Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Holy Hell, it's December!

Wow, how is it the end of the year? Insanity!!

The last couple of months have been nutty! I had a bit of a dry spell with auditions, which freaked me out (naturally), but things began to pick up last month! I scored three callbacks in a row, which felt great! I actually just had another audition today, for another cd I hadn't seen before--love going into new offices!! My holiday cards have been sent out (to cds who've called me in...I think I still have another round to write, for cds whose workshops I've attended), I have been doing GREAT in class, and I am working on some writing projects! I have a feature in the works with a friend from class--starting it slowly--and have been tweaking some shorts I'd like to shoot. I also am back at working on the pitchbook for our pilot! It's been so much fun to get back to it--more ideas are flowing about the character arcs, which is really great!! Have also been participating in some in-person networking with other actors/creative types that I have met through Twitter/Facebook--LOVE that!!

A quick note: I've noticed (and heard about) an increase in some actor-scams recently. By this, I mean unsolicited emails or texts (possibly calls), offering actors a chance to "register" with the casting director's database for some kind of fee. This is crap. Don't touch it. If you are approached, contact the City Attorney's office (NOT SAG--they can't help you...however, if you are experiencing a situation where a prospective Agent/Manager is asking for money up front, SAG needs to know. At the very least, they can put these people on a scam-watch list). At any rate, no casting director should be charging to put you in their database. Yes, people who do extras casting do charge fees (i.e. Central Casting), but someone who is casting for PRINCIPAL ROLES should never charge a fee. Do NOT pay it. What they are doing is illegal under the Krekorian Act!

MMkay, I have to run, as I have class tonight and need to study my lines, but just wanted to check in. Oh, ALSO, two of my foster kittens are still looking for homes!! Please check out their Facebook Fan Page, filled with photos, videos and information about them!

Thanks!

ADOPT The Weasley Kittens!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Well, that was nice!

Tuesday was kinda busy for me--an audition at a new office AND a callback for a cd that has booked me before. The audition was a lot of fun! Very playful commercial copy. The callback was a strange situation. The original audition was for a commercial that was almost exactly the same as the Cox spot that I did last year--same company, same cd, same director, virtually the same copy. I thought it was interesting that I got called in for it, but went with it. I ended up auditioning for that spot and another spot while I was there. I got called back for the second one, but when I arrived, I ran into the cd and she told me that I could go home if I wanted to, as I was out of the running. Since I had booked a spot with them last year, the company did not want to re-use me. However, she did say that they loved me, and they called her after I was put into callbacks, after they realized who exactly I was...so, it was nice to know that my work was good, and this was a technical issue, if that makes sense. The cd chatted with me for a bit, then had me run into the session room to say hi to the director, since he also did my spot. He was so kind--gave me a hug, told me I looked great, complimented my work and said I was doing things right, since I "went straight to the top again". I left the situation very pleased.

I had a callback yesterday for the fun audition from Tuesday. I didn't feel brilliant about it, but I think that's just the mood I've been in lately. At any rate, I did my job--went in, committed, did what was asked. I did send a thank you card to the cd after the initial audition, too. So, that's good. Hoping that I made some kind of a decent impression.

Class was interesting this week. Did a great, GREAT improv with one of my classmates, who is so talented. I might write it down from memory and see if we can film it. It really sold both of our particular comedic strengths well. I struggled a bit with my scripted scene, even though I did well. I'm pushing myself to do scenes where my characters are angry, since I tend to shy away from that and tend to give myself trouble with it. I think it was successful on a few counts, and I heard nice feedback about it, but I'm still processing it. However, I do know a few things I thought were good moments for me, and I think every time I take on a challenge like this, it is great for me.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Nearly November

Well...been a few weeks since I last posted!

Had a couple of auditions for commercials recently, which made me so happy (had a bit of a dry spell for a bit!). I have a callback tomorrow for one of them, for a cd that has booked me before AND for a company that has booked me before. So...fingers crossed! I'm just thrilled to have the callback. Feels like things are right in the world, if that makes sense. :)

Just got a mention in Bonnie Gillespie's newest 'The Actor's Voice' column on Showfax:

http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/2010_10_25.html

The article breaks down actor bios: what works, what could be changed, etc. Bonnie used mine as an example, which was totally cool--and a surprise! I had told her offhand, via Twitter, that she could use the one I had in my POV article as one to dissect, if she was still looking for samples--had no idea she would! Very cool. Article is helpful, too--bios are often a pain for most actors. :)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

More workshops

I had a couple more workshops this week, one with an associate with a major tv casting office, and one with a film cd that has worked on some AWESOME projects (including a recent Oscar winning film). I'd never seen either cd before. I did the same scene for both, and received high marks from both. :) I was pretty tired during the second workshop, which impacted my performance somewhat, but my work was still there, so that's good.

I also had a good night in class last week. I did a scene from Sons of Anarchy, playing a character that was different for me--required a lot more anger and aggression than I normally play. It was a challenge for me, but that's exactly why I chose it. :) At any rate, I had a hard time with it the first few times--although, I was told that you really couldn't tell I was having a hard time, which I guess is nice--but it clicked on the last time through, mostly because I stopped holding back the physical element in the scene (it called for me to grab the other character by the throat, which I did not do the first few times out of concern that I would hurt her--which was amplified because she was sick and had lost her voice). Anyway, I'm happy with how it turned out...and doing the same character again this week!

I signed up for a workshop designed to boost callbacks for commercials...I still need to pay my deposit, etc, but I am interested to see how it goes. I've heard great things about it, and I am hoping it helps breathe some life into my auditioning. I haven't had a commercial audition in over two months, which is a REALLY LONG stretch of time. I don't really know what the issue might be, although I have heard it's been slow in general for a lot of people. I'm trying to keep positive about things and just do what is mine to do--got new headshots, printed some of those, worked with my agents to get the ones they liked online, updated my various casting profiles, etc. So...fingers crossed!

On a total side note, unrelated to acting:

I am fostering three adorable kittens right now, named Ron, Fred & George (after the Weasley brothers from Harry Potter). Please become a fan of their page on Facebook! We created the page to help network them, so we can get them adopted into great homes as soon as possible.

The Weasley Kittens: Ron, Fred and George Need Forever Homes

The page is updated with new photos, videos and information almost every day. :)

Monday, September 27, 2010

Tidbits

I had a great workshop this weekend at the Stella Adler theatre, for an awesome commercial casting director. We were assigned comedy scenes a few days ahead of time, along with partners, but my partner canceled on me, so I didn't meet his replacement until the day of the workshop. Our scene was from Friends, which is always fun. My partner was doing his end of it a little more slowly than I expected--more like it was drama, almost--but it was a good test for me, in terms of picking up the beat and carrying my end of it strongly, not forcing it, etc. In the end, I got great feedback from the cd, who is someone I am friendly with on Twitter. I had a great time at the workshop and was so happy that I did it. :) So, we'll see! I have to drop off my headshot at her office tomorrow (was going to mail it, but she specifically said to drop it off), then mail my thank you card.

I have another workshop, for a tv cd associate, on Thursday. I'm still settling on a scene for it. I also have a difficult scene in class this week, which is kinda freaking me out. Well, not freaking me out so much as giving me some trouble. It's just a new type of character for me, one that I haven't challenged myself much with over the years, which is why I chose it. So, it'll be a good experience no matter what happens, because I'll be learning. :)

I picked up my new postcards at Argentum, and I think I am all set with new headshots and postcards for now. I may do another set of business cards, but they aren't absolutely necessary at this point. I love the new postcards, and the new headshots. I chose a theatrical one that my coach liked a lot. I'm less crazy about it, but the one I liked more turned out much darker than expected in the test printing. And, I thought he had a point about why he preferred the one over the other--the one I liked more sells "sexy" harder, but there's not necessarily a depth to it, whereas the one he liked more has more subtlty to it, but still something in the eyes.

On a totally unrelated note, I am now fostering three tiny kittens, all about 4 months old. So, if anyone is looking for an adorable kitten, please let me know. We're requiring indoor only, claws intact homes, as well as applications & adoption fees. I'll post photos of them soon. :)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Gearing up

The last week or so has been a period of gearing up, if you will.

