Well, it's been a pretty big week for me. I just received the final prints of my headshots, which are ready for submissions. I joined 2 of the 4 main casting / agency websites here in Los Angeles...but even bigger news, I paid the dues and have joined a union!
As of Friday, I am officially a member of AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). This is great news because it opens up so many new doors of work for me! A lot of television shows seem to be going the way of AFTRA since nobody is sure what SAG is going to do with the strike. In addition to this, it allows me to start making some decent money (scale) working on 'Better off Ted'.
It's Thanksgiving weekend next week, which marks 1 year since we have been out here, all in all I feel pretty good about where things are headed...I am heading to San Antonio tomorrow morning to visit my family for a week, which means this will probably be my last entry for another week or so.
Happy Thanksgiving!
...and Skol Vikes!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Chuck
Thursday I worked on the set of Chuck as a CIA Agent, or a businessman...I am not really sure. All I know, is that I was in a group of 30 or so guys and gals all wearing dark suits, dark glasses, and very bland ties. This was another quick 2 scene shoot, where we weren't really sure what the scenes were about...but eventually somebody was held at gunpoint and was placed in a limo. I can be seen talking on my cell phone, walking in front of the limo as it takes off. So, I am just going to pretend that I was in on 'the job'.
Nothing too exciting about this set, sorry to say...we only worked for roughly 4 hours and we were out of there! There were a couple interesting items of note...there was a barista set up in the park making everyone iced lattes and frappucinos, all of which were free, so we got to load up on caffeine. I think the highlight of the day was Steve Perry hanging out on set all day...he was dressed like a PA (Production Assistant) though, so at first I thought "NO! Steve Perry working as a PA now? Man, things must have went downhill" ...turns out, he is friends with the director and was just hanging out on set, rather than rocking out in sold-out arenas...err, casinos.
Don't Stop Believing.
Nothing too exciting about this set, sorry to say...we only worked for roughly 4 hours and we were out of there! There were a couple interesting items of note...there was a barista set up in the park making everyone iced lattes and frappucinos, all of which were free, so we got to load up on caffeine. I think the highlight of the day was Steve Perry hanging out on set all day...he was dressed like a PA (Production Assistant) though, so at first I thought "NO! Steve Perry working as a PA now? Man, things must have went downhill" ...turns out, he is friends with the director and was just hanging out on set, rather than rocking out in sold-out arenas...err, casinos.
Don't Stop Believing.
How I Met Your Mother
So, I am not sure how I missed this show...but I was just introduced to it about a week ago, and it is hilarious. Wednesday I was cast as....WHAAAAAT??? ...a Minnesotan? You betcha! They had several sets throughout the day, one was in a Canadian bar, as well as another bar called the "Walleye Saloon", and one upscale restaurant, which is what I was cast for. Looking at the sets I could practically taste the Grain Belt Premium, and smell the frozen Heggies pizza cooking in the oven.
The morning started out really weird, as I met my doppelganger! You see, there is another actor doing background with the last name Shellman, and I have ran across his name on several sets. Well, today as I received my voucher, I met this elusive "Jason Shellman" as he overheard my name and introduced himself. Turns out his last name is actually Snellman, but being that the 'n' looks like an 'h', it appears as Shellman. But here is the kicker...turns out, he is also from Minneapolis, and moved out here to LA about a year ago as well. Ooooo-weeeee-ooooo
The title of the episode is called 'Little Minnesota'...
Outside of the set, I was walking with a gal to grab a coffee at crafty and the red light was flashing outside, which means, they were filming and to sit tight. So, I was telling her all about the show 'Freaks and Geeks' and how brilliant this show was. Well, just to add to this mysterious day, guess who happened to show up in the doorway while we waited to go inside. Jason Segal...from 'Freeks and Geeks'! At this point, I am freaking out inside as this day is just too surreal. However, I kept my composure and explained how I was just telling her about his show, and Jason was humble and thanked me, explaining how much fun it was, and how we joked about how they all seem to be doing just fine despite the show being canceled 10 years ago.
