tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50033754760544270232024-03-19T02:31:17.984-07:00The Struggling ActressLira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.comBlogger630125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-49135711975829478242020-01-07T13:36:00.002-08:002020-01-07T13:42:09.629-08:00Is This Real Life?I think the biggest challenge I've had as a storyteller was thinking I wasn't 'smart' enough to be a 'real' writer. Cause like, those are real smart people. Super smart. Something I'm not.<br />
<br />
A published book and several published essays later, I stopped telling people I was 'merely' a blogger, but that I was a professional writer.<br />
<br />
And of course, because of my acting and theatre background, and because I live in LA, the next logical step was to try my hand at writing pilots.<br />
<br />
I love the creative control of it, the ability to tell stories that are rooted in my own experiences, but more than that. I have always loved making people <b>feel</b> emotions. Being an actress was definitely a major part of that. But with my writing, I can make people cry, I can make people laugh. I have so much storytelling power with being a television writer -- way more than I have being an actress.<br />
<br />
Because, even with extraordinary talent, an actor can be overlooked. But a writer... with that same amount of talent, can be celebrated.<br />
<br />
In January 2017, when I was a writer for the CBS Diversity Sketch Showcase, a literary manager was invited for a Q&A and told us that no lit rep would take a writer seriously unless they had a few pilots in their portfolio.<br />
<br />
"Guess I better learn how to write a pilot," I thought to myself.<br />
<br />
And I did. I read books, I joined writers groups, I read scripts, I offered notes on scripts to other writers, I joined Facebook groups focused on writing, and I wrote 3 pilots and 5 specs, and just 33 months after thinking I needed to learn how to write for television, I got the call from NBC asking me if I'd accept their offer to join the 2020 Writers on the Verge fellowship.<br />
<br />
I didn't think it would be this fast; I didn't think I was 'smart' enough to actually have this opportunity. I have been The Struggling Actress for so long, I thought I'd at least be The Struggling Screenwriter for at least half that same time.<br />
<br />
I am <b>lucky.</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> I know I am only in this program because of the help people offered to me</i>. Friends who have given thoughtful and insightful notes on my work, people who have blogged how-to's on screenwriting so that I could search and learn from them, others who have suggested opportunities for me to join, or apply to, or all of the many countless other things.<br />
<br />
Yes, I worked hard. Yes, I made sure I was ready. But holy shit, you guys. In comes down to this, fellow struggling actors: You are <u>already</u> smart enough to tell stories in ways other than just acting.<br />
<br />
And if I can do this, so can you.<br />
<br />
There may just be more opportunities if you learn how to see just how many paths there are in this town.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can read the <a href="https://deadline.com/2019/12/nbc-writers-on-the-verge-class-of-2019-2020-1202805678/" target="_blank">Deadline announcement here.</a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrJGGqfU8rc/XhT0cy01bVI/AAAAAAAADUA/B71YL7byDJIiWEhIMiXB8HT2iDCNIqQ7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/writers-on-the-verge-2019-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="681" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrJGGqfU8rc/XhT0cy01bVI/AAAAAAAADUA/B71YL7byDJIiWEhIMiXB8HT2iDCNIqQ7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/writers-on-the-verge-2019-20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-68485472910122106322018-08-07T15:11:00.003-07:002020-01-07T13:11:43.246-08:00Oh, Hey There!Life is kinda funny. You put so much energy into other things, focusing on other aspects of life, and then, boom! bam! bing! Good stuff happens.<br />
<br />
So maybe some of you know that I wrote a book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1495075419/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thestruggli0b-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1495075419&linkId=8decd9400ba52672de186ba94298a227" target="_blank">Break the Rules and Get the Part: Thirty Monologues for Women</a>, but what you might not know is that I've been not writing on here as much because I've been writing elsewhere. In the next few months, I'll have an essay out for New York Magazine's vertical, The Cut (oh my god, it's good!) as well as an article for InStyle about life as a hair model.<br />
<br />
But I've also been looking into television writing.<br />
<br />
My first pilot, <b>Love Scenes, LLC</b>, made the Top 50 (or top 2%) of the Tracking Board's Launchpad Pilot Competition, and I just found out my spec, <b>Master of None: Ambiguity</b>, just made the semi-finals of the Breakk competition for women television writers.<br />
<br />
I know what you're thinking: "Damn, why's your makeup so fancy today?" I know. It's a lot. But don't I look good?? And of course I didn't apply this makeup by myself - I can't make myself look this good on my own! This gorgeous face is because I just worked my FIFTH day on an extremely popular television show!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ev5HTkPquSY/XhTz-kvjRUI/AAAAAAAADT4/w7mUJynW_Bs20goDxbbH2JUNdI3_aIw6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ev5HTkPquSY/XhTz-kvjRUI/AAAAAAAADT4/w7mUJynW_Bs20goDxbbH2JUNdI3_aIw6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1940.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
So yeah. Things are good. I keep getting validation on what I'm doing, and I'm so blissfully happy right now.<br />
<br />
I hope you are too.<br />
<br />
xoLira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-56152522396578680932018-02-13T13:24:00.001-08:002018-02-13T13:24:02.561-08:00Best Book for Newish LA Writers and ActorsI tore through this book so incredibly quickly; 100 pages would go by and I'd be like Geez! I can still keep going!<br />
<br />
I've highlighted sections, made notes in margins, and dog eared sections to go back to.<br />
<br />
If you're like me and want to know more about the television industry without being talked down to, this book shows what the entire process is like from pitching a show all the way to be hired as a Showrunner and what that process involves, including the calendar of when to hire each production head.<br />
<br />
The best thing? The author talks to his audience as people who are serious about writing, and who will follow a successful trajectory, with ways on how to even begin. He doesn't assume you are some lofty dreamer -- he assumes you know how to write and need to know everything within the industry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307395316/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0307395316&linkCode=as2&tag=thestruggli0b-20&linkId=91cd6b363188ca09ecb991876b350d2e" nbsp="" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0307395316&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=thestruggli0b-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thestruggli0b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0307395316" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Highly recommend. And cheap!<br />
<br />
xoLira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-55227636567019972932018-01-02T17:06:00.000-08:002018-01-02T17:06:11.681-08:00I Kicked 2017's AssI've been blogging less because I've been busy writing. Isn't that funny? I have multiple essays being considered at several women's magazines and one at a lit journal, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1495075419/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thestruggli0b-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1495075419&linkId=8decd9400ba52672de186ba94298a227" target="_blank">my book</a> is in book stores and online.<br />
<br />
One essay I wrote was taught at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BZmnJ3eF7Vl/?taken-by=lirabobeera" target="_blank">Dartmouth last year</a>. And a pilot script I wrote and sent out to a friend for notes, was returned with the response, "I think you can sell this. I want to help. Give me a call." And I'm doing the last bit of post production on a sizzle reel I created for it. I raised money to pay my almost fully female crew and it was one of the best sets I ever worked on. I watch the bar scene after we picture locked, and I am shocked and amazed at how <i>I wrote it. </i>Because I already know what happens, and I still want to know what happens next! My lead actors made it so good. I am so, so proud.<br />
<br />
I've been working on the pitch materials for the project, and have been hard at work on writing a second pilot, developing another series idea, and finessing a six episode web series script.<br />
<br />
So many things are out of a struggling actor's hands, but there is so much power in creating your own content. There's so much power producing. There's so much power in believing in yourself.<br />
<br />
May 2018 bring us all powerful belief in ourselves.<br />
<br />
We can do it.<br />
<br />
I believe in you.<br />
<br />Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-50158864095573741452017-08-25T10:57:00.003-07:002017-08-25T10:57:45.836-07:00I Need Your HelpHi!<br />
<br />
I need your help.<br />
<br />
I have been writing this blog, helping new actors get their bearings in LA and understand the Hollywood system, for free as a labor of love, since 2009. That's 8 years. 8 years of sharing my struggle, my insight, my advice, without taking any of your money, just because I wished there was a resource like this when I came out here.<br />
<br />
I've written a <a href="http://thestrugglingactress.blogspot.com/2017/07/self-tapes.html" target="_blank">pilot</a>. It's good. It's also sexy! And a friend of mine with a development deal (with two celebrities attached, so you know, he's kind of a big deal) liked my pilot so much that he offered to help me create a presentation for it and use his contacts around town to help me pitch it to studios.<br />
<br />