Last week in class, I worked on a scene than I wrote, which my partner and I intend to shoot as a short. It went well. I was most definitely not in the comedy mood while at class, but I managed to push through it and do the scene well. And my partner, Ryan, is very funny, so he's able to give me a lot to work off of, especially since the scene casts me in a bit of the straight man role. I need to fix some of the writing, but I think we'll be able to shoot it and do a lot with it that will be fun. I emailed him yesterday to see when he thinks we could do it. I'll keep on him about it. :)

I also spoke, via email, with my friend Brian, who I went to high school with, and who lives in LA (he's a writer), to see if he'd be up for helping me film a short dramatic scene with another friend from class. He expressed interest, so I hope we can get it done. Again, I have to rework some of the writing (again, a scene I wrote), but I think we'll be able to get what we need from it.

I have a workshop this weekend with Danielle Eskinazi, who is a great commercial CD in LA. I just got my scene, which is from Friends, and which was assigned to me (along with my partner). The scene is a good fit for me--I'm impressed. Sometimes, when scenes are assigned at workshops, I end up with something that is a little off. It helped that they asked us what celebrities we are like and what types we play, instead of going just off of headshots. Anyway, I'm looking forward to it.

I've also signed up for two more cd workshops, one for a tv associate and one for a head cd for film. I still have yet to settle on my scenes for those. I also inquired about a commercial callback workshop that came highly recommended--it took me a while to get someone to call me back, but they finally called today. I'm on the fence about it, mostly because of the financial cost of it. But, since it's been very slow the past two months as far as auditions go, I'd like to start strong this fall, and maybe this will help.

I have to run off to approve some headshots at the printers, and probably order more stuff, before I'm off to class tonight, where I'll be doing a 30 Rock scene. I was scheduled to do a Sons of Anarchy scene, but it got pushed to next week, because my original partner will be absent tonight for a chemistry read. So, since an old friend and classmate is dropping by class to say hi (having just moved back to LA from Kansas), I asked her to do a quick comedy scene with me. Should be fun. I wasn't ready for the SOA scene anyway--it's an intense scene, and a new type of character for me, so another week to prep will be good.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Favorites

I've got a link to the 'favorites' of my new headshots, which were tough to choose. I narrowed things down over time, asked for advice from friends, etc. The results are here:

http://sessions.argentum.com/ARU/kich/dco23/fave1282964998544_01.html

There are four pages, with 46 pictures. If you've got a favorite pic, let me know. I think I know what I'm going to get printed, but it helps for me to know what stands out to folks.

In other news, so desperately in love with Mad Men again this season. It's so amazing. I didn't know how the show could get any better, but it did. Also, powered my way through the first two seasons of Sons of Anarchy, which I'm enjoying. Charlie Hunnam is mouthwatering. And talented, which is lovely.

Doing a scene in class this week that is one I wrote. Testing it out, in hopes of filming it as a short sketch for Funny-or-Die. Still thinking about the short film idea that I've had, as well as the new pilot idea. And working on a mock commercial with a friend. He sent me some rough drafts, have to read through them.

Might bake some muffins for my commercial rep tonight. Mulling it over. Still waiting to hear if they like any of the headshots from the new session (god, I hope so!), but owe them a visit anyway. :)

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Dynamic Imagery Studios

Actors, the time is great to get yourself into a wonderful acting class. TV shows have ramped up production, so why not get into a class where you can stretch, grow, stay sharp, et cetera?

I have been with my long-time acting coach, Adam Wilhite, for over 5 years (probably closer to 6 at this point). I would not be the actor that I am--nor the writer, nor even the PERSON that I am--without him. His guidance, love and support over the years has truly transformed me. I have been lucky enough to learn from him and to have many breakthroughs in my acting (and life) with his support...and to have seen so many other actors have breakthroughs as well. Adam's technique is brilliant and leads to powerful performances. We work each class, doing new scenes every week, as well as improv to start each evening. Adam can read people very well, and he'll figure out how best to coach you and what you need to grow very quickly--his coaching is individualized in that sense, even though we all learn the same technique. He's very special, and I am so lucky to have found him.

If you're looking for a great new class, please come check out Adam's classes. Audits are free, and he's very open about communicating with new studio members, giving information, etc. I'm happy to answer questions as well.

Here is the website for the studio, which will give you more information: Dynamic Imagery Studios

Hope to see you audit soon! :)

Thursday, August 26, 2010

New headshots!!!

I had new headshots taken yesterday, by my longtime photog Felicity Murphy. It was SUCH a blast. Her fantastic makeup artist Michelle Diaz did a great job, especially with my 'Mad Men' inspired look. :)

We shot over 600 pics, and Felicity narrowed it down to 465. I've uploaded quite a few to Facebook, but I'll put a small selection on here. We did a lot of looks, and I think I got some great shots to a) showcase the new hair and b) update a lot of older looks I had, from previous sessions. We also got some looks I'd been wanting to get, too!










Felicity Murphy Photography: www.headshotsthatbook.com
Michelle Diaz Make Up: www.michellemakemeup.com

Monday, August 23, 2010

Angeleno Short Film Fest (and other stuff)

This coming Sunday, August 29th, from 12pm to 8pm, the Angeleno Short Film Festival will be happening at Cinespace in Hollywood. The winning films in each category will be screened, and guests will be able to participate in industry and guest panels, attend the awards ceremony, and network with other industry folks. There's a KILLER raffle, too!

I was asked to serve as a judge by my co-star from the Big Lots! commercial, in part because I act, write and (from time to time) produce, and because of my Actor's Voice - POV article. I've been enjoying the process of watching the films, as it's giving me a chance to learn what works, what doesn't work, etc. It's been nice to see the films that are well done, too. :)

So, actors, writers, producers, directors...if you're in Hollywood and want to come out to the festival, here's the website with the full details:

www.angelenofest.com

Day pass tickets are $10 (which gives you access to everything AND $5 to the bar); Award Ceremony only tix are $5, as are the Raffle tix. I personally have tickets I can sell you, if you see me in person this week. Otherwise, you can purchase them from the website!

I hope to see some folks come out and support the fest!!! :)
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Actors, there's a great Emmy Roundtable interview in the August 23 & 30 issue of Newsweek. Pick up a copy if you can (article is not available online yet). Christina Hendricks, Bryan Cranston, Eric Stonestreet, Connie Britton, Matthew Fox and Chris Colfer are featured.

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Last week, I submitted myself online for a webisode that is being cast by a cd that I've had some positive interactions with...I know how many submissions she got for her last project, which was larger in scope (she Tweeted that she got around 15,000 for that one!), so I was just doing it to do it. Knowing something like that helps put in perspective that it really is about submitting yourself, then letting go. I always am grateful to get auditions, period. Anyway, I received a message, asking for a taped audition a day or two later.

Believe it or not, I had never had to tape myself before!! So, I opted to approach things in the most professional manner I knew--I hired my acting coach for a private session and to have him film my audition! I felt like it was an important step forward for me, as an actress, to commit to the action of "putting my best foot forward". I worked hard on breaking down the script, finding the nuances and dynamics in the character to ground her in reality, while giving her enough crazy details to push her out there in terms of comedy. Since improv was encouraged in the audition, I came up with a bunch of details, things to riff on, etc. It made for a really fun coaching and taping session!

We will see if anything comes of the work as far as being called in for the meetings/callbacks. I sent my video link in (they requested we put the videos online, i.e. on youtube), and got a confirmation that it was received...so, we'll see!

Regardless, what I am trying to take away from the experience is that I made the choice to commit to doing it the best I could do it. And that's important, because I think it so often happens that a lot of us don't always give it our best, or limit ourselves in some way. In the end, it's entirely possible that I don't have the right look they want, or I went broader and they wanted dry, you really never know. All I can do is what is mine to do, and I did it. That's something to be proud of. :)

Monday, August 16, 2010

Actors Helping Actors!

Today, I received the following (fantastic) email:

Danielle,

Thank you SO much for the article you wrote for Bonnie back in May. Because of you, I just got taft-hartleyed.

