My acting class and I attended a premiere for a Christian movie about abortion. The movie is called "Sarah's Choice" and stars Rebecca St. James. It was held at Warner Bros. Studios. It was a small gathering but fun none the less. Not to mention it was my first ever premiere.
Everyone had to line up outside and wait to be let in. Once let in we all took turns taking a picture with the star of the movie: Rebecca St. James. Then everyone went upstairs into the theater where a gentleman said a few words about the movie and we watched it. After the movie, the director and Rebecca came up and said a few things about the making of the movie.
It is a very good movie and out on DVD now. I highly recommend it to any and everyone. It has a very good story line and I believe will reach out and make a difference to many people in this world. I was thankful to be able to attend the premiere and it was definitely a good one to be my first.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Selena Gomez & San Diego
Below are pictures from my Selena Gomez concert in San Diego and out and about adventures in San Diego after the concert. Enjoy :)
The girls & our Selena Gomez t-shirts
The girls & our Selena Gomez t-shirts
Concerts
I have been to a few concerts since being here in CA. There were concerts at the Harvest Crusade I went to a couple months ago (I mentioned it in previous posts). Since then, I have gone to a couple more. I went to a girl's conference called Revolve where there were concerts and speakers. I went to a concert called Creation Festival with multiple artists. And I went to Selena Gomez's first ever concert in San Diego. Below are pictures from the concerts I have been to - minus the Selena Gomez ones, which I will be adding under another post. Enjoy :)
GROUP 1 CREW
BRITT NICOLE
JENNA LUCADO
(Max Lucado's daughter/Speaker & Author)
(Max Lucado's daughter/Speaker & Author)
STELLAR KART
THIS BEAUTIFUL REPUBLIC
AUDIO UNPLUGGED
(The 2 guys who founded this band are from Audio Adrenaline)
(The 2 guys who founded this band are from Audio Adrenaline)
THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH
JARS OF CLAY
Disneyland in Pictures
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Hollywood section of California Adventure
My favorite picture...classic Hollywood :)
The girls & Woody
Inside the Bug's Life section at Disneyland - with the 'My Fair Ladybug' poster
Me in between the C & A of California at the California Adventure part of Disneyland
My future employeers :)
One of my favorite things at Disney parks: the Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse statue
Inside the Tarzan Tree House. And I just have to say that the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House is much better :)
The Pirate ship (with Captain Hook & Peter Pan) during the "Fanstimic" water show
Disney Character boat on the water during the "Fanstamic" water showMonday, November 9, 2009
Long (but fun) Weekend
Friday - I worked as background for the TV Show "Heroes". My call time was 4:30pm. It was shot at Universal Studios. For my other two projects they were both shot on location so this was my first time shooting at a studio. We didn't shoot inside the studio but outside. It was a carnival scene. We were all told it could go until 3am or even later. That was ok with me since the next day was Saturday and I could sleep in. Once we finally got to set, I was one of the ones who got to ride a ride at the carnival. I rode a flying one but you had to lay on your stomach, which began uncomfortable at times. The whole "Heroes" cast wasn't there - the only person I saw was Hayden Panettiere who plays Claire Bennett (she is my favorite) - but it was only from a distance as I spent my whole time riding the ride. It was fun but cold flying around in the air with the wind hitting you. I was wrapped at 11pm.
Saturday - was my relaxing day. I slept in late and didn't do much. That night I made plans with some friends to go to Disneyland for the next day so I was up late again that night.
Sunday - I went to Disneyland for the first time. I have been to Disney World in Florida twice but this was my first time to Disneyland. I went with a group of friends to celebrate my friend, Reba's bday. We spent 12 hours at Disneyland and I had a blast! We watched the Aladdin musical show, Fanstasmic water show and the fireworks show at the end of the day. We rode rides, ate food, and took pictures. I had so much fun and can't wait to go again! I'll put some of the pictures up for you guys soon.
So as you can see this past weekend was a long (but fun) one for me. This coming weekend is going to be another busy one too. Saturday we have a bday party and house blessing for the family I am living with and then on Sunday I am going with a couple friends to San Diego for a Selena Gomez concert - I can't wait! The next couple weeks are going to fly by and before you know it it will be Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and then 2010!
Saturday - was my relaxing day. I slept in late and didn't do much. That night I made plans with some friends to go to Disneyland for the next day so I was up late again that night.
Sunday - I went to Disneyland for the first time. I have been to Disney World in Florida twice but this was my first time to Disneyland. I went with a group of friends to celebrate my friend, Reba's bday. We spent 12 hours at Disneyland and I had a blast! We watched the Aladdin musical show, Fanstasmic water show and the fireworks show at the end of the day. We rode rides, ate food, and took pictures. I had so much fun and can't wait to go again! I'll put some of the pictures up for you guys soon.
So as you can see this past weekend was a long (but fun) one for me. This coming weekend is going to be another busy one too. Saturday we have a bday party and house blessing for the family I am living with and then on Sunday I am going with a couple friends to San Diego for a Selena Gomez concert - I can't wait! The next couple weeks are going to fly by and before you know it it will be Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and then 2010!
Friday, October 30, 2009
First Audition
I was blessed with the opportunity to audition for the lead in a Disney Channel Pilot called "Smart Alec". For those who don't know what a pilot is or how it works let me explain...when an idea for a TV Show is pitched to a network (in this case Disney Channel), the network then decides if they will green-light a pilot. If so, then casting begins on the pilot. A pilot is one episode. Once the pilot is shot, then the network decides if they will pick it up for a full season. If not, then the pilot dies and nothing is done about it. But if they do decide to pick it up, then a full season is shot and it becomes an actual TV Show on the network.
My audition was for the lead character in the pilot, a girl by the name of Alecia "Alec" Michaels. I was given the script (which contained 3 scenes) and began working on it and memorizing it. My audition took place on October 8, 2009 at the casting directors office at Hollywood Center Studios in LA. Once I found parking and walked in, I was about 30mins early for my audition.
