Keeping It Reel: An Actor's Blog

TAKING THE NEXT STEP understanding the value of a talent agent Speakers/Agents: Alexander White Kecia Michelle Russell Wiggs Susan G. Reid Susan Tolar Wallers Samantha Stoller Terri Dollar Event Hosted by Erica Arvold Today I was present at a panel discussion at The Byrd Theater here in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia. The discussion, Taking The Next Step: Understanding The Value of A Talent Agent , was produced and hosted by the amazing team of Arvold.  Arvold is a Charlottesville-based company helmed by casting director Erica Arvold. Erica and her talented, passionate team are an amazing group dedicated to making this industry more accessible and the people in it better through many educational opportunities like today.  If you go to the Arvold Casting website there is a pop-up with this quote:  “We love film.  We love actors.  We love collaborating.  What better job could we have?” Notice the word ‘love’ used several ti...

January 27, 2015 Director: “You ever thought of shaving your head?” Me: “Excuse me?” Director: “For a part? Would you shave your head for a part?” Me: “Gosh. I’ve never been asked that question before. I mean…I’ve never thought about it.” Director: “Well, while you’re thinking on it, think about growing a really big beard too. It’s for a big part. Let me know.” Me: “I will. And thank you .” Up until now, as an actor, I’ve never been asked by a director or casting director if I would alter my appearance-so drastically-for a part. And Brother! I mean drastically ! There are many positives to this question being posed to me. First off, I wouldn’t have to audition. The part is mine if I want it. Secondly, I was asked by the director of the project. Thirdly, I would be playing the main character. This would be the biggest part I would have played in my career up to this point. I would have more lines, more camera time than ever before. As an actor, right then and there, tha...

January 23, 2015         Well, I’m doing it to myself again. Just when I thought I had moved past such behavior. I’m right back where I started. I’m agonizing over an audition. Agonizing might be too strong a word. Obsessing . Yeah. That’s much better. I am obsessing over an audition I recently submitted.  I’m sitting here checking my phone for emails or missed calls.  I hate this me. I’m neurotic and pouty and nervous and queasy. This must be how Nicholas Cage feels talking to his agent these days. Then again, he’s working pretty regularly. Not turning anything down will result in you working pretty regularly.  Nick. It’s okay to say ‘no’ every now and then. Really. It is.  In my defense, the production I auditioned for is pretty big for several reasons.  The biggest, and most exciting, aspect for me in regards to this production is that it would be my first feature film. To date, feature films have been like Bigfoot to...