The Hardest Lesson Yet

One valuable lesson I have learned in my entertainment endeavors is to never give out valuable information for free, especially to someone whose character does not line up with their goals. I do realize that I have gained a world-class education from Full Sail University. I even stated in a previous blog post that I would not be stingy with some of the knowledge that I’ve gained. Well, I believe it’s time to take that comment back. I was giving out valuable information to someone who wanted to take advantage, and wanted everyone else to do the dirty work.  The thing is, when you want to get into ANY industry (be it education, nursing, etc.) you have to be willing to learn, and start from the bottom, and then go to the top. It’s not possible to try to be the “big wig” when your first starting and have no knowledge. When someone has the knowledge that you don’t have (especially when you are trying to break into any industry) show some humility, and be  willing to learn.  I know I am just now starting off in the entertainment industry, but in order to gain some experience in the field I have to find the BEST way possible. Daily, I go onto a website called The Southern Casting Call, to try and find some on camera work. No, I’m not trying to be the famous actor on the screen, but rather a background extra. I want to gain some on set experience in order to gain more knowledge of what a Producer or a Script Supervisor does. To me, that is one of the BEST ways to get your foot in the door and get your name recognized in the industry. Sometimes people in the entertainment industry are not very open to hiring certain people, unless you not only have some credentials, but also have a good reputation. This is not only the best way to get in, but you never know who those people may know. Don’t try to pretend that you are so knowledgeable about something, and then make a complete fool of yourself. Be willing to learn. Trust me on this. This is the BEST free advice I can give!

Auditioning Etiquette

I know I have not blogged since I graduated from Full SailUniversity in May, however I wanted to blog and give some advice on casting. On August 31^st, 2013, I had the opportunity to assist Lifeline Casting Company with auditions for a theatrical production.  Lifeline advertised the casting on Craigslist.com. The process went something like this:

·      The people who were interested in auditioning for a role in the stage play, were told to submit two recent photos, and a resume’.

·      

      Once an email was received from those who were interested in this casting, they were to reply with a confirmation email, saying that they would be in attendance.

·    

            Many confirmed but only a few people showed up. No-shows are a waste of time for the casting company because they still have to pay for the location and other costs. This can also cause a no-show to be blacklisted in the entertainment community.

Here are a few tips to consider if you want to audition with a casting company (television show, film, stage production etc.)

           

      

1.     Once you confirm the date and time for an audition, make sure you follow-through. Make sure you call the agency ahead of time if you must cancel. If not, casting agents will remember you, and your name will end up on their “do not hire” list.

2.     If you do not know where the location for a specific casting may be located, take the time out the day before to find out. Give yourself ample time to make sure you have the correct address and phone number to put in your GPS. Make sure that you leave for your casting early, to give yourself time just in case you may get lost.

3.     Make sure that when casting for a television show, film, etc. you know which role you are auditioning for.

4.     Arrive at the casting call early.  This will ensure that you have time to go over any lines for the character that you may be auditioning for.  This will help relieve any nervousness that you may have.        

5.     If you are not called to be a part of the cast DO NOT call to harass the casting company. This could only prevent you from being cast in any other projects in which you may be interested. Besides, the role that you auditioned for and did not get may not be the right fit for you!

Good Luck!

The Film and Television Industry's Got Georgia On Their Mind! Part 2

Film studios are opening up left and right in the state of Georgia. This not only brings many job opportunities, but it just goes to show that Georgia is truly the new Hollywood Of The South.

Here is a list of studios that are right here in our own back yard in metro Atlanta:

• Located only 5 miles from downtown Atlanta, EUE/ Screen Gems Studios, is a newly renovated 33- acre, film and television campus. It houses stage 5, which is one of the countries largest stages, at 37,500 square feet and has five sound stages.

• Tyler Perry Studios, opened in 2008, is 200,000 square feet, and is located in southwest Atlanta. This is where television shows such as House of Payne, and For Better Or Worse are filmed.

• East Mountain Studios, located in Conyers, is a premiere television, film, and commercial and video production studios. East Mountain Studio had its soft grand opening in February 2013, for the citizens of Rockdale, County. Some of the latest projects that East Mountain Studios their work includes: Joyful Noise, starring Queen Latifah, KeKe Palmer, and Dolly Parton. Fast 5, starring Vin Diesel, and American Reunion.


• Triple Horse Studios currently operates out of Hollywood, CA. Triple Horse Studios have the pleasure of working on projects such as; The Casting Crowns latest concert, titled Life Song, a children’s production called Miss Patty Cake, as well as Songs of Praise for America, which will air on the fourth of July. On April 13th, 2013, Triple Horse Studios announced that they will build a Hollywood style film studio in Covington, GA. They will “ultimately (be) investing $100 million with the goal of solidifying Covington’s position as the Hollywood Of The South.”


Before moving to Atlanta in 2000, I considered moving to Los Angeles, CA to pursue acting. However I am very glad that I did not because of all of the great opportunities for film and television here in Georgia. This is only the beginning!