I Need Your Help to Raise Money for the Pilot Presentation.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Please check out my <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1432986426/love-scenes-llc" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> page.</b><br />
<br />
If you would like to thank me for helping you navigate <a href="http://thestrugglingactress.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-use-actors-access-effectively.html" target="_blank">Actors Access</a>, or how to take great <a href="http://thestrugglingactress.blogspot.com/2009/03/headshots-101_09.html" target="_blank">Headshots</a>, or even <a href="http://thestrugglingactress.blogspot.com/2017/03/how-to-audition-for-cbs-diversity.html" target="_blank">how to audition for the CBS Diversity Sketch Show</a>, and want to donate a few bucks (or you know, a thousand; no judgement!), I would gladly take it and give you a big virtual hug, as well as whatever incentives you got.<br />
<br />
Include a message in the notes section that you're donating because you saw this post and are thanking me for helping you.<br />
<br />
I'll thank you right back.<br />
<br />
with love and gratitude,<br />
LiraLira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-68912685767369110142017-07-28T12:01:00.001-07:002017-07-28T12:01:48.293-07:00Self TapesYou guys.<br />
<br />
I've been concentrating on television writing, taking classes, reading books, studying my little heart out to really understand the craft so that I can keep working as a storyteller.<br />
<br />
Wrote a pilot and sent it out to friends for notes, and OH MY GOD. One of my friends with a development deal at Sony (with two celebrities attached, so you know, he's kind of a big deal) liked my pilot so much that he offered to help me create a presentation for it and use his contacts around town to help me pitch it to studios.<br />
<br />
Is that weird? Yes. Yes, it is. Because it always feels like <i>that's how the other half lives. </i>But now, I'm living that life too. And I'm in pre-production, gathering up crew and locations, and making sure my director, DP, and Production Designer are ALL WOMEN, and will all GET PAID. One of my male actors (a recurring on Silicon Valley) has even offered to waive his fee so I could put that money towards my women crew. HOW AWESOME IS THAT? Oh, and my producer friend? Also doing all this FOR FREE.<br />
<br />
You know why? Cause they believe in me. And that feels fucking awesome. Because even though I've been writing this blog, helping new actors get their bearings in LA since 2009, and even though <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1495075419/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thestruggli0b-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1495075419&linkId=8decd9400ba52672de186ba94298a227" target="_blank">I wrote a freaking book</a>, I still sometimes don't feel like a writer. It's weird.<br />
<br />
I gotta get over that, you know?<br />
<br />
Oh! And I had one actor email me that he read my post on <a href="http://thestrugglingactress.blogspot.com/2017/03/how-to-audition-for-cbs-diversity.html" target="_blank">how to audition for the CBS Diversity Sketch Showcase</a>, and he got a Callback and wrote to tell me thanks! You're welcome, Rene!<br />
<br />
<b>Anyway, the Point of this Post</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Right. That.<br />
<br />
You ready?<br />
<br />
For my pilot presentation, I put out 3 different breakdowns on Actors Access, asking for self tapes.<br />
<br />
Here's what I found learned that I think you may find helpful:<br />
<br />
<b>Some actors, for some reason I could not understand, did not find a scene partner, and just recorded themselves saying their own lines.</b><br />
<br />
I'm really not sure why they thought that was a good idea. Acting is <i>reacting.</i> So when you just read your own lines, you're already eliminating half your scene. And I get it, the other character had a few chunk of lines, but as a casting director, I needed to see how you reacted to what he was saying. I needed to see your disbelief, your disgust, your intrigue, all within the six seconds he was talking.<br />
<br />
<b>Some actors went for 'realism' and went on location.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
One of my sides took place in the doorway of an apartment, so two different actors took their cameras and recorded themselves doing their scene in the doorway of their own apartment. Don't do that. It's distracting. You're showing me that you care less about your performance, <i>which is all I care about, </i>and more about location. How many times did you have to redo your tape when a neighbor walked by?<br />
<br />
<b>Some actors used a blank wall while others didn't have one so I saw their entire apartment. </b><br />
<br />
And you want to know what's interesting? The actors who've studied their craft, the ones who created a character, the ones who were really good; they had my whole attention. The ones who were still new and green? I checked out their place. Ooh! A bookshelf. Messy clothes.<br />
<br />
Because that's the thing about self-tapes: <b>I only need 5 seconds to judge you. </b>If you don't wow me in those first 5 seconds, I can move on! So the lesson here, is to <u>make sure your first 5 seconds are really, really good.</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
What does that mean?<br />
<br />
Well... that's what class is for. Audition technique is really something you need to learn.<br />
<br />
Another thing you should learn?<br />
<br />
<b>80% of the tapes I received were 'good enough.'</b><br />
I thought, you know, I could work with this person. I can tell they're good enough that I could direct them to give me what I want. They're fine.<br />
<br />
But for each role, I had my top 3, and what struck me was that I only had ONE person per role who fucking NAILED IT and had everything I needed in regards to what I was looking for in the character. That's it. ONE.<br />
<br />
Are you that ONE? Sometimes you will be. Most of the time, you won't.<br />
<br />
<b>Sometimes you'll kill it in your audition but then the role gets taken by someone the producer knows. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
That is a fact of life, and it sucks. For instance, one woman was sooo good! And even though she was in that character's age range, I couldn't cast her because she'd look too young around the other actors I had already cast.<br />
<br />
And then, after much discussion, my producer convinced me to take the role, because then we can tout me as the creator/writer/star; the next Mindy Kaling.<br />
<br />
And if anyone is like, "We love the idea, love your writing, but don't think you can lead a series and we really want Amber Riley in your role," I'd be like GO AHEAD.<br />
<br />
In fact, that was actually something I talked to my cast about: the chance of me actually selling this show is 2%. And of that just 2%, the likelihood of my original actors getting to keep their roles is .3%. That's the damn truth.<br />
<br />
No matter how good of an actor you are, no matter how much I would want to keep you, Kylie Jenner could want to star on a TV show, and you'll get pushed out because you don't have millions of followers on IG.<br />
<br />
Hollywood can suck.<br />
<br />
<b>I wish I could message the ones who really impressed me.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I was sort of struck by how I wanted to reach out to a few of these actors and say, "You know what? I get it: sending self tapes out into the ether is fucking awful because you don't ever get a response and it'd be nice to hear someone say, "that was really good," like they do in a first call audition. That little bit of validation can go a long way.<br />
<br />
<b>I wish everyone held callbacks like I do.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Because mine were the best. I called back only the people I wanted to cast. I sent them emails saying they were 1 of 3 actors called back, and then, after spending time with them in the room, offered the role to them right there. Told them they were my top, number one choice this whole time.<br />
<br />
That was fun. :)<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-68948738960057039672017-05-04T10:21:00.003-07:002017-05-04T10:21:58.331-07:00So True"<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #282828; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Los Angeles isn’t a city that will make you. Los Angeles is a city where you will work if you can survive a very slow climb and outlast confidence-shattering lulls." - Cameron Esposito</span><div>
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Read the <a href="http://www.avclub.com/article/l-you-aint-shit-217803" target="_blank">full article here</a>.</span><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-24278226713898693592017-03-12T13:02:00.000-07:002020-01-07T13:41:45.265-08:00How to Audition for the CBS Diversity Sketch Showcase<b>*2020 Update! The Board has completely changed since I did this program, so grain of salt. ALSO! One of the actresses from our 2017 showcase is a season 2 series regular on the Netflix show <i>You. </i>So yeah, this program definitely works!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
So last year, I submitted a sketch I wrote to a group looking for <i>Diverse</i> sketches to perform at iO West. Mine got accepted and it was performed. One of the actors wrote me and said, "Hey, you should submit a sketch package to become a writer for the CBS Diversity Sketch Showcase."<br />
<br />
Since I had two sketches I liked very much and felt highlighted diversity and inclusion, I sent in my materials. I got in!<br />
<br />
And as a writer, I got to see the auditions of the actors who got into the program, and I want to share some information I learned.<br />
<br />
<b>This is Completely Unauthorized!!!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Full disclosure: <b>I could be completely wrong about this.</b> <b>I could even recommend things that will not work for you personally.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
But the program is AMAZING for actors and the Diversity team at CBS doesn't just launch you in a show and then say buh-bye; they actually really care about you as an actor. Your success is their success. And those (mainly women) in charge of the program know their shit.<br />
