Today was a long, busy, great day!

TV Audition: "Shark” @ Rick Millikan Casting
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Feature Film Audition: "Vacancy 2” @ Kelly Wagner Casting
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CALLBACK/PRODUCER'S SESSION!!!: "Shark"
@ Rick Millikan Casting
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First, I had the audition for "Shark" at 20th Century Fox at 11:00am. I left around 9:45 to make it there on time....traffic was crazy. But it was cool. I'm just so happy to start getting out again on TV auditions. The CD was awesome. (Keep in mind I had previously booked "Bones" through this office. So I already have a lot of love for them.) I perform my scene and when I was done the CD surprised the hell out of me by what he would say next. He says to me:

CD - "Why did you make that choice?"
Angel - "Excuse me?"
CD - "Why did you make the choice to look away from my character when I was talking to you....I really like what you did, I'm just curious?"

I smile to myself, he's trying to see if it's a conscious choice or just luck or a fluke. So in a thoughtful, matter-of-fact way I said:

A - "Well, I'm supposed to be a BIG TIME criminal/gangbanger and we're both sitting in jail together...so I could give a $%#* about your character and what you're saying to me. $%#* you. "
CD - (He smiles) "I like that."

and then proceeded to redirect me slightly and we ran it a few more times. I guess what suprised me most was him taking the time to ask me about my choices. CD's don't usually take the time to do that. They're way too busy. You go in do your thing (they love it or hate it) and then you move on. I really apppreciated the fact that he wanted to scratch the surface and ask about my strong choices. Since I pride myself in studying and working very hard for every audition, I welcome that conversation any time. When we were done, he thanked me for coming in and asked if I could come back again at 3:45 to read for Producers. Uhh...Yeah! My first producer session for 2008! I'll take that!

So I get out of the audition around 11:45...on my way to Glendale for the "Vacancy 2" audition flying through traffic. I picked up my next door nieghor on the way (who has been an awesome friend to me ever since I've met him) so we could run lines on my way to the audition. He gets a kick out of running lines with me for my auditions and learning some of my tactics in this business and I get an awesome reader and someone who is very cool peeps with tons of positive energy.

We get to Glendale and I make my way to the audition. It's the first time I've been in this office since they've moved about 6-8 months ago from Hollywood. Still, the folks here have always been nice to me and I feel really respect my work. This particular audition, I was reading for the role of a Police Officer. There were 4 people in the room. The CD, the assitant, and two others (who I believe were the Director and Writer.) I went in there and felt very strong and confident and did my thing. Afterwards the Director asked me if I ever WAS a cop because he felt that I had such command of the room and was so strong and still. Like someone whose had lots of experience. I smiled and said no but of course mentioned my background in the military and how I often play strong (cop/security guard) roles. He said how much he liked my performance, we shook my hands and I was outta there. We'll see what happens. It's in God's Hands now.

So I drop my neighbor off and before you know it, time to head back to Fox Studios. I get there at 3:45 exactly, do my scene on camera in front of the CD, his assistant & the Director/Producer. It felt good and that was pretty much it. Thanks all around (they thank me for coming in...I thank them for bringing me in) and it's a wrap! Whew!

Did I mention that when I get back home I only have a few hours to rest because at 7:00pm I'll be at a CD workshop? Yeah! Nice long, busy, great day! Now all of today's work is over and it rests in God's Hands. It's on to the next one. In the meantime, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks.

Nice....I could get used to this!

Today I received a package from Warner Bros. and the gang from Broken Lizard...the Writers/Producers/Actors behind "The Slammin Salmon" that I shot a few weeks ago. They sent me a brand new Hoodie with the logo of the movie and "2008 Cast and Crew" stitched onto the back. Very nice!

Even though it's a bit too small for me (with this broad chest and strong muscular arms, Daddy's not a small/medium. Smile.), I totally believe it's the thought that counts and I REALLY appreciate the fact that I was being thought of. BIG SHOUT OUT to the Broken Lizard crew! Thanks again for being such a fun team to work with. I wish you all continued happiness and success. Hope to work with you again soon! Take care and God Bless. A.

A lil press during "Oscar Week". I'll take that!

Just heard there was a lil blurb on yours truly in Variety.
Check it out if you get a chance.

Oh...and it's on page 21 out here in the West Coast edition. Not that I pay attention to stuff like that. Smile.

Happy "Oscar" Day!

