Signed......Sealed .....Delivered

I had a great meeting today with a theatrical agent. She was very interested in representing me and we hit it off beautifully. To be honest...it was a love fest. It’s so nice when someone finally “gets you” and values what you bring to the table.

She loved the fact that I bring a very wide range of characters with me that are based on truth. The white collar professional who used to be in the military and worked with the government. The fun-loving artistic father who loves working with kids and is kind, friendly, funny and humble. Finally, the street-wise cat born and raised in The Bronx who will smack the taste out of your mouth if you cross him. Yes, good or bad, these are all a part of my make-up and it was so refreshing to find someone who loved every bit of it. Not to mention how hard I work with drops, classes, workshops, etc.

But it doesn't end there. So she's interested in repping me. What about her? Keep in mind this meeting/interview isn't all one way. Daddy had to feel her out and find out more about the agency:
I'm not just going to sign with anyone simply because they're interested in me. Especially if it's such a small relatively unknown agency. Are they hungry? Are they going to try to push for me? Fortunately, the answers in this case are a resounding ....YES!

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a thing for people who are passionate. If a person has passion, drive

www.imdb.com/name/nm1665358
www.pro.imdb.com/name/nm1665358


I promise I'll finish this one soon......gotta run.

TV Audition: "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia” @ Wendy O'Brien Casting
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This was my first time in this office. I felt really good about my work and choices. Actually, it was pretty hilarious. The CD and I were cracking up afterwards. It's been a week or so later now....so I obviously didn't get it..but I was on tape and I'm sure I'll be invited back in to that office. Onto the next one!

What's in a name..........

I received a call from my manager saying that the production office of “Ocean’s 13” called them to inform me that my character name had changed from Lone Security Guard to Guard Ortega. Cool.

In my view, this is nice in three ways:

1) On a smaller scale, it’s nice that my character now has a name. Yay! I know, I know….it’s not really a big deal. But you know what, I would rather have a name than not have a name. Let’s put it like that. Smile.

2) Looks like my scenes may have actually made it into the final cut of the film. For those of you who don’t know, that’s a big deal when you have a relatively small role. Some times even huge roles have been cut because they’ve gone in a different direction. Depending on how much strong, relevant material the director, editor and the producers choose to use, a number of scenes are often cut and never make it to the film. Hence the term “My scenes were left on the cutting room floor.” Sometime you’ll see them on DVD’s as deleted scenes, etc. Meaning that you’re not going to be seen and in most cases, not even appear on the credits. So the fact that my character is being given a name by the production company just a couple of months before the premiere (June 8th…by the way. Smile.) says that I may actually be on the movie screen for this one.

3) Finally, I often like to think outside of the box…and I say to myself that SOMEONE had to be thinking about yours truly! By this I mean…as I’ve mentioned before, when you’re done working on your scene for films and you have a relatively small role. It’s rare that anyone will even remember you when you’re wrapped….there’s just entirely too many other things going on with a film….the main stars/characters, editing, color correction, looping, marketing, premieres, etc. The fact that I’m being talked about (even if it’s just to give me a name) is a good thing. You want your name and/or your performance to be on someone’s mind.

So, I’ll take all of this as a good thing. It might not seem like a big deal to some….but I’ll take it!

He's Back!!!

I’m just getting back in town after being on the east coast for the past week. I was there for my son’s 4th birthday. As many of you may already know from following my blog…..I don’t like putting out too much personal stuff regarding my family. Don’t take it personal….I just like to guard my family’s privacy and you never know. Even though I like to believe that everyone who reads my blog is on my team….I know there are some weirdo’s out there. Trust me, I have the e-mails to prove it. Smile. But that’s cool…it takes all types. I think things would be pretty boring if everyone was the same. Suffice to say, I had a GREAT time and I’m so glad that I was able to be there.

