Never Satisfied...
Shoot! I've been doing pretty well with my acting and modeling for the most part. I've only been going hard full time at this for about a year and some change. It seems like I'm never satisfied with my life, but that might be a good thing and what makes me keep pushing harder. I just need to learn how to appreciate every moment during my career good and bad, but it's so hard! I find that I kick myself more than I applaude myself, and that's NO GOOD! When I book a gig I feel on top of the world, and then the following week when I'm doing nothing in my career I have to resort to finding temp work to stay alive. Sometimes I don't have the strength to blog because I feel that what I have to type isn't worthy to grace your eyes. It feels like my life is often filled with big gapping holes of nothingness. This is where prayer, talking to loved ones, and being productive on my own come into play. I'm just glad that I know these things about myself, and I'm willing to work on them so I can be a healthy functioning artist, and not one who turns to drugs, sex, and alcohol to fill those BIG holes that I fill overshadow most of my days. It's hard not to go a week without breaking down and crying, but I have GOD! That's all I can really say... The bookings, pictures, red carpet walks, and the spotlight are all good for the moment... I just want to be good all of the time, and with this career I have to feed myself with a healthy lifestyle to keep myself motivated, happy, and SANE! I'm more happy than sad, but the depression just comes from out of no where, and last a few days then goes away again!... Kind of like a storm... Hmmm. Well I know one thing about storms... They don't last forever, and they are followed by a sunny day! I love me and I love the life that God has given me. I LOVE MY CAREER!!! I just need to be fufilled and satisfied, and I know that will all come in due time. Please continue to pray for me.
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Guess Who's Bizzzack!!!
UPDATES!!!!!!!!!
I would love to blog about all that has happened in the past few months, but it's been a lot!!! Trust me when I say I've been meaning to get on here and spill my guts, but I'VE BEEN SOOOOOO BUSY! That's a great thing RIGHT?!!! Of course it is*smile*... So instead of giving it to you step by step, I will list what I have accomplished to speed things up, and the plan is to get back into the swing of blogging! So here it is:
* I booked a J. Crew Industrial Commercial and shot it in August
* I booked an Apple Industrial Commercial and shot it in August
* I booked/shot a VIBE Magazine shoot w/Soulja Boy in August
* I booked a Commercial for MGM Grand Resort/Casino @Foxwoods 3 day shoot in Sept.
* I had a big time audition for the ABC show The Good wife, but didn't get the role in Sept.
* I booked the TV show Cinematherapy on the WE channel and shot it in Oct.
Those are just some of the major things that I have been up to besides working odd jobs, traveling, auditioning, and creating new ways to make money, and start a business... I'm on the move! Let's Get It!!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Sunday, July 4, 2010
A Pot To Pi$$ In...
C.R.E.A.M.
While in High school the Wu Tang Clan's hit rap song C.R.E.A.M. was my jam but I really didn't understand the message until a few years ago lol... YES! Cash Rules Everything Around Me!!!! There is so much that I want to do in life, but EVERYTHING requires money:/ UGH! Where do I start, how can I even get a foundation without CASH???
Dirty Money???
Isn't it sad that I could make fast money tomorrow by selling drugs or stripping and I only would have to worry about getting caught, losing respect and being judged? Damn why do I have morals, and a mother who would whip my ass!?? Oh well... Back to the drawing board.
Wait Till I Get My Money Right...
I have been brainstorming about all of the things that I'm good at. I'm proud to say that I'm good at a lot of things lol. Now it's time to experiment and see which of those skills can make me some money! I need another hustle while pursuing my acting career. I can't keep my eggs all in one basket, now it's time to spread out and GET IT POPPIN! Dollar Dollar Bills Y'all!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
While in High school the Wu Tang Clan's hit rap song C.R.E.A.M. was my jam but I really didn't understand the message until a few years ago lol... YES! Cash Rules Everything Around Me!!!! There is so much that I want to do in life, but EVERYTHING requires money:/ UGH! Where do I start, how can I even get a foundation without CASH???
Dirty Money???
Isn't it sad that I could make fast money tomorrow by selling drugs or stripping and I only would have to worry about getting caught, losing respect and being judged? Damn why do I have morals, and a mother who would whip my ass!?? Oh well... Back to the drawing board.
Wait Till I Get My Money Right...
I have been brainstorming about all of the things that I'm good at. I'm proud to say that I'm good at a lot of things lol. Now it's time to experiment and see which of those skills can make me some money! I need another hustle while pursuing my acting career. I can't keep my eggs all in one basket, now it's time to spread out and GET IT POPPIN! Dollar Dollar Bills Y'all!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Rebound Chick!
Back In The Game
At the beginning of the month I went home to Kalamazoo, Michigan to regroup, visit the fam, and friends. When I arrived back in NYC I was REFRESHED and ready to get to business. The following day I had a couple of auditions for Venus Razors and Pringles Potato Chips... In no time I was back in the swing of things.
Close Call
The following day my agent calls me in the am saying that I have been put on hold for the Pringles print/commercial ad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OK... I was sooooo excited even though I had a 50/50 chance it was still a great chance that the job was mine!!! It was between me and someone else! The rest of the day was kind of weird because I've been in the same boat before with Essence Magazine, and that resulted in them choosing the other person. I carried on my day as normal, and when I got the call from my agent that I was released from Pringles my heart sank a bit, but I bounced back! Right now I'm rebounding from the ups and downs that I have been experiencing lately. I know this all is preparing me for a VICTORY!
Good Sport!
I'm proud to say that getting close to the finish line as much as I have only makes me stronger, and pushes me harder. It's good to know that out of ALL the other people that auditioned for Pringles, it came down to me and one other person... That's DOPE! Thank you Lord for the opportunity.
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
At the beginning of the month I went home to Kalamazoo, Michigan to regroup, visit the fam, and friends. When I arrived back in NYC I was REFRESHED and ready to get to business. The following day I had a couple of auditions for Venus Razors and Pringles Potato Chips... In no time I was back in the swing of things.
Close Call
The following day my agent calls me in the am saying that I have been put on hold for the Pringles print/commercial ad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OK... I was sooooo excited even though I had a 50/50 chance it was still a great chance that the job was mine!!! It was between me and someone else! The rest of the day was kind of weird because I've been in the same boat before with Essence Magazine, and that resulted in them choosing the other person. I carried on my day as normal, and when I got the call from my agent that I was released from Pringles my heart sank a bit, but I bounced back! Right now I'm rebounding from the ups and downs that I have been experiencing lately. I know this all is preparing me for a VICTORY!
Good Sport!
I'm proud to say that getting close to the finish line as much as I have only makes me stronger, and pushes me harder. It's good to know that out of ALL the other people that auditioned for Pringles, it came down to me and one other person... That's DOPE! Thank you Lord for the opportunity.
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Extra Extra!!!
UPDATE...
Just In!... Up and coming actress Brandi Washington has completed some of the things on her Get Er' Done list!!! Her test shoot, and closet cleaning/wardrobe rebuilding is complete!!! She still is in search for great commercial and legit representation, which will be happening VERY soon! Her monologue search is tough for her but only because she's making it that way... She's a work in progress (smh). Her webisode with her bff is in the early production phase, but it's still going down, and her advice column is being created as well. Now that she has the photos from her shoot and a couple of commercial spots under her belt, Brandi can start designing her website. She was also a participant in the 2010 NYC 24 Hour Film Race in late April, and currently she is auditioning and perfecting her craft. Brandi has a lot more to get done, but she is a survivor, and she will keep pressing on.
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Just In!... Up and coming actress Brandi Washington has completed some of the things on her Get Er' Done list!!! Her test shoot, and closet cleaning/wardrobe rebuilding is complete!!! She still is in search for great commercial and legit representation, which will be happening VERY soon! Her monologue search is tough for her but only because she's making it that way... She's a work in progress (smh). Her webisode with her bff is in the early production phase, but it's still going down, and her advice column is being created as well. Now that she has the photos from her shoot and a couple of commercial spots under her belt, Brandi can start designing her website. She was also a participant in the 2010 NYC 24 Hour Film Race in late April, and currently she is auditioning and perfecting her craft. Brandi has a lot more to get done, but she is a survivor, and she will keep pressing on.
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Go GetHER!
GET ER' DONE!!!
I have a lot to be proud of over these past few months of the new year! New agent, new contacts, new ideas, and a new outlook on my career! I'm still trying to figure out the best way to GET ER' DONE and catapult myself into the industry, but I'm realizing it all will happen when I stop focusing on the outcome, and just do what's within me naturally.... Before I know it I will see results. I have so many ideas running through my head, but many times I can't figure out where to begin lol... Then I usually get frustrated and put things on hold for a while. I'm not going through that anymore. If I start an idea I will finish it or try real damn hard to exhaust all my possibilities before I put it on hold. This time around I will GET ER' DONE!!!
