Stuck In The Web

2013 I am learning so many more trends, and sometimes I feel like an old man, because it is a new day as an actor. For instance, you don't have to print out pictures and resumes hardly anymore.  The hard copy of your picture and resume barely exists, cause they already have everything they need from you via  the web.  This is great for my bank account, and I ain't complaining.  IMDB Page, Actors Access, SAG J-Actor, Personal Web site, LAcasting, Twitter, Blog, Facebook, you tube....... The web is such an important part of the business and trying to keep up can be intense.  Another popular trend on the east and west coast for actors, is the web series.  People are actually being creative writing amazing pieces of work. The production value is pretty awesome as well, and some of the series I see are better then what is on t.v.  A few web series have been picked up by major networks, and have become t.v. shows.  Even celebrities have brilliant web series out there, that are funny, imaginative and poignant.  I was recently listening to actress/comedian Niecy Nash speak at my church here in Los Angeles.  Off the track; she is really an amazing women of Christ, and I learned a ton from this conversation.  Back on track; she spoke on how proud she was of her web series, and how it is one the best things she has done.  I actually follow two web series in my life, and I am proud to support them.  I will leave there links at the bottom of the page, if you ever want to check them out for yourself.

I had an audition on Saturday morning for a new pilot for a web series.  I submitted myself for it on the site LA Casting.  Low and behold, I got an email saying they wanted to see me for the lead role of Julian.  Skeptically I followed the web series trend, and committed myself, to joining the band wagon and I said "yes I would like to attend".  It didn't hurt that it is a SAG new media paying job! Anyway,  I got the sides to study my lines via email, and when reading the script, I actually found it quite funny.  The writing was way better then expected.  With a new pep in my step, and excitement in my spirit, fear stepped his evil head in...  I was a little scared of the character as he is a little more effeminate then I want to play.  However, I found the story in this scene very fun, and I went in to this venture head first.  I did all my homework, which included beating the scene out, finding my objective, and going after my wants....  I slowly started to find fun moments, in the scene, and couldn't wait to read it with someone.  GOD please let the reader be good.  As acting is reacting, and it can be hard to react when the reader gives you nothing to react too, but sometimes you have to make it work.  On the drive into the audition, I had my conversation with GOD, asking him to watch over me, and to lead me in the direction that is best for me.  I get to the audition, dressed in American Apparel from head to toe, and I wore a cute little bow tie.  As soon as I walked into the room, they commented on my clothes, and how great my shirt and tie was.  Hey, I love to dress exactly the way I see the character in my head, it helps me with my work. I made them laugh a little with witty banter, and the director proceeded to give  me a ton of direction before I started the reading.  SCORE: The reader was an amazing actor, and gave me so much to work off of.... I was in a zone, and went into my character, and we played off each other amazingly. I had a ball, and the director said "WOW, you did that way better then I could even explain it".  This brought a smile to my face, as I felt myself nail the scene.  He asked me to do it again with a little more direction, and the second time, I played it the same, but took his notes, and heightened some moments with intensity. As I left the room, I felt great about my audition.  Whether I get the part or not, I came to an even bigger realization, that I love acting more then I can put into words. Most people hate to get adjustments in a scene, as it throws them off.  I welcomed every adjustment, and it fueled me with a fire in my body.  Acting makes me so happy, and I pray  that I get to continue to do it for a very long time.   This is what I am born to do!!!!!!   I have no idea who else they will see for that role, but I know I did my best....  

Two web series to check out: 

http://www.hustling.tv           

This web series has adult content, but it is good, as my friend Sebastian La Cause wrote, and stars in it. Start with season one and go to season two.  Have fun!

http://www.funnyordie.com/datesmates

This web series is new, funny- comedy, and only two episodes in, ENJOY.  As two people that I did A Chorus Line on tour with star in this series;  Julie Kotarides and Stephanie Gibson... 

Big Decision!

