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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jul 7, 2007 10:17:50 GMT -5
From Maria Knapp: One of my favorite episodes of Friends takes place on New Year's Eve and each character is announcing their New Year's resolution. Joey says he is going to learn to play the guitar, because he thinks that he ought to be able to do at least one of the special skills on his acting resume.
I have seen a lot of odd special skills on resumes. "Able to lift single eyebrow" is strange, but it makes sense. A director may be looking for exacetly that. But "tongue whipping"? I'm not even sure what that means, unless it is scolding someone. Also "painting plaster cowboys." I would love to create a list of the strangest special skills people have every read.
So if you've ever read a resume and thought "They do what?" or if you have an odd or interesting special skill, list it here!
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jul 7, 2007 6:23:26 GMT -5
AFTRA has a new Office in Cincinnati:
1056 Delta Avenue #4 Cincinnati, OH 45208
phone: 513.579.8668 fax: 513.579.1617 email: tristate@aftra.com
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jul 4, 2007 8:19:49 GMT -5
I never got a tattoo. I have friends who have a plethora of them. I have mixed feelings about tattoos on actors and models. First of all. I believe the surge in tattoos came with Generation X. and later when their parents who wanted to be cool (and missed their opportunity while being raised by unapproving WW2 or baby boomer aged parents) and imitated the practice. Actors have had tattoos over the years. Sean Connery has them on his arms. Roseanne Barr has one lower. The Johnny Depp's break up to Winona Ryder had him change his tattoo dedication to her from Winona Forever to Wino Forever. (Clever!) I believe Gwynneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore have joined Angelina Jolie in the Hollywood GenX actress tattoo Club. Many talent get them for their reasons or just as expression. I am torn. As a talent counselor I believe that an actor has to be able to transform themselves into a character. When you play a hip cool "today" kind of character a tattoo comes in great (they have temporary henna ones). When you are playing historical or unhip characters from other eras, the tattoos become a nuisance. I have seen many actors apply tons of make up to cover their 'body expression' before filming a scene or acting on stage. Hidden or unobtrusive tattoos seem to be fine, but as we near the tail end of tattoo/belly button piercing mania few stop at one. I cast a commercial recently where they needed some 'slackers' working in a short order kitchen. They were looking for Jay and Silent Bob types. I found them. Problem? After filming their hilarious scene, the client shelved the ad. Why? Their tattoos. They were too identifiable or maybe too many of them for a family friendly ad about going back to school. They were paid for a day of filming, but their scenes landed on the cutting room floor. One of my teen actresses had to be talked out of a FACIAL tattoo. Another out of excessive ear piercings. (Even eyebrow piercing, ouch!) Of course, most body expression can be a phase. I know my own younger brother is embarrased by his 3 large arm tattoos (a pegasus, Stray Cat and Yin-Yang tattoos) as he climbs up the corporate sales ladder. He got them in his tae teens and early slacker 20s. He now refuses or is embarrased to go on some boating and summer excursions with his company for fear they see his body art. And they fade with age. So before you make the decision to add or try one, let me direct you here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQQQGFaizcs
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 25, 2007 4:07:27 GMT -5
The last part was tongue in cheek ~ MJ
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 24, 2007 21:13:09 GMT -5
First it is very hard to get into voice work without the tools to market and work in the voice business. Check list 1. Your agent will market you as a voice talent 2. You have a demo 3. You have a link of your demo on your web page 4. You can receive audition notices and scripts via fax/email 5. You have a suitable home studio to record demos and auditions (which include a professional microphone and digital audio software to edit your work, transfer files via MP3 and a fast modem - cable, DSL or ISDN line). 6. You should have a good working relationship with most of the recording studios and producers in your area. 7. Your demo should represent your best work. 8. If your demo is NOT getting you work, record a new one. 9. You market yourself as a voice talent 10. You still need help..contact us!
And remember... if you can't record an answering machine message well...you maybe looking at the wrong career path!