TIME TIME FOR SOME ACTION
There are a few things on my to do list that I really want to see up and going in the next couple of months...
*Test shoot with a photographer to add more photos to my portfolio
*Create a personal website for my acting/modeling career
*Write ideas and scripts for upcoming web series w/Mimi
*Clean out closet, add new garments and rebuild wardrobe for auditioning (thx Toia)
*Start creating/writing my advice column lol YES I said it... It's gonna be more like my opinion lol
*Work on my monologue!!!! (I've really been putting this off for tooooooo long!!!!!!!!!)
*Work on getting more Commercial/Legit representation I'M GOING IN ON THIS!!!!!!!!
WHEW! That is a lot on my plate, and I haven't even started the planning stages on most of my list, and there is a lot more that I probably can't think of right now lol. I will check back in about my list SOON to give an update on how I'm doing.
GETTING DOWN TO BIZ!
I just created accountability! I put my ideas out of my head and into the universe so that now I have to do what I say! It's a lot of pressure, but It makes everything REAL! This journey is going to be a challenge, but I'm READY for it! Stay tuned....
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
I have a lot to be proud of over these past few months of the new year! New agent, new contacts, new ideas, and a new outlook on my career! I'm still trying to figure out the best way to GET ER' DONE and catapult myself into the industry, but I'm realizing it all will happen when I stop focusing on the outcome, and just do what's within me naturally.... Before I know it I will see results. I have so many ideas running through my head, but many times I can't figure out where to begin lol... Then I usually get frustrated and put things on hold for a while. I'm not going through that anymore. If I start an idea I will finish it or try real damn hard to exhaust all my possibilities before I put it on hold. This time around I will GET ER' DONE!!!
TIME TIME FOR SOME ACTION
There are a few things on my to do list that I really want to see up and going in the next couple of months...
*Test shoot with a photographer to add more photos to my portfolio
*Create a personal website for my acting/modeling career
*Write ideas and scripts for upcoming web series w/Mimi
*Clean out closet, add new garments and rebuild wardrobe for auditioning (thx Toia)
*Start creating/writing my advice column lol YES I said it... It's gonna be more like my opinion lol
*Work on my monologue!!!! (I've really been putting this off for tooooooo long!!!!!!!!!)
*Work on getting more Commercial/Legit representation I'M GOING IN ON THIS!!!!!!!!
WHEW! That is a lot on my plate, and I haven't even started the planning stages on most of my list, and there is a lot more that I probably can't think of right now lol. I will check back in about my list SOON to give an update on how I'm doing.
GETTING DOWN TO BIZ!
I just created accountability! I put my ideas out of my head and into the universe so that now I have to do what I say! It's a lot of pressure, but It makes everything REAL! This journey is going to be a challenge, but I'm READY for it! Stay tuned....
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Working Woman!
HEY Y'ALL!
I have been running around NYC auditioning, networking, taking classes, and WORKING!!!! Yes I'm working multiple jobs to pay the rent, bills, and for all of my needs. I have a full plate, but at least the work I do is fun, flexible, and great for actors, and models. I will be back to blogging at my normal pace very soon... just getting adjusted. I just finished working the NYC Auto Show, and that was cool, very easy and good money. I did the Zac Posen for Target 24 hr Pop up Store in the city which was a star studded event and FAB!!! My fav event is coming up... EARTH DAY!!! I love to work and make a difference at the same time. PLEASE pray that the events keep pouring in, and I will continue to BANG out these auditions so I can make some real money OKAAAAAAY!!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
I have been running around NYC auditioning, networking, taking classes, and WORKING!!!! Yes I'm working multiple jobs to pay the rent, bills, and for all of my needs. I have a full plate, but at least the work I do is fun, flexible, and great for actors, and models. I will be back to blogging at my normal pace very soon... just getting adjusted. I just finished working the NYC Auto Show, and that was cool, very easy and good money. I did the Zac Posen for Target 24 hr Pop up Store in the city which was a star studded event and FAB!!! My fav event is coming up... EARTH DAY!!! I love to work and make a difference at the same time. PLEASE pray that the events keep pouring in, and I will continue to BANG out these auditions so I can make some real money OKAAAAAAY!!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Jet Setter
THOSE WHO ARE PRIVY...
I can't wait until the day that I become an official jet setter. Not the type that just flies around to make social appearances, but a jet setter with a purpose! This past week I have rode from NYC to Baltimore to chill with my sis. I flew from Baltimore to Detroit then on the road to my hometown Kalamazoo, MI. I had a great time with the family for a few days, and then I was back on the road to Detroit to fly into Baltimore to chill for a day. Now I'm on the road back to NYC. I'm tired but it feels good to have been somewhere else to help someone out. See my grandfather lost his brother this past week and I came home to give him an ear and a helping hand. I don't really know how it feels to go through that kind of pain or any major devastation, but it felt good to be there for him regardless. I want to be privy and get the chance to travel the world to lend a helping hand. If I had the money I would be all over this amazing world spreading my love and peace. Some people that act desire money and fame in the long run to buy anything that they ever wanted, and more. I'm not saying that I'm not going to buy my some fly threads and other expensive items for myself, but I will also make it my business to be a philanthropist, and be of "Service to all Mankind" I know you feel me Sorors lol... Anyways... I washed my grandpa's clothes, cooked for him, ran errands, and sat and talked to him. I was giving my love to him, it was very natural, and I loved doing it. When I look at the commercials for Haiti I want to cry, I want to help, but more importantly I want to do so because it feels natural to me. It feels 100% organic to give the unselfish act of service, and spread love to someone other than myself or my family/friends. I will one day be among the group of people who are PRIVY to serve all over the world.
MY PLATFORM
I want to use my acting as a platform for service. I believe that if I have hundred, thousands, or millions of people looking at me as a role model or media figure... It's my duty to give back and set an example of how humanity is supposed to be and how God would want us to treat one another. I don't even want to be noticed for my actions, I want my actions to get results, and the people that I'm assisting get the help, support, and love that they need. That's it! I know right now I have to focus on my craft, but I can start out by serving my community in Harlem and eventually serving mankind throughout the world. Help is needed EVERYWHERE!
A PEACE OF LOVE
This past week I have heard about 5 different people call me a "flower child" "hippie" "gypsy"... Lol... I was told by my mom that it's because I have no organized lifestyle. I'm all over the place grinding and trying to make things happen by any means necessary. I don't mind my work ethic lol "to each is own"... I'm proud to be the FLOWER CHILD that I am lol. My momma loves me for it;) Anyways... I recently started collecting PEACE signs (jewelry, t-shirts, pictures, buttons) I don't know what happened but one day back in November of 09' I just fell in love with the peace sign lol. So now it's a PEACE of me lol. Now when I complain about my life or I'm having a bad day I reflect on my PEACE collection that I have built, and I remember all of the people that are living in a world without peace. I am counting the days that I can give A PEACE OF LOVE to those in need in a major way.
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
I can't wait until the day that I become an official jet setter. Not the type that just flies around to make social appearances, but a jet setter with a purpose! This past week I have rode from NYC to Baltimore to chill with my sis. I flew from Baltimore to Detroit then on the road to my hometown Kalamazoo, MI. I had a great time with the family for a few days, and then I was back on the road to Detroit to fly into Baltimore to chill for a day. Now I'm on the road back to NYC. I'm tired but it feels good to have been somewhere else to help someone out. See my grandfather lost his brother this past week and I came home to give him an ear and a helping hand. I don't really know how it feels to go through that kind of pain or any major devastation, but it felt good to be there for him regardless. I want to be privy and get the chance to travel the world to lend a helping hand. If I had the money I would be all over this amazing world spreading my love and peace. Some people that act desire money and fame in the long run to buy anything that they ever wanted, and more. I'm not saying that I'm not going to buy my some fly threads and other expensive items for myself, but I will also make it my business to be a philanthropist, and be of "Service to all Mankind" I know you feel me Sorors lol... Anyways... I washed my grandpa's clothes, cooked for him, ran errands, and sat and talked to him. I was giving my love to him, it was very natural, and I loved doing it. When I look at the commercials for Haiti I want to cry, I want to help, but more importantly I want to do so because it feels natural to me. It feels 100% organic to give the unselfish act of service, and spread love to someone other than myself or my family/friends. I will one day be among the group of people who are PRIVY to serve all over the world.
MY PLATFORM
I want to use my acting as a platform for service. I believe that if I have hundred, thousands, or millions of people looking at me as a role model or media figure... It's my duty to give back and set an example of how humanity is supposed to be and how God would want us to treat one another. I don't even want to be noticed for my actions, I want my actions to get results, and the people that I'm assisting get the help, support, and love that they need. That's it! I know right now I have to focus on my craft, but I can start out by serving my community in Harlem and eventually serving mankind throughout the world. Help is needed EVERYWHERE!
