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!
- Posted by Tracy at 9:42 am
- 5 Comments
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.
- Posted by Tracy at 12:48 pm
- No Comments
Hello August!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Well, after my baby rant, I felt a bit bad. I don't like b*tching much (my husband would disagree) but it's been a rough past few weeks.
This week, I am trying to focus on the positives… so let's begin.
1. The auditions are starting to come. Thank goodness! I've been on a bit of a hiatus from my acting life (although not by choice). My day job is pretty busy so I've had to turn down a bunch of auditions. Lately, I've had quite a few so that makes me happy. I haven't booked yet, but again.. I said yet!
2. I have wonderful friends. Wonderful! My friends know that I am usually a very happy and positive person. They notice I'm a bit down and make sure they bring me up. I got a wonderful card from one of my bff's (out of nowhere) that basically just said she loved me and was there for me. Simple little details that make a HUGE difference. Thanks darling (you know who you are!).
3. I'm helping produce an independent short film. Although I wont sleep for the next 2 days, I will have yet another producer credit under my belt. Booyah.
That's it for now. Still working on being my perky & positive self, so bear with me. I'll get there sooner than later.
- Posted by Tracy at 4:23 pm
- No Comments
Little Baby Rant….
Monday, July 25, 2011
I'm not one to b*tch in public forums so I will try to do this as delicately as possible. So forgive me in advance but I want to get some stuff off my chest.
Let me fill this with a bit of history. I've been working professionally as an actor / host for over 11 years. I work hard, I've invested lots of money, time, and effort into being the best that I can be. I continue to study and I understand the competition, the type casting, and the rest of the "crap" that comes with the biz. I'm fine with it all.
Now, a recent job decided to pass on me. Mostly because of budget. They thought that "people should want to do this for free". We should.. of course we should, but we need to make a living out of this as well.
Anyway, I guess it made me think about my non actor friends. I've had a lot of questions from my non biz peeps … such as:
1. Why do you keep taking classes if you're already an actor?
2. Why do you keep spending money on new headshots if you already have some?
3. When you don't get a job because they want someone prettier / skinnier / whiter / darker / more Asian / taller etc, doesn't it make you question why you're doing this?
4. Why don't you just do this as a hobby? it seems like so much work for such little reward.
Let me answer some of these questions.
I keep taking classes because acting is a craft. The more I learn, the better I become. I was trained for stage acting / theatre.. and eventually went into hosting, commercial work, and now film. Each avenue is a different beast and the more I learn, the more I continue to grow. It's like any sport… you must constantly work out your muscles. You're not just going to run another marathon just because you ran one 12 years ago.
Headshots are are business card. If I chop my hair off, dye my hair a different color, gain some weight, lose some weight – I have to invest in new pictures. I have been on the other side of the casting table and when you see an actor walk in with a headshot taken obviously a few years prior, you think… they're lazy, they're cheap, they're not invested in their profession, and well, they don't look like they do. So yes, as much as headshots cost.. we need them updated constantly.
When I lose out on a job to someone prettier / skinnier / more Asian etc… I don't mind. It's part of the biz. I get it. Most of the time in commercials, it's all about a look. It's about covering all your diversity angles. It's about representing a brand. If I'm not who represents your brand well, then that's okay with me. On to the next. When it comes to film & tv, it's a bit different. Most of the time your talent will shine through… but a lot of times, your 'type' is still that important.
I don't do this as a hobby because I know what I'm worth. Although I don't act full time (I do have a day job but it's still within the industry) but I must say I still invest in my craft full time. I am constantly studying, looking for auditions, sending out my headshots / resumes / reels to anyone who will look at it, working on scene work, working on my reel… it's a lot of work. All this work is worth a lot of time, effort, sweat and tears. My hobby is my profession.
And you know what? I am worth a paycheck. You hire me to be on set and I will show up early, act professional, know my lines, understand the set, understand my responsibilities and give you an amazing performance. For those who believe anyone can act, then good for you. I'm sure most people have some sort of talent, sure. But, will you get the professionalism and one takes that you would get from me or my fellow hardworking actors? Nope. Will you get someone who will understand that you are on time constraints, understand direction, know how to improvise on a whim or learn a last minute script within minutes?
Good luck. I dare you to try.
Rant over.
- Posted by Tracy at 2:25 pm
- 3 Comments
You win some… you lose some…
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Remember that gig I was talking about? The one I didn't want to spill the beans on and jinx myself? The one I really wanted? Yeah, didn't book it. I'm a bummed but hey, what are you gonna do?
Let's try to focus on the positive -
1. It kick started my working out / getting healthy routine again which is awesome and I've already lost 5 pounds.
2. Anytime you lose a job, it just means a better one is right around the corner.
3. I would've had to use a weeks vacation if I had gotten this gig. Now that I don't, that means I still have a weeks vacation to burn… so the possibilities are endless. I'm thinking a getaway to Paris…. feel free to send money to the Tracy Wiu really wants to go to Europe fund.
