DECEMBER 10th ‘06*I went to see “Dreamgirls” tonight and really, really enjoyed it.  I like to watch singers and this was full of singers; one of my favorite movies is “Moulin Rouge!”.  I had an extra connection to “Dreamgirls” because I was a reader during the auditions.  Every time a scene came up that I read I would get the chills – like seriously.  When Jennifer Hudson was singing “And I Am Telling You” to Jamie Foxx’ character I was mesmerized.  I had singer-actresses singing the same song to me during the auditions.  That was a mind-blowing experience. 

DECEMBER 11th ‘06*ADR session for “Monk” @ Sunset Gower Studios. 

The session went well; I was in and out in 15 minutes.  When I finished I saw the next actor in the waiting room.  He looked at me like he knew me; like maybe we worked on the episode together.  As I got closer I knew I didn’t know him, but I recognized him  - it was Sean Astin from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.  I guess he was in a different episode - he sure seemed like a nice, friendly guy.

DECEMBER 12th '06*It looks like the "Priceline" spot has been booked, but the there is still hope for the "Budweiser" spot.  I'm not holding my breath, but they will book somebody, maybe it'll be me.

DECEMBER 13th ‘06*Audition/Producers “Brothers & