L.A. Odds & Ends

1) Because of the various productions I've worked on, I haven't had to pay for a haircut since January. That being said, I think I might have to bite the bullet this week...

2) Any money I save on haircuts goes directly into my gas tank and then out into the smoggy L.A. air. With gas around $4 a gallon ($4.15-4.20 in Beverly Hills), it cost over $50 to fill my car up this week. No, I am not driving a Hummer H3, it is my little Kia Spectra 5.

3) I took my first yoga class over the weekend. I guess that makes me a true Californian. I've heard it helps with relaxation, and I also wanted to get some kinks out of the ol' back. It was actually a pretty physically demanding workout!

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Audition: Print audition today for a "Great Eats" project. Nope, I'm not sure what that means either...

SAG Negotiations Update - Ugh

Hollywood insider, Nikki Finke, is keeping a close eye on the closed-door SAG/AMPTP meetings. In a recent posting, she gave an ominous sounding status update:

EXCLUSIVE (Keep refreshing for latest updates): I can now report that the negotiations between the Screen Actors Guild and the AMPTP are not making any progress with both sides very far apart and very frustrated. Negotiators for the Hollywood CEOs are privately making it clear they plan to make a deal first with AFTRA in order to use that as a wedge to soften up SAG. And, get this -- my sources tell me that the AMPTP is now prepared to wait out SAG for a deal until as late as mid-July. Which means the Big Media moguls are virtually daring SAG to strike when its contract expires the end of June.

For further info, visit Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily: http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/

To SAG Or Not To SAG

So, as you may recall from a couple weeks back, I am now SAG eligible. After briefly celebrating that fact, I've been anxiously weighing my options as far as joining. So, here are some of the pros and cons of becoming a member of that hallowed fraternity known as the Screen Actors Guild.

Pros: 1) Potential to work on tv shows and movies - this is a biggie, because, although you can technically get cast as a non-union actor, it is very difficult to even get auditions unless you are SAG. 2) Get to make some money working as a SAG extra - the day rates are equal to about 2 1/2 time those of non-union extras. 3) Potential to work as a commercial SAG extra - rates are about 5-6 times those of non-union extras (as far as TV/Film day rates) 4) vote for the SAG awards! ;) 5) Try to get a TV/Film agent - they typically won't take anyone over 25 who isn't SAG (and most people over 25 who are SAG for that matter!) so my odds would certainly be better. 6) Make my way towards health insurance - I understand you need to make a certain amount to qualify, but I can't start to make that SAG money unless I join...

Cons: 1) No more non-union work - There is more non-union work here, though it pays less in general. But being SAG means no commercials, tv stuff or films that aren't sanctioned by the union. Which is an especially big concern now because of... 2) Possible SAG strike? - the union contract is up in June and there is still a possibility that the actors will strike. That means no work -- not even extra work -- for however long the strike goes. 3) $2400 - Joining fee, which is of course an investment, so that is the least of the cons.

I WILL definitely join the actors union, since that's why I'm here in the first place, and it will likely be sooner rather than later. But, the possible strike, and the idea that I can no longer do non-union stuff (basically everything I've ever done) gives me pause.

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In other news, I got a call today from the Daniel Hoff Agency, one of the more well-known commercial agencies in town, and the first one I auditioned for after I came out here. Though that audition was in January, apparently there was some mix-up with the tape so they were just finally able to view it, and they wanted me to come in to talk to the agent herself. Strange, but true L.A. industry... I politely told them that I had signed with another agent in the interim and they wished me luck. While it is certainly nice to know that they wanted me to come in, I am very excited to be with my current commercial agency, so maybe things just work out for the best.

The Midwest Shakes?

So, I woke up this morning to hear reports of an 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Illinois whose effects could be felt as far as Wisconsin. Irony of ironies, I move to the capital of American earthquakes and all my friends and family back home experience one before me! Even though it was pretty powerful, especially by Midwest standards, I trust you are all okay.

My day wasn't as exciting though I did have a commercial audition for Stubhub.com - a ticket selling website (and ever-present radio advertiser in Chicago). I had to be one-half of an "upscale couple enjoying the theatre." Lucky I know how to stare intently and clap.

Enjoy the weekend!

Lunch with David

Had lunch today with one of the friends I met walking the Writers' Guild picket lines during the strike, David Dean Bottrell. Those of you who watch Boston Legal may remember him as eccentric, murderous, scene-stealing neighbor, Lincoln Meyer, from a couple seasons back. He is also a varied and talented writer, and his recently begun blog "Parts and Labor" is a wonderful weekly read. It is a sometimes poignant, sometimes biting, always insightful look at what it means to be living in Hollywood and working in the industry. I urge you to check it out, and it's easy to sign up if you want the latest post to be sent via e-mail each Monday:

www.partsandlabor.blogspot.com

(kids: ask your parents first, as there may be a touch of adult language from time to time ;)

Anyway, it was fun catching up at lunch, finding out the latest and greatest in David's life. He is busily involved in a number of different projects, and talking with him motivates me even more to keep moving forward. I was reminded again why the writer's strike might have been in fact a blessing for me, as it allowed me to meet inspiring, cool folks like David.