So, that's the deal. No worries.. no regrets. I shall book the next job. Watch me.
- Posted by Tracy at 12:19 pm
- No Comments
Friday Fun Day!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Haha. Friday Fun Day – I'm trying to be creative and that's the best I could come up with. Again, I'm not a writer, so forgive me.
It's been a great past couple weeks. Still no word from the cool job (re the bathingsuit fiasco) but that's okay. If I get it, fabulous. If not, I'll cry for a couple days and get over it. Can you tell I'm a drama queen?
Briefly, here's what's been going on…
- Booked an industrial for next week. Yay! Pros – it's the first thing I've booked since February. Cons – it's on the same night as Britney Spears' concert -The Femme Fatale tour! So, no drinks for me during the concert and I have to make sure to get out of the arena before the masses exit and probably before the end of the show. Sigh. Sorry Brit, but work comes first.
- I met a fellow entertainment professional on linked in who is hoping I can help him produce and host some shows he's pitching. Bring it on. I am so ready.
- Meeting with a fellow actor / director who has asked me to executive produce an independent film. Absolutely!
- I'm back in acting class… and having the time of my life. I'm working on 2 different film series (where we break down and act the whole film from beginning to end) and it's been an amazing yet very difficult challenge. Going from one film to another in one night is taxing and so is trying to learn 5 plus scenes a week. Although exhausting, I'm so thrilled to be working my acting muscles again.
- Interviewed Hank Williams Jr yesterday. ESPN's Monday Night Football was shooting at my day job and I had the great opportunity to interview a country legend.
Busy busy busy. Grateful and busy. I have a vacation coming up in the fall.. that's what is keeping me motivated at this moment. That and amazing future potential work. Yay for work.
- Posted by Tracy at 2:10 pm
- No Comments
Swimsuit Edition
Sunday, July 10, 2011
I have a very very very cool potential job that I am trying to get in August. This is a great gig that I would LOVE to book it. I don't want to talk about the details as I don't want to jinx it.. but I do want to talk about what's happening.
I got this potential opportunity from someone I worked with back in the day. He was an intern where I work and is now conquering the production world by storm. He is a doll and thought of me for this potential project. Anyway, it's great and would be a fun fun job … and they're in talks with the producer right now when it comes to budgets and what not.
Here's the dilemma. The job would involve me being on the beach or in the water. That's great. I love the water! But, they wanted a recent photograph of me in a bathing suit.
Okay, I'm not trying to get sympathy or anything…. so please don't give me that. But, I am not quite where I would like to be physically. About 3 months ago, I was super in shape – then I got lazy. I started working behind the lens and started eating crappy again. Not good.
I had my husband snap a pic of me in my bathing suit. It's fine, I look okay, but I don't look like I'd like to look. I could lose 10 pounds. So the diet is starting and so is the working out. I signed up for a 5K this coming week and got back on weight watchers. Here goes.
I don't have the job yet but it's a good push to get back in shape. It's really hard for me to work out as I spend 1.5 hours in my car every day (during my commute) and I spend at least 8 hours a day on my desk at work. I have to force myself to get up extra early to go for a run at least twice a week and force myself to eat better. I don't eat too badly but now its going to be mostly protein, fruits, and veggiess. I'm lucky that I am petite so when I drop the pounds, you can tell very quickly.
So, I'm already in the mindset that I will get back in shape and drop the extra pounds. Whether I book this job or not (which gosh I hope I do), I am determined to not this problem ever happen again. Next time I need to look bathing suit good, I will be ready. Darn it. Super ready!
So, now… let me go find a banana because I'm hungry.
That croissant looks so good though…. sigh. Banana it is.
- Posted by Tracy at 11:47 am
- 2 Comments
The Final Product
Friday, July 1, 2011
It's finally here. The day I can brag about my hard work. As my 3 followers know (if I even have that!), I've been dabbling in the producing side of this entertainment biz and working on the other side of the lens for a change. It's a much harder world than being in front of the camera but at the same time, a lot more gratifying. The first commercial I've ever helped produce is finally here. It's airing live in certain markets and I'm thrilled. I think it's beautiful.
It still baffles me that what took 3 – twelve hour days of production and about 3 weeks of insane pre-production is now this wonderful 30 second spot. Yup, 30 seconds. That's it. All that hard work, tears, exhaustion, bruises, and random fights… is now just 30 tiny little baby seconds. But you know what? They are the most beautiful 30 seconds ever. Okay, maybe a bit of an exaggeration.. but it makes me giddy.
Here it is.