Hollywood Center Studios is a bunch of studios where they shoot shows/movies. They film "Wizards of Waverly Place" and "The Suite Life on Deck" there. It was so cool because walking through to get to the building where my audition was held there were signs for parking for Wizards cast and extras changing areas for Suite Life. The casting directors that were casting for my audition are the same people who cast "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" and "The Suite Life on Deck".
When I got inside the casting office there was only about 4 other people there auditioning besides me. I signed in and sat down practicing my lines. I was the only person there who didn't have an agent and I was also the only person in the waiting room who was not accompanied my a parent, which made me feel a little old lol. A couple people were called in before me and were only in the room for a minute or so then they came out and left. I didn't know if that was a good thing or bad. After only a couple minutes, they called me in.
I went in and had brief introduction with the lady I auditioned for named Liz. I gave her my resume/headshot. She asked how old I was, I told her. Then she said she was only going to have me read the first scene. There was no camera at this audition, she told me to pick somewhere on the back wall to pretend was the camera and audition my scene. I said ok and began. I messed up the first line. Quickly in my head I debated whether to ask if I could begin again or continue on, I decided to continue. But right before I started, Liz asked me if I would like to begin again. Since she had offered I said yes, if you don't mind. She said that was fine and gave me a minute before I began again.
When I stared again, I went all the way from the first line to the last perfectly, just how I had practiced. Liz reacted by laughing to the funny ending line, which I took as a good sign. Since I've heard that casting directors don't usually show any emotion with your performance at all. She said "that's good" and started writing something down. I wasn't sure what to do next but Liz looked up and told me I could go. I was in and out of the casting office in about 10 mins. I was really surprised it went by so fast.
Normally your agent is your go-between with the casting director. Since I don't have one yet I didn't know what to expect. After about a week I did get in touch with Liz about if I was going to get a callback or not. She said I did a good job at my audition but wasn't right for the part. She did say they'll keep me in mind for future projects that they cast. I was a little disappointed but overall just thankful that I was able to audition in the first place without an agent that like never happens.
My acting teacher said that I probably just didn't look like what they wanted the character to look like. Which is ok, I'm not going to fit everything I go out for and I don't want to change myself. She also said that casting directors have no problem telling you when you had a bad audition. They don't care, they'll tell you they didn't like it. So she said that if Liz told me I had a good audition then that means I did. So that was encouraging to hear. You never know if they may be casting for another show in the future, I may fit and they'll think of me. So I don't have anything to complain about. It was a great experience and I am very thankful to have had it.
My audition was for the lead character in the pilot, a girl by the name of Alecia "Alec" Michaels. I was given the script (which contained 3 scenes) and began working on it and memorizing it. My audition took place on October 8, 2009 at the casting directors office at Hollywood Center Studios in LA. Once I found parking and walked in, I was about 30mins early for my audition.
Hollywood Center Studios is a bunch of studios where they shoot shows/movies. They film "Wizards of Waverly Place" and "The Suite Life on Deck" there. It was so cool because walking through to get to the building where my audition was held there were signs for parking for Wizards cast and extras changing areas for Suite Life. The casting directors that were casting for my audition are the same people who cast "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" and "The Suite Life on Deck".
When I got inside the casting office there was only about 4 other people there auditioning besides me. I signed in and sat down practicing my lines. I was the only person there who didn't have an agent and I was also the only person in the waiting room who was not accompanied my a parent, which made me feel a little old lol. A couple people were called in before me and were only in the room for a minute or so then they came out and left. I didn't know if that was a good thing or bad. After only a couple minutes, they called me in.
I went in and had brief introduction with the lady I auditioned for named Liz. I gave her my resume/headshot. She asked how old I was, I told her. Then she said she was only going to have me read the first scene. There was no camera at this audition, she told me to pick somewhere on the back wall to pretend was the camera and audition my scene. I said ok and began. I messed up the first line. Quickly in my head I debated whether to ask if I could begin again or continue on, I decided to continue. But right before I started, Liz asked me if I would like to begin again. Since she had offered I said yes, if you don't mind. She said that was fine and gave me a minute before I began again.
When I stared again, I went all the way from the first line to the last perfectly, just how I had practiced. Liz reacted by laughing to the funny ending line, which I took as a good sign. Since I've heard that casting directors don't usually show any emotion with your performance at all. She said "that's good" and started writing something down. I wasn't sure what to do next but Liz looked up and told me I could go. I was in and out of the casting office in about 10 mins. I was really surprised it went by so fast.
Normally your agent is your go-between with the casting director. Since I don't have one yet I didn't know what to expect. After about a week I did get in touch with Liz about if I was going to get a callback or not. She said I did a good job at my audition but wasn't right for the part. She did say they'll keep me in mind for future projects that they cast. I was a little disappointed but overall just thankful that I was able to audition in the first place without an agent that like never happens.
My acting teacher said that I probably just didn't look like what they wanted the character to look like. Which is ok, I'm not going to fit everything I go out for and I don't want to change myself. She also said that casting directors have no problem telling you when you had a bad audition. They don't care, they'll tell you they didn't like it. So she said that if Liz told me I had a good audition then that means I did. So that was encouraging to hear. You never know if they may be casting for another show in the future, I may fit and they'll think of me. So I don't have anything to complain about. It was a great experience and I am very thankful to have had it.
Monday, October 5, 2009
3 Days on a Disney Set
When I was driving home from my Long Beach from shooting the Nickelodeon Pilot - I hit horrible traffic. Being a Friday and 3pm...not good. Instead of the without traffic time of 45mins to get home it took me 2 hours. Welcome to LA baby! haha
Since tragic was so bad I called the Central Casting line to give me something to do. They had something on there casting for girls, looking 18 and younger, with modest swimsuits, for a movie of the week. It would be working Monday and possibly Tuesday and Wednesday. I was so excited and wrote the number down to call. As soon as I got home I called and was surprised when they answered right away. I gave them my info, they asked about my car, which I wasn't sure why. Then asked about my swimsuit - they told me its a Disney movie which is why they need modest swimsuits. Then she booked me for the job. I was completely freaking out in my head when she told me it was a Disney movie. For those of you who don't know I LOVE Disney! Disney everything - no lie! My biggest dream is working with Disney. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was for it being a Disney movie.
