Summer Casting Call Roundup From Hollywood

As I mentioned in an earlier post, there is plenty of acting work to be found in the time between pilot season and episodic season. Are you not sure what roles casting directors are looking to fill? For your convenience, here are some of the latest casting notices that grabbed my attention:

• Looking for males and females (20-50) to play very thin, drugged out heroin users. Must be emaciated thin. Need to submit a photo looking straight at the camera with no smiling. 
• Leading man (24-31) with the body of Chris Evans and the emotional maturity of Homer Simpson needed for romantic comedy about a bus driver in space.
• Do you have a smile that goes on for days? If so, submit now for the role of "Captain Smiles A Lot" in our new music video. Must be able to smile for hours without a break.
• Searching for attractive and well-spoken women between the ages of 18 and 35 with superior acting skills who know how to make a guy feel "special" in the romantic sense of the word. If you are able to pull off a convincing performance, we want to talk to you about a 1-minute video that will play as a "hook" on the homepage of our website.
• Male twins, 65-80, needed for film about love on the professional bridge players circuit. Must be well versed in the rules of playing bridge as well as how to cheat to win.
• Road trip movie in need of 3 oddball friend duos ranging from 35-52. Think "The Dream Team" meets "The Breakfast Club" with a dash of "The Truman Show".
• Think clowns are scary? Casting now for a low budget horror film about two clowns who refuse to stay dead and buried.
• Love metal music? Live your days as a gamer? New movie casting male lead to play a massage therapist who secretly wants to be a metal guitarist. To achieve his dream, he gets caught up in a community of fighting game fans.
• Casting for a music video about new love. Please specify the level of PDA you are comfortable with, if you want to audition with your significant other or if you would rather audition (and interact) with a stranger.
• Can you burp for a long period of time? If so, submit an audition tape of an extended length of burping. Feature film about a high stakes burping contest, as well as a romance between burping pros, is looking to cast in the next few weeks.

Do any of these parts sound like the perfect role for you? If so, you just might be a success in Hollywood!

This actor played a drunk wrestler earlier this week.

Screening Screeners On My Home Screen

One of the great things about having a kid "in the biz" is screeners.

If you don't know, a screener is a copy of a movie or television show made for the purpose of reviews, trying to get distributors interested in a project or (in Zach's case) allowing industry members to see the movies nominated for awards in Hollywood. (Zach is eligible to vote for the SAG Awards)

It also means that I get to watch movies with him in the comfort of our own home. Don't get me wrong. There is something great about going to a movie theater and seeing a film on the big screen. Plus, it is a good excuse to enjoy food I never eat otherwise such as nachos with the "tastes good but can't be good for you" nacho cheese, caramel popcorn (the only kind of popcorn I will eat) and chocolate covered raisins

Screeners have evolved over the years from VHS tapes to DVDs to digital downloads. Zach gets a mixture of DVDs and digital downloads. It was really nice over the weekend to be able to watch a current movie without having to go out in the California rain to see a film. We watched "La La Land" (still in theaters and up for many Oscars this weekend) in the comfort of our own warm and dry home. It is a beautifully shot movie that I'm sure looks amazing on the big screen. It also looked really nice on my television while watching it from my couch.

Screeners do come with the standard warning to not share them on the Internet or give them to others to watch or attempt to sell or profit from their existence. I don't want Zach to be on the receiving end of any anger over screeners so we definitely keep them "in house".

I'm looking forward to the Oscars because we've been able to watch many of the films up for best picture thanks to screeners. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the best of Hollywood at the same time.

I'm looking forward to watching screeners starring this actor in the future.

Your Final Casting Call Roundup For 2016

Even though the entertainment industry is in holiday mode as the year ends, there are still casting calls for projects that will film in 2017. Here are seven of the latest (but not always greatest) casting calls from movies and television:

