The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

THE ORIGINAL SCREEN TEST

After a lot of very hard knocks in the 1930s, Lyle had been given the opportunity to do a screen test for the second biggest studio in town, Warner Bros.

Lyle arrived at the studio looking his best, his dark hair shimmering with brilliantine, his two-tone wingtips just as shiny.  In his years as a travelling theatre actor, [he] cultivated habits that helped carry him through life.  He didn't have the steadiest of moral compasses, or much in the way of self-knowledge, and he would later be undone, more than once, by his love of a strong drink or the wrong woman.  (By the time he arrived in Hollywood, he had already ended a two-year marriage, to a strage actress, and had four more marriages ahead of him.)  But he always maintained his habits of professionalism, and of small ateentions to himself--the sort of ruotines that can hold a person together when little else does.  Lyle always showed up on time, and he always knew his lines.  He never left the house unless he was well turned out, anointed with Lilac Vegetal, a clean white handkerchief in his pocket.

One thing Lyle felt certain of: the material he had chosen for his test was perfect!  It was a scene from "Louder, Please," a play he'd done in Dallas.  He had played Herbert White, a brash and charming publicity man for a movie studio who runs afoul of the studio's obnoxious head of production.  The dialogue was quippy; the pace was modern and frenetic, with a lot of ringing phones and shouting.  In Dallas, Lyle's performance had earned him some of the strongest reviews of his career. 

Did it cross Lyle's mind that somebody in Hollywood might take offense at such an acid portrait of Hollywood?  It did not.  After all, the studio in the play was fictional.  After Lyle delivered all his lines, crisp and fast, the director walked over and said, "Talbot, that scene you did -- was that from a play called, 'Louder, Please'?"  Lyle nodded.  "Well, that play is kind of taboo on the lot here," the director continued. "The man you referred to as King, the one you're having a conflict with, is the head of this studio.  I don't think, uh, this test is something you want the studio head to see."

Lyle swallowed.  "Can we do it over?"   The answer was no.

Opportunity knocks and sometimes we are ready -- or we think we are ready.  Political blunders are rarely intentional, but can quickly kill a great casting, booking, or meeting.  Having advisors close at hand to help you navigate the unknown is one smart move, but being aware of the industry and who's who within it is an equally smart move on the talent's behalf. 

Lyle Talbot went on to become a household name starring alongside Carole Lombard, Barbara Stanwyck, and Bette Davis, despite his poor screen test choice.  You can reach the full article in The New Yorker. 

I am continually shocked by the choices talent make when they get an opportunity to read for an important CD or even meet me as an agent.  Bold and appropriate (or educated) choices excite me; whereas poor or humdrum choices make us want to pass before the actor even gets through their first 10 seconds.  Are you making the best choices to keep us interested and engaged?

WHAT ARE WE UP TO?

The Avenue's talent have been busy this year!  Just a few recent releases that we can share . . .

This holiday's Houchen's IGA commercial features Barbara Ann Brown, Diana Moseley, and Jack Cook.

 

 

And Kristy Lee Cook's newest release "Airborne Ranger Infantry" features Katie Napier and Trevor Roderick.  Visit our Facebook page to see the full video link and watch Trevor get shot!  (And while you're there, click the LIKE button and help us get to 1000!)

     

WHO IS FEATURED IN ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE?

The answer is Jared Carter!  Jared worked alongside Alan Rickman on the set of CBGB recently.  The move is yet to be released, but Rolling Stone spoke with Jared a few days prior to his shoot to find out more about the movie, his fellow actors, and his role as David Byrne from the Talking Heads.

To read more about the night club, it's owner, and the long history of rockers who have graced it's stage -- and who will now be portrayed in theatres around the world in 2013 -- check out the actual Rolling Stone article CBGB FILM FINISHES SHOOTING.

 

WHAT SUSTAINS THE CREATIVE MIND?

New York actors were asked what sustains them day after day working in their creative endeavor.  Their answers were uninhibited.

CD Scott Powers says:  Wow! Nobody should look at actors the same way again! The clichéd actor stereotype has bit the dust. Thanks for all the well-thought-out replies - everyone one of them inspiring in their own way. And THAT'S what we mean by us being special - you just proved it.   Below are all the replies; please read all of them, you are sure to pick up some that resonate with you and will sustain you.

 
Writing down all of the things I've accomplished in the past year, and looking at that list frequently.

Doing something everyday, no matter how small, to move forward in creating contacts and making myself more visible.

Saying affirmations while looking at myself in the mirror. It's really hard to do at first, but I think it helps.

Getting involved with projects I care about and being with other artists I care about.

God and His grace are what keep me breathing

Every time a casting goes well

Watching myself improve and gain confidence

Knowing that I am not "just" an actor. To know that if this all goes to hell, I have intrinsic value and so much to offer besidesgives me strength to "go for it" without inhibition.

