Success Is In Your Hand

One year again I started a journey. One of which I questioned down to the last moment.   I decided to return to school to get my M.S in Entertainment Business.  I already have an M.A. in Organizational Management, so of course I questioned the purpose of me getting another degree.  I knew that the program was for me, but I questioned the investment, and whether or not I would succeed because it was an online program.  But I understood, that sometimes we have to take a leap of faith understanding that if it is His will for your life then he will guide and protect you through the journey.

Well, let’s fast forward. Today I am completing the program at Full Sail University.  It was definitely a journey I would not trade in for this world.  The program taught me a lot about the entertainment business, and a lot about myself.   I have also made great new friends and contacts in the industry and I look forward to working with them some day.

In order to achieve success, you have to push yourself.  Know that anything worth having is worth working for.  There may be obstacles in the way but you have to choose to move pass them or find a way around them.  Just understand that giving up is not an option.   You must also understand that sometimes the plan may not happen the way you want or expect it to.  On must know that what God has for you is for you, no matter what others may think.

I am passionate about arts and entertainment, acting to be more specific.   I understand this is where my success lies.  This journey in this industry has definitely strengthened me.  There are many times I wanted to walk away, but I understand that that is not an option.  When you see those who admire and look up to you expecting great things from you, it cause you to push that much harder to climb the hill of success.

I know that my life is beyond me.   This is for all those who are attached to me.   They will understand that success does not come easy but does come to those who believe and persevere. My legacy will be one of inspiration to many.  

I say to all my acting and entertainment friends continue to push!  Success is in your hand.

The Valuable Actor

Do you know your value?  Do you truly understand the value of your gifts and talents?   As actors we are constantly faced with rejection.   In this industry you will receive many more no’s than yes’s. In this case what do you do? How do you stay inspired?   The answer is simple, “Know your worth!”.  Just because you are rejected your value doesn’t change.   You must continue to push forward until you reach your goals and dreams.

           

Many times I find myself questioning my value.  I constantly ask myself, am I as good as I think I am?  Am I as good as my friends that I am?  I have been on this journey pursuing acting full time for three long years.  Has this pursuit been easy? Definitely nor, but it has definitely taught me many life lessons. 

·      1. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.

·     2. If you stop at one failure you will never know if success was next

·     3. Sometime to get what you want, you have to step out of your comfort zone.

·      4.When faced with rejection, know that other opportunities will come.

·      5.You will never taste successful, if you keep chewing on my failures.

To my fellow actors, keep pushing.  Your day will come. Then the question becomes “Are you prepared?”  In listening to casting director Twinkie Byrd.   She said she loves giving actors opportunities, but when given the opportunity she expects you to be prepared.   So I would say as you continue to pursue acting, continue to prepare. Preparation is key.   Even though, you do not land all your auditions continue to prepare and hone your gifts, you never know when your golden opportunity will come.   Most importantly know your worth.  Know that though you may not get a role, it does not speak to value of your talents.  Your worth never changes. 

Success in Business

            Launching a business in the entertainment industry is not an easy task.   There are so many competitors and not only are there competitors but there are companies out there that have less than standard business practices.   With having to research competitors and understand which businesses are legitimate it is hard for potential clients to choose.

            My desire is that my business stands out from the rest. MMA Talent Management Services will be a business that actors flock to because of the professionalism and care for our clients.   In creating my business plan and researching other successful entrepreneurs I have learned some vital keys that will help with the success of MMA. 

1.     Your business logo should be simple and sleek.  Your logo is the first thing that people see. It is what usually determines whether or not a potential client will do more research to see if they want to do business with you.

2.     Your slogan must be unique and catchy.   Your slogan sells your business. It should sum up what you the major goal of your company is in a unique.  Your slogan should make your clients say I want to be a part of that company.

3.     Have a great business. Your business plan is vital to the success of your business.  A great business plan is well mapped out and gives a detailed overview of your company and what steps you plan to take to ensure the company’s success.

4.     Passion about your business.   To ensure success of your business one must have passion.   Passion means your believe in the product and are willing to take all necessary steps to ensure the success of your company and clients.

MMA will have all of these things upon launching.   Our unique services and services and quality of service will have actors flocking to our business.  MMA’s stance on integrity and morality will give actors of faith a home to grow and be encourage while pursuing their acting career. 

Pursuing your Passion

How much are you willing to endure to pursue your passion and achieve your goals.   Each day as actors we are bombarded with many naysayers who believe we should quit and get “a real job”.    In their mind we are in pursuit of a childhood fantasy, and they never stop to realize that the actors they see in their favorite movies, were once in our shoes.   So the question becomes how important is it to you, and what are you will to endure to reach your goal?

This became a reality to me recently as I wanted to just walk away.    No one enjoys struggling.   Not knowing when your day is coming is not an easy pill to swallow.  But I realized that if I quit, I give others the victory.  Quitting for me is not an option.  As I began to reaffirm to myself that my day will come, I was invited to attend the OmegaKayne Intensive Acting Class.  This is where reality sat in for me.  Through this class I realized how bad I really wanted to be an actor.

