"Do you like to build people, or do you like to build things?"
That question, asked by Craig Fryar of Online Alchemy, was the biggest thing that struck me from today's "Austin Video Game Industry" conference.
I know the answer to that.
I like to build people.
It's why I manage. It's why I act. It's why I game with other people.
I decided kind of last minute to go, and there's more I got out of the brief conference/workshop (I'm skipping the latter part of it), but I'll write about that separately in my video game blog.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
I had a table read tonight for this weekend's film project, Where's Claire.
This is an innovative, intriguing project, and gives the chance to play a couple of extremes, and is sort of related to my video game interests.
Plus, it's with a bunch of the folks with whom I worked on the Austin Film Festival competition trailer, Write of Passage.
This is an innovative, intriguing project, and gives the chance to play a couple of extremes, and is sort of related to my video game interests.
Plus, it's with a bunch of the folks with whom I worked on the Austin Film Festival competition trailer, Write of Passage.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
I had an audition for a Miller High Life commercial today.
The audition -- and the opportunity -- are interesting, because it was a "show up, get a snapshot, go back to work" kind of audition.
Thing is, it's a SAG National commercial. By default, people who make it are going to be extras for the commercial. Not a great rate for investing a day of shooting.
But, if anyone from the one-day shoot is "recognizable" as an individual, we're automatically upgraded to the SAG National commercial Principal scale -- cha-ching!
More important to me, this is probably another Errol Morris commercial -- and I'd like to get plugged in to projects done by Mr. Morris.
Once again, here's hoping ...
The audition -- and the opportunity -- are interesting, because it was a "show up, get a snapshot, go back to work" kind of audition.
Thing is, it's a SAG National commercial. By default, people who make it are going to be extras for the commercial. Not a great rate for investing a day of shooting.
But, if anyone from the one-day shoot is "recognizable" as an individual, we're automatically upgraded to the SAG National commercial Principal scale -- cha-ching!
More important to me, this is probably another Errol Morris commercial -- and I'd like to get plugged in to projects done by Mr. Morris.
Once again, here's hoping ...
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Getting caught up on videos
I think I'm getting sick. Seriously sick, but I'm hoping it's just a 24-hour bug (I'm an optomist).
since I can't be upright for than a few minutes, and closing my eyes makes me feel like I'm on the blind version of the Teacups ride at Disneyland, I'm getting caught up on videos.
Tonight, I've watched bits from Veggie Tales: The Lord of the Beans (I like their mix of satire and homage); The Big O (first series); Rollergirls (my new, locally inspired reality series guilty pleasure); X-Men (90s cartoon); video game footage; and the 1990s Fantastic Four cartoon series (Oh, Sweet Mercy, who let this thing air? Most. Nauseating. Theme song. Ever. The thing has moments of heart, but the writing and animation were tough to stomache; I seriously stopped halfway through).
Man, I hate being sick ...
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
I'm fascinated by the acting process.
A few days ago, I mentioned my agent got me an audition for a video game company.
I didn't sign an NDA with the company, but I make it a habit not to inappropriately blab any details a potential or actual client hasn't told me I could.
Just know they're casting now, the Xbox 360 is out, and the PlayStation 3 is coming (someday). Hmm ...
The particular role for which I auditioned was the "Bombardier". (Before you start complaining about YAMG (Yet Another Military Game), remember Call of Duty 2 owns 75% of new Xbox 360 owners, and the title showed console and PC owners there's still room for compelling offerings in the genre. Besides, the game audition occurred in a specific setting I haven't seen done yet).
Anyway, this isn't about that -- this is about me trying to figure out my acting process. It's kind of like the Johnny Depp find-pieces-that-work-for-me-for-each-process-and-methodology-I-explore. And explore a lot.
So what was the process?
It was the character description. It was all of the other character descriptions, which told me loads about me, gave me pegs for hanging choices about my character and my place in the pecking order and the way I could run interactions.
There was me going all Memphis Belle on the script, because I'm so keen on the film, the B-17 Flying Fortress, and that portrayal of a bombardier.
I also did my typical several pages of character worksheets, figuring out my wants and needs, codes of conduct, stakes, choices, and a couple dozen other things important to me (and therefore, any character I channel). These scripts are hybrid of stuff I've learned from my film coach Van Brooks, my longtime voice coach Lainie Frasier, and my standby voice acting tome, The Art of Voice Acting, written by James Alburger (with whom I recently started studying).
I even found an aviator's dictionary, so I could break down the air force acronyms and their importance as used in the script.
Then there was the script itself. I re-wrote to the lines -- mine and everybody else's -- to put them in a whole new place in my head.
I pulled all sorts of details -- like the updated, specific model of the plane -- from the script. I researched things like that; its particular strengths and weaknesses, and what it would mean if those were compromised, and how scary that would be to the crew.
I wood shopped all of that info up through the night before the audition, then put it away.
The day of the audition, I borrowed a bomber jacket from a guy who served in the air force. I showed up for the audition with the game's creative director and the casting director, and the former said, "perfect jacket."
Look the part. Be the part.
A lot of work? Hell yeah. Worth it? Hell yeah!
I enjoyed the audition. I feel good about it.
I may not get it. Maybe they won't like my sound. Maybe they won't like my look (seriously, voice talent lose gigs for looks). Maybe I had an off day. Maybe they think I tried to hard. Maybe I over prepared.
Maybe I will get it.
Doesn't matter. Like a small business owner who has got to at least put in the effort to draft an initial business plan, for me -- where I am now -- I need to do this much homework, knowing I may not get the part.
And the process, the playing, is hard. Really hard. But it's rewarding.
And that's my current acting process, which I'm still trying to figure out.
Who knows -- I may actually get the gig.
A few days ago, I mentioned my agent got me an audition for a video game company.
I didn't sign an NDA with the company, but I make it a habit not to inappropriately blab any details a potential or actual client hasn't told me I could.
Just know they're casting now, the Xbox 360 is out, and the PlayStation 3 is coming (someday). Hmm ...
The particular role for which I auditioned was the "Bombardier". (Before you start complaining about YAMG (Yet Another Military Game), remember Call of Duty 2 owns 75% of new Xbox 360 owners, and the title showed console and PC owners there's still room for compelling offerings in the genre. Besides, the game audition occurred in a specific setting I haven't seen done yet).
Anyway, this isn't about that -- this is about me trying to figure out my acting process. It's kind of like the Johnny Depp find-pieces-that-work-for-me-for-each-process-and-methodology-I-explore. And explore a lot.
So what was the process?
It was the character description. It was all of the other character descriptions, which told me loads about me, gave me pegs for hanging choices about my character and my place in the pecking order and the way I could run interactions.
There was me going all Memphis Belle on the script, because I'm so keen on the film, the B-17 Flying Fortress, and that portrayal of a bombardier.
I also did my typical several pages of character worksheets, figuring out my wants and needs, codes of conduct, stakes, choices, and a couple dozen other things important to me (and therefore, any character I channel). These scripts are hybrid of stuff I've learned from my film coach Van Brooks, my longtime voice coach Lainie Frasier, and my standby voice acting tome, The Art of Voice Acting, written by James Alburger (with whom I recently started studying).
I even found an aviator's dictionary, so I could break down the air force acronyms and their importance as used in the script.
Then there was the script itself. I re-wrote to the lines -- mine and everybody else's -- to put them in a whole new place in my head.
I pulled all sorts of details -- like the updated, specific model of the plane -- from the script. I researched things like that; its particular strengths and weaknesses, and what it would mean if those were compromised, and how scary that would be to the crew.
I wood shopped all of that info up through the night before the audition, then put it away.
The day of the audition, I borrowed a bomber jacket from a guy who served in the air force. I showed up for the audition with the game's creative director and the casting director, and the former said, "perfect jacket."
Look the part. Be the part.
A lot of work? Hell yeah. Worth it? Hell yeah!
I enjoyed the audition. I feel good about it.
I may not get it. Maybe they won't like my sound. Maybe they won't like my look (seriously, voice talent lose gigs for looks). Maybe I had an off day. Maybe they think I tried to hard. Maybe I over prepared.
Maybe I will get it.
Doesn't matter. Like a small business owner who has got to at least put in the effort to draft an initial business plan, for me -- where I am now -- I need to do this much homework, knowing I may not get the part.
And the process, the playing, is hard. Really hard. But it's rewarding.
And that's my current acting process, which I'm still trying to figure out.
Who knows -- I may actually get the gig.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Sunday, February 19, 2006
For acting, I find it important to study different types of people.
In the past in this blog, I've mentioned early morning Day After Thanksgiving Shopping as a fantastic opportunity to observe different personality types in semi-extreme situations. But I hate getting up that early in the morning.
This weekend, I found another venue for character study -- gun shops.
The particular store I visited Saturday (McBride's Guns Inc.), was absolutely slammed (evidently there was a minor gun show in town), providing a large variety of people.
Like most gun shops, there was actually a dearth of "stereotypical rednecks" -- but they were there... and entertaining.
There were also business people; Joe Average (and his 10-year-old, General-Jake); and more interesting characters.
There was a guy that looked like a chicano version of one of the goth kids from my high school.
There was a rockstar who was on his mobile telling a friend from out of town he couldn't hook up with him because he had two parties that night, and was currently at the gun shop "playing with guns", while talking to a salesman about buying a $2,000 reproduction 1800s six-shooter, while he popped the cylindar in and out while mashing lips with his girlfriend (dude was talented, if irritating).
There was even an understated, black-trenchcoated counter-culture looking guy, with facial hair, long black hair, tiny black glasses, and looking at the gun we'd come to check out -- a Heckler and Koch (HK) Universal Self-Loading Pistol (USP) Tactical handgun.
Nice gun.
And remember, guns don't kill people. Bullets kill people.
Unless you're pistol-whipped to death. Then, technically, the gun killed you ...
In the past in this blog, I've mentioned early morning Day After Thanksgiving Shopping as a fantastic opportunity to observe different personality types in semi-extreme situations. But I hate getting up that early in the morning.
This weekend, I found another venue for character study -- gun shops.
The particular store I visited Saturday (McBride's Guns Inc.), was absolutely slammed (evidently there was a minor gun show in town), providing a large variety of people.
Like most gun shops, there was actually a dearth of "stereotypical rednecks" -- but they were there... and entertaining.
There were also business people; Joe Average (and his 10-year-old, General-Jake); and more interesting characters.
There was a guy that looked like a chicano version of one of the goth kids from my high school.
There was a rockstar who was on his mobile telling a friend from out of town he couldn't hook up with him because he had two parties that night, and was currently at the gun shop "playing with guns", while talking to a salesman about buying a $2,000 reproduction 1800s six-shooter, while he popped the cylindar in and out while mashing lips with his girlfriend (dude was talented, if irritating).
There was even an understated, black-trenchcoated counter-culture looking guy, with facial hair, long black hair, tiny black glasses, and looking at the gun we'd come to check out -- a Heckler and Koch (HK) Universal Self-Loading Pistol (USP) Tactical handgun.
Nice gun.
And remember, guns don't kill people. Bullets kill people.
Unless you're pistol-whipped to death. Then, technically, the gun killed you ...
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Coolness ...
Ah, tonight it's actually a bit cold for around here -- below 30, and
hanging out on my back porch is an enjoyably brisk reminder of my
aliveness.
I'm sweating. I want winter.
I'm sweating. I want winter.
I was stoked that it was going to be cooler in Austin today -- 30s and 40s
during the day, as opposed to the 80s of earlier this week.
I'm wearing jeans and a favorite, ancient, worn, super heavy Eddie Bauer
sweater (from before they went over-priced yuppie teeney bopper).
Yeah, it's 30-something, but without wind, turns out that's not cold enough
for this Idaho Boy.
*Sigh*
I freaking want real winter weather.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
I made some updates to my professional acting resume.
I added a credit for my voice and on-camera work for "Write of Passage", added my current "Art of Voice Acting" training from James Alburger and Penny Abshire (The Commercial Clinic), and added "firearms" under my "Special Talents" -- since I know how to use 'em, and a recent casting call to which I responded required that kind of skill set (and I realized I didn't have it on my resume).
Check it out here ...
I added a credit for my voice and on-camera work for "Write of Passage", added my current "Art of Voice Acting" training from James Alburger and Penny Abshire (The Commercial Clinic), and added "firearms" under my "Special Talents" -- since I know how to use 'em, and a recent casting call to which I responded required that kind of skill set (and I realized I didn't have it on my resume).
Check it out here ...
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
My agent rocks (VG VO audition) ...
