Last night I attended a mini class reunion of my high school. It was great to see so many faces that I hadn’t seen since who knows when. Through many different types of social networking we are all able to stay in touch. I look forward to the next one.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
I’m out of here! Yes! I have an early morning flight home to Virginia Beach for the holidays. It’ll be good to get out of Los Angeles for a bit, but truthfully, I’m looking forward to getting back to work as well. I’m planning on 2010 being a great year and not just for me. I think many of us are going to rebound and make a lot of great things happen.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Monday, December 21, 2009
Audition: “Lowe’s” @ Joe Blake Casting. I wasn’t sure how this was going to go because sometimes when there is a lot going on I get in my head and my best performance is in the car…on the way home. I’m pleased to say that it went very well.
Audition: “Cheez-its” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This is a multi-spot campaign…yup, a big deal. I felt good about what I left in the room…definitely callback worthy. We’ll see what they think.
Audition: “Cheez-its” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This is a multi-spot campaign…yup, a big deal. I felt good about what I left in the room…definitely callback worthy. We’ll see what they think.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Thursday, December 17, 2009
I had the wonderful opportunity to, again, read the scripts of at risk high school students. It’s always an interesting and fun experience to get a glimpse into the world of today’s kids. It’s been a great thing for me too as a performer.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Audition: “Jack-in-the-Box” @ Alyson Horn Casting. This was fun, fun, fun and I hope to get to the next step in the process.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Friday, December 11, 2009
Shooting: “cars.com” @ Polsa Rosa Movie Ranch in Acton, CA, near Palmdale. Gotta put on my game-face today. Why? Because I’m tired, but it’s a good tired. I’m tired because I’ve been hustling, trying to make things happen. I can’t expect anyone else to work harder than myself and I am totally up for the challenge.
Last night I got a call for a commercial audition for today, but of course I’m shooting…and not right in town. I think the casting notification informing me that I have an audition goes out from the casting notice company and not from my agency. That is a good thing because I like knowing about it as well because sometimes I know better than my agency what I can and cannot get accomplished in a day. I don’t want to miss an audition unless I absolutely have to.
I worked last night from 10pm until 7:45am; got home about 8am and needed to leave my apartment by 8:30 to get to the location by 9:30. The commercial appointment time is 3:38pm in Santa Monica at the same casting office that cast the “cars.com” spot. I’m not confirmed for the commercial appointment for obvious reasons, but you better believe this brotha right here is going to try to make it.
The drive out to Acton was beautiful! It’s amazing how close you can be to Los Angeles, but the landscape is completely different. I was heading out to the boondocks and I couldn’t wait to get there. I even saw a deer crossing the road about 8 miles from the ranch were shooting at.
I arrived at the location, parked where I was instructed to park and a van took me to basecamp. There I checked in with one of the PA’s and was led to my honeywagon. It was snug, but most importantly, warm, dry and had a place where could sit and write. A few minutes later I went to the make-up trailer which took less than 60 seconds and then to the wardrobe department. My clothes were pressed and ready to go. Of course I went by the craft services table to get some fruit to snack on.
I met up with a few of the other actors I’ll be working with; one of which was in the same callback group as I. About an hour later a van took us to the location where we were to shoot. It was out in the middle of nowhere and a bit chilly with very dark clouds just off into the distance. Actually, it seemed that we were in the clouds since they were almost at ground level.
Over the next 45 minutes the rest of the production team set up shop. We, the talent, were then placed in a “people mover” type van closer to the set. Finally, Ethan, the 2nd AD came to brief us on what was to happen. They were going to bring us all out for a camera rehearsal, but one person, not me, needed to change wardrobe.
A few minutes later I found out that “not me” was, in fact, “me”. So everyone went to set and they wanted me to stay back in the van, but my new wardrobe was back at basecamp. A moment later they started the camera rehearsal and I still didn’t have my new wardrobe. I’m watching them rehearse and I’m thinking to myself, “I ain’t gonna stand here and let them rehearse and get used to doing it without me. No, it ain’t going down like that”. So I moved closer to the monitor where the director, Craig Gillespie, could see me. Before long he motioned me into the scene. I kept an eye out for wardrobe coming back with my clothes and after a moment they did. At this point it was urgent because “camera rehearsal” quickly turned into “picture’s up!” So I ran back to the people mover van with the stylist and she’s helping me get undressed at the speed of light. Yes, I was vaguely aware of how weird it was that this was taking place. I’ve been undressed by a woman before, but this was just funny. So there I am, or better yet, there we are, ripping my clothes off and then we start to dress me back up again. The funniest part for me was her tucking in my pants, straightened me out and then pulling up my zipper while someone else was doing my shoes! What was I doing? Enjoying the ride. Yup, just enjoying the ride.
I sprinted back to the set, running at full speed and got back into the shot. My wardrobe changed me from a tourist to the safari guide’s assistant. I preferred this role. It was very, very cold and starting to drizzle and my new attire didn’t include the jacket that I had been wearing as a tourist, plus I was now in short sleeves. I don’t like to be cold and I was freezing, but I was a trooper about it.
