The Dangers of Acting!

Caution: This blog entry contains phrases of violent action, stupid actors and contractual red-tape. You have been warned!

Hello Readers!

So, I came up with this blog title when I was lounging with some friends who were visiting in their very swanky hotel room. It was really in reference to one event and a subsequent event, but then I realized it covered many of the things I encountered this week in the world of acting.

This week began on Thursday morning, after I had gotten back from my escape visit to Gainesville. I had an audition for a CGI film that was to be a children's show short. I was led to a room where for the first time I saw that enormous green wall you always see in the behind-the-scenes extras for things like Pirates of the Caribbean or Harry Potter. Anyway, the voice over and first take of the scene went well. Actually the director has something wonderful to say, which I still chuckle at, which was, "You really brought something different to it, that I hadn't thought of. You made me laugh which, (pregnant pause where he kind of looks inside himself), I guess is exactly what you are supposed to do." At this point, I think, well that means I've got the job in the bag (not so, I haven't heard from them since.) Then, they asked for a second take, and that is where danger struck. As I was "acting", I "overacted" and tripped myself, fell, resulting in injury I found later on when I took my pants off....at home....that's not how I get roles thank you very much. However, (this is the important part, so novice entertainers listen in), I kept acting and pretended to have planned the whole thing. When asked later by one of the producers if I was okay, I told him I was a trained faller. This injury proved to be fatal when at my first improv show* I was fake punched and hit the knee again, making me bleed the rest of the performance - and on my nice pants!

The more figurative, and less tactile, but as real, dangers of acting came when I was sent to a call for a music video for a Finnish music group (don't ask). Here is a warning to all who read to always be on your game when you have a person you've never audition with auditioning with you. Bring it, especially if the other people are in the mind set that this is going to be their big break getting discovered in a FINNISH MUSIC VIDEO!!!! COME ON PEOPLE!!! Okay, had to get that out. Since I don't want to make this too long of a post, basically I had a 40/50 year old telling me he was auditioning for the younger hero part and I was the scientist even though the receptionist told us differently. Done. At least I brought a parka to match the part. (If you would like more info on this, comment and I'll tell you.)

Lastly, a true danger of the entertainment industry: contracts. Make sure to get them. Make sure to read them carefully, and make sure to get everyone to sign them. I haven't been screwed yet, but some people are on their last string with me and need to get me my contract before I throw a diva fit. I'm not going to get canned and screwed out of money, so stop dawdling and get it to me. To my readers, and I'm most likely preaching to the choir, before you rehearse, do a read-thru, have a costume fitting, etc. GET THE CONTRACT and MAKE SURE ITS SIGNED. That is all.

Well, that's about it. I have some auditions coming up in the long run for some really cool stuff and I'll let you know later when it gets closer.

Typecasted wants to know what was your biggest danger in the acting world? Who's got some good stuff out there? ;)

*I got into the improv troupe! It's sooo much fun, and I have a call back with their sketch comedy group, which will be performing at the Orlando Fringe Festival, so double yay!