21

Last night I went to see 21, which is a very mediocre film based on a very good non-fiction book. It chronicles the card-counting journey of an MIT student named Ben. Some interesting visuals and a good soundtrack were the high points, though they could have went without the 37 slow-motion shots... A couple things struck me: 1) The last third makes such jumps in believability, it is clear to see why they did not market this movie as "based on a true story." Why the need to embellish an already thrilling story? and 2) the lead actors had such a lack of chemistry, it looked like they were siblings being forced to kiss. They were both good on their own, but together they were lukewarm at best. You think on a big budget movie like this, they'd be able to cast for that chemistry a little better...

Oh, and by the way, my favorite part of last night was the trailer before 21. It was promoting a little film coming out in May, one Indiana Jones and the Kingdon of the Crystal Skull.

In My Industry Related News...

Besides Jen's visit, I also had a good week since I became SAG eligible! Yay! I got that elusive 3rd union voucher working as an extra on that same big project I've worked on before. As I've said, that is one of the big hurdles out here. So, now when the paperwork eventually comes through and I cough up my $2500, I'll officially be a member of the Union. And then I'll be hoping SAG doesn't go on strike in June...

I also had a couple of auditions - one for the new hotel/casino MGM Grand is opening, and the audition required dancing, so let's just say that I doubt I will be hearing back from them... The other audition was for a Honda commercial - and now I'm really getting good at this walking to the pretend car and driving down the pretend road bit!

Hope everyone is doing well in their NCAA pools - big weekend ahead!

Edit: A couple other notes about this week's filming - it was green screen stuff. It involved sitting and walking and even using various tools upon a green platform surrounded by green walls. I wore different wardrobes/costumes each day and did different things. The filmmakers use these for special effects shots; they are able to take out the green on computers and put in whatever background/floor they want. It will be really interesting to see if they use any of my shots in the finished film.

Sister Act

Sorry I have been lax in updating the blog this week. It has been quite hectic -- though in a good way. Best of all, my sister Jen came to visit. She was only able to stay a few days, but we managed to get quite a lot in! The weather was beautiful and I know she appreciated being in the sun, having just come from a 15 in. snowfall. We spent a lot of time outdoors, and it really made me appreciate the opportunities I have out here amongst this craziness to drive for 30 minutes or so and be completely immersed in nature. We went to Santa Monica pier (where Jen recognized 'Super Nanny' being filmed) and walked along the beach for awhile. The ocean water was cold on the feet and my shorts got wet when I was hit by a rogue wave ;)

Tuesday we went hiking in La Canada park with some friends. It was a pretty rigorous 5 mile hike filled with absolutely gorgeous views. Though there were a couple close calls, like when I decided to take a "shortcut," but we all made it through unscathed! (though Jen said her calves were barking the next day ;)

In the three days of Jen's visit, we also managed to hit some great neighborhood restaurants, and watch a bunch of (mostly bad) movies. It was very nice - come back soon, Jen!

Let the (March) Madness Begin!

NCAA Tourney Time - several upsets and many great games marked the tourney's first couple days. My home state of Wisconsin was represented pretty well. A big weekend lies ahead!

Audition: Thursday, I had an audition for another foreign (and dialogue free!) commercial. It was for a Swedish company called Telenor and I played the role of a 'confident stockbroker,' which given the current state of this country's financial markets is really acting ;)

I also stopped by my new commercial agent and filled out the requisite paperwork, so now I'm officially represented and hopefully soon will be officially working...

Sunny Monday

Yesterday I got to work as an extra on that same big-budget film I worked on in Dec., Jan. and Feb. It was a pretty long (15+) hour day, and getting up at 2:15 a.m. is no picnic, but it was a perfect day to be outside. And outside we were, for the vast majority of the day. Got some running in, got to enjoy the sunshine, was well-fed, and made a few bucks. I can think of a lot worse ways to spend a Monday...

In other industry news as it pertains to me, I decided to sign commercially with Brass Artists & Associates. They seemed to be the best fit of all the agents I met with (or more accurately, all the agents I mailed to that would take a meeting with me ;) I will go in there either tomorrow or Thursday to sign the paperwork, and hopefully work will come flooding in. Likely not, but it doesn't hurt to dream!