A PEACE OF LOVE
This past week I have heard about 5 different people call me a "flower child" "hippie" "gypsy"... Lol... I was told by my mom that it's because I have no organized lifestyle. I'm all over the place grinding and trying to make things happen by any means necessary. I don't mind my work ethic lol "to each is own"... I'm proud to be the FLOWER CHILD that I am lol. My momma loves me for it;) Anyways... I recently started collecting PEACE signs (jewelry, t-shirts, pictures, buttons) I don't know what happened but one day back in November of 09' I just fell in love with the peace sign lol. So now it's a PEACE of me lol. Now when I complain about my life or I'm having a bad day I reflect on my PEACE collection that I have built, and I remember all of the people that are living in a world without peace. I am counting the days that I can give A PEACE OF LOVE to those in need in a major way.
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Saturday, March 6, 2010
SYMPTOM CHECKER
MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF
Watery eyes, sore throat, coughing, stuffy nose, runny nose, headache, and minor aches and pains is what I just got over...Whew! These past two weeks have been an absolute battle with my health. Besides tackling my severe cold... I had been casted for a play in NYC, I was auditioning for some commercials, meeting with some of NYC's top agencies for better representation, and looking for a part time evening gig on the side so I can SURVIVE in the city. I was feeling soooooo weak!!! In order to get through the auditioning, meetings, rehearsals, and interviews I had to be SUPER WOMAN! I made the executive decision to tap out and take a break for my sanity!!!!!!!! I was doing too much and there was NO method to my madness. I lessened my load and established my priorities. Then I called my Mom and Nana for help because when it comes to being sick they know best, and they told me the right medicines to get for multi-symptom relief. That relief doesn't come in a pill or liquid form for life, but if I just breath, say a pray and have some NOW FAITH= (faith that you have right NOW not LATER ...like pastor said last Sunday lol)... Relief will be on the way!
SYMPTOMS OF A BAD PRODUCTION...
OK like I said, I was casted in a play that is going to show in NYC soon. The director and producer have a small independent company, and had a "great idea" for a play. I should have known that something was wrong the first day of rehearsal... The whole cast showed up late, they were eating in the rehearsal room, everybody had a different script (some were old ones, some were new revised ones) folks didn't look professional PERIOD! The director was yelling, the producer and the director were yelling at each other... It was a hot heaping mess! Still I stayed to see what everything was all about since I was the newest member of the cast, and I was interested in playing the character I was given. That very 1st rehearsal I observed, but when I came for the 2nd rehearsal I was told by the director that I would be playing a different character, only to have it changed back to the original 3 days later...WTF! Then they never allowed me to rehearse my lines, the scenes were boring, the play didn't make any sense... I could just go on and on and on! After about 2 weeks of ups and downs with the play I received an email from the director saying that he again changed some things around and I would be playing a completely different character!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was on BAKE! I couldn't believe the level of crap that they were on. OH!!! I left out the part that this was a "paying gig" but I never saw a contract to sign!!!!! Anyhow... Later that week I was out with an acting friend and I asked him "If you didn't believe in a project that you were in, and all you did was talk bad about it... What would you do?" He looked at me and said "I would get out." When I got home I took a deep breath, said a prayer, and I had some NOW FAITH! The next day I contacted the producer, expressed my concerns, and pulled out of the production on good terms. I felt great, because I stood for what I believed in. The symptoms of a bad production were cured with trusting with my gut, and being fair to everyone else including myself. If I had stayed I would have been miserable, and possibly made everyone around me miserable too.
AHHH RELIEF!!!
Good News! The month of February was dedicated to meeting some very important people in my world. I met with about 6 NYC well known agents in hopes that ALL of them would want to represent me LOL!!! This past Monday I received a call from one of the agencies...I went to meet with them at their office on Thursday, and they want to rep me... Get Excited! More good news to come... I can feel it coming!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Friday, February 19, 2010
Congrats Mimi!!!
YOU GO GIRL!!!
I just want to say congrats to one of my BFF's Mimi!!! She shot her 1st commercial today! Let's get it girl!!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
I just want to say congrats to one of my BFF's Mimi!!! She shot her 1st commercial today! Let's get it girl!!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Monday, February 15, 2010
SHUTUP AND LAUGH!!!
GIRL YOU SO CRAZY!
Most people that know me can say I have made them laugh a lot, and that I have to chops for comedy. Well I have been thinking, and thinking very hard about expanding my ideas towards the genre of comedy. I LOVE to laugh... I mean I love laughing to the point where I have tears coming down my face, and I'm slumped over holding my stomach because I'm in sooo much GREAT pain! I love the feeling of my face feeling sore because I was smiling so hard that my cheek muscles got stiff lololololololololololololol Whew!!! A good knee slapper is great for the SOUL!
FUNNY FACE;-D
The face is the most imperfect, creative, unique, and expressive art form there is! I love looking at faces, all sorts of faces. Sometimes a face can tell the story of someones day. I sit on the train and just look at faces. I see people that look satisfied, sad, tired, confused, humored, intrigued, and the list goes on. I study faces and find myself trying to understand what got that person to feel that expression on their face???? I know when I hear great news I feel satisfied so when I see someone who looks that way I imagine that they just heard that they got a promotion at work, or found out that they just saved 15% by switching to GEICO lol (SIKE). Whatever the expression is I try to figure out how it got on their face so it can help me in my acting and with portraying my emotions accurately. Comedy is not just laughter, jokes, and a whole bunch of silliness. The art of comedy is often very sad, it's centered around everyday issues that people face. The character often is facing something that is challenging to them, and comedy just lightens up the situation. Take a look at any romantic comedy... There is always an important issue of finding true love or getting over someone, and moving on. All of that is very serious, we ALL have been through it but to take us away from reality, and make us not dwell on the bad stuff comedy becomes our crutch... Gotta love it! Any face can be used in comedy!!! A look of anguish and pain after being hit in the face with a football is very funny to watch but painful for the one who is being hit, but hey... That's comedy!!!!
THAT GIRL GOOD!
I performed a few sketches this summer in my acting conservatory and I really surprised myself! I knew I could make folks laugh, but not like that!!!! I invited my friends and I believed in myself enough to take a risk. All I did was take my mind outside of the box, wrote my own material and told myself GO FOR IT! The result was a big success. In my comedy class my teacher comedian Andrew Shaifer told me I reminded him of a female version of Richard Prior because I have the gift of story telling. He said I paint pictures well with my details, and that my facial expressions are priceless. That was an AMAZING compliment and I will not let that information go to waste! I have a couple of characters that I'm working on, and I have some ideas in the works for making all of y'all laugh till you pee on the floor! Hehe... So I will explore my silly, crazy, animated side, and incorporate some real situations so I can portray comedy in a light that will make us all laugh and that will feed our souls. Now I'm not a stand up type of girl... I like to perform sketch comedy, so I will keep you posted when I have some work up for you to laugh at;-)
OLD FART!!!
I'm sitting in Starbucks typing this blog and can't look up because there is this man winking at me and raising his eyebrows like the wrestler The ROC! UGH!!!! The only problem is that this fool doesn't have any EYEBROWS!!!!! Sigh... Maybe I can used him as a character in some of my material lol. He looks crazy y'all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EZ this is the second time this mess has happened remember I told you about the other Freak McNasty OLD FART that was raising his non-eyebrows at me... UGH! smh
FAV COMEDY MOVIES (too many to name all)
Coming to America, Changing places, Something About Mary, Meet the Parents, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, National Lampoons (any of them), My Cousin Vinny, Old School, I'm Gonna Get You Sucka!, and I know I'm forgetting A LOT!!!
Thanks to the pioneers: Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Richard Prior, Fred Sanford, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Eddie Murphy, The Wayans Brothers, and the list goes on.....
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Most people that know me can say I have made them laugh a lot, and that I have to chops for comedy. Well I have been thinking, and thinking very hard about expanding my ideas towards the genre of comedy. I LOVE to laugh... I mean I love laughing to the point where I have tears coming down my face, and I'm slumped over holding my stomach because I'm in sooo much GREAT pain! I love the feeling of my face feeling sore because I was smiling so hard that my cheek muscles got stiff lololololololololololololol Whew!!! A good knee slapper is great for the SOUL!