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 24, 2007 11:32:52 GMT -5
Marketing the Acting Child As a casting director and acting coach, I was given an emergency casting for a local, but union commercial. They were looking for a diverse group of children within a certain age range. I agreed to help with the casting using my resources. Over the years, I have had a great number of talented children in my Creative Kids Talent Workshop program. Most children come to me to work on bolstering their personality, creative thinking and self esteem. Another group of these kids are interested in acting and want to learn about stage, film and voice technique for the actor. I lump the final group of Creative Kids as die hard actors who get listed with talent agents, have their own resumes and demos and use my program to hone their audition skills for plays, commercials and film projects. The problem I face as an acting coach and counselor is that some of the parents who place their kids in my program tend to forget about the marketing aspect of the business. Keeping headshots current, a good resume or even an actor's web page help promote talent these days. Most parents rely on school pictures or photos from GlamorShots™ as their primary marketing tool. These will work in a pinch, but do not reflect the professionalism some producers and directors are looking for when casting a project. So I now list some easy ways to get your marketing current, quickly and effectively. 1. A one on one live consultation: www.keen.com/mjfprod2. A marketing class: www.actindy.com/career3. Get a good head shot! (If your child's pictures are 1 ½ + year old, get new ones!) 4. Look into having a comp card designed and printed. 5. Put together a contact/update letter listing all statistics, sizes and relevant numbers & addresses. (Be sure to attach 2 current pictures – adhere by glue stick.) 6. Put a resume together. 7. Make an online resume. 8. Study what other talent are using to promote their acting career. 9. Don't play innocent. (Professionals KNOW what they need or should have.) 10. If you believe none of these pertain to you, read this: www.actindy.com/advice.
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 24, 2007 11:25:31 GMT -5
Friends all over the Place: Actor & Comedian
As a commercial actor, I have always relied on my agent/s to be professional and forthright when it came to contractual negotiations and the protection of my likeness used in ads for TV, print and radio. But in the years I have been a casting director and worked with many agents and managers, I have come to realize that agents are in the dark about a job (project) about half of the time. Let me explain...
I was called in to do a TV ad for a water park located in Florida. The TV ad was going to be filmed here in the Midwest. A simple (funny) ad where 'average joe' opens mailbox and gets deluged by a flood of water. And then finds a coupon for the water park inside the now dripping mailbox. It was quite an explosive, wet afternoon of filming. The production company provided 10 of the same red polo shirts believing I was going to need that many for re-takes. The house was in a nice neighborhood. The woman who owned the house could not have been any nicer, as she demanded that I stand, freeze and dress in her garage between takes. This was late March and her reasoning was that by standing in her garage I would not get her carpet wet. Of course, I watched as the film production crew went in and out of her house dealing with electrical plugs and issues, kraft services or just to keep warm. And all the while dragging mud in with them everytime they stepped inside on that carpet.
But this is the story of my relationship with stand up comedians. As a professional actor, I have met all kinds of talented people in the entertainment industry. I have always been drawn to comedy and have performed primarily as a comic actor ever since I started out. I have been in some very funny projects, plays and ads. Along the way I have met quite a number of comedians and stand-up comics. Many of whom I am still close with today. I used to do stand-up comedy in college. It paid the bills after working some during vacation breaks. I used to write for a comedian friend of mine (who recently died of cancer, but never died on stage "wop- bop-hey!") and in return would let me do quite a few of the gigs on dates he could not make. (Management was ok with this for some strange reason.)
Here are a few things I know about stand up comedy:
1. Your routine is your 'friend'. 2. Don't screw around and lose, abuse or misuse your 'friend'! 3. Never steal another comedian's 'friend' 4. And...While touring...you are going to watch a lot of TV!
Now here is why #4 has always been important. Since stand-up comedians travel and watch a lot of television. They have (over the years) been able to tell me when they have seen me in a commercial and better yet,where. Case in point, the water park commercial. I was told that it was only going to be shown in a local Florida market. A comedian friend of mine told me he saw it in Texas and Los Angeles. Using this information, I was able to contact my agent and re-negotiate a new and better deal with the producers. More than tripling my original fee. My friendship and respect for stand-up comedians has been quite rewarding in more ways than one. And another reason I tell talent to show a little respect to those in other aspects of the business.
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 23, 2007 8:18:32 GMT -5
Ok! The question of the Week is should talent play sports?
A: Yes! An actor should be well rounded with many talents. These could even include mastering cards, magic tricks, horseback riding, a foreign dialect as well as the triple threat of acting/singing/dancing. I played soccer from 2nd grade through my 40s. I was still playing baseball in my late 30s. And I continue to play softball in my late 40s. Staying active is an important part of maintaining an actor's longevity. Just last summer I had to lug about 70lbs of scuba equipment all day on a commercial shoot. A few summers ago, I had to fall backwards on a deck about 50 times in another TV shoot. Other talent I have worked with have done handsprings for a 'back to school' ads. Danced for a heating & cooling company ads. And even ride roller coasters all day for Theme Park ads. (Yes! Even that is a skill!) I know yoga instructors, dance teachers, and lots of talent martial artists...all actors! Playing or being involved with sports or fitness is a very important part of an actor's regimen. And it's not just for the young. Stay active!
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 8, 2007 23:12:58 GMT -5
You have chosen your career! Acting! But what now?
