Things You Learn When You Leave The Bubble

I am writing this update far from Hollywood. It's the holidays so we are visiting family in Arkansas. It's good to be here for a few reasons:

*Visiting family is always a good thing.

and

*Sometimes you have to get out of the bubble of show business to realize that not everyone is constantly thinking about Hollywood.

I've lived in many different cities and almost all of the stores and restaurants shut down on Christmas Eve. I was alone on Christmas Eve (as Dana and Zach had already left town) but I wasn't bored by any stretch of the imagination. A good 70% of the bars and restaurants by my home were open so I had plenty of food options. There were still Christmas Eve services and folks singing Christmas carols but it seemed like any other day in Los Angeles.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog entry (right here), a good portion of the conversations in Los Angeles revolve around show business in some form or fashion. I was at LAX flying out for Christmas vacation and heard conversations about DVR ratings, weekend box office numbers and pilot casting possibilities. About 60% of the passengers on the plane were wearing some sort of "Hollywood gear". I spotted production crew jackets, free t-shirts from movie screenings, baseball caps from TV shows and even a headshot or two being passed around while waiting for our flight.

I flew from Los Angeles to Dallas where I was greeted by Southern accents, SEC and Cowboys jackets and people discussing college bowl games and Jesus. I had a layover that left me enough time for lunch. I was reading the latest copy of "The Hollywood Reporter" when I noticed two people pointing at me. I couldn't hear their entire conversation but I did make out the words "movies" and "producer". 

Once I landed in Memphis, Dana picked me up and we headed to see her parents in Arkansas. It was late in the day and the lack of crops and green fields made the scenery rather bleak on the drive. The bleakness didn't grab my attention as much as the sky above as we drove past the small towns. It's almost impossible to get a good view of the sky in Los Angeles. There's always a hazy layer of smog that blocks the view. You have to get out of the city to really see the stars. We went to Big Bear in August and enjoyed the night sky. After four months of not having a good view at night, I was amazed at how bright the stars seemed and how easy they were to view. It's a fact that escapes your mind when you are used to not seeing the stars clearly on a daily basis.

We arrived to find a sick teen actor on the couch. He must have caught some sort of bug on the airplane because he was throwing up and running a high fever. Remember what I wrote above about Christmas Eve seeming like any other day? This did not hold true in small town Arkansas. It took me 4 or 5 attempts to find a Walgreens that was open on Christmas night. They were only open until 8pm and it was 15 miles away from us. Dana and I jumped into a vehicle and raced to the store to get Zach some medicine. The very nice lady working that night asked what we were looking for in the medicine aisle. We explained that we had just flown in from Los Angeles and that the kid might have caught something on the plane. We didn't mention the Los Angeles thing to brag as much as it was a simple part of the story to explain how he fell ill. I was in another aisle when a fellow customer came up to me and asked if I knew Tom Cruise or Bruce Willis. I told him I hadn't seen the guys for a few weeks but I would catch up with them in 2016. I sometimes forget that people who don't live in Los Angeles think that everyone knows each other (including super famous actors).

The bubble of show business is all around you in Hollywood. It becomes such an everyday part of life that it seems odd to be around people who aren't worried about their next audition or if their lines will be cut out of the final shooting script or how to get a script seen by the right people at a studio. I'm not saying if one viewpoint is more valid than the other one. I do know that it's good to get out of the show business bubble every now and then. It recharges your batteries, puts everything in perspective and helps you focus on what goals you want to achieve when you step back inside the bubble of Hollywood.

This Teen Actor Is Feeling A Little Bit Better Today.

One More Casting Notice Roundup For 2015

Happy holidays!

While the production end of the entertainment industry is shut down until the start of January, there are still plenty of casting calls for roles in projects that film in 2016.  Let's take a look at some of the more interesting projects that have made their way to my mailbox in the past two or three weeks.

*Beautiful, seductive and beguiling 25-44 female wanted to play mental ward patient in a calypso music video.

*Looking for four attractive women of Korean or Latin ethnicity to bicycle through New Year's Eve parties for a grassroots web series shoot.

*Sexually unsatisfied 50+ Middle Eastern Male or Female for supporting role in college road trip feature film.

*Protective, overbearing and creepy Russian male 35-62 for supporting role as father or grandfather in an ongoing web series.

*Four trained dogs (any breed) to star in a parody of the CW lineup of shows. Must have expressive eyes.

*Seeking 18+ athletic females willing to compete in the filming of a chicken chase contest while topless.

*Distinguished and regal appearing men (two men ages 45-58) willing to have their white suits covered with peanut butter fired from toy guns.

*Looking for 25-30 Caucasian male with the looks of Han Solo and the courage of Barney Fife. Must be open to being dunked repeatedly in milk.

*Corporate looking 30-45 Latin woman who is also an expert at Twister for a corporate training video. Must be willing to display Twister talents at the audition.

*In need of 25-30 African American male with own Easter Bunny outfit for short film where you fight Santa Claus while wearing the bunny suit.

Do any of these roles sound like a fit for you or someone you know? If so, think about your life choices and then get ready because you might become a star!

This actor is looking forward to more acting challenges in 2016.

My 200th Anniversary Blogpost Blowout Extravaganza

It's hard to believe this is my 200th update from Hollywood. To mark the milestone, I'd like to share some things I've learned about the acting business and Hollywood since I've started this blog:

• Every actor I've met since moving here is a "working actor". Everyone is not an actor that gets paid to act but they all claim to be working actors.
• Almost every restaurant is a museum of headshots collected over the lifetime of the restaurant. Depending on the age of the establishment, there can be headshots dating back to the 70s and earlier.
• While the city of Los Angeles doesn't solely revolve around the entertainment industry, it is the main topic of conversation on a daily basis.
• Did you miss the awesome car chase that happened last night? Don't worry. There will be another one later this week. Los Angeles has more police chases that go on for hours than any other city I know.
• You can't go more than 2 days without stumbling across a production crew filming in a neighborhood. It's very commonplace to see a group of production assistants running up and down the street keeping everything running smoothly for the rest of the crew.
• Spending Friday nights at Nick on Sunset watching my kid film a Nickelodeon television show is not how I imagined my Friday nights on the Sunset Strip when I was in my 20s.
• Traffic is hardly ever in your favor and never easy to predict. I've been in my truck for 3 hours attempting to drive 6 miles to an audition while also making it from my home to LAX (17 miles) in 20 minutes (which should never happen!).
• The best celebrity sightings are at the grocery store. Zach bumped into Kanye West once at a Ralphs (and I mean he really bumped into him) but didn't get yelled at by Kanye since Zach was only around 13-years-old at the time. I like to think that Kanye wouldn't yell at kids.
• You never know when you will run across a celebrity or a "celebrity" in town. The most random celebrity sightings I've had include Charles Fleischer (voice of Roger Rabbit), Jack Box (mascot of Jack In The Box), Toby Keith greeting my dog at a 7-Eleven and Sandra Bullock at a farmers market.
• People in Beverly Hills tend to give you an odd look when you want to valet park a large red pickup at a restaurant.
• Almost everyone who moves to Los Angeles never accepts the fact that they are Los Angeles residents. They could live here one year or 20 years and they will still tell you that they are from (insert name of their hometown). I understand having pride in where you come from but they never seem to accept the fact that they live in California.
• People that you don't even realize are actors will randomly appear on your television screen. Places that you dine at will suddenly be the setting for an important scene on a TV show. We once spotted our apartment building manager as a bartender at one of our favorite restaurants (that doesn't have a bar) on a FOX sitcom and then he was on TV the next night being questioned in a murder investigation on ABC.

Thanks for following Zach's adventures as well as my blog for the last 200 posts. Pilot season starts in early 2016 so a new round of actors moving to Hollywood is about to begin. I'll be bringing you behind the scenes stories as well as plenty of other Hollywood tales and adventures in the coming year.