I did a SAG webisode recently in which I only had one line, and the line was off-screen. The producer thought that because the role was so small, I couldn't be taft-hartleyed. But, because I had read your article, which taught me about the SAG New Media contract, I figured it was worth following up with SAG to make sure. Turns out, I *can* be taft-hartleyed off the project! So, thank you, thank you, thank you! I was also able to help a fellow actress on set, who was in the exact same situation as me but had no idea one could be taft-hartleyed through the New Media contract.

Also, just thanks in general for being so generous with sharing info with your fellow actors.

Sincerely,
(I've withheld the name of the writer for privacy concerns)


That's awesome. I love it. I love hearing about this kind of success! The main reason I wrote the Actor's Voice POV article was to help other actors become SAG-Eligible!

This really made my day! Thank you to the actor who took the time to email me! :) (And, thank you to the other actors who have contacted me as well, via Facebook and otherwise--I appreciate it!)

Oops, was on vacation!

Hiiiiiiiiiii...

The last month and a half have been crazy for me--I was on vacation, then had to travel some more for family related stuff, etc, etc. I haven't had much time to update anything as a result--just been too busy!

Some tidbits, though:

~had my general meeting with Mark Measures from Abrams Artists (head of commercial), which I won via a contest on Twitter. It was a really interesting, educational experience. I went in without an agenda. I really just wanted to meet Mark and see what he was like. I didn't have any questions for him, at least, not any pre-planned ones or difficult ones. He was an interesting guy, very much what you might expect from an agent at a high powered agency. I don't know if he was thrown off by my lack of questions (he did comment on it), but I found his insights and advice to be smart and worthwhile. He gave me a tip about my resume, spoke with me about type, etc. He made two comments that I thought were worth thinking about the most, in relation to me specifically: 1) consider changing my hair, because it's so 'shampoo commercial' that it could be keeping me from being cast in the more traditional 'young wife/mom' sort of roles and 2) the people who work the most in commercials are the ones who blend in--if you can remember an actor from a commercial, chances are that they will not keep working. He did tell me--prefacing it with "don't take this the wrong way"--that I had a face that could make a million dollars in commercials--it's very All American. I didn't take that the wrong way at all! Could I have taken it as, "you blend in" and whatever negative connotations go along with that? Sure. But why would I choose to do that to myself? Doesn't get me anywhere. And, come on, he just told me I could WORK IN COMMERCIALS AND MAKE A MILLION DOLLARS. Seriously, the better choice is obvious here. :)

~had a callback and audition the same day that I returned from my second trip--I kept getting calls from my commercial agents, readjusting my schedule, trying to work out if I could make it to both. I did. :) It was kinda crazy--running from LAX, to my house to shower, then to the audition (in the valley), then to the callback, and then to work (no, for real). It was a long day! But I loved it. :)

~been redecorating my living room, which I know is not acting related, but it is making me really happy. :)

~considered Mark's comment about how this business is all about a haircut (this was related to his suggestion that I consider finding another way to do my hair that made it "less"--I really do have a ton of great hair, and I feel like a jackass saying that, but I do. It's probably my most-commented-upon feature--when I bother to do it nicely)...I spoke with my rep and decided to go about cutting it a lot shorter. My hair was very long, especially for commercials. So...I chopped it a couple of days ago. It's now just above my shoulders, which means it'll grow out to match my last round of commercial headshots well (my hair is just below my shoulders in those). I love it. I was so scared to cut it, because I've had such long hair for about 2 years now, and I was so attached to it...but I really love the cut. I have an amazing stylist, who takes into account bone structure--both face AND scalp, which determines how your hair lies and keeps style--and I love what she's done. I'm excited to see if this opens up anything as far as bookings go!

~along with the new haircut, I am looking to do some new headshots in a couple of weeks. My commercial shots should all be okay for right now--yes, my hair is a couple inches longer in it, but I think it'll be okay. My theatrical ones, however...no go. All of the ones I use are photos where I have my very long hair. So...new headshots!

~I did get some commercial headshots printed--my main shot that my agents use--just to have them, because I don't really have any commercial ones printed up. I also have some matching post cards that are waiting to be approved at the printer--going to do that today, I think. :)

~I'm also signed up for two workshops--one at the end of the month, with a cd associate that I've seen before (about 4 months ago). I did really well in that workshop, so I'm hoping to do well in this one and start the ball rolling on a good relationship with her. The other is a workshop with a commercial casting director, with whom I've become friendly on Twitter, and it is in September.

~now, on to class--I had an amazing class last week. I'd been in a bit of an acting funk lately, not feeling like I was totally into what I was doing, etc. But, despite having a hard time wrapping my head around my scene initially, I ended up locking into the scene about an hour before class and getting some power imagery done during our meditation time at the start of class. And my scene was awesome. It was one of those scenes that you can scarely remember what you've done because it was almost out of body. It was from "An Education" (I was playing a character who has one scene--a powerful scene--near the end of the film, with the lead character...trying to keep it spoiler free!). When we were finished and turned to receive coaching/feedback from our teacher, he and other members of the class were like, "Yeah, that's it." Which is, to say, that was a one take scene. It was amazing the first time through. No need to do it again. But we did it again anyway. :) Just to see what we could do, to play with it, etc. I changed my prior moment from a gentle, happier one, to a darker, more annoyed one, and it changed my reactions to the scene--my voice had more of an edge and I had a moment at the start of empathizing with the other character, before the edge took over. It was interesting. At any rate, I was so happy to have had that moment in class, because I needed it. Funny how that works, right? :)

So...I think that's it for now? I might have another post later, or soon...we'll see!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Back to the grind!

So, just a few little updates and whatnot!

~Had a commercial audition with a new cd office (well, new to me). It was interesting, I had fun and enjoyed playing a slightly different type than usual!
~Commercial audition again tomorrow, with the office that calls me in the most. Love going there!
~Class starts up again this week--have a scene from Dexter, looking forward to getting back into things!
~Attending a taping of Tosh.0 soon--scheduled for next week right now. May have a chance to meet at least one of the writers, so that's cool!
~General meeting next week!

Been mulling over some writing ideas--one script is an idea I've had for a while, but just been thinking about off and on. The other is an idea that a friend gave me, based on a documentary he watched. I ordered the autobiography of the person that was featured in the doc. Plan to read it, see what's there and maybe check into whether or not the rights are available!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Oops, was on vacation!

I've been gone for the last couple of weeks, but I'm glad to be back in LA...even if it seems like I brought the hot weather with me from the Midwest!

The day before I left, I had an audition for a one line role in an indie film. The folks in the audition were so nice. I did not come in costume, as I got word of the audition very last minute and had nothing that matched what they were looking for (80s wear), nor any time to go get/borrow anything that fit the era (was working beforehand). Anyway, I had a fine time, was happy to be out!

While on vacation, I was constantly checking Twitter (addict), and reading the progress of the whole "generals vs. workshops" debate between an agent and an actor that I both follow. Actor was ranting about casting and agency workshops being a waste of time, challenged agents and cds to step up and start having more generals. One agent agreed to the experiment and began offering generals to actors following him on Twitter. I'd been following the entire thing, but had missed the opportunities to submit my name for contention (it was usually like, "The first 10 responders get a general."). However, while I was on vacation, I caught a tweet that offered a general to the person who wrote the best haiku on why they deserved a meeting.

So, I broke out a 70 year old dictionary from the shelves, sat down, and crafted three haikus while sitting in an easy chair next to the back door, with the breeze coming in off the lake. One haiku played on my twitter name, one played on my 'type', and one referenced the agent's description of himself in his Twitter bio. The last one was risky, but I figured, hell, why not?

Anyway, a day or so later, the agent posted a tweet that said that I had tied with another actor, so we were both getting meetings! And, funny thing is, the actor I tied with was my costar in the Big Lots commercial! :) Love it!

So, my meeting is at the end of the month. It should be educational. :) I'm just looking forward to the chance to go to a meeting with a big agency, learn how they work and get a chance to play. :)

Next week, there's another test photo shoot, so that'll be interesting--it sounds like it's a lot larger than the one that I did in May!