Well! Let's breakdown the Entertainment Industry:
Stage acting Local shows require a commitment of 5-7 weeks. They usually rehearse at night and on weekends. Performances and matinees on weekends. You are pretty much tied to the theater if you are dedicated to making the show a success. Regional & National Touring Shows require a bigger commitment. You will be on the road for long stretches. You have to pack, possibly sublet your place, and keep moving with the company.
Film Acting Wanna make money? Find a film agent. Get your union card. And realize that you may have a commitment that ranges from a few days to a few months.
TV acting Wanna make money? Find a TV agent. Get your union card. Go to a market that has more than 5 professional television production companies. Audition. Audition. Audition. Commitment? Maybe a few months to a few years.
Modeling Have pictures, have composite card, have portfolio...must travel. Find a great modeling agency that can guarantee you work. These agents usually create a bank fund for you and manage your money as well as your career. That way you are not stuck in Belgium for a shoot and need money to fly back to Brazil for that shoot on the beach. OK..Local modeling is available, too. If you have the right pictures and portfolio..and the right agent. There are enough photographers that will take you and your pictures and fly away. Get references. See their work in advance. Local models do local ads for newspapers, magazines, fliers, billboards and print ads. Lucrative for some...devastating for the unprepared. Beware of a new trend called the PHOTO BANK. A photographer will hire you for a small session fee, then sell your photo to many clients to use anywhere they wish. Digital piracy.
Commercial acting New challenges all the time. Auditions for ads, training films (what's a training film? ~ Ever take Driver's Ed and watched Blood Flows Red on the Highway? Or had a job where they made you sit and watch a training video?) There are ;ots of ads. With the right agent and look you can work constantly. Add more agents outside your region and double your chances at commercial acting success.
As you focus on one aspect of the acting profession, you will be able to branch out and market your talent in the others. You can do it! There have been actors for centuries. It is as noble a profession as any other. Now it is your turn.
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 8, 2007 20:34:41 GMT -5
Taking advantage of Relatives and Far Away Friends.
I love Jekyll Island Georgia. It was an island once owned completely by the Newport crowd of East Coast elite. It was where the Morgans, the Pulitzers, the Rockefellers, the Astors and others would live between New Years and the Easter season on Palm Beach. During World War II the government bought the island back from these families (since they deemed 1/6 of the world's wealth lived on that island). The 9 mile long, 2 mile wide island has since become a State Park. They have renovated the cottages and the Club House. There are rental cottages and a few very nice hotels on the island. There are also 6 golf courses. I used to go there every year as a kid. I made friends with the island kids at the marina where I fished daily. Over the years, I grew and started a family, they did the same. One Spring trip there, I arrived on the island with family and friends. A buddy of mine Scott (an islander I had known for 15+ years) called me when I arrived. He asked if I was still doing that dramatics! I said yes and he informed me that they were filming a movie on the island. I asked where the production company was staying. He told me of the hotel. I put together a contact letter, including a picture, small resume and info sheet on how to get a hold of me on the island. I dropped it off at the hotel and went off fishing. By the time I got home, I had a message from the production team. They wanted to know if I was available to shoot as an Extra for the next couple of days. I said yes. And for the next 4 days I was in the movie Glory, filming along side Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and this up and comer named Denzel Washington. The entire trip was all but a complete tax write-off because I went there "looking for work". It was a great time.
A few years back, My Aunt Mary near Buffalo had come across a movie audition notice. It was a James Garner picture. They were looking for glorified extras. Same situation. I was on an extended stay. I had the time to be involved in a few days of shooting.
I counsel many talent who visit specific vacation spots or relatives across the country. I give them these bits of advice which I now pass on to you:
1. If you know ahead of time where and when you are going on an extended stay (10 days to 2 weeks), contact an agent or management company in that area. Send marketing materials. 2. Carry a contact letter (easily editable), demos and definitely a head shot/comp card. 3. Always keep friends and relatives on notice when visiting there area. 4. Keep up to date on projects being filmed or done in THAT area. 5. Always keep good records of meals, mileage and miscellaneous, if you get work, they can all be a tax write off. These also include gas, phone bills, hotel rooms.
If you are cast..GREAT! If not, don't worry this time...the system works!