<br />
So, if you want the VP of Casting at CBS and the Diversity program directors on your side rooting for you (and you do; they're super lovely people!) Read on. (understanding that my advice is most likely garbage.)<br />
<br />
1) <b>If You Auditioned Before and Failed Hard, <i>They Won't Remember. </i></b><br />
They audition over 2,000 actors of color, those who identify as LGBT, and those with disabilities, and they will remember you if you are GOOD. If you had a great audition last year, I guarantee they will be happy to see you audition again. So if you've already done it and thought, nah, there's no way they'll have me come in again, submit anyway! We had, I don't know, like 15 actors who had auditioned for the showcase the year before? And most everyone had auditioned already in the past.<br />
<br />
2) <b>BE FUNNY.</b><br />
This is tricky because I know the audition is basically like, 'come in with three characters' or whatever it is, and it's like, characters doing what? <b>Characters doing funny bits. </b>Write some funny jokes into your monologues. Come up with something familiar but original. One actor said, "Here's my impression of Aladdin, but he's really afraid of heights." He started singing, "I can show you the--world--" and then he looked down at his 'carpet' and said, "Wow." And he built his fear of heights into the next line, and we all thought it was hilarious. So put jokes into all your characters.<br />
<br />
3) <b>If you Sing and Dance, DO THAT too!</b><br />
For the love of God, show off what makes you shine! But! Don't just sing a song, write a PARODY of 16 bars of a song. Love Hairspray? Can you absolutely kill the song "Can't Stop the Beat?" "This is my impression of Tracy Turnblad if she was a vegetarian," And then you sing the song as if it was "Can't Eat the Meat." (I wrote that sketch, btw, so...you know, don't steal that.)<br />
<br />
If you Dance, take some time to DANCE! They love actors, they love singers, but they absolutely freaking love Triple Threats! For, um, obvious reasons.<br />
<br />
If you don't dance, but you do Martial Arts or Gymnastics, or something along those lines, USE That in a character sketch! Find a reason why a character would do a handstand or roundoff or whatever, and implement it. (and have a backup character in case you don't feel comfortable in the audition space cause there's less room than you thought, but DO mention you have these skills!)<br />
<br />
4) <b>Especially if You're a Person of Color, Do An Accent!</b><br />
Maybe your Tia Gloria is hilarious, maybe Uncle Asad says words a funny way. USE THEM. Throw in some jokes about something and DO ACCENTS.<br />
<br />
And I hear you, Aziz, you don't want to do accents, but you're showing the big higher ups at a frikkin Network that not only can you play American, you can also play other Nationalities. You can give the writers of the show something to work with. For instance, two of our actors were of Puerto Rican descent who could do the accents, and one of the writers loved West Side Story, so boom! A Maria and Bernardo sketch was born. What it basically translates to, is the VP of Casting thinking, "Oh! I know we have a show where we could put that person in!" And I'm fairly confident she's making calls like that on the actors' behalf. Make her job easy for her.<br />
<br />
The accent can also be American Decade specific. For instance, see, if you know you're the bees knees at speaking in a 1920's radio lit, DO IT! 70's Blacksploitation? DO IT!<br />
<br />
If you can do impressions, the Board seems to love those too. Like, if you can do a killer Ivanka Trump, don't just say, "Hello, I'm Ivanka Trump," you gotta make a joke. Like, "My father said if we weren't related, he'd probably be dating me. And he's right. If I was an 18 year old immigrant desperate for money with a penchant for blowing micro-dicks, I'd be dating him too!"<br />
<br />
(Also, sidenote, if you're a white LGBT performer, the Board LOVES white trash characters. I'm not sure why, but they do. Go with that?)<br />
<br />
5) <b>Use the Space!</b><br />
If you're not doing a little dance for them, try to find a reason for a character to be a bit physical. One actress had one of those Scared Straight characters, so she used the space and a bizarre physicality to get into character.<br />
<br />
6) <b>Don't be Married to the Time Limit</b><br />
I'm pretty sure they even say in all caps that they'll cut you off after a minute or something incredibly short like that, but I'll tell you a secret about time limits that I learned in college, and is most likely very true here, If you're funny and good, <i>they'll let you keep going. </i>Now, they probably won't let you go too much longer after that, but know if they're laughing, they're listening, and wanting more.<br />
<br />
7) <b>Be Taking Improv and Sketch Classes NOW</b><br />
You want to have good skills? You want to work with people who are already in the improv and sketch world who already know you and love working with you? Get into those iO West, UCB, Groundlings classes NOW.<br />
<br />
8) <b>Already Be Doing Cool Shit!</b><br />
It is extremely helpful to already have a ton of followers on a social media channel. It is extremely helpful to have a shit ton of videos up on YouTube and Instagram. It is extremely helpful to already know how to write sketches because....<br />
<br />
9) <b>You Can Write for Yourself</b><br />
Four actors wrote sketches for themselves that made it into Showcase. Those people got to meet with execs of other networks just for a general because everyone is looking for the next Aziz and Mindy and Issa. You could be next too. Actor/Writer Lucas Hazlett of the 2016 Showcase sold a show to a network, and he's starring in a pilot coming out later this year. Be the future's Lucas Hazlett. (He's also super supportive and came in and made friends with all of us and watched most of our rehearsals. Offered advice and guidance and any type of emotional support we needed. Seriously, be like him. He's wonderful.)<br />
<br />
And all of the above advice I give you is because I realized the following, most important aspect of Showcase:<br />
<br />
10) <b>They Want to Feel like THEY discovered YOU</b>.<br />
So that means you are effing READY TO GO. You've had the training, you've taken the classes, you've booked some good things already, you know how to write for yourself, you know who you are, you are funny, you are likable, and (most importantly) you are KIND.<br />
<br />
Their entire purpose and reason for the Diversity Showcase is to show the rest of LA that they went out and discovered the next superstars. So be that already. Make their job easy for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
So there you go. I hope this list is extremely helpful. If you get in, you will be a part of a 70 person family, with 10 people at a Network seriously invested in helping you get to the top level.<br />
<br />
If you don't make it at this year's auditions, keep applying. You want to be in this show.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyIX3GEskYM/WMWo5ZBd1nI/AAAAAAAAB6k/YEVOOHfOhMEPGvi6tefpRNYHMX2cf0fkACLcB/s1600/20161019_171046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyIX3GEskYM/WMWo5ZBd1nI/AAAAAAAAB6k/YEVOOHfOhMEPGvi6tefpRNYHMX2cf0fkACLcB/s400/20161019_171046.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2017 CBS Diversity Sketch Showcase Writers and Actors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-83502094704213136572016-12-04T12:41:00.001-08:002016-12-04T12:52:00.166-08:00The Best Monologue Book for Women EverNow, obviously, I'm a bit biased, but I do strongly believe that this book is superior to the other monologue books on the market because this one <i>directs you on how to perform each piece!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
That's right! This book shows you where the emotional 180s are, suggests several different beats to play, and teaches you how to give your performance incredible depth.<br />
<br />
Whether you're a high school student or a seasoned actress, this book is going to save you time and money AND help you learn how to make the monologues in your<i> other books </i>so much better too!<br />
<br />
This is the book I wish I had.<br />
<br />
So much so,<br />
That this is the book I wrote for<i> you.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rah5Lhoi3E/WERtmJA1XtI/AAAAAAAAB0U/xV8cf6Wpy1UVdhEkMHcR76nzGudWyEP2ACEw/s1600/BreakTheRulesCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rah5Lhoi3E/WERtmJA1XtI/AAAAAAAAB0U/xV8cf6Wpy1UVdhEkMHcR76nzGudWyEP2ACEw/s640/BreakTheRulesCover.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Break the Rules and Get the Part: Thirty Monologues for Women</i> not only teaches how and why to break the outdated rules you were taught, but unlike other "story monologues," each one-minute monologue in this book is written with a clearly defined active and emotional arc in the present. Each comedic, serio-comedic, and dramatic monologue is followed by Helpful Direction: key points that highlight character objectives and intents, several ideas on which emotions to hit, and how and where to hit them, and multiple comedic and dramatic suggestions that heighten an actor's individuality and personal essence. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2g0bsb3" target="_blank">Buy it here. </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And let me know what you think!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So much love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lira</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xo</div>
<i><br /></i>Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-65293131551893740382016-08-11T17:58:00.001-07:002016-09-07T14:20:49.169-07:00ValidationMy whole life, I have been searching for validation. We all do.<br />
<br />
But I'm not just an actress; I'm also a writer! That's a <i>lifetime</i> of constantly wondering, "Am I really any good at this?"<br />
<br />
I was at a self-tape studio a few weeks ago and the owner asked how I knew my friend who referred me to him. "Oh, I met her in an acting class years ago, and after class ended that night, I went up to her and said 'I want to be as good as you are!' and instead of being creeped out, she was flattered! We've been friends ever since!"<br />
<br />
