After a month in L.A., I'm finally back home. I got extreeeeeemely busy for the last week I was there, so I didn't update this blog. Here's what went down.
I had a meeting about two weeks ago with a casting director from ABC, who told me that an actor/actress needs three crucial things to make it in Hollywood.
1. An agent (got that)
2. To be a member of SAG (the next big movie I do, I'll be entered into SAG)
3. Get to know all the casting directors you can.
The last task is one that my manager has had me working full time to do. When I'm not auditioning for something, I'm going to "general" meetings, which serve only to meet a casting director, casting executive, etc., and have them get a sense of who you are. The purpose of this is to keep you in mind for future projects, which can lead to more auditions, which can lead to more work for me.
My last week in L.A., I had maybe an average of 5 appointments a day. Half were general meetings, and half were auditions. Some meetings went well, others I made a fool of myself. Some auditions went really well, a few not so much. But hey, that's how it goes.
In addition to all these meetings and auditions, etc., I have to deal with the uncontrollable traffic in L.A. Luckily, some appointments were in close proximity to one another, but I still made it to these appointments with barely enough time to make to the next one.
Here are some films I remember auditioning for:
Road Trip 2
Yep. There's a second one. I think they're using an all-new cast, but I could be wrong. I didn't recognize any characters from the first one.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
This one was interesting. It's a Disney movie. I'm sure a lot of you are familiar with the original "Sorcerer's Apprentice" short that appeared in Fantasia. You know, the one with Mickey Mouse and all the dancing brooms. Well, Disney's making a film with the same title, but it doesn't necessarily deal with that same plot line. There are some interesting little cross-overs, however. You'll learn more about this next year; I can't say anything more.
Solitary Man
This audition I reeeeeeally want. It's an independent film starring Michael Douglas, and Susan Sarandon is attached. I read the whole script in an hour; it was captivating. This one would be a lot of fun. As for the plot, I won't give anything away. It's not even on IMDb yet.
Funny People
This is the new Judd Apatow film (He did The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad,). I had auditioned for this months ago for the part that inevitably went to Jonah Hill. I was skeptical from the start when I auditioned. I asked my manager, "Why even try? Jonah Hill is in that little circle of filmmakers, and it wouldn't make any sense not to use him." She told me to try anyway, so I did. At least it was good practice. I auditioned again, this time for a much smaller bit part. Still, it would be great to be involved in this film in any way. It's bound to be hilarious.
Alice in Wonderland
This is Tim Burton's new film. I didn't audition for this, per se. But, whatever casting director is working on this film called my manager and asked me for my waist size. How mysterious is that? They're interested in me, at least. More as this develops.
Besides those auditions, I also visited a company called "Independent Artists," which is in the same building as "Endeavor," my agency. Independent Artists seem to specialize in one thing in particular: voice-acting. After I met with a few people, I read a few voice-overs for them. It was a lot of fun, and I can definitely see myself doing this. I went in a second time to read a few more. This doesn't mean they're going to use my voice for the projects I read for, and I didn't get paid or anything. I basically auditioned for the roles, but in this case, the audition is a lot less stressful in that I can do multiple takes of any line I want until I get it right (or, at least right in my mind).
Lastly, I did a bunch of general meetings. I now have a large collection of "Visitor Passes" from various studios like ABC, NBC, CBS, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, and a few more I can't remember. It all blurs together; it really does. When someone gives me their card, I keep it, because I probably won't remember their name.
That pretty much wraps this up. I'm home now, making videos (I made a new Jimmy Jango video last night), and working at the grocery store. I'm waiting anxiously to hear if I got any of these parts I auditioned for. In the meantime, I have an independent film that I'm working on in October that I need to prepare for.
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A Meeting, an Audition, and a Rehearsal
My first appointment today was at NBC casting. Whenever I drive somewhere new, it's always confusing. I had never been to the NBC/Universal Studios buildings before. There were three gates to enter this mini-metropolis: Gate 1, Gate 2, and Gate 3. I entered Gate 2, and was told to make a U-turn and go through Gate 3. I tried Gate 3, but I wasn't in the system apparently. I called the person I was meeting, and they told me to go to Gate 1. So, I finally tried Gate 1, and that was the right choice. I would have been horrible on Let's Make a Deal.
I spoke with four people who work for NBC. A couple were casting directors, and I think one was a producer. I don't know, they kind of blend together. I sat there and gave them my usual schpiel. I had a lot of "general" meetings when I first came to L.A., and I learned that I would be telling different people the same things over and over again. I don't mind, I mean I'm excited that big people in Hollywood are interested in me... it just gets repetitive.
The meeting seemed to go well. They all enjoyed my Youtube videos, and named a couple of projects that they would consider me for. They also talked with a casting director who works in New York (I believe she works for 30 Rock). That would be great to have that connection, because I could always take a train up to New York for a day and do an audition, or something.