All in all, a very strange day indeed.
The morning started out really weird, as I met my doppelganger! You see, there is another actor doing background with the last name Shellman, and I have ran across his name on several sets. Well, today as I received my voucher, I met this elusive "Jason Shellman" as he overheard my name and introduced himself. Turns out his last name is actually Snellman, but being that the 'n' looks like an 'h', it appears as Shellman. But here is the kicker...turns out, he is also from Minneapolis, and moved out here to LA about a year ago as well. Ooooo-weeeee-ooooo
The title of the episode is called 'Little Minnesota'...
Outside of the set, I was walking with a gal to grab a coffee at crafty and the red light was flashing outside, which means, they were filming and to sit tight. So, I was telling her all about the show 'Freaks and Geeks' and how brilliant this show was. Well, just to add to this mysterious day, guess who happened to show up in the doorway while we waited to go inside. Jason Segal...from 'Freeks and Geeks'! At this point, I am freaking out inside as this day is just too surreal. However, I kept my composure and explained how I was just telling her about his show, and Jason was humble and thanked me, explaining how much fun it was, and how we joked about how they all seem to be doing just fine despite the show being canceled 10 years ago.
All in all, a very strange day indeed.
Life
Tuesday had me working at Universal Studios on the set of 'Life'...once again, another show I don't watch. Seriously, I bet I could take a week of my life and try watching every show on tv right now, and still not be able to catch up.
However, I do know that the lead actor of this show was amazing in Band of Brothers, and another fun fact is, he's British. Which had me thinking about a lot of the shows being carried by lead actors from abroad. Dr. House...Brit. This guy from Life...Brit. Eleventh Hour...Brit. Life on Mars...Irish. Without a Trace...Brit.
I think it's hilarious as I have this whole Monty Python skit in my head when I picture them as a tough New Yorker type, then when the director yells cut, they slip back into their native British accent "Excuuuuuse me love, can I get some chamomile tea for me throat?"
I have a lot of time to think about this stuff when I am on set. :)
Anyway...today was a really easy day, I was cast as a reporter / still photographer. We were in a park outside all morning, and the scene was really short (5 hours). The director really wanted to feature us as paparazzi types, and got a ton of close ups of us frantically trying to get the "money shot", which should make for hilarious tv if you watch our facial expressions, as there is sure to be an abundance of over-acting.
Enjoy!
However, I do know that the lead actor of this show was amazing in Band of Brothers, and another fun fact is, he's British. Which had me thinking about a lot of the shows being carried by lead actors from abroad. Dr. House...Brit. This guy from Life...Brit. Eleventh Hour...Brit. Life on Mars...Irish. Without a Trace...Brit.
I think it's hilarious as I have this whole Monty Python skit in my head when I picture them as a tough New Yorker type, then when the director yells cut, they slip back into their native British accent "Excuuuuuse me love, can I get some chamomile tea for me throat?"
I have a lot of time to think about this stuff when I am on set. :)
Anyway...today was a really easy day, I was cast as a reporter / still photographer. We were in a park outside all morning, and the scene was really short (5 hours). The director really wanted to feature us as paparazzi types, and got a ton of close ups of us frantically trying to get the "money shot", which should make for hilarious tv if you watch our facial expressions, as there is sure to be an abundance of over-acting.
Enjoy!
State of Play
Being that I am on a break from 'Ted', I was free to work on some other projects this week. On Monday, I worked on set of 'State of Play' with Russell Crowe, Robin Wright Penn, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman to name a few. I was only fortunate enough to work with Russell, which I personally hold at the top of that list anyway.
