January 04, 2011 10:34 PM
I've got hunger pains...
For the past several years I have been less aggressive with my theatrical (on-camera) career. About ten years ago, I met a woman, fell in love. I was 26 and very much in transition. I was working a lot, theatrically, but I felt as if I wasn't being sent out for the more challenging roles. Admittedly, I got a 'tude about it and out of frustration, decided to focus completely on my voice over career. You see, voice over is a different beast. My competitors are less threatening, the circuit is small; you end up working a lot for the same people. The very nature of voice over is casual and fun. I could show up in my pajamas if I wanted (never done it...but I should). I was confused and done with the theatrical race, and removed myself until I could fall in love with it again.
At least four or five times a year I would get cold calls from casting directors to come in and read for a project. That always felt good. It reminded me that maybe there was still a place for me...waiting. I even managed to book a few jobs here and there. "Fun With Dick and Jane" was a last minute gig. It was nearly 7PM and I was on my way to a screening of a friend's film when out of the blue I was asked if I would like to work with Jim Carrey...like right then. Got two nights of work for just being an idea. Years later, pal and fellow short-actor, David Faustino recommended me for a co-star role in an independent flick he was doing with Jason Mewes and Corin Nemec. It was modest pay, but I got to be on a set for two weeks and I had blast! I booked two episodes of the television series, "Shark" with James Woods, thanks to a casting director call. Being on set, in a studio, on location, fueled me. I realized that I belonged in that facet of the entertainment biz.
I decided to reflect back on what was so challenging for me before I skipped out on theatrical. Sit coms, though fantastic fun, can create bad habits. Always going for the joke. Antics. Mugging, unrealistic reactions/expressions. It was no wonder I wasn't booking one hour dramas that I knew I'd be perfect for, like Dawson's Creek, or 90210...I was a clown. A sidekick. That was how my agents were marketing me. I realized then, like in any commerce, being an actor is being a product. I had to evaluate my strengths and my weaknesses, my selling points, my 'brand'. Though I consider myself quite versatile, my body of work at the time reflected that not.
Shortly thereafter, I enrolled in the Steve Eastin Studio. Eastin teaches the Charles Conrad method. Out of all the acting schools I checked out, this one resonated with me the most. It teaches stillness, being in the moment, acting with longing. It shed me of my habits and created a hunger like never before. I fell in love with acting again and I wanted to get back into the competition to try out my chops... Easier said than done.
After being turned down for several meetings from agents, I had to pause again. My anxiousness for representation had me seeking out during our most dreaded of financial crisis. Even Spielberg couldn't get a picture made...it was that bad. No one was taking on new talent. I had to be a 'sure thing'. And I can't blame those agents for not getting excited to see me...really, what had I done lately besides animation and video game fare? I had to let the dust settle...then I would try again.
I continued training, continued living life, being a husband and a father. I shed layers, built this website, and now it's time to try again. This year I will aggressively pursue my return to on camera. I'm hoping that this website reflects a 'product' that no one can do without. I want people to know that I've been around for a long time, I've worked with tremendous talent in high profile projects, gaining nothing but experience, enthusiasm, and dedication and that taking a meeting with me would not be a waste of time.
I will find that someone who sees all that and believes in me enough to get me out there into the competition.
To be continued...
Comment from Karl - 1/29/11 4:02 AM
Even though you probably wont read this...
Best of luck with Blue Like Jazz, hopefully that will answer your new years resolution, and bring some more really good work with it.
I enjoy reading your blogs and hope to hear more soon.
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Comment from Mark - 2/01/11 6:59 PM
I am glad you are getting back into acting. I am watching High Hopes right now, and with all due respect to the rest of the guys, you are stealing EVERY scene you are in. Hope to see you a lot more in the coming years.