A few hours later we were finished. It was a great time and I worked with great people. I think it’s going to be a 60 second spot for the Super Bowl and then hopefully it will continue to run afterwards…with my performance still in it.
After we wrapped I went down to basecamp and had a great lunch and got back on the road. Oh yeah, remember that commercial appointment that I didn’t know if I could make? Well, I was going to try to make it. I had trouble getting cell reception so I couldn’t call my agency. I tried emailing and that wouldn’t go through either, but after getting about 10 miles away from the location I was able to get in touch with them. The word was that they casting until 5:30. I felt I could make it to Santa Monica in time.
Audition: “Chase” @ Cathi Carlton Casting. I wasn’t on the list and that created some static trying to get seen, but I was able to work it out. The audition went pretty well so hopefully I’ll get a callback.
Last night I got a call for a commercial audition for today, but of course I’m shooting…and not right in town. I think the casting notification informing me that I have an audition goes out from the casting notice company and not from my agency. That is a good thing because I like knowing about it as well because sometimes I know better than my agency what I can and cannot get accomplished in a day. I don’t want to miss an audition unless I absolutely have to.
I worked last night from 10pm until 7:45am; got home about 8am and needed to leave my apartment by 8:30 to get to the location by 9:30. The commercial appointment time is 3:38pm in Santa Monica at the same casting office that cast the “cars.com” spot. I’m not confirmed for the commercial appointment for obvious reasons, but you better believe this brotha right here is going to try to make it.
The drive out to Acton was beautiful! It’s amazing how close you can be to Los Angeles, but the landscape is completely different. I was heading out to the boondocks and I couldn’t wait to get there. I even saw a deer crossing the road about 8 miles from the ranch were shooting at.
I arrived at the location, parked where I was instructed to park and a van took me to basecamp. There I checked in with one of the PA’s and was led to my honeywagon. It was snug, but most importantly, warm, dry and had a place where could sit and write. A few minutes later I went to the make-up trailer which took less than 60 seconds and then to the wardrobe department. My clothes were pressed and ready to go. Of course I went by the craft services table to get some fruit to snack on.
I met up with a few of the other actors I’ll be working with; one of which was in the same callback group as I. About an hour later a van took us to the location where we were to shoot. It was out in the middle of nowhere and a bit chilly with very dark clouds just off into the distance. Actually, it seemed that we were in the clouds since they were almost at ground level.
Over the next 45 minutes the rest of the production team set up shop. We, the talent, were then placed in a “people mover” type van closer to the set. Finally, Ethan, the 2nd AD came to brief us on what was to happen. They were going to bring us all out for a camera rehearsal, but one person, not me, needed to change wardrobe.
A few minutes later I found out that “not me” was, in fact, “me”. So everyone went to set and they wanted me to stay back in the van, but my new wardrobe was back at basecamp. A moment later they started the camera rehearsal and I still didn’t have my new wardrobe. I’m watching them rehearse and I’m thinking to myself, “I ain’t gonna stand here and let them rehearse and get used to doing it without me. No, it ain’t going down like that”. So I moved closer to the monitor where the director, Craig Gillespie, could see me. Before long he motioned me into the scene. I kept an eye out for wardrobe coming back with my clothes and after a moment they did. At this point it was urgent because “camera rehearsal” quickly turned into “picture’s up!” So I ran back to the people mover van with the stylist and she’s helping me get undressed at the speed of light. Yes, I was vaguely aware of how weird it was that this was taking place. I’ve been undressed by a woman before, but this was just funny. So there I am, or better yet, there we are, ripping my clothes off and then we start to dress me back up again. The funniest part for me was her tucking in my pants, straightened me out and then pulling up my zipper while someone else was doing my shoes! What was I doing? Enjoying the ride. Yup, just enjoying the ride.
I sprinted back to the set, running at full speed and got back into the shot. My wardrobe changed me from a tourist to the safari guide’s assistant. I preferred this role. It was very, very cold and starting to drizzle and my new attire didn’t include the jacket that I had been wearing as a tourist, plus I was now in short sleeves. I don’t like to be cold and I was freezing, but I was a trooper about it.
A few hours later we were finished. It was a great time and I worked with great people. I think it’s going to be a 60 second spot for the Super Bowl and then hopefully it will continue to run afterwards…with my performance still in it.
After we wrapped I went down to basecamp and had a great lunch and got back on the road. Oh yeah, remember that commercial appointment that I didn’t know if I could make? Well, I was going to try to make it. I had trouble getting cell reception so I couldn’t call my agency. I tried emailing and that wouldn’t go through either, but after getting about 10 miles away from the location I was able to get in touch with them. The word was that they casting until 5:30. I felt I could make it to Santa Monica in time.
Audition: “Chase” @ Cathi Carlton Casting. I wasn’t on the list and that created some static trying to get seen, but I was able to work it out. The audition went pretty well so hopefully I’ll get a callback.
I needed to get home as soon as possible to get a few hours rest before having to go to work tonight, but you know how LA traffic is…especially on Friday…on the I-10 coming from Santa Monica.