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 8, 2007 20:32:43 GMT -5
The Demo Reel What is a demo and how do I get one? Depending on what type of actor you are... stage TV film commercial or voice (Radio, narrator or voice talent) ...you should have some copy of your work. If you consolidate the best of your work, in your area of strength and match it to your marketing, it becomes a demo. Though demos should look professional, they have to be organic. Meaning...the ability to take off old or weaker samples to add new or stronger representations of your work. Steps 1 and 2: For the talent with Time and Money to do this... Get your work from producers, directors, agents Hire a editing studio Give them instructions and contact details to add on Design the packaging Mass produce For the talent starting out with limited resources... Get your work (all demos on Cds or Dvds) Use or borrow a computer that has a DVD drive Copy your work onto computer Burn a new disc with your consolidated work Or Upload your work onto a website like YouTube or Live Video (this way producers can see your demos online...they are on their computers anyway, right?) List your demo link on your resume. Remember you should use real or professional work samples, Using Uncle Fred's camera to film you in the backyard playing Shakespeare generally does not work well. For more information visit: www.actindy.com/manual
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 5, 2007 12:06:03 GMT -5
Ever wonder if you have what it takes to be a professional talent? Need some straight talk? www.actindy.com/adviceBeware! It may be the most brutally honest thing you have read about joining the business.
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 5, 2007 11:28:41 GMT -5
Parent with Acting Kid Question/Answer
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I received this email and decided to post it with my reply. If you have a child signed or looking to sign with an area talent agency, this might be of interest. ~ MJ
Hoosier Mom I viewed your profile I realized you are into the arts and I have been looking for info in indy for the past year to no avail regarding my son. I am a southern california transplant and grew up in the business and then did a lot of print modeling in my twenties....I'm a mom now, but have a really bright outgoing child and would love to talk to someone about modeling of acting for him. I have had him registered with artistic enterprises, they have called me once in the last year, i realize indy is a small market but i just haven't been in the area long enough to know what's legite and what's not. I hope this makes sense would love to have your professional insight and advice if you have the time....thanks so much!
Thank you for contacting me. The Indianapolis market can be considered a 'small market' based on certain factors in regards to your child. I list FOUR of them here: 1. Age ~ Most children get the brunt of their commercial and print work before the age of 10. These are the years before the gawkiness sets in. Braces, voice changing, growth spurts, baby fat. Not that any of these factors are prevalent in your child at this time, they are factors in decisions made when casting the child talent. 2. Your agent ~ The TOP THREE talent agencies in the area are Helen Wells, Artistic Enterprise (both union affiliated) and Act I (no longer union, but still maintains clients for TV, print and promotional work). ~ When it comes to auditions from these three, think of the local market as a M*A*S*H unit from the old TV show. At times, there is so much demand for your child's age group you will think you are just a taxi service for him. When at other times there is so much down time, you worry if you are still listed with them at all. 3. Keeping up with marketing. The agencies have had to deal with this aspect for years and years...does your child's current look match their pictures? When in contact with a client the agency will be trading information through resumes and pictures. As you probably remember from your own experience, your pictures are your calling card. If your boy looks like a mini George Clooney these days, but his pictures still have the Billy Idol hair cut from last summer, he may miss out on some work. Yes! There are many clients out there who will have a talent look see to compensate for this, but there are also the same number of clients who were given the green light and expected to hire talent immediately. They need the talent and they need the talent now. 4. Modeling Scams a. If you hear about an audition on the radio for a Hollywood casting agent, bring your checkbook. They will audition your child, but also try to hook you into joining one of the top area Modeling Schools marketing out there. You came for the audition, you left with $1800-$10,000 worth of classes. b. If someone approaches you at the Mall with a clipboard? Well, you know the routine. Even some recent mailers have been ingenious. c. The Hotel Model Expos. Round One... you were picked for Round Two. Round Two... Bring checkbook, for the same reason mentioned above.
OK, let's say that you are happy with your agent. They have an office close by, they know you or your child by their first name and their auditions have tried not to conflict with school. But you are not getting or winning auditions. Take in consideration these 3 things: 1. The agency is saturated with kids your son's age. 2. The agency is saturated with kids having your son's look. 3. The agency has been pushing another child since they are "hot" right now.
Joining another Agency isn't always the next step. I have always believed that you can groom your agent to work for you. At Artistic, you should be able to talk with Skip, Michelle or Kris about your child's situation. They usually tell it like it is. The same goes for Lori and Helen at the Helen Wells office. Just don't catch them in the middle of an audition or work order rush. Early mornings, right after lunch, or just before the end of the work day work best. Other than classes (which I will bring up later), what does the Agency need? New pictures, a demo, placement on the website? These are legitimate questions.
Now, about me! I have been hired by these agents and many others to help scout and cast agency kids for commercials. My program is the Creative Kids Talent Workshop. I am on call 24/7 to parents, like yourself, who want to market their children and cut through some of the nonsense in promoting their careers. I know all the area agents personally. I know the majority of ad agencies in this market and their creative directors (having and currently still working with them as a talent). I am in contact with production and recording studios. And I also know and support the majority of all the acting and theater programs for children in the area. Now comes the time to pinpoint what expectations you have and see how to achieve your goals.