Check out the new photos of this actor on IMDb.

What Exactly Does A Script Reader Do?

I recently had an interesting conversation with a script reader. I should say I recently had a conversation with a professional script reader. I've read many scripts in my day but I've never been paid to read scripts professionally. I enjoyed the chat with Phil (the script reader) because he was able to answer some questions I've always had about the job.

A script reader can be thought of as a person who is the first line of defense when it comes to judging a screenplay. The script reader can be employed by a variety of people including agents, producers and studio executives. They read scripts that have been submitted and make a recommendation on whether or not the script should be forwarded to the higher-ups at a company. While it might sound silly that the opinion of one person can determine the fate of a script, it is true that the script reader has that kind of power. While the script reader doesn't always have the final say on the matter, their opinion does factor greatly in the final decision.

Once an agent or an executive receives a script from a manager or client, they pass it on to the reader. The script reader will review the script and then give their thoughts on the script in the form of "coverage".  Coverage is a summary of what the script reader thought about the screenplay. The coverage sometimes includes a one or two page synopsis that is easy to understand when it comes to summarizing the script. I bring this up to remind you to make your spec script easy to understand. Your script can't be easily explained if it's not simple enough for the script reader to understand it.

The coverage of the script generally covers a number of topics including:

• Is the overall premise of the script interesting, engaging and believable?
• Is the story interesting enough to hold the attention of an audience?
• Will audiences like the main characters and want to follow their journey?  
• Is the script well constructed or will it need a good amount of work and revisions?
• Do the actions of the characters make sense throughout the script?
• How is the dialogue? Is it natural or rather clumsy?
• Do the strong parts of the script outweigh the weaker aspects of the overall presentation?
• What would be the overall budget for filming the script?
• Is the overall presentation and content of the script excellent, good, fair or poor?

Once these questions (and a multitude of others) are answered, the final decision comes down to three possible choices. The choices are often phrased different ways by different readers but they include:

1. Pass - This means the reader feels there are enough problems with the script that the agent, executive or production company should pass on the script.
2. Consider - The script is not perfect but it does show enough promise to be considered as a possible production. The "consider" also includes the idea that it will take some time and effort to get the script into good enough shape to be made into a movie.
3. Recommend - The script and its parts are in good enough shape that it should be moved forward in the process. The "recommend" decision means that a good amount of manpower and resources will be needed moving forward so "recommend" is not given as often as "pass" and "consider".

The next time you do (or don't) like a movie and are curious how the decision was made to move forward with the script, just remember the dedicated script readers who are the first to review and make a judgement about a screenplay.

This actor is toying with the idea of writing a script.  

How To Get An Agent In Hollywood

While being an actor is a fun way to make a living, it is also a business. As such, an actor needs help getting his or her name out to casting directors in order to book jobs. Having an agent is not the only way to get auditions but it is one of the easier methods. An agent is someone who represents you to casting directors involved in making movies and television shows. An agent also makes getting your foot in the door to audition for a part much easier.

I'm often asked how Zach landed his commercial and theatrical agents. There is not a single definitive answer of how to land an agent but there are some common steps you can do to try and get an agent in Hollywood.

The first step in the hunt for an agent happens before you start the hunt for an agent. Agents are not looking for new and inexperienced talent. They want performers who have already established a name or a brand.  Having a track record of some success shows the agent that you are somebody they can submit to casting directors and market around town.

What does this mean for you? It means you need to attend open auditions, casting calls and open mic nights. Practice and perform and get your name out in public. The more you audition and perform, the more people begin to know your name. Build a buzz about yourself to help catch the attention of an agent. It also helps to network with others in the same situation because you never know when a good word from another actor will help you in the future.

Another useful step in landing an agent is being active on social media. Social media allows you to build a rapport with others and form relationships that might turn into a face to face meeting at some point in the future. It is important to use caution and common sense when interacting with agents on social media. There is a fine line between being friendly online and coming across as pushy and desperate in your interactions. Take part in existing conversations and add something of substance to the topic being discussed. Don't push yourself or your agenda because you might look like a stalker.

Another way to get the attention of agents is to meet them in person. There are a variety of agent workshops available for you to attend. Do your research and make sure the agent is right for what you are trying to accomplish in your career. In other words, don't blindly pick a workshop to attend because you might discover the agent only handles a youth division or is a commercial agent when you're trying to get a theatrical agent.

Once you've established a relationship with an agent (and waited an appropriate amount of time so you don't come off as a stalker), it's time for you to send them a packet of your materials. Make sure the packet includes your most recent headshot, your acting resume, links to all of your social media accounts and a cover letter telling the agent what you bring to the table. Most agents already have clients that pay the bills. Why do they need to take a chance on you? What makes you the best choice over all of the others in Hollywood trying to join their talent roster? Don't write the cover letter in 5 minutes or less. Take a day or two to gather your thoughts and express what you can do for the agent and not what you expect the agent to do for you.

If you get the chance to interview with the agent in person, don't be late to the meeting! I've mentioned many times how being late to an audition or a call time is not acceptable. The same thing applies to meeting an agent. Don't make a bad first impression and come off as unreliable. Dress professionally while still maintaining a personal sense of style. The first impression you make is "the type" that the agent will view you as and will dominate the roles he submits you for in the future. Bring your headshot and resume just in case the agent doesn't have the materials handy at the moment. Finally, have an audition piece ready to go just in case you are requested to perform a scene.

Be prepared to listen while also having a set of questions ready to ask when it's your turn to speak. Some questions that are acceptable to ask include:

• How many clients does the agency currently have? 
• What "type" of roles do you see me playing? 
• Will you represent me directly or will one of your assistants?
• What do you expect of your clients?
• How many clients do you currently have that are my "type"?

I hope the steps and suggestions listed above aid you in your quest to land an agent. It's not easy but the payoff is worth it once you have someone actively pitching you to casting directors.

This Actor Has Two Agents That Keep Him On The Go With Auditions.

Where Did Everybody Go????

December is just around the corner which means less and less people are in Hollywood. While California might seem like an ideal place to be during the holidays, it is actually a time of year when it is easier to get around the Los Angeles area.

The answer to where everybody has gone?

Home.

The entertainment industry starts to slow down as Christmas and New Year's Day get closer on the calendar. The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is the one time of the year actors can leave town without feeling like they are going to miss an audition or booking. When Zach and I were living here by ourselves, we would try and go visit Dana as much as possible. I can't name the amount of times I was either visiting Dana or on an airplane going to visit her when I would get a call from a casting director:

Casting Director: "Can Zach work a Super Soaker commercial tomorrow?"

Me: "Not unless it's shooting in Missouri,"

The above conversation has happened to almost every actor at least one time in their career. However, the entire industry shuts down at the end of the year. With no productions, casting or workshops going on in that time period, actors can leave town without the fear of missing a gig.

It's also the time of year that reminds me just how many people still consider somewhere else to be their home. Many of Zach's friends are out here with one parent while the other parent and siblings are back in their home state continuing their jobs and lives far removed from Hollywood. He also has many older friends that moved here all alone to chase their dream of making it as an actor.

It's not an easy situation for a number of reasons. The people living in Hollywood miss their family and friends as well as the comforts of home. The people back home miss their family members but they also miss being part of the daily lives and experiences of the ones who left to chase their dream. It's not an ideal situation for any of the people involved.

We were in the "split living" situation for 9 months until Dana got a job in Los Angeles. Since then, we've left town to see family but we are united and living in Los Angeles.

As the holidays continue, the traffic on the 405 becomes more tolerable. In the spirit of the holiday season, there was about 50% less road rage and fewer sightings of the middle finger this weekend. The fact that traffic is more manageable during the holidays might be the greatest gift of all.

I Need To Do Some Holiday Shopping For This Actor.