A big thank you to all those that helped with this project. There were so many of you… so darn many. Thanks to the D.P. for letting me yell at him, the director for also letting me yell at him, to the P.A.'s who carried things up and down and over and around, and especially to the grips / electrics who thought I was just some cute little clueless girl .. but eventually realizing that I got my crap together.
Awesomeness.
- Posted by Tracy at 3:50 pm
- 2 Comments
Woah, it's been too long!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Wow, it's been a month since I've blogged. That makes me sad… I love to blog, even though I'm not a great writer, it's nice to get your thoughts out there and hopefully inspire or motivate someone else. Want to know why I've been away from blogging? Well, it's been damn busy. Really, really, really busy.
Let me tell you about it!
Since I last blogged, I've been wayyyyy too busy doing production. After finishing with production on the last commercial that I blogged about, we went straight into pre pro for another commercial which we just shot last week. In between those, a couple other productions including a shoot for ESPN's College Game Day starring Big & Rich. Woot!
Let's see… highlights of the past month…. oh yes! I attended the cast & crew screening of Cassadaga! So exciting! The film is really good and there were a lot of scary moments. It was a bit strange to watch – I'm friends with a lot of the cast and I couldn't quite separate their real selves from their characters. I'm going to have to work on that. I cannot wait until this film is out there for the public to see.
Let's see.. I was cast in the film The Summoning – playing, guess what? Yup, reporter. The producers said they would make my credit 'newscaster' instead of 'reporter' to change it up a bit. Hilarious. I haven't gotten the imdb credit yet.. but I'll be checking to see what they put me in as. Tricia Takanawa perhaps? Ha!
I also have been working with a company in California on some ongoing voiceover work. It's been fun, educational, and a true blessing. Still Powerballin'… and back in acting classes. But even with this schedule, I've managed to take in a Taylor Swift & Katy Perry concert – with a little Britney Spears and NKOTBSB to look forward to later on this summer.
Unfortunately, auditions have been scarce lately – but I'm thrilled that I've been learning a lot about being on the other side of the camera. I am really enjoying that side as well and hopefully more opportunities will come from that.
I got new headshots done recently by the ever so fabulous Brooke Brayson! This girl.. wow, can you say talent? Seriously, she's amazing. I fell in love with her pictures the first time I saw them. She has a little sneak peek on her blog – so check them out - and I'll be sharing the one I choose as soon as I get them.
Anyway, sorry for the ramble but I've been quite busy that I can't quite think straight anymore. Here's to everyone having a great summer so far and go achieve some goals… deal? I know I will be trying my darndest.
- Posted by Tracy at 10:35 pm
- 1 Comment
May is Marvelous so far!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
It's May 11th and it's already been an AMAZING month. I don't have much time so let's get right to it.
1. I was a production manager and first Assistant Director on a big commercial shoot. It was stressful at first, but it all went fabulously well. I got to put on my first AD hat for the very first time and loved every moment of it. Yes, I had no sleep, I worked very hard, I was exhausted but what an amazing accomplishment. When we wrapped after 3 long days of shooting, I was actually quite sad. I didn't want to go back to being in front of the camera – which anyone who knows me will find quite surprising. Of course I still love acting – but producing, directing… wow. What an amazing experience that I cannot wait to do again.
with the amazing Mabel (2nd AD) on set
2. I ran my 2nd 5K with one of my best friends. It was awesome. We ran Disney's Expedition Everest Challenge - which is a 5K with obstacle course plus a scavenger hunt around Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. What a great time! There is something about running with a friend that keeps you motivated, entertained, and basically makes the whole race much easier. At the end of the 5K, we had to do a scavenger hunt. Thank goodness for my partner who kicked ass on the clues (I completely sucked) and we placed 89th out of 420 women's teams! Woot woot! We probably would've done better had I not gone on a potty break. I later found out that potty breaks on a 5K is pretty lame. Oh well, now I know!
with Mickey & Minnie and our medals! Go team 1850!
3. I just met Curt Schilling. Yup. I did. Yeah, that Curt Schilling. The one with the bloody sock. I didn't take any pictures but I get to meet him again tomorrow. Long story. He basically owns a gaming company now and was at my work. I geeked out and of course hugged him to say thank you for helping win the 2004 World Series. He then proceeded to take off his World Series ring and give it to me to try on. Yeah, yeah he did. It was amazing. I couldn't speak. I still can barely speak. I was honestly more excited to meet him and touch his ring than I have been meeting any other celebrity. He's not a celebrity to me. He's a legend. He changed history. Tomorrow I meet him again. I'll try not to geek out so much and take some pictures.
May is a great month. And we're only 11 days into it. Booyah!
This ring.. that's the one… yeah, I wore it. Ha!
- Posted by Tracy at 7:32 pm
- 2 Comments