Mix'in it up in Cali
So I’m out in LA now and hustling and bustling. I took a filmmaking workshop at HWFAA and met Polo, a fellow fraternity brother. We made a rockin short film, that is almost edited and will be submitted into festivals, called, ‘Wakeing Up’ and NO! It’s not misspelled. Josh Sands is running the 2-day workshop and I highly suggest it. Michael Olmos and Dario SanMiguel were instructors and extremely beneficial in creating a positive work environment.
I also audited a class with Robin Brown, of the Spolin Technique, that went very well. We did a scene from a new movie, with an abusive husband, and that was fun to play.
In addition, I took new headshots last Monday with Chris Moscatiello, yielding a much lighter and softer Cali-look. I am awaiting them early this week. Results in soon, I am banking that they look great.
I have met with a few casting directors to get accustomed to the lay of the land. Doug from East Side Studios, was a lifesaver, I met with him and he was extremely helpful to me. Thanks Erin for referring me. Billy DaMota is a pimp, we met for lunch and discussed the casting process and talked shop, movies, magic, etc and had a nice time. He’s in a jazz folk band too. Good stuff. I also met with Clair Sinnett when I visited the Promenade Playhouse, run by Natalia Lazarus, who is a protege of the infamous, Syd Field. They teach a cool psychological analyses class. Also, I did a workshop to meet Danielle Aufiero from Fiorentino/Mangeri Casting and Scott Stevens, Jr, from The Stevens Group.
I also auditioned for a host for X-Prize, as well as an play at the Luna Playhouse today for Star Spangled. I am still studying at Ivana Chubbuck and working hard on creating my scenes to the fullest. My partner has been assisting me and a huge help. A week ago, I took an On-Camera class at Black Nexxus, taught by Susan Batson’s son, Carl Ford, he is an actor best friend, such a cool cat and great director.
I met with FreeMantle and Cast Iron Productions to assist them with their casting out of Burbank. In addition, I will be interning at WIZZARD MEDIA. They are the premier in online video production and distribution. I met with Skip, who is the ultimate in chill bosses. They distribute 60% of the content to Itunes and will give me my own channel, so that I create more of my hosting bits and comedic shorts. I am PSYCHED!
Tuesday, I will be shooting with Aline on 16mm, a DP from Brazil studying at USC. I am looking forward to it. In addition, I am ON HOLD, to host the Seinfeld College Tour bus at the Emcee. That would be hours of fun and improv’ing. This Saturday, I helped a friend in a short job, as a Crash Test Dummy. See the picture below!
Currently, I am in talks with a friend back in NYC, for a trip to Dubai for a production in November. In addition, I auditioned for a friend’s film in Texas/Mexico to be coming up shortly. We met back in 2004 and have been in touch, he is the writer/producer and the role he offered me was awesome. A Canadian day laborer. Can’t beat that! Should be a blast.
So the Strike may go down, I have a pretty busy August, between family, a few smaller projects, as well as writing my feature and beginning my paper edit of my cross country documentary. I have been tracking down old mates, such as Brandon, who starred in ‘A Body Without A Head’ with me in NYC, and some old mates from college, who are working in the industry out here too.
Thus, the next step for me is buying my MacBook, so I can begin to dive into my creative juices. I will keep in better touch. Hasta luego!
