What's new & a great free film script site.

Hello all,

Been busy on some projects, so I haven't posted for a while. Was on the new Jane Lynch show, Angel From Hell (4th episode). And it got cancelled after the 6th show. Last time I shot scenes for a new show, it got cancelled before my episode aired, so I guess this time was better ...

Except - that means no residuals. If you're on a network show that runs for a while (as a co-star or guest star), you can expect to pick up another couple of thousand dollars in residuals when the show re-runs. If it gets cancelled, the pay checks end for everyone - star and extra alike.

Sold a short story I wrote, but since that has nothing to do with this site other than maybe what I've talked about in other posts - which is to get into something that goes along with acting - like writing - so you can create your own stuff and not always wait for the phone to ring with a call from your agent.

Anyway, for those of you who follow this blog, here's a nice link. It goes to a site with over a hundred, mostly new, film scripts. And it's free! Check it out for some scenes you can do in class, or as a great course in how to write a script that sells.

http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/free-script-downloads/


Cheers,


Michael

Actor resolutions for the new year

Happy New Year! 

While I'm not big fan of making a bunch of resolutions, sometimes it does help to list a few goals. Of course we could do this at anytime. We can make a list of things in March that we want to accomplish in April. But since it's traditional to do the list thing at the beginning of a new year, let's take a look at some things that might go on our "actor" list.

Getting into a good class is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. There are so many benefits to doing this - learning and growing as an actor of course, but also making friends and contacts, as well the chance to explore other areas of show biz like writing, directing, and producing.

I've been away from a good improv group for awhile, so I think I'm going to look around for a new one to join so I can keep those vital skills sharp.

And new headshots! If you don't have them, it's time to research photographers, find one you like, and get some shots. Mine are a few years old, so I may get some new ones this year. (PS - if you're in Los Angeles and need a photographer, I know a good guy to go to - he's both talented and actor friendly - email me for contact info. And no, I don't get a kickback for recommending him!)

And even though there many other things that could go on our list, I'll add one more important one - Acting! Let's all strive to do more work this year. Doesn't matter if it's in a feature, a short student film, or a play at a small theatre. Maybe sing or do standup comedy at an open mic, or make our own YouTube video sketch.

We're all endowed with the ability to be creative, so let's embrace the new year and show the world why we call ourselves "performers."

Cheers,

Michael

Do people still get "Discovered?"

Jason from Harrisburg, PA wrote in and asked this question, Do people still get "Discovered?" And if so, where?

Hey Jason - thanks for your email. Discovered is a tricky word. If you mean do people get discovered for films and TV when they are just sitting around somewhere, hanging out? Or walking down the street? Maybe one in a million. 

Seriously. In the old days, even before my time, the studios had talent scouts that went to beauty contests and sporting events to find potential talent to be tested at the studio. And sometimes they even found talent at a soda fountain or by simply walking down the street. 

But those days are long gone. You can figure that anybody who approaches you in a mall or somewhere and asks you if you want to be an actor / star, is probably going to try to scam you in some way - usually for money or sex.

But if you mean do people get offered representation, or parts in a film or show, if they are seen performing in something? Yeah, that happens. In fact it's pretty much the only way it does happen. You have to be doing something in order for someone to discover you. Let's take a look at what that means.

Below is a list of the types of things you can do to get "discovered." I've listed them in order of their strengths, but some of them are very close. Having a good role in a feature film (even a ultra low-budget one) that does well at festivals will probably get you some real attention. Doing extra work or short films are the least likely ways to get discovered. There are exceptions to this, but not many.

Note: I was an exception to this - I was interviewed for an extra role and the producer saw my interview and brought me in to read for a principal role, and cast me. But like I said, it's really rare for that to happen.

So, here's my list:

Making your own ultra low-budget feature video and entering it in contests and festivals

Doing stand-up comedy 

Doing your own thing on the internet (mainly YouTube or Funny or Die.)

Performing in a play

Doing improv and/or sketch shows

Modeling

Singing in a club / cabaret

Doing extra work on films and TV

Doing student or short films

A last note about the list - the stuff has to be of good quality. If you're doing stand-up comedy and you suck (sorry to be blunt), you're not going to get discovered. If the film you're in is horrible (and not in a good way), it's not going to help your career. 

And finally, even if your web series on YouTube is great, people have to see it, which means you also have to promote the hell out of it. Felicia Day went all over town putting up fliers for "The Guild" before it took off and helped her career.

Cheers,

Michael

Are things slowing down during the holidays? Here's a suggestion.

Well, the holidays are approaching and things are going to slow down audition-wise. But for me that means I'll have more time to work on my own projects.

And this is what all of us creative types should be doing. How about a pre-new year's resolution that we have some new projects online by the first of the year?

As for me. I've started taping the first few shows of The Gab Fest, a short talk show I'm doing with the talented Alison Dean. They should be ready to go up on YouTube right after the first of the year.

And my business partner and I are going to tape two instructional videos for YouTube on how to use improvisational exercises to increase your brain power. And they'll contain some funny sketches that illustrate the exercises. Should be a fun shoot.

Even when things are a bit slow for the professional work, we can create and act.

As for you guys - If you love to act (and/or write, direct, produce), write up a sketch, get some friends together, and shoot it! Then send me the links to anything you've created. I'd really be interested in seeing what my readers are up to.

Cheers,

Michael