After finding out all the info I needed to work, I googled the movie to see what I could find out. The only info I could find about it was that it's called "Starstruck" and is going to be a Disney Channel Original Movie. I found out that Cody Linley (Jake Ryan on "Hannah Montana") was going to be the main guy and couldn't believe it. I called home right away to tell my sister who is a BIG Cody Linley fan. My role is a Beach-goer. I had to take some outfits for wardrobe to look through as well. My call time was 6:00am - which would mean getting up insanely early to get there, but I didn't care. I was just happy to be working on a Disney movie.
When signing in on location, I found out I was also booked with my car. Which was totally ok with me. I got paid extra for it. They used my car to park at the beach parking lot - to make it look like its full. I actually got to have my hair done on this set which was cool - they didn't do much. Just touched it up with a straightener. When reporting to wardrobe, they told me what I had on was perfect. So I am the very pink girl in the movie :). There were many more extras on this set than the pilot. It was still just as fun, if not more. We shot in Palos Verdes at a private beach.
I noticed differences between TV (the Nick pilot) and movie (this one) filming. The Nick pilot I did was a lot faster paced. We only did a few takes and them moved on, most times. On this set however there was a lot more that went into getting each scene ready and actually filming it. One scene they must have shot at least 20 takes. There was a lot of the same scene over and over, but shooting from different angles. On Monday I was there for 12 hours and they shot 4 scenes. I also noticed that the main guy was NOT Cody Linley. When I got a good look at him I realized it was Sterling Knight (Chad Dylan Cooper on "Sonny With a Chance"). I didn't mind though. I was totally psyched that I knew who this person was! The fact that I had seen him on TV and now he was standing in front of me was so weird, but cool at the same time. When they wrapped us for the day they called me back for the next day of work with a call time of 6:30am.
On Tuesday it was pretty much a repeat of Monday. I was booked with my car and was on set for about 12 hours. This day was a lot more relaxed for me. I didn't do much. They shot a lot with just the main actors. But I was used for a couple scenes. Then I was blessed with getting a SAG voucher for the day. I was SO excited! For those who don't know - SAG (Screen Actors Guild) is the biggest actors guild. Mostly all of the actors you see on TV and in movies are members of this guild. Eventually getting in is my goal too. However, getting into the guild is hard. You have to have 3 SAG vouchers to even be eligible to become a member. Basically this means that you have worked on 3 different days on SAG projects and were paid SAG wage. This Disney movie I shot is a SAG movie. For SAG productions they have to have a certain number of SAG people working (I'm not sure exactly what the number is) otherwise they get penalized. So what happens is whenever SAG people don't show up for work then they have to give SAG vouchers to non-union people. Basically, the non-union person/people get paid SAG wage and then the production doesn't get penalized.
So anyway I was one of the two people who was blessed with receiving a SAG voucher for working on Tuesday. As we neared the end of the day, we found out that they were cutting about half of the people for Wednesday. I prayed I wouldn't get cut. But was told that since I was receiving a SAG voucher I was going to be one of the ones cut. Even though I didn't want to be cut, I understood and it seemed only fair. Although after finding out that they were going to shoot parking lot scenes on Wednesday I asked the guy in charge of the extras, if I needed to come back because of my car. He said he would check. Later I found out that I would indeed be called back again for Wednesday because they needed my car for the scenes. I was so happy! I got a SAG voucher for the day and then was saved from being cut by my car!
On Wednesday, I had a call time of 6:00am. I arrived early and checked in only to find out I had been booked as SAG again for the day. I couldn't believe it - I was so excited! We had some weather issues this day. But eventually it cleared up and we were able to progress. I worked for about 12 hours yet again, but didn't mind at all. I got to shoot a scene beside Sterling Knight that day as well. I was so excited! I know I will be in the movie for sure now because I was right beside him for one scene. He is a really nice guy and let me just say he's very good looking in person too :) ...
I loved being on this set. I was blessed with being there for 3 days and had a blast! I was sad when Wednesday came to an end. I had gotten to know some of the other extras and crew workers. I was finally familiar with everything and everyone. I was having so much fun but I knew my time was up. It was a very good experience I will never forget. I can't wait until I am the main actor on a set :)
"Starstuck" is a Disney Channel Original Movie. It won't be out until 2010 sometime. I don't know when yet, they are still filming it. But I will definitely be watching for it and will let you all know when it comes out so you can watch it and try to find me!
Since tragic was so bad I called the Central Casting line to give me something to do. They had something on there casting for girls, looking 18 and younger, with modest swimsuits, for a movie of the week. It would be working Monday and possibly Tuesday and Wednesday. I was so excited and wrote the number down to call. As soon as I got home I called and was surprised when they answered right away. I gave them my info, they asked about my car, which I wasn't sure why. Then asked about my swimsuit - they told me its a Disney movie which is why they need modest swimsuits. Then she booked me for the job. I was completely freaking out in my head when she told me it was a Disney movie. For those of you who don't know I LOVE Disney! Disney everything - no lie! My biggest dream is working with Disney. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was for it being a Disney movie.
After finding out all the info I needed to work, I googled the movie to see what I could find out. The only info I could find about it was that it's called "Starstruck" and is going to be a Disney Channel Original Movie. I found out that Cody Linley (Jake Ryan on "Hannah Montana") was going to be the main guy and couldn't believe it. I called home right away to tell my sister who is a BIG Cody Linley fan. My role is a Beach-goer. I had to take some outfits for wardrobe to look through as well. My call time was 6:00am - which would mean getting up insanely early to get there, but I didn't care. I was just happy to be working on a Disney movie.