He nodded, "You ARE as good as she is."<br />
<br />
Whoa. Cause, she's really, really good. "Thank you!" I said.<br />
<br />
He continued, "Where you are now; you know the craft. You know it. You now have to no longer think of yourself as an actress, but as an artist. You're an artist."<br />
<br />
I inhaled as deeply as I could. "I will never, ever forget that," I told him, tears welling. Validation!<br />
<br />
With writing...<br />
<br />
Why did I feel like I couldn't? Why did I feel like I still mostly didn't know what I was doing? That I wasn't "really" a writer? I was 13 with my first writing gig as a columnist for our city-wide teen newspaper. I've been writing for years!<br />
<br />
Where did my confidence go? Why did it go anywhere? Why did my struggles with one career bleed into the other?<br />
<br />
But I wrote a book. And refined it. And made it better. Switched some things around, added more, added more, refined.<br />
<br />
And I thought....you know what? I think this is GOOD. And if there was ever a time to fucking try something, then it was to see just what would happen if I sent it out to publishers. And that meant learning how to write a query letter, and learning how to create a book proposal. Which I did. (Thanks Studio City Library!)<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPQye9UlLEI/V60aa-OfxLI/AAAAAAAABxg/82oxB0ES4rcsd5D-CbqIMESvJKRrfNfLwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPQye9UlLEI/V60aa-OfxLI/AAAAAAAABxg/82oxB0ES4rcsd5D-CbqIMESvJKRrfNfLwCLcB/s320/IMG_6417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extremely Helpful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I sent out my queries. Sure, I was writing an Original Monologue book, something no publishers had published in the last several years, and sure, the only Original Monologue books I could find on Amazon were all self-published. That was my original intention anyway.<br />
<br />
But like I said, I thought my book was GOOD.<br />
<br />
So off my queries went, into the electronic world of 0s and 1s, knowing full well I was going to focus on other things, and then figure out how to format my manuscript for self-publishing on Amazon a few months later.<br />
<br />
And then, craziness:<br />
<br />
Fifty percent of the publishers I submitted to said, "You're right. This IS GOOD. We know it will make us money."<br />
<br />
I called my husband and read him the email from the first publisher saying they wanted to publish it. I choked up and cried.<br />
<br />
<b>Validation</b>.<br />
<br />
May your hearts all feel as full as mine right now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbbN4ohGzbY/V60X0QPm53I/AAAAAAAABxY/jYSJaycRaYstXGAPJlrTYGy7AlEKYHVNACEw/s1600/as%253Bdlfkjas%253Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbbN4ohGzbY/V60X0QPm53I/AAAAAAAABxY/jYSJaycRaYstXGAPJlrTYGy7AlEKYHVNACEw/s400/as%253Bdlfkjas%253Bd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-82919188402840088392016-06-10T15:28:00.001-07:002016-06-10T15:28:45.497-07:00The Whole Point<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aWVsVygQ8KM/V1s5ymrPQKI/AAAAAAAABs4/vPLBoSG5O486YtRJFuWxpoPKetI-VgKEACLcB/s1600/Kellerman_Lira_7363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aWVsVygQ8KM/V1s5ymrPQKI/AAAAAAAABs4/vPLBoSG5O486YtRJFuWxpoPKetI-VgKEACLcB/s320/Kellerman_Lira_7363.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
I'm still getting used to the blonde. Isn't that silly? Almost six months in and I still catch myself and go Whoa!<br />
<br />
I did a play. In Studio City. I was the female lead with my own bow. We got standing ovations. Patrons waited outside, people <i>I didn't know, </i>to compliment me, to tell me how much I affected them.<br />
<br />
I'm almost done writing a book. I'm currently researching how to write non-fiction query letters. You know what's exciting and terrifying? That! But it shouldn't be scary, because even if no one picks it up, I can always self publish. Like I've been doing here.<br />
<br />
I'm in development for a web series with a story that makes my heart break in several pieces, but I still think is going to be funny in its poignancy. I even have an actor who recurs on Silicon Valley say he'll play the lead's Husband should his schedule allow.<br />
<br />
I received an email from Marco thanking me for this blog, thanking me for sharing the ups as well as the downs, because that's what this actor life freaking <i>is</i>, you know? And that he hopes I'll continue to write it.<br />
<br />
Well, Marco, thank YOU. Thank you for reminding me we're all in this together, that it takes a village, that it takes a community, and that we need it to thrive.<br />
<br />
So the above were and are my ups. I do have one big down: My pregnancy ended at 8 weeks. I told very few people about it as I was shrouded in guilt and shame and the after effects when a uterus sheds its contents. Sometimes I want to talk about it, sometimes I want to keep it a secret. Sometimes I don't know if anyone else can understand mourning and relief and how they can be separate but together, like the white doily backing of a red valentine. Sometimes I think about the life that almost was, but isn't.<br />
<br />
And I'll think back to what my Lady of Awesome told me after I told her; that when she was younger, she was taken to a psychic for fun, and the woman told her that she would have three children, 'Maybe not children, per se, but three things that you will give birth to.' Ideas into Things. And how that was the absolute best response to what I went through. How I cried in relief over that.<br />
<br />
Ideas into Things.<br />
<br />
Because, isn't that the whole point of why we keep doing what we do?<br />
<br />
Keep on doing it.Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-37450546082063441902016-02-03T22:08:00.000-08:002017-03-29T09:56:23.165-07:00The Giant DipperI remember being a small girl, holding my dad's hand as we sized up the Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, one of the biggest all wooden roller coasters in the state. I was finally tall enough to ride, and I remember the way the coaster would dip and then roll back up, giving me that adrenaline inducing dropped stomach feeling. It was scary in the beginning, but I remember loving it, loving the hills and valleys, and at the end, feeling so energized. I was wind-blown with wet eyes, and I wanted to ride it again.<br />
<br />
2015 hurt me. 2014 hurt me too. I had a year and a half of being so frustrated with not booking, with not being able to find part time work that gave me joy, with my artistic creative self not creating anything of import. I pretty much stopped writing. I pretty much stopped caring. I pretty much stopped being happy.<br />
<br />
But man, I hid it. I hid it so extremely well. I was such a master at hiding it, I convinced myself that <i>everything was fine.</i> I mean, sure, some friends knew I was frustrated, but they didn't know the deep self-loathing I was dealing with because I was fucking smiling and making jokes throughout it all.<br />
<br />
<i>I didn't even know I was depressed myself.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Not until my husband sat me down and told me, with tears on his face, that he didn't know how to help me. That I wasn't creating anything for myself, and that he knew I was miserable, and what could he do to assist me?<br />
<br />
He told me he was terrified I'd be angry at him. That I would be hurt, defensive.<br />
<br />
Instead, I was shocked.<br />
<br />
I was miserable?<br />
<br />
I <i>was</i> miserable!<br />
<br />
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuck.<br />
<br />
And more than anything, I wanted my husband to be proud of me, but the past year and a half, I didn't have anything I was proud of myself.<br />
<br />
And that had to change.<br />
<br />
There are several things I've got going on now, several things I'm excited to announce over the next few months, one of them requiring a huge change to my appearance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWoD50PxeCk/WNvnBhhhiaI/AAAAAAAAB7I/F7ltFcoVDLUooIOcFGv8ozlfXfT83bWrgCLcB/s1600/magnificent%2Btransformation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WWoD50PxeCk/WNvnBhhhiaI/AAAAAAAAB7I/F7ltFcoVDLUooIOcFGv8ozlfXfT83bWrgCLcB/s400/magnificent%2Btransformation.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
I love this photo over here. I shared it on Facebook on Dec 25th.<br />
<br />
After a year and a half of feeling trapped, stuck, in a tight space that no longer fit me, that made my entire body ache, I find myself bursting through a cocoon.<br />
<br />
It's the roller coaster all over again. I had my valleys, but I'm on the upswing. My stomach dropped. I'm having fun again.<br />
<br />
2016 IS a year of magnificent transformation already because, guess what?<br />
<br />
I'm blonde now.<br />
<br />
My eyes are wet and my hair is windblown.<br />
<br />
I want to ride life again.<br />
<br />
I hope you do too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-52599156494103401272015-10-06T11:55:00.000-07:002015-10-30T12:02:01.238-07:00How to Drive in the Rain in LADon't.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ha Ha! Okay, sometimes you have no choice. Sometimes you have to drive from the valley to Santa Monica at 3:30 in the rain. You can pretty much guess that this commute in dry weather takes about an hour and 20 minutes now, due to the road work on Sepulveda (why do I keep taking Sepulveda?!), but if it is raining, seriously, estimate another hour into your drive time.<br />
<br />
I know, I know, but there's something Angelenos love to yell at one another while driving in the rain:<br />
<br />
"It's Just WATER!!!"<br />
<br />
To these distinguished gentlemen with their fingers extended, I would like to say, "Yes it is just water. Under a layer of oil."<br />
<br />
When it rains in LA, you can be pretty sure that it is after several weeks of sunshine and possibly a wonderful heatwave of 80 degree temps in January.<br />
<br />
The oils in the freeway are from cars slowly dripping them, and there are a lot of cars on the freeways at all times.<br />
<br />
Fresh rainwater mixed with oil on the freeways make it very dangerous. It's not just water, dear sir, it's automobile salad dressing!<br />
<br />
So if you're driving on the 101 in the rain, and you're at that part near Hollywood where the speed limit drops down to 55, really actually drive that slow, okay?<br />