After the meeting, my next destination was to the In-And-Out Burger. We don't have In-And-Out Burgers on the east coast, so I try and take advantage of the experience while I can.
Then, I had a coaching session in preparation for my My Name is Earl audition. I was having some trouble with it, and although Dennis helped me out a lot, I was still unsure about how I was playing it. I practiced it in the car as I drove to the audition.
It amazes me where some of these auditions take place. If you were auditioning for a big, hit series like My Name is Earl, you'd think you'd end up on the 23rd floor of some skyscraper in Los Angeles. This audition took place in what seemed, from the outside, to be an abandoned dentist's office. I entered the building, double-checking the address. Sure enough, I saw a door with a sign, printed-out from a computer, scotch-taped to the door, that read something along the lines of, "DAVA WAITE PEASLEE CASTING THIS WAY," with an arrow pointing down a hallway. After I reached the end of the hall, I saw another sign, pointing to a door that said the same thing. I got to a door, and it said, "FIRST DOOR ON RIGHT." This is fun, I thought. It's like an adventure. I opened the door, where I ended up outside. I saw the first door on the right, and entered another building. Now, I stood in a large, echoey, basement-looking room with random furniture (and when I say random, I mean like five different species of furniture: office, living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom) scattered around the two far sides. What do I do now? Then I saw a familiar sight: the sign-in table. I signed my name, the role I was auditioning for, and the agency that represented me. I then picked a chair (an office chair with wheels) and sat down.
A woman called me in, and we sat down to read through it. After trying it a few times in a few different ways, we said our goodbyes, and I left. I'm really unsure about this one... if I get it, it'll be a long shot. The part would be better going to someone like Christopher Walken, honestly.
After that, I met with a kid from my acting class to rehearse our sketch for Thursday.
Tomorrow, I have nothing except to rehearse the sketch a bit more, and on Thursday I meet with another casting agent for NBC.
That about does it for this post.
I spoke with four people who work for NBC. A couple were casting directors, and I think one was a producer. I don't know, they kind of blend together. I sat there and gave them my usual schpiel. I had a lot of "general" meetings when I first came to L.A., and I learned that I would be telling different people the same things over and over again. I don't mind, I mean I'm excited that big people in Hollywood are interested in me... it just gets repetitive.
The meeting seemed to go well. They all enjoyed my Youtube videos, and named a couple of projects that they would consider me for. They also talked with a casting director who works in New York (I believe she works for 30 Rock). That would be great to have that connection, because I could always take a train up to New York for a day and do an audition, or something.
After the meeting, my next destination was to the In-And-Out Burger. We don't have In-And-Out Burgers on the east coast, so I try and take advantage of the experience while I can.
Then, I had a coaching session in preparation for my My Name is Earl audition. I was having some trouble with it, and although Dennis helped me out a lot, I was still unsure about how I was playing it. I practiced it in the car as I drove to the audition.
It amazes me where some of these auditions take place. If you were auditioning for a big, hit series like My Name is Earl, you'd think you'd end up on the 23rd floor of some skyscraper in Los Angeles. This audition took place in what seemed, from the outside, to be an abandoned dentist's office. I entered the building, double-checking the address. Sure enough, I saw a door with a sign, printed-out from a computer, scotch-taped to the door, that read something along the lines of, "DAVA WAITE PEASLEE CASTING THIS WAY," with an arrow pointing down a hallway. After I reached the end of the hall, I saw another sign, pointing to a door that said the same thing. I got to a door, and it said, "FIRST DOOR ON RIGHT." This is fun, I thought. It's like an adventure. I opened the door, where I ended up outside. I saw the first door on the right, and entered another building. Now, I stood in a large, echoey, basement-looking room with random furniture (and when I say random, I mean like five different species of furniture: office, living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom) scattered around the two far sides. What do I do now? Then I saw a familiar sight: the sign-in table. I signed my name, the role I was auditioning for, and the agency that represented me. I then picked a chair (an office chair with wheels) and sat down.
A woman called me in, and we sat down to read through it. After trying it a few times in a few different ways, we said our goodbyes, and I left. I'm really unsure about this one... if I get it, it'll be a long shot. The part would be better going to someone like Christopher Walken, honestly.
After that, I met with a kid from my acting class to rehearse our sketch for Thursday.
Tomorrow, I have nothing except to rehearse the sketch a bit more, and on Thursday I meet with another casting agent for NBC.
That about does it for this post.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Starting to get busy
Alright, first a re-cap.