My life was getting crazy, as I struggle a to find my "survival job" here in Los Angeles.  It has been a tough journey to figure out what one is to do, when they spend there whole life a working actor.  Then you are faced with a big bang, you are 37 years old, and you have no "real" job experience.  People look at you like you are crazy at job interviews, as I sit wondering why can't I at least be a waiter, like every other actor.  Yet in this economic time, it is a fight, and you need experience.  The working actor is a blessing and a curse for me at the same time.  This has been on my heart.  Thank GOD I have some savings in my account, and I can make it through.  Also, praising GOD that I am actually booking little t.v. things here and there, to help with the load of life...  With this in my heart, and the search being on, I sometimes slumber into a deep depression.  Where ice cream, my bed, the kisses from my dog, and singing depressing songs fill my void. However, the uplifting spirit of GOD seeps into my being, lifts me out of the bed, pounces out all my fears, and I stand up, with my heart open, happy to be me.  Happy for my life, and blessed to have done all the things I have done...  Even more blessed to get ready for what I am about to do.  Always giving praise to my lord an savior, I know I am about to get past this mountain, and my breakthrough is around the corner.

The point of my story, and the big decision I needed prayers on, (as I posted on Facebook).... Well, remember my manager at Advanced Talent Management, Marcus Fishman, and how excited I was about him?  I truly was thrilled, but I have to get honest, nothing has really happened.  Did I expect something to happen in the four months we have been together?  Not really anything major, but I didn't expect the contradictions, and excuses.  Those who know me, know that at times I can be brutally honest.  I expect folks to be brutally honest with me at all times.  Before I move forward with this paragraph, I will state, that Marcus Fishman is a very nice man, who knows a ton about the business, and I truly believe he was working hard on my behalf.  A couple things happened that made me wonder about him though, as when I first met him, he said "I have great connections with agents, and commercial agents".  Well, now that things are slow for me I think I should at least be going out for commercials to make a coin.  He said "I don't think you are a commercial actor"! "Huh"?  I mumbled, as he said the exact opposite thing to me when we first met.  I also asked him about meeting a agent, and he said "Not with your resume", "You are not ready to meet an agent".  That part I could understand to an extent, as my t.v./film credits are not as nearly as good as my theater credits.  This statement still didn't go with our initial conversation either.  Lastly, when he dropped the ball on the hit C.W. show audition, and I called him and told him "We have an audition", and he answered the phone confused, really pissed me off. Never in my 17 years in the business have I ever called an agent/manager to tell them about an audition, that they submitted me for,  they always called me! I started to re-consider Marcus, and debated on leaving him with no representation at all.  The other thing is all the little t.v. gigs I booked,  I have booked on my own from knowing someone, and being persistent in the business.  Not to mention on the non-submission for "soft" roles as he put it. I also wasn't a fan of the way he spoke to me and casting directors, like we were kids, and very entitled. I prayed, so hard about him and what to do.  Right when I was about to give up hope, an agent called me, and said "I got your reel and resume and would love to meet with you".  For those of you who don't believe in GOD, you truly need to, because I have tons of testimonies like this one.  The meeting with this agent went so great.  She got me, and understood my plight.  She has a great track record, and I did my research on her, and it just felt like a good fit.  She comes from a theater background so understands my talent, and what I am up against in the film world. The energy between us was great, but then again fear, set up inside of me.  My meeting with Marcus went great at first, what if I end up in the same situation?  What if I sign with this new agent, and she is worse then Marcus?  What if I need to give Marcus more of a chance?  What am I supposed to do?  So many emotions wrapped up inside of stomach, made anxiety aspirate. I struggled with a answer, asking friends, praying, asking GOD, asking for signs, confused, lost, back and forth, tossing and turning in my sleep!  I woke up one morning, and put my hand to my heart. I closed my eyes for a while and just listened to the pulse and the beat.  I asked GOD yet again for a sign.  I still got nothing, but as I listened to my hearts pulse, my instinct, my spirit, my gut, my soul said "Move on, and sign with this new agent".  So I did just that, but first I needed to get rid of Advanced Talent Management.  I called Marcus, and told him that we weren't working out and he asked me "why"?   I explained all the contradictions that took place in our relationship with him.  He let me out of my contract, and I left on good terms.  He said to me "you are a very nice guy, and so talented, if you need anything don't hesitate to call me".   The weird, thing is, I feel the same about him.  He never meant any malice, and he was doing his best for me.  His best just wasn't good enough.  He was scared of my sexuality, he dropped the ball, and contradicted himself a ton.  Marcus is a manager for a reason, and he has clients with much success.  He just wasn't the right fit for me, finding your fit, can be daunting at times.  When I hung up the phone, with Marcus, I cried....  I still can't figure out why I cried, but I did... I cried for awhile, as if it was a break up from a marriage.  This cry could have come from the stress of LA, stress of being jobless, stress of losing a manager, or the happiness of moving forward.  Who Knows?  Today, I feel amazing about my decision, and now I have to move forward with this new agent, who I love thus far.....   Who knows the future?  But I pray I made the right decision, and that my career will move forward for the better...  My new agent is British, and she is so amazing.  So easy to talk to, and I am already enjoying her brutal honesty. My favorite quote from my new agent is "This is me, I am not acting, nor am I an actor,  this is who I am, and what you get"! We shall see blog friends, my life here is just beginning...