Class is on haitus right now, we return next week. I gotta get a move on with my scenework!!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Sharing the wealth

Had an audition today for a Tina Fey-type, for a web project that had a 'Weekend Update' sort of vibe. Was interesting. They wanted each actor to write three jokes, to use in the audition. I got a big laugh off of my last one, so that's a win. :)

While at work today, I got a call from one of my commercial reps, asking me about how I was Taft-Hartleyed. He remembered me mentioning that I'd done it myself and wanted to know how I did it. He said that it's been harder and harder to get non-union clients in on SAG jobs, so he wanted to know how I got my eligibility (I think to share, maybe?). Anyway, I confirmed that I'd done it through New Media, that it didn't cost anything (no fee), that you don't have to pay the actors, etc. I promised him an email when I got home, with more info. :)

So, I sent him a brief overvue of some details of how I did it, including my Actor's Voice POV article, and a brilliant post from Ben Whitehair's blog. I hope it helps answer his questions. :) Maybe I'll be able to help other clients with my info, who knows!

I love that he remembered that I'd done it, and that he reached out to ask about it. I really love that. :)

In other news, my reps picked out one headshot from the Broncolor shoot, which I've already uploaded to Actor's Access and LA Casting (it's the one with the glasses, below). My acting coach gave me some notes on the photos, too--he picked that shot as well, in addition to a few others. The selections are below. I'm still deciding...I, naturally, like other ones, too. Of course.





Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The Working Actor interview is LIVE!

My interview on The Working Actor is now LIVE!!!

http://www.theworkingactor.net/2010/06/23/danielle-cloutier-the-dog-house-dog-handler/

Please take a moment to check it out! Super cute photos of some of the dogs at work, and a video of me telling the story of my most awkward audition. :)

If you're interested in being interviewed by Mark, send him an email!! (Email address is on the site.) He's on a job in NYC for the summer, and is looking for NYC actors right now, but I am sure he'd love to have LA folks lined up for when he gets back!

Monday, June 21, 2010

The Working Actor teaser is up!

Remember how I did an interview with The Working Actor a little while back? Well, the teaser for the interview is now up on their site!

http://bit.ly/azt5Bk

It features some photos of our clients, as well as my commercials! :)

As soon as the interview itself goes live, I will post a link here!

Other small things:

~Designed and (finally) ordered new business cards. Waaaay overdue, as my old ones were...well, old. I like the design, I'm pretty happy with the photos that I chose (all from the Broncolor shoot), and I had fun working out what text to use. I wanted to use three photos that represented my possible types, but also my personality, and I think I managed to do that fairly well.
~registered the URL that matches my new Twitter name...now, just have to figure out what to do with it! :) I'd like to have it forward back to my actual website, but I have no idea how to do that...need to do some research.
~Excited for class this week...doing a scene from season 4 of Dexter! (Season 4 was a gift from an awesome lady--see below for more info)
~had a commercial audition for a non-union spot, being cast by the CD who booked me on my first ever commercial...first time I'd been in her office in a while, so it was cool to be back. She said I was "great" and seemed very confident in the product (a laundry detergent). Alas, no callback. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm just a little too young for some of the "Hero Mom" parts (mostly, the ones where the children are about 8 years old, or where there are multiple children...I even when on one where the eldest kid was 16, which was kinda wrong...that would have made me a VERY young mother!!). But, I still go in and do my best, because you never really know! :) Anyway, as usual, I sent a Thank You card to follow up!
~dropped off homemade cookies to my commercial rep, as well as cheap test prints of the Broncolor photos, to see if there are any they like. Hoping they like at least one or two--I 'd love to use at least one as a commercial headshot!! :)

Okay, so, now on to a shout out:

So, the truly awesome gal who brought me so much joy with the Dexter gift? Well, she has this AWESOME blog, full of funny, interesting tidbits, full on rants about political stuff, about insane products, etc...it's so much fun and so great! Check it out!

Angry Black Lady Chronicles

No, seriously, it's totally worth your time. And, if you're like me, you'll be on it every night.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Twitter

So, after much hemming and hawing, and some awesome help from Pamela Vanderway of Dialect 411, I settled on a new Twitter handle. I went from 'lady_elleinad', which was an old online nickname I had (my name spelled backward), to 'ReelSmartCookie'. The new handle came from a few things:

-I was once typed as having 'real girl energy' by Todd Sherry, from Patrick Rush Casting. It's among my favorite comments ever to be received at a workshop. My most frequent comment is that I'm very natural in what I do, so 'real' plays into that as well.
-The word play of Reel/Real. PS, I love me some word play.
-Reel to work in a reference to film/tv.
-Smart, for type. It's a strong suit of my characters and my writing.
-Cookie, because it is already a word commonly strung together with 'Smart'. And I like cookies.

I'm really happy with the new handle. :) I was looking for something that helped create a brand for me, that played with my type/strong suits, that fit my acting AND my writing, etc. This also has a spark of my personality, which I love. I had originally wanted something with my actual name in it, but this won out over all variations of anything with my name (and, for the record, my actual name is one character too long for Twitter's limit). I've added a widget to this blog, as well as my website, and I have updated IMDb. I also registered the domain, too. I'm trying to figure out how to have it link straight to my actual website. Something to look into, for sure!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Broncolor Lighting Shoot Pics, plus some links

Hola!

So, first, a couple of links that I think are cool:

Dialect 411
A great blog, written by dialect consultant Pamela Vanderway, giving tips, advice and guidance to actors about the art of learning a dialect. Pamela approached me via Twitter (her handle is @Dialect411) and has been really amazing, giving and smart about all of the feedback she has given me about a myriad of things. I highly recommend subscribing to her blog and following her on Twitter!

J.J. Abrams 'Mystery Box'
This is a video of a talk that JJ Abrams gave in 2007, which I found really interesting and inspiring. It's about 20 minutes long, but totally worth it. I love him and want to work with him!!! (This link was sent to me by Jared Meyer, via Facebook, in response to a series of Tweets he saw on my Twitter feed--his Twitter handle is @jaredmeyer)

Next, I got a disc of pics from the Broncolor Lighting Test Shoot that I did at the end of May. I think I may have some viable headshot options. There are around 300 pics, so I am still sorting things and narrowing them down, but I like quite a few--even just for fun pics to use on promo materials. I'll post a smattering of the ones I like below...there are quite a few that I'm trying to choose between, as far as favorites, but some of them I just think are fun or cool (like the photo with Elgin, my co-model). There are more I like than even these!

I have an idea for a new short--possibly would qualify as more of a skit or sketch. Doing some research for it, jotting notes down, working through ideas, etc. I have no idea how I'd shoot it or produce it, but I'm not worrying about that too much yet--just focusing on the creating part right now. :)








Sunday, June 6, 2010

Improv scenes in films

This is a cool post on another blog, about famous scenes in films that were improvised by actors:

http://www.hollywoodactorprep.com/blog/2010/06/famous-film-scenes-were-actors-improvising/

Check it out!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Quick post about giving back

Taken from @DanielleCasting's Twitter feed:

Please join our clothes/food drive for "My Friends Place" to support homeless LA teens www.lemonlimeagency.com Click on info and giving back

From LemonLime Agency's site:


We will sponsor the drive @ Lemon Lime Offices (parking lot) on
Friday June 4, 2010, 11AM-3PM.


"My Friends Place is a local center that provides meals, medical assistance, guidance and clothes to homeless teens and youth in the Los Angeles area.

We visited the Center on Hollywood Blvd. and it's a very cool place for the homeless and less fortunate L.A. Kids to hang out, grab a meal, get medical attention, attend certain workshops like sewing, computer classes, resume writing etc. They also formed a fantastic "CIRQUE du SOLEIL" inspired group that teaches juggling and other tricks. While all this sounds very hip and cool, keep in mind once 5.30 pm comes around, they have to leave the premise and have to look for a place to spend the night... mostly on the streets, abandoned buildings or some even hook. My Friends Place is the place where they can escape the streets during the day and get the necessary help to get their life back on track and ultimately getting off the streets! We met the kids and they are incredible and thats why we want to contribute to keep this Organization going. They need all the help they can get and are very grateful for every little piece you are able to donate!