When signing in on location, I found out I was also booked with my car. Which was totally ok with me. I got paid extra for it. They used my car to park at the beach parking lot - to make it look like its full. I actually got to have my hair done on this set which was cool - they didn't do much. Just touched it up with a straightener. When reporting to wardrobe, they told me what I had on was perfect. So I am the very pink girl in the movie :). There were many more extras on this set than the pilot. It was still just as fun, if not more. We shot in Palos Verdes at a private beach.
I noticed differences between TV (the Nick pilot) and movie (this one) filming. The Nick pilot I did was a lot faster paced. We only did a few takes and them moved on, most times. On this set however there was a lot more that went into getting each scene ready and actually filming it. One scene they must have shot at least 20 takes. There was a lot of the same scene over and over, but shooting from different angles. On Monday I was there for 12 hours and they shot 4 scenes. I also noticed that the main guy was NOT Cody Linley. When I got a good look at him I realized it was Sterling Knight (Chad Dylan Cooper on "Sonny With a Chance"). I didn't mind though. I was totally psyched that I knew who this person was! The fact that I had seen him on TV and now he was standing in front of me was so weird, but cool at the same time. When they wrapped us for the day they called me back for the next day of work with a call time of 6:30am.
On Tuesday it was pretty much a repeat of Monday. I was booked with my car and was on set for about 12 hours. This day was a lot more relaxed for me. I didn't do much. They shot a lot with just the main actors. But I was used for a couple scenes. Then I was blessed with getting a SAG voucher for the day. I was SO excited! For those who don't know - SAG (Screen Actors Guild) is the biggest actors guild. Mostly all of the actors you see on TV and in movies are members of this guild. Eventually getting in is my goal too. However, getting into the guild is hard. You have to have 3 SAG vouchers to even be eligible to become a member. Basically this means that you have worked on 3 different days on SAG projects and were paid SAG wage. This Disney movie I shot is a SAG movie. For SAG productions they have to have a certain number of SAG people working (I'm not sure exactly what the number is) otherwise they get penalized. So what happens is whenever SAG people don't show up for work then they have to give SAG vouchers to non-union people. Basically, the non-union person/people get paid SAG wage and then the production doesn't get penalized.
So anyway I was one of the two people who was blessed with receiving a SAG voucher for working on Tuesday. As we neared the end of the day, we found out that they were cutting about half of the people for Wednesday. I prayed I wouldn't get cut. But was told that since I was receiving a SAG voucher I was going to be one of the ones cut. Even though I didn't want to be cut, I understood and it seemed only fair. Although after finding out that they were going to shoot parking lot scenes on Wednesday I asked the guy in charge of the extras, if I needed to come back because of my car. He said he would check. Later I found out that I would indeed be called back again for Wednesday because they needed my car for the scenes. I was so happy! I got a SAG voucher for the day and then was saved from being cut by my car!
On Wednesday, I had a call time of 6:00am. I arrived early and checked in only to find out I had been booked as SAG again for the day. I couldn't believe it - I was so excited! We had some weather issues this day. But eventually it cleared up and we were able to progress. I worked for about 12 hours yet again, but didn't mind at all. I got to shoot a scene beside Sterling Knight that day as well. I was so excited! I know I will be in the movie for sure now because I was right beside him for one scene. He is a really nice guy and let me just say he's very good looking in person too :) ...
I loved being on this set. I was blessed with being there for 3 days and had a blast! I was sad when Wednesday came to an end. I had gotten to know some of the other extras and crew workers. I was finally familiar with everything and everyone. I was having so much fun but I knew my time was up. It was a very good experience I will never forget. I can't wait until I am the main actor on a set :)
"Starstuck" is a Disney Channel Original Movie. It won't be out until 2010 sometime. I don't know when yet, they are still filming it. But I will definitely be watching for it and will let you all know when it comes out so you can watch it and try to find me!
1st Time on a Real Set
About a week after I arrived in CA, I drove into Burbank and registered with an extra (or background actors - as most of the people prefer to be called) company called, Central Casting. Basically through them you get jobs to be an extra for movies and shows. You have to call into a recorded line that lists all of the jobs that extras are being hired for - but you have to fit all of the things they are looking for. Sometimes its very specific things. When you fit what they are looking for then you call in and try to book yourself for the job.
Anyways, its hard for me to get work through them because they only register people 18 and older. So for most jobs they are looking for people in their late twenties - which I don't fit at all. My age range (the range of ages an actor can play accurately based on looks, etc) is 14-20. Which means I can only play high school and early college age. Any younger or older I can't play because I don't look it.
I went without luck on finding any jobs I could fit for about a month. Then on September 12th I received a message from Central Casting asking if I could work on the coming Friday, September 18th. I called them back and got a voice mail, but I left them a message saying that yes I could and wanted to work. I was excited about this for a few reasons. (1) I would finally be working and getting some money. I hadn't had any source of income at all since I moved to CA, (2) I would be on a real set, (3) I finally fit the part for something. I knew I had to have fit it otherwise they wouldn't have called me, and (4) They had called me for it! In the info pack they give everyone when you register it stats that only 5% of jobs come from them contacting you - 95% of the jobs come from you calling in and booking yourself for it. So I was excited.
The next few days came and went without me hearing back from the lady about the job. I tried calling a couple more times but always got voice mail. Come Thursday, I was disappointed and figured they must have already booked someone else for the job. But on my way to my acting class, my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number but picked it up anyway. It was the lady from Central asking if I was still available to work the next day. I said yes! I was so excited that they still needed me. And I got my information for the job.
My job was for a Nickelodeon Pilot. It was currently not named, going by "Untitled Surf Show". My role was Girl in Classroom. I was told to bring 4 outfits, because being a pilot they don't have the budget to supply clothes. I picked and packed 4 outfits that I thought would fit for a school near the beach (like its supposed to be in the show). Then I picked out one to wear.