Making Money While Not Working

Zach loves being on set as much as the art of acting. Learning from others around him is one of his favorite parts of being a professional actor. He recently discovered another aspect of the acting world that was very enjoyable for him. He discovered the joy of making money while not having to be on set.

In other words, Zach discovered the joy of residuals.

A residual is when an actor gets paid (again) for the work they did on shows that have already aired once on television. This does not apply to all actors as extras do not receive any money when a program is shown in reruns. There are others who receive residuals from television shows and they include members of the Writers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America.

You don't have to be one of the main members of the cast to qualify for residuals. Many day players and stunt performers qualify to receive money thanks to residuals. The amount of money received from residuals depends on the amount of money a person was paid in the first place for the show. The higher the pay per episode, the more money a person makes from the reruns.

In fact, some of the highest paid actors from television shows aren't even working regularly on TV shows anymore. Steve Carell, Ray Romano, Jon Cryer and the cast of "Friends" all earn millions of dollars each year in residuals thanks to syndicated reruns, foreign rights, DVD sales and digital media sales.

In a business known for work being hit and miss and rarely steady for the majority of actors in the industry, landing a gig that pays steady residuals is one way to enjoy a steady income in Hollywood.

This Actor Celebrated His First Residual Check With A Fast Food Run,

Did You Get The Notice?

Filming notices don't come in the mail in Hollywood. They are posted all over neighborhoods and surrounding businesses so residents will be aware that film crews are arriving soon.

The notices I'm talking about are filming notice signs.  Here's an example of what a typical notice looks like:

An extra long photo for your viewing pleasure.

These notices went up in our neighborhood last week for a shoot that happened this past Monday and Tuesday. I often take Doc for a walk on the street listed on the notice. The two of us walked past the home where the filming took place earlier this week. The street was filled with production trucks, security, parking restrictions, actors, crew members and PA's who took a break from being ordered around to bond with Doc for a few minutes.

Los Angeles residents see these signs on a daily basis and rarely give them a second glance. It's not uncommon to see them posted on restaurant doors, apartment buildings, light poles and school fences (just like the above photo).

The notices are issued by FilmLA and the signs are known as "neighborhood notifications". The signs give the neighborhood a "heads up" that film trucks will be rolling into their neighborhood. The notices usually appear two or three days before a production crew arrives in a neighborhood.

The notices also contain the contact information for the production company as well as the number for FilmLA in case there are any questions or concerns from the neighbors. Many neighborhoods don't mind filming happening in their area (it is Hollywood after all) but the residents do need to be aware of any special effects or stunts that might be part of the filming schedule.

The notices also give people enough time to decide if they want to sit back and watch the magic happen or if they want to make plans elsewhere in LA until filming is over for the day.

The ratio for filming in the neighborhood is 60/40. About 60% of the time, it all just blends in with the regular neighborhood activity. The other 40% of the time, it is a pain to navigate around the road barriers and random crew members standing in the middle of the road smoking.

On the plus side, it's like the circus has come to town each time a film crew arrives for a location shoot.  There is a ton of activity, cool lights, too many people crowded in work vehicles so they look like clown cars and the occasional wild animal is part of the fun.

This actor has worked on a few projects that required neighborhood notifications.

Holiday Survival Tips For Actors

The holidays can be tough on actors trying to make it in Hollywood. The good majority of them are far away from their families and have to spend a majority of the holiday season away from home. While it's not fun to be far away from family and friends, the holiday season offers opportunities for action as well as reflection.

1. Watch and Learn - Even though you might not be home for all of the holidays, you still need to get out and do some shopping before you make it home to your family. Use the time to watch people and study their expressions and body language while you're taking care of holiday shopping. Consider it a free acting class.
2. Get Ready to Face The Questions - Every actor in Hollywood experiences the same questions from family members. "What have you worked on lately?" "Have you met (insert name of famous person)?" "Why haven't I seen you on TV?" "Can you get me tickets to see a taping of Ellen?" Unfortunately, almost everyone outside of the acting world defines success as being on a hit TV show or landing a part in a successful movie. Be ready to answer these questions in a way that highlights what you've done lately and acknowledges the victories you've achieved in the past year.
3. Reconnect With Contacts - Use the holidays as an excuse to send notes to casting directors, agents and other industry folks you've met but haven't talked to lately,  It's always good to get on their radars since pilot season starts not long after the holidays.
4. Update Your Branding - The holidays are when the industry shuts down at the end of the year and everyone takes a well deserved break. Take advantage of the time off to update your social media and make sure that the image you present is consistent across all social media platforms.
5. Get In Touch With Your Feelings - The holidays can bring up a flood of emotions (good and bad). Don't be afraid to look inside yourself and assess where your career is at the end of 2015. If you're happy with your career path then stay on the course you are following. If you're unhappy with the way your career is unfolding, take the necessary steps to get back on track. It's up to you to enter 2016 feeling that you're making the right choices for your acting career.

One important item that I didn't mention in the list above? 

Take some time to enjoy yourself!!! 

You might not have any actual family in town but that doesn't mean you don't have family to spend time with during the holidays. The friends you've made in the acting community are more than just "friends". The acting community is a family that supports each other and wants to see each other succeed. Take advantage of the free time you have during the holidays and connect with your acting family.

This Actor Loves The Holidays As Well As Holiday Fun With His Friends. 

Get Ready To Book The Role That Will Change Your Life

I just realized I haven't shared any of the odd casting notices that have landed in my email in the last few weeks.  Time to see if there are any parts that are perfect to get your career going.

1. Large hulking 20-29 male actor wanted for a superhero short film. You will be the conflicted hero saving kids and puppies while trying to eat your lunch. Must be willing to eat multiple hot peppers and snack cakes on screen.
2. Overweight yet muscular 50-65 male of yet to be determined ethnicity to be the head of a vegetation related crime family. Are you the "Sodfather" we're looking for? 
3. Looking for an actress in her 30s who can sing to help publicize our Kickstarter campaign. Must be able to carry a show tune as well as rap and twirl a baton. Any ethnicity welcome.
4. Casting real football players, coaches and water boys for feature length film. The White House has bet our freedom on a high school game between the team and alien invaders. Players and water boys must be 22-28 and in shape.
5. Looking for a ukulele player to perform Drake songs for the soundtrack of an upcoming film. Must be able to read music.
6. Seeking Mexican and Asian teens for movie about summer love and first heartbreak. Must be able to swim the backstroke, climb a rope and fart on command.
7. Seeking authentic country band willing to perform EDM in the style of "bro country". Send demo tape with your country versions of EDM songs ASAP.
8. Are you a petite Filipino nurse willing to work nude at a retirement home for a one-day shoot? Must be comfortable around older and slightly racist people.
9. Love fast cars and wrestling? We're looking for people skilled in both for stunt work. Must be willing to drive in a sumo suit and wear a mask while going 120 MPH.
10. Casting now for a family film about the attachment people have to their goldfish. Must currently own multiple goldfish, know them all by name and be willing to let them appear in the film.

While you might think some of the above films are not a good fit for you, they just might be your ticket to move stardom. Break a leg!

This actor just booked a role on a College Humor web series.

Hollywood Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween is just around the corner and you might not have your costume idea finalized yet.  No worries! There are six days left until Halloween so here are six last minute costume ideas inspired by Halloween in Hollywood.

• Don't have enough money to buy or rent a costume? Go out for Halloween dressed in your normal clothes and tell people that you write screenplays.  The sloppy clothes and sad look on your face will sell the undiscovered writer look of your costume.
• Got a group of girls of various ages that want to go out together on Halloween? Have each of them be a different version of Miley Cyrus. The latest versions will not have to spend much money on clothes for a costume.
• Want to perform a party trick while having a costume that costs next to nothing? Take a bowl out of your cabinets and write the word "Hollywood" on it. Balance the bowl on your head and tell people that you are the Hollywood Bowl.
• Do you have jeans and army jackets in your closet? If so, go out as the two dudes from "Supernatural". I've never watched the show but that appears to be all they wear if the commercials for the program are any indication.
• Go as a character from one of the following movies: "Paranormal Activity: Ghost Dimension", "The Last Witch Hunter", "Jem and the Holograms" or "Rock the Kasbah". The costumes are easy because all four of these movies tanked at the box office this weekend. You can wear whatever you want and say you are a character from one of the movies. Nobody saw them so they won't know if your costume is correct or not.
• Dress like a generic teenager that is running from adults and is a character from a post-apocalyptic YA novel that was adapted into a movie. Between "The Hunger Games", "Divergent" and "The Maze Runner", you stand a great chance of looking like one of the characters in those movies.