My agent so rocks!
Now, I understand the need for each actor to extol the virtues of their respective agent, but ...
My. Agent. Rocks.
Why?
Because instead of being "just" representation, she's a Partner. And she's a Closer.
I've been keeping tabs on a game company in Austin, because I keep tabs on all game companies in Austin (I like to do voice over for video games). But this particular game company impressed me with their Website, their growth, their completing a game amidst tragedy, etc.
I bought their games. I sent Emails to the general inbox introducing myself.
Then, a friend tells me about a casting call for video game voice over work. I check it out, and it's this company. I hit up the Casting Director, and let her know I'm interested.
I call my agent, and give her all the details. She'd been chatting with this particular Casting Director all week, and she gets me an audition.
Gets. Me. An Audition.
Partner.
Having an agent doesn't mean I get to stop hustling. But having the agent I have lets me bring stuff to the table, and know it won't get ignored.
Once I get to the audition, it's up to me (and the preference of the casting folks).
More about the actual audition in a separate post, but regardless, remember:
My. Agent. Rocks.
I send Valentines to men.
Oh, I send them to women, too, but nobody makes an issue out of that.
I send postcards to current and prospective Biz clients several times a year. It lets me touch base, stay on their radar, and (frankly) gives me an excuse to play.
So here's the postcard I sent this St. Valentine's Day to men (and women):
Honestly, nobody should be jealous about not getting one of these...
Oh, I send them to women, too, but nobody makes an issue out of that.
I send postcards to current and prospective Biz clients several times a year. It lets me touch base, stay on their radar, and (frankly) gives me an excuse to play.
So here's the postcard I sent this St. Valentine's Day to men (and women):
Honestly, nobody should be jealous about not getting one of these...
Monday, February 13, 2006
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Someone who has been hassling me mercilously about the inanity of this Marvel "Mighty Beanz" ... fixation ... bought me 10 more packages from Walgreens (do these things breed over there or something?).
Bought. Them. For. Me.
You don't buy hummingbird food for a diabetic, folks.
That said, I only need 2 Beanz! "Rare" Beanz Colossus and Dr. Doom.
See the below for the history, and further down to see if I met my goal.
Bought. Them. For. Me.
You don't buy hummingbird food for a diabetic, folks.
That said, I only need 2 Beanz! "Rare" Beanz Colossus and Dr. Doom.
See the below for the history, and further down to see if I met my goal.
Sordid History:
And here's the break down of this set:
- Package #42 (Annihilus (repeat #5), Super Skrull (repeat #3, Rare), Bulleye (repeat #3, Uncommon), Iceman (repeat #3), Skrull (repeat #7; I'm building a Skrull army -- watch out, Kree!))
- Package #43 (Colussus! (Rare; X-Men are done!), Bulleye (repeat #4, Uncommon), Kang (repeat #4); Sabretooth (repeat #5), Octopus (repeat #6))
- Package #44 (Magneto (repeat #4, Uncommon), Invisible Woman (repeat #5), Black Bolt (repeat #3, Rare), Beast (repeat #7), Professor X (repeat #6))
- Package #45 (Red Skull (repeat #6, Uncommon); Black Cat (repeat #5, Rare), Professor X (repeat #7), Beast (repeat #8), Invisible Woman (repeat #6))
- Package #46 (Mystique (repeat #3, Uncommon), Octopus (repeat #7), Beast (repeat #9), Dr. Strange (repeat #4, Rare), Iron Man (repeat #5; I noticed earlier the detail on this Beanz -- it even has the shine usually depicted on ol' Shell Head's noggin!))
- Package #47 (Black Bolt (repeat #4, Rare), Giant Man (repeat #7), Invisible Woman (repeat #7), Absorbing Man (repeat #6), Green Goblin (repeat #3, Uncommon))
- Package #48 ((Nightcrawler (Rare; I'd say -- 2 in 48 packages/240 Beanz!), Octopus (repeat #8), Wasp (repeat #2), Mystique (repeat #4, Uncommon), Beast (repeat #10))
- Package #49 (Giant Man (repeat #8), Black Cat (repeat #6, Rare), Peter Parker (repeat #5, Uncommon), Invisible Woman (repeat #8), Mystique (repeat #5, Uncommon))
- Package #50 (Ultron (repeat #2, Rare), Mary Jane (repeat #3, Uncommon), Thing (repeat #6, Uncommon), Jean Grey (repeat #5), Daredevil (repeat #4))
- Package #51 (Spider-Man II (repeat #1, black costume, Rare; 2 in 51 packages/255 Beanz!), Mystique (repeat #6, Uncommon), Captain America (repeat #2, Common), Cyclops (repeat #8), Mary Jane (repeat #4, Uncommon; y'know, even the Mighty Beanz version of MJ is hot ...)
I only got one of my two needed Beanz in this set.
Dr. Doom, where are you?
Right. I have a recent fixation with these Marvel "Mighty Beanz".
After all this, I'm still left with 2 missing Beanz: Two (apparently genuine) Rares (Colossus and Dr. Doom, which would finish the X-Men and Fantastic Four sets, respectively).
So, yes, for those keeping score at home:
I was short 4 Beanz, so I Walgreens and bought a few (15) more packages.
keep in mind I only needed 4 Beanz!
And here's how it netted out:
- Package #27 (All repeats: Jean Grey (repeat #2), Spider-Man (repeat #3), Hawkeye (repeat #1, Uncommon), Peter Parker (repeat #3, Uncommon), DeathStrike (repeat #3)
- Package #28 (Human Torch! (Uncommon, just Dr. Doom to finish the FF set!), Professor X (repeat #5), Dr. Strange (repeat #2, Rare), Red Skull (repeat #2, Uncommon), Skrull (repeat #4))
- Package #29 (Iron Man (repeat #2), Dr. Octopus (repeat #4), Wolverine (repeat #1, Uncommon, yellow duds), Magneto (repeat #3, Uncommon), Black Bolt (repeat #1, Rare)
- Package #30 (Spider-Man (repeat #4), Absorbing Man (repeat #4), Luke Cage (repeat #1, Uncommon), Wolverine II (repeat #1, brown costume, rare), Cyclops (repeat #4))
- Package #31 (Invisible Woman (repeat #3), Iceman (repeat #2), Annihilus (repeat #3), Bulleye (repeat #2, Uncommon), Elektra (repeat #2, Rare; cool to have Bullseye and Elektra in the same package!))
- Package #32 (Skrull (repeat #5), Super Skrull (repeat #1, Rare; cool to have both Skrulls in one package), Thor (repeat #2), Cyclops (repeat #5), Kang (repeat #3))
- Package #33 (Jean Grey (repeat #3), Daredevil (repeat #2), Scarlet Witch (repeat #2), Venom (repeat #2), Human Torch (repeat #1, Uncommon))
- Package #34 (Invisible Woman (repeat #4), Hawkeye (repeat #2, Uncommon), Super Skrull (repeat #2, Rare), Annihilus (repeat #4), Jean Grey (repeat #4))
- Package #35 (Human Torch (repeat #2, Uncommon; oh, now he shows up a bunch!), Daredevil (repeat #3), Gambit (repeat #2, Rare), Vision (repeat #2), Giant Man (repeat #5))
- Package #36 (Iron Man (repeat #3), Dr. Strange (repeat #3, Rare), Absorbing Man (repeat #5), Black Panther (repeat #3), Skrull (repeat #6))
- Package #37 (Thing (repeat #4, Uncommon), Cyclops (repeat #6), Phoenix (repeat #1 Rare; actually rare -- 2 in 37 packages/185 Beanz!), Mary Jane (repeat #2, Uncommon; ditto!), Captain America (repeat #1; supposedly Common, but double ditto!))
- Package #38 (Nightcrawler! Rare! Only Colossus left!), Red Skull (repeat #3, Uncommon), Beast (repeat #5), Giant Man (repeat #6), Mr. Fantastic (repeat #2))
- Package #39 (Wasp (repeat #1), Mr. Fantastic (repeat #3), Peter Parker (repeat #4, Uncommon), Red Skull (repeat #4, Uncommon), Ultron (repeat #1, Rare))
- Package #40 (Iron Man (repeat #4), Dr. Octopus (repeat #5), Beast (repeat #6), Black Bolt (repeat #2, Rare), Red Skull (repeat #5, Uncommon))
- Package #41 (Last package in this set! Fingers crossed! Hulk (repeat #6), Thing (repeat #5, Uncommon), Cyclops (repeat #7), Black Panther (repeat #4), Wolverine II (repeat #2, brown costume, rare))
After all this, I'm still left with 2 missing Beanz: Two (apparently genuine) Rares (Colossus and Dr. Doom, which would finish the X-Men and Fantastic Four sets, respectively).
So, yes, for those keeping score at home:
- Packages bought to date: 41
- Total Mighty Beanz acquired: 405
- Amount spent: $26.05
- Beanz needed before today's set: 4
- Beanz acquired from today's set: 2
- Beanz still needed: 2! Freakin' 2!
- What these things are good for: I still have no idea ...
Someone should probably do an intervention.
I haven't done a Loki update for a while.
For those non-regular readers, here's the quick history -- Loki is my dog, she is sick, I thought she was going to die, and she's "not dead yet."
Loki seems to be doing better now. She's stronger, her tail wags like mad all the time (when she's outside of her crate), and she's got enough strength to be disobedient.
She's had a few trips since my last post -- A bone marrow aspirate visit, which seems to show she does not have cancer (good news/bad news, since they still don't know what she actually has); an emergency trip to re-sew her up after her stitches dissolved from her splenectomy, but before her stomach healed (hey, I'm no veterinarian, but if you're giving a dog a ton of meds you know slow the healing process, might you want to use heavier gauge stitching? She has staples now); and a couple of surgical ophthalmologist visits to sew up and then unsew her third eyelid on her infected left eye (yes, I learned dogs have a third eyelid on each eye; they also have 4 tear ducts; Oh Evolutionist, why did we lose ours?).
She's still blind (I could be her seeing-eye human for up to a year, assuming she ever gets her sight back), but my current worry is Loki's only doing better because she's on a ton of medications. A ton of expensive-ass medications.
No, money alone is not a factor in my decisions about Loki, but let's just say I've put nearly as much into her as I recently put into having my house foundation leveled. And I feel an obligation to be good steward with what I've been given.
And Loki didn't get anything cool out of it. Like lasers. Or an anti-cat rocket tail. Or hydraulic, super-powered jumping legs.
"We can rebuild her."
For a slightly longer history, check out previous posts:
For those non-regular readers, here's the quick history -- Loki is my dog, she is sick, I thought she was going to die, and she's "not dead yet."
Loki seems to be doing better now. She's stronger, her tail wags like mad all the time (when she's outside of her crate), and she's got enough strength to be disobedient.
She's had a few trips since my last post -- A bone marrow aspirate visit, which seems to show she does not have cancer (good news/bad news, since they still don't know what she actually has); an emergency trip to re-sew her up after her stitches dissolved from her splenectomy, but before her stomach healed (hey, I'm no veterinarian, but if you're giving a dog a ton of meds you know slow the healing process, might you want to use heavier gauge stitching? She has staples now); and a couple of surgical ophthalmologist visits to sew up and then unsew her third eyelid on her infected left eye (yes, I learned dogs have a third eyelid on each eye; they also have 4 tear ducts; Oh Evolutionist, why did we lose ours?).
She's still blind (I could be her seeing-eye human for up to a year, assuming she ever gets her sight back), but my current worry is Loki's only doing better because she's on a ton of medications. A ton of expensive-ass medications.
No, money alone is not a factor in my decisions about Loki, but let's just say I've put nearly as much into her as I recently put into having my house foundation leveled. And I feel an obligation to be good steward with what I've been given.
And Loki didn't get anything cool out of it. Like lasers. Or an anti-cat rocket tail. Or hydraulic, super-powered jumping legs.
"We can rebuild her."
For a slightly longer history, check out previous posts:
Friday, February 10, 2006
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Yesterday was a good day.
Within the space of 12 hours, I auditioned for a print ad (Dell), had my weekly voice acting class with "on mic" time and coaching (a la The Commercial Clinic), received an unsolicited script and a request to audition for the lead role (which I need to wait to review until after I finish reviewing another script that was dropped in my lap this week), had dinner and hung out with a good buddy who also happens to be a talented actor, then went home and did thank you cards for recent Biz contacts.
Yesterday was a good day.
Come to think of it, every day is a good day. Sometimes, the events in between waking and sleeping suck or rock, but that doesn't change the day.