Please make sure you support the broadcast! Fellow actors..this is OUR industry. Whether you're an extra or a series regular, support your industry by making this part of your annual viewing. Look, I'm from The Bronx, New York....I've never forgotten where I've come from and I could never get caught up with believing "my own press". Still, that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate and respect the sense of "Pomp and Circumstance" that comes along with the "Oscars". Yeah, sometimes it can be boring...but it's one of the peaks of our business.

To all my friends, supporters and (dare I say) fans.....I'm hoping you're also supporting OUR industry. Believe it or not, you too have a horse in the race. Okay, damn...I just referred myself to a horse....not good. I may not be in the mix right now (nominated, recognized, heard of, etc.), but anyone who knows me....knows that I truly believe I can make it....with God's Will of course! Sooo, let's enjoy the broadcast and all it's tradition and look forward to the day that I'm getting up there thanking God and
all of you for the love and support you've given me through the good and bad times.

Whether you're in our industry or on your own personal journey: Try to enjoy these days of being hungry, focused and unknown. For we will remember them fondly when we do make it big! Peace.

Hmm. Let's see what happens...........

Feature Film Audition: "Scratching The Surface”
@ Cricket Feet Casting
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I was very excited about this audition. First, it happens to be cast by one of my favorite CD's in town. She is one of the best. So nice to everyone and she really loves our industry and is a very big supporter of actors. I'm definitely rooting for her. Oh..and the fact that she brings me in to audition is great too! Smile. Second, I read the script (you know I had to be prepared and do my research) and was really impressed with it. It was a very quick, enjoyable read and my character (the role I read for. smile.) is a nice part of this ensemble cast. We're talking Talia Shire (yes, from the "Godfather" people!), Dan Castellaneta (The Simpsons), Jeremy London and the writer/lead Laura Buckles. Finally, did I mention it films in Louisiana? Now THAT would be nice.

I had about 6 or 7 pages of sides to work on and I must say I really worked very hard on it in preparation for the audition. Yes, I was prepared and off-book...Yes, I made strong choices....and Yes, I did the best I could at the audition. After that it's in God's Hands as usual. We'll see. Would be nice to book a gig. It seems like I haven't booked anything since 2007! That's cool.....it's coming. I can feel it.

That's it for now. Hope everyone has a great weekend and a Happy "Oscar" Day!

Here we go....again. Mr. Earl and Mr. Angel!

My episode of "My Name Is Earl" airs again tonight. If you're in the mood for a good laugh be sure to check out a repeat of the one hour season premiere tonight at 8pm on NBC.

Oh, and if you're really looking for me....my scene is during the second half of the show. It's a pretty short scene...but I had a great time! For those of you just joining our program (my Blog) already in progress, here are some links that I had previously posted about my experience:

http://angeloquendo.com/blog/2007/09/okay-youre-done-there-may-be-some-shiv.html

http://angeloquendo.com/blog/2007/08/blog-post.html

That was a pleasant surprise!

Today I received a package from the lovely folks who produced "Post-Grad Survival Guide" (formerly "Ticket To Ride"). They sent me a brand new Nike Parka with the logo from the movie stitched onto it. All I can say is "Wow!" and a BIG "THANK YOU!" Such a pleasant surprise. It's my first time ever getting a gift from any of the movies I've worked on. To me, working on the films has always been a joy in itself. Still, this was a really nice gesture and it is so warmly received. Get it....Warmly recieved....it's a Parka....Never mind!

I'll admit, I've been a bit down the past day or two (I'm hoping to get over that soon) but this certainly brought a smile to my face. How nice was that?! That's it for now. Onwards and upwards people!

Audition: "Castrol" @ Kari Peyton Casting
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Audition: "Toyota" @ Pamela Starks Casting
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Let's Get This Party Started....Right?!!

Man...I am worn out people. As I said last year (and in all honesty....I think I'm getting better at it), one of my new year resolutions was to do some more networking and attending more industry "stuff". I totally understand it's part of this business and I need to be more conscious of that. (Not to mention...it's another part of my "working actor" pie chart....in my "Don't know if I'm ever going to finish this thing" book. Smile.)