I hope this list helps you make a decision on what to wear for Halloween. Be sure and save some candy for me!

This actor has his costume picked out and ready to go.

The Path To Acting Success

I've discussed ways to become a better actor many times on this blog. From acting classes to workshops to networking, there are a variety of ways to find success as an actor. Sometimes the path to acting success has less to do with acting and more to do with your attitude and the environment around you.

• Have a positive attitude - Being in the mindset that you're going to succeed doesn't mean you don't need to be realistic about your chances of success. Casting directors, producers, directors and other actors like to surround themselves with people that have a good attitude towards the project and the other members of the cast and crew. You'll be remembered just as much for your good attitude and positive outlook as your frown and bad attitude.

• Be an industry expert - This doesn't mean that you need to be a know-it-all who annoys everyone with your quick answers and cocky demeanor. It means you've taken the time to read books, articles and blogs on the entertainment industry. It means you've attended mixers and workshops to meet fellow actors and industry insiders. You've listened to them and thanked them for their valuable time, insights and advice. The more knowledge you gain as you enter the industry, the less surprises you'll run into down the road.

• Master the three "R's" - Reliable. Responsible. Ready. Three words that seem easy to master but many people have trouble handling one of them much less all three at the same time:

1. Being reliable means you are on time for auditions and rehearsals and don't hold up the rest of the cast. 
2. Being responsible means you are prepared when you get to the audition or rehearsal. You know your lines as well as the motivation of your character. 
3. Being ready means you are prepared to be on set and work hard. There are hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of people who dream of being on set as a working actor. Be worthy of the opportunity you have been given and be ready to perform.

• Pay attention - It's amazing what you can learn if you pay attention to the world around you. Acting classes, workshops, the people at your gym, coffee shop customers, movies and television shows are all learning opportunities. Don't sit passively and let the world float by you. Pay attention and watch other performers and regular people living their daily lives. The world is full of characters that you can watch and learn from 24/7.

• Be realistic - The odds of you becoming a star known the world over is not very big. You might make a living as a working actor but you could be an actor who is always asked, "Where have I seen you before?" Just know that being a working actor and entertaining crowds big and small is sometimes enough to count as success in the entertainment industry. While you might not be a big star, you'll be part of a community that supports you and helps you grow as an actor and a person with each project.

This actor is realistic with his goals but still dreams big.

Why Do You Want To Be An Actor?

Many people that get into acting think of it as a calling. They often discuss how much they love acting and how they can't imagine ever doing anything else with their life.  It's amusing that many actors I meet can't answer one simple question that I love to ask them. The loaded question is:

Why do you want to be an actor?

In other words, what is it about acting that makes you believe it's the path you should follow?

If you live for the applause and the crowd calling your name, your time in the spotlight normally fades away as you get older and are replaced in the public eye by the "latest thing".

If acting gives you a feeling of self-worth and validation that you otherwise lack, there are issues beyond acting that need to be addressed as soon as possible. The amount of rejection and parts that you don't land will far outweigh the parts that you book. If you don't have a thick skin, this might not be the career path for you.

If you're in it for the money, you're going to be disappointed. The amount of actors making enough money to support themselves purely by acting is small. The amount of actors making a living doing something else while still acting on the side is a far greater number.

However, if you want to be an actor because you enjoy being part of a community that takes chances and constantly improves their skills, you are on the correct path. As I mentioned above, most actors can't imagine doing anything else besides acting. It's important to remember that it is okay to have hobbies and interests beyond acting.  In fact, it's not healthy to obsess about acting 24/7. Being part of a community that pushes you to learn more about your craft and expand your skills is a good thing but please keep it in perspective.

If you want to be an actor to discover who you are right now and who you will be in the future, you're definitely on the right path. Being an actor is a chance to explore your inner self and have fun becoming other people.

Don't jump into being an actor without giving it a proper amount of thought and planning. It's not worth ruining your love of acting if you come to the conclusion that acting is more of a hobby and less of a career choice for you.

This guy wants to make his living as a professional actor.

 

Which Acting Class Technique Fits Your Acting Style

As I mentioned in an earlier post about finding the right acting class for you, there are hundreds of classes to choose from in the Los Angeles area. While many classes cover the same territory, there are enough differences that a person needs to study what they offer to make an informed choice. Here are just a few acting class options to give you an idea of how overwhelming choosing the right one can be:

• Scene Study
• Cold Reading
• Affective Memory Acting
• Accent Reduction
• The Business of Acting
• Practical Aesthetics
• Stage Combat/Stunts
• Musical Theater
• Empty Space Utilization
• Natural Function of the Vocal Mechanism 
• Dialects
• Musical Improv
• Playing to the Camera
• Acting For Parts Younger Than Your Actual Age
• Using the Body to Convey Emotion
• Identifying the Spine of Each Character
• Acting for Shakespeare 
• Social Implications of Characters
• Living the Truth in Imaginary Circumstances
• Focus on Feeling the Truth in Your Body Onstage 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to acting classes. The choices are seemingly endless as most teachers offer a slight variation of each category or technique in order to stand out from the crowd.  It's best to meet with the acting coach and audit a class before committing to spending the money for the class.  Doing proper research now helps make sure your hard earned money is being used in the best way possible to further your career.

This actor has worked with some great acting coaches over the years.

How To Find The Right Acting Class

Just like school age children, fall means back to school time for actors. Many actors take a summer break to visit their hometowns and recharge their batteries.  Once they return to Los Angeles, they need to get back in the swing of things and find an acting class to attend on a regular basis.

There are more acting classes in this town than most people realize. It's not hard to find a class to attend.  The hard part is making sure the acting class you choose is the right place to refine your skills.  How does an actor make sure the class they attend is the best fit for them?

1. Area of study - Are you interested in scene study? What about improv?  Are you interested in learning stage acting or on-camera acting? Once you decide on your preferred acting technique, make sure that any acting class you are considering focuses on that aspect of the craft.
2. Becoming famous - If a prospective teacher promises to make you rich and famous, run as fast as you can from his class. That teacher is a liar. An acting teacher can help bring out your natural talent and abilities but they can't turn you into Tom Hanks or Julia Roberts. The teacher can show you techniques and exercises to help realize your potential but it's up to you to bring your talent to the surface (and beyond). 
3. Research and auditing - Finding the right class can involve a few steps.  Researching acting teachers on the Internet is a good start. Once you find someone that has the qualities you're looking for in a class, contact the teacher to see if you can audit the first class. Most teachers will let you watch a class and absorb everything that happens during the session. A teacher who is not willing to let you audit a class might be an instant sign that it's not the right choice for you.
4. Make a list - Do your acting interests run the spectrum from comedy to Shakespeare to TV dramas? If so, write down what you're interested in studying and find a teacher willing to help you navigate the wide range of your interests. You could find your attention is more focused on certain parts of your list.  A good teacher helps you move away from the "kitchen sink" list of interests to what really sparks your acting passion.
5. It's all about you - A good acting class shines the spotlight on the students. It's a bonus if the teacher is a working actor because he will know the daily challenges that come with being part of the acting world. A good acting class focuses on you and not the ego or success of the teacher. Find a supportive environment and not a class where the teacher constantly tells you why his acting choice was better than your acting choice in a scene.