Below, please find a list with items they hope and wish for. They also appreciate Canned Foods, Clothes, Toiletry items (diapers), Office Material, DVDs.... Hey, these are Los Angeles kids, so they want to look hip and cool, so bring us all your hipster clothes!

We look forward to many generous Lemon Lime Faces pop up on Friday, even if it's just to drop a can of tuna fish! Every item counts and is very appreciated! Here is a little more info about www.myfriendsplace.org."


PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO SEE AN EXTENSIVE LIST OF NEEDED ITEMS!!!!!!!!!! (The info appears on the LemonLime site, below the segment that I quoted above, on the Giving Back page--which I also just linked through the last sentence). Lots of specific clothing needs, toiletry needs, etc. Tons of options, great ways to give back!

Thanks! And share it, if you're so inclined!
xoxo

ATTENTION NEW YORK ACTORS!

****ATTENTION NEW YORK CITY-BASED ACTORS****

Mark from The Working Actor is looking for New York actors to feature on his site! He will be in NY this summer and would love to meet NY actors who have cool day jobs, fun and interesting stories, cool projects going on or coming up, etc.

PLEASE contact Mark if you're up for being featured and pass this info along to any NY actors you might know, who would be interested. This is a free, fun way to get your name out there!!!!! His email is: mark [at] theworkingactor [dot] net.

Check back here to see my interview with Mark--I'll post a link when it's up! :)

Thanks everyone!!

Monday, May 31, 2010

Another adventure (of a different kind)

I've been thinking for a while about starting another blog, to talk about food and exloring local things in LA...and today, I did!

Eat and Explore

My first 'official' entry is about today's hike at Santa Ynez Canyon. :)

Hope you enjoy!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Bits and Pieces

Thursday, I had a meeting with a friend's talent manager. It was okay. He reps people who are more developed than I am, as far as credits go, so when he told me it was "a little early", I wasn't surprised. I don't really remember much of the meeting, except that he had a lot of opinions about a lot of things, and I did a lot more listening than I did talking. He basically told me to keep in touch, keep him posted on what I'm up to, etc. He might have been full of shit, but I'll do it anyway. Either it will be something that could develop, or it won't be.

Upon leaving the meeting, I checked my phone and saw that my commercial agents had called, with an auditon for Friday. It was for Pediasure, and they were looking for a soccer mom type. I am on the young end of the age bracket they wanted. I went into the audition on Friday, having looked at the sides (which said that they wanted even older than the audition info stated) and hoping that I looked a little older and more soccer-mom-ish than usual. :) I guess I did fine? It was an interesting audition--the spot has two moms watching a soccer game, commenting on what their kids ate and how they were moving (quick vs. slow). They wanted it laid back. So, I was laid back. Anyway, we'll see what happens. I was just happy to have an audition with a new casting office--I sent a thank you card on my way out the door. :)

I've been working on my apartment this weekend, and busy with work beyond that, so I haven't been updating as much. I did transcribe a scene last night, for future use in class or a workshop. I'm thinking about how to alter a scene that I wrote, to make it easier to shoot. I was supposed to have a writing meeting today, but I'm not sure if that will happen...I started painting my bedroom, and I really have no idea how long it will take (on a break right now, to let the one and half walls that I painted dry, to see if I need another coat or just touch ups, before I move on).

Oh, some interesting videos for folks to watch...interviews with the dramatic actor Emmy nominees (Matthew Fox, Jon Hamm, Bryan Cranston, Alexander Skarsgard, Ray Romano and Matt Bomer) from The Hollywood Reporter:





Thursday, May 27, 2010

Love. My. Class.

I really have the best acting coach and the best acting class. I'm so lucky. My coach is so effing amazing. My classmates are so effing talented.

Our class tonight started with our usual guided meditation time, to get centered and relax, to do some imagery. Then we talked about Jungian psychology, how it relates to acting and characters, and also how it relates to our own life. We had to each identify elements of our own Shadows and suggest scenes for one another to explore those elements. I love this aspect of our class. The technique is rooted in psychology, and it's effective as hell, because it really allows for a character study. Combining that with detailed imagery to create experiences and memories from the lives of characters...powerful. (I'm not doing the technique justice here, but trust me--amazing results. And a safe, open, supportive environment.)

I did a scene that was originally an improv, based on an idea I'd had for a script, which I'd written into a scene. We ran it once, with great results, then made some adjustments to see what would happen. We ended up throwing in a section of improv, largely based on what I was saying to deflect the emotional intensity of the scene, and it ended up paying off hugely, because as soon as my partner hugged me, I went from laughing to sobbing. I love moments like that. Just being in the moment with whomever I am acting with, reacting without thinking, allowing emotion to be there and come out how it's going to come out. Love it.

I brought the scene to Amanda (my partner) because we both need footage for our dramatic reels. I hope we get to shoot it, because I think it'll be great for both of us. :)

Everyone else did great work tonight, too. I love watching such talented people each week, watching how each of them have breakthroughs and rise to new levels. So amazing and rewarding!

Next week, I'm diving into a scene from The Constant Gardener, which is a script that I just picked up again after a few years. I think I understand it a lot better now, and I'm excited to work on it. :)

I also had a fun photo shoot this morning! My headshot photographer called me yesterday, to see if I wanted to serve as a model for a lighting test, and in exchange, I'd get some free headshots out of it. I moved my schedule around so I'd be free and said yes! It ended up being a lot of fun. There were these insane lights that were so cool, and the three photogs were playing with angles, lighting, shading, exposure, etc. Some interesting photos, for sure--my fellow model had a few really killer shots! I saw a few of mine, and I'm interested to see what everything looked like. Felicity threw me a few more headshots, just as a thank you. I mostly just changed clothes, more than changing 'looks' too much, as I was doing my own makeup and hair. So...we'll see! I bet I might have gotten something fun out of it!

I have a meeting with a talent manager tomorrow, should be interesting. Just excited to meet new people!

(photos were taken on the iPhone of Felicity van der Hidde, my longtime headshot photographer--she's the blonde in the wideshot, taking the photo of me with Elgin)

Headshots That Book



Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Hey, I'm a model, right?

On Saturday, I was interviewed by The Working Actor. I think the piece will run sometime in the next couple of weeks. Not sure which bits of the interview will be posted. Mark came by the previous Saturday, to shoot some still photos. This weekend, we taped an interview. I think the images will be fun--lots of dogs to look at, anyway! :)

I got a call today from my lovely, longtime headshot photographer, Felicity Murphy, asking me if I was available for a test photo shoot tomorrow morning. They were in need of a model, I think for lighting purposes, and she thought of me! In return for modeling for them, I'll get a few free headshots out of it. So, that's cool! I get to help out a friend, meet some new people, and get some free pics--awesome!

I have some ideas for what I want to shoot as far as looks go, just not sure how long we'll have, or what the set up will be. Also, am doing my own hair and makeup. I will figure out my hair, but I'm never sure if I do my own makeup well or not. I tend to feel like a five year old putting on mom's mascara when I do it. :) Definitely a skill I need to learn...or need to improve, anyway. :)

Also, class tomorrow! Woo! Meeting with a rep on Thursday! Woo!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Here's the thing...

I've been posting the Actors Rights Now emails as information, that's all. It's important to be informed about how this impacts us all, and their emails provide some valuable information. I've included links to the law itself, via an email from a casting director workshop business, too. I will post the language of the law itself, if I can...but maybe in a later post, because I'm really tired right now. :) I also included a link to an article about everything, in an older post, from Backstage West (I think--again, tired).

Let me clarify how I feel about what I've read/seen/been told:

I think it's important that there be laws in place to protect actors from shady businesses that would exploit them to earn a buck. I do. I think it's especially important to protect people who don't know any better, i.e. new actors in the industry, the parents of young hopefuls who aren't well versed in the industry, even folks who are so driven by needing validation that they don't always see things clearly, etc. When I lived in Chicago, I actually dated a guy who was "discovered" by a modeling/acting "agency" that came to visit his community college. He gave this company his checking account information, so that they could take money out each month, in order to rep him--and that they did, and it wasn't cheap. When I found out, I was APPALLED (and I told him so, explaining that no legitimate rep in the world would charge money up front, and he should never have given them his checking info). This guy simply did not know any better and was being preyed upon because he was validated by the idea that someone thought he could be a model. This is one example of someone who would really benefit from laws like this one.

