An Acting Journey

25 Days….

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Every day I turn on my computer at work and it goes to my homepage. Igoogle. On my Igoogle page, I have several countdowns. Mostly for future vacations, people's weddings, and exciting events. Right now… staring at me is this:

Yes, that's it. In 25 days I will complete my first half marathon, well that's the goal at least!

Anyone who knows me well may find this weird. I'm not much of an athlete. The last time I was super healthy, I was in college and was forced to dance every day. I am not one to just decide to do something this extreme.. but here I am, 25 days away from a giant goal.

It all started months ago when a friend of mine ran her first 1/2 marathon. I was there to cheer her on and was very inspired watching these crazy people do something obviously difficult and quite painful (I was watching at around mile 12 – close to the finish!). I kept saying that I would love to try this but didn't think I had it in me. Well, a few months later and that same friend completed her 2nd 1/2 marathon, I thought to myself, why the heck not? So I signed up, payed some money, and started training. I've done about 8 5K's now.. I'm up to 7 miles in training and I'm 25 days away. Eek!

Months have passed and now its right around the corner. I'm terrified, excited, absolutely paranoid yet thrilled that in 26 days I will probably have bragging rights for the rest of my life. I will have gorgeous bling and will have accomplished something most people have not. Check out this beauty that I shall soon own.

I tend to do things to the extreme. I don't go half way with most things… and of course, I later found out that if you run a Disney 1/2 marathon in Florida – then do a Disney 1/2 marathon in Anaheim in the same calendar year, you get what they call a Coast to Coast Medal. Being the extremist that I am, I decided I'm going to get myself more bling and signed up for the Disneyland Half Marathon in September so I can have even more bragging rights and this medal:

So, if I finish both races (or 'when') I will then be awarded with this gorgeous piece of bling:

So, moral of the story is…. I am obviously in need of lots of bling.

Be inspired.  Be motivated.

Hopefully in 26 days I can say I did it. Now wish me luck.


And that's a Wrap….

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

So Powerball has moved north to Tallahassee. I cannot stress how amazing this job was for me and how I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. I still remember being in Miami for Christmas in 2008 when I got the email that I had booked the job. It was such a blessing and I will always remember it as such.

our send off cake!

My last show was Wednesday, December 28th. It was a tough one. As I drove backstage to the lot at Universal Studios… parked my car and walked to Soundstage 19, I realized that this weekly ritual would soon be over. Seeing the Blue Men in the hallway would be a thing of the past (The Blue Man Group performed in the stage next to ours and we had countless meetings in the hallway and in our green room), sharing stories with the crew would be non existent, and I would finally get Wednesday or Saturday nights off to do other things. I sat in the green room, ready to get my hair and makeup done and I got teary eyed. These guys were my family. And now we would have to make an effort to see each other each week.

The last official show at Universal was on New Years Eve. Naturally, I turned down invitations to other NYE events and decided to spend it with my Powerball family. We started the night out early at Cigarz at CityWalk and then went to the stage at 9 pm for the show. Most people brought their significant others, we had a little potlock, and ran around the soundstage like children…..enjoying each moment knowing these would be our last.

With the best hair & makeup team around.

With the best hair & makeup team around.

Last show cast & crew

Although Powerball was 56 second show and some would argue that it wasn't really a show (I mean, no one watched it for our talent – they watched to try to make millions) it changed my life. It gave me my first taste of live television (or any television for that matter). It gave me a new sense of confidence for my talent. I gained a handful of amazing new friends and it gave me three years of great memories.

To the Tallahassee production team of Powerball, I hope you have as many or more great memories in your years with this show. To the rest of the country, good luck and always purchase the powerplay.. trust me! I know I will be now that I can buy tickets!


Peace out 2011!

Monday, December 26, 2011

What a year! I've had an amazing 2011…. although there were a couple bumps in the road, all in all it was a great year for my career, my family, and just life in general.

Acting Accomplishments:

1. My Publix commercial kept running.. yay!

2. Booked and shot an Edible Arrangements Commercial.

3. Saw myself on the big screen twice – with the films Cassadaga and The Unbroken. Also shot scenes for the film The Summoning and a student film Immune.

4. Got cast in The Inbetweeners -which is my first tv show! This show will start airing in 2012 on MTV. I will be in episode 10 and 12 (hopefully, if I don't get cut in editing).

5. Got an ongoing voiceover job with a company in CA. Finished one project with them and just started on project 2.

6. Wrapping 3 years of amazingness doing Powerball. I have one show left as I type this, but it has been a great blessing.