Don't forget that networking and asking the advice of friends is an invaluable tool in finding a class that is right for you. Sometimes your friends and fellow actors know you better than you know yourself. Trusting their advice and insight can be the first step in finding the perfect class for you.

This guy attends an acting class on a regular basis and loves it!

What Makes An Actor Successful?

There are plenty of actors that are viewed as being successful. Whether they star in a box office smash or on a successful TV show, the definition of successful (in the minds of the general public) is being famous and making big money for each role.

While these actors are doing well in their chosen field, the fact that they are big stars is not what makes them successful. Here are some of the real reasons an actor is successful in their career.

1. Having a positive frame of mind - There are few actors who enjoy the luxury of not having to audition for parts. Don't enter an audition thinking your career is going nowhere because you still have to drive to Santa Monica on a Friday to make a 5pm audition.  Be happy that you got the call to fight traffic and audition for the role.
2. Don't settle - You might be booking background work on a regular basis. You might even make pretty good extra money standing in the back of crowd scenes.  A successful actor is happy for the work but still strives for bigger and better parts.
3. Have a realistic attitude - Not settling and being realistic go hand in hand. Don't think that you will be able to walk up to the casting director of the show you do background for and let them know you're ready for a bigger part.  They might be taking notice of you (might!) but any moves up the acting ladder of the show will be set in motion by the casting office.
4. Be proactive and network - Do more than just learn the lines for your next audition. Take time to analyze the parts you read for to determine what "type" casting directors see you as at this point in your career. Don't like the parts you audition for on a regular basis? Attend casting workshops to show the casting community different sides of your acting personality. Take acting classes to expand your range and become the "acting type" that you see in your mind. Get yourself out there and network with casting directors as well as other actors.  A little networking can go a long way in changing how others see you.
5. Shut up and listen - Actors love to read lines and share the sound of their voice with an audience. One of the qualities that makes an actor successful is learning to shut up. Being quiet and listening to feedback from casting directors as well as the wisdom shared by veterans in the entertainment industry can be a valuable learning experience for actors of any age and experience level.

Don't pigeonhole your idea of success as being rich and famous. Success comes in many shapes and forms and is not measured solely by the amount of money you male. 

Can you follow the tips above? Do you have what it takes to be a successful actor?

This actor is good about following the advice of his teachers and actor mentors.

Exploring The Relationship Between Acting And Sports

Football is in the air and baseball playoffs will be here before you know it. Sports and acting are actually connected in many ways beyond Michael Jordan being the least animated actor in "Space Jam".  Not sure what I mean? Take a look at the examples below!

• Sports happen when two or more players gather on the field.  An acting performance occurs when the various players (actors) play off one another in a scene.
• The director (coach) trains his team and teaches them the game plan for the scene.  Just like a sporting event, things change in the heat of the moment and the actors (players) have to react as a team to move forward and achieve their goal. 
• The odds of being chosen to work as a professional actor and become part of a production (team) are almost as large as being drafted by a professional sports team.
• Much like professional athletes, actors improve by learning new skills, practicing daily and studying their script (playbook) until they know it by heart,
• Acting and sports are both physical activities that require timing, the use of a variety of muscles throughout the body, mental sharpness and working in unison with your teammates.
• A big acting cast is much like a team sport. A sports team has to learn the moves of their fellow players and when to weave in and out of the action. Actors need to know more than their own lines. They have to work as a team and know the overall direction and playbook to succeed as a unit and reach the goal line.
• Sports teams wear uniforms when they hit the field. Actors wear costumes (uniforms) when they are ready to play their part.
• Both professions use the term "break a leg" even though it is only a good phrase in the acting world.

Being part of a team of actors can be a very rewarding experience. Are you ready to take a chance and join a team of actors? If so, get in the game!

This teen has been an actor and a youth football All-American.

The Biggest Enemy For An Actor Is ???

After spending a lot of time with actors, I've come to the conclusion that there are two types of actors. There are the actors who work hard, audition for parts, understand they can't get every part and try to learn from each audition. There are also some actors who always seem to be looking for a reason why they didn't land a part.

If you're an actor, here are some reasons why you might turn out to be your own worst enemy:

• Each actor is unique and brings their own set of skills to the table. Unfortunately, some actors don't remember this fact.  They get hung up on trying to be a certain "type" who is currently hot.  There is always going to be an audition room filled with actors who look like that certain "type". The key is to stand out from the crowd.

• Stop obsessing on things that are beyond your control. You can't control how young, how old or how ethnic the production office is casting the project. You can't control if you were the first person cast for the part or the "Plan B" choice because the first choice for the project wasn't available.  All you can focus on is doing the job you've booked.  Whether you are the first choice or the 50th choice, count yourself fortunate to be a working actor.

• It doesn't matter one bit to the casting director if you "just got the sides".  All the casting director wants to know is if you can play the part as envisioned by the director, producers, etc. Showing confidence is more important than giving excuses.

• Don't complain about how the profession of acting is unfair.  It is not unfair. It has the same amount of uncertainty and lack of stability as almost every other profession currently being practiced. The only thing that makes it "unfair" to you is no one is buying your excuses.

• What do you mean you don't have a headshot and resume?  Have two or three in your car at all times. If you get an audition for that afternoon in Hollywood but you are currently in Long Beach and live in Woodland Hills, you won't have time to swing by your home to pick up a headshot. ALWAYS have spare extra headshots (and audition clothes) in your car!

• Don't beat yourself up over lines you messed up in the audition.  Did you inhabit the character? Did you roll with the bungled lines and keep going?  Don't obsess while you're in the moment and don't obsess after the audition.  Congratulate yourself on getting the audition and look towards the future.

• There will always be other actors more successful than you at any given point in time.  I'm sure even Tom Hanks or The Rock watch other actors and wish they could land some of the parts they see on screen. Obsessing about the good fortune of others leads nowhere.

In the end, your biggest obstacle to success might be your inability to stay out of your own head. Success means different things to different people. Decide what your ultimate acting goal is and focus on achieving that goal. By focusing your energy on the positive parts of the journey, the less likely the chance you'll end up getting in your own way.

This actor is focused and realizes the acting journey is a long one.

Enjoy A Quiet Labor Day Weekend Because You'll Be A Reality Star When It's Over!

I just realized it's been a few months since I shared any casting notices with you.  There have been a ton of reality TV casting notices that have made me laugh in the past couple of weeks.  Here are some of my favorites. Do they fit your daily reality?

• Is your cat turning your life upside down?  Our expert cat behaviorist never met a cat he couldn't help! Let us transform your ferocious feline back into a cool cat. 
• Seeking interesting couples at the breaking point. Ready to get divorced?  We'll pay each couple $570 to tell their story on TV. Must have nice smile and full set of teeth.
• Love the Dodgers and hate the Giants? Broken off relationships because your loved one loved the Giants more than you?  Tell us your story and you might be featured on our show. (Must know baseball terms and teams)
• Are you American but can fake a Russian accent?  Are you also an experienced chef?  If so, get ready to cook while fooling actual Russian customers. (Must be ready to defend your cooking to angry customers)
• Casting female rappers for a reality show about your struggle for success.  Long rap sheets and/or prison record will be discussed in person with producers.
• What do you eat and drink that is strange or shocking? Do you enjoy wood, foam, perfume or dog food?  Let us know your odd snack of choice!
• Do you dance like you have two left feet even though you're missing a leg?  Learn to dance with only one leg in front of a live audience.
• Overworked? Undervalued? At the end of your rope? Quit your job in the most spectacular fashion possible on TV! (Producers not responsible for finding you a new job)
• Addicted to plastic surgery on your loved one? Hate the thought of going under the knife yourself but don't mind if your spouse completely changes their look? Tell us why you're a cosmetic surgery chicken!
• Have a teenage child but you're only in your 20s or early 30s? Feel like your teen is more of an adult than you?  Like to party with the teens even though your kid hates it?  We want to hear the craziest story involving you and your teenage posse! (Story must not involve sex with a minor)

I feel bad for you if any of the above casting calls fit your life but I wish you good luck being a reality television star!