But yesterday was a good day...
Within the space of 12 hours, I auditioned for a print ad (Dell), had my weekly voice acting class with "on mic" time and coaching (a la The Commercial Clinic), received an unsolicited script and a request to audition for the lead role (which I need to wait to review until after I finish reviewing another script that was dropped in my lap this week), had dinner and hung out with a good buddy who also happens to be a talented actor, then went home and did thank you cards for recent Biz contacts.
Yesterday was a good day.
Come to think of it, every day is a good day. Sometimes, the events in between waking and sleeping suck or rock, but that doesn't change the day.
But yesterday was a good day...
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Sunday, February 05, 2006
OK, earlier tonight I talked about my new, short-term fixation with Mighty Beanz.
I was short 24 Beanz short, so I, uh, went to Walgreens and bought a few (10) more packages.
I started out strong, because each package displays one common Beanz (hiding the other 4), and since on the Common front I was only missing Wasp, and I found her right off the bat.
Here's how the rest netted out:
Blast ...
I was short 24 Beanz short, so I, uh, went to Walgreens and bought a few (10) more packages.
I started out strong, because each package displays one common Beanz (hiding the other 4), and since on the Common front I was only missing Wasp, and I found her right off the bat.
Here's how the rest netted out:
- Package #17 (Wasp (finishes all of the "Common"!), Namor (Rare AND finishes Defenders AND has a Speedo), Mystique (Uncommon), Green Goblin (repeat #2, Uncommon), Dr. Octopus (repeat #2))
- Package #18 (Red Skull (Uncommon, and finishes Captain America set!), Black Cat (repeat #2, Rare), Beast (repeat #1, Uncommon), Invisible Woman (repeat #1), (Giant Man (repeat #3))
- Package #19 (Professor X (repeat #2), Black Cat (repeat #3, Rare), Beast (repeat #2, Uncommon), Invisible Woman (repeat #2), Mystique (repeat #1, Uncommon))
- Package #20 (Super Skrull (Rare), Thor (repeat #1), Annihilus (repeat #1), Sabretooth (repeat #4; geez), Skrull (repeat #2))
- Package #21 (Jean Grey (repeat #1), Annihilus (repeat #2), Bulleye (repeat #1, Uncommon), Elektra (repeat #1, Rare), Skrull (repeat #3))
- Package #22 (Professor X (repeat #3), Dr. Strange (repeat #1, Rare), Magneto (repeat #1, Uncommon), Iron Fist (repeat #3), Skrull (repeat #4))
- Package #23 (Black Bolt (Rare), Professor X (repeat #4), Mystique (repeat #2, Uncommon), Beast (repeat #3, Uncommon), Dr. Octopus (repeat #3))
- Package #24 (Wolverine (Uncommon, yellow duds) Daredevil (repeat #1), Iron Man (repeat #1), Vision (repeat #1), Gambit (repeat #1, Rare)
- Package #25 (Mr. Fantastic (repeat #1), Red Skull (repeat #1, Uncommon), Beast (repeat #4), Giant Man (repeat #4), Black Cat (repeat #4, Rare))
- Package #26 (Ultron (finishes Avengers! Rare), Black Panther (repeat #2), Magneto (repeat #2, Uncommon), Cyclops (repeat #3), Hulk (repeat #5))
Blast ...
Saturday, February 04, 2006
So, not since I picked up the Marvel Legends Black Panther have I gotten a comic book related toy to reward myself for my dedication to my acting (see here for an old post with more info).
Then, while at a Walgreen's clearance/moving sale today, I saw these Marvel "Mighty Beanz".
I've seen these things before, and thought about getting them, but wasn't going to spring $6 for 5 Beanz, without knowing what the hell they do.
Ah, but for 59-cents per package, things just ... got ... interesting.
So I picked up a few (right, 16) packes, and ended up with a ton of stuff. There are 54 total Series I Beanz, broken into "Common", "Uncommon", and "Rare" collectibles.
I ended up with 42 of the 56, I still don't know what the hell they're for, but damned if I'm not hooked on getting them all (it's like a less sensical version of Pokemon - if that's possible).
Here's how I netted out with the 16 packages (with occasional commentary):
Then, while at a Walgreen's clearance/moving sale today, I saw these Marvel "Mighty Beanz".
I've seen these things before, and thought about getting them, but wasn't going to spring $6 for 5 Beanz, without knowing what the hell they do.
Ah, but for 59-cents per package, things just ... got ... interesting.
So I picked up a few (right, 16) packes, and ended up with a ton of stuff. There are 54 total Series I Beanz, broken into "Common", "Uncommon", and "Rare" collectibles.
I ended up with 42 of the 56, I still don't know what the hell they're for, but damned if I'm not hooked on getting them all (it's like a less sensical version of Pokemon - if that's possible).
Here's how I netted out with the 16 packages (with occasional commentary):
- Package #1 (Spider-Man, Sabretooth, Absorbing Man (Uncommon), Black Panther (Uncommon), Phoenix (Rare))
- Package #2 (Invisible Woman, Kang, Sabretooth (repeat #1), Bullseye (Uncommon), Punisher (Rare))
- Package #3 (Hulk, Giant Man, Vision, Iron Fist (Uncommon), Gambit (Rare))
- Package #4 (Cyclops, Spider-Man (repeat #1), Thing (Uncommon), Peter Parker (Uncommon), Spider-Man II (black costume, Rare))
- Package #5 (Cyclops (repeat #1), Annihilus, Hawkeye (Uncommon), Elektra (Rare), Skrull)
- Package #6 (Hulk (repeat #1), Giant Man (repeat #1), Scarlet Witch, Green Goblin (Uncommon), Venom (Rare))
- Package #7 (Sabretooth (repeat #2), Hulk (repeat #2), Thing (repeat #1, Uncommon), Peter Parker (repeat #1, Uncommon), Lady DeathStrike (Rare) not a great set)
- Package #8 (Doctor Octopus, Black Cat (Rare), Absorbing Man (repeat #1), Giant Man (repeat #2), Green Goblin (repeat #1, Uncommon))
- Package #9 (Mister Fantastic, Sabretooth (repeat #3), Kang (repeat #2), Loki (Rare), Abomination (Uncommon, finished Hulk set!))
- Package #10 (Hulk (repeat #3), Thing (repeat #2, Uncommon), Cyclops (repeat #2), Peter Parker (repeat #2, Uncommon), Spider-Man II (black costume, Rare))
- Package #11 (Captain America (yeah, my boy!), Iceman, Mary Jane (Uncommon, and finshes the Spider-Man set!), Lady DeathStrike (repeat #1), (Thing (repeat #3, Uncommon))
- Package #12 (Professor X, Beast (Uncommon), Dr. Strange (Rare), Doctor Octopus (repeat #1), Absorbing Man (repeat #2))
- Package #13 (Iceman (repeat #1), Hulk (repeat #4), Absorbing Man (repeat #3), Black Panther (repeat #1), Lady DeathStrike (repeat #2))
- Package #14 (Jean Grey, Thor (finishes Thor set!), Luke Cage (Uncommon, finishes Luke Cage/Iron Fist set!), Wolverine II (brown costume, rare), Spider-Man (repeat #2))
- Package #15 (Daredevil (finishes Daredevil set!), Iron Man, Scarlet Witch (repeat #1), Iron Fist (repeat #1), Venom (repeat #1))
- Package #16 (Magneto (Uncommon), Professor X (repeat #1), Skrull (repeat #1), Iron Fist (repeat #2), Black Cat (repeat #1)
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Some people find the Virgin Mary ...
... I find smiley faces. I just lifted my 24 oz. sugared soda beverage from my pseudo coaster, and saw this guy smiling back at me.
Soon, the napkin will be dry, and the little guy will go back to whatever dimension from which he visited.
I sent this picture to a friend, who said sweat smileys are gross. I told him drink sweat ring smileys aren't gross.
Drink sweat ring smileys are magical.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Cool.
Tonight, in class #4 of my "Art of Voice Acting" Tele-Course (more on that in a later post), I received instructor critique for the Stud Terkel "Working" monologue I mentioned a couple of days ago.
James Alburger told me I had very nice change-ups and rhythm, and could tell there was a whole lot going on behind the spoken lines. Both he and Penny Abshire liked the attitude in the delivery, and though I wasn't crazy about the read I gave, they gave me a "very nice job on the Arny Freeman script," and my first critique from them that didn't have a "constructive criticism" component.
- Hear it here: "Working" (Studs Terkel)
They weren't so crazy about what I did with the "K-Mart Optical" spot, with which I had a lot of fun.
- Hear it here: "K-Mart Optical"
Also interesting, after complimenting my last readthrough, Penny suggested I strike all punctuation and start over. Since this is actually the first thing I do with a script, it sounds like I may need to watch myself to ensure I'm not unintentionally slipping back into the text punctuation.
Man, I really like working...
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
HA!
Yesterday, I was pissed about getting bumped out of the AFS UT Masters Class.
Today, I just got off a call where I was re-added to the class (after paying my fee, of course).
I am so stoked -- and feeling drunk on the power of my blog (or it could just be that there was a cancellation and I ended up being the only person on the waiting list).
The only person on the waiting list? I'm feeling giddy, but need I remind you of the possible guest speaker list?
Yesterday, I was pissed about getting bumped out of the AFS UT Masters Class.
Today, I just got off a call where I was re-added to the class (after paying my fee, of course).
I am so stoked -- and feeling drunk on the power of my blog (or it could just be that there was a cancellation and I ended up being the only person on the waiting list).
The only person on the waiting list? I'm feeling giddy, but need I remind you of the possible guest speaker list?
- Mike Judge
- Ross McElwee
- Richard Linklater
- Don Ward
- Kevin Smith
- Tim League
- Ray Harryhausen
- Craig Brewer
- Steve James
- Mark Cuban
- Geoff Gilmore
- Richard Peña
- Chuck Norris
Suh-weet ...
Monday, January 30, 2006
"M*therf*cker!!!"
That was the title of an Email thread last week between me and a more talented friend.
Last week, for whatever reason, it made me smirk every time I saw the castrated expletive in the subject line.
This week, the word summarizes how I feel.
As a member of the Austin Film Society, I was going to sign up for their members-only University of Texas Radio-TV-Film Department's special offer Master Class.
The Email invite told me "SEATING IS EXTREMELY LIMITED", registration would open at 10 a.m. today, and I had to be logged in to register.
I logged in this morning, went to the registration screen, and refreshed the page constantly until 10 a.m., when registration went live.
My browser session took 10 minutes to connect, after which I was forwarded to a page that said, "The event is now full."
Makes me wonder if a bunch of AFS insiders did early registration. But, admittedly, I'm feeling pissy.
Why am I so upset?
How's this for a list of possible guest speakers?
"M*therf*cker!!!"
Last week, for whatever reason, it made me smirk every time I saw the castrated expletive in the subject line.
This week, the word summarizes how I feel.
As a member of the Austin Film Society, I was going to sign up for their members-only University of Texas Radio-TV-Film Department's special offer Master Class.
The Email invite told me "SEATING IS EXTREMELY LIMITED", registration would open at 10 a.m. today, and I had to be logged in to register.
I logged in this morning, went to the registration screen, and refreshed the page constantly until 10 a.m., when registration went live.
My browser session took 10 minutes to connect, after which I was forwarded to a page that said, "The event is now full."
Makes me wonder if a bunch of AFS insiders did early registration. But, admittedly, I'm feeling pissy.
Why am I so upset?
How's this for a list of possible guest speakers?
- Mike Judge
- Ross McElwee
- Richard Linklater
- Don Ward
- Kevin Smith
- Tim League
- Ray Harryhausen
- Craig Brewer
- Steve James
- Mark Cuban
- Geoff Gilmore
- Richard Peña
- Chuck Norris
"M*therf*cker!!!"
Sunday, January 29, 2006
While looking for new monologue, I ran across Stud Terkel's "Working", in particular the actor interview.
Crap. Now I'm all fired up and knotted up and dissatisfied.
Crap. Now I'm all fired up and knotted up and dissatisfied.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
"You make people realize that there exist other beauties in the world."
Such was the "fortune" in my fortune cookie last night.
To reveal a little about myself, one of my pet peeves is "non-fortune fortune cookie messages". It's a fortune cookie. Give me a damn fortune.
That said, I liked last night's message, maybe because I've been feeling in need of validation lately.
Besides, I can choose to read this as a fortune. Which maybe carries with it a decently hefty responsibility ...
