1. Crying makes people absolutely beautiful
2. The value of a real handshake

On the first, I'm not talking about childish whining or alligator tears (there's a lot of both in the Biz). I'm talking real, raw emotion that strips pretense and image away from a person, so you see a glimpse of the what and why of who they are.

My coach says emotion isn't interesting, but doing something through authentic emotion (kind of like this thing) is interesting, and important, and daring. And brutally hard.

Lately, I've seen a number of people I care about stripped down and emotionally bare, bravely moving forward when they could curl up in a ball and give up.

And they are absolutely gorgeous.

Handshakes, on the other hand (heh), usually annoy me. I don't mind shaking hands with people I know (but not well enough to hug), but handshakes are usually at best a superficial pleasantry, and there's no sincerity there.

Which makes me appreciate an authentic handshake even more.

Again, it's been a hefty week on the life front, so I've gotten an abnormal number of "real" handshakes lately.

But Monday, it was a whole different deal. I found myself grasping a guy's hand, and he was not going to let go. This was one of those, "No, I'm not done -- I want to say thank you for what you've done for me, I want you to know how important this is, and I'm not letting go until you understand that" kind of handshakes.

There was a non-needy desperation in the moment. An importance, a warmth, a camaraderie between what happened before and what was going to happen next that pivoted on that hand clasp. It was a physical touch that transcended cultural and class barriers.

It was a big deal.

And it got me to thinking about handshakes, and relationships, and the importance of depth and importance over superficiality and usury.

I am an introspective fellow lately.

Oh, and don't ever shake a Casting Director's hand unless they offer it to you first. Industry rule. You've been warned.

Labels: biz, inspiration, ramblings

"Extremely rare is the developer person who at one or more points in his or her career hasn’t considered packing it in."

• Balance (work/life)
• "Filthy Lucre" ("... being underpaid for so long has really made the need for a good salary priority number one for my next job ...")
• Fun ("Not the job itself but the goal of the project")
• Creativity

Labels: inspiration, ramblings, toy job

Labels: inspiration, ramblings

Labels: acting, acting process, meisner, training

Labels: acting, biz, business, events, inspiration, meisner, other actors, ramblings

"Steve Strawn decided to take the things of his childhood, specifically robots and dolls, and combine them with his current sensibilities. His photographs not only emphasize the coolness of robots, or illustrate the creepiness of dolls, but also the awesomeness of the combination of the two."

"Primarily a photographer, he has recently branched out from attempting to capture the perfect shattering wine glass to a wider exploration of the underlying pathos of a boy that had younger sisters."

Labels: inspiration, ramblings, toys

Labels: acting, business, site updates, tools, toys

HR: So, what's your biggest concern?
ME: Honestly, I've got a weird one. Integrity is something that's really important to me. How does that play out in a real-world sense in your company?
HR: (In their head) This guy's cute, but he's going to be a lot of heartburn.
HR: Integrity is obviously key to everything we do. Thanks so much for your time.
(*Shreds resume*)

Labels: ramblings

Labels: acting, auditions, biz

Labels: acting, biz, business, site updates, tools

Labels: acting, biz, business

• adamcreighton.com/blogs/notdolls/

Labels: site updates, toys

"There's a lot more drama and a lot less technical jargon this time around. I actually just finished a couple of lines that nearly had me in tears. For an actor, more drama is always good."

Labels: acting, acting process

"If you're in Central Texas, you know what a force and opportunity the University of Texas College of Radio-Television-Film is. Tonight [sic, shoulda been "Thursday"], the CAGE at UT Austin is having open auditions, which puts you in the potential running for tons of their student and departmental projects. These things have screened at Cannes, Tribeca, and SXSW (which is coming up in March)."

So, yeah, an opportunity to get in front of folks who are aspiring film makers (or auteurs), and increased opportunity to be auditioning constantly. Working constantly (because I treat auditions like gigs). To put myself as a professional actor to the benefit of people learning the craft.

(In my head)
She'scallingthecopsshewasn'tsupposedtobehere
whatdoIdoknowOhFU**she'scallingthecopsI've
gottostopherdidshejustcallmeasickBITTER
RESENTFULFU**she'sgoing--

*BANG*
.
.
.
*Silence*

Labels: acting, acting process, auditions, meisner

"Wow, you've had a rough couple of weeks. You had to believe someone you loved died. Your "Friday Night Lights" scene was cut. You didn't get that audition. You had to cancel your marketing workshop. You were banned from a Website. Corporations
are making dumb moves. You've been sick. You've had [censored and not talked about on the Website]. You've ..."

"Wow, good couple of weeks! I reached a new level of real emotion in my acting. I have the pay and credit from "Friday Night Lights", and because my scene was cut, I can still be considered a "Fresh Face" for future FNL episodes. I was notified by the director that I didn't get an audition, which never happens, and I was able to plan and do other Biz stuff for the shoot date, rather than having to hold it open. Since I had to cancel my marketing workshop, I filled the time with other Biz stuff. I was banned from a Website, so I learned specifics of a kind of gamer and kind of person I don't want to be. Getting mad about Corporations validated integrity and people are important to me. I've been sick, so I had to slow down and enjoy people and stuff more than I would have otherwise. I've switched focus to some of my other irons in the fire, and now tthey're moving forward with extra attention. I've got so much opportunity..."

Labels: acting, acting process, inspiration, ramblings

Labels: acting, acting process, events, meisner, training

Headshots and Resumes
attn: Autumn Leonard
Director, The CAGE (cage@uts.cc.utexas.edu)
(512) 471-2478
http://rtf.utexas.edu/cage/

Interested in acting in Film? Come to the CAGE Open Auditions.
February 8th, 2007
5 – 8 pm; 4th floor, CMB Studio 4B

The CAGE Open Auditions
These Open Auditions happen once a year. They are the opportunity for both experienced and aspiring actors to meet members (Faculty, Graduate and Undergraduate students) of the Radio-Television-Film community at UT Austin.

Auditions are open to all types, ages and genders. Each audition time will be scheduled beforehand, please email or call the CAGE in advance to secure a spot.

Requirements:
Headshot, resume and 2 – 3 minute monologue.

Last year alone UT films have screened in Cannes, Tribeca and SXSW.Whether you are an experience actor, or just starting out, the CAGE Open Auditions this is an exciting opportunity to meet and work with talented filmmakers.

See website for directions:

Contact: Autumn Leonard (cage@uts.cc.utexas.edu) Website: http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/cmb.html
http://rtf.utexas.edu/cage/

Labels: acting, auditions, biz

What: Film Incentive party benefiting the Texas Motion Picture Alliance (TXMPA.)

Who: Join Austin entertainment and media leaders including Matt Dentler (SXSW producer,) Rebecca Campbell (AFS & Austin Studios,) and special musical guest Cyril Neville (Neville Brothers,) for a gathering of the Austin film community to keep the ball rolling on the film incentives effort!

This fund-raising event includes happy hour prices on 20 oz. domestics and selected appetizers, a memorable musical performance and fabulous industry-related raffle prizes. Meeting and greeting mandatory!

When: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7th, 2007 (7 - 10pm)

Where: SCHOLZ BEER GARDEN 1607 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701 512-474-1958 (Web)

Suggested Donation: $10

For more information on joining and to make a donation, please visit http://www.txmpa.org/

Sponsored by: Austin Film Society / Austin Studios / Texas Association of Film and Tape Professionals / Screen Door Film / Reel Women / The International Game Development Association and Caught In The Act Magazine!

Labels: acting, events

Labels: acting, acting process, auditions

Labels: acting, inspiration, other actors

Labels: ramblings