Now of course, you know that taking a trip away from LA means only one thing. Yes, it means that you’ll get auditions that you can’t attend!! This time I missed 4. Count ‘em 4 auditions! 1 Theatrical and 3 Commercial. It’s like clock work boys and girls. One day, when I have some money (whenever that is), I’m going to wait for things to be slow for me and I’m just going to book a flight. Guaranteed way to get an audition….trust me.

I must say it does feel good to be back and ready to do some work. Now if Daddy (me…c’mon keep up!) could just book a gig……that would be lovely. I know I’ve been really close on some pretty big projects (series regulars, guest stars, etc.) so far. I feel like it’s all about to change for the better really soon. Please keep me in your prayers.

ps. Oh, and I didn't mention that as soon as I got in from the airport I did a few drops, and attended an AWESOME workshop with the writer of a hit sitcom. I learned so much from the business from a totally different side of the fence. Very enlightening.

Take the red pill.........

TV Audition/PRODUCER'S SESSION!!!: "Numbers” @ Mark Saks Casting
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It was for a pretty small role (I know, I know, no small roles. Yada, yada. smile) and it went very well. We'll see. With producer sessions, at least in my experience, you pretty much find out quick. Most times even the same day. So since I didn't hear anything...I'm going to move on and work on the next one.

As an actor who auditions regularly (and I'm so Blessed to be doing so), you have to walk a fine line quite often. On one hand you're sooo excited about getting the audition! Yes, right there you're beating all the odds in itself!! So you work so hard to be ready: making strong choices, getting off-book (memorizing your lines), researching the show/director/writer, etc.

You do all this work for this role. Then when the audition is over.....you literally have to throw it all away and simply move on. Trust me, that's much easier said than done. Normally your natural instinct will be to obsess and continuously think about the role. Especially if this is your first audition in months or perhaps it's for a HUGE role that could potentially change your life. Problem is you'll go crazy. Trust me....been there, done that!

It's so important to try to forget about it. Sometimes even downplay it. If it comes, it comes. Problem is, you don't want this sense of reality to take away or affect your preparation at all. If you start your preparation with the sense that you may not get it....Personally, I feel you're not going to...with that frame of mind. See what I mean about a fine line? On one hand, you're strong confident and very sure of yourself. This role is already mine...and I'm simply going to show all these execs how this role, MY ROLE, should be played. But the moment you're done with the audition....I have to forget about it and assume I didn't get it. That's simply not normal. Crazy business isn't it?! I still love it though.

You have to re-condition your mind. Take the red pill Neo! Smile. Hopefully, you'll be in a position to focus on another audition very soon....to get your mind off of the last one. If you're not in that situation...do some drop-offs, work on your scene from your acting class (you are studying right?), attend a workshop, etc. Just keep it moving people. Keep it moving.

Busy week.....

TV Audition: "Numbers” @ Mark Saks Casting
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Yeah, it's right. A Sunday audition for a network show! Cool. Never done that before. It just so happens that I also had a casting director workshop earlier today too.

Wow, this was a pretty busy week. I did drop-offs every day this week. I worked with my scene partner from Ivana's class. Had 6 auditions this week including today's pre-read & I also attended a few casting director workshops. Whew.

A month ago, I hadn't had an audition in ages. This week I was running all over the place. Now if I could just close some of these deals and book a gig.....that would be the icing on the cake. Still, I'm glad I'm going out and getting into these offices.

As for the audition. I felt pretty good about it. Well see tomorrow! Please keep me in your prayers.

Here's a warning.....There won't be another!

When I lived in the MD/DC area (doing my classified work in my previous life) and commuting back and forth to NYC for my acting; I used to read once a week to some awesome kids in SE DC. Some of you may/may not know, SE is supposed to be a rough neighborhood. Hey, I was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, I've traveled the world...trust me rough neighborhood is relative and I'm of the opinion that there are rough neighborhoods everywhere. But I digress.

