to not just “take” from this career, but also “give” something to it for those who will follow in my footsteps. All the perks of being a working actor didn’t come easy so I do it in honor of those who did it before me.

I often speak of how much I hate “networking”, but I love organic encounters. I had an organic encounter on the picket lines with writer Janet Lin, staff writer for “Bones”. Janet wrote my character, Darwin Banks, and the episode of “Bones” that I appeared in. I can’t think of a better way to run into her considering the circumstances – very natural, very organic. I didn’t have to “work it”; I just suck at that. I was a great, productive day and I feel like I am part of something big and extremely important.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Last Saturday night a film I appeared in, "The Terminal", aired on ABC; I hadn't seen the film since the cast & screening in June ’04 and I don't own a copy of it. I recorded it because I might want to add my scene with Tom Hanks to my demo reel. I don't think I actually will because I look quite a bit different these days. I don't have dreads anymore and I think I looked younger then. I want my reel to point toward where I can go versus where I've been.

I get a warm feeling every time I think about my experience with that film. I booked it from a drop-off to a casting director I had never met - a major casting office that was on my target list. I later learned that it was the casting associate who I'd met 3 years prior who was responsible for bringing me in for the audition. She had never brought me in before, but I'd been postcarding and dropping off to her for years.

I auditioned on Tuesday July 29th 2003. The tapes were FedEx'd to New York that evening and 2 days later I got the news that I'd been booked. One week of work; one line of dialogue, amongst several scenes - oh yeah, my scene was with Tom Hanks & directed by Steven Spielberg.

This part was, without question, one of highlights of the experience. What did I do?

I doubled my dialogue.

Yup I turned one entire line into TWO entire lines. I think it was one of the smoothest things I've ever done - in the presence of two multi-time Academy Awards winners no less. Trust me, I did it in a fail-safe way that did not respect the rehearsal process. After adding the line Mr. Spielberg actually thanked me directly…and it even made it to the final edit of the film.

Anyway, moving forward, when I was looking for a VHS tape to record "The Terminal" on I put one in and the first thing that came on was a show I recurred on years ago - "Good Morning, Miami" - mid-scene, was the enormously talented Suzanne Pleshette being her normal, funny self. I forwarded the tape to the end of episode so that I could watch it again later.

I remember, years ago, at the table read for the pilot of “GMM”. Ya know when they sit the entire cast around the huge table set up and they have your name card in front of your place at the table? Well I had Ms. Pleshette on my left and the legendary, iconic sit-com director, James Burrows on my right. I asked myself, "how in the heck did I get here?" That's how I met Suzanne; she was always funny, sweet and a pleasure to share the stage with.

Less than an hour after fast-forwarding that tape it was reported that she'd passed on. I knew that she had been in treatment for cancer so her passing wasn't a total surprise to me. She lost her husband, Tom Poston, in '07. Mr. Poston, ironically, played her boyfriend on the show. RIP Suzanne.

Front - Constance Zimmer, Suzanne Pleshette, Myself & Ashley Williams

Back - Mark Feuerstein, Marilyn Bagley, Jere Burns & Matt Letscher

As I was driving North on the 101 Freeway I received a text message from a friend informing me that Heath Ledger had just been found dead in his apartment in New York. I couldn’t believe it. I used to talk to Heath quite a bit back when I worked at The Hollywood Standard. He seemed like a super-nice, kind gentleman – not at all someone that would intentionally take his life. Who knows, it was a long time ago that I had my encounters with him, but I know others that had much more recent dealings with him and they don’t think he was the type either.

I’m not saying that he wasn’t a guy that enjoyed his status and liked to have a good time, but my gut tells me that his death was an accident. I’m sure many versions of speculations into what happened will come out in the coming days, months and years. It really saddened me to hear the news and knowing that he leaves a loving family and young daughter. I remember him telling me his story of having no money after starring in “10 Things I Hate About You” because he was turning down all the teen roles that followed. When I dealt with him he was working on “The Patriot” in South Carolina and staying in LA hotels. He told me to hang in there.

I have a strong feeling that he will still be talked about decades from now. Heath Ledger was extremely talented and will be sorely missed by many.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: Fox Studios. It's been a long time since I've voluntarily walked in the rain for so long. It was pouring on us at times, but we remained strong. I didn’t talk to anyone today and my legs are really sore, but oddly enough my feet don't hurt.

Audition: "Midas" @ Liz Paulson Casting. This was a good one for me. I was able to truly tap into some of the new things I've learned about auditioning and acting for the camera in general. I was really on point and precise. Part of it was that I listened really well, understood and delivered my interpretation with confidence.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: @ CBS Radford. Another day on the strike lines - in the drizzling rain. Not too many people out there today, but I ran into one of my commercial agents – their office is right down the street. And get this! I actually talked to about 3 writer/producers today! Imagine that.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: @ Paramount Studios. I did a lot of marching today and my legs got a serious workout. I can’t compare to the people who are truly out there everyday, especially in New York, but I’m doing my part. If nothing else, in honor of the ones who bargained and marched before me so that I have the collective bargaining agreement that I current work under. Actors didn’t start getting residuals until the early 60’s.