That being said, I do think there is a way to protect these people (and all of us actors) while still allowing legitimate casting director workshop businesses to continue to do business as usual (i.e. allow casting directors to take headshots with them). I don't think the new law needs to be abolished or struck down, but I do think it could be amended. There are some great, legitimate businesses in LA that allow actors to be seen by casting directors, to receive valuable feedback, to make connections, etc. (And maybe people would take issue with the term "legitimate casting director workshops businesses", thinking that none of them are actually legitimate, or that the law has stripped the title of "legitimate" from all of them...I'm just too tired to argue that point right now. I'm not saying they're wrong, I'm not saying they're right.)

My suggestion (and this may be in existence already, who knows): create a specific board to review/monitor the business practices of every casting director workshop business in the city and make sure that they are practicing fairly and in compliance (Yes, the Talent Agency Licensing Department might qualify for the job, if they don't already do something similar). Those businesses that pass inspection and are certified should be allowed to continue to operate as usual, i.e. allowing cds to take headshots. They can be required to be recertified every six months or a year, and to make that information public and clearly/easily available to their patrons. Something similar to the way that LA handles health inspections in restaurants--there could even be a grading system, if they really wanted to get that specific about it. Is there a possibility that actors might still be taken advantage of? Sure. But that possibility still exists, even with the current law...because, let's face it, there will be shady businesses that will ignore it.

Some people might not understand why there is a such a flap about casting directors being able to take headshots with them. There are a few reasons why this is upsetting to a lot of people:

~Handing a cd your headshot before you read with them allows them to make a stronger connection to you. It's a visual reminder that sets you apart from other actors.

~Some workshops allow room for cds to critique your headshot, which is valuable information for a lot of actors, since our headshot is an integral part of how we market ourselves, how we reach people, and a required part of our resume. Hearing consistent types of feedback can help us determine if we are costing ourselves work by marketing ourselves with a less than stellar choice of a headshot.

~I often see casting directors make notes on headshot/resumes during/after a read. I know that the majority of casting folks I've seen keep files from workshops, and having the headshots with them, with notes, is an easier system than pairing things up after the fact. (more on this later)

~Mailings add up. To mail a headshot and resume (with or without cover letter) is above $1 per mailing. That does not include costs for the envelope, and the standard that I see are the clear front headshot envelopes (which I use myself). I won't factor in costs for the headshot printing and resume paper (I purchase mine specially cut to fit 8x10 headshots, but you can cut it yourself--not as clean--or pay to have it done at Kinkos), since an actor would be spending that even if they handed the headshot to the casting director in person. Regardless, adding more cost to entire thing by forcing actors to mail the headshots after the workshop...it might seem trivial, but it is annoying. In my case, that would add a mailing for me, since I also send thank you cards with postcards inside of them, after every workshop.

~Mailings also get lost or ignored. So, there's that.

~Preventing cds from taking headshots with them makes their job harder. These are busy people, who take time to come and do these workshops. Yes, they get paid to do it, but many of them are genuinely giving and open with the time they spend with us actors. Having to wait for actors to send in their headshots, then go through and pair the headshots up with the notes for their files...it's just an extra, unnecessary step.

Sure, having to pay to see casting folks is not ideal. And yes, there have been times where I've felt taken advantage of, even at legitimate businesses--but it's never the business that has been the offending party, but the individual casting person and their treatment of the actors in the workshop. After all, there's no law against assholes.

(For the record: The majority of casting folks that I see at workshops come across as decent people who like their jobs and treat actors with respect. I've had some really amazing workshops with casting folks who gave a lot of their time and put thought and consideration into their notes to us.)

I look at workshops as an educational experience, in addition to being an opportunity to create a relationship, get in the room, make a fan, etc. I learn from every workshop I attend, whether it's simply about the office of that cd, their process and notes about the casting process, to things about my type, my headshot, my work--and there is a lot of value in that, which I have taken back to apply to my career. I learn about how I process things, how I interpret notes, where I have hang ups, and I find opportunities to grow...it's been really, really valuable to me, because it enhances my skills. It's worth the price (which is often on par with a single night of class at most acting studios, if not actually less) to be able to learn and experience all of those things. This is just how I happen to look at it--it's my personal view, and not everyone might share it, but that's fine. And, for the record, all of this is before I even consider the chance of being called in for work.

And, on that last point, it does happen. I have a number of friends who have booked roles after meeting casting directors at workshops. They've developed relationships with these casting folks after having met them at workshops, they begin to have relationships with their offices, they've gone on auditions, and sometimes, it does end up in a booking. Before every workshop I have attended, there is always a disclaimer that the workshop is not a promise of a job--and it's not. It's an opportunity. A chance to learn, to play, to grow, to be seen...and who knows where that might take you.

Again, I do think it is incredibly important to protect actors, no matter how seasoned or green they might be. Actors tend to be preyed upon because it's easy--it's a giant pool of people in LA, who are often seeking validation, and new additions show up every day. I just think the entire thing could be handled better. I do think there is a way to separate the legitimate from the shady, and I think that's the key to making this work for everyone involved.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Update: New Law

This is from Actors Rights Now:

This just in. SAG co-sponsered the law. They have received letters from
actors praising this new law. Please makes sure to send an email or letter
to SAG to let them know how you feel.

We have had a few of you ask why this law was created. And I know there has
been a lot of anger directed towards those who have created the law. The
short answer is that I believe the lawmakers had good intentions, they were
trying to protect us. However, they have made a blanket law with poor
language that is now hurting us. Simply put, we need to have them change
the language.

Thank you!

Actors Rights Now


They also sent an additional email, which included this passage:

Thank you for joining this email list. And I have to send a big "THANK YOU"
to all of those actors who have cc'd us on their email's to the City
Attorney's office. This is indeed the first step in what may be a long
process. I ask that you please keep up the fight, don't get discouraged.
And do continue to cc this address with those emails. They may come in
handy in the future. I know that this business can be exhausting and this is
just one more thing to add to the stress of an actor's life. But know that
in the long run, we can win the battle to change this poorly written law.
And as was suggested by a fellow actor on this list, we should also make
sure to include Paul Krekorian who is the originator of the bill at:
councilmember.krekorian@lacity.org. And yes, he also has a Facebook page...


We are going to do our best to keep you as informed as possible. We know
that there are pockets of actors here and there, who are just as outraged
about what is occurring with CD Workshops. What we need, is to start
finding who they are and get them to be vocal, as well. What would be
helpful is for us to have one large group instead of tiny factions here and
there. Actors Rights Now is one source. However, we would like to
introduce you to www.befreetochoose.org. I met with the Actor running this site today and we are joining forces to try and change the wording of the law. David H. Lawrence is the owner of this site and is really on the ball with what is going on. In addition, he knows the history of how this all
came about. He is a great resource and is working to find lawyers willing
to assist with our plight. I encourage you to go to his site and leave
comments as well as subscribe to his RSS feed.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Update on the New Law

This is an email from Actors Rights Now (actorsrightsnow@gmail.com), with some great suggestions for LA actors to get involved in the movement to fight back against the law that is now impacting legitimate casting director workshop businesses:

Thank you for getting involved.


We are in the process of gathering information about the law, so that we can fight back. It is very clear to myself and all the actors around me that we have NOT been asked our thoughts about this new law. While I respect and appreciate the intention behind the law, I feel that it is incredibly misguided and being misdirected at the CD workshop businesses that are legitimate.

So here are a few simple things we can start doing:

1. Be informed and inform others. We need to get the word out ASAP. This law is in the process of negotiation. The sooner we get involved the better. Please tell every actor you know about it and direct them to this email address: actorsrightsnow@gmail.com . The more Actors we have fighting for our rights the better. We will have a Facebook page up as soon as possible.