Travel Accomplishments: We were very fortunate to have been able to travel a bit more this year. We had the chance to go on a cruise with friends to the Bahamas, take a well deserved vacation to the Dominican Republic, travel to Sedona, Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon, and capped the year off with a trip to Las Vegas. Next year we're hoping to make it to Europe, France in particular. We shall see if the budget permits it.

Career & Random Other Accomplishments: I produced my first 2 big budget commercials, learned the ins and outs of preproduction and finally found my other calling. Who knew I'd find a love in preproduction and not just acting? I helped produce an independent short film and got my feet wet in casting a couple shorts as well. I ran my first 5K early in the year and have now ran seven. I will run my first 1/2 marathon come 2012. Oh and I got to interview Edward James Olmos (also known as the the Doomsday Killer, for you Dexter fans out there!)

Random Awesomeness: I went to a handful of concerts this year. I had a blast! I spent quality time with girlfriends and made amazing memories during my times at the Arena seeing Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Matthew Morrison, NKOTBSB (with a surprise appearance by Boys 2 Men), Nikki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, Blake Shelton, Chris Isaac, Bob Seger, and the Script. So blessed to be able to do all this in 2011! *that pic on the right is of me at the NKOTBSB concert – honestly has to be in my top 10 moments of my life.

Goals for 2012: As the year comes to a close, I look back and realize that I am more comfortable in my skin and am less scared of taking risks. I want to keep going on the same direction and keep producing, acting, and traveling. I hope to book more tv / film and take that direction (as opposed to commercials). I hope to finish my first 1/2 marathon in less than three hours. I hope to see more long lost friends and stay focused on my career, my job, and my family.

Loving life. Happy 2012 everyone and have a Merry Christmas!


'The Unbroken' Premiere

Monday, December 5, 2011

So, I went to my 2nd ever movie premiere. This one for the film The Unbroken. This film has a special place in my heart for many reasons.

One, I have an actual role. For the first time in a long time, I get to play a character, not just a reporter. I actually have a name! Although it is a small role, it's my role.. and I have lines.. and no teleprompter. Yippee!

Second, the film was written, produced, and directed by two very dear friends of mine.

Although we're not super close, these are 2 guys that I've known for a very long time and I respect highly.  I have so much admiration for them and what they've done, that its amazing to see the final product up on the big screen.

And three, well, these guys gave me my first imdb credit. They believed in me enough to give me my fifth. That's pretty damn awesome.

So my husband and I get to the theatre.. and I'm a bit nervous. The first time I saw a film that I was in on the big screen, I had a difficult time getting into the story. It's a bit hard because you know the people as their real selves, you know what took place in some of the shots, and you're nervous and critical. This time, I have to say, that went away quite quickly. As soon as the film started, it was exactly that. A film. A story. I forgot that my friends were on the screen – I even forgot it was me a couple times when I was on the big screen. So kudos to Jason & Tony for that. That's not an easy task.

I won't tell you what happened in the film because I want you to see it when it comes out – but it was great. It turned out so much better than I anticipated (no offense to the brilliant filmmakers) but it really was amazing.

Here's to the amazing cast – kudos to Aurelia and Patrick. You guys rocked it out. Here's to the amazing crew, the amazing makeup & special effects team (love you guys!), here's to everyone who came out to see the film (Thank you Amy & Alec for being there!) and here's the what the future of the Unbroken has in store. Again, I am truly grateful to have been a part of this project and cannot wait for the next one.

Pics: From top to bottom.

1. Me with Kenny Beaumont, Director of Photography.

2. Me and Tony Giordano, Writer.

3. Me and Jason Murphy, Director.

4. Me and Patrick Flanagan who plays "Tommy".

5. and Me and my girl, Aurelia Rose, star of the film "Sarah Campbell".


The Unbroken

Sunday, November 13, 2011

I am thrilled to invite you all to the premiere of The Unbroken. This is a film that I was fortunate enough to be cast in. It's a thriller, starring the ever so talented Aurelia Rose and Patrick Flanagan and directed by Jason Murphy and written by Tony Giordano.

I've known Jason & Tony for numerous years now. We worked together wayyyy back in the day during my early career at Disney. These guys are ridiculous. They both had a dream to make a movie – and they did. Their first feature was Zombies, Zombies, Zombies which I was in as well and played a reporter. This second feature is a lot more complex, a lot more interesting, and has a much higher production value. They even got a Baldwin and Warwick Davies to star in it! These guys are seriously talented, driven, and just a joy to be around. Thank you Jason & Tony for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your dream and trusting me enough to not ruin your film.