The scene took place in a very upscale bar in the Biltmore Hotel downtown LA. This hotel was incredible, completely detailed from head to toe, apparently it held a brief stint as host to 8 Academy Awards during the 1930's. Speaking of brief stints...we started the day on a rather dark note, as some guy had jumped to his death in the building across from our hotel at 8:00am while we were in wardrobe getting dressed. (rumor was that it was one of the grips) Wowsah!
The AD greeted us bright and early at 7:30, and said to brace ourselves, as it was going to be a long day, and prepare for at least 14 hours.
Just to give you an idea at how long it takes to film a 2 hour movie...this 14 hour day consisted of only filming 1 scene where Russell walked from one end of the bar to the other, shared some dialogue with Robin's character (the girl Robin), and then a couple close ups with them sitting down talking. So, I guess you could call it 2 scenes, but still...you get the idea.
I have to admit I was a little star struck seeing 'Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North' walk into a bar 5 feet away from me. In fact, contrary to what most people think, there were no bar stools flying, no fist to cuffs, turns out...Russ was one cool bloke. He joked with us about drinking copious amounts of alcohol (I think he likes the sauce) and at one point, I happened to catch this extra staring at him while we were on our marks, and as soon as Russell noticed, he quickly turned his head away as if something incredible was happening on the floor. Russell took a couple steps towards him, leaned in, and introduced himself and shook his hand.
From what I understand, this movie has went through it's share of actors attached to it (Ed Norton, Brad Pitt) but they had to settle with Mr. Affleck.
But come on, who didn't love him as O'Bannion in Dazed and Confused!!?
"Y'all ready to bust some Freshman ass!?"
The scene took place in a very upscale bar in the Biltmore Hotel downtown LA. This hotel was incredible, completely detailed from head to toe, apparently it held a brief stint as host to 8 Academy Awards during the 1930's. Speaking of brief stints...we started the day on a rather dark note, as some guy had jumped to his death in the building across from our hotel at 8:00am while we were in wardrobe getting dressed. (rumor was that it was one of the grips) Wowsah!
The AD greeted us bright and early at 7:30, and said to brace ourselves, as it was going to be a long day, and prepare for at least 14 hours.
Just to give you an idea at how long it takes to film a 2 hour movie...this 14 hour day consisted of only filming 1 scene where Russell walked from one end of the bar to the other, shared some dialogue with Robin's character (the girl Robin), and then a couple close ups with them sitting down talking. So, I guess you could call it 2 scenes, but still...you get the idea.
I have to admit I was a little star struck seeing 'Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North' walk into a bar 5 feet away from me. In fact, contrary to what most people think, there were no bar stools flying, no fist to cuffs, turns out...Russ was one cool bloke. He joked with us about drinking copious amounts of alcohol (I think he likes the sauce) and at one point, I happened to catch this extra staring at him while we were on our marks, and as soon as Russell noticed, he quickly turned his head away as if something incredible was happening on the floor. Russell took a couple steps towards him, leaned in, and introduced himself and shook his hand.
From what I understand, this movie has went through it's share of actors attached to it (Ed Norton, Brad Pitt) but they had to settle with Mr. Affleck.
But come on, who didn't love him as O'Bannion in Dazed and Confused!!?
"Y'all ready to bust some Freshman ass!?"
Sunday, November 16, 2008
I BOOKED A REGULAR GIG!
I realize I haven't updated this blog in over a week, but it is with good reason. I have been working really long hours lately, as I just landed a regular gig working on a new show called 'Better off Ted'!!
Myself, and about 15 others were chosen to be regular office workers in this new show, which stars Jay Harrington and Portia de Rossi. Which I have to admit, made me a little star struck, as I am a HUGE Arrested Development fan!
There are several reasons this is great news:
1. This is an AFTRA show, which pays SAG rates...so once I pay my dues and join AFTRA, I can start making twice as much money!
2. There is still talk of SAG striking, which means business will slow down in this town, and I will have guaranteed work.
3. The background actors in this show are highlighted regularly, not just blurs in the background...there will be a unique choreographed style to this show, almost like a musical. It should be very interesting!