This actor likes watching a few reality TV shows.

Bringing Marshall's Miracle To Beverly Hills

A little over a year ago, I was standing in a field outside of a house in Illinois chatting with Bill Chott, Dana Daniels and Zach Louis.  Zach and I had been in Illinois and Missouri for a few weeks while Zach was filming a movie called "Marshall The Miracle Dog". Dana was in town visiting us. Just like us, Bill was a California actor who was working on the film in his former home of St. Louis. We were chatting about mutual friends and how odd it was to build a career in California only to find ourselves back in the Midwest working on the film.

After returning home to California, we kept in touch with the friends we made on the Marshall crew. We were able to keep track of the movie's post-production process and even watch a screener of the film online earlier this year.  There were a few ads in some of the Hollywood trade magazines announcing a distribution deal for the movie but no concrete news about a release date for the film.

All of that changed earlier this month.

As I type these words, the movie is playing in 14 of the Top 20 cities across the country.  The film is now called "Marshall's Miracle" but it still tells the inspiring story of a dog who wouldn't give up despite incredible odds against him.  Marshall himself headed to Chicago to celebrate the release of his movie.  The film's director, Jay Kanzler, traveled to Los Angeles to bring the story of Marshall to the Music Hall 3 Movie Theater in Beverly Hills.

Many of the Los Angeles based actors that appear in the film attended the Saturday afternoon screening.  Zach Louis (the bully), Bill Chott (his father), Dingani Beza (the baseball coach) and Matthew Settle (the doctor who saves Marshall's life) were all on hand to celebrate the release of the film.  The Marshall movie is Zach's first appearance on the big screen and I was excited to see how he looks bigger than life.

The marquee of the Music Hall 3 in Beverly Hills

Channeling his bully character to torment the character of Finn (again)

Not sure why his eyes are closed by he seems happy to be there

Acting like a tough guy on the big screen

Riding to the rescue

Is the character of Luke regretting his actions or is Zach the actor wondering what's for lunch?

Dingani Beza, Bill Chott and Zach Louis before heading inside to watch the movie

I hope you get a chance to see "Marshall's Miracle" during its run in theaters.  If not, Marshall lands on DVD, VOD, PPV and other formats with initials in early October.

It was kind of crazy to see this actor on the big screen.

Sitting On Pins and Avails

When the word "pinning" is mentioned these days, most people assume it has something to do with Pinterest.  In the acting world, pinning has a completely different meaning.  Pins and avails are both related to auditions and (kind of) booking a role.

As with many things in Hollywood, the process leading up to being pinned begins with an audition. Hopefully you did well enough in the audition that the casting director finds you to be a good fit for the part. If so, you'll get news from your agent that the casting folks have "pinned you" for the role.

Does this mean you have the part? Not exactly.

It means you are one of the few/many actors being considered for the part. It doesn't mean you have definitely booked the job.  It just means that you are in the final running for the part.

Once you've been pinned you will (more than likely) get the dates the role is shooting and your agent will put you on "avail".  Being on avail means you are aware of the shoot dates and are keeping yourself open and available to work on those dates.

With all of this talk about pins and avails, it appears they like you so why don't they just go ahead and book you???

The reasons you don't get booked instantly are out of your control:

• The casting director wants you but needs to run the idea by someone else
• The script hasn't received final approval so the part might not make the final draft
• You might be the backup choice in case the person they really want is unavailable
• They might be trying to book a bigger name
• It might be something completely different from the above reasons

Don't let the pin and the avail take control of your life.  Don't cancel previous plans or skip another audition because the pinned part is not a done deal yet.

One thing you should do is be proud of yourself.  Getting pinned and having your availability checked is a sign of confidence in your abilities. It means the casting director feels you can do the part justice and add something to the role. It also means the casting director (and maybe the producers of the show) see you as potentially being part of the show. As I said earlier, whether or not you get the part is out of your control. You now have the attention of the creative minds behind the show and that can pay off down the road.

You won't always hear if your pin has been released.  Obviously, you'll know you didn't land the role if you don't report to work the week you were pinned for a part.  If you do find out you've booked the part, feel free to tell your family and friends to look for you on television in the near future!

This actor has been pinned, and released, a few times in his acting life.

I Bet I Can Do That!

No matter what your chosen profession is, the job will present challenges unique to that position. Many people look at doctors, lawyers and CEOs of major companies and think there is no way they could do that job.  However most people look at actors and say, "I can totally do that!"

Not really.

I know what you're thinking right now. "Acting is just memorizing lines and repeating them at the right moment."  It's true that part of acting is memorizing lines and saying them at the right moment in the scene.  Memorizing lines is easy.  I memorize scripts and individual scenes all the time to run lines with Zach.  Just because I remember the lines, and know where they go in a scene, doesn't mean I can deliver them with feeling or in a way that fits the character.

The rehearsal process is a vital tool for an actor. Going over each line, the cues to enter and exit scenes, working out the blocking of a scene and discussing the motivations of a character all help an actor inhabit a role. Once the lines become second nature, the actor is free to focus on the emotion and feeling of the role.  An actor has to be willing to let himself go and show real emotion in front of others on a daily basis.  Many people are so shy or nervous that they can't show real emotions for fear of being embarrassed. 

In a way, acting itself isn't that hard of a job,  With enough training and rehearsal an actor can let himself go and completely inhabit a character.  The hard part (and the part where most people lose the "I can do that" attitude) is getting to the point of being able to inhabit a character. Nailing the proper body language, dialect and facial reactions isn't something that just comes to a person, Training is vital to being a good, and successful, actor. If you just try to "act" without the proper training, you'll come off as fake and superficial to the audience.

There are many acting coaches who use the phrase "leap and the net will appear".  The saying means an actor must move forward and have faith that the necessary skills for the part will appear when needed the most.

Maybe I'm just too logical but I hate that phrase.

I can't imagine Michael Jordan not practicing hard before every game.  Michael once said that playing the game was 99% training and 1% being on time for the game.  There's another quote of his that also fits acting. "Be true to the game, because the game will be true to you. If you try to shortcut the game, then the game will shortcut you. If you put forth the effort, good things will be bestowed upon you." 

There's no thought of leaping without a net in Michael's world.  The key is preparation and knowing what needs to be done before the game. You can play basketball but you (more than likely) won't be able to play as well as Michael Jordan. You can act but you won't act on the level necessary to be a successful working actor without putting in the time and effort to learn the craft of acting.

I'm not trying to discourage you from being an actor.  I'm just asking you to think about the hard work it takes to be an actor. I'm sure there are a few people who think "I can do that" and actually have the natural talent and skills to be a successful actor.  I just haven't met any of those lucky few people (yet).

This teen actor still works on learning more about acting on a daily basis.

Sometimes The Waiting Is Not The Hardest Part

Zach has been working at Nickelodeon recently reprising his role as "Quiet Chris" on "Bella and the Bulldogs". The call times have varied so he's been finishing his day on set anywhere from 3pm to 10pm.  He enjoys being there and catching up with his Nick buddies.

The only con to being on set lately was when we were trying to schedule an audition for Disney. The audition notice arrived via email on a Tuesday for a Wednesday afternoon audition. Normally this is not a problem but the audition was right in the middle of his workday at Nick.  I let his agent know this fact but the casting folks were slammed and couldn't fit Zach in at a different time.  I looked at the on-set schedule for Zach and realized there was absolutely no way he was going to be able to leave the set for any length of time to audition.

His manager suggested a self-tape session at their office to record his audition.  This was a great idea because it meant we would definitely get him submitted him for the part.