The reason that I bring this up is that every time I visited with my class we would exchange stories with each other. I wanted to hear how their week was and then I would share with them my stories. The only stipulation that I always stood by...was that I only wanted to hear positive stories. When we would spend time together...it was supposed to be fun, inspiring, and a learning experience for them and for me. I didn't want to hear that cousin Howard was shot or my Granny just passed away, etc. I wanted to hear positive stories. I didn't care how big or small. You went to the movies, you played with your friends, you went on vacation, you had ice cream, etc. Life for some of us deals so many heartaches that we sometimes can't even see the flowers because of all the damn weeds in the way. I wanted my kids to see that yes, there are flowers here...and they're real. You just have to take the time or make the effort to find them.

Having said that, I'm not naive. I'm not dismissive to unfortunate things that happen in our lives. I understand all the negative influences and heartaches that we face....and at times, when they need to be discussed they can and will be. I just don't want them to rule me. In the case of my class, I didn't want to have these experiences dictate our time together and hang over our heads like a dark cloud. Again, it's all how you choose to see things. By now.....You either get it or you don't.

That, my friends is what you call a warning shot to all the negative people out there. Or to some of the "false positives" (as I sometimes call them). People who are only positive when things are going well. Sometimes I literally think people are trying to wait me out to see if/when I'm going to change at some point. I don't know, I guess they just think how I feel is a facade or something. On contraire, mon frier....I've been Blessed to live such a wonderful life, with soooo many ups and downs that I've learned from in my travels. I have family and friends that love me whether I'm a huge name in the business or simply a family man. Alas, as much as I want to affect and inspire people, I can't force a square peg into a round hole. For example, I had a friend recently who said to me "I hate talking to you sometimes with all your positive, glass-half full stuff." I felt bad for them....'cause they just don't get it. Life's too short for negative energy. Get it together or I'm steppin. As the saying goes, some people are in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I'll let these people decide where they want to be.....Because with God's Love...I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere.

Just like with the kids, with my posts, I don't like to put myself out there sometimes. I like to keep things positive... to inspire people. Are there negatives and lows?...OF COURSE! I just choose not to dwell on them and for that matter write about them. They are there. Trust me. I know that. With God's Will I'll deal with them. But at least I'M HERE to deal with them. Right?! Again, it's all how you look at things.

You're on notice. Keep it positive people! Smile.

TV Audition: "Two Families” (Pilot) @ Greenstein/Daniel Casting
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Feature Film Audition: "The Last Score”
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Double edged sword.....

TV Audition: "Cold Case” @ Shaner/Testa Casting
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1) So you want me to audition for a role in a few days and I have the sides (for all the lay people - script with the scenes that I'm going to be using in the audition) in advance to work on? Then casting director, you just don't know how I'm about to devour this role and make it my own. ROAR!!

2) Okay, let's switch gears here...so you call me at the last minute and want me to read for a role on a hit show? No problem, I guess you don't know that I take workshops ALL
the time and I can deliver a powerful cold-reading in my sleep.

I know, I know....it's just not fair to the competition, now is it!

Okay, enough of that. That was fun! But back to business. Version 2 is what happened today. It was after 1pm when I
get the call for an audition @ 5:30. I love getting those kind of opportunities because I feel really storng about my cold-reading skills. Truth is when you go to casting director workshops almost EVERY night and you're only given 10-15 minutes to bring material to life, if I get a few hours, that feels like an eternity. And quite frankly, most other actors don't feel comfortable with that.

Try to use that negative as a positive. Right?!

Having said all of this. Looks like didn't get the fricking part anyway! Haha! Oh, well. At least it made sense to me. Smile.
I felt great about the aduition. It's only my second time in this office. I'm glad I was called in. They could've called sooooo many other actors instead of me. I'm getting on some radars people!

Coffee chat.......

Today I volunteered to speak with a group of relatively new (and some not so new) actors about the business. I used the table of contents of the book I'm writing (Tips for the Working Actor, By a Working Actor) to serve as a outline for our discussion. I really enjoyed sharing almost everything that I knew with them. I say almost because there was so much information....we pretty much ran out of time and I couldn't cover everything. Maybe next time. Still, the feedback was so positive and appreciative it made me feel like it was definitely worthwhile.

