CALLBACK/PRODUCER'S SESSION!!!:
"Boston Legal" @ Valko/Miller Casting.
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Feature Film Audition: "South Of The Border” @ Mackey/Sandrich Casting
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TV Audition: "Boston Legal” @ Valko/Miller Casting.
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THANK YOU! & "You Play To Win The Game"

Audition: "AT&T" @ Ross Lacy Casting
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Hey everyone...First things first: Thanks so much for supporting "1408" this past weekend. Wow! It came in second place despite being shown on almost 1000 fewer movie screens. (The more movie screens...the more people can see it...the more money the film makes.) Bottom line: The film is a HUGE hit and a BIG THANKS go out to YOU!

On a similiar topic, a friend recently asked me: Did you know
that we don't benefit from box-office reciepts? He's right, actors usually don't get money from the box-office. In fact, we get a very small percentage of DVD sales and cable network showings.

Now my first instinct was to take this as some glass half-empty energy....but then I took a pause and realized it wasn't that at all. Truth is, he wasn't being negative..to be honest..I just think he doesn't see things the way I do. We talked at length and I shared the following with him:

Whether or not I make money from the box-office, I ALWAYS root for the film to do very well! In my opinion, there is something to be said about being a part of this industry.....ESPECIALLY as actors trying to get our foot in the door.

I hope I never get to a point where I'm indifferent about the outcome of a project that I'm involved with. If it's a TV show: Who wouldn't want the show they were a part of to have the highest ratings for the week?! For the season?! True - it doesn't affect our checks any. But it's about being a part of something. Supporting and rooting for this industry that we all want to earn a living from. Even if the show doesn’t do well, we were still a part of it…right?! What an awesome accomplishment! This business is entirely TOO hard..NEVER DOWNPLAY THAT SUCCESS! Not to mention the relationships that were established. (CD’s, Directors, Producers, etc.)

A few years ago...a football coach (Herm Edwards) said whether you're in first place or in last place. "You play to win the game!"
I feel that if I'm involved in a project, no matter how big/small my role or the project: "If I'm in for a penny, I'm in for a pound!" Meaning that if I’m in…..I’m IN! I want the project to do GREAT! (Okay, enough with the clichés.)

I don't know what the future holds for me. Only God knows that. But I can honestly say that at least for once in my career, I was one of a small number of actors in the #1 (Ocean's 13) and #2 (1408) movies in the country! Albeit only for one week. (That damn Fantastic Four and Evan Almighty!..haha!) Still, in my opinion, for an actor trying to get his foot in the door...what an accomplishment! Being seen all over the world! Does it pay me more…no. But honestly, I would have done them for free. (I say that after the checks have been cashed...of course! smile.)

It might also sound a bit corny….but I feel that my friends, family, even total strangers who went to the movies to support me had something to do with that. Again, it might sound ridiculous to some, but they paid their hard earned money and made those movies #1 and #2! And I Thank You! As I've said before, you could’ve caught another movie, waited for a few weeks for shorter lines, etc.

In closing, the reason to make a film tops in the box office may not be a financial incentive to us…..YET! (Trust me…the agents to the stars of the film are DEFINITELY using those numbers to work on their next deals!) But from a working actors perspective:
1) I feel that it WILL make a difference in getting a future gig and
2) as an actor, in general - “You Play To Win The Game!”

Thanks again everyone for supporting and please keep me in your prayers.

1408 - See it for the ghosts.......not for Angel

Well today I checked out the movie and I had fun.

I'm glad I enjoyed it....because trust me when I tell you, I certainly didn't see myself in it...but for a hot second.

Let me put it to you like this...if you blink, you'll totally miss me and my line. (Yes, Daddy's scenes were all chopped up!) Really. Sigh.

Oh well, at least a portion made it to the final cut. It could have always been worse....right?! Sigh. (silence)

Still, I'm very greatful and Blessed for the opportunity and this will just motivate me even more to get bigger roles. Glass half-full people!

That's it for now. As always, thanks again for the support and please keep me in your prayers.

ps. Still hope it does well in the box-office this weekend. Sigh.

What are you doing reading this people?........... Go Watch 1408!!

Excuse me, Sir/M'am.....Please check into Room "1408"

If you get a chance to catch a movie this upcoming weekend please check out "1408"!

As many of you wonderful, faithful readers and supporters alerady know, yours truly has a small supporting role in it - I play a cab driver. I haven't seen it yet (hopefully, I made the final cut) but it's PG-13, written by Stephen King (so it'll definitely have you jumping in your seats), and it's getting great reviews.

