Stumble it!Film Connection Interview (redux)
So the interview was so very cool. It really did feel kind of like I was on a talk show like Regis and Kelly or maybe a late night like Letterman. The host, Joe Conforti, who directed me in ‘Out of Alignment’ asked lots of questions about me, and showed some clips of my acting; and then we talked about that. He also asked me to give advice to those just beginning acting or those thinking about beginning acting. That was so cool to be able to be of service to some fresh starting out actors. And I must say the best thing of all was just being asked to be on the show. That makes me feel more like a respected actor then the all of rest of the cool experience. The producer of the show told me I would be getting a copy so I will definitely ask for permission to put some of it up here on my blog.
Here is some of the advice (expanded here) I talked about on the show for those reading who may be less experienced and need some advice.
1) First determine what level of acting you want to do. Are you in this as a light hobby, a serious hobby or are you going to try to make this your living and your life. If you choose the latter of the three then my advice is to get ready to commit fully. The rest of these tips are for anyone who chooses the latter of the three. If you are doing this as a hobby then just have fun with it and do it on your own schedule that makes sense.
2) Try and do something towards your acting at least once a week at the very minimum. Do not let a week go buy where you have done nothing towards your final goal, keep this pace and things will happen. Some things I do: Marketing (sending out resumes, enhancing my resume website, my myspace site, and my blog), acting classes, reading books about the industry or biographies of actors and film makers, reading plays.
3) Audition as much as possible this includes auditioning for parts you know you are not even right for. You need to have those auditioning muscles toned really tight so that when the part is right for you; you nail it. The only way to get better at auditioning is to do it a lot. And I have found that you desensitize to it so you get less and less nervous and more and more confident as you go. And you want to look like a confident actor when you go in to read. You are not just selling your talent, you are selling you. Keep that in mind, you are actually auditioning the minute you walk in the door. I would try and find an audition at least once a week for starters. Find your local websites that have casting notices. A national one is called mandy.com, you can choose your state on that one. All my other links are Boston based, so not much use to any one that is not local to me. If you are local to me, email me and I will send you the links.
4) Always be professional no matter how lousy the conditions are, and even if the director and crew seem inept, stay professional. Word gets around, and that nervous unconfident director may be the next Peter Jackson ten years from now, and having him remember you as a positive thing in his early life is a good thing, he may just bring you along for the ride. Also, he may recommend you to other directors who are really good. And also the film community is very small so if you act like a diva and complain and are difficult other directors may be steered away from you. Also you can get gigs through other actors, so if you are a pain in the behind, you may not get recommend from them either. I have two (1 and 2) real example of me getting gigs twice through other actors who liked to work with me and found me professional.
5) Sometimes the passion can wane a little at times; it is human to once in a while feel the passion ebb and flow. To keep your self moving and passionate about acting read famous actors biographies during this time. Especially ones about actors you love. I find this keeps me motivated.
Ok, I think that about covers it. I am sure I only got about a third of this into the show, but I wanted to expand a little here.
‘Tis all for now!
Hey, this is a first! I am being interviewed on a local cable show called “The Film Connection” in Easton, MA tomorrow. The show is a 
So, it has been one year since I started this blog. Wow! When I first started I was worried that I would not get into it and it would fade away, but I am pretty much addicted to it now. 1 year and 72 post later and still cranking. Hey that is an average of 6 posts per month, not bad. I look forward to more blogging in the coming year. 