Workshoppin'

Been busy with workshops the last week - Helen Geier, Debbie George, and Nick Anderson. They were each really good in different ways. The most interesting one was Debbie's that she ran like a 'producer's session.' That is, everyone in class -- 20 or so folks -- was given one of 4 scenes, then we did the scenes one at a time. So, everyone with scene 1 had to leave the room, then come in one by one, do the scene for the rest of the class and then leave again. When all the people with scene 1 had performed, the class discussed the performances (while those actors stayed out of the room). When the group went back in, the students and the CD gave feedback. It was a bit nerve-racking, though good practive, and it was fun seeing 4 or 5 people do the same scene -- seeing what each brought to the role.

So Much For Fall...What About Fall TV?

Wow, that brief autumnal spell was just that: brief. It is HOT again here - 90 degrees. Lucky I've got a pool and an air conditioner to keep me cool. Oh wait, I don't. Never mind...

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There have been several new TV shows on the networks this fall. I haven't seen too many of them, but my favorite of those I've seen is Life on Mars - which has a very cool 70's vibe (no doubt since it is set in '73) and a slick soundtrack. Fringe is pretty good, too - though it veers into the science fiction realm, so beware if that's not your thing. My DVR has the new Christian Slater show, My Own Worst Enemy on it, but I haven't seen the first episodes yet.

Anybody watch one you like? Let me know!

Weekend & SAG Strike? News

Saturday was week 2 of my Helen Geier workshop at The Network Studio - another partner scene. I think it is good to work multiple times in front of the same CD; next week we all read one on one with her.

I also had an audition for an independent short film this weekend. I'm not sure when I'll find out about it, but it would be a fun shoot and good experience, so my fingers are crossed.

Softball: We evened our season record with a drubbing on Sunday. I was 5-5 with 4 HR and 11 RBI. Ahh, softball...

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SAG sent out an e-mail containing the following info. They are asking a federal mediator to step in with the negotiations at a standstill (the Studios still REFUSE to negotiate at all). They are also requesting a 'strike resolution' from SAG members -- that would mean that the SAG negotiators could actually threaten to strike. Sounds foreboding, though it seems that any actual decision on work stoppage is months down the road:

“In hopes of moving the Theatrical and TV negotiations forward, the National Board hereby takes the following actions: SAG will formally request a federal mediator be brought into the negotiations.

The Board authorizes a referendum and accompanying educational information be sent to the members requesting their authorization for the National Board to call a strike in the Theatrical and TV Contract, at such time as the Negotiating Committee determines in its sole discretion that the mediation process has failed.”

Approval of the strike authorization would require 75 percent approval of members who vote.

“We hope mediation will help move this process forward. This action by the board demonstrates our commitment to bargain with the strength of our unified membership behind us. Economic times are tough for all Americans, but we must take a stand for what is fair,” said Screen Actors Guild National President Alan Rosenberg.

“Our number one goal remains securing a good contract without a strike,” said SAG National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Doug Allen. “I am pleased by the board’s strong show of support for the national negotiating committee and look forward to meeting with the federal mediator and the AMPTP committee as soon as possible.”

Can't Seem To Find the Right Fit

Another fitting yesterday -- way out in El Monte. Unfortunately, they were seeing a lot of guys for one position - even when I was there, there were a few others. The other guys seemed like different sizes (taller, shorter) which is strange because you'd think they'd want specific measurements. Of course, maybe they don't yet know what they want...

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How about that Red Sox comeback?! Wow, I'm not a Boston fan, but I do like to see history being made. Unfortunately, I was in class during that historic comeback. When I left for class, the Rays were comfortably ahead. So, I couldn't believe what happened when I watched the highlights on SportCenter. That's one of the great things about baseball: you can watch it for 10, 20, 50 years and still see something new...

An Excuse To Eat Junk Food?

So, I had another 'audition' for a fitting job - at a clothing manufacturer called Limited Apparel. It would be a great on-going gig, but unfortunately, I think they ideally want someone with a 35-36 inch waist. Maybe had they given me some advance notice, I could have been loading up on donuts for the last couple weeks...

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Another workshop at The Network Studio - Part 1 of 3 with associates from one of the big casting offices in town, Junie Lowry Johnson. Last night's was with Debbie George, and it was very cool because we all read directly with her -- instead of performing a scene with a partner in front of her. This is nice because it simulates what a real first audition is often like. My scene was one from Desperate Housewives (their office casts the show) which was good fun, and I look forward to parts 2 and 3 of the workshop.