As you start living in Los Angeles a little longer, and start to get to know people that work behind the scenes of the business, the veil of the carefully constructed Hollywood dream starts to lift inch by inch.
The big movie star romances you’ve seen unfold from your tiny room in no matter which small town in no matter what country, nothing more than a PR plan… The clauses in TV contracts for the main stars to fake off screen romances, the planning of pregnancies, weddings, even outdoor lunches, to coincide with movie releases or season premieres.
Of course you kind of suspect these things, even from behind your computer in your room far, far away. But I at least never realized how far people go with these things. I guess it’s one of the side effects of you, the person, becoming a product…
Living in Hollywood for two weeks has really helped me see more of the reality of the business, the people behind the names. Hanging out with people who turned out to be agents, producers etc. has been a revelation. Where I previously saw agents as the big gatekeepers miles and miles above me, I know see they are just sales people, wanting their actors to break into the business more than anyone. I learned about their daily activities, their journeys from the mailroom to desks, the fact that many of them live in the same apartments as actors…
Hopefully this insight will help in my last two months of trying to secure representation here. I’ve certainly been spending muchos time working on the career again. Here’s what I’ve accomplished of last week’s list:
Tape Dialogues
It’s a miracle but I have finally done this. I taped a dramatic scene from Shame (the same I did for the agent) and a comedic one from the upcoming pilot Animal Practice (which I did for the manager). After viewing them I came to discover I might actually be better at comedy than drama, whereas I previously thought otherwise. I’m gonna tape the dramatic one again, the comedy one I might put up here soon once I’ve gotten some people to review it!
Do Print Mailing
This is done, at least it’s ready to be send. I just want to wait until after this week, since most agencies have off from Wednesday to Friday due to Independence Day. Don’t want to get my submissions to get lost among five days worth of submissions :)
Do Groundlings Level 1 Audition
Done! And went well, aside from some occasional trouble hearing English stuff. Was very nice to see old pictures of Lisa Kudrow, Kathy Griffin and Kirsten Wiig, who all started out in Groundlings. The next Level 1 starts in August so might do another class while I’m here first. Maybe Doug Warhit, I really liked his class.
Make List of Agent Workshops
As far as I can tell, there aren’t a lot for agents, but a lot for casting directors. But I found The Actor’s Collective is a good one for agents.
Finish 15 Pages of New Screenplay.
Done! Twenty pages even! I’ve started many screenplays for features but this is going to be the first one I finish. I’m just so in love with writing this story, I’m at it hours every single day and scenes are in my head every time I’m alone. I’m always pretty good with coming up with ideas and characters and atmosphere, but just never really constructed real plots. And therefore got stuck at page ten with many stories. But I’ve had a friend who happens to be great with plot help me rummage through my messy brain and pluck out what I wanted with this story. More as this story develops…
Research SAG New Media Agreements
Forgot to add this one to my Sticky list on my desktop, so didn’t even know I had this. Putting it on there now!
Audit More Classes
I audited Margie Haber, which seemed really nice. The problem is they all seem great, all the classes…I guess doing improv is the priority now. Although I really want to do an on-camera class too. Choices, choices!
So unfortunately I’m not yet signed by anyone, and busy arranging visa stuff. And unfortunately I have no new meetings set yet, but I’ll keep trying. Something inside me tells me that this time it will finally work out. Keeping the faith!
—————————
Like this blog? Please show some love by sharing it on Facebook or Twitter! And don’t forget to sign up for free e-mail updates by clicking on the I Want to Follow button on the upper right!
Hey Shanice!
I think you’re amazing for going after your dream, and an inspiration. I am going to spend 4 months in Los Angeles this winter, taking classes and trying to get a Visa, like you. Hopefully by the time I get there in November, you will have an agent and a Visa and we can grab a coffee and I can learn from your brilliance! lol. Keep doing what you’re doing, and keep sharing it with us!
Hi!
Really liking your blog!!
I have a (or a few) really important questions, if you would be able to get back to me that would be just amazing!
I just moved to LA from Germany and I am going to UCLA doing acting and film. But since it is all not as practical as I though and as I am actually here to do some more acting / trying to ‘get into the business’ i was hoping for some advice ;) I honestly have no clue whatsoever how to even begin…I definitely wanna stay here and dont go home in september. I really wanna give it a shot and try and realize my dream instead of going to Uni in germany and be unhappy… I wish i could just go to auditions /castings (open casting calls as to my non-existing resume) but THIS STUPID VISA thing is so so annoying. Im here on a F1 student visa without a working permission ( i guess ).
I mean how do I even start? I only have amateur theater experience , ive taken acting classes back in germany and im doing it here now but i should probably take some more classes here right? But will this get me any further? I sound seriously desperate – I am not. I just want to try everything that’s possible while I am here. It’s my dream, you know. :)
Anyway..that was an entire essay – i apologize but there isnt any other way to contact you.
Well, I am in LA until September maybe I’ll see you around !
GOOD LUCK with everything, you’re so hard working you deserve it! :D
Hi Kim, thanks for stopping by! The whole blog is about the questions you ask, so I suggest you do a search and start reading :D
Hey!its gonna work out earlier or later,cuz u really want it!!so just keep doing it and share yourexperiences! u re doing a good thing and as u know what goes around comes around , so u ll have to get back all the good things u do and share with us))))))
Your blog is so inspiration!! It has been my dream since I was about 10 to be an actress and sadly I’m still only 16 and can’t go to Hollywood yet. But hopefully one day I’ll be able to and do everything possible to make my dream come true just like you’re doing now. Every new post I read motivates me even more to become a better actor and go to Hollywood.
So a neurotic one we have over here, huh? Or as you would say – Monica Geller much? :) Making lists week in, week out. Good job on keep with things though, and of course keep it up!