Such was the "fortune" in my fortune cookie last night.
To reveal a little about myself, one of my pet peeves is "non-fortune fortune cookie messages". It's a fortune cookie. Give me a damn fortune.
That said, I liked last night's message, maybe because I've been feeling in need of validation lately.
Besides, I can choose to read this as a fortune. Which maybe carries with it a decently hefty responsibility ...
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
"SIN/WO ONIONS"
I got a McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese for lunch.
Ignoring my poor dietary habits for a moment, check out the receipt, since I ordered it without onions (voice actors gotta talk lots):
"SIN/WO ONIONS"
Seems significant, somehow, and I'm sure there's a life lesson in there somewhere.
Now I have a visual...
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Go see Irene is a Cactus!
I caught Saturday's afternoon matinee, and I am impressed.
Part of Fronterafest 2006, the play showcases talented folks. The play is well written and acted, and a solid part of the Long Fringe program for Fronterafest. Devin S. Moss does a great job supporting and exemplifying the character traits introduced early in the play throughout (and he dances). Drew Whelpley (my second favorite Whataburger dude) and my buddy Aaron Hallaway have powerful, impressive (and slickly orchestrated) intersecting character arcs.
And speaking of Aaron, yes he's a friend, but I am seriously impressed with his acting chops. Aaron plays mild Tourettes Syndrome mannerisms so well, so believably, and so empathy grabbing -- just go see the play. I don't say my friends are talented just because they're my friends.
I'm inspired.
Remaining Schedule:
More info:
I caught Saturday's afternoon matinee, and I am impressed.
Part of Fronterafest 2006, the play showcases talented folks. The play is well written and acted, and a solid part of the Long Fringe program for Fronterafest. Devin S. Moss does a great job supporting and exemplifying the character traits introduced early in the play throughout (and he dances). Drew Whelpley (my second favorite Whataburger dude) and my buddy Aaron Hallaway have powerful, impressive (and slickly orchestrated) intersecting character arcs.
And speaking of Aaron, yes he's a friend, but I am seriously impressed with his acting chops. Aaron plays mild Tourettes Syndrome mannerisms so well, so believably, and so empathy grabbing -- just go see the play. I don't say my friends are talented just because they're my friends.
I'm inspired.
Remaining Schedule:
- Thursday 1/26 @ 7:00pm
- Sunday 1/29 @ 5:45pm
More info:
RoHo Productions and Fronterafest 2006.
presents
Irene is a Cactus
By Rocky Hopson
Starring
Susan Mara Stith
Diana Reddish
Devin S. Moss
Aaron Hallaway
Drew Whelpley
At the Blue Theatre 916 Springdale Road.
Irene is a Cactus is a comedy/drama based on a true story about Gwen, a 29-year-old, whose severe allergies left her isolated in her home her whole life. When her mother has a debilitating stroke and can't take care of her any longer Gwen is forced to prove she is capable of independence.
"Irene is a touching story of family and friends, with each character clearly delineated, clearly motivated, and clearly executed." Carl Gauze, Ink19.com
presents
Irene is a Cactus
By Rocky Hopson
Starring
Susan Mara Stith
Diana Reddish
Devin S. Moss
Aaron Hallaway
Drew Whelpley
At the Blue Theatre 916 Springdale Road.
Irene is a Cactus is a comedy/drama based on a true story about Gwen, a 29-year-old, whose severe allergies left her isolated in her home her whole life. When her mother has a debilitating stroke and can't take care of her any longer Gwen is forced to prove she is capable of independence.
"Irene is a touching story of family and friends, with each character clearly delineated, clearly motivated, and clearly executed." Carl Gauze, Ink19.com
Friday, January 20, 2006
In-house industrial audition ...
I had a really good audition Thursday for a one-time use in-house industrial.
It was good for a number of reasons (no priority implied):
Oh, and my Swiss Army Knife of a courier bag that holds all things acting? Saved me yet again with my little cordless electric razor when I found one savage (and angry) mutant hair that had somehow avoided my mirror scrutiny until right before the audition (we're talking facial hair, ladies). But it was no match for vibrating blades and elbow grease.
I really like auditioning ...
It was good for a number of reasons (no priority implied):
- It was an audition
- It was for Casting Director Beth Sepko
- It was for production company Action Figure (have you seen Roller Girls on A&E? Brilliant)
- It was an improv audition
Oh, and my Swiss Army Knife of a courier bag that holds all things acting? Saved me yet again with my little cordless electric razor when I found one savage (and angry) mutant hair that had somehow avoided my mirror scrutiny until right before the audition (we're talking facial hair, ladies). But it was no match for vibrating blades and elbow grease.
I really like auditioning ...
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Irene is a Cactus.
Yeah, it got my attention, too.
Starting tonight, be sure to check out this play as part of Fronterafest 2006.
The play'll be showcasing acting buddy Aaron Hallaway (really talented dude), agency compatriot and funnyman Drew Whelpley, and Devin S. Moss (who wrote and directed the 2nd film I did, SAK-600).
Schedule:
More info:
Yeah, it got my attention, too.
Starting tonight, be sure to check out this play as part of Fronterafest 2006.
The play'll be showcasing acting buddy Aaron Hallaway (really talented dude), agency compatriot and funnyman Drew Whelpley, and Devin S. Moss (who wrote and directed the 2nd film I did, SAK-600).
Schedule:
- Wednesday 1/18 @ 7:00pm
- Saturday 1/21 @ 4:15pm
- Thursday 1/26 @ 7:00pm
- Sunday 1/29 @ 5:45pm
More info:
RoHo Productions and Fronterafest 2006.
presents
Irene is a Cactus
By Rocky Hopson
Starring
Susan Mara Stith
Diana Reddish
Devin S. Moss
Aaron Hallaway
Drew Whelpley
At the Blue Theatre 916 Springdale Road.
Irene is a Cactus is a comedy/drama based on a true story about Gwen, a 29-year-old, whose severe allergies left her isolated in her home her whole life. When her mother has a debilitating stroke and can't take care of her any longer Gwen is forced to prove she is capable of independence.
"Irene is a touching story of family and friends, with each character clearly delineated, clearly motivated, and clearly executed." Carl Gauze, Ink19.com
presents
Irene is a Cactus
By Rocky Hopson
Starring
Susan Mara Stith
Diana Reddish
Devin S. Moss
Aaron Hallaway
Drew Whelpley
At the Blue Theatre 916 Springdale Road.
Irene is a Cactus is a comedy/drama based on a true story about Gwen, a 29-year-old, whose severe allergies left her isolated in her home her whole life. When her mother has a debilitating stroke and can't take care of her any longer Gwen is forced to prove she is capable of independence.
"Irene is a touching story of family and friends, with each character clearly delineated, clearly motivated, and clearly executed." Carl Gauze, Ink19.com
I'm on IMDb.com!
A friend let me know he ran across me on the #1 online movie database -- check it out!Looks like the Modified SAG Experimental I did is still paying dividends (of a sort ;-).
I'm putting this up there with the first time I was Googled.
A friend let me know he ran across me on the #1 online movie database -- check it out!Looks like the Modified SAG Experimental I did is still paying dividends (of a sort ;-).
I'm putting this up there with the first time I was Googled.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Microphone technique -- another area for lifetime improvement in my voice acting.
I'm pretty stoked that I dug out an old Labtec USB microphone that I'd bought for some other purpose way back when, and decided to use it for voice work.
Since it's a directional mic, and the mic itself is set kind of far back in a funnel, it has a narrow cone for reception. By putting it in front of but slightly to the side of my mouth, I get a solid recording, and by using various mic techniques, I'm able to keep it pretty clean from plosive (ps, ks, etc.) sounds.
I'm not able to detach it from its desktop stand (which has the power/mute button), so I'm going to have to jury-rig a stand for it. But I'm the mother of invention, so I'll willingly tackle that one ...
I'm pretty stoked that I dug out an old Labtec USB microphone that I'd bought for some other purpose way back when, and decided to use it for voice work.
Since it's a directional mic, and the mic itself is set kind of far back in a funnel, it has a narrow cone for reception. By putting it in front of but slightly to the side of my mouth, I get a solid recording, and by using various mic techniques, I'm able to keep it pretty clean from plosive (ps, ks, etc.) sounds.
I'm not able to detach it from its desktop stand (which has the power/mute button), so I'm going to have to jury-rig a stand for it. But I'm the mother of invention, so I'll willingly tackle that one ...
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Another day, another emergency vet trip.
Now Loki has a full-body pressure bandage. The nurses stuck stickers on it, and this is one of them. If the costs of this whole ordeal weren't now nixing me from moving into a new house, I might find this bit of animal ER humor more entertaining.
Friday, January 13, 2006
I took my dog to another specialist today, and I saw something I can't get out of my head. It was so startling and representative and important, I've gpt to put it in a film of mine someday.
There was this young mom and dad, and their 4-year-old, little blond daughter. As I walked in, the three were evidently just walking out of an exam room where they'd lost the family dog.
Mom and Dad were emotional. Their eyes were red and puffy, and they were obviously trying not to break down.
In both hands, the little girl was holding the dog's collar with its ID and rabies tags hanging limply, and it was weird, but the jingling of the metal sounded ... sad.
The little girl was stone faced. No emotion whatsoever. Her parents were obviously trying to keep from sobbing, and their was no emotion from this girl, other than maybe a little bit of confusion and irritation.
I realized the little girl was deaf. The parents were signing to her, trying to explain what was happening, and weren't getting through. It was as if (thankfully), they hadn't had to communicate concepts like "death", and "never coming home."
The family walked out of the clinic's doors, with the little girl trailing behind.
As she stepped off the curb, she dropped the collar. I had this roaring in my ears and then no sound whatsoever, as I watched the collar drop, and it seemed to take forever. It hit the ground, and the metal tags bounced, flashing light that stung my eyes, and the little girl stared, not moving.
Then it was like time started again, and everything that had just happened hit the little girl, and she broke down, fell down, clutched the collar.
Her parents were there, but I wanted to run out of those doors and scoop her up and tell her I'm sorry the world is such a broken place and I'm sorry he's never coming home.
I feel like that little girl.
And I don't want to drop the collar.
There was this young mom and dad, and their 4-year-old, little blond daughter. As I walked in, the three were evidently just walking out of an exam room where they'd lost the family dog.
Mom and Dad were emotional. Their eyes were red and puffy, and they were obviously trying not to break down.
In both hands, the little girl was holding the dog's collar with its ID and rabies tags hanging limply, and it was weird, but the jingling of the metal sounded ... sad.
The little girl was stone faced. No emotion whatsoever. Her parents were obviously trying to keep from sobbing, and their was no emotion from this girl, other than maybe a little bit of confusion and irritation.
I realized the little girl was deaf. The parents were signing to her, trying to explain what was happening, and weren't getting through. It was as if (thankfully), they hadn't had to communicate concepts like "death", and "never coming home."
The family walked out of the clinic's doors, with the little girl trailing behind.
As she stepped off the curb, she dropped the collar. I had this roaring in my ears and then no sound whatsoever, as I watched the collar drop, and it seemed to take forever. It hit the ground, and the metal tags bounced, flashing light that stung my eyes, and the little girl stared, not moving.
Then it was like time started again, and everything that had just happened hit the little girl, and she broke down, fell down, clutched the collar.
Her parents were there, but I wanted to run out of those doors and scoop her up and tell her I'm sorry the world is such a broken place and I'm sorry he's never coming home.
I feel like that little girl.
And I don't want to drop the collar.
I went to the Austin Film Society 20th Anniversary party tonight.
Held out at the Austin Studios (what was the Austin Airport), they freaking filled an aircraft hanger with film folk, cinephiles, and "friends of Austin film."
In all seriousness, kudos to AFS for this slick marketing move -- throw a free public party, combine it with a soft-sell membership drive, and drive up members, revenue, and support for all things Austin film.
Richard Linklater was on hand, as were a billion people (give or take) I don't know. Fortunately, there were a number of people I did know, because even though I'm a good networker, I didn't have the energy or the emotional wherewithal to do it tonight.
I got to hang out with Brad Koester, who I haven't seen for a while, and to whom this town owes a big "thank you" for the service AustinActors.net gives.
It's too late (and meetings start too early) for my normal rundown of folks, but it was great to see José Mata, Ms. Mars, David Blackwell, Richard Ricks, Christine Wolf, former classmate Karrie Hamilton, Leigh Green ... crap, I'm sure I'm forgetting someone(s).