Loving what I do.

Less is more...If I can't fully commit to something. I simply don't do it. I go in 100 % and sometimes i fall on my face but at least I know I gave my all with no regrets. My time is my most valuable asset and if I'm not going to give it my ALL than it's not worth it.

I watch inspiring documentaries, inspiring bio pic films, visit the museum, reading moving books that feed my spirit. I do work on myself and always work from integrity because it's foundation of life. Without Integrity nothing works. Honoring my promises I make to myself first.

Being connected to the source of my gifts and my life.

Understanding that before I am an entertainer I am a light.

Knowing how to come back home to myself.

Looking for love and acceptance within my own heart.

Faith to stay in the present moment.

The sound of applause after a good improv show. Doing a good improv show is such a success.

Seeing my friends succeed in this business encourages me not to stop trying.

Creating my own work; making things happen on my own.

Meeting industry that already "knows" me.

My parents, who believe in me, and still call me their little star!

Hearing the laughter from the audience when you've just nailed a funny line!

The rehearsal process, joy, laughter, and comraderie

Several community theaters in New England are refurbished churches; and it is so fitting because Theater, like all art forms, feeds the soul.

It took a great deal of maturity, but knowing NOT to take it personally if I don't get a part.  I've done the work. I can act. I just may not be what they are physically looking for. 

I never gave up on anything. I refuse to lose. I dont give up. Ever

When your daughter says, Dad, I was watching a movie last night on TV and all of a sudden You popped up on the screen, WOW. you didn't tell me you were in that one.  Hey, we went to the movies last night and there you were right in the middle of things as big as life. What a thrill to see someone we know personally in a movie.

Hello Peter, This is casting calling to see if you are available tomorrow for a featured spot in 'What's Your Number' as "Uncle Charlie' ?. Ah, let me check my calendar.

Morgan Freeman called me over shared his heater with me on the first cold day of the season. At the end of the shoot when he was leaving the set, he walked by me and shook my hand and said, "It was great working with you."  I said to myself, Wow, What a Class Act."

An understanding of what I bring to the world - bridge building.  I look to connect people, connect "situations" with solutions or resolutions and provide clarity to otherwise confusing and daunting tasks.

Loving the things I do in life which sustain me (even when they're annoying, like my survival jobs and the fact that I, HAVE THEM).

Always seeking a new thing to learn every day.

Mind games with myself.  For example, when someone asks how I'm doing, my normal response usually is "Another day in Paradise".  Most folks usually scoff at that, to which I retort "that's my story and I'm sticking to it."  The responses usually shift to amazement.

Throw folks a curve ball in life that's unexpected.  For example, one of my joys is driving a bus.  I drive a line run to Atlantic City on weekends whenever I'm not doing a show or other artistic endeavors.  When a (female) passenger boards my bus and informs me it's their birthday today, I usually say "oh, that's nice, happy birthday" then they take their seat.  What they don't know is when I reach my last pick-up and make my announcements about Atlantic City protocol, I will walk the length of the bus towards where that person is sitting and just before I finish my announcements, I'll ask the question "Oh, by the way, what's you name again?" to which they'll tell me, then I belt out HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  The responses I get amongst the passengers: PRICE-LESS.

PRAYER/FAITH. These go hand in hand

Optimism- for each No, i'm closer to my Yes.

Determination- there is nothing else for me. Been workin since 14yrs old and I believe Ive been in almost every field from food service to nursing to finance to law enforcement. Since I was 7 I knew I was an Actor/character.

Passion- I eat, sleep, breath my craft and know that its my gift from God.

Perserverence- my drive to excel and never quit. Don't focus on how many ppl doin the same thing but concentrate on the unique talents I have to offer.

No Sense- not enough to even think For one minute that I won't make it. As long as I stay dedicated, there is no failing.

Physical well-being: having a gym, yoga, dance class, etc. routine. Maintain a good diet.

Mental well-being: keeping an audition journal, having an understanding friend/roommate/partner that you can vent to without getting negative feedback, writing your memoirs or an anonymous online blog. Join a book club, check out novels from the library for your daily subway commute.

Creative well-being: watching local TV shows. Taking acting class, voice lessons, etc.

Emotional well-being: making sure you keep up a social life/dating life! Keep it in check (going out is expensive!), but do make time to see your friends and go on dates (or take your partner out if you're in a relationship) - doesn't have to cost money, and you can combine them with other goals such as going out to see a show or taking a walk in the park.

Financial well-being: having a flexible day job or side catering/waitering job. Unemployment. Barter with friends for mutual coachings if you're short on money for lessons.

Weekly one-on-one coaching keeps me audition-ready at all times.