FUNNY FACE;-D
The face is the most imperfect, creative, unique, and expressive art form there is! I love looking at faces, all sorts of faces. Sometimes a face can tell the story of someones day. I sit on the train and just look at faces. I see people that look satisfied, sad, tired, confused, humored, intrigued, and the list goes on. I study faces and find myself trying to understand what got that person to feel that expression on their face???? I know when I hear great news I feel satisfied so when I see someone who looks that way I imagine that they just heard that they got a promotion at work, or found out that they just saved 15% by switching to GEICO lol (SIKE). Whatever the expression is I try to figure out how it got on their face so it can help me in my acting and with portraying my emotions accurately. Comedy is not just laughter, jokes, and a whole bunch of silliness. The art of comedy is often very sad, it's centered around everyday issues that people face. The character often is facing something that is challenging to them, and comedy just lightens up the situation. Take a look at any romantic comedy... There is always an important issue of finding true love or getting over someone, and moving on. All of that is very serious, we ALL have been through it but to take us away from reality, and make us not dwell on the bad stuff comedy becomes our crutch... Gotta love it! Any face can be used in comedy!!! A look of anguish and pain after being hit in the face with a football is very funny to watch but painful for the one who is being hit, but hey... That's comedy!!!!
THAT GIRL GOOD!
I performed a few sketches this summer in my acting conservatory and I really surprised myself! I knew I could make folks laugh, but not like that!!!! I invited my friends and I believed in myself enough to take a risk. All I did was take my mind outside of the box, wrote my own material and told myself GO FOR IT! The result was a big success. In my comedy class my teacher comedian Andrew Shaifer told me I reminded him of a female version of Richard Prior because I have the gift of story telling. He said I paint pictures well with my details, and that my facial expressions are priceless. That was an AMAZING compliment and I will not let that information go to waste! I have a couple of characters that I'm working on, and I have some ideas in the works for making all of y'all laugh till you pee on the floor! Hehe... So I will explore my silly, crazy, animated side, and incorporate some real situations so I can portray comedy in a light that will make us all laugh and that will feed our souls. Now I'm not a stand up type of girl... I like to perform sketch comedy, so I will keep you posted when I have some work up for you to laugh at;-)
OLD FART!!!
I'm sitting in Starbucks typing this blog and can't look up because there is this man winking at me and raising his eyebrows like the wrestler The ROC! UGH!!!! The only problem is that this fool doesn't have any EYEBROWS!!!!! Sigh... Maybe I can used him as a character in some of my material lol. He looks crazy y'all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EZ this is the second time this mess has happened remember I told you about the other Freak McNasty OLD FART that was raising his non-eyebrows at me... UGH! smh
FAV COMEDY MOVIES (too many to name all)
Coming to America, Changing places, Something About Mary, Meet the Parents, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, National Lampoons (any of them), My Cousin Vinny, Old School, I'm Gonna Get You Sucka!, and I know I'm forgetting A LOT!!!
Thanks to the pioneers: Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Richard Prior, Fred Sanford, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, Eddie Murphy, The Wayans Brothers, and the list goes on.....
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Who's In Your Network?
TIME FLIES...
It's only 24 hrs in a day and I have to say that IT'S NOT ENOUGH!!!!! After Errands, working out, auditioning, classes, part time gigs and then attempting to maintain a social life on a shoestring budget... It's kind of hard to think of anything or anyone else but yourself! I find myself skipping out on parties, performances, and other events that my friends may have. At the time I have a valid reason... I'm tired, I'm broke, I don't have enough time. This year I have kind of turned my thinking around when it comes to supporting my friends. I believe that I need to take care of my business first and foremost, but I also need to support my family and friends with the same energy that they use to support me...
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
I would like to say to my friends and family THANK YOU ALL! It feels great to see your kind words in a text, email or on Facebook! You all really lift my spirits when I'm going through my hardest times. Your support pushes me forward, and it makes me smile everyday. In a world full of hate & sabotage, it's amazing to see sooooo much love!!! We ALL have goals we want to accomplish so it is important that I once again thank you for supporting me along my journey... AND in return I would like to take the time out to shout out a few good friends and support them in their endeavors...
THE CIRCLE OF HELP
It seems that when you live in a place like NYC you have a lot of people in your network. You meet people at the gym, walking down the street, at a friends party, almost anywhere. It's just 10 times easier to meet new people in NYC because everyone lives on this small island with so many people, and on top of that we are on foot most of the time. It's impossible not to be around strangers, and so many times strangers become cool people that join your network. Some are my acting peeps, my promo buddies, classmates, college family, sorority sisters, bar hopping hommies, and I can't forget my Harlem crew!!! I may not be "friends" with all of them, but I keep them around for a good reason... They are wonderful people that are positive in my life. NEW YORK is a tough place to live, and if you can make it here you are bound to make it anywhere! One thing that I can say is almost everyone that I keep close to me has made a GREAT impact on my life. In return I believe that I have done the same thing for them. Everyone is in your life for a reason, season, or a lifetime. I will be thankful for all that I meet, and TRUST that God has place each person in my life with a specific purpose. I have gotten acting roles, jobs, discounts, and a lot of good fortunes through those in my network. I have also helped out people, and given them my time as well. That's how the circle of help comes into play. With that said it's time to support my friends and family and give some SHOUT OUTS!!!!!....
I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO...
Mom, I'm so proud that you are almost done with your masters program! I've been in your life since you were 16, and you have shown me that it doesn't matter when you go for it, all that matters is that you go for it!
Candace, girl you are gonna ace that bar exam this month! Keep it up girl xoxo
Mimi... We are are gonna get it poppin on the acting scene, let's get it!
www.act-in-the-city.blogspot.com
Kamal, you are a great mentor, and a great actor, thx for everything!http://www.kamaljones.com
Toia, you make me proud chick! You are soooo on your way to becoming the best stylist EVER!http://www.shechicfrufru.blogspot.com/
Derrick, I can't wait for your 90's party. I'm passing out the flyers for you boo!!!! www.freshprincenyc2010.com
Latreava, your are the bomb chocolatier and your chocolate parties ROCK!
http://www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/sites/latreavademae
Sincere aka SINDAKID you are making your folks in the Bahamas proud... You are a great artist I hope the world is ready!
http://iamsindakid.com/
Carmen, you are one of the BEST mommies that I know. I love you girl.
Ferg!!! You make me jam every time I come see your band play! Keep me moving dude;-)http://www.vfergmusic.com
Kwame, I see you on TV getting it in! There is more in store for you hun! Kwame Patterson IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2245552/
Acting group (Mimi, Merary, Chyrisse, Pilin and Martha) We are knockin these heffas off the screen... It's show time lol
My sisters Lauren and Micki DREAM BIG AND LIVE OUT YOUR DREAM! xoxo
EZ you have the makings of a great business man, Shoot you are a great man!
Dea, I love you and that dream job will come very soon!!!!
Steve, I know your business endeavors will be a success!
Damon, 2011 is around the corner... You're almost done with law school YAY!
De'Rodd, you are an amazing editor! Thx for always looking out
Amiss, I can't wait for the world to see you man!
http://www.Amissomega.com
Uncle Brett, congrats at your new job at the White House!
I love you all, and I'm praying for more success to come your way! I know I have a lot more people to shout out and support, so if you are doing something please let me know so I can hold you down with a prayer too. God is GREAT!!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
It's only 24 hrs in a day and I have to say that IT'S NOT ENOUGH!!!!! After Errands, working out, auditioning, classes, part time gigs and then attempting to maintain a social life on a shoestring budget... It's kind of hard to think of anything or anyone else but yourself! I find myself skipping out on parties, performances, and other events that my friends may have. At the time I have a valid reason... I'm tired, I'm broke, I don't have enough time. This year I have kind of turned my thinking around when it comes to supporting my friends. I believe that I need to take care of my business first and foremost, but I also need to support my family and friends with the same energy that they use to support me...
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
I would like to say to my friends and family THANK YOU ALL! It feels great to see your kind words in a text, email or on Facebook! You all really lift my spirits when I'm going through my hardest times. Your support pushes me forward, and it makes me smile everyday. In a world full of hate & sabotage, it's amazing to see sooooo much love!!! We ALL have goals we want to accomplish so it is important that I once again thank you for supporting me along my journey... AND in return I would like to take the time out to shout out a few good friends and support them in their endeavors...
THE CIRCLE OF HELP
It seems that when you live in a place like NYC you have a lot of people in your network. You meet people at the gym, walking down the street, at a friends party, almost anywhere. It's just 10 times easier to meet new people in NYC because everyone lives on this small island with so many people, and on top of that we are on foot most of the time. It's impossible not to be around strangers, and so many times strangers become cool people that join your network. Some are my acting peeps, my promo buddies, classmates, college family, sorority sisters, bar hopping hommies, and I can't forget my Harlem crew!!! I may not be "friends" with all of them, but I keep them around for a good reason... They are wonderful people that are positive in my life. NEW YORK is a tough place to live, and if you can make it here you are bound to make it anywhere! One thing that I can say is almost everyone that I keep close to me has made a GREAT impact on my life. In return I believe that I have done the same thing for them. Everyone is in your life for a reason, season, or a lifetime. I will be thankful for all that I meet, and TRUST that God has place each person in my life with a specific purpose. I have gotten acting roles, jobs, discounts, and a lot of good fortunes through those in my network. I have also helped out people, and given them my time as well. That's how the circle of help comes into play. With that said it's time to support my friends and family and give some SHOUT OUTS!!!!!....