So, there ya have it...I am back to a desk job working for a company called Veridian Technologies, which is a morally questionable research and development lab. The characters are all quirky, the comedy is dark / witty...think Pushing Daisies, Arrested Development, Scrubs, etc...and then, throw in a little Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and there ya have it!
At the very least, it's going to have it's own unique style, which I think is refreshing. (ehem...CSI Nebraska?) I will keep you posted as to when it will air, but the show was picked up by ABC, and should be airing sometime mid season 2009.
The actors are all great, as is the crew...everyone treats us like we're part of the show, because we are. There aren't any egos with the principles, we joke and chat together. In fact, on Friday I was beginning one my entrances out of the Ladies bathroom, and Portia looks at me and joked about how not to worry, she wouldn't be the one to "judge me". (hint - she's married to Ellen)
I think one of the best parts about working this show, is that I still get to work other shows...being that I am a regular office worker, they'll only need me when they shoot the scenes in the office. So, I have this whole week off, as they are filming the lab scenes, and I am coming back after Thanksgiving.
In the meantime I still need to chase those vouchers, so I'll still work other shows...and tomorrow I am working on a movie called 'State of Play', which stars Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck...and another Arrested Development alum, Jason Bateman.
Then, I guess it's back to the boring old desk job for me. (sigh)...I hate Monday's.
Myself, and about 15 others were chosen to be regular office workers in this new show, which stars Jay Harrington and Portia de Rossi. Which I have to admit, made me a little star struck, as I am a HUGE Arrested Development fan!
There are several reasons this is great news:
1. This is an AFTRA show, which pays SAG rates...so once I pay my dues and join AFTRA, I can start making twice as much money!
2. There is still talk of SAG striking, which means business will slow down in this town, and I will have guaranteed work.
3. The background actors in this show are highlighted regularly, not just blurs in the background...there will be a unique choreographed style to this show, almost like a musical. It should be very interesting!
So, there ya have it...I am back to a desk job working for a company called Veridian Technologies, which is a morally questionable research and development lab. The characters are all quirky, the comedy is dark / witty...think Pushing Daisies, Arrested Development, Scrubs, etc...and then, throw in a little Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and there ya have it!
At the very least, it's going to have it's own unique style, which I think is refreshing. (ehem...CSI Nebraska?) I will keep you posted as to when it will air, but the show was picked up by ABC, and should be airing sometime mid season 2009.
The actors are all great, as is the crew...everyone treats us like we're part of the show, because we are. There aren't any egos with the principles, we joke and chat together. In fact, on Friday I was beginning one my entrances out of the Ladies bathroom, and Portia looks at me and joked about how not to worry, she wouldn't be the one to "judge me". (hint - she's married to Ellen)
I think one of the best parts about working this show, is that I still get to work other shows...being that I am a regular office worker, they'll only need me when they shoot the scenes in the office. So, I have this whole week off, as they are filming the lab scenes, and I am coming back after Thanksgiving.
In the meantime I still need to chase those vouchers, so I'll still work other shows...and tomorrow I am working on a movie called 'State of Play', which stars Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck...and another Arrested Development alum, Jason Bateman.
Then, I guess it's back to the boring old desk job for me. (sigh)...I hate Monday's.
The Amazing Mrs. Novak
Today I was downtown Los Angeles working on a pilot for an upcoming Lifetime show called 'The Amazing Mrs. Novak', apparently it's about a soccer mom turned NJ State Governor. Hmm...where have we heard this story before Hollywood??
While I understand peoples lack of desire to visit the so-called Garden State, I was actually quite thrilled, as they recreated a park in Los Angeles to resemble Autumn in "Joy-zee". It was nice to stroll back and forth kicking up leaves, and pretending I actually had a Fall this year.