I also met some new people, and Melissa Holmes, my creative/event hang out buddy? Makes these events all the more tolerable -- heck, even enjoyable.
Held out at the Austin Studios (what was the Austin Airport), they freaking filled an aircraft hanger with film folk, cinephiles, and "friends of Austin film."
In all seriousness, kudos to AFS for this slick marketing move -- throw a free public party, combine it with a soft-sell membership drive, and drive up members, revenue, and support for all things Austin film.
Richard Linklater was on hand, as were a billion people (give or take) I don't know. Fortunately, there were a number of people I did know, because even though I'm a good networker, I didn't have the energy or the emotional wherewithal to do it tonight.
I got to hang out with Brad Koester, who I haven't seen for a while, and to whom this town owes a big "thank you" for the service AustinActors.net gives.
It's too late (and meetings start too early) for my normal rundown of folks, but it was great to see José Mata, Ms. Mars, David Blackwell, Richard Ricks, Christine Wolf, former classmate Karrie Hamilton, Leigh Green ... crap, I'm sure I'm forgetting someone(s).
I also met some new people, and Melissa Holmes, my creative/event hang out buddy? Makes these events all the more tolerable -- heck, even enjoyable.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Loki Girl is home.
After a consultation with a surgical opthamologist (yes, a surgical opthamologist), I brought Loki home last night and put her in a large open wire crate in the living room. She's around the flow of traffic, out of harm's way, and I can get her out the back door quickly if necessary.
She's got more medications than a senior citizen (seriously). With various internal and eye medications due every 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours. Me being a borderline Type A, I'm going to build the mother of all medication charts.
Loki's still blind, and acting almost depressed through all of this.
I slept on the couch last night so I could get to her quickly if needed, so it was a pretty sleepless night as I woke up with every sound or perceived missed breath she made.
She's doing worse off today, so we'll just take it a bit at a time. If she can get better, I'm in it for the long haul. If she starts degrading too much or seems to be suffering, I need to help her there, too.
I don't even have a surgical opthamologist ...
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
I had a great audition Monday night for Subway.
Not that the audition itself was that good, but the overall thing was fun. I got to interview with a buddy of mine, Richard Ricks, friend and really talented actor.
We were scheduled within 10 minutes of each other and got to audition on camera for each other's scenes, each other's roles, and we both got to read for the male role with an actress that came in for her read. So I got to do a lot of auditioning with a good guy.
After that, I was off to the rescheduled Reel Women monthly "Monday Mix". It was at a different venue (clothing boutique) than normal, and ... not a lot of fun.
I had some OK conversations (really enjoyed chatting with both José Mata ("Mata" backwards is "ataM", and "Adam" backwards is "madA"; etc.) and Gary Chason), but the venue was wonkey, there were racks of clothes cutting off groups of people, and the vibe was just ... off.
After touching base with other people like Rommel Sulit, Elizabeth Mason, Michael Morlan, and Arnie Reyes, I ducked out with Richard and Melissa Holmes (again, probably one of the most talented people you don’t yet know) to Cedar Door (waffle fries, suds, and easy conversation). Now that was a good time.
Not that the audition itself was that good, but the overall thing was fun. I got to interview with a buddy of mine, Richard Ricks, friend and really talented actor.
We were scheduled within 10 minutes of each other and got to audition on camera for each other's scenes, each other's roles, and we both got to read for the male role with an actress that came in for her read. So I got to do a lot of auditioning with a good guy.
After that, I was off to the rescheduled Reel Women monthly "Monday Mix". It was at a different venue (clothing boutique) than normal, and ... not a lot of fun.
I had some OK conversations (really enjoyed chatting with both José Mata ("Mata" backwards is "ataM", and "Adam" backwards is "madA"; etc.) and Gary Chason), but the venue was wonkey, there were racks of clothes cutting off groups of people, and the vibe was just ... off.
After touching base with other people like Rommel Sulit, Elizabeth Mason, Michael Morlan, and Arnie Reyes, I ducked out with Richard and Melissa Holmes (again, probably one of the most talented people you don’t yet know) to Cedar Door (waffle fries, suds, and easy conversation). Now that was a good time.
Monday, January 09, 2006
I'm off to a commercial audition for Subway (the sandwiches, not the mass transit system).
Houston market only, but that's a huge market with a bunch of units, so not bad.
After that, I'm hopefully off to the Reel Women monthly mixer. More info on that at ReelWomen.org.
Houston market only, but that's a huge market with a bunch of units, so not bad.
After that, I'm hopefully off to the Reel Women monthly mixer. More info on that at ReelWomen.org.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Agency party ...
I went to an agency party last night ("Kick the Holiday Blues") for folks represented by Collier Talent Agency, their family, and friends in the Biz.
The thing was a great networking opportunity. I'm great at networking, but I work hard not to network. Don't get me wrong -- networking is extremely important, and you’ve gotta do it to make it in the Biz. What I try not to do at things like this is be a user of people or be disingenuous (“I’ll call you” (when I don’t intend to call); or “I’m writing a part for you in my screenplay”; or whatever).
What I do like is connecting with people – getting back together with people I know and like, seeing what’s big in their world, hearing about their successes and being able to encourage them in their challenges. I enjoy meeting new people, and learning about them and what makes them tick.
I wasn’t really looking forward to last night, and was understandably distracted, but I ended up having a great time.
At risk of leaving some people out (and misspelling names of folks for whom I don’t have business cards), here’s a quick spin through who I met and with whom I reconnected.
I drove down to new bar and scene of the event The Peacock with acting buddy Aaron Hallaway (check him out in the play Irene is a Cactus starting January 18). And after letting our agent Heather Collier know we’d arrived, I first hooked up with a friend I’d invited, Melissa Holmes (probably one of the most talented people you don’t know) before she had to duck out for the rest of her super packed night on the town. I then bumped into Deana Ricks, who I’d met at a marketing and branding session I taught, and though somewhat new to the Biz, is doing a great job on the business and networking side of things.
I then I said hi to Mona Lee, the acting coach with whom I did some of my first film training. (If you’re an actor in Texas and don’t own The Biz Directory, stop reading, go here, and order it. Then in your thank you note to Mona, you can ask her forgiveness for not having bought it earlier.) Mona also introduced me to Lee Peterson, who I understand is a talent manager/coach.
I hugged Richard Ricks, long-time acting pal (since The Mastery days), who I really like, and not just because he bought my beers last night.
Aaron then introduced me to Chris Kreager and his wife Julie, friends he’s been wanting me to meet for some time. Chris is involved in the production side of the biz and Julie’s over at Dell. They seemed like a neat couple, and it was fun to talk to them about marriage and relationship stuff.
I then chatted for a while with Leigh Green, who I hadn’t seen much since she moved on from CastingWorks LA to pursue production stuff.
Then my current film coach (and The Mastery mentor), Van Brooks showed up, and I made sure to get caught up on him. I also spent a bunch of time with the wonderful Emma Little, a mainstay in the Austin music scene. We had a great, long chat about everything from ZZ Top and Jimmy Vaughan to the Austin Independent School District and the Foster Home system. Emma’s a neat, gracious woman, and I really enjoyed the chat.
I got to talk with former classmate Tom Procida (check him out in the local Shades of Life soap opera starting tonight – probably Cable Access 10).
I also got to chat with Doran Ingrham, who’s look I just love, and has done a ton (with a few other folks) to meet the film networking/social need in this town with the now bi-weekly Film Social Mixer. Plus, the guy’s just a pleasant conversation, and I’d love the chance to see some of his work, and work with him. I think I could learn a ton.
I saw Devin Moss (also in Irene is a Cactus starting January 18), who wrote and directed the second film I was in, SAK-600.
I hung out for a few with one-time classmates Rommel Sulit and Elizabeth Mason. Rommel is joy to watch work (and the dude works hard, and recently came back from Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago), and Elizabeth brings new meaning to the word “commitment” in her performances.
I got to hug on Erin Fallon (who is so sweet and gorgeous) and Charissa Allen (who was in the first film I ever did), classmates Chris Osborn, Anika Kunik (look for her next film hopefully at SxSW and other festivals), and audition partner Katherine Willis (“chiffon wrapped around a crowbar”).
I also finally got meet fellow Collier talents Andrew Ruth and Jett Garner.
And I met Michelle Taylor and Bryan Rice, a couple of folks (along with Doran) who are working to expand the Film Social Mixer into something even more cool and useful.
I even touched base with Gary Chason, who I’d really like to do a bunch more with.
And casting director Beth Sepko said she liked my Christmas gift.
So, overall, the evening was really enjoyable, with a few setbacks. There are definitely a superficial folks in this world, but I did a good job of avoiding the wonderfully few of them in attendance last night. Also, I try to keep my Biz and private life very separate, but there were some details of the latter that came out with a few folks last night, and were evidently startling enough to work through several conversational circles like a little wildfire. Ah, well, it is what it is.
Overall, a good night.
The thing was a great networking opportunity. I'm great at networking, but I work hard not to network. Don't get me wrong -- networking is extremely important, and you’ve gotta do it to make it in the Biz. What I try not to do at things like this is be a user of people or be disingenuous (“I’ll call you” (when I don’t intend to call); or “I’m writing a part for you in my screenplay”; or whatever).
What I do like is connecting with people – getting back together with people I know and like, seeing what’s big in their world, hearing about their successes and being able to encourage them in their challenges. I enjoy meeting new people, and learning about them and what makes them tick.
I wasn’t really looking forward to last night, and was understandably distracted, but I ended up having a great time.
At risk of leaving some people out (and misspelling names of folks for whom I don’t have business cards), here’s a quick spin through who I met and with whom I reconnected.
I drove down to new bar and scene of the event The Peacock with acting buddy Aaron Hallaway (check him out in the play Irene is a Cactus starting January 18). And after letting our agent Heather Collier know we’d arrived, I first hooked up with a friend I’d invited, Melissa Holmes (probably one of the most talented people you don’t know) before she had to duck out for the rest of her super packed night on the town. I then bumped into Deana Ricks, who I’d met at a marketing and branding session I taught, and though somewhat new to the Biz, is doing a great job on the business and networking side of things.
I then I said hi to Mona Lee, the acting coach with whom I did some of my first film training. (If you’re an actor in Texas and don’t own The Biz Directory, stop reading, go here, and order it. Then in your thank you note to Mona, you can ask her forgiveness for not having bought it earlier.) Mona also introduced me to Lee Peterson, who I understand is a talent manager/coach.
I hugged Richard Ricks, long-time acting pal (since The Mastery days), who I really like, and not just because he bought my beers last night.
Aaron then introduced me to Chris Kreager and his wife Julie, friends he’s been wanting me to meet for some time. Chris is involved in the production side of the biz and Julie’s over at Dell. They seemed like a neat couple, and it was fun to talk to them about marriage and relationship stuff.
I then chatted for a while with Leigh Green, who I hadn’t seen much since she moved on from CastingWorks LA to pursue production stuff.
Then my current film coach (and The Mastery mentor), Van Brooks showed up, and I made sure to get caught up on him. I also spent a bunch of time with the wonderful Emma Little, a mainstay in the Austin music scene. We had a great, long chat about everything from ZZ Top and Jimmy Vaughan to the Austin Independent School District and the Foster Home system. Emma’s a neat, gracious woman, and I really enjoyed the chat.
I got to talk with former classmate Tom Procida (check him out in the local Shades of Life soap opera starting tonight – probably Cable Access 10).
I also got to chat with Doran Ingrham, who’s look I just love, and has done a ton (with a few other folks) to meet the film networking/social need in this town with the now bi-weekly Film Social Mixer. Plus, the guy’s just a pleasant conversation, and I’d love the chance to see some of his work, and work with him. I think I could learn a ton.
I saw Devin Moss (also in Irene is a Cactus starting January 18), who wrote and directed the second film I was in, SAK-600.
I hung out for a few with one-time classmates Rommel Sulit and Elizabeth Mason. Rommel is joy to watch work (and the dude works hard, and recently came back from Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago), and Elizabeth brings new meaning to the word “commitment” in her performances.
I got to hug on Erin Fallon (who is so sweet and gorgeous) and Charissa Allen (who was in the first film I ever did), classmates Chris Osborn, Anika Kunik (look for her next film hopefully at SxSW and other festivals), and audition partner Katherine Willis (“chiffon wrapped around a crowbar”).
I also finally got meet fellow Collier talents Andrew Ruth and Jett Garner.
And I met Michelle Taylor and Bryan Rice, a couple of folks (along with Doran) who are working to expand the Film Social Mixer into something even more cool and useful.