I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO...
Mom, I'm so proud that you are almost done with your masters program! I've been in your life since you were 16, and you have shown me that it doesn't matter when you go for it, all that matters is that you go for it!
Candace, girl you are gonna ace that bar exam this month! Keep it up girl xoxo
Mimi... We are are gonna get it poppin on the acting scene, let's get it!
www.act-in-the-city.blogspot.com
Kamal, you are a great mentor, and a great actor, thx for everything!http://www.kamaljones.com
Toia, you make me proud chick! You are soooo on your way to becoming the best stylist EVER!http://www.shechicfrufru.blogspot.com/
Derrick, I can't wait for your 90's party. I'm passing out the flyers for you boo!!!! www.freshprincenyc2010.com
Latreava, your are the bomb chocolatier and your chocolate parties ROCK!
http://www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/sites/latreavademae
Sincere aka SINDAKID you are making your folks in the Bahamas proud... You are a great artist I hope the world is ready!
http://iamsindakid.com/
Carmen, you are one of the BEST mommies that I know. I love you girl.
Ferg!!! You make me jam every time I come see your band play! Keep me moving dude;-)http://www.vfergmusic.com
Kwame, I see you on TV getting it in! There is more in store for you hun! Kwame Patterson IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2245552/
Acting group (Mimi, Merary, Chyrisse, Pilin and Martha) We are knockin these heffas off the screen... It's show time lol
My sisters Lauren and Micki DREAM BIG AND LIVE OUT YOUR DREAM! xoxo
EZ you have the makings of a great business man, Shoot you are a great man!
Dea, I love you and that dream job will come very soon!!!!
Steve, I know your business endeavors will be a success!
Damon, 2011 is around the corner... You're almost done with law school YAY!
De'Rodd, you are an amazing editor! Thx for always looking out
Amiss, I can't wait for the world to see you man!
http://www.Amissomega.com
Uncle Brett, congrats at your new job at the White House!
I love you all, and I'm praying for more success to come your way! I know I have a lot more people to shout out and support, so if you are doing something please let me know so I can hold you down with a prayer too. God is GREAT!!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Friday, January 29, 2010
Meet The New GAP Girl!
60 SECONDS OF FAME!!!
I have a lot of goals that I want to reach in my acting. Some are short term goals that will lead to bigger long term goals. Right now I have decided to work on my short term goals so I can see faster results which will encourage me to keep pushing forward. I just realized that being on TV or becoming famous isn't the only success that I will receive while on my journey. I will achieve success everyday by doing minor things like mailing out postcards to agents, making phone calls, going on auditions, attending an acting workshop, and introducing myself to someone important in the industry. Now I know that all of the little things add up, and they are the reason that the BIG things happen in the long run. My ultimate goal is to star in feature films, and TV sitcoms, but another major goal that I'm focusing on at this point in my life is to book a national commercial. I have set up a lot of short term goals to help me reach my goal of becoming a commercial success, and then I will finally have my 60 Seconds of Fame!!!
HAVE YOUR PEOPLE CALL MY PEOPLE...
I have a lot of goals that I want to reach in my acting. Some are short term goals that will lead to bigger long term goals. Right now I have decided to work on my short term goals so I can see faster results which will encourage me to keep pushing forward. I just realized that being on TV or becoming famous isn't the only success that I will receive while on my journey. I will achieve success everyday by doing minor things like mailing out postcards to agents, making phone calls, going on auditions, attending an acting workshop, and introducing myself to someone important in the industry. Now I know that all of the little things add up, and they are the reason that the BIG things happen in the long run. My ultimate goal is to star in feature films, and TV sitcoms, but another major goal that I'm focusing on at this point in my life is to book a national commercial. I have set up a lot of short term goals to help me reach my goal of becoming a commercial success, and then I will finally have my 60 Seconds of Fame!!!
HAVE YOUR PEOPLE CALL MY PEOPLE...
Lol I've always wanted to say "Have your people call my people" not to be stuck up or anything, but it sounds so cool:) Anyways in order to say that well know phrase I HAVE TO GET MORE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!! OK so I do have representation for print and minor representation for commercials, but I need BIGGER and BETTER representation so I can be sent out on more print and commercial auditions. I have decided to work smart and not hard. Now back to my short term goals... I've narrowed my agent list down to 7 well know NYC agents, and I created a email campaign so that I can send them my website links, and photos whenever I do something new or have important updates. The campaign is so cool because I can see what agent actually opened my emails, and it even tells me by name which agents clicked on my website URL!!!!!! Now I can track who actually is keeping up with me. I ordered postcards and sent them to my 7 FAV agents requesting meetings with them, and I have set up meet and greets with 4 agents from my list for next month in hopes of getting at least one of them to represent me for commercials!!!!!!!! My short term goals are becoming a reality. Everyday I see major short term success! I'm so excited about marketing myself as an actor, because MARKETING YOURSELF is really about 85% of the business. I really care more about being KNOWN than being seen. With being known I will definitely be seen a lot!
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
I'm so excited for next month!!!! I have my commercial copy ready to read, and I'm giving them the greatest commercial candidate they have EVER seen!!!!!! YAY Brandi!!!!! Yes I have to hype myself up because in reality I'm kind of buggin out about it!!! Think about it... I'm meeting with people who see new talent everyday so that means that I have to make a character choice and perform my copy like they have never seen it before. I will be reading a GAP commercial, and I want them to visualize me Brandi Renee Washington as the new GAP girl! That's my goal for my meetings. After I perform well and knock their socks off I will send each agent a Thank You Card. This allows me to thank them for their time, mention my appreciation for any feedback that they gave me, and it just gives me a reason to market myself again! Now I know that I may have to meet with these agents more than once before they want to represent me, but I will be determined and consistent with getting one of these 7 agents to rep me! It will happen, and when it does I will be UNSTOPPABLE, now it's time for some ACTION!!! Pray for me please!!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Meet-Cute
(ONCE UPON A TIME) IN THE LAND OF HOLLYWOOD...
There is a lady named Jessie. Jessie is a tough cookie that's not fully baked so she's a little chewy in the middle. In other words she puts up a front to protect her feelings with men, but once she falls in love... she falls HARD! Keep it simple and honest is her motto... NO NEED TO GET IN TOO DEEP!!!! Her life is full of excitement... if you think that nights of listening to Robin Thicke's 1st CD on repeat while painting your nails is exciting... Oh and don't forget her religious nights of watching Love Jones and Brown Sugar, but OH NO SHE'S NOT LOOKING FOR LOVE! Anyways, Jessie is a hard working woman with a lot of potential. She is an actress and she is working hard to become known. She has a great support system of friends, family, and mentors. The one thing that is missing from Jessie's support line up is an amazing man to compliment her by just being there during her journey. Jessie really wants this in her heart, but to protect her heart she puts up walls of concrete to make sure she doesn't get hurt. Her problem isn't that she doesn't want a good man, her problem is that she thinks there's NO SUCH THING!
Jessie starts her daily routine with getting ready to head to her local gym for 30 minutes of cardio, 200 crunches, 5 sets of 20 squats, and a little weight lifting. When she arrives to her gym she searches her pockets and bag for her wallet which holds her gym pass, but it's no where to be found! Jessie's pretty frantic while ransacking her bag since she's the type of person that doesn't lose or forget ANYTHING!!!! Well about 5 minutes of searching had gone by and out of the blue a strong voice says... "Don't worry about it, You can be my guest today and workout under my membership". Jessie takes her eyes from out of her bag, and looks up to the face of a handsome, tall, chocolate man. "My name is Will" he extends his right hand to hers, and she responds back with a simple grasp and shake of his hand while saying "I'm Jessie, Thanks Will"... They smile at each other, and thus begins a new life for Jessie and Will. IN HOLLYWOOD This is what is called the MEET-CUTE. In the film The Holiday Elli Wallach's character Arthur Abbott (a retired Hollywood screen writer) describes the meet-cute by saying "Say a man and a woman both need something to sleep in and both go to the same men's pajama department. The man says to the salesman Ted, I just need bottoms, and the woman says, I just need a top. They look at each other and that's the meet-cute.