Please go see it this opening weekend. I think we can make this movie #1 in the country too! - Like we did for "Ocean's 13". Whatdaya think?! One thing is for sure, it can't be done without YOU!

That's it for now. Thanks again for dropping in. Booking-wise, things have been a bit slow for me as of late. That's cool, it's going to pick up! I know it is! I can feel it! In the meantime, please keep me in your prayers....I need them. Thanks.

TV Audition: "Dexter” @ UDK Casting.
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CALLBACK/PRODUCER'S SESSION!!!:
"Heroes" @ LaPadura/Hart Casting.
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TV Audition: "Heroes” @ LaPadura/Hart Casting.
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2007 Previews hosted by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Follow the light!...Shooting "Darkness Visible"

Sean Young, David Starzyk & Angel Oquendo having fun on the set

Yesterday I wrapped shooting my scenes on the Independent Feature Film "Darkness Visible". It's a pretty dark thriller and very well written. The cast and crew were awesome to work with and I took some pics. As you can tell we had fun!

Juliet Landau and Angel Oquendo on the set of "Darkness Visible"

That's it for now, on to the next one. If I can get an audition that is. Smile. Well, it seems like things have been pretty quiet on the audition front lately. That's cool...It'll pick up...I'm sure of it! In the meantime, please keep me in your prayers.

Harry Bromley-Davenport, Barbara Bain(in costume) & Angel on set

Thanks to you: The winner is........

Hey, "Ocean's 13" is the #1 movie in the country...Yay! Couldn't have done it without you! Just wanted to take a moment to say a BIG THANK YOU to all my friends and family that took the time to support yours truly and check out "Ocean's 13" this past weekend, when you had so many other choices or could've waited to watch it later....it's sincerely appreciated.

Thanks again and I hope you'll consider telling your friends and family to check it out! It was a fun movie...wasn't it?!! Take care and God Bless.

What are doing reading this people?............. Go Watch Ocean's 13!!

Short Film Audition: "Regulars" @ Jayson Buyer Casting
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Public Service Announcement for my peeps!

Every year....the people who run the Emmy's (Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences) hold previews of all the upcoming new shows that have been picked up by most of the networks (both Broadcast - CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, etc. and Cable - HBO, Showtime, FX, etc.). Broadcast is tongiht. Next week is Cable.

Here's the link: http://emmys.com/events/2007/broadcastcable.php

Let me put it like this: In my opinion, if you're an actor and you're available...you should be there. Period.

Some people go to have fun and to see what's coming up in the new season. For me....it's about doing my research and getting ready for battle! For example:

1) What shows am I most likely to be brought in for?

2) What's the pacing? Hr, 1/2 Hr, multi-camera, single, drama, dramedy, etc. I'll know before any episodes even air.

3) Who are the current stars of the show? Current, because sometimes they can change after the pilot episode.

And when the previews are done and you've had a pleasant night...you go home, go to sleep and dream about how nice it would be to get booked on some of these shows....right? Awwww. Isn't that special?!

WRONG!!!!

Then you go home and and do even more research using resources such as IMDb Pro and Showfax. Yes, more homework...Suck it up! It's that career thing again. smile.

For example:

1) Who cast the pilot? Although the pilot cd's and the
series cd's are not always the same, I'll have the advantage
of sending a general submission before the masses.

2)Who directed the pilot? Did you know Spike Lee directed the
pilot episode of "Shark"? Yeah....most people didn't either.

Not saying that it'll gaurantee anything....but it's working towards that end. Again...gotta do your homework. Gotta think outside the box! Not trying to be preachy....obviously, there's nothing in it for me if actors choose to attend or not....just trying to share with my fellow actors! Maybe I'll see you tonight!

ps. If you see me....make sure to say hello!

Audition: "21st Century Insurance” @ Mambo Casting
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Manny, I presume...Are you in or are you out?!

Last night's screening of "Ocean's 13" played to a packed house. I had an awesome time and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. There were moments where I found myself laughing so hard it hurt. Very well done...even if I am bit biased.

But you want the juicy details now don't you?! Did he or didn't he make the cut?

Well I'm happy to say that my scene stayed in the final cut. Yay! (Still getting used to seeing myself on the silver screen.) I won't describe the scene..you'll have to see it this weekend..right?! smile. Okay, okay...I'll give you a small hint, it's just after a scene that features a very famous TV personality..That's all I'll say.