The next day I woke up early - unsure how long it would take me to arrive on location. My call time (the time I needed to show up at set) was at 9:00am. I arrived at 7:30, found the place, and then went to a park near by and read. Around 8:30 I drove back to the set. Being my first job I didn't know where to go or what to do. I was really excited but nervous too. The first person (who was also an extra hired) I met was another girl who it was her first time too. Then I met all the other extras. Most of them had done other jobs before so they helped us out and answered any questions we had. We all then met up with the guy who would be our "boss" so to speak for the day, signed in with him, and ate breakfast.
We filmed in Long Beach at an actual high school. Being a Friday, there were actual students around us and in the school. We got some funny looks from students obviously trying to figure out if they should know us from anything. It was kind of a cool feeling. During the students lunch break, some of them came up to us. We could tell they were nervous and unsure it they were aloud to talk to us. They were just curious and asked us questions and stuff. It was cool. This one guy was asking our ages - all of us were out of high school. He couldn't believe it. He asked me what grade I was in. I told him I'm 19 and he was like "No way!". Then he asked what we were doing in the show and we told him "Oh, we're playing high school students" -- He was just like "Really?". It was funny.
On of the first things we did when arriving on set was report to wardrobe - to figure out what to wear. The wardrobe people checked us all over - they told me my outfit I had worn there was good. So I never had to show them my other outfits, that was pretty cool. There were only 10 of us extras hired. We all played high school students. The scenes I shot were all scenes in a classroom. The two main actors for the show - I have no idea who they are. I assume their kind of new. Their names were Taylor and Dylan but that was all I really caught about them and I hadn't ever seen them before. I was cut (wrapped for the day and could go home) at 3:00pm, right after lunch.
Over all I had so much fun. I loved being on a real set. It was so cool seeing how everything runs and works on set. I just loved the whole atmosphere of it. I did get a couple close ups for a couple different shots which was so cool. I hope the pilot gets picked up and airs on TV so that I can watch it! I'm keeping my eyes open for it. I will let you know if it does so you can all watch it too.
Anyways, its hard for me to get work through them because they only register people 18 and older. So for most jobs they are looking for people in their late twenties - which I don't fit at all. My age range (the range of ages an actor can play accurately based on looks, etc) is 14-20. Which means I can only play high school and early college age. Any younger or older I can't play because I don't look it.
I went without luck on finding any jobs I could fit for about a month. Then on September 12th I received a message from Central Casting asking if I could work on the coming Friday, September 18th. I called them back and got a voice mail, but I left them a message saying that yes I could and wanted to work. I was excited about this for a few reasons. (1) I would finally be working and getting some money. I hadn't had any source of income at all since I moved to CA, (2) I would be on a real set, (3) I finally fit the part for something. I knew I had to have fit it otherwise they wouldn't have called me, and (4) They had called me for it! In the info pack they give everyone when you register it stats that only 5% of jobs come from them contacting you - 95% of the jobs come from you calling in and booking yourself for it. So I was excited.
The next few days came and went without me hearing back from the lady about the job. I tried calling a couple more times but always got voice mail. Come Thursday, I was disappointed and figured they must have already booked someone else for the job. But on my way to my acting class, my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number but picked it up anyway. It was the lady from Central asking if I was still available to work the next day. I said yes! I was so excited that they still needed me. And I got my information for the job.
My job was for a Nickelodeon Pilot. It was currently not named, going by "Untitled Surf Show". My role was Girl in Classroom. I was told to bring 4 outfits, because being a pilot they don't have the budget to supply clothes. I picked and packed 4 outfits that I thought would fit for a school near the beach (like its supposed to be in the show). Then I picked out one to wear.
The next day I woke up early - unsure how long it would take me to arrive on location. My call time (the time I needed to show up at set) was at 9:00am. I arrived at 7:30, found the place, and then went to a park near by and read. Around 8:30 I drove back to the set. Being my first job I didn't know where to go or what to do. I was really excited but nervous too. The first person (who was also an extra hired) I met was another girl who it was her first time too. Then I met all the other extras. Most of them had done other jobs before so they helped us out and answered any questions we had. We all then met up with the guy who would be our "boss" so to speak for the day, signed in with him, and ate breakfast.
We filmed in Long Beach at an actual high school. Being a Friday, there were actual students around us and in the school. We got some funny looks from students obviously trying to figure out if they should know us from anything. It was kind of a cool feeling. During the students lunch break, some of them came up to us. We could tell they were nervous and unsure it they were aloud to talk to us. They were just curious and asked us questions and stuff. It was cool. This one guy was asking our ages - all of us were out of high school. He couldn't believe it. He asked me what grade I was in. I told him I'm 19 and he was like "No way!". Then he asked what we were doing in the show and we told him "Oh, we're playing high school students" -- He was just like "Really?". It was funny.
On of the first things we did when arriving on set was report to wardrobe - to figure out what to wear. The wardrobe people checked us all over - they told me my outfit I had worn there was good. So I never had to show them my other outfits, that was pretty cool. There were only 10 of us extras hired. We all played high school students. The scenes I shot were all scenes in a classroom. The two main actors for the show - I have no idea who they are. I assume their kind of new. Their names were Taylor and Dylan but that was all I really caught about them and I hadn't ever seen them before. I was cut (wrapped for the day and could go home) at 3:00pm, right after lunch.
Over all I had so much fun. I loved being on a real set. It was so cool seeing how everything runs and works on set. I just loved the whole atmosphere of it. I did get a couple close ups for a couple different shots which was so cool. I hope the pilot gets picked up and airs on TV so that I can watch it! I'm keeping my eyes open for it. I will let you know if it does so you can all watch it too.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
6th Acting Class
My 6th and final On-Camera Commercial Acting Class took place this past Thursday. It's hard to believe its been 6 weeks already. It feels like I just started. For the last class we had 2 commercials we had to memorize and audition. One, was a Root Beer commercial, and the other was a lip treatment commercial. When we walked into the office there were two other adults inside, besides Barbara. Barbara told us that they were commercial agents, then sat us in the lobby while we waited for our turn to come and audition.