THIS AIN'T NO FAIRYTALE:(
It's too bad that life doesn't always have the fairytale meet-cutes, but we indeed have meet-cutes. Just sit back and think of how many times you have met anyone under situations that were least expected. If you can think of one YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED A MEET CUTE! Let's get back to Jessie.. Okay I'm not going to front I'M JESSIE!!! There I said it!!! I hate being hurt... IT SUCKS!!!! A little over a year ago I experienced the worst pain associated with LOVE and I NEVER want to feel that pain again! On the flip side I would LOVE to have a companion to share my life's journey with. My friends are more open, direct and honest about what they want in a mate, and I on the other hand am very confused... Idk what I want! I just want some one to KEEP IT REAL, and I want to have a good friend, who loves God, respects me, and cheers me on while I accomplish my dreams. Much more is needed to complete that order, and of course I need to fit his needs in return. DANG I want a meet-cute that will turn into a fairytale!
I WILL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!
I think that relationships are important to anyone, but especially to an artist like myself. I know it sounds bias but please try and hear me out. Imagine having a career that everyday you went out on auditions and got rejected, you are told what you need to change about your appearance, you are told that you are too old or too young... Shit it seems like you can't get anything right!!! Then your parents have their lives, your friends have their relationships, and your sisters are at a different level than you in life. Wouldn't it be GREAT to come home to someone who's arms are open wide to give you a HUGE hug, someone who is genuinely interested in how your day went, and someone that loves you for every flaw that you have? Those casting directors, and agents don't love me they just want to find the right person for the job. I would love to one day have a good man who loves me regardless of my resume, and I would love for him to grow with me as my resume grows. How great would it be to look in the crowd during a performance to see my boo smiling and cheering me on?!!! I love the thought of it!!! SHUT UP MIMI and TOIA!!! I know y'all got jokes on this blog entry because I always talk down on love, but it's my honest feeling and prayer. I too can have it all and live happily ever after.
There is a lady named Jessie. Jessie is a tough cookie that's not fully baked so she's a little chewy in the middle. In other words she puts up a front to protect her feelings with men, but once she falls in love... she falls HARD! Keep it simple and honest is her motto... NO NEED TO GET IN TOO DEEP!!!! Her life is full of excitement... if you think that nights of listening to Robin Thicke's 1st CD on repeat while painting your nails is exciting... Oh and don't forget her religious nights of watching Love Jones and Brown Sugar, but OH NO SHE'S NOT LOOKING FOR LOVE! Anyways, Jessie is a hard working woman with a lot of potential. She is an actress and she is working hard to become known. She has a great support system of friends, family, and mentors. The one thing that is missing from Jessie's support line up is an amazing man to compliment her by just being there during her journey. Jessie really wants this in her heart, but to protect her heart she puts up walls of concrete to make sure she doesn't get hurt. Her problem isn't that she doesn't want a good man, her problem is that she thinks there's NO SUCH THING!
Jessie starts her daily routine with getting ready to head to her local gym for 30 minutes of cardio, 200 crunches, 5 sets of 20 squats, and a little weight lifting. When she arrives to her gym she searches her pockets and bag for her wallet which holds her gym pass, but it's no where to be found! Jessie's pretty frantic while ransacking her bag since she's the type of person that doesn't lose or forget ANYTHING!!!! Well about 5 minutes of searching had gone by and out of the blue a strong voice says... "Don't worry about it, You can be my guest today and workout under my membership". Jessie takes her eyes from out of her bag, and looks up to the face of a handsome, tall, chocolate man. "My name is Will" he extends his right hand to hers, and she responds back with a simple grasp and shake of his hand while saying "I'm Jessie, Thanks Will"... They smile at each other, and thus begins a new life for Jessie and Will. IN HOLLYWOOD This is what is called the MEET-CUTE. In the film The Holiday Elli Wallach's character Arthur Abbott (a retired Hollywood screen writer) describes the meet-cute by saying "Say a man and a woman both need something to sleep in and both go to the same men's pajama department. The man says to the salesman Ted, I just need bottoms, and the woman says, I just need a top. They look at each other and that's the meet-cute.
THIS AIN'T NO FAIRYTALE:(
It's too bad that life doesn't always have the fairytale meet-cutes, but we indeed have meet-cutes. Just sit back and think of how many times you have met anyone under situations that were least expected. If you can think of one YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED A MEET CUTE! Let's get back to Jessie.. Okay I'm not going to front I'M JESSIE!!! There I said it!!! I hate being hurt... IT SUCKS!!!! A little over a year ago I experienced the worst pain associated with LOVE and I NEVER want to feel that pain again! On the flip side I would LOVE to have a companion to share my life's journey with. My friends are more open, direct and honest about what they want in a mate, and I on the other hand am very confused... Idk what I want! I just want some one to KEEP IT REAL, and I want to have a good friend, who loves God, respects me, and cheers me on while I accomplish my dreams. Much more is needed to complete that order, and of course I need to fit his needs in return. DANG I want a meet-cute that will turn into a fairytale!
I WILL LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!
I think that relationships are important to anyone, but especially to an artist like myself. I know it sounds bias but please try and hear me out. Imagine having a career that everyday you went out on auditions and got rejected, you are told what you need to change about your appearance, you are told that you are too old or too young... Shit it seems like you can't get anything right!!! Then your parents have their lives, your friends have their relationships, and your sisters are at a different level than you in life. Wouldn't it be GREAT to come home to someone who's arms are open wide to give you a HUGE hug, someone who is genuinely interested in how your day went, and someone that loves you for every flaw that you have? Those casting directors, and agents don't love me they just want to find the right person for the job. I would love to one day have a good man who loves me regardless of my resume, and I would love for him to grow with me as my resume grows. How great would it be to look in the crowd during a performance to see my boo smiling and cheering me on?!!! I love the thought of it!!! SHUT UP MIMI and TOIA!!! I know y'all got jokes on this blog entry because I always talk down on love, but it's my honest feeling and prayer. I too can have it all and live happily ever after.
XOXO
Friday, January 15, 2010
Crick In My Neck:(
THIS "CRICK" HURTS!At 4am Thursday morning I arrived at my apartment in Harlem and literally fell into my comfy, cozy bed after a night out with some good friends, drinks, and even better convo:) I was soooo tired that I have NO recollection of what happened after I got under the covers. I try my best to say my prayers every night, but that night my Lord knew my heart... Anyways the next day I awoke to a stiff, and unpleasant feeling on the right side of my neck, back, and shoulder blade... I had an official "crick in my neck" UGH! You know the term " I must have slept wrong" Well I thought that I had "slept right" because I went to bed right away and had a sound sleep, but the way I was feeling in the AM confirmed that I definitely had slept wrong!....Is there really a right or a wrong way to sleep? What did I do differently in that one night that I didn't do any other night? The pain was so intense that I looked it up on line, and it said that the average person experiences a crick in their neck about 1-2 times a year??? DANG! I mean its pretty brutal.. as I'm typing now I'm experiencing a lot of discomfort. It's now day 2 and the pain is just as bad as day 1!!! It's affecting me so bad that now everything in my daily routine is coming to a halt! Seriously this crick HURTS!!!!
WHAT THE "CRICK" IS GOING ON???
Man! I'm not trying to complain because there are people going through worse things than a stupid punk a$$ crick, but since this is my blog about my life dammit I'm going to VENT;-) Moving along... This crick business really had me thinking and relating it to my life in general. Hey! Anything in life can teach you a lesson, and in this case a crick did the job! I realized that a crick in my neck represents all of the obstacles that I'm facing everyday with my acting. Right now with this crick I feel trapped, held back, pain, discomfort, restricted, and the list goes on. Wednesday in my scene study class I felt everything that I just mentioned about my crick after preforming my scene in front of the class, but instead of the crick being the culprit it was FEAR. I was afraid to make a choice... In acting you have to make a character choice. You can't be a flat character with no substance. Every character makes a choice from the way they move, laugh, speak, sit, talk, cry, kiss etc... I was given a scene to perform, and I worked on it really hard, and tried different approaches or choices, but when it was time to perform in front of the class and our teacher who is a casting director I HELD BACK! For some reason I was afraid to stand up for my character and make a choice. I played her bleak, and very safe...smh. I really don't know what happened, I just didn't take a risk and trust my choice.
I'M OVER THIS "CRICK"
Failing in my scene study class was a great lesson learned, because that experience of fear has never came onto me that strong before. I really needed to feel that so I can fight tooth and nail to never feel it again! Sure I will fall short at times, and fail to get things right but I will fail TRYING! Fear will not be the reason why I have failed! Shoot CRICKS will come on a regular but the best way to deal with them is to acknowledge them and take a chill pill to alleviate the pain. Never ignore a crick and think that it's going to get better... You have to work them out slowly, and then the healing process can begin. After my scene I was instructed to come in front of the class to get my critique. I was told that I would be more interesting playing my opposite on stage, and that the two of us should switch roles, and try again next week. LOL it was funny because after that was mentioned I realized that was exactly the problem I was having. I felt like the character that I was portraying wasn't my type and the character that my scene partner was playing was totally my kinda girl;-) I was holding back because I was out of my range. It all made sense!!! I'm sure some of you reading this are saying "If your an actor, you should be able to play anything!" WRONG! You can't always be a jack of all trades! You just have to be GREAT at what you do... Now that's being a great actor!!! You have to know what you have and work with it... I can play spunky, funny, around the way girl, stuck up mean girl, nuerotic, and romantic comedy types.... Those are my areas that I have been told by experts that I'm good at. The more refined, snooty, dramatic love roles are a little out of my range. I know I can pull almost any role off, but I also know what I can do BEST...Why not perfect what I'm good at and make it MINE? If I could choose to give 80% or 100%... I would choose 100% ANY DAY!