<br />
And when you're on side streets, and it's raining, and there are pedestrians waiting to cross, give em a break and let them pass. Like, if you're at the Target parking lot, even, these poor people are getting wet wile you're in your car, dry, with the heat turned on. Do em a solid and let them get to the store and their cars quickly.<br />
<br />
Also, use your horn less. Your horn is loud. Really loud. And pedestrians, who are already wet and cold and irritated, have to listen to the eardrum busting blast. It's maddening. So if you can give the guy in front of you a full THREE SECONDS to look up and notice that the light is green (as opposed to the point three seconds we seem to give our fellow drivers) everyone will be happier. It's just nice.<br />
<br />
If your car is not compact, do not park in a compact spot. <br />
<br />
And remember, they are called blind spots for a reason. If someone changed lanes and cut you off, do not go ballistic on them. They probably honestly did not see you. They're not called on-purposes; they're called accidents. Try not to drive in anyone's blind spot. And if someone does something completely stupid, try to let it go. I know it's hard but retaliation is dangerous, no matter how awesome it may feel while you're doing it. <br />
<br />
Don't tailgate. And if someone is tailgating you and you can move into another lane, do it. Douchnozzles also carry driver's licenses, no matter how unfair. If you can't get into another lane, you can do what I do (and it's rather effective!): I take my foot off the brake very slowly, so I'm slowing down a pinch, and I put my hazard lights on. That makes Douchnozzle believe something is wrong with my car, so he'll get into another lane to avoid being behind me. Try it!<br />
<br />
We have this entitlement in LA, where we believe if we are in a lane, that lane is now ours and no one else's! I spoke to a friend who learned how to drive in LA as a 15 year old, and her instructor told her to not even put on her blinkers until she was halfway through the lane already because otherwise, people will speed up to keep you from having a safe amount of distance to change lanes.<br />
So, give people a break. Let them come into your lane. It's okay. Sharing is caring.<br />
<br />
Be safe out there. Be friendly, be cautious, be awesome.Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-46432789061996328872015-07-03T14:34:00.001-07:002015-07-03T14:34:26.716-07:00Helping Actors Build Tools For Today's WorkforceHave you guys heard of <a href="http://www.actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/calendar?field_workshop_region_value_many_to_one=los_angeles" target="_blank">The Actors Fund</a>? Nope? Me neither. So when a friend forwarded me a link <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_5gB5LzxR4/VZb8n22pdUI/AAAAAAAABoo/hqQwa7DWWtk/s1600/IMG_4569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_5gB5LzxR4/VZb8n22pdUI/AAAAAAAABoo/hqQwa7DWWtk/s320/IMG_4569.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
to check them out, of course I had to.<br />
<br />
The Actors Fund was created back before tabloid magazines and society newspaper pages created actor celebrities. Actors were lowlifes; just as bad as gypsies, tramps, and thieves, and when they died, no one wanted to bury them in sacred grounds, cause, again, ewww! Actors. Gross. Also, they were usually broke (<a href="http://deadline.com/2015/03/l-a-actors-protest-union-plan-for-minimum-wage-at-99-seat-theaters-1201397394/" target="_blank">doing 99 seat theatre in LA</a>? KIDDING), so they died with no money.<br />
<br />
The Actors Fund was created to help bury the dead. And once it got going, people thought, you know, maybe we can help actors when they're <b>alive</b> too!<br />
<br />
And they have, and they do, and they will continue to do so. They're a non-profit, not affiliated with Sag-Aftra, but have their offices in the Sag-Aftra building. Also - you don't have to be union to take advantage of their workshops - you don't even have to be an actor! You could have ANY JOB in the entertainment business - you could be a photographer, dancer, camera operator, editor, producer, stage manager, light board operator, etc. etc. etc.<br />
<br />
Right, but what do they do? They help you get your materials current for today's workforce, for parallel and side jobs, and career changes.<br />
<br />
They describe parallel jobs as jobs you work alongside your acting career, that also fulfills you. Side jobs are the jobs you do for the money as opposed to your passion, and they even have 'Oh Crap! Rent is due tomorrow and I need another hundred bucks!" emergency jobs. And maybe you're a person whose interests in the entertainment field has waned or dwindled, and you find other industries more exciting.<br />
<br />
The Actors Fund has workshops! GOOD ones! VALUABLE ones! They have a Career Assessment workshop which helps you narrow down your skills, passions, and personality type, and which type of job suits your schedule, lifestyle, and desired pay. They have Resume Writing workshops, which I thought, pssh, I don't need, and was taken aback with how small tweaks majorly increased my value as a prospective employee.<br />
<br />
Job Search strategies help you find jobs opportunities on websites that aren't Craig's List; jobs with benefits and salaries and reputable employers!<br />
<br />
There's an Art of Interviewing workshop as well, that preps you on how to sell yourself in a positive light, and highlight your creative mind and skills.<br />
<br />
These workshops are amazing. And best of all: THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY FREE.<br />
<br />
You must attend an Orientation that describes their background, how they can help, how they've helped, and how they'll help you, and after your first workshop, you can sign up for their job newsletter that comes out every Friday with jobs that are especially suited for those in the Entertainment world.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Orientations are EVERY Monday from 1-2:30 in the Sag-Aftra building on Wilshire</b></u>, and Sag-Aftra will validate your parking.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend you check <a href="http://www.actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/calendar?field_workshop_region_value_many_to_one=los_angeles" target="_blank">The Actors Fund</a> out. Take a friend. Take advantage. It's a group that was created to help all of us.Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-35242317895560544142015-02-07T09:16:00.001-08:002015-02-07T09:16:49.694-08:00Getting to the TopJameshia asks:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I currently do not have a demo reel, but do you think I could upload a
video of me performing a monologue to help my submission to be put at
the "top of the pile"??</blockquote>
As I've mentioned before, adding a video to your Actors Access profile filters your profile to the top of the pile when casting looks at their submissions. When you consider over a thousand people will submit themselves for one role, it's a good idea to have video attached.<br />
<br />
And good news, Jameshia, you can definitely upload a video of yourself! In fact, there's several ways you can do it:<br />
<br />
The Easiest: Grab a friend and have them use their phone in landscape mode to record you doing ANY skill. Do you dance? Play guitar? Sing? Show off what you want in 30-60 seconds and upload it. Boom! Done!<br />
<br />
The Moderate Level: Again, have your friend use their phone (or even better, DSLR camera in video mode) to record yourself performing a monologue. <br />
<br />
The More Advanced: Have your two friends use their phones and your phone, set up three different angles, (one of you, one of your scene partner, and one of the wide - the both of you) and record yourself performing your monologue. Intercut the three videos so that you establish the both of you in the wide, and then focus on your performance, while cutting back to your friend listening/reacting to you. Now, you don't just have a monologue, you had a scene. It will look more produced, more professional, and could help you casting clicks on your video to watch it. Not only that, but now you have something you can show agents if you're looking for one and they ask you for some tape.<br />
<br />
I hope this helps. Thanks for reading!Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-45538550176523246702014-12-09T13:45:00.000-08:002014-12-09T13:45:18.441-08:00You Need a Car. And Insurance.People who have never been to LA have no idea what it's like. (Duh. What a dumb sentence. But stay with me here.) LA is unlike any other major city you've ever been to.<br />
<br />
Most great cities like DC and NYC and SF have FANTASTIC public transportation. LA does not. This is a city you NEED a car in.<br />
<br />
A Hawaiian sent in this question:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I am planning to move to Los Angeles but I heard that you can't really
get around without a car and the second is that all newbie actors
should live in Studio City because that is where the studios and casting
agents are but I don't want to live that far from Downtown/Westside of
Los Angeles my question is are both of those beliefs about Los Angeles
true.</b></blockquote>
<br />
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_117622">
You
really can't get around without a car. I mean, you CAN, but it's
extremely difficult. And what if you get 3 auditions in one day? Your
first one is in Santa Monica, the second is in North Hollywood, and the
third is Mid-City, THEN, you have to get to your job in Studio City.
Allll by bus. And there's a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. WHAT DO YOU
DO?!</div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_118283">
<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_117953">
The
problem is, none of the above means anything to you, because you've
never been here. You're from Hawaii, where rush hour is non-existent.
Most mainland cities with rush hours mean that the freeways are 20-30mph
from 6-9am and 4-7pm. But here in LA, the only time the freeways aren't
stop and go are random times. 2pm on a Sunday? Stop and Go. If you're
also at the mercy of our pathetic public transportation, you're screwed.