I did the Root Beer commercial first. I felt like it was really good. The guy asked me how old I was. I told him and he said "Really?". I said yes then he said I can play a lot younger which is really good. I was happy to hear this because I want to play as young as I can for as long as I can. Anyways, then he asked if I was in SAG (the biggest actor's union 'Screen Actors Guild'). I said no, but that I just got two vouchers for working this week. He said that's good. Then Barbara told me to do the commercial a second time. I did. I felt like it was just as good as the first. They all said it was good. The guy said "You'll get an agent right away." I was so happy and a little surprised to hear that. Then him and Barbara talked back in forth for a minute about it and both concluded that as long as I get the chance to get in front of an agent and audition/meet with them that I'll get signed right away. I was SO happy to hear that!
For the second commercial, I messed up right at the get-go, when I blanked and couldn't remember the first line. After I had a minute to breath and think, I went right on through it all. It was a little rough, but I thought it was ok. Then they talked to me, giving me some tips, etc. and asked me to do it again. I did. It started out good but then I was so busy thinking about everything they had said that I left out like half of it (the end) and just ended it too soon. They said that was ok, they had given me so many things to think about. I was just like yeah, but still a little disappointed. But the guy said not to worry about it, that I'm so cute anyway and have such a big smile, that they would call me back anyway, even if I messed it up like that. I was just like ok, really?
After everyone did both commercials we watched the tape with all of them on. They didn't give us many corrections - since they had already done it when we 'auditioned' the commercials. Then Barbara told us that the two guests weren't really agents. She just told us that because she wanted to see how it would effect us if we thought there were agents sitting watching us. The lady who was there is a recording artist and the guy was a commercial agent for a short period of time but is an actor. The feedback we got was really good though.
The guy gave me the name and phone number of a commercial agent and told me to tell the guy that he referred me. So that's cool. I haven't called the guy yet but I'm going too. Image's poster has also just went out to all of the agency's, so hopefully I will hear something back from some. We'll see. I have a week off now and then I begin my 3-month in depth acting class. It's all so exciting!
I did the Root Beer commercial first. I felt like it was really good. The guy asked me how old I was. I told him and he said "Really?". I said yes then he said I can play a lot younger which is really good. I was happy to hear this because I want to play as young as I can for as long as I can. Anyways, then he asked if I was in SAG (the biggest actor's union 'Screen Actors Guild'). I said no, but that I just got two vouchers for working this week. He said that's good. Then Barbara told me to do the commercial a second time. I did. I felt like it was just as good as the first. They all said it was good. The guy said "You'll get an agent right away." I was so happy and a little surprised to hear that. Then him and Barbara talked back in forth for a minute about it and both concluded that as long as I get the chance to get in front of an agent and audition/meet with them that I'll get signed right away. I was SO happy to hear that!
For the second commercial, I messed up right at the get-go, when I blanked and couldn't remember the first line. After I had a minute to breath and think, I went right on through it all. It was a little rough, but I thought it was ok. Then they talked to me, giving me some tips, etc. and asked me to do it again. I did. It started out good but then I was so busy thinking about everything they had said that I left out like half of it (the end) and just ended it too soon. They said that was ok, they had given me so many things to think about. I was just like yeah, but still a little disappointed. But the guy said not to worry about it, that I'm so cute anyway and have such a big smile, that they would call me back anyway, even if I messed it up like that. I was just like ok, really?
After everyone did both commercials we watched the tape with all of them on. They didn't give us many corrections - since they had already done it when we 'auditioned' the commercials. Then Barbara told us that the two guests weren't really agents. She just told us that because she wanted to see how it would effect us if we thought there were agents sitting watching us. The lady who was there is a recording artist and the guy was a commercial agent for a short period of time but is an actor. The feedback we got was really good though.
The guy gave me the name and phone number of a commercial agent and told me to tell the guy that he referred me. So that's cool. I haven't called the guy yet but I'm going too. Image's poster has also just went out to all of the agency's, so hopefully I will hear something back from some. We'll see. I have a week off now and then I begin my 3-month in depth acting class. It's all so exciting!
Friday, September 25, 2009
More Pictures of Cali
Laguna Beach
Hollywood
Newport Beach
Private Beach in Palos Verdes
(This is where I shot a Disney Channel Movie for 3 days)
(This is where I shot a Disney Channel Movie for 3 days)
5th Acting Class
My 5th acting class took place a week ago. It was this week that it really hit me that there was just one week of classes left and that was kind of sad. The producer came back for this class. We were told we could prepare a monologue to audition for her for her acting class that week.
The actual class itself was so much fun! We got to do scenes from shows instead of commercials. It was a blast. We got to do it by ourself first and then they paired us up with someone to audition it together. They were guy/girl scenes. It was a lot of fun getting to actually read it with someone else. I had a lot of positive feedback from it. The producer - after seeing me do a commercial a couple weeks before - said that I had so much energy for the commercial that she was really surprised I could bring it way down for the scene and that it was good. That was great to hear.
After class then everyone who was going to audition for the Producers class stayed to meet with her. We were told that her class is an intensive 3-month acting and scene study class. She auditions however many people for it but she only accepts 4 or 5 people for each class. I was a little nervous. I hadn't decided what I would do if I got accepted but I figured might as well audition and see what happens.
I did a comedy monologue about a girl at a school dance scouting for the perfect guy. I auditioned it in front of the Producer. She said that the monologue was weak for me and that I could do a lot more. She said she'd like to see me do something from Freaky Friday or Mean Girls, something with more depth to it. But she said that I definitely have a spot in her class. I was kind of surprised. She said I was the most memorable person for her from when she first came to class when we did commercials. I was really surprised about that. I was like really? She said that I do a lot of things right without having ever been told. And that I have this pureness to me - like that I haven't been polluted with being told the wrong things. She said that I have a lot of natural talent and potential. She said she would love to work with me and that I had a spot in her class for sure.
The actual class itself was so much fun! We got to do scenes from shows instead of commercials. It was a blast. We got to do it by ourself first and then they paired us up with someone to audition it together. They were guy/girl scenes. It was a lot of fun getting to actually read it with someone else. I had a lot of positive feedback from it. The producer - after seeing me do a commercial a couple weeks before - said that I had so much energy for the commercial that she was really surprised I could bring it way down for the scene and that it was good. That was great to hear.