YOU "CRICK" AND YOU LEARN!
So now I laugh in the face of a crick... MOO-HA-HA-HA! (evil cartoon laugh that the bad guys always make). Seriously...I now understand that I just have to take my time and find out what the problem is, and then slowly take care of the sore spot in a generous way. I will listen to feedback and suggestions without being on the defense, and I will make it a point to try and avoid the crick in the 1st place lol. I will try my best to "sleep right" and avoid the darn CRICK! It's just too bad that life's cricks don't come 1-2 times a year like the ones that we get in our necks... Damn statistics (Whomp Whomp).
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Waiting Game...
DON'T SWEAT IT... IT'S ALL GOOD!
Now I am a full time auditioning actress/print model and It's all about the grind at this point. Last week I had two print auditions with well known companies that my agency sent me out on, and I believe that I did pretty well. One in particular kinda threw me off because my age range for acting/modeling is in the late teens/early 20's but when I entered the studio everyone was looking at me like I wasn't supposed to be there and I thought I was at the wrong audition lol. I walked up to the main desk, signed in, turned in my headshot , and grabbed the stats sheet. As I was filling out my height, waist , and bust size I looked at the bottom of the page and saw that the only age range that was being sought after was early to mid 30's...I'm like WTF! No offense to people who are in their 30's, hell I'm almost there but the point is that I DON'T LOOK LIKE IT!... It's seems like no big deal, but in my career it is! Sooooo I held my cool, finished filling out my paper, and got in line. After the audition I called my bff Mimi who has the same career, and I told her that my agent must have made a mistake! She laughed saying that I must have been a WILD CARD, and that they may have wanted to see how the ad would look with a younger person just in case the slightly older person didn't work out... I felt better knowing that:) After I got off the phone with Mimi I forgot about the audition, and moved on to the next one the following day. It is VERY important for me to forget and move on after my auditions because I can't kill myself playing "The Waiting Game" It is the most agonizing feeling! You feel like the world has stopped spinning, time has frozen, and all you hear are crickets chirping (or whatever noise darn crickets make)... OK it's not that bad, but it can be pretty brutal if you allow it to be. TRUST me I've been there, but no more!!! All you can do is move on and if you are what they were looking for, they will call you! It's really that simple because If you know you had a good audition, and you know that you would be excellent for that part chances are you were a perfect candidate. Think of all the other people who may feel the same way. In their eyes they were perfect candidates too, but the reality is there is only a spot for a few people and sometimes only 1 person gets the job. 1 out of 100 people on average depending on the type of call goes on the same audition that I do, and we all have the same goal... TO GET THE JOB!!!! Here are a few things that I have learned along the way that will help you understand how the audition circuit works, and how you may be able to enhance your chances of booking the job or at least make a lasting impression on the casting director, and be booked in the future (in no particular order):
1. Enter the room with confidence like you belong there! No one is going to hire someone who is not sure of them self. You deserve to be there, you are an actor/model dammit and you are AWESOME!
2. Listen to the casting directors directions, and do what they ask of you! The thing that bothers casting directors the most is to give a direction, and it's not performed properly. Even if you don't nail it, they can still tell when you have listened and tried.
3. No APOLOGIES!!!!! If you make a mistake ask to start over, but never apologize!
4. Slate your name with personality! When you're asked to slate PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE say it with style, character, and show your true self! The slate is the first thing that they will hear from you on camera, and it can be a great 1st impression. Don't be BORING! Don't over do it, but say it with confidence. Let your voice be heard!
5. Be generous with yourself. If you need a moment to get into character before you read your lines...take a moment! The worse thing you can do is start when you aren't ready!!!!!! The casting director really appreciates when actors don't just jump into reading their lines, because they know that you are being generous with yourself and with their time.
6. Don't be weird!!!!!! Too often I see actors come in with crazy shit on! I'm like WHOA!!!! They go too hard it seems... If the audition is about firefighters PLEASE don't go rent or borrow an entire Firefighter suit!!!!! That mess is crazy!!!! Unless your agent tells you that the CD wants you to be in full costume DON'T DO IT! Instead dress close to the part like blue T-shirt nice pair of dark jeans or slacks, and some clean black shoes... It's a casual approach and is a great way to showcase the blue collar working individual. Better yet create the visual for the CD without going overboard. Who am I to tell you how to do it lol...Use your own judgement... GET IT?!!!!
7. Be pleasant at ALL times! You never know who's who... The secretary could be the CD's daughter, and if you are nasty to her be sure that she will let them know!!!!
8. Breath! It's sounds funny but I sometimes forget to breath in my auditions, and boy do the nerves come out lol. When you breath your body relaxes better, your voice is stronger, you feel more paced, and in control of the situation. You are the actor not them so show them what you got while having it all under control:)
9. Have different options... If you read one way and the CD asks you to read again but to try a different approach, you need to know how to do that. I really can't tell you how to do that, but what I do is use images to give me a different feeling or situation for the lines. With those images I will read the words that are on the paper and bring them to life while imagining. Do what works for you!!!!!
10. Leave as confident as you entered! If you feel like you did a crappy job NEVER SHOW IT! What you did could have been brilliant in their minds, and by you doubting yourself it could cost you the job!!!!!!!!!!!! Just say thank you and exit with pride!
These are just a few things that I live by, and they are helping me out in the long run. I'm not booking every job like I would love too, but it gives me a better understanding of the auditioning side of the business, and it shows that I have auditioning etiquette which is very important and crucial in this business!
NOW WHAT???
This is the question that I ask myself often... After my agent calls me, I go on the audition, and instead of playing "The Waiting Game" I ask "Now What?" lol I can't believe I'm sharing this info , but I'm sure that someone out there feels me:) Just recently I have found the antidote to the "Now What?" problem... It's called POUNDING THE PAVEMENT! When I'm not in acting class or at an audition, I try my best to be productive throughout the day. If you find yourself saying "Now What?"... Read a book about the business, watch a classic film and take some pointers, research the local casting directors/agencies, learn all of the productions that are taking place in your city, read a play, practice your monologue, grab a Backstage newspaper and circle all of the auditions that you would like to go out on and GO! Get up, get out , and get something!!!!! Shoot! My girls and I get up in the AM and head to our office in Harlem (the local coffee shop in our neighborhood). We chat, sip tea, compare notes, send out emails, blog about our experiences, look for auditions/work, and then pep each other up to go out and POUND THE PAVEMENT!
Trust me the more you play "The Waiting Game" or spend time asking yourself "Now What?" time will pass you by and your career will be over before you know it! Set goals for yourself, and go after them. Instead of saying a goal or thinking it, write it down! It's more tangible, and it gives you something to look at and to build off of. You need to be involved in your life's plan because it is YOUR LIFE! My bff Mimi has helped me develop a 5 year plan for my life, not just my acting life, but my whole entire life. You can't be 100% in anything if you aren't taking care of all areas of your life. Planing out your life is KEY so that you will know what you have accomplished and how far you have to go.
THE REAL DEAL!
I know that I will become a working professional actress if I put myself out there, grind, work smart and take risks. I know that I'm part CRAZY or "TIGER" (inside joke with me and bff Toia lol... Thanks Chris Rock!!!) for wanting to be in this profession, but Hey! This is me and this is what I want!!! I know that it's really about who I know and being in the right place at the right time... With knowing that I'm all about networking, and attending any event that I can market myself as an actress. I have the gift of gab and I'm gonna be sure to use it... This BEING BROKE crap isn't cutting it!!!! Shit! I'm HUNGRY for this life, so all I have to say is LET'S EAT!!!!!