Let me just say what an awesome experience it was to work on this film and with a wonderful group of people that made me feel very welcomed. Wow!

In closing, I'm going to share a quick George Clooney/Angel Oquendo, "Ocean's 13" true story. This is just one example of how special this experience was for me. Enjoy!:

So George and I are rehearsing our scene. George(Danny Ocean) is supposed to call and tell me that my son is in trouble at school. As we're running lines, he doesn't like the flow of a certain line. "Perry bit Mrs. Pettigew again!"(or something to that effect.) We all agree it almost sounds like a tounge twister.

Then the following occurs:

Producer - "Yeah, you're right. Hmmm. So what name do you want to use, George?"

George - "I don't know. Let's think of another name."

Producer - "Hmmm."

George - "Hey, Angel!"

Angel - "Yes?"

George - "What name do you want to use for your son?"

Angel - "Uhhh. I don't know....My son's name is Manny."
(Manny....short for Manuel..his middle name)

George - "Okay, Manny it is!'

Producers/Writers/Crew -"Okay, everybody we're using Manny!", "We're using Manny!"

And we proceed to shoot the scene with yours truly and my son's name in the movie. I didn't mention it in an earlier blog because I wasn't sure if I was even going to make the cut...but yes..both Daddy and "Manny" made it onto the big screen! Smile.

Look, my kid is 4 yrs old! So I'm sure he's not going to get it at all. (Having said that, he does recognize me when he sees me on TV.) But maybe one day when he gets older he'll get a kick out of seeing his dad and hearing his name in a movie. Thanks again to George, Steve, Brad, Bernie, Jerry, Matt and everyone else involved. It might sound kind of corny...but this was a win for the home team that I'll never forget it.

Please keep me in your prayers everyone. Thanks.

ps. Now if I could only find a way to get my daughter's name in a movie. I'd have the set! Smile.

Go forth and seek an Angel in an Ocean!

This week will be the theatrical release of "Ocean's 13"! Many
of you know I had a nice supporting role in the film. Now the big question is how much of my scenes (if any) made it to the final cut. Fortunately, a friend of mine hooked me up with some tickets to an advance screening. I'll be viewing it tomorrow (Monday) night. I'm looking forward to the movie anyway but it's especially nice having been a part of this AWESOME project.

When I'm on a project I tend to prepare myself for the worst by expecting almost none of my scenes to make the final cut. That way I'm not so disappointed if it's cut to shreds and I'm happily surprised if it's not. I know, I know, it's a shame I have to syke myself out isn't it? But when we're trying to make our stamp in this business, we hope these opportunites (whether that be from director, casting director, producers, scenes, etc.) will garner future opportunities....it's unfortunate that we sometimes end up on the cutting room floor...but we should know that it's also part of the business. In any case, it's been a Blessing simply to work on this film and these are good problems to have...right?! I'll take it! Smile.

My manager (Bless her heart) tried to make some calls on my behalf to get me an invite to the LA premiere (which is on Tuesday) with no luck. To be honest, I'm kind of glad that didn't go through. I so hate (I know hate is a strong word) having to go through all the hooplah, etc. to try to get an invite to a film you've worked on! Doesn't make sense to me.....but, you know me...turn it into a positive: it's simply motivation baby! I aspire to get to a point where my roles will be big enough, juicy enough, that I'll HAVE to be invited to the Premieres, Festivals, etc. I mean even "Shadowboxer", another film I worked on premiered here in LA...no invite for Angel. Sniffle, sniffle. That's cool, it's coming! I know it is. (Speaking of Shadowboxer, it has been airing on Showtime during the month of May and I think it's still airing in June too...so "Check your local listings!"....if you dare! BOOOHAHAHAHAHA! - Mad Scientist laugh)

On another note, I recently noticed the release date for "1408"
is now June 22nd! Again, I was Blessed to have another nice supporting role in that one. Not sure if I'll get an advance screening to that or not. I'll keep you posted.

So to recap: You can catch yours truly three times during the month of June!

"Ocean's 13" opens June 8th!
"1408" opens June 22nd!
"Shadowboxer" currently airing on Showtime!

If you can, please try to support the films on opening weekend. Directly or indirectly your support does makes a difference!(For those of you who don't know how important opening weekend is...I'll try to explain that in more detail another day.) Thanks and please keep me in your prayers.