I’m sure there’s a lot of networking going on out there in the strike zone, but I hate “networking”. Well, maybe “hate” is too strong a word. Better yet, maybe I’m just jealous of those who do it well. Nah, that’s not it either. I don’t do it well, never have. I don’t go out to the strike lines to see how many writers and/or showrunners I can meet – maybe I should. I don’t know, it just wouldn’t be natural for me and it wouldn’t feel right. Actually, often times I have headphones on listening to different podcasts from iTunes. Not because I’m anti-social or anything like that; I’m just an information junkie and various podcasts have been my drug of choice lately. I haven’t listened to the radio in my car for 5 months or so and I’m hooked on podcasts. Truthfully, I’m very low-key and pretty quiet so I don’t have a need to be socializing all the time. I’m a master of observation and speculation; I much prefer to watch others than to be seen.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve run into writers and I handled myself well because I’m prepared and I am great at recognizing and seizing opportunities that arise in a very natural, organic way. That is the key for me; it needs to feel honest. I’m not going to be pushing my business card on everybody I meet, but I usually have one ready in case it’s appropriate.

Today I did several laps around the entire Paramount Studios Lot and Hollywood Cemetery; all the way from Melrose Ave. to Santa Monica Blvd. and back. I was deeply embroiled in some really good podcasts about politics, finance, real estate the economy, etc. Generally, I prefer being anonymous with my hat pulled low; but I can feel if someone is trying to get my attention through body language – I’m an actor!

So I’m walking, acknowledging fellow marchers and cars honking in support and I saw this African-American guy walking in the opposite direction who I vaguely thought I recognized, but I couldn’t place him. He kinda looked at me the same way. Neither of us said anything and kept it moving.

About 20 minutes later we saw each other again and looked a little harder at each other; he was with other people – I was alone as usual. He gave me the “head nod” and sorta waved me over. I stopped, trying to figure out where we might have known each other from. He sorta remembered my name and I couldn’t remember his, but I knew it started with an “S”. The funny thing is that I normally know his name because I’ve kept up with his career, but I was drawing a blank. It was writer/producer Saladin Patterson.

Saladin wrote the first of the two episodes of “Frasier” that I appeared in and was responsible for me getting the job. It was great to see him and cool that he remembered me. I got to tell him how special that job was to me and ironically it was at Paramount that I booked and shot it; the very studio we were picketing more than 6 years later. I told him it was one of those jobs that actors dream about. I went straight from the callback to Stage 25, where Cheers was filmed before Frasier, to rehearse with Kelsey Grammar. Kelsey, at the time was the highest paid actor in the history of television – $1.6 million an episode. It’s only one of the many cool experiences that I can claim during my career. Saladin also said that he had seen me in some drama stuff recently. He said he’d look me up after all this strike stuff is over and with that I gave him my card. That encounter felt natural and organic at its best.

I’m going to work on this networking thing and trying to be out there a little more. The thing is that I like talking about a lot of things outside of acting, but on the strike lines it’s kinda hard not to discuss the times we are in.

A little while after that I and some fellow actors were interviewed for what I think was the NAACP. They wanted us to speak why we were there in support of the WGA. The reasons are simple; our fight is their fight. Of course when they asked me to speak I was nervous, but I did okay. It’s funny because I have a lot to say on the matter, but it takes me a minute to warm up to being the center of attention.

L to R Paul Keith, Regina Taylor, Gentleman from the NAACP, Rhonda,

Yvette Nicole Brown, Me & Angel M. Wainwright

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: @ NBC Studios Burbank. There was a surprising amount of people out on the lines on this MLK Day. I have to thank Mr. King and others before and after him for the fighting they did so that I have the freedom to do so many things including supporting writers. Thanks guys and gals.

Audition: "Comcast" @ Ross Lacy Casting. I think this one went well. Implementing some of my new strategies still has me in my head at times, but I think I’m perfect for this spot. Actually, it’s a series of spots. So, hopefully I get called back. My track record with Ross Lacy Casting is pretty good.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I spent a little time on the WGA strike line @ Warner Bros. this afternoon and for the first time had someone shoot 'da finga' at me. It's weird because when a driver blares their horn it's kind of an automatic response to wave your sign in appreciation. Well this guy leaving the parking structure beeped his horn, I waved my sign and he flipped me off. What's up with that?! No seriously, I understand that not everyone agrees with the writers and their/our plight, but they/we have to do what they/we have to do.