After class then everyone who was going to audition for the Producers class stayed to meet with her. We were told that her class is an intensive 3-month acting and scene study class. She auditions however many people for it but she only accepts 4 or 5 people for each class. I was a little nervous. I hadn't decided what I would do if I got accepted but I figured might as well audition and see what happens.
I did a comedy monologue about a girl at a school dance scouting for the perfect guy. I auditioned it in front of the Producer. She said that the monologue was weak for me and that I could do a lot more. She said she'd like to see me do something from Freaky Friday or Mean Girls, something with more depth to it. But she said that I definitely have a spot in her class. I was kind of surprised. She said I was the most memorable person for her from when she first came to class when we did commercials. I was really surprised about that. I was like really? She said that I do a lot of things right without having ever been told. And that I have this pureness to me - like that I haven't been polluted with being told the wrong things. She said that I have a lot of natural talent and potential. She said she would love to work with me and that I had a spot in her class for sure.
Friday, September 11, 2009
4th Acting Class
About a day or so before my 4th acting class it hit me...that after it, there would only be two more weeks of classes left. It made me sad to think about. I have been learning a lot in my classes and have been having so much fun. I have met other very talented and nice people though it as well. I don't want the classes to end but I'm also excited about what comes after them.
For my 4th class (which took place yesterday) - I was actually feeling pretty good. After the 3rd week and things going so well, I was really looking forward to this week. I arrived at about 4:40pm, which is my usual time arriving. Even though class doesn't start until 5:30. Because of where I live I have to leave early so I miss the work traffic. I like to be there early anyway to practice as much as possible, so it all works out.
Anyway, I got there around 4:40 and started practicing when Barbara put out the commercials. My commercial was about yogurt this week and it had a funny story line. I was excited to do it. I knew I could have some fun with this one. So I practiced and practiced. When I was called in to do it- I felt pretty good about it. Auditioning it for the first time, I forgot a couple lines and had to improvise until I remembered where I was but it wasn't too bad. Then Barbara had me do it again. The second time, I remembered the words more clearly and it went really well.
After everyone went, then we watched the videos. I had been making an effort to work on my eyes and it was better. I could still use some work but it is getting better. My problem is that I think about it before hand but once I start acting I get into it and forget to focus on my eyes. The only thing Barbara said about my video was that it was good and I had good facial expressions. I took it as a good sign that she give me any major corrections. Barbara gave us some tips on how to "eat" the yogurt - because in the commercial we're supposed to pretend to eat it at the end. Then everyone went again. I felt very good about mine and everyone seemed to like it better than the first two.
We found out that a couple of the guys in our class dropped out. I don't understand why they would pay for it and then drop out but whatever, everyone has their reasons. Barbara also told us that her producer friend will be back again next week. And that she might do something special and have us audition a scene instead of a commercial next week, depending on how things go. She also told us that the producer will be letting us audition for her class if we want to. The producer's class is more of a theatrical class (theatrical is the word used for movies and TV shows). Barbara said the producer only takes about 4 or 5 people for each class and that it is a 3-month commitment. But she said to come with a monologue prepared if we would like to audition for the class.
I'm trying to find a monologue now. I don't know if I can commit to a 3-month class but I think the class would be fun. I figure I'll at least audition for her and see where things go from there.
For my 4th class (which took place yesterday) - I was actually feeling pretty good. After the 3rd week and things going so well, I was really looking forward to this week. I arrived at about 4:40pm, which is my usual time arriving. Even though class doesn't start until 5:30. Because of where I live I have to leave early so I miss the work traffic. I like to be there early anyway to practice as much as possible, so it all works out.
Anyway, I got there around 4:40 and started practicing when Barbara put out the commercials. My commercial was about yogurt this week and it had a funny story line. I was excited to do it. I knew I could have some fun with this one. So I practiced and practiced. When I was called in to do it- I felt pretty good about it. Auditioning it for the first time, I forgot a couple lines and had to improvise until I remembered where I was but it wasn't too bad. Then Barbara had me do it again. The second time, I remembered the words more clearly and it went really well.
After everyone went, then we watched the videos. I had been making an effort to work on my eyes and it was better. I could still use some work but it is getting better. My problem is that I think about it before hand but once I start acting I get into it and forget to focus on my eyes. The only thing Barbara said about my video was that it was good and I had good facial expressions. I took it as a good sign that she give me any major corrections. Barbara gave us some tips on how to "eat" the yogurt - because in the commercial we're supposed to pretend to eat it at the end. Then everyone went again. I felt very good about mine and everyone seemed to like it better than the first two.
We found out that a couple of the guys in our class dropped out. I don't understand why they would pay for it and then drop out but whatever, everyone has their reasons. Barbara also told us that her producer friend will be back again next week. And that she might do something special and have us audition a scene instead of a commercial next week, depending on how things go. She also told us that the producer will be letting us audition for her class if we want to. The producer's class is more of a theatrical class (theatrical is the word used for movies and TV shows). Barbara said the producer only takes about 4 or 5 people for each class and that it is a 3-month commitment. But she said to come with a monologue prepared if we would like to audition for the class.
I'm trying to find a monologue now. I don't know if I can commit to a 3-month class but I think the class would be fun. I figure I'll at least audition for her and see where things go from there.
3rd Acting Class
For my third acting class we were all given the assignment to write our own commercial to bring back and audition. I wrote mine the night I got back from my 2nd class. I decided to write about gum - since I love it. We were also told there would be a special guest, a producer, who would come in and help give us advice along with Barbara.
I was really nervous for this class. Not because of the audition - I had been practicing mine all week, and had motions and the words down perfect. I was nervous because of the producer being there watching. I hoped she'd like it.