I even touched base with Gary Chason, who I’d really like to do a bunch more with.
And casting director Beth Sepko said she liked my Christmas gift.
So, overall, the evening was really enjoyable, with a few setbacks. There are definitely a superficial folks in this world, but I did a good job of avoiding the wonderfully few of them in attendance last night. Also, I try to keep my Biz and private life very separate, but there were some details of the latter that came out with a few folks last night, and were evidently startling enough to work through several conversational circles like a little wildfire. Ah, well, it is what it is.
Overall, a good night.
I just got back from visiting my dog at the emergency clinic.
It was rough to see her today; really rough. I wasn't expecting that.
Loki had emergency surgery yesterday, the end result being her spleen was removed (evidently, dogs don't need it like we do), because it was "Sequestoring" red blood cells -- basically thinking they were bad, holding on to them, swelling in size and filling the abdomenal cavity, and making Loki severely anemic.
Her tail started going like mad when she heard my voice (she still can't see), but she wasn't strong enough to get up. She had lot of tubes and wires and staples for plasma and fluids and antibiotics and steroids and monitors.
At the vet's advice, I'd brought some deli turkey to see if she'd eat, and try to get her dangerously low protein levels up. She was able to eat a few bites, but even gave that up after a while. It's a sick dog that won't eat people food.
I had to stop petting her after a while, because she'd wag her tail every time I touched her or talked to her, and even that little effort was getting weaker and weaker, and dragging her pulse and heart rate down, too.
I'm still really struggling with all of this. This is a phenomenal amount of money to spend, let alone on an animal, and arguably could be better spent on helping human beings. On the flip side, I feel I have a stewardship obligation to take care of an animal I chose to make part of my life. But I don't want her to suffer.
And there's that whole thing with the heart and logic and the pocketbook not mixing real well.
I had to drive around for a while after visiting Loki, because I wasn't in shape to be around people. I wasn't expecting that.
It was rough to see her today; really rough. I wasn't expecting that.
Loki had emergency surgery yesterday, the end result being her spleen was removed (evidently, dogs don't need it like we do), because it was "Sequestoring" red blood cells -- basically thinking they were bad, holding on to them, swelling in size and filling the abdomenal cavity, and making Loki severely anemic.
Her tail started going like mad when she heard my voice (she still can't see), but she wasn't strong enough to get up. She had lot of tubes and wires and staples for plasma and fluids and antibiotics and steroids and monitors.
At the vet's advice, I'd brought some deli turkey to see if she'd eat, and try to get her dangerously low protein levels up. She was able to eat a few bites, but even gave that up after a while. It's a sick dog that won't eat people food.
I had to stop petting her after a while, because she'd wag her tail every time I touched her or talked to her, and even that little effort was getting weaker and weaker, and dragging her pulse and heart rate down, too.
I'm still really struggling with all of this. This is a phenomenal amount of money to spend, let alone on an animal, and arguably could be better spent on helping human beings. On the flip side, I feel I have a stewardship obligation to take care of an animal I chose to make part of my life. But I don't want her to suffer.
And there's that whole thing with the heart and logic and the pocketbook not mixing real well.
I had to drive around for a while after visiting Loki, because I wasn't in shape to be around people. I wasn't expecting that.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
My dog is sick
My poor dog is so sick.
She's had some general malaise and loss of appetite over the last couple of
months, then seemed to take a turn for the better.
Yesterday, though, she woke up and couldn't see. It's sad enough when a dog
needs a seeing-eye person, but sudden onset blindness can generally
indicate something much more serious.
Now it's out and about to friends and specialists to try to find out what's
wrong, and, God willing, get her on the mend ...
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
One more important thing to do.
I've been able to accomplish a lot for a lot of people at my current toy job.
In the Big Picture, I've got one more important thing I'm trying to do. I hope I get there, because it's worth fighting for, but it's also time to see from where my next set of massive goals and challenges is going to come.
I play big. I might fail big, but I tend to succeed big. Plus, in either case, I also tend to learn big.
I've been able to accomplish a lot for a lot of people at my current toy job.
In the Big Picture, I've got one more important thing I'm trying to do. I hope I get there, because it's worth fighting for, but it's also time to see from where my next set of massive goals and challenges is going to come.
I play big. I might fail big, but I tend to succeed big. Plus, in either case, I also tend to learn big.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Right, so I reached the point of desperation in (responsible) experimenting with legal, over-the-counter and legitimately prescription drugs.
Turns out no medication is working for my severely stuffed up schnozz, but standing and walking around gives me some relief.
Turns out Robitussin with Codeine is the only thing that knocks out my near-aneurysm-causing cough.
Also turns out Robitussin with Codeine is not real conducive to standing and walking around. And falling asleep without doing something for my nose seems to cause a lack of oxygen issue (seriously, I think I'm dumber now).
There's the dilemma.
So, I took the Robitussin with Codeine, salined out my nose as much as I could ("gentle cleansing", my ass!), shot myself full of Afrin (3-day limits are for quitters!), gunked my face up with menthol gel, gunked my chest up with menthol gel that is apparently not safe for faces (WTF, they're both "menthol gel"), took a look in the mirror, and realized with all the horn blowing, my schnozz hairs are reaching out to make nice to my dogs.
In the words of Fred Savage, "I'm a pretty, pretty girl."
Welcome back, Fred. Rip it up.
(And after all of that I got a frickin' 4 hours of sleep.)
Turns out no medication is working for my severely stuffed up schnozz, but standing and walking around gives me some relief.
Turns out Robitussin with Codeine is the only thing that knocks out my near-aneurysm-causing cough.
Also turns out Robitussin with Codeine is not real conducive to standing and walking around. And falling asleep without doing something for my nose seems to cause a lack of oxygen issue (seriously, I think I'm dumber now).
There's the dilemma.
So, I took the Robitussin with Codeine, salined out my nose as much as I could ("gentle cleansing", my ass!), shot myself full of Afrin (3-day limits are for quitters!), gunked my face up with menthol gel, gunked my chest up with menthol gel that is apparently not safe for faces (WTF, they're both "menthol gel"), took a look in the mirror, and realized with all the horn blowing, my schnozz hairs are reaching out to make nice to my dogs.
In the words of Fred Savage, "I'm a pretty, pretty girl."
Welcome back, Fred. Rip it up.
(And after all of that I got a frickin' 4 hours of sleep.)
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
I am so sick.
No, I mean seriously sick.
Understand, I'm the guy who -- for the last 8 years -- has worked through all kinds of sickness. Severe allergies. Strep. Influenza. Being sick of work.
This time, the flu brought a new world of hurt to my Christmas. We're talking flat on my back, sweating out of pores I didn't know I had, hallucinating sick.
We're talking conversations with God sick.
I read the average guy's water weight ratio is 60-65% water (FYI, women average 50-60%, and infants are a whopping 70% -- probably for birth cushioning, or maybe butterfingery parents). That works out to be 45 quarts of water.
I think I woke up yesterday swimming in about 35 quarts of water. Pretty sure that's not healthy.
I recount this not just to get your sympathy, but to tie it into this acting blog.
While delirious, I found myself actually working on my acting process; specifically, my sense memory.
I'd lay there, trying to grab onto and remember what I felt, totally weak and vulnerable. Or when I hit that "I'm-so-sick-I'm-emotional" stage, I'd try to grab onto what that felt like.
I'm not sure if my working on my acting process while delirious is indicative of dedication to my craft, or just how sick I was.
Oh, and for those wondering, God is evidently an endless indigo sphere floating in space, and to talk to him, you have to tuck yourself against him, kind of like a fulcrum.
I'm sure there's a metaphor in there somewhere.
No, I mean seriously sick.
Understand, I'm the guy who -- for the last 8 years -- has worked through all kinds of sickness. Severe allergies. Strep. Influenza. Being sick of work.
This time, the flu brought a new world of hurt to my Christmas. We're talking flat on my back, sweating out of pores I didn't know I had, hallucinating sick.
We're talking conversations with God sick.
I read the average guy's water weight ratio is 60-65% water (FYI, women average 50-60%, and infants are a whopping 70% -- probably for birth cushioning, or maybe butterfingery parents). That works out to be 45 quarts of water.
I think I woke up yesterday swimming in about 35 quarts of water. Pretty sure that's not healthy.
I recount this not just to get your sympathy, but to tie it into this acting blog.
While delirious, I found myself actually working on my acting process; specifically, my sense memory.
I'd lay there, trying to grab onto and remember what I felt, totally weak and vulnerable. Or when I hit that "I'm-so-sick-I'm-emotional" stage, I'd try to grab onto what that felt like.
I'm not sure if my working on my acting process while delirious is indicative of dedication to my craft, or just how sick I was.
Oh, and for those wondering, God is evidently an endless indigo sphere floating in space, and to talk to him, you have to tuck yourself against him, kind of like a fulcrum.
I'm sure there's a metaphor in there somewhere.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Check out this Star Wars parody -- (Grocery) Store Wars.
This parody film is also an information/advocacy piece on buying organic food stuffs.
Brilliant.
http://www.storewars.org
Thanks to Xboxer dajoti for turning me on to this.
This parody film is also an information/advocacy piece on buying organic food stuffs.
Brilliant.
http://www.storewars.org
Thanks to Xboxer dajoti for turning me on to this.
Friday, December 23, 2005
It's Bizness.
What I do is called "The Biz", a misspelled concatenation of "business".
I've heard it said the Biz is 90% business, and 10% performance -- so I spend an appropriate amount of time on the business side my efforts.
Since it's the holidays, this was a busy week on this front, and I'm exhausted.
I sent out something like a hundred holiday cards to acting-related folks (actors, directors, coaches, and the like), and somewhere south of that to video-game related companies (I'm a huge video game fan, and want to do voice work in game titles).
My acting cards were "home-made", with a frosty window with 4 panes of glass. Within the four panes: Christmas stockings over a fireplace; a dreidel, a Kwanzaa feast, and my smiling visage.
The message? "There's always room for one more tradition."
For my potential gaming clients, I had a different card (still printed with my professional info). The card has a large Godzilla-esque creature with a miniature sleigh hanging out of his mouth, and the caption, "Santa makes a tragic turn near Tokyo". It helps that the dinosaur has an "Hmm, Venison!" thought bubble.
I like this latter card because it works if my client likes Christmas, and it works if they're opposed to the whole thing.
And I sent sweatshirts with me (six of me) on them to casting directors. I made the sweatshirts at home with artwork from a friend of mine. It meets the gift need, and it's far from serious.
Like I said, I'm exhausted. But at least it's all done.
Don't neglect the Bizness, or it'll neglect you ...
What I do is called "The Biz", a misspelled concatenation of "business".
I've heard it said the Biz is 90% business, and 10% performance -- so I spend an appropriate amount of time on the business side my efforts.
Since it's the holidays, this was a busy week on this front, and I'm exhausted.
I sent out something like a hundred holiday cards to acting-related folks (actors, directors, coaches, and the like), and somewhere south of that to video-game related companies (I'm a huge video game fan, and want to do voice work in game titles).
My acting cards were "home-made", with a frosty window with 4 panes of glass. Within the four panes: Christmas stockings over a fireplace; a dreidel, a Kwanzaa feast, and my smiling visage.
The message? "There's always room for one more tradition."
For my potential gaming clients, I had a different card (still printed with my professional info). The card has a large Godzilla-esque creature with a miniature sleigh hanging out of his mouth, and the caption, "Santa makes a tragic turn near Tokyo". It helps that the dinosaur has an "Hmm, Venison!" thought bubble.
I like this latter card because it works if my client likes Christmas, and it works if they're opposed to the whole thing.
And I sent sweatshirts with me (six of me) on them to casting directors. I made the sweatshirts at home with artwork from a friend of mine. It meets the gift need, and it's far from serious.
Like I said, I'm exhausted. But at least it's all done.
Don't neglect the Bizness, or it'll neglect you ...
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
"They're people, dammit."
I'm a fairly accomplished director at BigHugeCorp. This makes me some amalgamation of people manager, project manager, service manager, program manager ...
I'm responsible for the bottom line, and BigHugeCorp benefits. And while I'm really good at the logistics and administrivia part of my job, I'm constantly reminding myself -- and people around me -- that these are human beings working here. Not just "resources". Not just "bodies". Not just "headcount".
People.
I mess up sometimes. I fall into the Dilbert-esque trap of tech or corporate or business jargon or process. I do my "resource planning" and "resource forecasting". ButI try to ask myself who I helped today (sometimes I'm lucky if it's just me).