This class for me was a game changer.   My mental definitely met my physical.  It was nothing like I had every experienced.    As we recited our material in the assigned dialect, our bodies were pushed to the limit.  The monologues were life-changing affirmations.    I began to understand that wanting it was not enough, but I had to be bold and go get it.   Act like I deserve the opportunity more than the next person.   It is about leaving an impression.

I was in search of someone who was going to stretch me, who was going to be brutally honest with me and push me beyond my limits. This class is where I found it. I would suggest this class for any actor who is serious about their craft. You must definitely be willing to be challenged.   If you are not ready to be told the truth then this is not for you. 


My Advice:
1. Seek out a class where you will be challenge.   
2. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will push you to be your best.  
3. Embrace the idea that "Quitters Never Win". 


If you are an Atlanta actor and would like more information on OmegaKayne's class email inquiries to omegakayneintensive@gmail.com 



Me reciting I AM in a South African Dialect 




Jenna Fischer’s Advice To Actors

Video Submission: Submitting the best you!

            Have you ever had an audition that required video submission?   I am sure many of you have.   With technology constantly growing more and more we are required to do video submissions as opposed to walking into an audition. So one can conclude that if this is the current trend, then we as actors should learn how to sell ourselves via video submissions.  There are things that you can do to increase your chances of landing the role or being asked in.  One just must understand how to properly record a video submission.

            By doing video submissions you have the opportunity to send in the best possible audition.  You can tape your submission multiple times to get the one that shows you best.  Make sure you know your lines and are not holding the sides.  By doing a video submission you have a greater opportunity to build your character.  Here are some additional tips to help you create a great video submission.

 Don’t:

1.     Film in a busy background, ie. Outside, in your kitchen, in the bathroom. The only time you want to use on location shots is in case of reality show audition, where you are asked to show your life.

2.     Film in a place with lots of background noise.  You will be amazed at what microphones pick up

3.     Create a video with props.  It’s all about you.

4.     Use your cell phone.   Yes there are phones that are creating great quality videos, but try to avoid using a cell phone if at all possible

5.     Include other people.  The director wants to see you and you only.

Do:

1.     Use a plain background. A plain wall will do just fine. If you like you can do a blue, black, or green plain background.

2.     Do a few takes to see what kind of background noise is being picked up.  You also want to see if you can be heard clearly.

3.     Make sure your reader, reads softly.

4.     Your video is still and it is cropped so that your faced can be seen clearly.

5.     If you must use an i-phone make sure you videotape if from a landscape point of  view, to avoid your video being narrow.

Here is a video submission that I did May, 2011.

Diversify

As an actor, I like many others are still waiting for that dream role.  Unless you’re one of the few, most of us will not ever achieve this dream.  I know it’s depressing but it is reality.  There are so many actors in the world, and not nearly as many opportunities.   So how do we over come this barrier?

One of the easiest ways is to create it for our self.   We must embark upon writing and producing our own materiel to present to our audience.   If you’re anything like me I am not much for writing.   I made a vow to myself that I would keep a sane estimate of my abilities. In doing so I know that writing is not my forte, but I love directing and producing.

Sure I have great ideas for scripts, but how do I get them written.    The answer to that is to write down your ideas and find writers who want to write the story.   This is where collaboration comes in.  In the entertainment business, it is not always what you know, but who you know.   That is why it is important to build relationships with individuals in every arena of the business. 

As an actor you must be versed in more than one part of the business.  That is why many actors turn, to other areas in the business to supplement their career.   Many actors are now writers, directors, producers, teachers etc.  So as you grow your career as an actor I advise you to expand your versatility, not just as actor, but as a person in the entertainment industry.  An actor only focuses on acting but a person in the entertainment industry understands all facets of the industry.  So my tip is:  DON’T SIT AND WAIT, GO OUT AND CREATE.

Below are some great articles I read about famous actors who have become directors and producers.

http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/gallery/directingactors/

http://www.examiner.com/acting-in-national/thirtysomething-actors-keep-moving-act-produce-direct

http://www.photoplayerhater.com/actors-who-made-movie

Are You Getting In Your Own Way?

 Dear Sir or Madame:

 I am in search of representation. I do not have much experience, but I know that I have the talent to book jobs.

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please publish my screenplay because I know that this story is awesome. I began writing it when I was 15 and my mother said it was great.

            Many people do not understand the importance of a cover letter.  Your cover letter is your sales pitch. It is what makes an agent want to bring you in and learn more about you.  Often people kill their efforts before they get started simply by having a lack luster cover letter. As artist our goal is to find someone to represent us.  We go through the painstaking process of mailing out packages in hopes of finding someone who will take an interest in us.

            Wouldn’t it be a shame to waist all that time and money never to get a response all because we could not sell ourselves in a cover letter? Your cover letter is your first impression. And as your mother always said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.  So I would suggest spending just as much time on your cover letter as you put into your resume or screenplay.  Do the research. Understand what makes a cover letter great.

             Due to technology many times we are submitting electronically, but some submissions still require snail mail.  But whether submitting electronically or standard mailing make sure that your cover letter is sparking. 