You need a car. </div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_120014">
<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_120015">
I
live in Studio City. There's Universal Studios and CBS Radford here in
town. Next door in Burbank is the WB and the Burbank Studios. But
there's also studios in every other part of town. And commercial
casting? They're everywhere except Downtown. </div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_120016">
<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_120017">
And Downtown and the Westside are not next door neighbors. That's like me saying I want to live in Kaanapali so I can bike to work in Oahu.</div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_120018">
<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_120019">
The
problem here is that you didn't do your research, and you're listening
to other people who have either lived here ages ago, or have never lived
here. </div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_120684">
<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_120685">
Read
the blog. You need a car and at LEAST 10 grand to move here. And that
money goes by with your first month's rent and deposit very, very
quickly. </div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_122643">
<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_122645">
Go
to losangeles.craigslist.org and look at apartments in your price
range. Check out a map or any other gazillion articles on the web about
wanting to move to LA. LA is a city with a 30 mile radius. It's HUGE. </div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_121586">
<br /></div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_122616">
If
you can, I would strongly recommend coming out here with a friend to
visit for a week. There's plenty of hostels and you can get an idea of
what the city is like, what the people are like, and if this is the
right place for you. </div>
<div data-setdir="false" dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1417810590740_121585">
<br /></div>
Good luck!Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-998510975271264952014-09-30T18:31:00.000-07:002014-09-30T18:42:47.348-07:00Seeking Hair Models!You know what I love about hair modeling? I don't have to go to the go-sees if I'm busy or if I just don't want to. Love that.<br />
<br />
I also love that the master hair stylists, usually the top of their field at their company, and usually <i>in the nation</i> will work within my parameters.<br />
"Will you do a keratin straightening that lasts for 60 shampoos?" "Nope!" "Okay, we'll book you for curly hair, then."<br />
<br />
You know what I love most, though?<br />
<br />
GETTING PAID TO GET MY HAIR DONE.<br />
<br />
And my hair modeling agent is looking for new models!<br />
<br />
Find my email over there on the side -----><br />
(that should be easy enough) and send me a LINK to your current hottest looking self (selfies are okay for current hair color/length) and a LINK to your professional headshot with your<br />
age, location, height, weight, dress size, current hair color, eye color.<br />
<br />
I'll forward it to my agent and if she likes your look, I'll give you her direct number. You tell her I'm the one who referred you so she'll take your call and boom! You might just have a hair model agent!<br />
<br />
What is she looking for?<br />
<br />
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162712"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162711" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">5'6 & TALLER, 0-6<span style="color: red;"> </span>DRESS, AGE RANGE: 18-28.</span></b>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162718">
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162716"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162715" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">NO WEAVES, EXTENSIONS, OR RELAXERS. AT LEAST FOUR INCHES OF HAIR. Los Angeles/Long Beach area only.</span></b></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162716"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162715" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162715" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do you have a pixie haircut and think you don't have enough hair? Wrong! Most models don't ever want to go supershort, so if you already have short hair, chances are you'll book.</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162715" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have super long hair you don't want cut? Some of these casting calls are for styling only and they need long hair and won't cut yours!</span></span></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162715" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Want to make a couple hundred bucks every once in a while within your haircut/color limitations? Just let me know! </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162715" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Good luck! </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv8753560840MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411924803302_162717">
</div>
</div>
Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-13756177123577984322014-09-02T13:25:00.002-07:002014-09-02T13:26:06.362-07:00Oh, Canada!Canada is one of my favorite places to visit. <a href="http://www.butchartgardens.com/" target="_blank">Butchart Gardens</a> is so nice, I visited twice! Canadians are incredibly friendly, the streets are super clean, and I can still remember the twinkling Christmas lights reflecting in the water in Calgary. Also - the drinking age is 19!<br />
<br />
But sometimes, you know, the grass is greener in California during a major drought. Or something. Keep reading.<br />
<br />
<div id="yiv6718786410">
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_77997">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_16_1409675023855_26">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_16_1409675023855_25" style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">Hi Lira,</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78005">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78006" style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78004">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78003" style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">I discovered your blog today and have been binge-reading you for the last 3 hours:) </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78007">
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">I
really like your down to earth attitude about this business and feel
that I share your zeal and no-nonsense way of thinking and offering
advice.</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78002">
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78000">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78001" style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">When
I moved to Vancouver, BC 3 years ago to go to acting school I was
oh-so-green and didn't know a thing about the business. As I've been
learning and had a few small roles I have been itching for more. (Not to
mention actually getting acceptable amounts of Vitamin D which this
rain-forest of a place can't provide for 90% of the year)</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_77999">
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_77996">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_77995" style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">For
the last year or so I've been seriously craving a move to California
(been there twice already) and I've been googling until my fingers hurt
but it is so darn convoluted as to the steps and processes to get there.
(I like lining everything up into steps and attacking them one by one)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78009">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78008" style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">When
I asked my agent I felt she wasn't too thrilled with the idea and
assumed I was like ever other 'hollywood hopeful' but even with all my
explaining, I kept getting the same answers "you need a bigger resume,"
"Many people try and even if they have agents don't make it."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78011">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78010" style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">While I accept that this is true for the greater majority I refuse to let it get me down and stop me from giving it my darndest.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78012">
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">That
was essentially my long way of asking if you know any Canadians who
have successfully crossed the border and been allowed to stay or if you
know anything about the process yourself. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78014">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409675023855_78013" style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">I'm
a bulldog when it comes to things I want and I am committed to making
this happen even if it takes years and mounds of paperwork. I will do it
and I will do it legally damn it!</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<blockquote>
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">Sincerely, someone who really wants to be in America:)</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #993399; font-family: courier new, monospace;">Alicia </span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Hi Alicia! Thanks for all your sweet words!<br />
<br />
And here's my opinion on what's going on:<br />
You want to get out here to get more work. Unfortunately, to do that, you need a visa, and a company that will sponsor you, and more and more things I'm not even going to pretend I know.<br />
<br />
What you're basically saying is that you want to be a teeeeeeeeeeeeny tiny fish in the biggest pond in the world.<br />
<br />
So I'm going to parrot back what your agent is saying: Don't. <a href="http://thestrugglingactress.blogspot.com/2013/04/stay-big-fish.html" target="_blank">And read this</a> for more backstory. <br />
<br />
Don't come out here until your resume is much, much bigger, and you're getting flown down here for roles. Establish yourself as a very good actress first. The LA roles will come later. In the meantime, be creative, write and film stuff for yourself, and appreciate everything you have up there. We'll see you soon enough. Even though it might not feel like it, and you don't want to hear me say this, you have Plenty of Time to work up there and come down here later. When your resume is bigger, better, longer, your current agent can call LA agents and get you hooked up that way. It's easier all around if you wait until you're a big fish.<br />
<br />
See you in a few years! :)<br />
<br />Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-50850248679108355342014-08-08T14:50:00.002-07:002014-08-08T14:50:37.895-07:00MicrocosmIt's who you know in the film industry. It's making friends, building contacts, doing good work. You'll see that it's such a small world.<br />
<br />
For instance:<br />
<br />
I played the antagonist in a short film last week --<br />
<br />
With the director who hired me 4 years ago. In the short back then, there was a girl named Erica who had a very small part. But she was enthusiastic and lovely so she played the protagonist in this small project last week. (Bear with me here)<br />
<br />
Erica and I discovered four years ago that her BFF Amber is the very same Amber in my high school drama club that I graduated with. Amber and I had done shows together. SMALL WORLD.<br />
<br />
Fast forward again and the director needs to fill a small role.<br />
<br />
So I forwarded my friend Eric's info to him.<br />
<br />
I know Eric because I directed him in a scene in college. I was the first to hire him, actually.<br />
<br />
It all goes around and it all comes around.<br />
<br />
Make friends, build contacts, do good work, be kind, pay it forward, network.<br />
<br />
The LA film world is a microcosm of people using their same favorites over and over again.Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-33520852898256734722014-06-30T16:43:00.002-07:002014-07-02T08:47:32.307-07:00"Workaholic Musical Theatre Student Gets No Bites"<br />
Isn't that a great post title? I wish I had come up with it, but Charlene used that as her subject in her email to me:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>First, I am a huge fan of your guidance! Your articles have given me the shoots of confidence that keep me going.<br /><br />My
name is Charlene; I am a Musical Theatre major at Howard
University. I recently transferred into the Fine Arts school, so
although technically a sophomore, I am a freshman.<br /><br />I find myself
not impatient, but ambitious and excited for the future. I am not lazy; I
feel I can prove myself to show I love this business. My concern is, as
a student, what can I do as a student to get ahead of the game? (Most
of my training is based in Musical Theatre, I'll explore Film soon)<br /><br />I
understand these are the years to hone the craft and to learn about the
art, but I want more projects- I want more auditions. I'm not
performing for the big break, but it is definitely a goal as well. The
sooner the better. <br /><br />I'm saving up for a professional grade
headshot; right now I have a decent headshot and a resume. I'll attach
it, if that's okay with you. I'm also saving to create a demo reel with
the company you suggested that writes and creates scenes for reels. I'm
working on recording Youtube videos and setting up a site.<br /><br />Tonight
I sent my resume and headshot to nearly 50 agents via e-mail. I'm not
too sure what to write to introduce myself, so I wrote something along
the lines of<br />"Hope all is well. I am looking for representation, etc. Attached is H/R… etc.," Hopefully I'll hear from someone soon.<br /><br />I spent this summer auditioning for nearly everything that fit me, even some auditions that haven't. </b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>I've
gotten callbacks and second callbacks, but never a bite. I've done this
for a month and a half, so I understand things don't come quickly. But
it's a bit disheartening. I'm starting to think it's based on monetary
investments. I don't want to just sit tight and watch casting directors
pass me by because I can't yet afford thousand dollar master classes
with directors. But what else could I do?<br /><br />Thank you so much in advance!<br />Charlene, a hopeful but broke college student.</b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5a4uGGT5cM/U7QphRdRsgI/AAAAAAAABks/JRi6xnmXSfk/s1600/Charlene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5a4uGGT5cM/U7QphRdRsgI/AAAAAAAABks/JRi6xnmXSfk/s1600/Charlene.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<b>PS: Also, I hope you don't mind if I mention--<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />How do I ensure casting directors won't see my skin color and instantly try to marginalize me?<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />My
biggest motive in theatre is to change it. I feel African Americans in
the media have been poorly represented, and I want to be the face of the