So, where did all this come from?
I guy that used to work for me let me know he was informed by way of an Email that he had been welcomed to a new team and project -- which was news to him. He was semi-laughing about it, and said, "Despite your best efforts, despite what you tried to do -- which I appreciate -- it's back to the [BigHugeCorp] way of doing things."
Despite what I tried to do?
It's the holidays, and this time of year comes with a lot of stress for a lot of folks. A lot of folks are on vacation. A lot of folks don't take change well. A lot of folks at BigHugeCorp are all of the above, and if big changes are made this time of year while they're out of the office, they'll likely feel seriously thrown for a loop.
They're people.
During one of the previous re-organizations or big shared project efforts or something, a peer of mine (maybe more than one) and I were butting heads about how to apply "resources" to a project. I was trying to keep multiple folks from having to do lengthy travel. I was trying to make the travel equitable across employees and management. I was trying to be sensitive to people's planned summer vacations with their kids. I was keeping the budget and deliverables and the deadlines in mind.
I was told I was "overthinking" it.
"Relocate them for 6 weeks, fly them back once or twice, and tell them to put off their vacation."
That's indicative of a lot of the reasoning in staffing a project.
"They're people, dammit," is indicative of the response I give when the pendulum has swung too far, I feel like I'm pushed too far, and/or BigHugeCorp is taking too many liberties with people's lives.
It's time for a correction. It's time for folks to re-read things like the The Cluetrain Manifesto (it's online now, and it's free). It's maybe time for development folks to get familiar with the precepts behind the Agile development methodology (which I'd argue is a philosophy of development, as opposed to a process). It's time to remember the whole is only worthwhile because of the worth of its parts.
Take out the cogs, and clock stops working.
They're people.
I'm a fairly accomplished director at BigHugeCorp. This makes me some amalgamation of people manager, project manager, service manager, program manager ...
I'm responsible for the bottom line, and BigHugeCorp benefits. And while I'm really good at the logistics and administrivia part of my job, I'm constantly reminding myself -- and people around me -- that these are human beings working here. Not just "resources". Not just "bodies". Not just "headcount".
People.
I mess up sometimes. I fall into the Dilbert-esque trap of tech or corporate or business jargon or process. I do my "resource planning" and "resource forecasting". ButI try to ask myself who I helped today (sometimes I'm lucky if it's just me).
So, where did all this come from?
I guy that used to work for me let me know he was informed by way of an Email that he had been welcomed to a new team and project -- which was news to him. He was semi-laughing about it, and said, "Despite your best efforts, despite what you tried to do -- which I appreciate -- it's back to the [BigHugeCorp] way of doing things."
Despite what I tried to do?
It's the holidays, and this time of year comes with a lot of stress for a lot of folks. A lot of folks are on vacation. A lot of folks don't take change well. A lot of folks at BigHugeCorp are all of the above, and if big changes are made this time of year while they're out of the office, they'll likely feel seriously thrown for a loop.
They're people.
During one of the previous re-organizations or big shared project efforts or something, a peer of mine (maybe more than one) and I were butting heads about how to apply "resources" to a project. I was trying to keep multiple folks from having to do lengthy travel. I was trying to make the travel equitable across employees and management. I was trying to be sensitive to people's planned summer vacations with their kids. I was keeping the budget and deliverables and the deadlines in mind.
I was told I was "overthinking" it.
"Relocate them for 6 weeks, fly them back once or twice, and tell them to put off their vacation."
That's indicative of a lot of the reasoning in staffing a project.
"They're people, dammit," is indicative of the response I give when the pendulum has swung too far, I feel like I'm pushed too far, and/or BigHugeCorp is taking too many liberties with people's lives.
It's time for a correction. It's time for folks to re-read things like the The Cluetrain Manifesto (it's online now, and it's free). It's maybe time for development folks to get familiar with the precepts behind the Agile development methodology (which I'd argue is a philosophy of development, as opposed to a process). It's time to remember the whole is only worthwhile because of the worth of its parts.
Take out the cogs, and clock stops working.
They're people.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
You can't send warm-blooded animals through the United States Postal Service.
Seriously.
I was on the USPS.com website, trying to find out if I could use a liquor packing box as a shipping container, if it doesn't contain liquor (you can, but you have to mark out any references to beer, alcohol, or related pictures; and you can't wrap the box to do it).
And I stumbled across their "Frequently Asked Questions."
Number 2?
"Are warm-blooded animals mailable?"
Seriously.
The answer was pretty straightforward:
"Warm-blooded animals such as a cats, gerbils, hamsters, mice, dogs, etc are not mailable through the Post Office. Some exceptions exist, for further information contact your local Post Office."
What bothers me is most laws, rules, guidelines, and FAQs come into being come about because somebody tried something they shouldn't have.
Somebody tried this?
And look at the specificity of the response. Gerbils? What, was Richard Gere using Postal Mail? (Right, that's not fair.)
Seriously.
I was on the USPS.com website, trying to find out if I could use a liquor packing box as a shipping container, if it doesn't contain liquor (you can, but you have to mark out any references to beer, alcohol, or related pictures; and you can't wrap the box to do it).
And I stumbled across their "Frequently Asked Questions."
Number 2?
"Are warm-blooded animals mailable?"
Seriously.
The answer was pretty straightforward:
"Warm-blooded animals such as a cats, gerbils, hamsters, mice, dogs, etc are not mailable through the Post Office. Some exceptions exist, for further information contact your local Post Office."
What bothers me is most laws, rules, guidelines, and FAQs come into being come about because somebody tried something they shouldn't have.
Somebody tried this?
And look at the specificity of the response. Gerbils? What, was Richard Gere using Postal Mail? (Right, that's not fair.)
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
I wrote about the "killer" ice storm last week.
Granted, it did ice, and it was slippery, and it was best to be off the roads. And maybe a bunch of journalistic pseudo ("pseudo"="false") panic gets people thinking about staying off the road. So maybe some good stuff came out of bad (not "the ends justify the means"; The ends never justify poor means.
(I did have a hilarious voice message from an acting buddy of mine as he dropped his phone and slid off the road; he's fine.)
Anyway, "they" sanded my hill during the ice storm (relax, it's a small hill; I'm still one of you, you classist bastards).
To clarify, they didn't just sand my hill; they established a beachhead.
I have this theory that every state gets the same amount of sand and salt for winter -- independent of the state's climate. So Texas gets as much salt and sand as Idaho. And Texas came together like the republic it is, and rushed emergency sand and salt aid to Central Texans in need during our "KILLER ICE STORM 2005".
And they dumped it all on my hill.
When I go running, I start my loop by running up my hill. This was a problem with my newly installed beach.
I was slipping and sliding all the way up. I couldn't get traction, and I was seriously worried I'd sprain an ankle on the way up. Cars were passing me, grinding course sand to dust, clogging my lungs and making it feel like I was running through a quarry (done that in the past, too).
When I finished my run, I dug out my leaf blower and blew sand off of my driveway and away from the street in front of my house. Who knew I owned a leaf blower? (Truth be known, a leaf blower has a ton of alternative and entertaining uses.)
That's Austin for you -- hide form an ice storm one day; break out the leaf blower the next.
Granted, it did ice, and it was slippery, and it was best to be off the roads. And maybe a bunch of journalistic pseudo ("pseudo"="false") panic gets people thinking about staying off the road. So maybe some good stuff came out of bad (not "the ends justify the means"; The ends never justify poor means.
(I did have a hilarious voice message from an acting buddy of mine as he dropped his phone and slid off the road; he's fine.)
Anyway, "they" sanded my hill during the ice storm (relax, it's a small hill; I'm still one of you, you classist bastards).
To clarify, they didn't just sand my hill; they established a beachhead.
I have this theory that every state gets the same amount of sand and salt for winter -- independent of the state's climate. So Texas gets as much salt and sand as Idaho. And Texas came together like the republic it is, and rushed emergency sand and salt aid to Central Texans in need during our "KILLER ICE STORM 2005".
And they dumped it all on my hill.
When I go running, I start my loop by running up my hill. This was a problem with my newly installed beach.
I was slipping and sliding all the way up. I couldn't get traction, and I was seriously worried I'd sprain an ankle on the way up. Cars were passing me, grinding course sand to dust, clogging my lungs and making it feel like I was running through a quarry (done that in the past, too).
When I finished my run, I dug out my leaf blower and blew sand off of my driveway and away from the street in front of my house. Who knew I owned a leaf blower? (Truth be known, a leaf blower has a ton of alternative and entertaining uses.)
That's Austin for you -- hide form an ice storm one day; break out the leaf blower the next.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Family before career.
Family before career.
Family before career.
Family before career.
Family before career.
Family before career.
Family before career.
.
.
.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
BREAKING NEWS -- CENTRAL TEXAS KILLER ICE STORM 2005!!
OK, not really breaking news, but the yellow journalists that have tailed off of hurricanes Katrina and Rita are now hyping an upcoming ice storm in Central Texas, because it's going to get to (*GASP*) 24-degrees, with wind, and "Rain/Sleet/Snow Possible".
I'm from Idaho, yo? I'm used to at least a couple of weeks of single-digit (or sub-zero with wind chill). This is one of one or two days a year of genuinely cold weather here. Winter is one of the things I enjoy about Austin -- I turned my heat on for the first time this season today (for all of 15 minutes).
Not that if we do have an ice storm I'll be doing any driving -- I grew up with it, but I don't want to be out on the roads with people who didn't.
And I hope folks do stay off the roads tonight and tomorrow if there is a storm; we don't need another 200-plus car pile up on an overpass in Houston, like a few years ago.
OK, not really breaking news, but the yellow journalists that have tailed off of hurricanes Katrina and Rita are now hyping an upcoming ice storm in Central Texas, because it's going to get to (*GASP*) 24-degrees, with wind, and "Rain/Sleet/Snow Possible".
I'm from Idaho, yo? I'm used to at least a couple of weeks of single-digit (or sub-zero with wind chill). This is one of one or two days a year of genuinely cold weather here. Winter is one of the things I enjoy about Austin -- I turned my heat on for the first time this season today (for all of 15 minutes).
Not that if we do have an ice storm I'll be doing any driving -- I grew up with it, but I don't want to be out on the roads with people who didn't.
And I hope folks do stay off the roads tonight and tomorrow if there is a storm; we don't need another 200-plus car pile up on an overpass in Houston, like a few years ago.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
This doctor is a good listener.
I've been in the Emergency Room for the past four hours, and wow, this
doctor is a good listener.
This is a big deal, because I learned a long time ago ER docs can be kind
of calloused to protect themselves -- if I'm not dying, I can wait, thank
you very much.
Not this guy, though. The way he was listening when I was talking, and even
when HE was talking -- very cool. It's not like there's a lot of privacy in
the ER, and I noticed he was doing this with everyone -- patients, nurses,
and technicians.
This is the kind of portrayal I want to do on camera, because it's the kind
of person I want to be off camera.
I get to leave now. No big whoop, I just a had some ongoing severe head and
noggin' pain that came to a head (ha) today, and my regular doc needed to
make sure everything was OK. We're good now, thanks.
As you were...
I went to Magnolia Cafe for breakfast today, to make up for yesterday's IHOP indiscretion.
The coffee didn't suck, and Love Migas rock ...
The coffee didn't suck, and Love Migas rock ...
Monday, December 05, 2005
IHOP
I should not order Tex-Mex at IHOP. Or coffee. I think both are equally desperate acts. And now I have the odd urge to listen to bad early nineties radio tunes ...
Saturday, December 03, 2005
I had auditions this week for Factory Girl.
The auditions were for two Day Player roles -- two different reporters -- and a good, learning kind of experience.
Lucky for me, an acting buddy reminded me "it's not 'just' a Day Player role" -- that is, it's an audition, it's a part, and it's in a feature film.
So, I continued with what's currently my acting process, which is probably midway through it's maturity.
This meant I spent a ton o' time memorizing the handful of lines (which, oddly, I still flubbed), and a lot more time building out my characters' wants, needs, history, and drives (from the sides; I believe all the info you really need comes from the script). I spent even more time reading the full (albeit outdated) script, researching Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, events of the time period, and (specifically), events mentioned as parenthetical (non-dialog) references in the script.
I then went to the audition, stuck my research in my back pocket, and tried to get in the moment for the taped audition.
So, I mentioned above my acting process is probably only midway through it's maturity. This means I'm not always successful in shelving the research and staying "out of my head" during the audition.