When they called me into the room, I was introduced to the producer and then took my place in front of the camera to do my commercial. I did it just like I had practiced all week. When I was done the producer asked me how old I was, I told her. Then she asked if I wrote the commercial and I said yes. Then she told me to do it again. Neither her, nor Barbara gave me any direction to change anything so I did it the same way I had the first time.
When I finished the second time I came out to see them face-to-face. The producer said "You're ready. The camera loves you. And you know where to position yourself, you're not moving all around-you're staying in the camera and it was great. Good job." Barbara also said it was good. I was so happy. I thanked them and then headed out, while they called the next person in. I was so relieved to have had such great news and just completely relaxed.
After everyone did their commercials, they called us all into the room to watch the tapes and go over them. After mine, the producer went over basically everything they had already told me. That I had good placement, was aware of the camera and didn't move in and out of focus. She said that I have a naturalness to it and seem advanced. I was very surprised to hear this because this is my first acting class I have ever taken. She also said that I could be working already (which really shocked me) and that the only thing I really need to work on is my eyes. Which I knew - I have been told that since week one. And I am really trying to make a concise effort to work on it.
A funny tidbit that the producer told me was that I remind her of a female version of Matt Prokop. This was something I had to call and tell my sister right away, because she loves him. I think I was the only person in class who knew who he was. Everyone was like "who's that?". For those of you who don't know who he is - he is an actor. He played Jimmy "The Rocket" Zara in High School Musical 3. He actually worked with Image Development and got signed to an agency with their help before he was cast in HSM3.
The class went really well. I got a lot of positive feedback, most of which I hadn't been expecting. But was glad to hear. I left very excited about what the future has in store :)
I was really nervous for this class. Not because of the audition - I had been practicing mine all week, and had motions and the words down perfect. I was nervous because of the producer being there watching. I hoped she'd like it.
When they called me into the room, I was introduced to the producer and then took my place in front of the camera to do my commercial. I did it just like I had practiced all week. When I was done the producer asked me how old I was, I told her. Then she asked if I wrote the commercial and I said yes. Then she told me to do it again. Neither her, nor Barbara gave me any direction to change anything so I did it the same way I had the first time.
When I finished the second time I came out to see them face-to-face. The producer said "You're ready. The camera loves you. And you know where to position yourself, you're not moving all around-you're staying in the camera and it was great. Good job." Barbara also said it was good. I was so happy. I thanked them and then headed out, while they called the next person in. I was so relieved to have had such great news and just completely relaxed.
After everyone did their commercials, they called us all into the room to watch the tapes and go over them. After mine, the producer went over basically everything they had already told me. That I had good placement, was aware of the camera and didn't move in and out of focus. She said that I have a naturalness to it and seem advanced. I was very surprised to hear this because this is my first acting class I have ever taken. She also said that I could be working already (which really shocked me) and that the only thing I really need to work on is my eyes. Which I knew - I have been told that since week one. And I am really trying to make a concise effort to work on it.
A funny tidbit that the producer told me was that I remind her of a female version of Matt Prokop. This was something I had to call and tell my sister right away, because she loves him. I think I was the only person in class who knew who he was. Everyone was like "who's that?". For those of you who don't know who he is - he is an actor. He played Jimmy "The Rocket" Zara in High School Musical 3. He actually worked with Image Development and got signed to an agency with their help before he was cast in HSM3.
The class went really well. I got a lot of positive feedback, most of which I hadn't been expecting. But was glad to hear. I left very excited about what the future has in store :)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Final Headshots
Out of all of the headshot pictures that were taken, I had to go through and pick out the final ones. Image Development went through all of them and picked which photo they would use for marketing me to agency's. Then I had pick out the final ones for my hard copies. After going through them all by myself and consulting with the photographer - we came up with one Theatrical and one Commercial. I thought I would just share them with you so that you can see the final product.
**Note: My stage name is Stephanie Weise. My full name is too long to use to be credited in the industry, so I had to pick out a different name to go by. I still wanted to do something that was similiar to my name so I just shortened my last name to Weise (pronounced WISE). There is still a chance I may have to change it again when I get signed to an agency but for now this is what it is.
Commercial Headshot
Theatrical Headshot
**Note: My stage name is Stephanie Weise. My full name is too long to use to be credited in the industry, so I had to pick out a different name to go by. I still wanted to do something that was similiar to my name so I just shortened my last name to Weise (pronounced WISE). There is still a chance I may have to change it again when I get signed to an agency but for now this is what it is.
Image Development's Pick
Commercial Headshot
Theatrical Headshot
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Baseball in California
As most of you know baseball is my favorite activity during the spring and summer. Back home in VA I used to go to games at the minor league stadium in my hometown all the time. That is one of the things I miss the most about home. But there are teams out here too.
A week ago I went to my first minor league game in California. One of my new friends out here had gotten some free tickets to a game and asked if I wanted to go. Of course the answer was yes. We went and had a girl's night at the ballpark. It was a lot of fun and brought back a lot of good memories from games back home. The team we went and saw play was the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, a Class A minor league team of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
I also went to my first major league game this past Sunday. It was so much fun! And I can't wait to go to another one. Me and a couple friends went to see the Angels play the Oakland A's. We actually cheered for the A's and felt a little out of place doing so at Angel Stadium. But I figured what better way to spend my first major league game then by cheering for one of my first minor league friends? Oakland ended up losing 9-1 but it was still a lot of fun...and very hot.
A week ago I went to my first minor league game in California. One of my new friends out here had gotten some free tickets to a game and asked if I wanted to go. Of course the answer was yes. We went and had a girl's night at the ballpark. It was a lot of fun and brought back a lot of good memories from games back home. The team we went and saw play was the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, a Class A minor league team of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
I also went to my first major league game this past Sunday. It was so much fun! And I can't wait to go to another one. Me and a couple friends went to see the Angels play the Oakland A's. We actually cheered for the A's and felt a little out of place doing so at Angel Stadium. But I figured what better way to spend my first major league game then by cheering for one of my first minor league friends? Oakland ended up losing 9-1 but it was still a lot of fun...and very hot.
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