Educated, Non-Stereotypical Black Leading Lady. Not Sassy "random black
girl singin' the soul."<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />However, there are not many roles for this. <br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />Am I hypersensitive? Do you have any idea what my casting type, if you had to choose, would be?</b></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
First of all, Charlene, I want to applaud you for how hard you're working and how you're getting all your materials together so that when you graduate, you have everything you need to get good representation. Some people write to me asking what they should be doing because they 'want to act!' and they 'know they can do it'. ....They just <a href="http://thestrugglingactress.blogspot.com/2014/05/prove-it.html" target="_blank">don't want to do their research</a>. YOU already have. So Brava! Awesome!<br />
<br />
So let me try to help you here because you've already been helping yourself.<br />
<br />
<b>What can I do as a student to get ahead of the game? </b>Be the best friggin student you can be. Read and see as many plays as possible. Watch movies. Research!<br />
<br />
TAKE SCREENWRITING AND PLAY WRITING. Learn how to write for yourself because that's what students need to do. You want to play the role of a leading lady? Write what you know you can play. Film it. Boom. Stuff for your reel. And I don't mean you have to write an entire one act thing. Just write a scene with an emotional climax, get your friends to join you, film it, edit it, boom. (For instance. I'm sure Howard University has some rooms that could pass for an office. Write a scene where you confide to your professor that you were attacked, and you can't tell anyone because then you're a victim and your attacker will never see justice anyway because he's the dean's son. Get to the point of tears and FIGHT THEM BACK. Get your eyes as watery as you can but don't cry. Be strong. Do. Not. Cry. Are you excited about this scene? I am! Go write it!)<br />
<br />
As a student, write stuff. Write more stuff. Sing your head off. Record yourself singing your head off. Build a YouTube channel showing off your singing. Give tips on how to hit high notes, how to find a great song, how to do whatever. Help others. <br />
<br />
Don't want to do a YouTube channel as yourself? How bout as a character? Have you seen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1IYH_MbJqA" target="_blank">Azie Dungey's web series</a> about her job and the questions people would ask her? Hilarious! <br />
<br />
<b>You want more auditions.</b> Now is not the time for that. You're graduating in 2017. So write and build your own stuff. Be in your school's plays and musicals. Study. Auditions are going to take you out of school, out of class, and your grades will suffer. So don't fret about auditions right now.<br />
<br />
I attached your headshot above so others can see what I mean when I say this is NOT a decent headshot of you. This is a terrible headshot of you. I can tell you're pretty, but this photo doesn't tell us that. Your breast has a hotspot of light on it, and you've been cropped right under your breasts so you end up looking heavier than you are because there's no waist. You're wearing a shirt that you'd wear to a club and the photo is just too greenish in general.<br />
<br />
Because you're in DC, I googled what DC Headshot Photographers are looked up the images. Then I looked up NY and LA too and picked my favorites:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://andreaburnsphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/web-dawnhall5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://andreaburnsphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/web-dawnhall5.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.alanweissman.com/data/photos/928_1beautiful_headshot_la.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.alanweissman.com/data/photos/928_1beautiful_headshot_la.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kristinasherk.com/data/photos/1502_1Niki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kristinasherk.com/data/photos/1502_1Niki.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://taphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/headshot-photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://taphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/headshot-photography.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
Can you see what I mean now? Clothes are upscale casual/regular casual. The focus is on the face. They're lit evenly. All these women above have great photos. You do not.<br />
<br />
I know, I know. Bummer. Save up money. It's worth it. In the meantime, because you're a student, go to the Photography department chair and ask her if you could be a model for their portrait assignment, and that you could bring more people from the theatre department should she need them. Boom! Instant headshots! Wear some funky costumes. Do funky makeup. Boom! Instant portfolio!<br />
<br />
Right. So - you sent your headshot and resume to 50 agents with a basic cover letter. I've already made it pretty clear that you don't have a headshot of quality to impress anyone, and your cover letter doesn't either. You were AIDA! You won Best Actress for your role!! THAT'S WHAT YOU MENTION IN YOUR COVER LETTER!<br />
<br />
You need to think like an agent - "What does this girl have that I already don't have in my roster?" She probably doesn't have anyone who played Aida and won Best Actress for it. You make yourself sound as marketable as possible. "My turn as Aida at the Pennsylvania Playhouse earned me a Best Actress award from ABE [spell that acronym out so people understand what it is] in 2013." Mention your YouTube vidoes, send a direct link to a video of you singing. Etc. Etc. Etc. That is what is gonna make an agent forgive a bad headshot and go to your resume and your links.<br />
<br />
-- But don't even worry about agents now, because you're a student. Agents know you're in school, and therefore probably poor. You can't afford to get new headshots from a photog on their list, and the big audition they got for you, the one they called up the cd to pitch you for, is smack dab in the middle of your mid term or a final. You can't miss one of those tests, and now that agent looks like an idiot because she has to cancel the appointment she fought so hard to get for you. <br />
<br />
HOWEVER (and sometimes this happens - you didn't actually tell me what city you sent out your headshots to) if you manage to get a regional agent - one in Atlanta or New Orleans, they might keep you on their roster and submit you for stuff that's happening there. And you MIGHT be able to send in a video of your audition because regional actors do that. In LA and NYC, actors go to the CD's office. In the South, most auditions are on tape and emailed to your agent and then to casting. You MIGHT find an agent who would be interested in you for that, but honestly, you're in school. Most agents and managers will wait until you're done with your program.<br />
<br />
<b>I've
gotten callbacks and second callbacks, but never a bite. I've done this
for a month and a half, so I understand things don't come quickly. But
it's a bit disheartening. </b>I know it is. But a month and a half is nothing. Chin up.<br />
<br />
<b>I'm starting to think it's based on monetary
investments. I don't want to just sit tight and watch casting directors
pass me by because I can't yet afford thousand dollar master classes
with directors. But what else could I do?</b> Master classes with casting directors could be good. But more often than not, cd's aren't seriously looking for actors outside of LA and NY. They're doing classes in your region to make money. If you were a serious actor for them to remember, you'd be in LA or NY. Save your money. I also personally don't believe in casting director workshops as a whole.<br />
<br />
So what else could you do? Keep doing what you're doing! You're on the right track! You're doing everything you can, you're putting forth the effort, and even though the time for representation probably isn't now, you're DOING YOUR RESEARCH and building your toolbox so that when you graduate, you have a ton more things to help sell yourself and your talents. <br />
<br />
<b>How do I ensure casting directors won't see my skin color and instantly try to marginalize me? </b>Simple: Be so effing fantastic, they don't. How do we stop seeing color? By being as educated as possible. So you be as educated as possible in your field. -- Be the best singer, the best dancer, the best actor. <br />
<b><br clear="none" />My
biggest motive in theatre is to change it. I feel African Americans in
the media have been poorly represented, and I want to be the face of the
Educated, Non-Stereotypical Black Leading Lady. Not Sassy "random black
girl singin' the soul." </b>Preach! <b><br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />However, there are not many roles for this. </b>Right. Kerry Washington kinda has a hold on that right now as far as carrying a show's lead. But the good news is that more shows with minority leads will be written. <br />
<b><br clear="none" />Am I hypersensitive? </b>Yes and No. Are you going to go out for "Random Black Girl"? Yes. Are those going to be your bread and butter roles inbetween your Leading Lady roles? Yes. You know Samira Wiley - Poussey on Orange is the New Black - went to Julliard? I'll bet you she felt the same way you do. Have you seen her work? Is it amazing? Do we look at her and think she's a RBG? No, because the show is fantastic and she's a full blown character. Wiley is AWESOME in it. But I'm sure her audition for Poussey was pretty much her character mouthing off street slang.<br />
<br />
Are you going to audition for roles like that? Yes.<br />
<br />
My friend Carolina is Latina. She goes out for Maid all. the. time. The last time she booked a Maid role? It was for a pilot where her character is Recurring. She will play that maid role all the way to the bank if it goes to series. But she does go out for other roles, and she ALSO has her own Intellectual Property that she's working on. So be like her.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have any idea what my casting type, if you had to choose, would be? </b>Green Generic Young Black Female. That's what your headshot is telling me. (Also, because hair is a big deal - if you watch a lot of commercials and minor character roles on any show, you'll see that the trend in LA and NY is for natural hair. It's a trend that started about 5 years ago and hasn't slowed down. Going natural might increase your chances of getting rep when you graduate. Or not. It's your hair and style. Do what you want. )<br />
<br />
SO! To recap -<br />
<br />
Charlene, you're doing EXACTLY what you should be and you should be so incredibly proud of yourself. You're on the right track, keep going, get better and better materials, and keep on keeping on. Good luck and thanks for reading! :)<br />
<br />
xo<br />
<br />
<br />Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-71486663799074903162014-06-28T17:02:00.001-07:002014-06-28T17:02:09.861-07:00Obvious ChildYou know when you go to the movies and you're like, Meh, to everything you see? And then all of a sudden, you see a movie that just makes your heart explode into thousands of pieces because of how honest and beautiful it is?<br />
<br />
Obvious Child is that. Beautifully written and directed by <span class="name"><span class="display-name "><a class=" ttip" href="https://pro-labs.imdb.com/name/nm3521871/">Gillian Robespierre, </a></span></span><br />
<span class="name"><span class="display-name ">I'm still kinda reeling over how much I can't stop thinking about it. </span></span><br />
<span class="name"><span class="display-name "><br /></span></span>
<span class="name"><span class="display-name "><a href="https://pro-labs.imdb.com/name/nm2809577/" target="_blank">Jenny Slate</a> basically delivers a master class in honesty. You can't help but root for her everywoman; how real she is, how effed up her situation is, how scared, vulnerable, and outright hilarious she is. </span></span><br />
<span class="name"><span class="display-name "><br /></span></span>
<span class="name"><span class="display-name ">My favorite joke: the bit about cream cheese.</span></span><br />
<span class="name"><span class="display-name "><br /></span></span>
<span class="name"><span class="display-name ">My favorite scene: where Donna gets sedated. Everything that needs to be said is shown in that small, simple scene. Everything. Nothing is overwritten. Everything is perfect.</span></span><br />
<span class="name"><span class="display-name "><br /></span></span>
<span class="name"><span class="display-name ">Movies are tax deductible for writers and actors - it's research. </span></span><br />
<span class="name"><span class="display-name "><br /></span></span>
<span class="name"><span class="display-name ">Do your research. Please go see this film. Support indie films. Support female driven stories. Support female writer/directors. </span></span><br />
<span class="name"><span class="display-name "><br /></span></span>
<span class="name"><span class="display-name ">Then give them a shout out on Twitter. (Social Media helps indies flourish!)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="name"><span class="display-name ">Enjoy! And let me know what you thought!</span></span><br />
<span class="name"><span class="display-name "><br /></span></span>Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-67291925372337876722014-06-25T17:01:00.001-07:002014-06-25T17:01:28.434-07:00Go Have Fun!Little Birdies have informed me that most commercial and theatrical agencies are going to take a long weekend this July 4th, and usually the holiday is pretty dead anyway.<br />
<br />
So go have fun! Book out and visit your friend in NorCal you haven't seen in a while! Go visit your sister! Go swim in a lake!<br />
<br />
Oh. Actually, I'm doing all that.<br />
<br />
Stay safe!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
<br />Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-75303398764894923642014-06-18T17:26:00.001-07:002014-06-18T17:26:12.294-07:00Just Because You Want ItHave you checked out "<a href="http://www.indiewire.com/article/television/laff-actors-advice-for-young-actors-only-one-man-can-do-it-tom-cruise-youre-not-tom-cruise?utm_campaign=Wildfire+Message+-+%22Just+because+you+want+it%2C+just+because+you...&utm_content=po_1201726&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook" target="_blank">Advice for Actors at LAFF</a>" from <a href="http://indiewire.com/">Indiewire.com</a>?<br />
<br />
My favorite quote (cause I'm just in that kind of mood ;)<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Just because you want it, just because you have a dream, just because you work really hard, doesn't mean it works out."</blockquote>
Hope your summer is eventful.<br />
<br />
xoxo<br />
<h1 id="articleHeaderPanel">
<br /></h1>
Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-75225362314969968862014-05-28T12:04:00.001-07:002014-05-28T12:04:09.473-07:00Prove ItWant to see your favorite Struggling Actress lose her shizz? Then keep reading: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_18_1401128907654_53" style="font-size: small;">HI!