I cannot even remember what they cast me as, but soon I was grabbed and asked to become a photographer for the press, and that pretty much stuck the rest of the day. This made the day fly by, as they gave me a fancy camera, that actually worked (sans film). I had a blast pretending to get all sorts of great shots, fighting my way to the front of the line, tackling and running over my peers, to get that money shot of Lindsay Lohan buying a cup of coffee...exciting!! (this actually happened 5 feet from me, FYI)
Anyway, I am sure there is more creative depth to this show (I hope), but much like everything in Hollywood...it's all about capitalizing on what is hot right now, and with Sarah Palin's recent 15 mins of fame...it seemed apparent to me, this is exactly what they were doing. (sigh)
Tell ya what...I may not be in the show, but I am recommending '30 Rock' instead...Tina Fey, now that is one dame who gets my vote! Absolutely brilliant writing.
While I understand peoples lack of desire to visit the so-called Garden State, I was actually quite thrilled, as they recreated a park in Los Angeles to resemble Autumn in "Joy-zee". It was nice to stroll back and forth kicking up leaves, and pretending I actually had a Fall this year.
I cannot even remember what they cast me as, but soon I was grabbed and asked to become a photographer for the press, and that pretty much stuck the rest of the day. This made the day fly by, as they gave me a fancy camera, that actually worked (sans film). I had a blast pretending to get all sorts of great shots, fighting my way to the front of the line, tackling and running over my peers, to get that money shot of Lindsay Lohan buying a cup of coffee...exciting!! (this actually happened 5 feet from me, FYI)
Anyway, I am sure there is more creative depth to this show (I hope), but much like everything in Hollywood...it's all about capitalizing on what is hot right now, and with Sarah Palin's recent 15 mins of fame...it seemed apparent to me, this is exactly what they were doing. (sigh)
Tell ya what...I may not be in the show, but I am recommending '30 Rock' instead...Tina Fey, now that is one dame who gets my vote! Absolutely brilliant writing.
Rules of Engagement
Roseanne, Full House, Cosby Show...these are just some of the shows I remember that started the credits with "blah-blah...is filmed in front of a live television audience".
I had no idea they continued to film this way, that is...until I made my way to set of Rules of Engagement on Tuesday. We sat in comfortable bleachers overlooking 4 main sets for the show. (diner, upscale restaurant, living room, kitchen) The AD greeted all of us and told us how it would the show would go, first we would do our blocking, (positioning where we would be sitting, standing, crossing, etc...) then we would do a few rehearsals, and then the audience would arrive at 6:30 and we would begin taping.
It was a breath of fresh air, as I thought it would bring a sort of theatre element to it, where the scenes would just progresses naturally, and for the most part that held true. We had a couple hours break before the audience shuffled in, so I strolled the studio lot to kill some time. I didn't run into anything exciting this time however, just lines of tourists being prepped on what to expect, the do's and don'ts, that sorta thing.
6:15 - time to take stage, we all shuffled into our positions and being that we were in the second scene (upscale restaurant), I was able to stand in the wings and watch the actors as well as the audience. It was a really good vibe, everyone seemed to be having a great time...the actors would joke and laugh when they had to do retakes, as opposed to yelling "%!@&!!...can we go again?" plus, the show stars David Spade and Putty (from Seinfeld), so it's kind of hard not to be laughing around those guys!
Tonight was also kind of a historic night, as Obama was elected President, and so the crew was updating us and the audience as the polls came in, and once projected the winner, the place erupted with even more excitement...it was a pretty electrifying night!
The episode is entitled 'House of Money', and should be really easy to spot me as I am sitting up at the bar with "Putty", while he and the lead actress are getting a drink, then in one other scene, I am sitting directly behind their table once they are seated.
The attached photo is looking down from the audience bleachers onto the restaurant and the diner sets, and the other is from the set looking up at the audience...normally cameras are frowned upon, hence the sneaky looking pics.