I had a very, very successful day. Some said I should have taken the time off from the night job, but I’m not really wired like that. I think I’ve called in once in my entire life – back in New York when I had an eye infection. It’s all good; I’ll get some sleep over the weekend.
I had a very, very successful day. Some said I should have taken the time off from the night job, but I’m not really wired like that. I think I’ve called in once in my entire life – back in New York when I had an eye infection. It’s all good; I’ll get some sleep over the weekend.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Wardrobe fitting for “cars.com”: I auditioned for the Safari Guide, but I think they booked me as one of the tourist. Actually, they fitted me for both; mostly tourist, but one outfit as a safari guide.
We shoot the day after tomorrow in Acton, CA, about 50 miles away from Los Angeles near Palmdale.
While I was at the fitting I saw that they were still auditioning for other roles – glad I was already officially booked. I mentioned that because often times I’m asked, “how long does it take for them to make the decision?” It varies because things are always changing. Even for this spot my callback time was moved up 2 hours earlier because several roles were cut from the spot. My take is that you just never know. I just try to show up prepared, with a great attitude, do well in the room and be extremely thankful that I have an appointment which means somebody in this town believes in me…they should believe in me.
We shoot the day after tomorrow in Acton, CA, about 50 miles away from Los Angeles near Palmdale.
While I was at the fitting I saw that they were still auditioning for other roles – glad I was already officially booked. I mentioned that because often times I’m asked, “how long does it take for them to make the decision?” It varies because things are always changing. Even for this spot my callback time was moved up 2 hours earlier because several roles were cut from the spot. My take is that you just never know. I just try to show up prepared, with a great attitude, do well in the room and be extremely thankful that I have an appointment which means somebody in this town believes in me…they should believe in me.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
I was so tired after working last night, but the call to inform me that I’m on avail for “cars.com” made it easier to get up and ready for my audition today.
Audition: “Budweiser” @ Alyson Horn Casting. This was fun; I got to lie about some of the ways I order a beer at a bar. Obviously, I’ve never ordered a beer at a bar…at least not for myself. It was fun, that acting thing, the committing to something that wasn’t. I like it. I wanna be an actor. Hey, I am an actor! A professional actor too!
As I was walking back to my car my commercial agency called. As usual, I let the call go to voicemail. I retrieved the message, thinking it might be a call for another appointment for today, but that thought changed when I heard the voice of my agent Samantha. These days most of my correspondence with my agents is through email. We correspond quite often, just not verbally and when I do talk to someone it’s usually to the wonderful Leah or the wonderful Jamie. So hearing Samantha’s was great surprise. Talking to my commercially agents, in my experience, usually means one of two things: either I’m being booked on a job or I’m being unbooked on a job. (fyi, the latter sucks.)
It was Samantha congratulating me because I booked the “cars.com” commercial. YES!!! The prospective run is: national network, cable, internet and a possible screengrab for the “cars.com website. Cool! No mention of the Super Bowl.
Audition: “Budweiser” @ Alyson Horn Casting. This was fun; I got to lie about some of the ways I order a beer at a bar. Obviously, I’ve never ordered a beer at a bar…at least not for myself. It was fun, that acting thing, the committing to something that wasn’t. I like it. I wanna be an actor. Hey, I am an actor! A professional actor too!
As I was walking back to my car my commercial agency called. As usual, I let the call go to voicemail. I retrieved the message, thinking it might be a call for another appointment for today, but that thought changed when I heard the voice of my agent Samantha. These days most of my correspondence with my agents is through email. We correspond quite often, just not verbally and when I do talk to someone it’s usually to the wonderful Leah or the wonderful Jamie. So hearing Samantha’s was great surprise. Talking to my commercially agents, in my experience, usually means one of two things: either I’m being booked on a job or I’m being unbooked on a job. (fyi, the latter sucks.)
It was Samantha congratulating me because I booked the “cars.com” commercial. YES!!! The prospective run is: national network, cable, internet and a possible screengrab for the “cars.com website. Cool! No mention of the Super Bowl.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Monday, December 07, 2009
I guess I didn’t book the “Star Trek” DVD Promo. Clears me up for my callback today.
Callback: “cars.com” @ Cathi Carlton Casting. This went well, really well. I felt a direct connection with the direction…who knows. I have a feeling it might be a Super Bowl spot. I’ve never done a Super Bowl commercial. Often times those commercials seem to just run during the Super Bowl and not continue. The spec sheet said “National network, cable, internet”. It doesn’t matter; I just need to do my thing in the room.
Callback: “cars.com” @ Cathi Carlton Casting. This went well, really well. I felt a direct connection with the direction…who knows. I have a feeling it might be a Super Bowl spot. I’ve never done a Super Bowl commercial. Often times those commercials seem to just run during the Super Bowl and not continue. The spec sheet said “National network, cable, internet”. It doesn’t matter; I just need to do my thing in the room.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Friday, December 04, 2009
YES!! I have a callback on Monday for “cars.com”. Of course, I’m still on avail for the “Star Trek” DVD Promo. Could get sticky, but things usually work out.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Thursday, December 03, 2009
I was part of a roundtable discussion for www.castingabout.com today. They offer up-to-date casting director/associate/assistant information to actors. I like these guys; they offer a great service for actors.
