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!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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.
2nd Acting Class
My second acting class (which was last week) was a little harder than my first one. This time my commercial was for a facial cleanser. I auditioned it the first time without any motions - just basically talking into the camera. Barbara told me that I have a very commercial side to me. That she thinks I could sell anything, just the way I am with my personality and on-camera. But that I should try and come up with some motions for the second time through. She even gave some tips.
For the second time through I pretended I was at a sleepover talking to my friends about my new facial cleanser, while I am putting on. It turned out to be a disaster lol. Barbara said I just need to be natural and concentrate on that. I was upset about messing it up but I tried to shake it off. It's just one of those things. Not all of them are going to be perfect. And now is the time to mess up and learn what NOT to do, while I'm in class and not out on a real audition. So I just focused on putting it behind me for this week and learning from my mistakes.
Even though I was a little upset about messing it up it was still a great learning experience, which is what it is supposed to be. Barbara told us that next week (which is actually this week now) she'll be there but there will also be another person - a producer - at class to help give some more insight into our auditions. Having a producer there makes me a little nervous but excited too. I can't wait to hear what he/she has to say, so that I can improve even more.
We were also given the assignment for this week of writing our own 15-30 second commercial to audition. It makes it nicer because we can practice it all week long and take it back to class perfect. But I came back trying to figure out what to write about. I want it to be something good. I decided to write about gum because I love gum! So I wrote my commercial about my favorite kind of gum "Extra Fruit Sensations (Berry Smoothie)". I gave it some motions and have been practicing it all week long. I have it memorized and hope that it will go smoothly. As suggested by my sister, I taped myself performing the commercial and put it up for people to see. It is below..let me know what you think. I hope you guys like it! :)
For the second time through I pretended I was at a sleepover talking to my friends about my new facial cleanser, while I am putting on. It turned out to be a disaster lol. Barbara said I just need to be natural and concentrate on that. I was upset about messing it up but I tried to shake it off. It's just one of those things. Not all of them are going to be perfect. And now is the time to mess up and learn what NOT to do, while I'm in class and not out on a real audition. So I just focused on putting it behind me for this week and learning from my mistakes.
Even though I was a little upset about messing it up it was still a great learning experience, which is what it is supposed to be. Barbara told us that next week (which is actually this week now) she'll be there but there will also be another person - a producer - at class to help give some more insight into our auditions. Having a producer there makes me a little nervous but excited too. I can't wait to hear what he/she has to say, so that I can improve even more.
We were also given the assignment for this week of writing our own 15-30 second commercial to audition. It makes it nicer because we can practice it all week long and take it back to class perfect. But I came back trying to figure out what to write about. I want it to be something good. I decided to write about gum because I love gum! So I wrote my commercial about my favorite kind of gum "Extra Fruit Sensations (Berry Smoothie)". I gave it some motions and have been practicing it all week long. I have it memorized and hope that it will go smoothly. As suggested by my sister, I taped myself performing the commercial and put it up for people to see. It is below..let me know what you think. I hope you guys like it! :)
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