1. Can you follow directions? Do you know how to listen and follow instructions? If so, you might be part of our new indie film. Looking for extras for a shoot in January who look like doctors, lawyers, corrupt corporate types and the dimwits who they take advantage of in the film. Any and all types ages 32-64.
2. Are you an Internet troll? Are you a proud Internet troll? If so, we're looking for you to share your opinions with the world! Let us know the topic you want to discuss from food to politics to sports and beyond. If you have an opinion and a recent photo, we want to hear from you.
3. Looking for a female of any ethnicity 35-44 to play a "damsel in distress" in an upcoming pilot. Are you good at waiting for help??? If so, bring your "A game" to our (hopefully) "A+" pilot.
4. Seeking males and females 20-28 who look good in glasses for the next great spy epic. The glasses are 3D goggles in the film so you must look dashing and mysterious at the same time. Open to all types.
5. Looking for "Lady Luck" for our next movie. This lady is our main character as well as the title of the movie. Plot twist: She has the worst luck of anybody in the world. Seeking 25-32 but willing to go older for the right Caucasian or Asian leading lady.
6. Casting now for "Paranormal Patrol" AKA "The Ghostbusters reboot done the right way". Seeking men and women to form a multi-cultural squad that fights the paranormal while learning life lessons along the way. Seeking actors ages 23-59.
7. Now casting kids 8-14 for a family friendly movie about a group of kids who nurse a turtle back to health. Once the turtle is better, they discover he has the speed of a cheetah which leads to madcap adventures during a summer they'll never forget. All ethnic groups welcome.

Do any of these casting calls sound like you? If so, 2017 might be the year you become a star!

This actor is busy making his game plan for 2017.

The Return of My Top 10 Casting Notices

It's been too many months since we looked at Hollywood casting notices. Many of the auditions for Zach these days are for episodes of TV shows since it is Episodic Season. However, there are always parts to audition for in Hollywood. Let's take a long overdue look at my 10 favorite casting notices from the past few months for scripted shows as well as reality TV shows:

1. Do you have a messy room? Do you have a really messy room where even you aren't sure what is hiding at the bottom of the pile? We're looking for people 18-27 who live like slobs and want a room makeover. Must be willing to show you room on TV.
2. There's an app for success and it's our TV show! We're currently searching for people who have the next great app in mind and want the chance to share it with the world. You must be a United States citizen between 21-38 and have an app nobody has heard of before to be considered. Anyone with an idea similar to existing apps will be instantly kicked off the show. Apps must be realistic but innovative as well as forward thinking but comfortable to investors.
3. Looking for 25-32 female of any ethnicity to play single girl trapped in a room with a zombie. Must be willing to scream at loud volume for hours on end. Must sign waiver that any damage to your voice due to the screaming is not our responsibility.
4. How far will you go for your shot at fame? New movie casting female, 18-25, for part-documentary and part-scripted movie that is a comedy and a thriller. Willing to live with a complete stranger for a month while also having it filmed? FYI....You will have the chance to speak with the person before starting the living arrangement.
5. Looking for girls between 21-29 who are experts in flirting for a new series of short web videos. Kissing will be required so participants must be comfortable kissing for long periods of time in front of a crew.
6. Are you a contortionist? Know someone who is a contortionist? Can you do moves that make people gasp in shock and amazement? We're looking for male contortionists 20-50 for a feature film. Must be willing to show skills at audition.
7. Voice over actor with French accent needed to play a hedgehog in training for a marathon. Must be good at crying in French. 
8. Put your killer looks to work as "the killer" in our feature film. Looking for Latin female between 21-32 to play a seductive and deadly thief who steals hearts and trust funds at the same time. Must be well informed on financial issues and how trust funds work when it comes to penalties and restrictions. 
9. Do you like to sing and dance? Do you love to be the center of attention? If so, this is not the part for you. Looking for male 18-25 to play silent character who makes others uncomfortable with his silence and quiet intensity. No lines in movie or audition,
10. Seeking females of any ethnicity ages 40-55 to play mother figure to a group of teens who want to be acrobats. Must be flexible, agile and comfortable wearing tight fitting acrobat clothing. Bonus points if you're an actual acrobat.

Do any of these roles sound right for you? If so, you might be on your way to fame and fortune!

This actor is definitely not a contortionist.

Does That Actor Match The Breakdown For The Role?

