ME

ME
Just doing my job

Monday, March 29, 2010

Eyes Wide Open

One of my favorite things about going on castings in New York City is getting to see all the studios here. I usually have an idea in my head of what I expect a particular studio to look like, and nine times out of ten, it looks completely different. The two studios I had the pleasure of experiencing last week were BBC Productions and CBS. I understand that I am probably only seeing one office of many when it comes to the bigger companies, but it is still neat to go where the creativity begins, ideas get formed, and then product comes to fruition. And the ironic thing is I get such nerves on my way, but once I step in, I realize they're just people like you and me, doing a job. A fabulous job, of course, but still just a job.


The CBS studio that I had an audition at was in a part of the city I haven't done much exploring in. I took the train to the Columbus Circle area, and the studios themselves were right next to the water. What I found interesting as well as the location was the fact that the area was also home to all the luxury car dealerships. Walking down W. 57th Street, I was surrounded by BMW, Infiniti, Acura and CBS. It was an odd mix, but I liked it all the same. The building that housed the studio where my audition was taped was so cool. It was obvious the building has been kept pretty true to its original design. They had done a fantastic job of upholding the true nostalgia and old school feel, yet was in no way outdated. It is hard for me to describe but it was neat to experience.


The BBC studio, on the other hand, was not at all what I was expecting. It was in a small building, taking up only one floor that I could tell. It looked like a small start up company type of office with low cubicles, about six meeting rooms and the tiniest bathroom I have experienced to date. (And that says something if you've ever been to New York City and used any public restroom). Due to space limitation here, the bathrooms are ridiculously compact, but the BBC studio takes the cake. It was nice, but small. The meeting room my audition was held in was small as well, with an old leather couch across from a long desk where the executive producer and staff member sat. I think I have watched too many films that exploit the entertainment industry, because as soon as I walked into the meeting room and saw the leather couch, I had to stop myself from making a "casting couch" joke.


All in all so far, things are going well. I feel like I am moving in the right direction, and meeting great people in the process. I understand people are here for years, beating the streets and knocking on doors, but I must listen to my heart and my gut and believe that I can make this happen in less than a year. I say dream big. No one can hold me back but me, and I refuse to let myself to that. I want it all, and I want it all now! ♥

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

I want my MTV... and any TV for that matter!

I love trying new things. I love the excitement and anxiety that comes from the complete unknown. It is thrilling to walk into a place of which you have never been, to speak of a subject you have a burning curiosity for and to expose your fear - stare it dead in the face and say, "Bring it". I feel like last week was chock full of those experiences, and it took me a couple of days to mentally recover from them. I was vulnerable, open, exposed, and any other word most are afraid to be. Don't get me wrong, I was scared out of my wits on the inside, but refused to let it come through.
I went on an audition for a co-host spot for an upcoming show being prepped for pilot season, and didn't know what to expect. Without saying too much (I did sign a non-disclosure agreement) it is about a subject I have always had a passion for, although not formally trained in and it is being shopped to a network I used to adore but have lost interest in recently due to content (or lack thereof). Callbacks are this week, and I have the best feeling about it. I can't wait for my first national television experience in the spotlight. Yes, I have done America's Next Top Model, but in retrospect, I think that was just to give me a taste of that delicious cherry pie that is television, and to reiterate that feeling of "gimme more!".
I have been doing some hardcore research into acting schools in NYC. I want to see the who's who in various schools alumni, I want to know who's teaching the classes and how exclusive the program is. It's been interesting to see all the different avenues available, the different forms of training and methods of acting. I am overwhelmed by the opportunity in this city. Around every corner there is a chance to grow, to learn, to be EXPOSED. It is amazing. There's no telling how I'll get there, but I am on my way to the top of the world, and throughout this journey, I just can't get enough. Gimme more.

Friday, March 5, 2010

I got a million ways to get it...

I am fantastically ahead of schedule with my goals, and excited about making new ones to replace the ones I have already accomplished! As my former post stated, the aim of my first paid gig was a little off target - in the best way. That goal was to be attained by mid-March, and as of yesterday, it has been CHECKED with a capital C-H-E-C-K-E-D. My first paying gig in NYC was with Riders by Lee jeans. The booking included a two outfit photo shoot as the "straight missy" body type with videos. And to cap it all off, an internet video with the super fun powerhouse that is Stacy London. You may recognize that name from the TLC show "What Not to Wear" with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. I have always adored that show, and was talking about it at a photo shoot just last week and there I was yesterday, standing next to this awesome woman. And to top it all off, she said my name in the video!
I don't know about you, but when someone you admire is right next to you, it's almost unreal. It makes you realize that anything is possible. That person of fancy becomes just that - a person. Just like you or me. At one time, they were standing next to someone they too held in wonder, and have since become awe for another. It's an incredible feeling.
I must back track a bit, mostly because I owe much gratitude to two fabulous men who helped sell my product (myself!) to this client. Keith Oberlin and Adam Maclay. The serendipity in this story makes my heart flutter every time I replay it in my mind.
About three weeks ago, I sent out a mass message to a few people here in NYC in hopes of being hooked up with some impressive photographers to help me update my book. One of those people was my sister Natalie. She has an impressive multitude of artistic people in her immediate circle, and I was hoping to benefit from that. As soon as I sent out that message, she immediately wrote back she had someone in mind. That next week, I was at Keith's apartment in the city, getting my hair and make-up done by Adam and the rest was magic. We produced some amazing shots, and it turned out better than I could have hoped. With almost no notice, Keith got the images to Natalie at work, then to me, and then into my book. Those shots were the ones that the great people at Lee favored and got excited about - and that was that. I was booked!! Here is the shot that really got the job done:

Photobucket

In closing, I must say just how grateful I am to be here, meeting who I am meeting, and creating the brand of my life. Who wants more? I know I do.