I'm [redacted, so let's say it's "Amy"] I just turned 17. I have been dancing since I was six and I
am on the USA national champion [redacted] dance team. I started acting when
I was 15 and I just loved it so now I am totally obsessed with becoming
an actress! Yet, I have only been to a few auditions, mostly dance
related and really haven't gotten any jobs (just dance things). So I
think I really need an agent. I figured that my dancing experience could
some how contribute to my acting career? By the way I absolutely love
your blog, I just
have a few questions.</span></span><br />
<div class="" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401128907654_32183" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401128907654_33789" style="font-size: small;"><span class="" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401128907654_33676" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>First
you said that when you signed with your first agent that you didn't
know how to properly write a resume but what I was thinking was how did
you get the agent if you didn't have a resume?? Second do you have any
advice for me to find an agent? I am not with SAG or AFTRA but do I need
to be at this time? </span></span></div>
<div class="" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401128907654_32199" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thank you and let me know!</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hey, My name is [redacted, so let's say "Lisa"]. I
read your struggling actress blog, I need your advice on something if
you are willing to give it. I am living here in Baltimore, Maryland. I
am a struggling actress. I am so passionate about it. I have been doing
theater for years, and I have done a few commercials and modeling here
in Maryland as well. I dont know what to do. I find myself everyday
googling the same things running into the same scams, trying to find
stupid things on craigslist. I dont have an agent. I dont know how to
get one. No one is helping me. I need advice. I am 22 years old and I
feel like I am getting too old to do anything. I have been looking at
actors access or backstage.com. I dont know what one to choose. Can you
point me in a good direction? </blockquote>
<div class="" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401128907654_31815">
AHHHHHH!
You guys! You seriously make me want to rip my hair out! What is wrong
with you?! I don't want to give you the benefit of the doubt because of
your ages, because honestly, COME ON. I know you're smarter than this.<br /><br />I
have spent FIVE YEARS writing about how to do exactly what you're
asking. I even included a Google search bar so you can find answers to
your specific questions within this blog. Ugg. Why didn't you try
reading the archives? Honestly? Why not? Because you think you're the
only one with your particular problem of not knowing what to do next?<br /><br />Amy - you first. <br />You
have gone out for acting auditions but only book the dance auditions,
so you think you need an agent? HA! No! You need an ACTING class! Let's
say you're choreographing a huge musical at your school and you need
your leads to be fantastic dancers. So you audition 30 kids. Out of the
30, 5 are just as good as you, and have been dancing since they were 3,
and placing in national competitions. Are you going to cast the 3 girls
who required your time and attention for 5 minutes to learn a box step?
No. Cause they need dance classes. And you have no time to teach them
anything. You're gonna hire the 5 dancers who already know what they're
doing, already have ribbons and trophies at home for their dance work,
and who you know you can teach in seconds flat. Now imagine you're
casting a commercial or television show. SAME THING. You hire the people
who show you they know what they're doing. <br /><br />Acting is a
business. And no agent is going to take you on if you have no work
experience. Not at your age while you're still in school. <br /><br />Could
you find a dance agent? Probably very easily! (And there are some out
there, but I'm not going to tell you who they are.) Could you book
commercials and music videos and theatre with your dance experience? Oh
yeah. Of course! Do you need to take an acting class? Obviously. Just
like you took jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet and whatever else, in order for
you to work doing what you love, you also need an acting class. It's
just another facet of using your body to express emotions. <br /><br />And
now for your first question: How did I learn how to write an actor's
resume? When I was an itty bitty girl around your age, when dinosaurs
still roamed the Earth, I didn't have this thing called the internet. I
didn't have Google. You know what though, YOU DO. And I am absolutely
floored that a person of your age doesn't know how to use it to answer
EVERY AND ALL question you have ever had. I mean, seriously. "Actor
Resume Template" "Actor Resume Sample" <br /><br />And you know what makes
me angry? I'VE COVERED RESUMES IN THIS BLOG A FEW TIMES. Cause that is a
very basic thing new actors need. So it shows me that you're lazy. And
that you expect help without doing the basic research yourself. The
problem with that attitude is that NO ONE will want to help you if you
continue that first impression.<br /><br />I mean, you want me to give you
advice on how to find an agent? How about going back ONE GD POST and
seeing that I gave out information on how to submit yourself to a
manager who was looking for clients in your age range?? You understand why I'm upset, right?<br /><br />And come on. You didn't even look up Sag or Aftra because the unions merged Two Years Ago!<br /><br />Okay,
okay, I know, I'm being super harsh but that's the real world. People
will take advantage of your naivete. You can get yourself into very
unsafe, expensive situations. I'm really mad at you because of <span id="yui_3_16_0_18_1401128907654_67" style="font-style: italic;">that.</span> <br /><br />Okay, Amy? Do your effing research. <br /><br />And now Lisa:</div>
<div class="" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401128907654_31815">
<br />Hi. I get your frustrations. But you're only 22. You feel like you're too old to do anything? Barf. Then quit NOW. <br /><br />But
see, I know you don't really want to do that. That's fine. But for some
reason, you're not researching very well either because when I googled
"Baltimore Talent Agencies" several names popped up. <br /><br />And if you
look at the left sidebar on this very blog, you'll see my top posts are
about how to use Actors Access. So here's the deal.<br /><br />STRUGGLING ACTORS EVERYWHERE:<br /> </div>
<div class="" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401128907654_31815">
Do
your research. Do your gosh darn mother frigging research and stop
being lazy. I have PERSONALLY spent DAYS writing information on how to
put your tools together to get representation and work all because I want strangers who were lost like me to have a free resource; an online mentor. And nothing
hurts me more than getting emails like yours where you find my blog,
find my email, and then prove to me that you honestly don't REALLY love
acting enough to truly need it in your life. If you did, you'd have read
this whole entire blog I've been writing since 2000-Freaking-NINE so
you could get as much info out of it as possible. <br /><br />You want to be an actor? <br /><br /><i><b>PROVE IT.</b></i></div>
<div class="" id="yui_3_16_0_18_1401128907654_17">
<br /></div>
Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5003375476054427023.post-57867688052531494162014-05-17T07:56:00.001-07:002014-05-17T07:56:24.240-07:00Hey 2014 Grads!Are you a high school or college student graduating this year and moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting? Looking for a manager?<br />
<br />
A little bird told me that Bridges Entertainment is looking for 18+ to Play Younger, and they especially need ethnic actors, although all may submit.<br />
<br />
Send a link to your headshot, resume, reels, yadda, yadda, yadda to<br />
bridgestalentasst<br />
@<br />
gmail.com<br />
<br />
Good luck!Lira Kellermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17642476041389723474noreply@blogger.com1