Always maintain curious attitude without being intrusive.

Bringing everything I work on to a higher level.

Seeing I've played my position on the team (shoot) to the best of my ability and have had fun doing it.

Learning for forgive -- especially myself .

I got in this by the back door -- through looking to better express emotions like vulnerability. Finding out I had talent was a major surprise. I learn something new every day which is a hoot!

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to Prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Heb.11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

1 Cor. 2:9 - No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

Isaiah 30:18 - The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Ecc 5:19 - Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy with his work---this is a gift of God.

Faith

Belief in myself

Belief in the Universe and Natural Law

Family

Friends

Recognizing the strengths of others and knowing I have the ability to surpass what has already been proven possible.

Recognizing the weaknesses in others and knowing i am nothing like them and will never be like them.

The joy and happiness that comes from setting and obtaining goals.

Being lucky and grateful of having the people who inspire me most in my life.

Realizing my potential and refusing to do it injustice.
 

 

What sustains YOU day in - day out?

PATRICK HIGG'S NEW SHOW ON CMT!

The Avenue Agency's Patrick Higgs, an Evansville man, and his family are the focus of a new CMT Channel series "Redneck Rehab," which premieres Saturday.

Patrick Higgs is an aspiring actor who grew up in Newburgh but has spent the past 10 years in Evansville. Higgs has long sought the drama limelight,from the days when he dressed in drag for showings of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show,"first in the 1980s at Ross Theatre and eventually at Mesker Amphitheatre. In the process, according to the show description, he alienated his family.

For the past six months, however, Higgs has refocused on his acting career.

Courtesy CMTPress.com On board to join his family for a camping trip, Patrick must adjust to his new surroundings of dirt, guns and beer. While he may complain along the way, thereís no denying the redneck in his blood as his family welcomes him back with muddy arms and reminds him that thereís no shame in this rowdy lifestyle.

 

Contributed photo / Erin Ivie Patrick Higgs has a redneck intervention on the new CMT series.

 

 

Higgs says his ultimate goal is to make it big in the world of acting and lead the luxurious lifestyle while remaining true to himself.

"My agent is trying to focus on films, TV series and just trying to take it to that next level for me," Higgs said. "I haven't really worked (in the business) for the last 20 years, so I'm still a fresh face."

The road to that has him scouring casting calls for opportunities. It was on one of his regular visits with his Nashville agent at The Avenue Agency that he learned about the CMT show.

To read more about Patrick, CMT's Redneck Rehab, and Patrick's family, visit the full article in the Evansville Courier & Press.

Higgs will be with his family to watch the episode, which will air at 9 p.m. CDT Saturday on CMT.

"I'm very proud of it," Higgs said. "We're just one big, strange, happy family."

Check out Patrick tomorrow night and let him know what you think of the premiere!

INDIAN VS. THE CHIEF

No, we're not talking baseball here.  We are talking the leaders vs. the followers.  The most important note to make is that as a talent, you must learn how to be both.  The next step after that is learning how to know when to lead and when to follow.

Casting Director Scott Powers shares his advice on the subject of how to follow and when to lead. 

The hallmark of a good actor is "takes direction well." Makes adjustments. As performers, we are many times on the receiving end: being told what to do by a director, photographer, agent, casting director, your teacher. Mom might even figure in there somewhere.
 
What can happen is that the actor insidiously falls into a trap: the permanent mode of always expecting to be told what to do. And can't move until. This is where obviously an actor runs into trouble. And can't quite understand why things aren't clicking, especially after being so obedient. Remember: only you can advance your career. So much has been written about the necessity of being pro-active [get-off-your-butt] that we won't re-hash that one more time. But what is most important is: knowing how and when to shift out of the Follow mode and into the Lead mode.
 
A good rule of thumb: in the in-between times of their not telling you to do something, you should automatically be telling yourself to do something.
 
Taking this concept one step further: know when to think and when not to think.   Many actors have been in acting classes where the instructor says, "Don't think," "Get out of Your Head," "Don't Intellectualize," "Be in the Now." They are correct when trying to get a truthful performance out of an actor. Here's what's forgotten: when you're finished acting, turn your thinking switch back on and then continue to be able to take care of yourself. Some actors, in learning the craft of acting, have little by little unlearned how to think, dumbed themselves down and have insidiously become helpless, hopeless individuals requiring the care and supervision of friends, family and the kindness of strangers. Do not do this to yourself.
 
Knowing when to shift gears is a big key to success and longevity. If you're looking for an industry that runs on yin/yang, right brain/left brain, lead/follow, think/don't think, passive/aggressive, and an undercurrent of S/M thrown in for good measure; congratulations, YOU'VE FOUND THE RIGHT BUSINESS!

