Tuesday, August 26, 2014

INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS - Oh The Emails...

I receive tons of emails during the course of the days and weeks. I try to answer them all but it unfortunately time escapes me. In an effort to address these questions asked or the questions that Should be asked. I decide to make another entry in my Blog!! YAY!!!

My Hope and Prayer is that you are OPEN to these Tips:(disclaimer these are just Tips, Feel free to use what you need and discard what you don't)

Tip#1:  EDUCATION NEVER ENDS (for all of us)
Please Educate yourself on THIS Fabulous, Frustrating, Elusive, Challenging, Exciting Wonderful Business. This Industry is Everything You Want and Don't WANT it to be. Therefore there are a Few Things we should Discuss.

*Read Ladies and Gentlemen! There is NO WAY Around it! Do Not be opposed to READING. Learn to Enjoy RESEARCH?? DO you WANT to know?

Be THIRSTY for knowledge!

I receive emails with questions about this Business that can EASILY researched..WHY??
Question in my Head: Google Much?? Please do your research and look for the Answers.
Where should I go to Study Acting??
Do I need to Study first or Just go out for Auditions?
I'm naturally talented and I can memorize/imitate real good (real question)

STUDY THE CRAFT! Are you Studying?? IF Acting is your Passion?? YOU WILL STUDY IT!

*Get in Class. Theater Group. On camera Class, Scene Study, Character Analysis, Clowning, Improv*

Be Informed means.. READ THE TRADES!! READ THE TRADES!! READ THE TRADES!! 

Read Books on this Industry. Read Scripts. Join Theatre Groups and Foundations. BE in the world of your Business. There are a number of Organizations out there to become a Part. Find one that is right for you and Become A Member. Attend Film Festivals, Panel Discussions. Ask Good Questions an TAKE NOTES!

*Learn how the Business REALLY works, as opposed to how you think it should work*

Tip#2: DO THE WORK

Lately, I have received some interesting  Emails such as "Keep Me in Mind for Future Projects". Also some SPAM Tweets "Here is my Picture, I'm an Awesome Actor. Ready to be your next Diamond."

When emailing, Be Strategic. "Keep Me in Mind for Future Projects"??? Seriously, are you giving ME work to do? Build REAL relationships. Introduce me to Who You Are!
Share information on upcoming performances. Plays. Where can I catch you next?  Build a reel of strong work, you will be Remembered.  If you wish to Introduce yourself.. Thats Awesome. It also requires thought and intention.
I introduce and Re-Introduce myself ALL the time. I am Human just like you!

Understand that it will ALL come together in time. Sometimes when we RUSH.. we make a HUGE Mess. I've learned to Breathe before pressing the send button. (sometimes I fail) Ugghh

"Here's my Picture, I'm an Awesome Actor. Ready to be your next Diamond." If you haven't built a True Relationship with me, you might want to think about being more Strategic in your approach. When I say Strategy, I mean Do your research and make Smart Choices. For examples.. Read My Book!! (coming soon)

I understand its the Social Media Age, therefore this seems like the Best way to get Noticed,Become a Star or whatever you are Striving for.  Social Media may help you Initiate a Relationship or Continue the Evolution of an Existing Relationship. Nothing beats Building REAL Relationships!! NOTHING!! 


Tip#3: GROW WITH YOUR PEER GROUP 

This may be with your Acting Class, your Theater Group or those who are around you auditioning. You see each other all the time. You smile, wave, have coffee or even attend the same plays and workshops. You have starred in their Short Films, Student Films, Spec Commercials etc. This is Good!! It could be a Director, Producer, Writers, Acting Students, Production Students. You will Grow with your Peer Group. While listening to interviews of Actors, Directors and Producers who are successful in their craft, they all attended the same Schools. They were College or Conservatory roommates, attended acting classes or workshops together. Became Friends when times were lean. Believed in each other when No One else would. Helped each other finish projects! That peer group grew and supported each other. Beautiful Thing!

Look Around You!! This may be your Peer Group. In 3 years.. See who is still beside you. Pushing you! Supporting You!! Make a Mental Note!! This is gonna be GREAT!!






















8 comments:

Unknown said...

I could not agree with you more in terms of educating yourself in the field in which you are pursuing. Not only does education help with a better understanding but for me as actor it leads to empowerment. I feel more confident about situations and meetings when I am fully educated through my own research. Twinkie, I thank you for posting these blogs and continuing to share your information, "we are paying attention" I look forward to your book.
"Understanding that it will ALL come together in time"

AJ

Unknown said...

Thanks for this, Twinkie! God bless you, and I can't wait to read your book.

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed reading this ! I look forward to learning more and more from you everyday. I really found your anger and frustration blog interesting as we'll. I myself have never found myself feeling like the others you've spoke about, but I agree with what you said about the frustration taking away from the persons correct emotions !

Di.Smith said...

Twinkie, this was a very insightful post. What I got out of it for me. Is to make sure we build relationships outside of social media. With our peers and leaders as yourself. Educate, and prepare for what we are praying for!! Thank you so much! I will be buying a book. Blessings!!!

Unknown said...

Woooww!!! Tracy After reading this I feel like I know a little more about you. You're not just some hidden, unreachable casting director, you're a person and I'm soooo happy you have taken the time to reach out to us actors/artist and share your thoughts & experiences. So many things you shared in this blog hit home for me specifically "Education Never Ends" (Be Thirsty For Knowledge) as I have been debating on joining a two year acting program in NYC. Also "Build relationships & be strategic, sometimes us actors RUSH & don't think, in hopes to get to our dreams faster smh. I know I have been guilty of that just a few days ago, thank you for reminding me to take my time & breath. I am really looking forward to reading your book and I can't wait until you come to New York for a work shop or casting! Until then please continue to blog & be FABULOUS.
-Kajuana Marie

Kajuana Marie said...

Woooww!!! Tracy After reading this I feel like I know a little more about you. You're not just some hidden, unreachable casting director, you're a person and I'm soooo happy you have taken the time to reach out to us actors/artist and share your thoughts & experiences. So many things you shared in this blog hit home for me specifically "Education Never Ends" (Be Thirsty For Knowledge) as I have been debating on joining a two year acting program in NYC. Also "Build relationships & be strategic, sometimes us actors RUSH & don't think, in hopes to get to our dreams faster smh. I know I have been guilty of that just a few days ago, thank you for reminding me to take my time & breath. I am really looking forward to reading your book and I can't wait until you come to New York for a work shop or casting! Until then please continue to blog & be FABULOUS.
-Kajuana Marie

Unknown said...

Good stuff

Brian Watson said...

This is great advice. I would add doing spoken word at open mics and monologue events have helped me. I also advise Meet up groups for local actors and filmmakers has kept me in the loop having moved from Philly to Phoenix.