Zach had an audition late last week and some of the actors auditioning for the part didn't seem to fit the description. Here's what the casting people were looking for as well as how the character breakdown matched up to Zach:

*Male 17-19 but can look younger (Good)

*Experience handling large sections of dialogue (Still good)

*Comedic timing (Stand-Up Comic and Second City cast member...Think we're still good)

*Any body type (Yes, he has a body type)

*First name of the character is "Diego" (Maybe a stepfather adopted him and gave him a new name)

*Look like a native of Budapest (Need to show him where Budapest is on a map)

*Have an interesting look (Super vague but let's take it as a compliment)

We arrived at the audition and I took a seat and checked out the crowd.  For the character named "Diego", I saw:

*Two boys 12 and younger

*Four hairy hipsters in their mid-20s who would need to "de-hipster" in order to play younger

*A very pale-skinned teen from Sweden

*A stage parent telling his kid not to mention the trouble he has memorizing "too much dialogue"

*A slightly drunk stage parent loudly stating "I thought Diego was a Spanish slur!!!"

*An African-American teen actor that kept saying "Why did my agent submit me for Diego???"

*An actor that was 30+ still trying out for the 17-19 part

All of the above actors were called in by the casting director and his/her associates. Since the casting office had the breakdown for the role, how did some of the above actors make it to the audition stage of the process?

Sometimes the production company knows exactly what they are looking for in an actor. There are other times they have an idea but are open to the thought of changing up the part if necessary. As Diego is the main character and the script has to do with his heritage, it would take a major rewrite to have the kid from Sweden be a teen named Diego.

If that does happen, it's just another example of movie making magic in Hollywood!

This actor has a stand-up gig on July 1st at Flappers in Burbank.

What Do You Do After Pilot Season?

The annual event known as pilot season is almost over. The question facing many actors is whether to stay in Hollywood to try and book a job or head home for a few months until episodic season begins in August.

There are acting jobs available if you're willing to stay in town and audition for them. In fact, here are some of my favorite casting notices that recently found their way to my email inbox:

• Looking for a 35-48 female of any race who has pole dancing skills to play a crime solving exotic dancer. Must be willing to exhibit skills during audition process.
• Looking to cast male middle-age actors (40-55) who have experience in fencing, swimming and riding a bike while blindfolded.
• Have a love for gritty 70s crime dramas? Think "Dog Day Afternoon" mixed with "The French Connection" as portrayed by kids in the age range of 12-14.
• Looking for unknown actors to portray a couple who have never met in person but have fallen in love online. Must be willing to cyberchat your most intimate secrets to your costar.
• Seeking a rodeo clown with barrel rolling skills to take part in a film about jobs that are not appreciated by the general public.
• Think "The Avengers" with heroes you've never heard of. Casting athletic males 20-28 to portray heroes who want to do the right thing but can't afford a real headquarters. They meet in the basements of their homes. Gymnastics skills are a plus.
• Know your way around a video game? Would you be crushed if you couldn't play on a regular basis? Indie film looking for males and females 16-25. Must look the part of experienced gamers who have their world turned upside down when they each suffer an injury that ends their game playing days.

Do you fit any of the above parts? Think you have what it takes to book any of these jobs? If so, good luck and break a leg!

This actor always looks forward to auditions...And booking jobs.

7 Tips Every Actor Needs To Know About Being A Professional

I often discuss specific topics surrounding the world of acting such as auditions, agents and acting classes. While these are important topics, there are still many parts of the business of acting that are important for anyone interested in making acting their career. In no particular order, here are a few tips that can help you on a daily basis:

• Don't Be Late - While this might seem like obvious advice, many people don't take it to heart. There are thousands of actors in Hollywood trying to book jobs and be successful in this field. Even though traffic is horrible here, there is no reason not to plan ahead so you will be on time for a job or an audition. In fact, it's always better to be early than simply be on time.
• Learn Your Lines - Once again, this is amazingly obvious advice but it's not always followed by actors. Unless the job you booked specifically calls for improv, learn the lines that are sent to you. You need to know the lines by heart before you can begin to dive into the emotional aspects of the role. Also, don't attempt to make the lines "better" by tossing in your ideas and improv. Unless you want to insult the producers and writers of the project, don't simply change the lines to "fit your character" since you didn't create the character!
• The Business Isn't Fair - Most people know this fact but a few cling to the belief that they've done nothing wrong when they don't book a job. Also, you might book a role and then your part is cut for time. Your dream project might lose its financing. Don't dwell on why something didn't go your way with your acting career. Holding in the negative feelings and energy will only hold you back.
• Make A Choice - Will you conduct your career being prepared and ready to put in the work? Would you rather fly by the seat of your pants and hope that a big break lands in your lap? How you navigate your career is up to you but be prepared for the good and bad results of your approach.
• Don't Be Your Worst Enemy - When it comes to actors, they are their own worst enemy. From being unprepared for an audition to not rehearsing for a booked job to not arriving on time, you can do more damage to your credibility in the industry than anybody writing a review of your work.
• Get It Right The First Time At An Audition - You are not entering an audition to be coached by the casting directors. You are there to blow them away the first time. They might ask for different line readings because the production is not absolutely sure what they are looking for when it comes to character motivation. Be flexible and give other line readings if requested by them. When it comes to first impressions with your initial reading, be prepared to blow them away! 
• Don't Make Excuses - The production that hired you for a job doesn't care that traffic was bad this morning. The casting director at an audition doesn't want to hear how your power went out and you couldn't download the audition sides. Your agent doesn't care why you didn't show up for an audition they submitted you for that happened three hours ago. Acting is a business and these excuses don't matter because there is always an actor more than willing to take your audition slot or work the job you were late arriving to on the day of your shoot.

Acting is fun. Acting is an art form. Acting is also a business with many rules and expectations that should be obvious to all actors. Keep the above tips in mind as you navigate the world of Hollywood and you'll be viewed as a professional ready to get the job done at all times.

This teen actor has been taught to always be professional when working or auditioning.

A Definite "Living In Hollywood" Story

Zach had one of those auditions yesterday that screamed "You Live In Hollywood!" as he was in the moment. The audition didn't require him to study and learn a script. The audition was actually more of an interview with the person behind the project as well as a chance for the people auditioning to showcase their talents beyond acting.

We arrived at the audition and (of course) there were no parking spaces to be found so I dropped Zach off and left to find a parking spot. The audition was held near the Beverly Center in a dance studio that was a little off the beaten path. (FYI....I found out later in the day that it is the studio where the pros and celebs of "Dancing With The Stars" rehearse.)

Zach was already checked-in and waiting for his turn when I finally walked into the building. We didn't have a chance to chat because he was called into the audition room right as I was walking in the door.

After about 5 minutes, Zach emerged with an odd look on his face. We walked outside and he asked me to Google a photo of a certain movie legend. I did as he asked and Zach confirmed that the interview was with the person in the photo.

I then asked, "So what was it like chatting with Francis Ford Coppola?"

Yes...the director of "The Godfather" films, "The Outsiders", "The Conversation" and so many other great movies.

Zach said he was asked to enter the room and go "sit next to Francis". Zach knows who Mr. Coppola is, and what he has directed, but he had no idea what the director looks like in person. That lack of knowledge helped Zach keep from being nervous because "there was a good chance that it was another guy named Francis." Zach went on to describe the audition/interview as being pretty relaxed and he even had a chance to test out some of his stand-up material on the famed director.

I don't think the fact that he spent one-on-one time with such a legendary Oscar winner hit Zach until he was back in the car. The first person he called to share the story with was his mom and the second person was his manager. I could hear his manager laughing on the phone and telling him what a great "Hollywood story" he had to share with his friends.

It's way too early to tell if Zach will get a callback for the project. The one thing he did get from the audition? An experience with a Hollywood legend that he will never forget.

This audition story is a memorable one for this actor.

Handling Rejection Like A Pro

The audition process is one of the hardest parts of life for an actor. The amount of times you don't land a role far outweigh the number of times you book a part. Learning to handle rejection and not let it eat away at you is something that each actor has to deal with in their own way. I understand this feeling because I do a lot of freelance work and trying to land a freelance gig is very much like an audition.