Cool, I got word this evening that I’m on avail for the “Star Trek” DVD Promo and that it now shoots on Monday instead of Friday.
Cool, I got word this evening that I’m on avail for the “Star Trek” DVD Promo and that it now shoots on Monday instead of Friday.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Audition/callback: “Star Trek” DVD promo @ Deborah Kurtz Casting. This went great! CD Jeff Gerard was who I actually read for; it was important for this to go well. It’ll be a quick turn-around on this one because it wardrobes tomorrow/Thursday and shoots Friday. They should hire this brotha right here…jus sayin.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Audition: “cars.com” @ Cathi Carlton Casting. This goes well, not particularly fun or not, but I definitely got travel as a character in my mind. That’s usually fun.
Audition: “Maltesers” @ Craig Colvin Casting. This one went well and was fun; hopefully I’ll get a callback.
Audition: “Maltesers” @ Craig Colvin Casting. This one went well and was fun; hopefully I’ll get a callback.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Friday, November 27, 2009
I just returned to LA from Virginia Beach, my hometown, for the Thanksgiving holiday. I hadn’t planned on going home for Thanksgiving, but several family members, including first and seconds cousins, I hadn’t seen in years were going to be there. The trip was “mostly excellent”; there was one element that was quite challenging, but that was nothing new really. I’ll try to dwell on the “mostly excellent” part. All in all I’m really glad I was there to share with everyone.
On my flight back to LA I had a layover in Dallas and while I was standing on the jet way, waiting in line to get on the plane, I noticed this kid in front of me with some of the coolest hair I’d ever seen. Judging by his attire and swagger and immediately thought he was a rat. Growing up in Virginia Beach a rat is a kid who is excels in many action-sport type athletics. For example he might be known as a surfer, but if you gave him a skateboard he’d do well right away. Same with skiing, snowboarding, etc. BMX, mountain biking, motocross, etc.
Anyway, so I‘m checking this kid out and I noticed he was wearing a Volcom backpack. Volcom is a surfing/action sports apparel company. Upon further inspection I saw that he was also wearing Volcom pants and a Volcom jacket…along with DVS shoes and a Vestal watch. Most people, although they may own many products of a certain brand, they don’t actually wear that many of the same labels together at the same time…unless they are sponsored athletes.
The kid was talking to another guy who was a little taller and looked a little older – they were speaking Spanish. The taller guy looked, maybe 20 and the dude with the cool hair was maybe 18. So I’m checking out the older guy and he was wearing a Red Bull hat along with a Red Bull pullover. I had it in my mind the guys were really talented, sponsored kids in something action sports-related; I wasn’t sure what it was, but I figured either snowboarding, skating, skiing, bodyboarding or surfing. My hunch was skating or surfing.
The line is moving slowly, but I finally get on the plane and to my seat, 28F, (I was born on the 28th and my last name starts with an F, so I chose 28F) and guess who is seating in my seat. Yup, the cool, crazy-haired kid. I give him the point and the nod and he gets that he’s in my seat. He moves over and I plant myself in the window seat.
After we got settled I asked him if he is a surfer or a skater and he eagerly answered “surfer!”. He’s from Costa Rica. I told him about some surf breaks that I had ridden, back in the day, in Southern California and he was quite surprised that I knew anything about surfing. His plan is, after a few weeks in California, to go to Hawaii on the 7th of December for the first time. A little later he asked me how long the flight was – 2 ½ - 3 hours I told him.
Quite a bit of time passed and we hadn’t said anything to each other so I figured I’d use some of my newly acquired Spanish on him. So I turned to him and said “Qué es su nombre?” His face lit up and he replied, “Me llamo Carlos”. I said, “Mi nombre es Stephon”. He came back with “mucho gusto”. I hit him with, “Igualmente”. He tried to keep going, but I raised my hands in defeat; I had no more Spanish to tap into. He said my accent sounded pretty good. I told him I had taken a short class at a local college. What he didn’t know was that I actually rehearsed for like a full 60 seconds before I said my first line in Spanish to him, lol! I was nervous that I would stutter or something.
So after the plane landed and we were taxiing into the gate I asked him if there were any videos of him surfing on the internet. “Yes!!” he replied, through his slightly broken English; “Google me, my name, Carlos. Carlos Munoz. I write my name and email. Are you on Facebook?” he asked. I told him yes and gave him a business card while he wrote down his name and email address. I told him I was going to check him out when I got home.
Moments later, at baggage claim, Carlos had caught up with his traveling buddy, Diego. I went over and asked him if I could get a photo with him…and his cool ass hair. His friend, Diego, took a snap shot of the two of us.
Me and Carlos Munoz - Supa star surfer @ LAX. Just
16 years old. Big hair, doing big things.