I'm especially excited for this film because I get to actually play a character. I am the lead characters best friend. I have a small role but I don't play a reporter! If you see my imdb credits – 3 out of 4 of my credits are reporter. Hey, I appreciate the reporter roles and will keep taking them, but it's nice to actually get to do something more than read a teleprompter.

If you would like to see the film and you are in Orlando, please get tickets asap. The movie is premiering at Universal City Walk on November 20th. Tickets are only $6.00 but they are limited. If you can join us, please go to the film's facebook page, like the page, and you can buy tickets and watch the trailer there. We would appreciate the support!

And to the cast & crew of the Unbroken – yay!!! It's finally here! It was an honor and a pleasure working with all of you.


2011 .. where'd you go?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

So busy with work. So busy with auditions. Not much time to blog.

But, here's a quick list of what's happening.

1. Went to AZ on vacation. Amazing.

2. Shooting my first student film this week.

3. Ongoing voiceover job picked up (from a past voiceover job, yippee for not pissing people off and doing a good job).

4. Loving my day job even if we're swamped (proves how amazing my entire team is – we're a well oiled machine).

5. Did ADR for a film I shot a million years ago. It's almost done. Premiere coming soon. Another Yippee!

6. Saved over $100 at the grocery store the other with couponing. Booyah.

7. Bought a king bed. Yay!

8. Feeling like 2012 is going to be the year.

That's it. Happy day. Happy almost Thanksgiving.


Nature of the Biz…

Sunday, October 16, 2011

You win some, you lose some.

Powerball is leaving Orlando and headed to Tallahassee. Its a sad and bittersweet ending to an amazing job that I cannot even express how grateful I am for booking.

When I first heard about Powerball auditions, I almost didn't go. It was probably the first audition where I called my agent and asked if I should go to it. I was concerned about booking it and being type cast as the 'lotto chick'. I don't know why I had that hesitation, it's lottery, not porn. Anyway, the auditions were quite intense. I think I had 4 callbacks and a final one on set, with IFB (ear piece) and they were screwing stuff up to see how well we could recover. I remember getting the email from my agent during Christmas vacation in Miami of 2008. It was a blessing I never expected.

When the casting call for Powerball was posted, it was supposed to have been a 3 – 4 month job. That job turned into a 3 year gig. Seriously, who gets a job like that? No one. Trust me, I never lost sight of how lucky I was to have booked that.

Now, we have less than three months left and I'm sad. I have made amazing friends with this little production. This job gave me the opportunity to pay off debt, learn about live television, get really good under pressure (there is something about live tv that is terrifying, even after 3 years!) and travel a little (quick trips to the villages!). I've learned more about hair & makeup than I thought a girl could learn, I learned about the art of walking in 5 inch heels (okay, maybe 'stand' in them, I didn't do much walking) and the art of 'winging' it when things went wrong….. I made great friends and will always be thankful for my little powerball family. I will miss the chats in our green room, the gossip, the run in's with the Blue Man people and being at Universal.

I am a bit excited to get my weekends back… but I will always miss the show. You know what I  wont miss? I wont miss having everyone I know ask me "hey, what are the numbers going to be tonight?". Yeah, I won't miss that AT ALL!

Here's to bigger and better things and to amazing memories.

ps. The last show in Orlando is on New Years Eve, in case you were wondering.


My Day on Set….

Friday, October 7, 2011

The past few months have been insane. Way too much work, not enough time to sleep, and finally I got a weekend off! During this weekend, my husband and I decided to 'staycation' at Disney during the Wine & Dine Marathon weekend. To be able to wake up at 10 am with block out curtains and no where to be was heavenly and got me ready for my day on set, which was the Monday after my fabulous 'staycation'

So my day on set was a blast. I was quite nervous  even though I only had 2 lines. The fact that this show is going to be on MTV and my parents can actually see it is huge. Let me tell you… I've done numerous films and I always get the question "when can I see it in the theatre?". I'm a bit tired of explaining the process it takes for an independent film to make it into the theatre. So finally! A job where I can actually give people a time and a channel and they can see it!

I get to the soundstage around 9:30 am, with a call time of 10 am. I like to be early. I get there and find my 2nd AD (for those who don't know a 2nd AD is in charge of talent). She was totally sweet and led me to my trailer. I got a tiny room of a 5 room trailer – but it was mine, all mine! On the door it said 'science teacher'. Yup, they were expecting me! I go in, drop off my stuff, take a quick look around (there's not much to look at, it was tiny) and filled out my paperwork and grabbed my sides (those are my lines people!). Hair, makeup and wardrobe later.. I was ready for my scene!