For the past week-and-a-half, I've been mostly kicking back and watching "The Wire." Every once in a while, I got out of the house. I saw "The Dark Knight" with my acting coach, Dennis, at an iMax theater; that was excellent. I saw Vicky Christina Barcelona, the new Woody Allen movie, with my manager's former assistant, Nic (Nic showed me around the town the last time I was in L.A. It was good to see him again). I highly recommend Vicky Christina Barcelona; great film.
I attended another one of my acting coach's classes. I was asked to perform in a short, ten-minute play which we'll be doing on Thursday. Tomorrow, I have to go rehearse for it.
Which brings us up to today. Today, I auditioned for two things: The Office, and a spin-off of The Office.
First off: The Office. This wasn't much of an audition, really, but it would still be great to get the part just for the money. This audition was really casual. The people already knew me as well as my manager. I only had to say one line, which consisted of two words. It would probably be no big deal if I told you what my line was, but I'd better not just to be safe. I think it's pretty much assumed that I got it, but I'm waiting for official confirmation. I wouldn't even be on-screen when my character says the line; that's how laid back I was about the audition. Literally, there are only two ways to say the line, and even if I didn't have the brains to say it the right way, I'd still have a 50/50 chance. In short: this part, if I get it, will be a quick, clean, money-making role, even though it's small.
Secondly: The Office Spin-Off.
This one is definitely the more interesting audition. The part I auditioned for was much larger, though I'm not sure if it's a recurring role or not. Still, if I get the part, this would be huge for me. Not only is it the pilot to one of the most anticipated shows, but the series would first air after The Superbowl.
Damn.
In short: I'm really confident about this audition and I'm patiently waiting to hear the results. The people seemed to really like me, and they all laughed at just the right parts as I was reading.
Tomorrow, I have three appointments.
1. An audition for My Name is Earl. This is a big part, but just for one episode. It's what's called the "GUEST LEAD." Wish me luck on that one... I think it's more of a long shot than The Office Spin-Off.
2. A general meeting with NBC casting. The purpose of this meeting will be for NBC casting to meet me and keep me in mind for any future projects.
3. Rehearsal for sketch. This is the sketch I'm doing in class in Thursday.
That's all that's going on right now, and from I've been told, there's more exciting stuff in store for this week.
Stay tuned.
P.S. - Oh yeah, and I also made a video about socks on one of my many free days; it took me about four hours.
For the past week-and-a-half, I've been mostly kicking back and watching "The Wire." Every once in a while, I got out of the house. I saw "The Dark Knight" with my acting coach, Dennis, at an iMax theater; that was excellent. I saw Vicky Christina Barcelona, the new Woody Allen movie, with my manager's former assistant, Nic (Nic showed me around the town the last time I was in L.A. It was good to see him again). I highly recommend Vicky Christina Barcelona; great film.
I attended another one of my acting coach's classes. I was asked to perform in a short, ten-minute play which we'll be doing on Thursday. Tomorrow, I have to go rehearse for it.
Which brings us up to today. Today, I auditioned for two things: The Office, and a spin-off of The Office.
First off: The Office. This wasn't much of an audition, really, but it would still be great to get the part just for the money. This audition was really casual. The people already knew me as well as my manager. I only had to say one line, which consisted of two words. It would probably be no big deal if I told you what my line was, but I'd better not just to be safe. I think it's pretty much assumed that I got it, but I'm waiting for official confirmation. I wouldn't even be on-screen when my character says the line; that's how laid back I was about the audition. Literally, there are only two ways to say the line, and even if I didn't have the brains to say it the right way, I'd still have a 50/50 chance. In short: this part, if I get it, will be a quick, clean, money-making role, even though it's small.
Secondly: The Office Spin-Off.
This one is definitely the more interesting audition. The part I auditioned for was much larger, though I'm not sure if it's a recurring role or not. Still, if I get the part, this would be huge for me. Not only is it the pilot to one of the most anticipated shows, but the series would first air after The Superbowl.
Damn.
In short: I'm really confident about this audition and I'm patiently waiting to hear the results. The people seemed to really like me, and they all laughed at just the right parts as I was reading.
Tomorrow, I have three appointments.
1. An audition for My Name is Earl. This is a big part, but just for one episode. It's what's called the "GUEST LEAD." Wish me luck on that one... I think it's more of a long shot than The Office Spin-Off.
2. A general meeting with NBC casting. The purpose of this meeting will be for NBC casting to meet me and keep me in mind for any future projects.
3. Rehearsal for sketch. This is the sketch I'm doing in class in Thursday.
That's all that's going on right now, and from I've been told, there's more exciting stuff in store for this week.
Stay tuned.
P.S. - Oh yeah, and I also made a video about socks on one of my many free days; it took me about four hours.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Nothing Going On
Sorry, there hasn't been any developments since my last post. It's pretty dead out here since everyone was on vacation for Labor Day. I have some appointments in the near future though.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
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