Zach finished up his on-set work on the Wednesday of the audition and headed to the office to record. The moment he got in the parking lot of his manager he received an email saying the casting directors had scheduled a new time for him on Thursday.  Could he make the rescheduled time?

It worked out perfectly since the audition was in the morning and his Nick call time was late in the afternoon.  He walked inside to tell his manager he could make the new appointment time and that he would work on the audition scene in his acting class that night.

Zach headed off to the audition the next morning feeling confident and prepared. His acting coach worked on the scene with him and also gave him some videos to watch to help him get in character. The entire audition process took about 30-minutes between arrival, waiting to be called into the office, doing the actual audition and leaving the studio lot.  In fact, Zach left the lot around 12:05pm.
The downside to auditions is the waiting!  It can  be anywhere from a day to a week to even longer before an actor finds out if they landed the part.  More often than not, an actor never hears anything about the part again (which means he or she didn't get the role).

Zach felt good about the audition but put it in the back of his mind.  He had to work that day and needed to get some lunch before going to Nick.

As I said earlier, he left the studio around 12:05pm.  Our cell phones started ringing around 12:20pm. The call was good news because he had booked the part!  We were all stunned because it hadn't even been 30-minutes since he left the audition.  No complaints here because I'm happy for him as well as proud of him for landing the gig.  I've just never seen it happen that quickly before.

Zach was thrilled by the news and put the shoot dates on his schedule.  He even had more of a smile than expected after he got the news.  I asked him why he was smiling so much and this was his answer:

"I just realized something.  I get to skip the first week of school because the shooting schedule is the same week!"

I don't know if he was more excited about landing the part or getting to skip school for a week.

The IMDb page of a very happy teen actor.

When Is It Time To Leave Los Angeles (And Acting)?

My last post (here) discussed why Los Angeles is your best destination if you want to be a working actor.  Unfortunately, sometimes the dream of being a working actor doesn't match the reality of your situation. When is it time to call it a day and give up on your L.A. dream?

In a way it doesn't matter how long you've been trying to be a professional actor. If you feel like you're not getting anywhere in your chosen field, trying to get ahead for only three months can feel the same as three years.  It's also hard to see actors you started with moving up the professional ladder while you're still in the same position.  It's not always jealousy that causes these feelings.  It can sometimes be as simple as frustration with yourself as well as the path of your career.

This is a situation that every actor finds themselves in at one time or another. It's important to determine if being an actor is important to you because it's a need you feel in every fiber of your being or if you want to be an actor for the fame, recognition and money. There's nothing wrong with fame, recognition or money.  However, if that is your ultimate goal, and you're not reaching that goal, it might be time to find a new career.

Here's another thing to consider as you decide whether or not to continue being an actor. Are you just waiting around for your big break?  Rarely, if ever, is someone randomly discovered by a director or an agent. There are too many people without a real game plan waiting for an happy accident to make their dreams come true.  It takes hard work, practice, networking, developing your craft, casting rejections, small parts and understanding the day-to-day realities of the industry to be in a place where you can succeed as an actor.

Are you performing any reality checks during your acting journey?  Setting goals, as well as making sure you're on track to achieve your goals, is essential in the life of an actor.  Are you seeing any progress in realizing your acting ambitions?  The goals don't have to be completely related to landing acting jobs.  They can be goals related to the business of acting such as having an agent or a manger, regularly booking roles on established TV shows or becoming a member of SAG/AFTRA. Having solid proof in front of you can help you stay in the acting zone.  If you're not reaching your goals, and you don't know how to reach those goals, it might be time to call it a day.

Although the next question might seem like an obvious one to ask, many people don't take the time to consider the answer. The question is...Do you still enjoy acting????

It's okay if you're not getting the same satisfaction out of acting as you did earlier in life.  Your priorities might change over the years. What you find fulfilling in life can change as you grow older. The sacrifices necessary to be an actor might not seem worth it to you anymore.

While it might be hard to take a long look at yourself, it's also necessary to look inside in order to determine your path in life.  Is acting still fulfilling or is it an obligation?  Are you excited when you get an audition no matter how big or small the part?  Is this the life you want to live?  Are you an actor because you want to be an actor or because your spouse, significant other or parents (hello many child actors!) want you to be an actor?

There's no shame in deciding that acting is not for you. What seems like a dream job doesn't always live up to the reality of the life of a working actor.  It's best to make the hard decision to stop being an actor before you end up completely hating your existence in Los Angeles. In fact, you might be surprised to discover that quitting acting is not really a hard decision at all.

This teen actor still loves being a working actor.

Choosing Los Angeles As Your Acting Destination

While most people think of Los Angeles as the place to be in order to be a TV or movie actor, there are plenty of locations where an actor can earn a living.  New York, Vancouver, Chicago and New Orleans are just a few of the "acting destinations" available to those who want to be a professional working actor.  Those locations are great cities but there are still many reasons why you should make Los Angeles your acting destination.

• While New York offers opportunities for actors, it is still a better place to go for stage opportunities.  Los Angeles is the best location for on camera opportunities in film, television and commercials.
• Being in L.A. means you have a chance to be rejected in person by some of the top casting people in the business.  While I realize that sounds horrible, it's actually a good networking opportunity. Being rejected in person by a casting director means you were seen by a casting director.  The part the casting director feels you weren't right for today just means he (or she) might have the perfect part for you in the near future.
• Los Angeles is the home of more actors than anywhere else in the world.  Come to L.A. and you might find the perfect acting partner, form a writing team, become part of a production house, make contacts that help you land jobs in the future and even discover your real passion lies behind the camera.  The possibilities are endless.  
• As I mentioned above, there are various cities that have a thriving local film and television industry.  There's a good chance that most of the movies and TV shows in other cities are being cast out of Los Angeles.  You'll need to build connections here to land the jobs located elsewhere.
• There are plenty of lessons to learn outside of an acting class.  Being plugged into the community of Los Angeles actors allows you to: 

1. Learn how others market themselves 
2. Witness the triumphs and failures of your friends while gaining insight from their experiences 
3. Discover how well you handle competition because all the other actors want the same success that you crave 
4. Decide if the lessons you're learning spur you on to fulfill your dreams or send you back home with plenty of stories to tell your friends

• Being in the heart of the entertainment industry also gives you the opportunity to make a living by combining a variety of entertainment jobs.  Not everyone can make a living by doing a number of jobs but the chance to be involved in TV, movies, theater, voiceovers and crew work can best be found in Los Angeles.
• Los Angeles is home to a wide range of dreamers.  While your hometown might see you as a freak or an unrealistic person, Los Angeles is the town where anything goes.  No dream is too large and no personality is too outlandish.  Come here and live out your dreams.

It's up to you to decide whether or not making the move to Los Angeles is right for you.  There's nothing wrong with being known as "the actor" in your hometown.  If your dreams and ambitions extend beyond your local acting community then it might be time to make the move to Los Angeles.

This actor is still living his dreams in Los Angeles.

It Takes More Than Acting To Be An Actor

I'm sure you've thought to yourself how easy life must be for actors. They show up on set, learn some lines, eat craft services all day and pretend for a living.

If that sounds too good to be true...You are correct.  It's not that easy to be a working actor.  In fact, there's a lot of work involved in being an actor before you even step foot on a set.