Here are some tips to help you deal with not booking a part as well as how to use the experience in the future:

• Accept The Odds - If you stop and think about how many times you will audition for parts, you will be looking for work more than you actually work. This means you will spend a good amount of time auditioning for parts and never hearing back from the casting director. Unfortunately, this is a fact of life in the acting world. You can either learn to move forward and realize you're not the top choice for every part or you can obsess to the point that it distracts you from focusing on your next audition.
• Be Excited About Auditions - As mentioned above, a good portion of your life as an actor will be auditioning for parts. If you want to be a working actor, this makes the audition process a very important part of your working life. Like any other job, there will be parts of your chosen profession that get you down on a daily basis. However, you should be thrilled if you get to audition on a regular basis. There are thousands of actors in Los Angeles who get submitted for a part but don't get called in for an audition. Be happy that you made the cut and have the chance to showcase your acting in front of a casting director.
• Don't Worry - Any tension you bring into the audition room will be felt by everyone around you. Be excited that you have the chance to audition for a part (no matter how big or small the role). Stay focused on the audition at hand and don't worry about booking the job. Doing your best in front of the casting director might not land you the part you auditioned for today but it might lead to new opportunities and jobs in the future.
• Breathe Deep - One of the big jokes about Los Angeles is that everybody is into meditation and yoga. While not everybody is looking into their souls to find peace, there is something to be said about taking the time to unwind. A regular routine of exercise, meditation, yoga and relaxing with friends can help you stop worrying about the little things and focus on the big picture AKA your career! 
• Patience - The majority of actors who move to Hollywood will not be an overnight success story. It takes time to make a name for yourself in Hollywood as well as develop your craft. The more you network with fellow actors and attend workshops, the more opportunities will come your way in the future.
• Don't Take It Personally - How many times have you read a character breakdown for an audition and been convinced that the part was written with you in mind? While you might see the character as being perfect for you, the director and producers might have another "type" in mind. You might even look like an actor they've already cast for another role. There is only so much you can do, and only so much that is in your control, when it comes to landing a role. There is no reason to take it personally if you don't match the type of actor they have in mind. 
• The Opinion Of One Person Is Not The Opinion Of Everyone - The fact that one person didn't like your audition is not how everyone feels about your talent. You have an acting range filled with skills that you don't always get to showcase in auditions. Don't dismiss any criticism you get in an audition but don't take it as a slight against your acting skills.
• Manage Your Expectations - It helps to enter any audition with realistic expectations. If you don't have much experience in drama or Shakespeare plays, don't be crushed if you don't book the part. Entering an audition with realistic expectations helps you keep everything in perspective as well as avoid feeling disappointed.
• Keep In Mind That Acting Is A Business - There is a good amount of art involved in acting but it's important to remember that acting is also a business. The producers of a movie or television show have to hire the actors they feel are the best fit as well as marketable when it comes to promoting the finished product. You can be a great actor but not fit the vision of the final product.

It's up to you to figure out how you deal with rejection as an actor. If you want to make a living as an actor, keep in mind that success is not overnight and you should be prepared for many auditions during your acting journey.

This actor has booked some roles and also been rejected for some parts.

Five Tasks To Perform Daily As An Actor

The image most people have of the daily life of an actor is one of glitz and glamour. Lunch at The Palm, shopping in Beverly Hills and parties with A-list actors in the industry. Isn't that what the daily life of an actor is all about?

Not really.

There is a lot of work put into the daily career path of a person living the acting life. An actor has to work on their craft more than once a week at an acting class in order to get ahead in the industry. There are many lifestyle choices that go into helping an actor find success. Here are five tips to help you be more successful in your daily journey as an actor:

1. Networking - Even if you don't have a job currently booked, there are still plenty of ways to work on getting ahead in your career. Join a writing group. Sign up for a casting director workshop. Do an open mic night. Workshop a play. Write a screenplay. Get feedback from fellow actors and people whose opinions you trust. The important thing is to not stay in bed all day. Take at least one step forward per day in your acting career by networking and showcasing your talents to others. The extra effort will pay off in the future. 
2. Look your best at all times - Los Angeles is a town where you never know who you'll be talking to at any given time. I've had conversations with studio executives, directors, talent coordinators and writers of major motion pictures without knowing (at the time) what they did for a living. There are industry people all over the place. They might be dining next to you, getting gas at the same time or shopping at the same store. It's vital to look your best at all times. Being presentable in your everyday life shows that you care about your appearance and not looking like you got out of bed an hour ago, Acting is a business as well as an art form and you wouldn't go to a job interview looking less than professional. The professional and "put together" impression you make on the stranger next to you can pay off in a career break further down the road.
3. Be prepared to be on call 24/7 - Even though you might not have a set schedule where you have to be somewhere from 9 to 5 on a daily basis, you will essentially be on call 24/7 on a daily basis. Planning trips at any point of the year other than the Christmas holidays is almost impossible since booking an audition can happen seven days a week. Auditions don't take the weekend off so going out of town for the weekend is sometimes difficult. I'm not saying that you can't take a vacation but be warned that you might miss out on an opportunity for a paid acting job. You are probably friends with fellow actors which is a good thing because they will understand when you have to cancel plans in order to make a last-minute audition in Santa Monica that happens an hour after the call for the audition. Plus, you need to learn multiple pages of dialogue in the hour that you'll be stuck on the 405 trying to get to the audition, There's also a good chance that you'll be asked to prepare multiple scenes for the audition only to discover that the casting people only want you to read the first scene. Being an actor means having to be prepared to sacrifice quality time with family and friends and significant others in the pursuit of your craft.
4. Maintain your look - Casting directors, agents and mangers often think of actors as "types" as opposed to actual people. The casting people make a breakdown for a part and decide if they want you to audition based on how they perceive you. Agents and managers scan casting notices and breakdowns and submit the clients they feel have "the look" for the part, They might think of you as a wonderful person with many redeeming qualities. However, if you don't register top of mind as having the right look for a part then they won't submit you for the audition. Your look is your calling card. Keeping yourself in shape and playing to how the industry perceives you is a daily exercise in keeping yourself relevant and prepared to kill at an audition.
5. Take care of your number one fan - The person most invested in your career is the person who looks at you in the mirror every morning. You are your biggest cheerleader and your biggest resource. It's up to you to determine how hard you want to work and how much motivation you have on a daily basis. The more often you put yourself in front of others, the more often you'll be top of mind when it comes to parts and auditions. Your time is valuable so don't waste it obsessing on the parts and opportunities that others have in front of them. Be a self-starter and make your acting future your number one priority.

This actor likes to write and create his own material.

My Favorite Casting Notices That Shouldn't Exist

There are hundreds of casting notices sent out every week in Hollywood. While most of them seem normal, there are others that make me do a double take after I read them.  Here are my five favorite odd casting notices from the past week:

1. Dirty Disney Burlesque Show - What more needs to be said besides that great title?
2. Male 18-35 needed to play the part of penguin wings that are able to fly after the owner of the wings takes mushrooms in an Arctic trailer park. You will not be playing a penguin. You will be playing the wings.
3. Soft bodied Korean senior citizen needed to perform hardcore rap song about the dangers of too much Viagra on a consistent basis. Must be willing to be nude except for a prosthetic FOV (Friend of Viagra). 
4. Do you like trains? Do you like having coal on your face? Do you enjoy wearing a train conductor hat? If so, join our new theater troupe that performs guerrilla plays in front of unsuspecting Amtrak passengers. Must be willing to keep performing no matter how much the passengers might complain.
5. Looking for a female 49-65 to play the part of a sexy grandmother to three llamas. Must not be afraid of llamas. Must be willing to feed llamas. The llamas are the stars of the production so you must be willing to accept second billing to the llamas.

The above casting notices are the ones that made me laugh the hardest this week. They are also the notices that made me curious why they even exist.

I guess the only answer is..."That's Show Business!"

I'm not sure how this actor feels about llamas. He does enjoy trains.

How To Dress The "Acting Part" On A Budget

Wardrobe is a big part of the daily existence of an actor. While big budget movies and television shows have their own wardrobe departments that supply the main actors and major guest stars with their outfits, many actors don't have the opportunity to work on larger productions. They work on commercials, do background work and book smaller guest star roles that require them to supply their own clothes. Some smaller shoots do have clothes on hand to help fill-in various wardrobe needs with standard size generic looking clothes. More often than not, the actor booking the role will get a call from wardrobe asking them to bring specific types of clothes to the shoot. The clothing request is made so the production will have outfit options for various scenes.

What's an actor with a limited budget supposed to do when they book a job for the next day with wardrobe requests? What are the best choices in Los Angeles for camera ready clothes on a budget?