Don't keep it to yourself......speak up!

TV Audition: "Twilight” (Pilot) @ FMW Casting
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Wow. I'll be honest here. I'm kind of at a loss for words. This audition was very special, inspiring, sad....just a whole range of emotions flood through my mind as I reflect on this audition.

You ever want something so bad you could taste it? We all have. And I'm not talking something generic like " I want to be a star", etc. I mean something specific. That's how I felt about this role. This audition was for a recurring guest star on a pilot....in other words....a series regular in my book! Yeah! It's that serious. One of those potential life changers.

I won't go into details but I had a friend pull some strings in order for me to be seen for this role. I rarely ever do that..but I felt this role was sooo right for me, I had to use any contacts that I had, and they were happy to try to do so. Well it worked! I got the audition for the next day and I went in to read for this HUGE role that I think I'm perfect for. Needless to say, I thanked this person profusely and I hope they'll call on me to do them a favor some time. I never forget to repay a favor. I know it sounds like I'm getting "Godfather" here but these gestures, these supportive comments from this person and so many others that I've met out here are very inspiring to me. They should be embraced and encouraged.

True story- My mother was in town visiting me once and we went out breakfast at an IHOP or something. The young lady who was waiting on us was AWESOME! Very friendly, happy, engaging, etc. The food was great, the service was great....you get the point. So it's time to pay the check and my mom and I are talking about what great service she provided for us. Now I pride myself on being a generous tipper....so I totally planned on leaving her a very nice tip. Then my mom tells me "You should tell her what a great job she was doing." Ummmm, isn't that why I'm leaving her such a fat tip. She'll get the point trust me. Then my mom explains to me how sometimes it's important for people to actually get feedback or be acknowledged on how they're doing. What if she didn't think her extra effort was being appreciated. Maybe I just happen to be a generous tipper to everyone...good or bad. Maybe after this customer she'll say "You know what, no one notices if I put in an extra effort so...why bother." She's right. I used to do that with soldiers that I was in charge of in the Army. If you acknowledge and reward your people......trust me, they will take care of you and make you shine. So, you know what happened next. We complimented her for her great service, told her manager what a great job she did and that was that.

Point here is, when people go above and beyond the call - Acknowledge it! They didn't have to. They're not obligated to......but they did. So to this friend and all the other people in the industry that have been looking out for me. Personally and professionally....I see you out there! Thank you. (And trust me, I've thanked all of them personally when I've had the opportunity to do so.)

Back to the audition: So I get the call that my audition is for the next day. For such a huge role....it is kind of a short notice. But they've been casting this for a while and I'm getting in at the end. I'll just have to do my best. Besides, I'm pretty strong with my cold-reading skills. It's cool. Let's dance and see what magic happens.

To be honest.....I felt pretty damn good about my audition. I made a strong choice, the cd seemed as if she really liked my work. Hey, you can't ask for more than that. I'll admit, this is one of those roles that I REALLY want. If it's God's 's Will it will happen. I just have to force myself to leave this one alone and move on to the next one. Please pray for me.

As I write this, it doesn't look like I've gotten the part...Oh well,
I can still dream can't I? Moments like this will only make me appreciate my success even more in the future.

TV Audition: "Jericho” @ Bialy/Thomas Casting
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Once again I'm back at this awesome office. I felt great about
the audition but it looks like they decided to go in a different direction.

I feel two ways about being invited to this office so often: On one hand, I'm totally greatful and humbled that they obviously like my work, hence they keep bring me back in to audition for them. I KNOW both casting directors are rooting for me. THEY'VE TOLD ME SO!! On the other hand, I sometimes feel bad that I can't close the deal inspite of the fact that they try to bring me
in so often.

I know, I know, the truth of the matter is that even though they can bring me in..eventually it's up to the producers and/or the director to make the final decision. It's cool. I WILL book a gig with this office one day and I have a feeling that it's going to
be something big. We'll celebrate when it happens, I'm sure!!!