Do You Have A Star Meter?

In my quest to understand Los Angeles, and the process of getting noticed in this town.  I came across casting trends, that don't trend in New York City.  Learning there is truth when people say,  "It is all about who you know, and LA is a popularity contest".  I have heard many people say those words to me, but part of me never believed it.  My manager even said to me in so many words "If you were hot, and blonde, you wouldn't even need a resume, they would just call you in".  CRACK, CRACK goes my face. When in New York City, if you have the talent, you book the gig. Not that this doesn't happen in Los Angeles, yes you must have talent, but you have to network, and have a high star meter.  This is not always the case, but it is a big part of LA LA LAND.  Ummm, what the heck is a star meter?  Well, the explanation to this will come shortly.... FYI my star meter is extra low, and I need to bring it up fast!

Imagine you are a casting director, and you put out a breakdown notice that states.  Casting: African American Male or Mixed Race Male, intelligent, handsome, with a mysterious dark secret, for new Hit CW T.V. Show...  If you were me, your manager would submit you for this project immediately. However, (you) the casting director got about 2000 people that submit for this project.  How do you chose out of the 2,000 people? Who do you call in for the audition????  Do you call in the people that look the part, have training, and a resume?  Do you look at the actors reel?  Or do you call people that you know, and  people with a high star meter?  Most, not all casting directors-so I am told- call in people they know, and folks with a great star meter. Then there is me the dreamer, who thinks because I have a good look, and some talent, with Broadway credits, and some t.v. on my resume, that I will get called in.... WRONG!

I have to do the very thing I hate, and get my butt out there and network.  I have to meet these people, smile, and pray that they like me.  In Los Angeles they have many casting director workshops, where you pay money, to do monologues and scenes for these casting directors. Which I am willing to do, but this gets very expensive, so I can't do it all the time.  I need to go to parties, openings, industry events,  to get my big face out there.  I got my business cards, and now I have to use them.  This is my challenge, as I feel like I am kissing butt, and I don't want to kiss butt.  HA! Hustle, hustle, hustle, hustle, here I go as I work on the business part of the show.

Star meter??? Are you still confused, well, maybe you aren't, but I sure was when I heard these words.  Friends in LA would speak to me about there star meter, and my manager sent me links on how to get my star meter up. Where do I find this star meter?  Who decides whether it is high or low?  I am so confused???  To get my star meter up I have to have people visit my IMDB page, and just view it.  The more views I have, the higher my star meter.  Sometimes casting directors will go to your IMDB and look at your star meter, and that will help them decide whether to call you in or not.  PROBLEM, I have two IMDB pages, as I started my career as James R. Whittington, and later became J.R. Whittington.  Now I had to write them to sync my pages, which is in the works.  Then I need to pay 15 bucks a month, to become a member of IMDB pro, so I can put up my headshots, reel, and just hook up the page. Once it is hooked up to my liking,  I will be shamelessly posting my IMDB page link on Facebook, and twitter, so I can get a star meter.  A friend emailed me and said "GOD didn't create the world in one day, it took him seven, so relax"....  Thanks TRACY! :-) This made me calm down....  My faith in GOD has kept me positive, and that out pouring of support and love I get from the  blog world, and from my friends.  All of this keeps my heart pulsing, not to mention the love I have for acting, the love I have to perform, the feeling I have to get my love. With GOD all things are possible..