This weekend I think I've caught up quite a bit:

Saturday night I was invited to the wrap party for "Post-Grad Survival Guide" (formerly "Ticket To Ride"). I went and I'm so glad that I did. I had a great time. Most of the cast and crew were there. We had an entire floor of some nice hot spot in Santa Monica just to ourselves...nice. There was food, open bar, people were singing karaoke. Jane Lynch is a GREAT singer and so much fun! Vicky Jenson (our director) could also blow as well as a number of other talented singers. Okay....yes, I sang karaoke too...I was forced to by Vicky and Jane....okay, maybe not forced.....but that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Forced! I had to show the late, great Bill Withers some luv and sing "Lean On Me". Haha! You would've been proud of yours truly! Still, I sometimes wonder if I'm losing my street credibility....Geez. Just whatever you do....don't tell the fellas back in NY and MD/DC/VA! Okay! Smile.

Sunday night I attended the Holiday party for my acting coach Ivana Chubbuck. She has a party every year as a way to thank her students (current and former) so I made it a point to drop through and mix and mingle with my friends and classmates. I had a great time. It's nice to socialize outside of the classroom enviornment sometimes and since I don't get out much (sniffle, sniffle), this was a nice change of pace.

Finally, last night (Monday) I was invited to the wrap party for "The Slammin' Salmon". I had a nice time. This one was at a hot spot in Hollywood, by invitation only, open bar all night. Nice. Most of the cast and crew that worked on the movie was there. I was pretty much "talking shop" most of the night with Stephon and mingled with some cool industry peeps.

All in all I had fun every night. I'll have you know that I was looking very sharp each night and fighting the women off me.....okay, okay, okay...maybe that's just wishful thinking. I can dream can't I? Smile.

SO THERE! I'm trying to get out a bit more and it's still on the business tip. I can live with that. Especially with the GREAT news that this Strike is pretty much over. YES! Thank You God. I never doubted it would get resolved. In fact, I recall always saying that I thought February would be when it would happen. Yay! So happy that our industry found a way to make it work. Now hopefully yours truly can get some auditions and eat! For real! Smile.

That's it for now. Thanks again for dropping by. As always, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. A.

"You want me on that wall! You NEED me on that wall!"

Hey Beautiful People! Miss me? I missed you too. I haven't forgotten about you. Big Daddy's (yeah...that's me...just play along) been trying to stay busy and keep this machine moving. I'll have you know that I've just updated and added a number of posts to the blog.....going back to the begining of January. Don't believe me...then just click on January and see for yourself. SO THERE! Ha! Enjoy. A.

I see you out there...keeping it moving!

Feature Film Audition: "Pawn Shop” @ Dream Big Casting
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I'm a HUGE fan of this Casting Director. She's one of the coolest cats out there and she is always working on like 10 projects at a time. I love it! As the sayng goes "Game Recognize Game" (for those of you not so hip...like my momma! pay attention. smile.) as hard as I work on my career, I have soooo much respect for anyone (regardless of career) who is just as passionate, focused and hungry. So I tip my hat to this CD and I wish her all the best in the future. She sure has a bright one ahead of her.

Ohhhh, and I hope she continues to bring me in for more and more projects. (Had to throw that in there! Ha!) I haven't booked with her yet.....but repeat business is always a good thing. I'll book with her soon. That's it for now. Have a great week everyone!

Hey Mr. Officer.....It's a Wrap!

Today I went back to finish the rest of my scenes on "Post-Grad Survival Guide". As usual, I had an awesome time on the set. It's always nice to go back to work especially with the strike still going strong and such a small number of opportunities available. What's even better is when you go back to work with people you've met, worked and played with.

So again, I worked with the wonderful Vicky Jenson, Alexis Bledel, Jane Lynch, Mr. Bobby Coleman (a very talented little 10 yr old), and of course Ms. Carol Burnett. This time our scenes also included Michael Keaton (I actually arrest him and take him to jail!). He was very nice and fun to work with. I also had the chance to do some serious precision driving with the police car. I'm talking lights, sirens, etc....yeah that was fun! You all would have been proud of yours truly.

After we were wrapped....it was hugs and smiles all around and yes....Angel goes back to being that unemployed actor. Sniffle, Sniffle. Smile. It's all good. I know (God Willing) another opportunity is just around the corner. I had so much fun working on this film. Everyone was so nice to me and professional. It doesn't get much better. Thanks again to all the cast and crew! And thanks of course to all of you fpr taking the time to share this journey with me. Pretty fun ain't it?! Now it's onto the next one. That's it for now. Please continue to keep me in your prayers. It's sincerely appreciated. Peace. A.