I had no idea they continued to film this way, that is...until I made my way to set of Rules of Engagement on Tuesday. We sat in comfortable bleachers overlooking 4 main sets for the show. (diner, upscale restaurant, living room, kitchen) The AD greeted all of us and told us how it would the show would go, first we would do our blocking, (positioning where we would be sitting, standing, crossing, etc...) then we would do a few rehearsals, and then the audience would arrive at 6:30 and we would begin taping.
It was a breath of fresh air, as I thought it would bring a sort of theatre element to it, where the scenes would just progresses naturally, and for the most part that held true. We had a couple hours break before the audience shuffled in, so I strolled the studio lot to kill some time. I didn't run into anything exciting this time however, just lines of tourists being prepped on what to expect, the do's and don'ts, that sorta thing.
6:15 - time to take stage, we all shuffled into our positions and being that we were in the second scene (upscale restaurant), I was able to stand in the wings and watch the actors as well as the audience. It was a really good vibe, everyone seemed to be having a great time...the actors would joke and laugh when they had to do retakes, as opposed to yelling "%!@&!!...can we go again?" plus, the show stars David Spade and Putty (from Seinfeld), so it's kind of hard not to be laughing around those guys!
Tonight was also kind of a historic night, as Obama was elected President, and so the crew was updating us and the audience as the polls came in, and once projected the winner, the place erupted with even more excitement...it was a pretty electrifying night!
The episode is entitled 'House of Money', and should be really easy to spot me as I am sitting up at the bar with "Putty", while he and the lead actress are getting a drink, then in one other scene, I am sitting directly behind their table once they are seated.
The attached photo is looking down from the audience bleachers onto the restaurant and the diner sets, and the other is from the set looking up at the audience...normally cameras are frowned upon, hence the sneaky looking pics.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Catch me on TV...tonight!
So, it appears the shows I have been working on are finally ready to start airing. I just checked the synopsis for Eleventh Hour, and I'll be on tonights episode. Which means it's probably safe to say the other shows will follow suit in the coming week or so.
So please, grab some wine (LOTS of wine), and look for me on Eleventh Hour airing Thursday on CBS. Look for the the ambulances arriving at the scene of a construction site, we're the first responders in the blue Hazmat suits.
Copy that? Out.
So please, grab some wine (LOTS of wine), and look for me on Eleventh Hour airing Thursday on CBS. Look for the the ambulances arriving at the scene of a construction site, we're the first responders in the blue Hazmat suits.
Copy that? Out.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Heroes
Greetings from the set of Heroes! I am trying something different this time around and actually blogging from set. This morning I was booked on set of Heroes, along with my trusty co-star (The Red Hyundai). Call time was 5am, which meant I was mainlining java at 3:30 this morning! The location is great though, as we're right on the beach and my attire is that of a "beach-goer". I really love these early shoots as you get to drive through Los Angeles like it's Anytown, USA and it's amazing how much of the city you get to see when you're not driving / trying to stay alive. I arrived at the beach at 4:40am and since I was a little early I zenned out and took in some waves before my battle against evil (e.g. - wardrobe) The shuttle arrived and took us to set, I breezed through wardrobe but came to find out that my voucher was MIA, the AD confirmed I was booked but had to acquire a voucher for me...and I hoped it would magically turn into the yellow kind, it didn't. I shot my first scene as a pedestrian walking between the lead actor who's plays "Claire's" father and some FBI agents. As I was waiting in the wings, Hayden Panatierre (the cheerleader) came out and said good morning to the crew and hugged her screen dad, after which some of the crew joked about her (possible spoiler alert!) prison outfit...and then she retired to her comfy director chair. FYI - she is super tiny, as in maybe 5ft? I am now sitting in the car as they just moved locations, the morning fog has all burned off now so it's getting really warm here in the sun...I just saw a double for Zachary Quinto who plays "Sylar" go racing by on foot so looks like ole' Zachary doesn't do his own stunts. Really?? ...you don't run? Well, I am all caught up now, so will update this as interesting things happen, until then...
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