I hope things get resolved very soon and we may be on the way to that since, earlier today, the DGA and AMPTP struck a tentative deal. I read some of points of the deal and I'm not convinced it's a great deal. A good deal maybe, maybe 'not so much' - I'm thinking 'not so much'. I just feel that at the end of the day the AMPTP is going to offer the deal that is going work best for their bottom line and the problem is that the studios/networks are collectively powerful enough to change the model to make the deal work for them…it's not about sharing…at all.

Audition: "Motel 6" @ Francene Selkirk Casting. As I'm on my way to this appointment I receive a call from my agency informing me that there's "police activity" in the area and that there may be street closures.

After having to make a couple of U-turns I finally get there and parked. Up ahead and across the street I could see 8-10 people looking through a fence. When I moved to LA I used to do CD Workshops in that very same area where they were looking so I knew where they were looking, but I couldn't imagine what they were looking at.

As I got closer I could see that that "the people" where actually photographers with very expensive looking cameras. All this time I was on the phone talking to one of my younger brothers, Todd, and I said; "Geez, I wonder what's going on". Then I chuckled and said maybe it's Britney Spears".

As I got closer and could see around the back of the building I saw the familiar huge, black celebrity SUV. "Maybe it really was Britney Spears". So I watched it for a moment; then a few of the photographers started running to where I was. Right then I saw who all the fuss was about. It was Lindsay Lohan.

She walked over to the SUV with two other young women, dealt with the driver, then scurried off to another vehicle; a sleek, black sports car. It was crazy! Photographers were climbing fences in a mad rush trying to get her photo. Does anyone really want that? I could not imagine having people follow me around in that manner. It just confirms even more why I have little interest in "blowing up". I just want to work and build a career. That stuff makes me nervous.

Anyway, after all of that I went to my audition and it went great! I was portraying the father of two young sons "being boys" at full volume in the back seat while I drove the car. I had a great time with them and I really look forward to getting married and having kids of my own.

Later -

Ugh! I knew it! I had a feeling this was going to happen - again. This evening I was skateboarding to my car and I broke my rule of not carrying expensive, breakable electronics in my hand. Why is that a rule? Because I "know" I'm going to fall while skateboarding. It seems simple right? Just stop skateboarding - especially at my age. I can't. It's just the way I'm wired and I'm a little bit of a risk-taker.

Anyway, since I was breaking the rule of having the breakable, expensive, electronic stuff (Bluetooth earpiece, cell phone, PDA) in my hands I decided to skate relatively slow; too slow in fact. As I was skating "slowly" there was a relatively small Palm tree branch in the street in my path. I saw it, but I was concentrating on the cars up ahead that I was going to weave through. This is where the fun starts. I went between the cars and was heading across the street. That is when "Palm tree Paul" turned my life upside down - b:/©h ass!

The front wheels of my skateboard collided with the moustache of Palm tree Paul. First, the skateboard stopped, I went airborne, the skateboard went backward and Palm tree Paul laughed his ass off.

So there I am about 3 feet off the ground - horizontal - with hundreds of dollars of electronics in my hand. In a split second I decided to continue the forward momentum, flip and land on my back. Gotta protect the jewels; thankfully I was wearing my “The Fonz” inspired leather jacket! I got up without missing a beat hoping my skateboard didn’t get destroyed in traffic. It went under a car and into the water-filled gutter – nasty, but in tact.

It's funny because, of the 4 or 5 times I've fallen, it's always the same way. I wish I could see it on tape...I wonder how long it'll be before I bite the dust again.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Picketing: @ Disney Studios. Today the United Airlines pilots and flight attendants joined us on the picket lines – or should I say I joined them since they were there first. It was great to see them out there in solidarity with us. Nice people too. I had a great conversation with Roberto, a pilot for 20+ years with UA. I was fascinated with him sharing some of his experiences a pilot; especially landing a plane on auto pilot. That just blows my mind.

Anyway, it was great to be out there for the cause. I went to a meeting last night at SAG and, like normal; there were relatively few actors in attendance. I mean there are 50-60,000 SAG actors in this market and less than 200 showed up last night. I always learn something new and I’m able to pass it on to other actors that aren’t as informed.

I’m glad I took an interest in the inner workings of the guild from the very beginning of my career. I think it helped shape my focus in truly looking at this as the career it is for me. I need to know about the contracts, pension & health, medical, the future, etc. I don’t have a corporate job with a 401K retirement account so I need to look out for my future now, while I can. Getting my 10th pension credit last year was a great start – now I just need to increase my earnings on my way to the next milestone of 20th pension credits.

I didn’t hear anything about either of the commercials today so they may have moved on without me – or maybe not. No matter, I accomplished what I wanted which was to “show well”.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w