On my flight back to LA I had a layover in Dallas and while I was standing on the jet way, waiting in line to get on the plane, I noticed this kid in front of me with some of the coolest hair I’d ever seen. Judging by his attire and swagger and immediately thought he was a rat. Growing up in Virginia Beach a rat is a kid who is excels in many action-sport type athletics. For example he might be known as a surfer, but if you gave him a skateboard he’d do well right away. Same with skiing, snowboarding, etc. BMX, mountain biking, motocross, etc.
Anyway, so I‘m checking this kid out and I noticed he was wearing a Volcom backpack. Volcom is a surfing/action sports apparel company. Upon further inspection I saw that he was also wearing Volcom pants and a Volcom jacket…along with DVS shoes and a Vestal watch. Most people, although they may own many products of a certain brand, they don’t actually wear that many of the same labels together at the same time…unless they are sponsored athletes.
The kid was talking to another guy who was a little taller and looked a little older – they were speaking Spanish. The taller guy looked, maybe 20 and the dude with the cool hair was maybe 18. So I’m checking out the older guy and he was wearing a Red Bull hat along with a Red Bull pullover. I had it in my mind the guys were really talented, sponsored kids in something action sports-related; I wasn’t sure what it was, but I figured either snowboarding, skating, skiing, bodyboarding or surfing. My hunch was skating or surfing.
The line is moving slowly, but I finally get on the plane and to my seat, 28F, (I was born on the 28th and my last name starts with an F, so I chose 28F) and guess who is seating in my seat. Yup, the cool, crazy-haired kid. I give him the point and the nod and he gets that he’s in my seat. He moves over and I plant myself in the window seat.
After we got settled I asked him if he is a surfer or a skater and he eagerly answered “surfer!”. He’s from Costa Rica. I told him about some surf breaks that I had ridden, back in the day, in Southern California and he was quite surprised that I knew anything about surfing. His plan is, after a few weeks in California, to go to Hawaii on the 7th of December for the first time. A little later he asked me how long the flight was – 2 ½ - 3 hours I told him.
Quite a bit of time passed and we hadn’t said anything to each other so I figured I’d use some of my newly acquired Spanish on him. So I turned to him and said “Qué es su nombre?” His face lit up and he replied, “Me llamo Carlos”. I said, “Mi nombre es Stephon”. He came back with “mucho gusto”. I hit him with, “Igualmente”. He tried to keep going, but I raised my hands in defeat; I had no more Spanish to tap into. He said my accent sounded pretty good. I told him I had taken a short class at a local college. What he didn’t know was that I actually rehearsed for like a full 60 seconds before I said my first line in Spanish to him, lol! I was nervous that I would stutter or something.
So after the plane landed and we were taxiing into the gate I asked him if there were any videos of him surfing on the internet. “Yes!!” he replied, through his slightly broken English; “Google me, my name, Carlos. Carlos Munoz. I write my name and email. Are you on Facebook?” he asked. I told him yes and gave him a business card while he wrote down his name and email address. I told him I was going to check him out when I got home.
Moments later, at baggage claim, Carlos had caught up with his traveling buddy, Diego. I went over and asked him if I could get a photo with him…and his cool ass hair. His friend, Diego, took a snap shot of the two of us.
Me and Carlos Munoz - Supa star surfer @ LAX. Just
16 years old. Big hair, doing big things.
Later, when I got home, I searched for Carlos on the internet and it turns out he is only 16 years and is the Costa Rican National Surfing Champion and reportedly the hottest prospect to come out of South America. The kid is the truth on a surfboard…and yeah, we’re Facebook friends. I’ll definitely be following his career very closely.
I love the feeling of being a fan, impressed by the talent of others.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Monday, November 23, 2009
I’m leaving on a jet plane today to go home to Virginia Beach for the Thanksgiving holiday. Hopefully it’ll be a nice break from Los Angeles.
After my friend Jon dropped me off at LAX I went inside the terminal to get sorted to check my bag. A Indian woman, who said she was blind, approached me. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but of course you wanna help if you can. Yeah, I was suspicious, but it seemed like she was really blind and really needed help.
She had a piece of paper in her hand with flight choices on it from priceline.com; the prices were starting @ $213, but the dates were from Nov. 9th…2 weeks ago. Weird.
As a precaution; I kept my bags on the other side of me, away from her, but I didn't wanna stand too close to her in case she was gonna reach in my pocket…ya never know.
She wanted to deal with United Airlines, but didn't have the phone number.
I believed she was blind; she had the standard walking stick with the red tip and the sensibility of someone who couldn't see.
I googled United Airlines (we were in the American Airlines terminal) on my phone and called them for her. I told the rep what the deal was and asked the blind woman for the dates and city she wanted to travel to. The flight he quoted was triple what she had quoted on the piece of paper; then he put me on hold to check further. At that point I had to go check my bags, but told her I'd come back.
I came back and she was still on hold with the rep. A few more minutes and I HAD to go. So I took her to the counter and the ticket person seemed familiar with her, but she also seemed like she might be just brushing her off.