2. Email, call, snail-mail the City attorney and the CSA. Tell them how you feel. It's your career. What business do they have to be involved with it? I would also suggest sending one headshot to the City Attorney, with your letter of discontent. I think it would be quite a statement if his office was inundated with headshots. He may finally understand, first hand how many of us there are, and how strongly we feel.

3. Call the City Attorney and request a "Town Hall" meeting to discuss the law and allow actors to be heard. Again, no one has asked the Actors how they feel about any of this. The City Attorney is just that. He has no idea what goes into being an actor.

More information to come.

If you would like to be even more involved or have a special skill that can be useful in this fight, please let us know. Also, if you have any ideas, please send them this way as well.

Thank you so much and please forward the email address far and wide. The more voices we have, the easier we can be heard!


The Division of Labor Standards:
320 W. Fourth Street, Suite 450
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 620-6330

City Attorney Carmen A. Trutanich
City Attorney Mark Lambert
City Hall East
200 N. Main Street
Room 500
Los Angeles, CA 90012
atty.talent@lacity.org
213-978-8070

The CSA
606 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Suite 4-B
Los Angeles, CA 90004-1309
Tel: 323 463 1925
Email: castingsociety@earthlink.net

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Fun callback!

Had a fun callback today, for Tuesday's commercial audition! Ran into a guy in the lobby that I did a short LMU film with last year--totally random, love that! :) The callback was laid back--they wanted everything really natural, very real and low key, and let us improvise a bit. I had a great time, and I felt really good about it the entire way through--great vibe in the room after we were done. So, we'll see! Fingers crossed!

Gotta work on some writing stuff, and also starting research for a script to tackle in class. Excited about that!!!!!!!!!!!

VERY IMPORTANT POST FOR ACTORS

ACTORS:

If you participate in Casting Director Workshops in the LA area, you'll need to know about the new law that just went into effect, and what it means for you. (I posted a link to the article in an earlier blog entry, here: http://gratitudeandattitude.blogspot.com/2010/05/article-for-actors-crackdown-on-casting.html)

Below is an email that was sent out from The Actor's Key, which is a well-known and respected workshop center in LA. I've highlighted the important change to procedure in bold, because it's something we should all be aware of:

To our valued actors:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As I'm sure most of you have heard, there is a law in
place (it has been since January 2010) called The
Krekorian Talen Scam Prevention Act of 2009 (AKA
Assembly Bill No. 1319), which took effect in January
of 2010 with regard to talent training services, of which
we are one. If you would like to read it in its entirety
(we encourage you to so that you know your rights),
go to
http://leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/calawquery? codesection=lab&codebody=&hits=20 **(If this link doesn't work, go to http://leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html , and click on LABOR CODE, then on instructions below)
You then click on the CHAPTER 4.5. FEE-RELATED TALENT SERVICES.
You can click on each individual section (1701-1705.6).


**(If this link doesn't work, go to
http://leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html , and click on LABOR
CODE, then on instructions below)

You then click on the CHAPTER 4.5. FEE-RELATED
TALENT SERVICES.

You can click on each individual section
(1701-1705.6).

We want you to be informed, but we also want you to
know that we are in compliance with all elements of
this new law. We are in the process of being bonded,
and we have personally spoken to attorney Mark
Lambert, who has been extremely helpful with going
over all levels of the law with us to ensure that we are
in compliance. We have spoken with the Labor
Commissioner's Office, as well as the Talent Agency
Licensing Department (while we are obviously not a
talent agency, they handle all fee-related
entertainment businesses, which include acting
schools/acting workshop places, coaching places, OR
talent agency- essentially, anyone who charges ANY
sort of fee for anything entertainment related, including
education), and gained all the information pertinent to
our workshops, and to this new law.

This new law will not affect our workshop format, save
for one aspect, as everything else complies with the
law, and you will continue to be able to be educated
by professionals in the industry on acting technique,
and the entertainment world as a business. We want
to remind you that our workshops are educational, and
our goal is for you to walk away with a little more
knowledge, a little more confidence, and a positive
experience. While we realize that taking workshops,
like taking acting classes, singing lessons, dancing
lessons, dialect lessons, etc., can help you to gain
work eventually because you are a better actor and
have stronger skills, we want to reiterate that there is
never any guarantee of this.

With this said, we can no longer allow the casting
directors to take your headshots with them. This
implies an audition (as would anything like us sending
the CDs your website links).
You are certainly allowed
to follow up on your own with a teacher, and send
them anything that you wish to after class, and yes,
you can mention that you met them at our place, as
can any representative of yours that speaks to them in
the future.

If you any questions, concerns or comments on the
law,we would encourage you to make your voice and
opinion heard, so that they are taken into consideration.

To that end, we have been made aware of a group of
actors that has begun to get together to discuss how
this law affects actors, and is setting up a facebook
page in the near future for actors to discuss their rights
and this law. Their email is
actorsrightsnow@gmail.com if you would like
to get involved.

We also wanted to provide the following information:

The Division of Labor Standards:
320 W. Fourth Street, Suite 450
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 620-6330

City Attorney Carmen A. Trutanich
City Attorney Mark Lambert
City Hall East
200 N. Main Street
Room 500
Los Angeles, CA 90012
atty.talent@lacity.org
213-978-8070

The CSA
606 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Suite 4-B
Los Angeles, CA 90004-1309
Tel: 323 463 1925
Email: castingsociety@earthlink.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We do not have any affiliation with any of these
groups, but we wanted to give you all the information
we have in order for you to make informed decisions
and get involved if you decide you want to. It's your
career, your money, your life, and we wish you all
success in this business. Please don't hesitate to
contact us if you have questions- we are here to help
you!All the best,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Actor's Key Family
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I understand the need to protect people from the sort of groups that do prey on actors (and the parents of young performers) who do not know any better, but I do find it frustrating that they've removed the option of allowing a casting director to take our headshots with them from the workshops, especially at businesses that are otherwise compliant with the law. It's just a hassle. Not the end of the world, that's for sure--but it adds another step to the process, and yes, it is expensive, as well as inconvenient (even for the cds, I'd think, as I know a lot of the casting folks I see actually use the headshots to write notes, etc, and keep them for files). I already send thank you cards after each workshop, so this just adds another step (and expense, I suppose). Who knows, maybe it will change?

Anyway, consider this a heads up!

Woot!

I'm not really a "woot" person, but eh, thought I'd try it.

Callback tomorrow! It's for the commercial audition that I had on Tuesday! Looking forward to it!!!!!!!

Interesting class tonight--lots of great work by everyone. I'm in a bit of a weird headspace lately, although I'm doing good work--just...feeling off. Gotta work that out. But, at least, still able to do the work and whatnot. Maybe I just need to find a character that I really love. Sometimes, that's the right medicine. :)

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Quickie

I had a fun audition today, for a commercial--not 100% sure what it was for, as the copy referred to some yogurt nobody's ever heard of...so, it's either for a mystery brand of yogurt that didn't want its name used, or it's for something completely different. Anyway, here's hoping I get a callback! I'm sending a thank you card tomorrow!

Article for Actors: Crackdown on Casting Workshops

http://www.backstage.com/bso/news-and-features-news/casting-workshop-crackdown-1004090772.story

Monday, May 17, 2010

*bouncy*

I had a great day!

Worked on some general stuff online earlier today, then went on a nice hike under the cloudy skies. :)

Had a good writing meeting tonight, with one of my co-creators. We hammered out the future character arcs for our main characters, for the pitchbook. Very cool. Looking forward to finishing up the book, so we can have it ready to go with the pilot script. I found a couple of small things to fix in the pilot, but they aren't urgent--just things to tweak when we have a chance.

After watching the finale of Six Feet Under last night, I wrote a scene for myself and a friend, to do in class--but also to possibly film for our dramatic reels. It felt good to write something again. Been a while. :)

I have a commercial audition tomorrow. Two of my agents called me at the same time, after hours, to tell me about it. I felt so loved! :) Looking forward to it--new casting director!

Six Feet Under: Finale

I just got done watching the finale of Six Feet Under. It destroyed me.

What a really perfect piece of television.