·      Make sure it highlights the positive, and why and agent would want to invest in you.

·      Have friend proof it for you. 

·      Ask yourself, if I were reading this letter would I be interested in it.

http://www.backstage.com/bso/reviews-movie-tv-reviews/secret-agent-man-on-actors-blind-submission-1006402952.story

http://www.articlesbase.com/publishing-articles/the-importance-of-writing-a-good-query-letter-2652620.html

The Importance of Intellectual Property

    In the entertainment industry there's alway topic pertaining to intellectual property (IP).  Many times companies engage in suits because of copyright infringement.  Laws are in place to protect companies from infringement. Companies want to protect their name and their things unique to their company, so that they protect their profit and company image. The are many lawsuit currently in the judicial system due to piracy.   Companies are trying to find way to curb piracy and protect their assets. In this blog I will look at three specific cases dealing with IP infringement in the film and television industry.

 I. Currently there are major television and film studios filing suite against Limewire due to infringement.   Limewire recently settled a suite with major music companies to the tune of $105 million,  due to infringement.   The suite claims that Limewire allowed movies and videos to be illegally downloaded. When videos and movies are illegally downloaded, company lose potential profits.   The complaint cites more than 2,000 television shows and movies that were infringed by Lime Wire users, including episodes of "SpongeBob SquarePants," "South Park," "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost," as well as movies such as "Harry Potter," "Stardust" and "The Dark Knight,"(Leonhardt, 2012).

  II.  Hurt Locker has also been the subject of many law suites due to illegal file sharing.   Currently there are law suites in the US and Canada.   Canadians stand to lose more because they have tougher laws than the US. In Canada they can pay up to $20,000 for copyright infringement.  Though this would look like a win for movie producers, they still lose because the laws do little to protect companies from copyright infringement. 

III. Lastly there is currently a British gentleman waiting extraction to the US to face copyright infringement charges.  The charges allege that he created a website that directed people to illegal download sites.  23 year college student  Richard O'Dwyer said"he undertook TV Shack as a project to improve his skills and job marketability." According to the Deadline Team "No British citizen has ever been extradited to the United States for a copyright offense".  

   
    As you can see the film industry is trying to take necessary steps to make sure that their works or protected.  Copyright infringement not only hurts filmmakers it hurts you and I as actors also.  When movies are pirated it takes away from our residual income.   So I applaud the film industry for trying to take steps to put an end to piracy and copyright infringement.

    

The Importance of Knowing Your Craft

Many people are self-proclaimed actors.  When asked where did or do you study.  Many will say “I don’t I just get on stage and do it”. My response to that is, imagine how much better you would be if you actually studied and understood the craft of acting. People assume that acting is just getting on the stage or getting behind the camera and role playing, but it is not.   It is so much more. It is an emotionally journey that must be traveled with care, so that the actor can safely return to his/her originally emotional state. Deep right?! I know! That is why as actors we must seek out classes that offer us a safe place so that we hone our gifts.

For believability and actor must really be in the moment at all times.   In class you learn how to be in the moment.   Sometimes our character requires us to go an angry place, in going there we have to pull on past experiences that will take us to that emotional state.  Studying in a safe place allows you to go there, but your instructors also know how to bring you back.  This is very important because sometimes as actors we must learn how to shake off those emotion or because we can bring those emotions into our personal life and it can affect those close to us.

Also in knowing your craft you must understand the different acting methods and know what works best for you.   There are also exercises that actors do to help with voice, diction, concentration, and connecting with other actors.   All of these things help you grow as actor. I am a strong advocate for education, it brings out the best in you, or it lets you know if you are not cut out for this.   So my suggestion is to research acting classes in your area.   See you can audit before you sign up, because all classes are not created equal. Find a class that works for you and will nurture your growth as actor.

Are You Ready For A Manager?

      

 You're an actor, so are many other people.   What makes you stand out?   What put you above the rest?   Just because you are talented does not necessarily mean you are marketable.   As an actor you have to understand your niche.    Are you a leading actor or a character actor?   Once you understand which one you are this will help you better market yourself.    

       As an actor have you thought long term?   Everyone wants to make it, but making it requires a lot of you, because your life is no longer your own.   As hard as many actors try, it is almost impossible to have a private life.   Everything you do is under scrutiny.    That is why it is imperative to map out your career and assess many aspects of your life early on. 

      With a great manager on your side these are things that they will be able to help you address.   A great manager helps you highlight your strengths.  They market you according to your strength.   They also understand your direction and where you are trying to take your career.   They are very helpful in providing information to get you in that direction.  Their job is to help take your career to the next level and to help you produce longevity in your career.  

   Do all actors need managers?  The correct answer is no.  Most actors will only have agents through out their careers.   But those who have long-standing careers and see their career as a business will want to employ the help of a reputable agent.   According to SAG, "Managers are neither franchised nor regulated by Screen Actors Guild. And they are rarely regulated by state law."

     My advice is to weigh all your options before getting and choosing a manager.  In choosing a manager make sure it is someone you trust and has a reputable reputation.   Lastly make sure it is someone who has  your best interest in mind and is just as committed to your career as you are.