I kept looking at the woman and then the ticket person and back; I wasn't sure she was going to help the blind woman...or if the blind woman was a scam artist...or if I was being punked. My eyes started watering and I told her I was sorry, but I had to catch my own flight. I was freaking out! My heart didn’t want to leave this woman without being able to finish what she asked me to do, but if I missed my flight it would’ve been bad news. The ticket agent assured me that she would deal with the blind woman when she had a moment. I stood there, about to burst into tears, and said I was sorry and walked away.
I know I'm being a little dramatic, but I just couldn't imagine not being able to see and doing the just the simplest things that I now take for granted.
I went to get in line for security and it was waaay too long for me to be able to get on my flight so I went back to the ticket agent and she walked me all the way to the front of the line to the actual security conveyor belt. I had no idea they had the power to do that and it was my saving grace because there is no way I would have made my flight otherwise.
I rush through the security check and get on the plane and the weirdness continues. I got to 32D, an aisle seat, and an Indian man has the window seat. Before I can even sit down he hands me his camera and wants me to take a photo of him. He seemed nice enough, but it felt a little weird.
A moment later I'm finally getting settled and opened a bag of chips to snack on; I eat a few. About 15 minutes later he pulls out the biggest bag of chips I've ever seen and offers me some. I then feel bad for not offering him some of mine-I only had a normal, little bag.
So just before we land in Philly, when everyone shoot be seated, he gets up to use the restroom. When he returns he sits in the middle seat…right next to me. What??? That seat had been unoccupied the whole 4+ hour flight. I'm thinking "What the Hell is going on?" Then after we land, but were still taxiing he gets up and moves back to his window seat. I was just about ready to be a hero and take his ass down. Was he in cahoots with the blind woman? It was just bizarre. I wanna go home…now.
After my friend Jon dropped me off at LAX I went inside the terminal to get sorted to check my bag. A Indian woman, who said she was blind, approached me. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but of course you wanna help if you can. Yeah, I was suspicious, but it seemed like she was really blind and really needed help.
She had a piece of paper in her hand with flight choices on it from priceline.com; the prices were starting @ $213, but the dates were from Nov. 9th…2 weeks ago. Weird.
As a precaution; I kept my bags on the other side of me, away from her, but I didn't wanna stand too close to her in case she was gonna reach in my pocket…ya never know.
She wanted to deal with United Airlines, but didn't have the phone number.
I believed she was blind; she had the standard walking stick with the red tip and the sensibility of someone who couldn't see.
I googled United Airlines (we were in the American Airlines terminal) on my phone and called them for her. I told the rep what the deal was and asked the blind woman for the dates and city she wanted to travel to. The flight he quoted was triple what she had quoted on the piece of paper; then he put me on hold to check further. At that point I had to go check my bags, but told her I'd come back.
I came back and she was still on hold with the rep. A few more minutes and I HAD to go. So I took her to the counter and the ticket person seemed familiar with her, but she also seemed like she might be just brushing her off.
I kept looking at the woman and then the ticket person and back; I wasn't sure she was going to help the blind woman...or if the blind woman was a scam artist...or if I was being punked. My eyes started watering and I told her I was sorry, but I had to catch my own flight. I was freaking out! My heart didn’t want to leave this woman without being able to finish what she asked me to do, but if I missed my flight it would’ve been bad news. The ticket agent assured me that she would deal with the blind woman when she had a moment. I stood there, about to burst into tears, and said I was sorry and walked away.
I know I'm being a little dramatic, but I just couldn't imagine not being able to see and doing the just the simplest things that I now take for granted.
I went to get in line for security and it was waaay too long for me to be able to get on my flight so I went back to the ticket agent and she walked me all the way to the front of the line to the actual security conveyor belt. I had no idea they had the power to do that and it was my saving grace because there is no way I would have made my flight otherwise.
I rush through the security check and get on the plane and the weirdness continues. I got to 32D, an aisle seat, and an Indian man has the window seat. Before I can even sit down he hands me his camera and wants me to take a photo of him. He seemed nice enough, but it felt a little weird.
A moment later I'm finally getting settled and opened a bag of chips to snack on; I eat a few. About 15 minutes later he pulls out the biggest bag of chips I've ever seen and offers me some. I then feel bad for not offering him some of mine-I only had a normal, little bag.
So just before we land in Philly, when everyone shoot be seated, he gets up to use the restroom. When he returns he sits in the middle seat…right next to me. What??? That seat had been unoccupied the whole 4+ hour flight. I'm thinking "What the Hell is going on?" Then after we land, but were still taxiing he gets up and moves back to his window seat. I was just about ready to be a hero and take his ass down. Was he in cahoots with the blind woman? It was just bizarre. I wanna go home…now.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Audition/Tape/Producers: “Enlightened” @ Cami Patton Casting. This one went okay; yeah, just okay. Okay, isn’t good enough. Not here in Los Angeles; the big game, the Super Bowl. Okay ain’t good enough. Get it right Stephon.
Audition: “Budweiser” @ Cathi Carlton Casting. This went great. I have to get a callback on this. They need me for this spot!