It was a bit surreal being there. I was nervous yet felt super at home. The soundstage where we shot is right next door to Powerball – my second home. The hair and makeup room used to be my dressing room at Powerball (before we moved after the Inbetweeners moved in). I knew a lot of the guys / gals on the crew from past projects. It was very familiar yet it was still my television debut (not counting powerball, since it's not a 'show' per se).

Anyway, the shoot went well. I went from originally having 2 lines to having about 6. I got thrown a last minute paragraph and learned it in 15 minutes (thanks to my acting teacher who basically helped me get this job!). There was nothing different about being on a television set from a film set. Either way, it was beyond exciting and I cannot

wait to see the finished product. The 9 hours I spent on set that day felt like 10 minutes. I was sad when it was over but that's okay. I get my first tv credit… and I'm on my way to bigger and better things.

Here's to fabulous opportunities and following the dream.
ps. Just found out I'll be back to shoot for episode 12. No lines but still my same 'science teacher' character. Giggidy.


My Turn…

Sunday, September 18, 2011

I haven't blogged in a while. Partly because I've been super busy at work and partly because I had nothing to blog about. I've been auditioning and auditioning and nothing.

A couple weeks back, I went to a trendy bar with a couple of my thespian girlfriends (I said thespian, not lesbian…) and we were joking about how we all quit the biz every other week. It's such an emotional ride  and we get disillusioned once in a while. Anyway, at this trendy bar (I emphasize 'trendy' as I felt completely out of place at this establishment) they had a raffle for the ladies (it was ladies night). Although we were tired, we said we'd stay through the raffle. After all, they were raffling off a pair of stiletto's! What girl wants to get away from that chance? As a joke, I grabbed my raffle ticket and said to my friends "if I don't win this, I will quit acting forever." Of course I was joking, but a few seconds later, as the hosts announced the next prize (a $100 gift card to MAC cosmetics),  I stared at my raffle ticket and anticipated grabbing my keys to my car so I could go home. She called the numbers and miraculously calls mine! What?! Yup… I won. A gift card to my favorite makeup store! After that moment, I had a weird feeling that it was a sign. I know, it's silly, but I really thought…no one ever wins these things. The fact that I won, after saying I would quit my career (which I have never said out loud) was significant to me. As cheezy as that sounds, it was a sign and I had a feeling it would all get better from here on.

A week later, I had an audition for a tv show. I have been auditioning for tv a lot lately and a have had a few callbacks.. but no bookings. I thought to myself, I just need one. Once I get one, its the first step to the next phase of my career. I didn't expect much after the audition but I will admit, I felt good about it. Most of the time, I question my auditions. Did I do it right? Was I funny enough? Was I being real? Was I actively listening to my scene partner? This time, I didn't quite worry after the audition – I just felt great about it. So, like most auditions, I left the casting office, went about my day, and forgot about it. A couple days later, my agent emailed me with the subject line saying "Booking!"…. and I'm like Yay!!!!

So, I'm booked on a tv show. I will have one scene and a couple lines that hopefully won't get cut in post. May sound like nothing to you, but to me, its huge. I'm excited. The show will be airing on MTV sometime next year. It's a tiny day player role but to me, it's awesome. It's the first step to this next level in my acting life and I'm thrilled.

….. maybe I'll be the next Snooki. Ha!


It's been a strange few weeks….

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Strange, because my career is strange. I've been very lucky to have always had a lot of work. Lately, it's strange. I've been going on a lot of auditions and booking none. Boo :( That's okay. I have had the callbacks and a couple first refusals but no bookings. That's alright, it just means the right gig should be around the corner!

One really cool thing that I did recently was help on a short film. I was asked by my dear friend and fellow actor and fab photographer, Eric Esteban, to help produce a short he wrote called Dirty Money. I, of course, jumped at the chance to be involved with this shoot – even though I didn't sleep much in 2 days. I got to meet the fabulous team from True Love & Magic Productions and made some wonderful new friends. It was a great experience being on the other side of the camera (which seems to be happening more and more for me) and I am grateful for the opportunity. They are now in post production and I cannot wait to see the final product!

Preview for the short is here: Dirty Money

Now, another cool thing happening is I have been asked to be a judge for the Orlando 48 Hour Film Project! For those who don't know, this is a very interesting filmmaking process. Basically, you are given certain criteria (a genre, prop, or a specific line) and you must create a film in 48 hours. It's pretty cool and I am thrilled to have been asked to be a judge for this project. What an honor! Can't wait to see the creativity coming out of the peeps in Orlando!

So… it's been busy behind the scenes… not so much in front of the camera. Maybe it means my career is taking a turn perhaps. I'm okay with that although I miss the camera sometimes.

Hope everyone is having a great summer filled with frozen drinks with umbrellas! Peace.


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