When should you take the lead?  And when should you take direction?

LABOR DAY

Happy Labor Day!  What are you doing in front of a screen?  You should be celebrating all the hard work you've put into your career by kicking back, relaxing, watching a football game, or lounging by the lake (or ocean for those lucky few)! 

While Labor Day might be a relaxing break for most of us, Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, and Tobey MaGuire are hard at work on a new movie called . . . that's right, LABOR DAY!  It may conjure up thoughts of fun, laughter, and good times with friends for most of us, but the movie has us in for a surprise.  Set to release in 2013, the drama tells the story of a depressed single mother who offers to help someone else.  Sadly, the person in need is not who she assumed and things turn unfortunate for Kate. 

Keep an eye out for Labor Day to hit theatres . . . and make your Labor Day holiday more of a safe comedy!

DOES YOUR FACEBOOK HELP YOUR CAREER?

Social media becomes a bigger factor in booking on almost a daily basis.  Repeatedly in the past few months, I have heard producers, directors, and photographers say things like, "I wanted to know more about [insert your name here], so I checked out his/her facebook page and saw . . . "   That lead in has ended with some really positive statements and translated into a booking for the named talent.  It has also sometimes began a displeasurable rant about politics, sexuality, religion, and other topics. 

Social medias are a new front for marketing, entertainment, and communication.  Like most new things, we are going to have to learn some lessons the hard way before the younger generations are coached on how to use them effectively.  Since most of us are already adults and making an effort to join the technological era, these words from BackStage blogger Mercedes Rose are well-timed.

Social media does make a difference. A producer in the room for final callbacks recalled a recent very negative Facebook posting one of the actor had recently done. The producer immediately said he wasn't "overly excited" about the prospect of that negative energy coming to set. Now, I totally understand that one negative FB status does not a negative actor make. The point is: this producer didn't want to take that chance. And that is his right as the one doing the hiring.

In his new book, Talking Back to Facebook: A Common Sense Guide To Raising Kids in the Digital Age, Steyer explores some of the effects of digital media and outlines strategies for avoiding what he calls RAP — relationship issues, attention/addiction problems and privacy pitfalls — while navigating the digital world.  "Young people in particular often self-reveal before they self-reflect," Steyer tells Fresh Air's Dave Davies. "There is no eraser button today for indiscretion."

There is a place for personal discussions in life - it is between those involved and in private.  There is also a time for venting and bouncing ideas off of trusted sources - it is again, between those involved and in private.  Social medias are too easily accessible, too quickly completed, and too likely to not be filtered based on statistical analysis noted in the book, Talking Back to Facebook. 

There are ways to make certain posts visible to a specific group of friends; say, your family of origin, for example.  Keep in mind, though, that the information you posted may only be immediately visible to those you choose, but it is still accessible out there on the worldwide web.  No need to have haunting things pop up later when you make it big, right?

 

How are you using your social media positively?  What results have you seen?

HOW TO DO A SCOTTISH ACCENT

If you read the blog earlier this week, you might be playing in three leaf clovers with your new irish accent.  Next up, the scottish accent! You might be thinking "but aren't these basically the same thing?" NO!  To the untrained ear, they may sound similar, but the difference is important. So what better example to showcase a scottish accent than with Disney's new movie Brave which takes place in Scotland.

It's all in the pronunciation you say? Why yes, it totally is. For example, the scottish only emphasize and roll one "r" and words ending in "ing" are pronounced normally but the "g" is dropped. Also, The letter "i" is spoken like "ayt" as in "right" and "fight". All of these rules might be hard to learn by by reading text, so check out this video where Gareth Jameson, an actor and voice coach, teaches the basics of a Scottish accent:

 

Are you BRAVE enough to learn the Scottish accent?

 

HUGE SAG-AFTRA NEWS

Huge SAG-AFTRA news regarding commercial and music video residuals. "What residuals," you ask?  Keep reading to find out more . . .

“This agreement . . . delivers good terms for dancers and other performers who work in music videos  (and) sets the first industry-wide standard for wages and working conditions in music video production,” said negotiating committee member and dancer Sharon Ferguson, who has worked with music video artists including Prince and No Doubt.

“That’s huge!” she added.

On the commercials front, rather than begin negotiations in October as previously planned, SAG-AFTRA and the advertising industry will “pursue a ‘Clearinghouse Project’ designed to address some of the data challenges encountered during the (GRP) Pilot Project,” according to the union.

The GRP concept, which has been under study for over three years, could result in a large change to the way commercials residuals are calculated. It would have no effect on the calculation of the entertainment residuals that are more familiar to Hollywood.

Click here to read the full article published by The Hollywood Reporter.

Can it be possible that a music video might grant a talent SAG-AFTRA eligibility?