Audition: “Budweiser” @ Cathi Carlton Casting. This went great. I have to get a callback on this. They need me for this spot!
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Audition: “Progresso” @ Kathy Knowles Casting. This was fun and, of course, I think I’m perfect for it.
Audition: “The Ad Council” @ Michael Sanford Casting. Ugh, this one, not so much. I don’t think I’ll be getting a callback for this one. Too bad, it would have been a chance to work with kids.
Audition: “The Ad Council” @ Michael Sanford Casting. Ugh, this one, not so much. I don’t think I’ll be getting a callback for this one. Too bad, it would have been a chance to work with kids.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Shooting “Grey’s Anatomy” @ ABC/Prospect Studios.
I’m tired, really tired. I got off work early this morning; my call time is early this morning.
I’ve been running like crazy for the past several weeks including a little travel and I’m going home for thanksgiving next week. It’s all good though ALL GOOD; I didn’t move to LA to watch paint dry. So I’m not complaining; I’m just voicing stuff.
So I get to the studio and my little trailer and wardrobe and contract are ready and waiting for me. Shortly afterwards the 2nd 2nd AD leads me into the hair and make-up trailer. The first people I see are Sarah Oh and Ellen Pompeo in their chairs preparing for the day of shooting. The two ladies in charge of hair take a quick look at me and say ‘Ha! You’re easy and perfect; see you on set”. Then I go to make up and she takes a look at my skin and says “oh you’re fine, I’ll get you later”. I’m done; free to go back to my trailer to finish filling out my contract.
30 or so minutes later there is a knock on my door and it’s time to go to set for a quick rehearsal. I walk out to the golf cart and Sarah Oh is getting into the front seat while I get in behind the driver. Sarah turns around to introduce herself and says, “we’ve met before…haven’t we?” I was really caught by surprise, but yes, we had met before – we worked on “Arli$$” together on February 6th, 2001 @ the Andrita Stages. I could not believe that she remembered me.
Then the “Grey” in “Grey’s Anatomy” – “Meredith Grey” series lead Ellen Pompeo slipped into the back seat beside me and introduced herself. Sandra immediately told her that we’d work together, years ago and we made the short trip to the stage to rehearse.
We did a quick blocking run-through and then again and one more time before 2nd team took our places to do the camera stuff…I even had a stand-in. I was back in the trailer for a bit and then the call for make-up came. Shortly after that we headed back to the stage to shoot the scene.
It was fun! It’s always fun. I really look forward to the day when I’m acting on a daily basis as a regular on a show…it’s got to be one of the best jobs in the world.
After about 3 or 4 different camera setups we were finished and I was wrapped for the day. Success! It was a smaller role, but I’m thrilled to have booked it. The really funny part is that 2-3 years ago I may have decided to not go in on it, but times change.
Check this out. On a medical show like Grey’s Anatomy one would imagine that they would go through scores of lab coats over 5 seasons. Right? Random tech here, random doctor there. I thought it was interesting that my lab coat had my character’s name embroidered on it and not on a removable tag. I wonder if they do that for all characters because, I assume, that after embroidering a lab coat they couldn’t use it again for another character. That would be a lot of lab coats. That makes me wonder if maybe my character might return to the show in the future…hmmm. Who knows, I sure don’t…one can only hope.
I’m tired, really tired. I got off work early this morning; my call time is early this morning.
I’ve been running like crazy for the past several weeks including a little travel and I’m going home for thanksgiving next week. It’s all good though ALL GOOD; I didn’t move to LA to watch paint dry. So I’m not complaining; I’m just voicing stuff.
So I get to the studio and my little trailer and wardrobe and contract are ready and waiting for me. Shortly afterwards the 2nd 2nd AD leads me into the hair and make-up trailer. The first people I see are Sarah Oh and Ellen Pompeo in their chairs preparing for the day of shooting. The two ladies in charge of hair take a quick look at me and say ‘Ha! You’re easy and perfect; see you on set”. Then I go to make up and she takes a look at my skin and says “oh you’re fine, I’ll get you later”. I’m done; free to go back to my trailer to finish filling out my contract.
30 or so minutes later there is a knock on my door and it’s time to go to set for a quick rehearsal. I walk out to the golf cart and Sarah Oh is getting into the front seat while I get in behind the driver. Sarah turns around to introduce herself and says, “we’ve met before…haven’t we?” I was really caught by surprise, but yes, we had met before – we worked on “Arli$$” together on February 6th, 2001 @ the Andrita Stages. I could not believe that she remembered me.
Then the “Grey” in “Grey’s Anatomy” – “Meredith Grey” series lead Ellen Pompeo slipped into the back seat beside me and introduced herself. Sandra immediately told her that we’d work together, years ago and we made the short trip to the stage to rehearse.
We did a quick blocking run-through and then again and one more time before 2nd team took our places to do the camera stuff…I even had a stand-in. I was back in the trailer for a bit and then the call for make-up came. Shortly after that we headed back to the stage to shoot the scene.
It was fun! It’s always fun. I really look forward to the day when I’m acting on a daily basis as a regular on a show…it’s got to be one of the best jobs in the world.