Now I am a full time auditioning actress/print model and It's all about the grind at this point. Last week I had two print auditions with well known companies that my agency sent me out on, and I believe that I did pretty well. One in particular kinda threw me off because my age range for acting/modeling is in the late teens/early 20's but when I entered the studio everyone was looking at me like I wasn't supposed to be there and I thought I was at the wrong audition lol. I walked up to the main desk, signed in, turned in my headshot , and grabbed the stats sheet. As I was filling out my height, waist , and bust size I looked at the bottom of the page and saw that the only age range that was being sought after was early to mid 30's...I'm like WTF! No offense to people who are in their 30's, hell I'm almost there but the point is that I DON'T LOOK LIKE IT!... It's seems like no big deal, but in my career it is! Sooooo I held my cool, finished filling out my paper, and got in line. After the audition I called my bff Mimi who has the same career, and I told her that my agent must have made a mistake! She laughed saying that I must have been a WILD CARD, and that they may have wanted to see how the ad would look with a younger person just in case the slightly older person didn't work out... I felt better knowing that:) After I got off the phone with Mimi I forgot about the audition, and moved on to the next one the following day. It is VERY important for me to forget and move on after my auditions because I can't kill myself playing "The Waiting Game" It is the most agonizing feeling! You feel like the world has stopped spinning, time has frozen, and all you hear are crickets chirping (or whatever noise darn crickets make)... OK it's not that bad, but it can be pretty brutal if you allow it to be. TRUST me I've been there, but no more!!! All you can do is move on and if you are what they were looking for, they will call you! It's really that simple because If you know you had a good audition, and you know that you would be excellent for that part chances are you were a perfect candidate. Think of all the other people who may feel the same way. In their eyes they were perfect candidates too, but the reality is there is only a spot for a few people and sometimes only 1 person gets the job. 1 out of 100 people on average depending on the type of call goes on the same audition that I do, and we all have the same goal... TO GET THE JOB!!!! Here are a few things that I have learned along the way that will help you understand how the audition circuit works, and how you may be able to enhance your chances of booking the job or at least make a lasting impression on the casting director, and be booked in the future (in no particular order):
1. Enter the room with confidence like you belong there! No one is going to hire someone who is not sure of them self. You deserve to be there, you are an actor/model dammit and you are AWESOME!
2. Listen to the casting directors directions, and do what they ask of you! The thing that bothers casting directors the most is to give a direction, and it's not performed properly. Even if you don't nail it, they can still tell when you have listened and tried.
3. No APOLOGIES!!!!! If you make a mistake ask to start over, but never apologize!
4. Slate your name with personality! When you're asked to slate PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE say it with style, character, and show your true self! The slate is the first thing that they will hear from you on camera, and it can be a great 1st impression. Don't be BORING! Don't over do it, but say it with confidence. Let your voice be heard!
5. Be generous with yourself. If you need a moment to get into character before you read your lines...take a moment! The worse thing you can do is start when you aren't ready!!!!!! The casting director really appreciates when actors don't just jump into reading their lines, because they know that you are being generous with yourself and with their time.
6. Don't be weird!!!!!! Too often I see actors come in with crazy shit on! I'm like WHOA!!!! They go too hard it seems... If the audition is about firefighters PLEASE don't go rent or borrow an entire Firefighter suit!!!!! That mess is crazy!!!! Unless your agent tells you that the CD wants you to be in full costume DON'T DO IT! Instead dress close to the part like blue T-shirt nice pair of dark jeans or slacks, and some clean black shoes... It's a casual approach and is a great way to showcase the blue collar working individual. Better yet create the visual for the CD without going overboard. Who am I to tell you how to do it lol...Use your own judgement... GET IT?!!!!
7. Be pleasant at ALL times! You never know who's who... The secretary could be the CD's daughter, and if you are nasty to her be sure that she will let them know!!!!
8. Breath! It's sounds funny but I sometimes forget to breath in my auditions, and boy do the nerves come out lol. When you breath your body relaxes better, your voice is stronger, you feel more paced, and in control of the situation. You are the actor not them so show them what you got while having it all under control:)
9. Have different options... If you read one way and the CD asks you to read again but to try a different approach, you need to know how to do that. I really can't tell you how to do that, but what I do is use images to give me a different feeling or situation for the lines. With those images I will read the words that are on the paper and bring them to life while imagining. Do what works for you!!!!!
10. Leave as confident as you entered! If you feel like you did a crappy job NEVER SHOW IT! What you did could have been brilliant in their minds, and by you doubting yourself it could cost you the job!!!!!!!!!!!! Just say thank you and exit with pride!
These are just a few things that I live by, and they are helping me out in the long run. I'm not booking every job like I would love too, but it gives me a better understanding of the auditioning side of the business, and it shows that I have auditioning etiquette which is very important and crucial in this business!
NOW WHAT???
This is the question that I ask myself often... After my agent calls me, I go on the audition, and instead of playing "The Waiting Game" I ask "Now What?" lol I can't believe I'm sharing this info , but I'm sure that someone out there feels me:) Just recently I have found the antidote to the "Now What?" problem... It's called POUNDING THE PAVEMENT! When I'm not in acting class or at an audition, I try my best to be productive throughout the day. If you find yourself saying "Now What?"... Read a book about the business, watch a classic film and take some pointers, research the local casting directors/agencies, learn all of the productions that are taking place in your city, read a play, practice your monologue, grab a Backstage newspaper and circle all of the auditions that you would like to go out on and GO! Get up, get out , and get something!!!!! Shoot! My girls and I get up in the AM and head to our office in Harlem (the local coffee shop in our neighborhood). We chat, sip tea, compare notes, send out emails, blog about our experiences, look for auditions/work, and then pep each other up to go out and POUND THE PAVEMENT!
Trust me the more you play "The Waiting Game" or spend time asking yourself "Now What?" time will pass you by and your career will be over before you know it! Set goals for yourself, and go after them. Instead of saying a goal or thinking it, write it down! It's more tangible, and it gives you something to look at and to build off of. You need to be involved in your life's plan because it is YOUR LIFE! My bff Mimi has helped me develop a 5 year plan for my life, not just my acting life, but my whole entire life. You can't be 100% in anything if you aren't taking care of all areas of your life. Planing out your life is KEY so that you will know what you have accomplished and how far you have to go.
THE REAL DEAL!
I know that I will become a working professional actress if I put myself out there, grind, work smart and take risks. I know that I'm part CRAZY or "TIGER" (inside joke with me and bff Toia lol... Thanks Chris Rock!!!) for wanting to be in this profession, but Hey! This is me and this is what I want!!! I know that it's really about who I know and being in the right place at the right time... With knowing that I'm all about networking, and attending any event that I can market myself as an actress. I have the gift of gab and I'm gonna be sure to use it... This BEING BROKE crap isn't cutting it!!!! Shit! I'm HUNGRY for this life, so all I have to say is LET'S EAT!!!!!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
Monday, January 4, 2010
Let's Feed Eachother:)
NEW YORK CITY!... Just the sound of it gives me a special kind of feeling that I can't articulate. The smell of hot dogs and mustard in the air, the random people that are free spirited with no cares about what you think, the pride and culture within the city that is so mesmerizing. Now I am a part of this "Concrete Jungle, Big City of Dreams" and all the other names that describe this island that I love so much!!! I moved here a little over a year ago to pursue my passion of acting/modeling and I haven't looked back since. I have no where to go but up... Shit! I have nothing ABSOLUTELY nothing to lose! Lets get it!!!!
So here I am a year into my grind... Well it's really been Since 2005, but a year now that I am fully focused on acting/modeling and nothing else. I really appreciate my fellow actors, and the advice they have to offer. Sometimes the advice is given from an actor friend or sometimes I obtain tips, suggestions, and so much more by eavesdropping at a local coffee shop where artist hang:)No matter how I get the information I like to apply it, and pass it along to my friends. What I can't stand, what makes my blood boil is an actor who is so selfish that they wouldn't even help their closest friend who is doing the same thing! No matter what profession your in, you know what I'm talking about... The "Selfish Snakes" These are people who think that if they offer up any advice or vital information that it's instantly going to disappear from their brain and be ZAPPED in to yours:/ I'm like WTF! Helping someone else will never take anything away from you, if anything it will open more doors!!! It's kind of like the story of the family that was chained to a table, and they had a bowl of food in front of them and the only problem was that their spoons were too long so they couldn't get the food from the bowl to their mouths. This family was forced to be at this table for a reason. They were selfish, self centered, and down right greedy! The whole point of them being trapped to the table was to work it out. When life was at stake and a few days later they were fading from hunger an amazing thing happened... They were eating they were happy, and living in the moment. No, they didn't get shorter spoons so that the food could reach their mouths... They took their long spoons, and put them in each others bowls, and feed one another from across the table! In other words they stopped being selfish, and helped a fellow friend. With that attitude they all were fed, well, and blessed! Get it?! That's all people need to do, because no matter what... your time will come when it's TIME! That's why I love my friends lol we are a cool little tight knit group of individuals. We all have our very distinctive personalities, but we are all the same when it comes to the act of friendship. Whenever we need advice, an ear, or physical help at least one of us are there to offer support. I often laugh because some months my bank account is pretty empty like the stomachs of the family that I mentioned above lol... but seriously I may be up and down with my finances (for now:) but one thing that I can say I'm rich with are great friends who make my struggle much easier, and my load a little lighter by just being there,and being real!
XOXO
~Blog Spot Girl
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