The following is not a comprehensive list of places to shop for clothes on a budget. It is more of a "starter kit" to help find stores to shop at for auditions or booked jobs:

1. The Council Thrift Shops (NCJWLA/National Council of Jewish Women) - Worth checking out for the occasional name brand clothing. Multiple locations around Los Angeles.
2. Berda Paradise Thrift Store - A play on words as well as the first name (Berda) of the founder of the store. A thrift store with a good heart as it benefits the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic. Vintage clothing, name brands, purses and other goodies can be found at this store on Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake.
3. American Cancer Society Discovery Shop - A set of stores across Los Angeles near and dear to my heart as my wife works for the American Cancer Society. There is sometimes more of a focus on furniture and home decorating items but still worth checking out for a few clothing items.
4. Wasteland - With three locations in the Los Angeles area, Wasteland is a definite resource for clothing on a budget. The actor searching for clothes will find anything from designer suits and jeans to shirts perfect for auditions and hanging out with friends. There is also a good selection of casual clothes. Wasteland is a place where almost any style of clothes can be found on the right day at a good price.
5. It's A Wrap - This is kind of an odd place because the clothes in the store are actual wardrobe pieces from TV shows and movies. If nothing else, it gives an actor a good idea of the wardrobe style of various productions. Plus, where else can you buy a random outfit from "Dancing With The Stars"? There's one location in Burbank and one on Robertson Blvd on the Westside.
6. Squaresville - A 2-story vintage store on Vermont with a little bit of everything in terms of clothing. Casual and designer clothes, shoes and accessories can all be found at this store.
7. Out Of The Closet - There are three or four locations of Out Of The Closet around town. Their selection of clothes shares space with housewares and books with part of the proceeds benefiting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. 
8. Jet Rag - A vintage clothing store on La Brea that sometimes leans towards more eclectic selections but still worth checking out on a regular basis. It can be a little crazy on Sundays when they hold their $1 sales.
9. Crossroads - The number of Crossroads locations across Los Angeles makes it easy to find a location. Although they are not big on dress clothes or designer wear, they are a great option when searching for more casual outfits.
10. Buffalo Exchange - Their tagline says they specialize in new and recycled fashion. This is true as new/gently worn clothes hang next to vintage concert t-shirts and faded jeans. A good place to shop for stage clothes as well as clothes for filming.

In a city the size of Los Angeles, there are dozens of options when it comes to shopping for acting clothes. There are many recycled and vintage clothing stores that sell outfits that still look brand new. It's always nice to wear an outfit that cost very little but still looks like a million bucks.

The parents of this actor have had good luck at thrift stores.

Audition Preparation Tips And Tricks

Zach has been having a good January so far with two big auditions coming his way. All auditions are good but some require more preparation than others. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing to enter the audition room.

1. One of the first audition steps is determining how much prep you need for the audition. The prep work goes beyond learning the lines. Is the casting director someone you've met before? If so, there is a level of familiarity that can serve you well. Since the casting director already has an idea of what you are capable of, it takes the "getting to know each other" vibe out of the audition. Also, is this audition for a commercial or for a major movie? If it's for a commercial, you are probably okay running the lines with friends and family. If it is for a series lead or a major movie role, you might be better served scheduling a private lesson with a trusted acting coach.
2. Learn the lines! This is simple advice but not many people follow it. There are a good number of actors who feel that being spontaneous and "in the moment" translates to a good audition. Casting directors don't want to see you improvise during an audition. They want to know that you are off book (know your lines) and making a connection with them and the material. Being able to perform the scene from memory helps open up the actor to being natural in the scene.
3. Don't just know your lines. Be familiar with the lines of the other characters because it will give you insight into how others in the script see your character.  Knowing what is going on with everyone in the scene gives you a better idea of the motivations behind your character and his or her behavior in the script.
4. Find your level of confidence before entering the casting office. Whether you already know the casting director or you are meeting him for the first time in the room, you are being judged the moment you step in the room. Body language and overall attitude are just as important as your acting skills. Don't mistake attitude for intensity. Smile and act like you want to be there!
5. Don't make the audition a life or death situation. Much like a job interview, there are many factors that are out of your control when it comes to landing a part. Being prepared and showing your best take on the role are the two main things you can do once you enter the room. Once you walk out the door, it is out of your control. Do your best and don't dwell on the audition when you leave the room.

All actors have different methods of preparing for an audition. Find the method that works for you and give it everything you have when you enter the room. Break a leg!

This Actor Did A Private To Prepare For An Audition This Week.

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.