After about 3 or 4 different camera setups we were finished and I was wrapped for the day. Success! It was a smaller role, but I’m thrilled to have booked it. The really funny part is that 2-3 years ago I may have decided to not go in on it, but times change.
Check this out. On a medical show like Grey’s Anatomy one would imagine that they would go through scores of lab coats over 5 seasons. Right? Random tech here, random doctor there. I thought it was interesting that my lab coat had my character’s name embroidered on it and not on a removable tag. I wonder if they do that for all characters because, I assume, that after embroidering a lab coat they couldn’t use it again for another character. That would be a lot of lab coats. That makes me wonder if maybe my character might return to the show in the future…hmmm. Who knows, I sure don’t…one can only hope.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
Monday, November 16, 2009
Okay, crazy day on tap. I have 2 auditions, a callback and my rescheduled headshot session. Somehow, someway I will get all of this done. The first audition is at 11am, but the callback is at 11:05 a couple of miles away. The second audition is at 5pm at the same place as the first, but the headshot session is scheduled for 3pm. What to do, what to do.
I called my agent to see if I could be seen for the 5pm one at the same time as the 11am one which I would actually go to @ 10am. You never really because sometimes there are different categories being seen throughout the day; fortunately the answer was yes.
Audition: “Hyundai” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This went great. It was a simple question and answer type dealio and I was firing on all eight – super funny, sharp and entertaining. I don’t know if that’s what they were looking for, but that’s what they got and I had a great time. Afterwards, I headed to the other side of the facility to the 5pm appointment.
Audition: “Freschetta” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one went pretty good; not great, not particularly fun, but good nonetheless.
I was finished by 10:55 and when I got in the car I had a message from my theatrical agency. The word was that the offer finally came in for “Grey’s Anatomy”; I had auditioned for the role 17 days ago. I was thrilled to be booked on the show! Yeah, it would be nice if it was a larger role, but it’s great to be booked. They didn’t low-ball my quote AND it’s a SAG show. So, so glad it isn’t an AFTRA show. Oh yeah, I shoot tomorrow.
I arrived at the callback, right on time, at 11:05. It goes really well for me; not so well for my “wife”/partner. The director was pretty direct about how he felt about what she was doing. I felt bad for her; I definitely been in situations where things weren’t going well at a callback or audition.
I rushed back home to get ready for my headshot session when the Grey’s Anatomy wardrobe department called to schedule a fitting for 4pm. Nope, can’t do it. I told them I could do 2:15 and then head straight to my photo shoot. They agreed to that. I arrived, tried on their choices, and was in and out in 8 minutes. From there I went straight to see the photographer, John Ganun.
I don’t particularly like doing the headshot thing, but I’m usually able to put my game face on and have a successful shoot. The headshots that I’m currently using are almost 6 years old and they still aren’t bad…even after all this time. But I feel that it’s time to put something fresh into the marketplace. The shoot went well; I think we got some good stuff. Exhausted, I went home to get a little sleep before going to work and then to shoot Grey’s Anatomy directly afterwards.
I called my agent to see if I could be seen for the 5pm one at the same time as the 11am one which I would actually go to @ 10am. You never really because sometimes there are different categories being seen throughout the day; fortunately the answer was yes.
Audition: “Hyundai” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This went great. It was a simple question and answer type dealio and I was firing on all eight – super funny, sharp and entertaining. I don’t know if that’s what they were looking for, but that’s what they got and I had a great time. Afterwards, I headed to the other side of the facility to the 5pm appointment.
Audition: “Freschetta” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This one went pretty good; not great, not particularly fun, but good nonetheless.
I was finished by 10:55 and when I got in the car I had a message from my theatrical agency. The word was that the offer finally came in for “Grey’s Anatomy”; I had auditioned for the role 17 days ago. I was thrilled to be booked on the show! Yeah, it would be nice if it was a larger role, but it’s great to be booked. They didn’t low-ball my quote AND it’s a SAG show. So, so glad it isn’t an AFTRA show. Oh yeah, I shoot tomorrow.
I arrived at the callback, right on time, at 11:05. It goes really well for me; not so well for my “wife”/partner. The director was pretty direct about how he felt about what she was doing. I felt bad for her; I definitely been in situations where things weren’t going well at a callback or audition.
I rushed back home to get ready for my headshot session when the Grey’s Anatomy wardrobe department called to schedule a fitting for 4pm. Nope, can’t do it. I told them I could do 2:15 and then head straight to my photo shoot. They agreed to that. I arrived, tried on their choices, and was in and out in 8 minutes. From there I went straight to see the photographer, John Ganun.
I don’t particularly like doing the headshot thing, but I’m usually able to put my game face on and have a successful shoot. The headshots that I’m currently using are almost 6 years old and they still aren’t bad…even after all this time. But I feel that it’s time to put something fresh into the marketplace. The shoot went well; I think we got some good stuff. Exhausted, I went home to get a little sleep before going to work and then to shoot Grey’s Anatomy directly afterwards.
http://www.stephonfuller.com
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