Just Trying to Stay Busy!

Last weekend, my husband and I went to see HUSTLE & FLOW. I thought it was such an amazing film. I loved it! I would really be surprised if most of the cast isn't nominated for their roles in this movie. When I see cinema such as this, it truly inspires me, and I begin to think: "Man, what do I need to do to be considered for roles such as these?" Hopefully the answer to that question will come sooner, rather than later!...:)...

Although, I'm starving for an audition, I did get to live vicariously through my 3 year old yesterday. She went to her first audition in about a year and a half. (Long story short: She used to audition, and work quite a bit, as a baby/toddler, but when she started developing her personality, and I realized she was becoming shy and timid, I pulled her out. She started to cry during her auditions, so I knew that wasn't a good sign!) Her revisit to the industry came from my VO agents, they were reading 3 to 5 year olds for the role of Thumper's Little Sister, and they asked if I wanted to bring her in. At first I was hesitant, but I decided I'd take her to see what would happen. Let's just say, sista girl made mama proud!

See with VO's, we're in a sound booth, so there's an advantage, because as far as she was concerned, no one else could hear or see us. We did 2 takes, and I really think she did a fantabulous job. Even if she doesn't booked this role, I'm so proud of her, and I'm confident that my agents will continue to bring her in.

I was scheduled to have my headshots redone tomorrow, but unfortunately, because of a financial snafu...(Okay, I'm broke alright?!?)...I had to reschedule for August 20th. The photographer was cool about it, and since he shoots digitally, I think the turnaround time should be fairly quick. I think in the meantime, I will scrape together the change to have my Demo Reel redone and upload a clip of it on Actors Access and LA Casting. Several friends of mine who have done this say they are really seeing a noticeable increase in the amount of auditions they're getting, so I figure I might as well give it a shot!

I got a call yesterday from Carol H. Williams, they are the Ad Agency that I did the Pantene VO spot for a couple of months ago, they are finally putting my copy of the spot in the mail! YES! So a new VO Reel will be coming soon too.

I got an e-mail today from a newspaper journalist who'd like to write an article about me! Cool huh? That'll be the 2nd article for the press kit that I have in the works. (I'll post it as soon as I get a copy.) If you haven't seen the 1st article, then check out the NEWS page of my website for the link. The 3rd press kit entry will be the Actor's Book I mentioned a while back, the author is still working on that one, so it'll probably be a little while before I can post it.

I also got a call today from my Theatrical Agency saying they were running low on headshots and resumes. That's always a good sign right?...

Last Saturday my STRONG MEDICINE appearance re-aired, and this Sunday my GREY’S ANATOMY appearance will re-air.

So, although I'm not auditioning right now, I'm still keeping pretty busy, so it's all good.

I'm praying for a busy FALL SEASON!

Peace and Hair Grease...

Could it be any hotter?

It's Monday, again!...Wow, the dog days of summer are soaring by to me, and boy is it hot here in L.A.! I couldn't drink enough water, or take enough catnaps this past weekend.

So, last Thursday afternoon, I attended SAG's Liferaft Seminar: Commercial 101 with SAG's Commercials Dept at the SAG building. Once I got there, I was a little frustrated that it was ONLY going to be about commercial contracts and such, (I guess I should have read the description a little closer), but after sitting there for a few minutes, I decided the seminar was definitely worth my while. Even after doing commercials in the past, I didn't know a lot of the things they discussed, and some of what I DID KNOW had changed slightly since the last time I booked a commercial.

I also started Yoga again over the weekend, as part of my new workout routine. I've been doing Yoga on and off for the last 7 years, so it's always fun to jump into a class whenever I have the time. I've only been working out hardcore for a couple of weeks now, but I've already noticed a significant difference. I'm happy!...

Gotta get ready for those new headshots...:)...

The Drought has Ended!....

VO Audition - 7/20/05 - CHEVY COBALT

So I finally got my copy of STRONG MEDICINE yesterday, and I think I did a fairly good job! It's a rare feeling, but I think I might actually be proud of myself...:)...(My hair did look awful though, so I agree with my sisters about that.)

I talked to Kristene (my theatrical agent) this past Monday, and she's going to put a call in to the STRONG MEDICINE people to find out if they intend to bring me back this season. When I booked it a couple of months ago, I was told it was a "co-star w/a possibility of reoccurring," and I heard through a friend (see post below) that they'd been "talking about me," so hopefully I'll get the call soon! I'm wondering if I should send them a gift basket or something? As a little incentive...