My strength is I know this. And I'm being patient with myself as I'm refining my personal process. Plus, the taped audition was for my agent, so a got a few tries to get it right. Besides, the Casting Director(s) for the film pulled my headshot and requested a taped audition from me based on my look. Hopefully the tape of me in action just pushes me over the top in their minds'.
And if I land it, I get to schlepp to Shreveport for a day or two of filming. Yay.
The auditions were for two Day Player roles -- two different reporters -- and a good, learning kind of experience.
Lucky for me, an acting buddy reminded me "it's not 'just' a Day Player role" -- that is, it's an audition, it's a part, and it's in a feature film.
So, I continued with what's currently my acting process, which is probably midway through it's maturity.
This meant I spent a ton o' time memorizing the handful of lines (which, oddly, I still flubbed), and a lot more time building out my characters' wants, needs, history, and drives (from the sides; I believe all the info you really need comes from the script). I spent even more time reading the full (albeit outdated) script, researching Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, events of the time period, and (specifically), events mentioned as parenthetical (non-dialog) references in the script.
I then went to the audition, stuck my research in my back pocket, and tried to get in the moment for the taped audition.
So, I mentioned above my acting process is probably only midway through it's maturity. This means I'm not always successful in shelving the research and staying "out of my head" during the audition.
My strength is I know this. And I'm being patient with myself as I'm refining my personal process. Plus, the taped audition was for my agent, so a got a few tries to get it right. Besides, the Casting Director(s) for the film pulled my headshot and requested a taped audition from me based on my look. Hopefully the tape of me in action just pushes me over the top in their minds'.
And if I land it, I get to schlepp to Shreveport for a day or two of filming. Yay.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
I really enjoy auditions and interviews.
I really enjoy auditions and interviews.
No BS. Just conversations with people about what they know, what I know,
and what we can learn from each other ...
Interviews and auditions are different versions of the same animal.
Way back when, I nailed a couple of auditions when I got myself into the mindset they were the same as interviews.
Seems like it's time to come full circle, and go after interviews with the same "make something happen" attitude I have for auditions.
I'm a firm believer in auditioning and interviewing constantly, even if I'm on the greener grass. It keeps me sharp, keeps me hungry, gives me perspective, and when I'm ready for a new challenge and want to make things happen somwhere else, I'm that much more ready to make the change.
I realize even though I made a decision to keep auditioning and acting up at the same pace, I haven't been really diligent, and sometime back fell into an "either-or" habit -- either auditioning, or interviewing.
Gonna be a busy few weeks ...
Way back when, I nailed a couple of auditions when I got myself into the mindset they were the same as interviews.
Seems like it's time to come full circle, and go after interviews with the same "make something happen" attitude I have for auditions.
I'm a firm believer in auditioning and interviewing constantly, even if I'm on the greener grass. It keeps me sharp, keeps me hungry, gives me perspective, and when I'm ready for a new challenge and want to make things happen somwhere else, I'm that much more ready to make the change.
I realize even though I made a decision to keep auditioning and acting up at the same pace, I haven't been really diligent, and sometime back fell into an "either-or" habit -- either auditioning, or interviewing.
Gonna be a busy few weeks ...
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Proof there is a God
"God created people, and gave them wisdom. And with that wisdom they
created ... Programmable coffee makers."
Amen.
Monday, November 21, 2005
I had a vivid dream last night.
I took a break from a professional hockey game (I was playing, of course) to wander a huge university campus, where extremely attractive people constantly stopped to talk to me.
I ran into Stan ("The Man") Lee, and invited him to come with me to a make-up session with my acting coach. The session was in an ancient theatre, and dozens of people were in the audience.
When I took the stage, a well-armed terrorist attacked. I fought and won, and rescued the entire audience (which included Stan Lee, two small girls, and an evidently important children's blanket).
And the terrorist turned out to be someone's mother (not mine).
Mr. Lee is an extremely influential person.
I took a break from a professional hockey game (I was playing, of course) to wander a huge university campus, where extremely attractive people constantly stopped to talk to me.
I ran into Stan ("The Man") Lee, and invited him to come with me to a make-up session with my acting coach. The session was in an ancient theatre, and dozens of people were in the audience.
When I took the stage, a well-armed terrorist attacked. I fought and won, and rescued the entire audience (which included Stan Lee, two small girls, and an evidently important children's blanket).
And the terrorist turned out to be someone's mother (not mine).
Mr. Lee is an extremely influential person.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
I like beer.
And I'm not a snob.
I just don't like Miller or Budweiser. Nothing classist; the taste just doesn't do anything for me. I'm more of a Fat Tire and Guinness kinda guy.
And now, to please an in-law, I tried a Budweiser Select. And ... I didn't spew.
I must think on this ...
And I'm not a snob.
I just don't like Miller or Budweiser. Nothing classist; the taste just doesn't do anything for me. I'm more of a Fat Tire and Guinness kinda guy.
And now, to please an in-law, I tried a Budweiser Select. And ... I didn't spew.
I must think on this ...
Friday, November 18, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Today didn't suck.
But one, single, half-an-hour event that bit made it feel like the whole day sucked.
That kind of bites.
Time to rearrange Stikfas and reset...
But one, single, half-an-hour event that bit made it feel like the whole day sucked.
That kind of bites.
Time to rearrange Stikfas and reset...
I'm totally digging Stikfas...
I'm totally digging Stikfas. And they just released these superhero versions. As you can see, They're much more powerful than original Stikfas...
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Monday, November 14, 2005
"Batman" audition
I just left an audition for a UT student film.
I haven't auditioned for a student film for a while -- so what changed my mind?
I'd get to play Batman.
I'm a borderline comic book fanboy (and I've already auditioned to be the voice of Captain America), so this is a good opportunity to flex my comic book chops in an on-screen short. An action short. Hope the choreography doesn't suck.
The downside? The script's not really canon -- kind of an "Elseworlds"
UltraLite -- but still fun.
The other downside is I dunno if the guys love the material. They happen to
have a nice Batsuit, and they built the project around that.
I love the material, though. So maybe it evens out.
And I've got the voice. Check out my Character Voice Demo, and tell me if I'm wrong...
I haven't auditioned for a student film for a while -- so what changed my mind?
I'd get to play Batman.
I'm a borderline comic book fanboy (and I've already auditioned to be the voice of Captain America), so this is a good opportunity to flex my comic book chops in an on-screen short. An action short. Hope the choreography doesn't suck.
The downside? The script's not really canon -- kind of an "Elseworlds"
UltraLite -- but still fun.
The other downside is I dunno if the guys love the material. They happen to
have a nice Batsuit, and they built the project around that.
I love the material, though. So maybe it evens out.
And I've got the voice. Check out my Character Voice Demo, and tell me if I'm wrong...
Friday, November 11, 2005
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
I went to the Reel Women "First Monday Mix" last night.
The Mix is generally a good chance for me to meet new folks, catch up with friends, and enjoy Opal Divine's massive draft selection (Smithwicks for me tonight, which is a good Irish red).
I felt both kind of rushed and low-key tonight, so I kept my networking effort somewhat small tonight.
I caught up with acting buddy and former classmate Richard Ricks (we've been sort of chasing each other for a couple of years), touched base with just getting into the game Deana Ricks, and met recent transplant (and Production hopeful) Marianne, 6-month set dresser Jennifer, Production Assistant and 2nd cam operator Cari, and finally got a chance to say hi to Gary Chason.
Unfortunately, the Mix is usually at the 6th street Opal Divine's, but tonight it was at the Penn Field location. Trying to get their for a 6 p.m. start in Austin rush hour traffic isn't something of which I'm in a hurry to make a habit, so we'll see how often I attend these things if the venue change holds.
I then headed north and hung out with rennaisance man Adam Langley. Dude's a prince of a guy.
The Mix is generally a good chance for me to meet new folks, catch up with friends, and enjoy Opal Divine's massive draft selection (Smithwicks for me tonight, which is a good Irish red).
I felt both kind of rushed and low-key tonight, so I kept my networking effort somewhat small tonight.
I caught up with acting buddy and former classmate Richard Ricks (we've been sort of chasing each other for a couple of years), touched base with just getting into the game Deana Ricks, and met recent transplant (and Production hopeful) Marianne, 6-month set dresser Jennifer, Production Assistant and 2nd cam operator Cari, and finally got a chance to say hi to Gary Chason.
Unfortunately, the Mix is usually at the 6th street Opal Divine's, but tonight it was at the Penn Field location. Trying to get their for a 6 p.m. start in Austin rush hour traffic isn't something of which I'm in a hurry to make a habit, so we'll see how often I attend these things if the venue change holds.
I then headed north and hung out with rennaisance man Adam Langley. Dude's a prince of a guy.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Hey, who's that actress playing a cashier on the new Jack-in-the-Box "JACK CA$H" commercial?
She's got it going on!
Good for her ...
She's got it going on!
Good for her ...
Saturday, November 05, 2005
More magic on the XML syndication front:
I've added a new set of pages to my website -- calendars!
I couldn't find a decent calendar for acting events, video game releases, film & DVD releases, and the like. I was looking for something to which I could subscribe (I'm an active consumer of content, but a often a passive consumer of getting it).
Since I couldn't find anything like this, I cobbled something together (with the help of free service RSSCalendar).
So check it out -- you can look at "All Events"; just "Acting"; just "Film/DVD"; or just "Video Games".
www.adamcreighton.com/calendar.html
As a caveat, I'm trying this out on a month-to-month basis, 'cause it's a lot of work. So, If you know of a publishable shared calendar that does the same thing, let me know.
You can also subscribe to the calendar, which is a pretty cool feature.
As a matter of fact, I've added a "Feeds" page to the website, to consolidate all of my syndication shenanigans:
www.adamcreighton.com/feeds.html
And no, this isn't the new hotness at which I hinted at last month.
Fishing for whales is still coming up soon ...
I've added a new set of pages to my website -- calendars!
I couldn't find a decent calendar for acting events, video game releases, film & DVD releases, and the like. I was looking for something to which I could subscribe (I'm an active consumer of content, but a often a passive consumer of getting it).
Since I couldn't find anything like this, I cobbled something together (with the help of free service RSSCalendar).
So check it out -- you can look at "All Events"; just "Acting"; just "Film/DVD"; or just "Video Games".
www.adamcreighton.com/calendar.html
As a caveat, I'm trying this out on a month-to-month basis, 'cause it's a lot of work. So, If you know of a publishable shared calendar that does the same thing, let me know.
You can also subscribe to the calendar, which is a pretty cool feature.
As a matter of fact, I've added a "Feeds" page to the website, to consolidate all of my syndication shenanigans:
www.adamcreighton.com/feeds.html
And no, this isn't the new hotness at which I hinted at last month.
Fishing for whales is still coming up soon ...
Friday, November 04, 2005
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Where have all the geeks gone?
Where have all the geeks gone?
I went out to try to find some midnight madness for the November 1 release of the Star Wars Episode III DVD, and the Star Wars Battlefront II PC and console video game.
I went by a Circuit City, an EB Games, and even made myself go by a Wal-Mart, before finding a party at a local Hastings. And by "party" I mean like 5 people, and only one in Star Wars-themed get up (the kid in the pict above).
he was dressed as "Anakin Skywalker" (Hayden Christensen) -- scar and all -- and probably would have had the best Star Wars costume. Even if there had actually been some competition.
I'm guessing the Force wasn't strong with this young one, since he was oblivious to my following him around to snap this picture.
I wanted to adopt the kid so he could make it through high school. He was making conversation with 3 of the other costumed attendees, and was asking things like, "So, are you a Dark Knight Returns concept Robin?"
Sad. But dedicated to his geekdom.
And I didn't even get me an Ewok ...
I went out to try to find some midnight madness for the November 1 release of the Star Wars Episode III DVD, and the Star Wars Battlefront II PC and console video game.
I went by a Circuit City, an EB Games, and even made myself go by a Wal-Mart, before finding a party at a local Hastings. And by "party" I mean like 5 people, and only one in Star Wars-themed get up (the kid in the pict above).
he was dressed as "Anakin Skywalker" (Hayden Christensen) -- scar and all -- and probably would have had the best Star Wars costume. Even if there had actually been some competition.
I'm guessing the Force wasn't strong with this young one, since he was oblivious to my following him around to snap this picture.
I wanted to adopt the kid so he could make it through high school. He was making conversation with 3 of the other costumed attendees, and was asking things like, "So, are you a Dark Knight Returns concept Robin?"
Sad. But dedicated to his geekdom.
And I didn't even get me an Ewok ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)