1 second cameo

Even though I was only onscreen for 1 second it was such a fun day. It's always a pleasure to work with Pirate Pictures.

Click here for the trailer

Something POSITIVE!

All right. So there's no one to blame but myself. I haven't been going out to auditions for what I believe to be quite some time, even though it's only been 2 months since I've worked last. With that said I've been taking for granted how difficult auditioning really is.

And you know what? I miss it! I miss the headache of researching material and the repetitive line memorization techniques and the all out nerve wracking process of generals...

I went to audition for a theater company today that was casting their entire season (which is normal) and I brought a piece that I transcribed from a television show. For the first time in a long time I was absolutely frigid with nervousness while in the waiting room. "Have I got my lines down cold?", "Did I warm up enough?", "I should have broken this scene down more.", "Am I over analyzing this?!"

But you know what? As soon as I stepped one foot in the auditioning room and looked across at the 7 or 8 directors/assistant directors/producers/etc. behind the table everything went out the window. All of the years of training kicked in and I was on! They all laughed (not fake laughed) at the material and even took the time afterward to ask me "Wow! What was that from? That was great!" And I hustled out of there with this overwhelming feeling of "Holy crap! I did it! I got back on the horse after all this time and I feel great!" Not only did I make an impression but they actually enjoyed my performance!

I didn't get a call back.

But that's not really what I cared about. While driving home I felt on top of the world because instead of sitting at home watching television thinking "I could do that better" I got off my ass and performed new work for a group of people and I know they enjoyed it. So what if I don't look the part--that I can't change. But this audition was that shot of adrenaline that I psychologically needed so badly for so long and I didn't realize it until it happened.

I got out of my car, smoked a cigarette, and threw up almost immediately afterward. Ate a couple bites of a sandwich and my stomach has been nauseous the rest of the day.

But psychologically I still feel great! And you know what? That's how I know I love what I do. :)

clacka lacka

Scripts 'N Screwz "Big City Lights" music video from Jordan Wyatt on Vimeo.

you know what would be nice...?

It would be nice if the people creating "lo/no budget" film projects here in St. Louis actually had money to offer their actors, instead of just copy and credit. Why you ask? because a) It would attract better talent and b) It would encourage repeat work. You have money for film and equipment rental, right? Then why squelch out on who you're putting in front of the camera? Aren't we kind of an important part in your story?

Seriously...Here is just a quick rundown of film audition notices from the current page(2/18/09) of stlauditions.com:

"Actors will not be paid for their work. They will be fed and given DVD copies of the film once post production is completed."

"This is an independent project. We will provide a copy of the show on DVD as well as food and drink on shooting days. There will be no pay associated with this job."

"Pay Rate: Non- Union, Non-Paying"

"This is a very low budget series so this is not a paying job but you will receive credit as well as the season you are in on DVD."

"This is a great opportunity to develop your craft, build your demo reel and gain exposure from film festivals."

Wow, a slice of pizza and credit on a film that will be submitted (not necessarily accepted) to film festivals...and which ones? The film festival of eastern nowhere? I've produced a film that toured the festival circuit and that is a difficult task in itself which takes time and lots of money. Money that you obviously don't have if you're not paying your actors. The only tangible thing the actor would get (besides heartburn from cold pizza) is a copy of the film...which brings me to another point:

Now I have been training and working and learning continually as an actor for over eight years now, and I am beginning to get sick of seeing these notices. I understand that "everyone needs to start out somewhere", but the thought of a bad performance helping to create new bad film shorts makes me ache with disgust. Why take the time to create a film short if you're going to put inexperienced actors in it anyway? Do you take lots of time and patience to make exotic tasty crepes then fill them with dirt? Save that sh*t for film school. That's what it's for.

Maybe I'm wrong...maybe you're a new filmmaker who has the next big blockbuster smash hit that has everyone sobbing and weeping on the inside but just has enough action in it to keep people watching...maybe one day you'll win dozens upon dozens of awards and it was all because hardworking people devoted their time and effort to you because they believe in you and your work, and it wasn't about the money for them...maybe if critics would just realize that you're putting up the money for this project and you don't have an infinite saving account and the success of all of this depends on how you can get this product out to people and try to make some kind of a living off of it...

...or maybe you should just quit screwing around with a project unless you can execute it professionally (ie. with an executive producer that can front the money needed for everything...then you get to learn about contracts and the "business" end of show business)

Maybe then everything would be less about getting crap out there and more about quality of work...wouldn't that be nice?

simply laughable audition notices.2

Originally I wasn't going to pick on the poor soul who posted this notice but you know what? I can't help myself. It looks like it was written by a 6th grader. And isn't all crime considered illegal? I can see it now...

Mayor: From now on, all crime is declared illegal!

Criminal: Awww, damn...I guess I have to stop committing crimes...

...also, -2 for spelling.