1. Natural talent only gets you so far - One of the first things you should do is sign up for an acting class.  Taking part in a class will help you sharpen your acting skills, make friends and be around a group of people who understand what you're going through to be a working actor. The Internet is filled with listings and reviews of acting classes and teachers. Try to find one that will take you out of your comfort zone and give you a chance to work on scenes that you haven't had a chance to perform in the past.
2. Be willing to make sacrifices along the way - I don't mean living in a small apartment or eating Spam for dinner.  I'm talking about sacrificing time with friends and loved ones. Being an actor is not a job that only happens during daytime hours.  You have to be ready for late auditions, odd call times, working on scenes late into the night, open mic nights and casting workshops that don't start until your friends are already home from work. You'll have to miss plenty of fun times with your buddies in order to move your career forward.
3. Opt for a "safe" look - This doesn't apply to everyone even though it sort of applies to everyone trying to be a working actor,  There are certainly a variety of parts available for actors of different sizes, styles and looks.  Here's something to consider as you decide on your career path.  Do you think you can get enough work on a long term basis as "the guy with the tattoos who robs the bank"?  How about being the girl with the piercings in her nose and eyebrows trying out for a regular role on a family sitcom?  Does your current look fit in with the type of parts you dream of playing on TV, in the movies and on stage?  Self expression is a wonderful thing but not if it limits the jobs you can potentially get as an actor.
4. Commitment - The idea of committing to a life as a working actor involves a variety of obstacles you will encounter on a daily basis.  Are you willing to be told "No" more often than you're told "Yes" about a part?  Can you handle long periods of not knowing when your next paying acting job will appear?  Can you handle not knowing when your first paying acting job will happen?
5. The hours - This ties in with the fourth point above.  Whether you're the lead of a TV show or an extra in the background of a movie scene, life on a set is filled with long hours.  Working on a set sometimes runs 10-12-14 hours per day.  While you're certainly not working a manual labor job, the hours are consistently long and demanding.  It's up to you to decide if you'd be happier with a 9-5 job instead of long hours, last minute script changes, a variety of working conditions and having to expose yourself emotionally on a regular basis.  Can you give enough of yourself on both an emotional and physical level daily for 10-12-14 hours?

The time and effort put into your career is completely up to you.  It's never too late to change your mind about making acting your career choice.  If you decide to move to Hollywood to be an actor, make sure you dedicate everything you have to realizing your dream.

This actor works to make his dreams come true on a daily basis.

"So LA" Conversations

I'm in the middle of writing a longer post about the world of acting but I need to take a break and recharge my brain.  I have to stop thinking about it and let the words come to me without obsessing about the post.

In other words...Time to write a post that is nothing but fun!

There have been plenty of times lately where I've heard conversations that are "so L.A.".  I've been taking notes and want to share my favorite conversation moments with you from the past few months:

• "You remember those candles we loved so much?  I bought them at Tori Spelling's store right before it went out of business."
• "You see this jacket I'm wearing?  Joe Walsh wore this same jacket in a video for the History of the Eagles. He gave it to me after sweating in it all day."
• "I know that I'm moving up in the studio world because I only have to walk his dog every other day."
• "My agent told me he would call me back after he was done watching a car chase on the 5."
• "I actually had the idea for that movie first but is the public going to believe me or Paramount Pictures???"
• "I didn't date him because he was a director.  I dated him because he lived 3 blocks from me so I didn't have to worry about parking."
• "I don't think he's a real homeless guy.  I think he's just staying in character to work on a part."
• "I ran lines with her and then she threw me over for another scene partner.  That other guy can't hold a candle to my interpretation of Prisoner Number One!"
• "My script deadline is this Thursday at noon.  My deadline to be a successful screenwriter is more flexible."
• "I'd appreciate it if you would stop using air quotes when describing me as a producer and director." 

Sharing these quotes with you has loosened my brain enough that I just came up with the second half of the other post.  I'm off to finish it and will share a new post with you soon!

I could fill an entire post with funny quotes from this actor.

Big News About Zach's Role In (Redacted)

It's definitely been a few weeks filled with excitement when it comes to Zach's career.

He is working hard on a project for (redacted).  While he has auditioned many times for (redacted), the right part has not happened until now.  The cast is strong and filled with a mix of veterans and young actors.  The plot of (redacted) is perfect for Zach as it allows him to showcase his comedy skills.  Plus, it gives him a good chance to develop the character of (redacted) by working with his partner in the (redacted).

It wasn't an easy task for him to land the role of (redacted) in (redacted).  It took (redacted) auditions in front of (redacted), (redacted) and (redacted).  His nerves never got the better of him and he started working on (redacted) last week.

I'll be telling you more about (redacted) in the coming weeks.  The script for (redacted) is clever and I think the (redacted) will be fun to watch.

Looking For Inspiration In Acting

I've discovered that writing a blog is a never ending hobby for me.  The feeling of satisfaction I get after posting an article lasts for about an hour before I start planning my next post.

Don't get me wrong.  I enjoy this creative outlet.  When I'm planning another post, sometimes it helps to seek inspiration in the words of others.  With that in mind, and in no particular order, here's my current Top 10 list of quotes about acting that I find inspirational:

1. "Work for the actor lies essentially in two areas: the ability to constantly create reality and the ability to express that reality." - Lee Strasberg
2. "Acting is all about honesty.  If you can fake that, you've got it made." - George Burns
3. "Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances." - Sanford Meisner
4. "It's not whether you really cry.  It's whether the audience thinks you're crying." - Ingrid Bergman
5. "Acting is the least mysterious of all crafts.  Whenever we want something from somebody or when we want to hide something or pretend, we're acting. Most people do it all day long." - Marlon Brando
6. "If you give audiences half a chance, they'll do half your acting for you." - Katherine Hepburn
7. "I know very little about acting.  I'm just a very gifted faker." - Robert Downey, Jr.
8. "Never get caught acting." - Lillian Gish
9. "Acting is the ability to dream on cue." - Ralph Richardson
10. "When you talk about a great actor, you're not talking about Tom Cruise." - Lauren Bacall

Even though I only write about acting and actors, I find great inspiration in these quotes.  They inspired me to finish this post from Hollywood!

Here's an actor inspired daily by his fellow actors on set.

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The End Of Summer Brings The Start Of A New Hollywood Season

It's summertime and all across the USA, families are enjoying vacations and long weekends away from work.

While that sounds like a lot of fun, it's time for the folks in Hollywood to turn their attention to the next season on the entertainment calendar.  The name of the next season?  Episodic Season.

A season that's a favorite of many actors, episodic season is also one of the busiest and best times of the year to land a role on a television show.  Running mid-July through mid-to-late December, this is the time of year when individual parts in episodes of most television shows are cast.  Series regulars were cast and signed to deals during pilot season earlier in the year.  Now that the regulars are in place, casting directors start the process of auditioning and casting guests stars and recurring characters for the upcoming television season.

The odds are better that you'll book a part during episodic season because of the number of characters in each episode of a TV show.  Whether the part is a guest star, co-star or recurring character, the casting offices need to find talented actors to fill those roles.  These roles are also a great stepping stone for someone trying to get their foot (and whole body) in the door.

The big question is....Are you ready for episodic season? Here's a handy checklist to help make sure you're ready to go:

• Have your latest headshot and resume on your website as well as any casting websites you visit on a regular basis.
• Attend an acting class.  Besides brushing up on your skills, there are many times you can take an audition scene to class to work on with your acting coach.
• Stay in town!  Unless you are having a family emergency, plan to be in town during episodic season.  You want to show your agent and manager that you're committed and ready to audition at all times.
• Have extra clothes in your car.  You need to be prepared for a last minute audition by having your wardrobe with you in your vehicle.  You don't want to arrive at an audition unprofessional.  Also, you don't want to waste the extra time in LA traffic trying to get back home to change clothes.
• Using the same reasoning as above, make sure you always have extra copies of your headshot and resume in your car.
• Find a casting workshop with a casting director that is right for you.  You don't want to sign up for a session only to discover the casting office specializes in shows for kids.  Make sure the person you are meeting is casting the type of parts you want to play.

Episodic season is more welcoming than pilot season to new arrivals in Los Angeles.  Unless you already have a great manager or agent based in Los Angeles that will get you seen by casting directors, pilot season can be a giant waste of time for newbies.  Episodic season requires many more bodies to fill parts on television shows so the work is available and the IMDb credits are waiting to be listed on your page.

Have fun. Be prepared. Break a leg this episodic season.

This actor knows a thing or three about working hard during episodic season.