Sunday, November 8, 2009
I am a Professional
A lot more people have done a lot more, but this is what I have done so far, and I am proud of it. Because of these commercials I can now say I am a professional.
These commercials make up what is called a Demo Reel, in the industry. It is what I would show a casting director if they wanted to see my work.
Comcast commercial
Comcast commercial
In this commercial I am wearing a red University of Utah Ute jersey and a foam finger. As soon as the commercial starts I am about center screen for two seconds.
I can be seen again eight seconds in for another two seconds, in the top right of the screen.
I am glad I was picked to wear the red jersey, when this was filmed I had not started going to the University of Utah. Go Utes!
Big 'O' Tires commercial #2
Big 'O' Tires commercial #2
This is the other Big ‘O’ Tires commercial. This time I am on screen eight seconds in, for about two seconds. I am on the left side of the screen, again from the side. ( I have on the same clothes as the first commercial )
Big 'O' Tires commercial # 1
Big 'O' Tires commercial #1
This is one of the two Big ‘O’ Tires commercials I did. I only worked about an hour that day. They shot lots of footage, and were able to make multiple commercials out of a day’s work.
In this commercial I can be seen 13 seconds in, for about two seconds on the right side of the screen. My hair is down and I am in a button up shirt.
Just because its work doesn't mean it can't be fun.
I am not going to tell you that I am happy all the time- but I have found that just by putting on a smile as I grab the garbage and take it 10 feet to the door or the whole 100 yards to the dumpster can make a difference. What is the reward? I ask myself that all the time every day. What am I getting out of this “deal” what do I want for what I put in? Well, back to the garbage example. By taking it out I have to stop what I am doing, and be around a stinky bag for about 2 minutes. Then, I have to find a clean bag to go in. That’s the work. What do I get out of it? First, I have done something that my boyfriend usually does, so that will make him happy. I won’t have to avoid that part of my kitchen due to a smell coming from the trash bin. I get fresh air and that is never bad. And when I have something to throw away next time I won’t have to put my foot in the full dirty bin to do so.
What does this have to do with anything? It has to do will everything. If you want nice teeth, you put the work in brushing, flossing and rinsing. If you want to get ahead in this world- it’s not by taking short cuts, most of those are dead ends.
I bring this up, because I have been pondering on an offer for a cold read. A “cold read,” is a term used in the theatre/film business to define the reading of a script aloud without rehearsal or practice. Agents and casting directors have actors do a cold read to see how good of an actor you really are. They are not easy, and the one giving the cold read knows that. If an actor can showcase their capability and talent during a cold read than the actor has a better chance at landing the part. Sometimes an actor is given a day with a script to prepare for an audition, that would not be considered a cold read. Only minutes before an audition an actor is handed a scene and in that time, they have to read over the script, memorize the first line, give their character a background, know their line cues and be aware of what story is being told.
I recently was asked to do a cold read by the best agency in Salt Lake City, McCarty Talent Agency, and I have not yet set a date to do so because I am scared. But if I want to get a job, I need to be represented, and to do that I need to meet with someone and do a cold read. So, I need to do some work to reap any benefits. I need to practice doing cold reads; the only way to prepare for a cold read is to do a cold read.
Meanwhile, I have other work to do. I need to recovery from a severe allergic reaction, catch-up on school work, keep up 40 hours at the pharmacy, go to the gym regularly and learn a monologue.
All of that can be seen as work, and it is, but it is also fun and necessary.
If you want something bad enough and you are willing to work hard for it, you will get it.
