This week was a quiet one. It was Independence Day, which means most agencies were closed Wednesday to Friday, and I left my temporary home in Hollywood and am back in my humble abode in Culver City. It’s only now that I realize how quiet this area is, it’s really more for families and old people. But on the bright side it doesn’t have as many distractions, so I can keep my eyes on the prize!
Oh, and remember that self taped scene that I finally made after postponing it week after week? It got me to an interesting place: a Starbucks in the middle of Century City aka big agency hub at 8am, watching all the suits go in and out…
The reason I got there is that I showed my comedy scene (you can temporarily view it here) to my agent friend and she liked it and thought I should come tape it professionally at her agency. She just so happened to have to tape another client that morning anyway. In the end that one lasted longer than anticipated so I couldn’t do mine then, but still..it was interesting to be there. The place where all the business behind the movies industry takes place!
As for the list of last week, here is what I accomplished:
Send Print Mailing
Done, finally. Another batch of manila envelopes will hopefully find their way to a desk and not the trash.
Research SAG New Media Agreements
I did this, seems like a whole bunch of paper work that has to be done by an American, so I was more interested in the Taft Hartley form. The Taft Hartley form is a document that can get you into SAG (the actor’s union in America, necessary to join for all professional actors). With the rise of new media, it’s become more easy to get this form and thus become eligible for SAG, since people can produce their own web series or digital shorts for relatively low budgets. This seems to be a good option, but I’d have to get an American Social Security number first.
Make Small Manager List
I’ve done this. Spent a good four hours IMDbPro’ing my way through all TV shows that I liked to find smaller management companies. Will prepare a mailing this week!
Write 15 Pages Screenplay
Done! I got a little stuck at page 25- probably wrote and rewrote 26 and 27 a million times- but I am now at page 33, which makes this officially the furthest I’ve ever gotten with a screenplay! And I’m still so excited about it, whereas usually I lose my enthusiasm about the idea and story within a week. I’ve got about 60-90 pages to go, but I’m feeling positive I will finish this one. I already know the ending, so…
It was a little bit of a short list, but now that the holidays are over and I’m back in quiettown I’ll start getting back into gear again. Here’s my list for next week:
- Tape Drama Dialogue (I didn’t like the one I did 2 weeks ago so need to redo this)
- Research Best Postcards Printing Company
- Sign Up for Class at The Groundlings
- Prepare Mailing Small Managers
- Prepare Additional Commercial Mailing
- Write 15 Pages Screenplay
- Prepare Good Questions for Meeting With Huge Manager
The last one actually just came up! I have a meeting with one of the biggest management companies in town, and though they’ve already said they’re not gonna sign me because I’m too unknown, they’re willing to sit with me and give some advice. Which makes me a very lucky girl, and so I have to make sure I don’t waste their time and come with good questions. Any suggestions?
Exciting things may start happening again, see you next week!
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Leuke tape die je gemaakt hebt! Alleen iets duidelijker articuleren, af en toe verstond ik ‘t nauwelijks. Maar het acteren was naturel en gevat. Ga zo door!
I have a question…not trying to be negative or anything but what are you going to do if nobody sign’s you within those 3 months and you have to return to Holland?
Hi David, then I’ll go back to Holland and hopefully do an acting class and write my own projects!
Well Shanice, i hope that you succeed so you don’t have to go back to Holland…otherwise writing and making your own project(s) is the next best thing.
Regarding the questions for the management company, just be honest and upfront…tell them about your situation and what you’ve been doing up until now, then tell them exactly what your goal is and ask them how to proceed to take the most practical approach for achieving your goal as fast as possible. Good luck!
I just found this blog but thoose little things I have read is sooo inspired and it makes me wanna follow your steps and get closer to my dream! Unfortunately I am only 16 and live in sweden, but I do whatever I can here to learn more about business. I have decided that when I turn 19 I will move to los angeles and live there in approximately a year (do you think it is a good start?) and try my best! But I just wonder how I begin when I am there? Like, how do I found an agency etc.?
I wish you all luck and hope you the best!
Hi Shanice!
What is the difference between agent and manager? Thank’s for help)))
and
Good Luck!
Hi Nina, an agent gets you auditions and takes a 10% commission. A manager helps build and guide your career and takes 15%. All actors need an agent, but not all need a manager. It’s usually very helpful to have one when you just start out or when you’re working on such a level that you need a publicist, lawyer etc etc.
Hello Darling! :)
Leuk om weer te lezen wat je zoal bezig houdt! Zet hem op!
Kon helaas niet het filmpje bekijken.. stuur je het me anders?
Liefs, Nadi
Hi love, filmpje heb ik inmiddels verwijderd, was alleen even voor een paar mensen uit the bizz bedoeld :) Maar ik kan hem je wel e-mailen hoor xx
Hey! Your blog is still all so very exciting! I was wondering how you write your screenplay? I’ve never tried writing one, but you really peeked my interest! Do you just write the lines that the characters say, and then, like, stage directions? I’ve only written short stories, I imagine it’s very different from that?
Hi Emilia, there are very strict rules on formatting for writing screenplays. Screenwriting software is best for that. Go over to Joblo.com or IMsdb, you can read thousands of scripts from famous movies there :)
Okay, cool, thanks! :)
I can’t believe Culver City actually exists..l I though it was a fictional place from the Hulk…
Oh yeah, it exists, and so does the Hulk I run into him all the time! ;P