The Audition Nightmare

I was on the set of General Hospital, doing a very small spot on the soap.  It was a great day actually, and I had fun on that set.  I realized while I was there, that I truly want to do a soap.  The atmosphere was theatrical, and the life style seemed like a ton of work, but  a great training ground for an actor who wants to start his career.  They work at such a fast pace, and it was interesting to be a part of the process.  I was in awe at the work they produce on a soap from a day to day basis.  Fun energy on the set, and the cast/crew was professional and very kind.  Oh, and I got to make out with one of the lead actresses, that was awkward.  As I shook her hand and said "hi I am J.R.", about three seconds later I heard the words "sound speed" and "Action".  Next thing I know I was thrusted into a make out scene that I didn't even know was coming.  Well, the beauty of being on a soap.  From your lips to Gods ears, let's put in the universe that the next time I am on a soap, I will be a contract role.  :-)

Now to the theme of this post, sorry blog world as I get distracted by the excitement of being a working actor.  OK, so while I was heading home from being wrapped from soap land, in my car jamming to some music, at about 12:30 pm, I received a email.  I couldn't check it, but I saw it was from actors access.  For those who don't know actors access is the site, that holds all the actors breakdowns so your agent/manager can submit you for projects.  Anyway, I rushed home in my car, with excitement of this could be a great audition just waiting in my inbox.  I couldn't wait to see what it is was so the drive home was a bit of a blur...  Not even taking off my shoes, petting my dog swiftly, I run straight to my macbook air, to check my email.  SCORE, it was for a co-starring role on a major t.v. show for the C.W. YAY! But? What? Huh?  Wait... the audition is in an hour.  Why didn't my manager call me?  Why am I just getting this now?  Without thinking I started getting dressed, but not knowing what the character even was, I freaked out for a bit.  I called my manager, "Hey, Marcus, I got an email, we got an audition"!  He sounded confused on the phone... He put me on hold for a minute, and said "Oh yes we do".  "Ok" I said, "but why am I just hearing about this now"?  He says "We just got it", and he was going to call them for me to see if he can push the time back so I a can make it.  He called them for me, they pushed the time back by 30 minutes, and they sent over the character description and sides.  You see I can't get dressed until I know what I am going in for, as it is important for me to dress like the character.  As I want to walk in the room looking like I am this part, and that there is no if, ands, or buts, about this....  Well it was for an African American, snotty, chef, in his thirties--I got this I thought to myself-- the character had to have a perfect french accent!  Rewind....  A what?  A french accent, yes,  I read this correctly.  I get an audition for the C.W. (which is perfect for me), but he has to have a freaking french accent!!!  I need to drive there, cold read, and be prepared with a french accent in the next 45 minutes.  I started to panic, as I love to audition, and want to go in there and show them all this talent I have inside of me.  I took a deep breathe, printed out the sides, got dressed, and started to walk out of the door.  As I read the script, I realized there were some words I couldn't pronounce correctly.  So I called my manager, yet again,  and he connected me to a girl who is a french teacher to go over these words.  As I spoke to her, I slowed down, and thought hard.  Not only to cut off this nice lady, but hang up the phone with her abruptly.  Then to call my manager and say  "I am not going".  Marcus said "What, you know how hard it is to get an audition"?  I said "Yes I do, but I refuse, to go in for a t.v. show that I am perfect for,  and be unprepared with a hideous french accent.  Mind you if this dude was to speak with a British, New York, Puerto Rican or Southern dialect I would have went.  As those are accents I have in my back pocket.  But NO HE HAD TO BE FRENCH!  When I go in for something I want to be actually right for the part, and be prepared.  I don't want this casting director to put me on her/his list of people to never call in again, because she/he thinks I can't act.  NO WAY!  I had to do what I thought was best.  I have to trust in GOD, that more auditions will come.  Auditions without a french accent,  auditions that will fit me like a glove.  I turned down this audition, and it makes me sad.  But there will hopefully be many more to come.....