I also got wind yesterday that GREY’S ANATOMY has started production of their new season, so again, hopefully, they'll remember me too, and bring me back. One of the episodes that I recorded earlier this year hasn't aired yet (and it won't until Season 2) so since my face has already crossed over into the new season...ya never know...Pray with me!

Another thing I did on Monday, was that I met with the photographer who will be taking my new slew of headshots. His name is Daniel Chapman, and I think that he takes some of the most beautiful color headshots I've ever seen! Just gorgeous. He has worked with some real heavy hitters in the entertainment industry, and did a fabulous job for them, so I'm hoping that he'll do the same with me. He shoots with a digital camera, which is an added bonus, because we can check out the photos as we go along. I am scheduled to shoot with him on August 6th.

So, now that I have my STRONG MEDICINE tape, I have all of the clips I need to start work on my new demo reel. After my new headshots, my demo and vo reels will be the next things that I'll conquer.

Wow, I'm quickly realizing that the longer I stay in this industry, the more and more expensive it is getting! With the technology that we have today, actor's have to pay a pretty penny to stay ahead of the game! I'm still confused as to how I manage to stay caught up. I am so broke!

Food for Thought

I love to read Marilyn's column every week, because it helps me to think "outside the box," and I learn some really cool facts along the way. But when I read this question, it made me think even harder. It got me to thinking about all of my dreams and ambitions, and whether or not striving to be a successful actor one day was a selfish and shallow goal. Would my work really become a valuable contribution to society, or would my high esteem only come from the work I do on screen, and the money I have in the bank?

I am glad that Marilyn emphasized that it is actually the WORK of others that is valued more than an actors (which is true) rather than their actual overall contribution to society. Actors have the ability to reach millions and millions of people, so they can, and do, have just as much impact on society. Whether good or bad. So, the question is...what are they doing with their celebrity?

After thinking about this for a while, I have decided that I intend to be the exception to this readers question. I certainly plan to use my celebrity as a means to help others. I was watching the BET 2005 Awards the other day (yes, I finally got cable!) and Mr. & Mrs. Denzel Washington were given a Humanitarian Award for all that they do for the community. I plan to do just the same. I want to be remembered as someone who used my God given talent to do what I love to do, AND to make a difference.

It's all Good!

Still no auditions on the horizon, but I'm feeling good! I'm back in the gym, and I'm gearing up for the Fall 2005 Season.

As for my hair, I got it braided on Saturday, and I'm really loving it! I'm so flattered. I can't count how many compliments I've gotten in the last 2 days. It was tough though, the braids took 13.5 hours of non stop braiding to do, but so far, they seem well worth it. I can't wait to take my new headshots!

Last week I got word that the short film I did BROOKLYN'S BRIDGE TO JORDAN, will be screening at the DGA and at USC later this year. In addition, two of my most recent tv appearances will be re-airing this summer. So if you missed them the first time, please show your support and tune in! (You can find more information on the home page of my website.)

P.S. My new bio's up! I love it, it's short, sweet, and to the point. Send me an e-mail, and let me know what you think.

Is it okay to wallow in Self Pity?

I am looking forward to the long weekend, but can I please say that I am officially bummed. (Just to get it off my chest.) I have cleared week three with no auditions. Not one. All I know is, for my next audition, I am going to kick some major butt. I will be the perfect one for the role!

It's funny, when I go for a long time without an audition, I'm kind of like a JACK-IN-THE-BOX. I get really giddy, and I start wringing my hands together (a habit I inherited from my mom), and I sweat with anticipation. I start thinking: "What can I possibly do to get an audition, any audition. Soon!" Do you think the adrenaline rush of an audition is kind of like a drug for me? Weird. I hadn't thought about that before, but it's probably true.

Anyway, as a result, for the last few weeks I've been to many, many actors sites and online groups, to see what I can submit myself on, or at the very least, get a glimpse of what I'M NOT being called in for. I also look around the www to see what my peers are up to. Maybe one day I'll update my links page on my web site to include all of the places I frequent. (Which, by the way, includes other actors blogs that I use as motivation.)

What I did manage to accomplish this week is the re-write of my BIO, with the help of my sister-in-law (and soon to be manager...:)...) Genny, and a close friend of mine (and soon to be publicist...:)...) Cody. I hope to post it on my web site, and IMDB very soon. I am also going to use it in a book about actors I was approached about being a part of. (I will provide more information about that later.) Look out for my new bio, and let me know what you think.

FYI...I'm still working on picking up my copy of the STRONG MEDICINE tape so that I can critique it. Last time I went there to pick up a tape, it took me 3 hours round trip, so I've kind of been putting it off. I think I'll have them mail it to me this time.

Well, until next time.

Have a Happy Fourth, be safe!