An Acting Journey

Let the Universe Know…

Friday, April 13, 2012

Over the past year I've decided to take my career to the next level. I've been a working actor for over 10 years now, but I realized, I want more. I want substance and a challenge. As much as I love commercials and the paycheck that comes with it, I am starting to get more and more involved with film & television and I love it!  The ultimate dream job would be to work on a crime drama on TV (I love the fast paced nature of television) but the art and craft of filmmaking is amazing.

Last year, I told myself that I wanted to do more film. I threw it out to the universe (and facebook & twitter) and made it loud and clear. Since I've made that decision, I've been on two feature films and two episodes of a television show (coming soon to MTV).  Just this past week, I found out from my agent that a director I've worked with in the past wanted to cast me in his next feature. Ironic, I thought, since we worked on a training video industrial for a restaurant chain. But, this was a role.  A real role. Of course, I'm thrilled and honored and will take the part! So, I'll be shooting in the next few weeks for this SAG film. I'm so darn lucky and thankful. Thank you super powers of the universe for listening to my goals and dreams!

I've been meaning to work on a vision board for months now. Due to my crazy schedule I haven't had the time but I think I will definitely do it. I've been cutting pictures and quotes from magazines for months and have been putting them in a folder. As soon as I get some time, hopefully this weekend, I will create my very first vision board. I've heard various people swear by them, so it's time. It's time to let the universe know even more and make more dreams come true.

I've also been insanely inspired lately because more and more have I noticed people in my life who are becoming ridiculously successful in the entertainment industry. College friends who are working in film & tv, friends from past shows who are popping up on Broadway and television. I am so proud of them and their successes and am also inspired by it. If they can make it, so can I. It really is all about hard work and determination. It's a tough and competitive business but my advice to anyone wanting to be an actor – is well, be an actor. Focus, study, and go to every audition you can. It's a numbers game and it's also about positive energy.  It's about being positive and easy to work with when you are on set. People will remember. You think I booked this feature film because I was brilliant at bussing a table and saying a line? Nope. I'm guessing it's more because of my attitude (then my resume just backs up that I might have some chops).

Anyway, this post is a bit vague but my point is…. whatever it is you want to do, make it happend. Now. The clock is ticking……


Dry Spell is Over!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

2012 has proven to be a strange year. This is the first in three years where I don't have a guaranteed freelance job a.k.a. powerball and I've noticed that I am missing the camera. It started to get to me a couple of weeks ago and then the dry spell finally ended. After numerous auditions and callbacks, I finally got a booking! Then a couple days later, got another one. Let's hope it keeps going… I can definitely get used to this.

The first job was for a mattress commercial that will only air in Southern California. What a fun job though. Not only did I not have any lines, but I got to be in pajamas and lay in bed. Yes, I sure did. It was awesome and relaxing. The director was hilarious, the crew was a blast, and I was in and out in two hours. I felt a bit guilty. I got there, put some pajamas on, got to lay in bed and snuggle up to a cute stuffed giraffe (or was he a zebra?) and lay in bed. I had a few actions – jump on the bed, plop on the bed, sigh in relief… yeah, it was a tough day at work. Ha ha!

The second job is really exciting. It is for a new attraction at WDW Epcot called Vision House. This 'House' will be inside Epcot's Innoventions. Basically, I live in this house with my husband and daughter. We tell you all about new ways to conserve energy via skype.  It's pretty exciting. The house opens on Earth Day 2012. I can't wait to see it! So, if you're at Epcot anytime after Earth Day (which I believe is at the end of April) go check out Innoventions. You might just see me and my cute little fake family. While shooting at Disney, I reminisced over the days I worked for the mouse. I kinda miss it. Yup, I said it. I miss working for Disney. I guess the thrill of being in front of a live audience is what I miss the most. When you do it everyday, it becomes a job. I wouldn't mind just doing it once in a while. Anyway, now that I will be in an "attraction" at Epcot, maybe part of me will be right back where I started acting – at Disney.

My fake family at Epcot

I am thrilled to be back working again. Let's hope this year brings more blessings and more work. I really love being on set and meeting new talented people (like the girl who played my daughter in this shoot, how adorable is she?!). Here's to more work in 2012!

ps. Guess what I get to do on Wednesday? I get to interview Boys 2 Men. more on that later.


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.


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