If you would like to touch base, call me at 317-466-4100. I will go over this information and more.
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 5, 2007 1:30:02 GMT -5
#1 Determine your talent #2 Determine your skills #3 Build on your skills #4 Know your limitations #5 Build a support group (NO Family members!) #6 Learn to market (Get pictures and demos) #7 Keep a notebook on successes and failures #8 Network with other talent #9 Network with agents #10 Network with producers/directors #11 Study other talent (especially their success) #12 Put on blinders (do not fall into traps set by NO or YOU CAN'T-isms) #13 Keep up to date on the industry #14 Have a resume #15 Have a contact letter (How producers will reach you) #16 Have a phone, cell phone #17 Have an email address #18 Have a website dedicated to your career #19 Have a mentor! #20 Learn a new skill #21 Re-market your career to overcome complacency #22 Work on your career at least 2 hours a week (MINIMUM) #23 Do a play to learn lines and how to take direction and build a character #24 Take a class to hone skills #25 Have a monologue (two if possible... modern, classical) #26 Learn primary basic dance steps (even if you are NOT a dancer) #27 Learn a song a capella (even if you do NOT know how to sing well) #28 Learn professionalism #29 Keep temperamental moments in check #30 Help others (you WILL see them on the way up as well as during down time) #31 Know how to put on basic make-up #32 Look like your pictures #33 Learn to do at least one impersonation, magic trick or joke (ice breaker) #34 Know a costumer, costume designer or someone that sews very VERY well. #35 Keep a costume closet or chest (clothes, props and accessories you may need later) #36 Learn patience #37 Regiment a diet when needed #38 Save 10% of everything you earn...75% of everything you learn #39 Trust in yourself #40 Let go of auditions (win some, lose some, but...more will come) #41 Volunteering leads to respect #42 A reputation starts when you are not in the room #43 Support anyone's dream or desire (no matter how small or far fetched) #44 Stay away from naysayers #45 Be happy or at least look happy! #46 Learn new acting techniques (how to use a microphone, ear or teleprompter) #47 Learn how to improvise #48 Learn how to visualize (success) #49 Work on observation skills (IE..you don't need to be drunk to play a drunk) #50 Pass it forward!
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Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jun 5, 2007 1:26:53 GMT -5
Stage fright is just a nervous or anxious disorder based on anxiety. What it all comes down to is this...your body is telling you that you may fail so you get nervous. The problem is that it is your mind that is feeding this (garbage) condition to your body. You body reacts by pumping adrenaline. It is time to get both body and mind to SHUT UP!
Here are the steps I teach to bring body and mind in sync: #1 Be on top of the material you are going to perform or present. Know your lines. Or have a good idea of the speech. Practice not only what the words are, but how you are going to say them.
#2 Speaking lines or doing a part is all rhythm. If you learn your lines or speech or words like a song (using pacing) you will not mess up. Because you know the rhythm. And if you (momentarily) lose your place, just get back into rhythm. (If you are performing with others use their rhythm to find your place.)
#3 If you fail. Big deal. Your mind is just controlling you to be perfect. No one is perfect. All you and I can do is our best. Tell your mind that "you are cool!" You will survive. The sun will come up tomorrow. And you will have done a fine job.
#4 If you know where you are going to perform, go out early and walk the stage, so to speak. Yell! Sit or lie on the floor. Sometimes just by practicing in the spot you will perform will put you at ease. And then sit out in the audience and take in the feeling of what they see or how uncomfortable/comfortable their seats are.
#5 *IMPORTANT* Breathing: Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Be aware of your breathing. It will put your body in sync. Do this often. It will really calm you.
#6 Close your eyes and focus! Here is a quick exercise. Close your eyes and picture 2 mountains. Between the mountains is an ocean. Is the ocean rough or calm? If it is wavy or rough make the water and waves glassy smooth and calm by focusing your breathing. By doing this, you have actually calmed down your own subconscious' anxiousness and have gotten your focus on track.
#7. Also, just imagine, in your mind, how you will be performing and presenting. Over and over. Winning swimmers and runners see themselves playing out the entire race in their head beforehand. You too can imagine your presentation and see yourself doing well.
Remember! These 'fear' and 'stage fright' moments are all just in your head. They can be overcome through practice and by these steps: 1. Focus 2. Breathing 3. Visualization 4. And the Realization that you have the talent, resolve, spirit and enthusiasm to perform and do well.
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