I have mixed feelings about the series as a whole--there were a lot of things I loved about it, and a lot of things I felt were totally off the mark--but the finale was heartbreaking in a really beautiful way. Keith's portion? That sent me over the edge. One of my favorite things about the series was the evolution of David and Keith's relationship. It felt so authentic and was so well acted.

Anyway, I'm happy to have finished the series, because it definitely upped my anxiety level, but the finale kinda makes me sad that it's over.

Speaking of finales, I cannot believe that LOST ends in less a week. I'm in denial.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

UP date

I just checked my IMDb page. I am up 155% in popularity, since last week. Wow! Must be the Taft-Hartley Yourself article! :)

Speaking of articles, did a prelim photo shoot today, for a possible interview to appear online. If all goes well and it works out, I will post a link here. Keep your fingers crossed!

Oh, and I updated a bunch of stuff on IMDb, including giving myself a vanity url:

http://www.imdb.me/daniellecloutier

:)

Friday, May 14, 2010

Scene opens on the African Plains...

I had a hilarious audition today, for a commercial, in which I had to stand on a box with two other actors and encourage/cheer on/react to a man getting chased by ravenous, wild animals (a coffee cup kindly stood in for the running man). It was ridiculous amounts of fun! Commercials can be so silly sometimes, and it's SO MUCH FUN to get to go play at those auditions!! I love love LOVE it!!! I had a great time in the room, and I felt good about what I did, so we shall see!! It may come down to a look thing, since they are casting a bunch of people.

While waiting for the audition, which was at 200 S. La Brea, I was treated with an interesting chance to people-watch other actors. The place was absolutely packed--and it's a large facility. It was actually physically hot in the main room. Hot and humid. Because of how many people were there. I've never seen it so busy!! There were multiple castings for the same product, by two different casting offices, and TONS of children, which seemed to double (if not triple) the number of bodies in the room, because of their parents and siblings. I also happened to arrive just after 4pm, which is when the ticketing/towing starts on La Brea. When announcements were made that the last of the cars was being towed, and what car it was, some poor guy freaked and ran outside--when he came back, he told everyone he'd saved the car from being towed, but had to pay $209 to get them to release it. It was just a crazy sort of situation to observe, lots of intense energy.

I stood pretty close to the door for my audition, partly because there were so few areas left to sit (all of the bench things were filled or blocked). Since I was standing so close to the sign in sheet, I was asked questions here and there by incoming actors. I was also afforded the opportunity to watch a woman crash the audition.

She was there with her two daughters, who were both auditioning for something AND had callbacks for something else, so she figured she'd just crash the one audition she thought she fit, since she was already there. Unbeknownst to her, the session assistant was checking the sign in sheet with the registration list that came directly from the casting director. Which meant that the crasher got busted.

I was standing right next to her when the assistant asked her what her name was, checked the list, and said she wasn't on there. The woman mumbled some excuse, gave her agency name, then got "distracted" looking for her children. The assistant pressed her on it, and finally got her to admit she was crashing. It was SO awkward. The assistant let her audition, but it was so beyond mortifying to watch--and a number of the actors in the area were watching, I just happened to be the one closest to it...which also meant that the crasher looked at me while it was going on and was 'commiserating', for lack of a better description, with me. After it was over, she was super friendly with me, in a "bonding" sort of way--i.e. touching my hand, etc. It was hilarious. And awkward.

I don't really care that she crashed, because people do it all the time (although, I never have, mostly because I'm scared I'll be busted and reamed out for it--that's the good little Catholic girl upbringing at play). I just thought it was funny that she wanted to bond with me afterward. :)

Anyway, it was really, really interesting to watch the whole thing go down. Afterward, we got our instructions from the session runner, then waited our turn to go into the room, in groups. I stood just inside the hallway that separates the main waiting floor from the casting rooms, where it was cooler/quieter, and chatted with a guy in my group and the session assistant. It's always nice to chat with other friendly folks before a session--I think it gets me out of my head a little more.

I had a lot of fun today and was so excited to be back at it, auditioning for a new commercial. So, fingers crossed that I get a callback! I had a lot of fun and felt good about it! Also, am sending out a thank you card tomorrow, to the CD (per my usual routine). So yay!!!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Getting back on the horse

I went to see my friend Clementina perform at IO West this evening, with her improv group "Soups You Like"--if you can ever check them out, do it, they're excellent. Very smart, quick and funny.

The evening was structured to fit in some short form games open to anyone who wanted to play, so I got a chance to get up on stage a couple of times, which was fun (even though it was also painful at times, in the sense that I haven't been actively improving in that manner in a long time, except for once a week in class--and we don't always do comedic, short form games). Always good to get up and stretch that muscle--it's a very different beast than acting, in a sense. A great mental workout!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

tiny update

Have a meeting scheduled in two weeks! Yay!

Six Feet Under

I've been blazing through all five seasons of Six Feet Under recently--had never watched it before. It's an interesting show. There are things I love about it and things I'm ambivalent about...it has cemented my undying love of Michael C. Hall, that's for sure. I've seen the first three seasons of Dexter, so I really just knew him from that, and it says a lot about his talent that I completely forget he's a) Michael C. Hall and b) Dexter when I watch SFU.

I'm actually working on a scene from SFU this week in class, playing Brenda. I'm always on the lookout for new scenes to do for class, particularly great dramatic pieces or pieces with two women (because there are more women than men in my class). So, I'm having fun hunting for scenes while watching the show. It's funny to me that the majority of my decent footage is from comedy, when I do so much drama in class. Just hard to get good drama on tape, I suppose--most short internet projects are comedic, in part because there's more of an audience for that. Not sure anyone really wants to watch me perform excerpts from Neil LaBute's bash: medea redux. Well, maybe. :) Definitely wouldn't get rated high on Funny-or-Die, though. :) However, I have been thinking about possible short things to film, for a dramatic reel, because I really do need one...hrm...

Ah, just some late night musings. I'll leave you with a puntastic pun, courtesy of SFU:

"What do you call an Italian hooker? A Pasta-tute."

Monday, May 10, 2010

Well hey there!

I had an audition this afternoon for a cute project, and I was happy for the opportunity to make a new contact! My character was a "quirky" type, but I went in and just kept it low key, as opposed to acting at being quirky. I thought about trying to be more comedically quirky, but it felt weird, so I went back to being a little more normal about it. I had a fun time!

The entire day kind of started out hairy, though! There was a bit of a snafu with the location, which was really just a matter of communication not coming through--the location had changed, but I wasn't aware of it until I got to the old location. A phone call to the gal who submits me on stuff straightened out--she'd received the notice of the location change, but she hadn't checked her computer all day, so she didn't know about it until I asked her what was going on. :) I was all concerned that I was then going to be late, as the actual location was across town (in a sense), but they had opened it up to just being a window of time for auditions, as opposed to actual appointments. So it all worked out! :) Sometimes, that stuff happens...best just to roll with it and take it all in with good humor. Otherwise, life is gonna suck a lot more, right?

Anyway, upon going into the room to do my read, I was introduced to the cd and found out that she's a reader of this blog (Hi, Brandi!). Very cool! Kind of a surreal feeling, in a way--I write this, obviously, but I don't think I really believed people were reading it...but you never know! Anyway, I enjoyed the overall experience, and we shall see what happens! I'm so grateful to be getting out there and meeting new folks, especially ones who are making things happen for themselves--so inspiring!

Speaking of, I sent an email off the my friend's manager, to see about getting a meeting with him...*fingers crossed*!

I'm looking to meet with my co-creators on the pilot sometime soon--we're just all so busy right now! In the meantime, I've been thinking more about an idea that I had a couple of years ago...it'd be for a tv pilot, but not sure about some of the details of it yet (i.e. length). I loved this idea back in the day, though. My ex boyfriend didn't think it would ever sell because of the content matter, so I kind of dropped it at the time, but I think it's got merit, if done correctly. The premise is interesting, and I do think that the ideas of what people will accept in what they choose to watch on tv have expanded. At any rate, it's something to think about.

In the meantime, I'm thinking about posting a few pics from the pitchbook...we'll see... :)