Let's See How Far We've Come

(This might be the first time I've ever quoted a Matchbox Twenty song title)

The process of being a working actor is the same as most other jobs.  You get caught up in the day to day details and don't take in the big picture until some event makes you focus on your journey.

Zach, Dana and I spoke to a group from Minnesota last week that was in town to meet with agents and managers.  The organizer of the group (Craig) is an old friend who was a huge help to Zach early in his career.  Craig introduced us to Zach's manager and also helped us with tons of free advice.

Craig asked us to address the group because many of the kids/young adults are thinking about making the jump to Los Angeles.  Looking at the faces of the nervous, confused and curious group made it hit home that Zach was one of those kids just a few short years ago.

Like I said earlier, you tend to lose track of your progress because of the daily tasks in life.  We told the group about the audition process, how to find an agent as well as a manager, the cost of living, workshops, cattle calls, crazy parents, putting in the work and the focus that is necessary to succeed.

It's easy to get sucked into the LA lifestyle.  I'm not talking about parties and crazy nightlife.  I'm talking about the ease of getting distracted by the beautiful weather and hanging out all day or joining a group promising to lead you to a "higher power" or wanting to hit red carpet events.  The kids that I've seen succeed are the ones that come out here with a family member to keep them grounded and on track.  The ones searching for a family unit are the folks that usually tend to get swallowed up by the LA lifestyle.

Maybe we're just the type of people to leap without looking because all of the Minnesota folks (and I mean ALL OF THEM) looked terrified by the thought of jumping in head first into Hollywood.

Zach has been in movies, on television, part of Second City and a regular presence in acting classes and casting director workshops.  The three of us are well aware of this but it really hit home how far he's come in three short years.

I can't wait to see where his career grows in the next three years.

A Kid Not Afraid To Go For It At All Times.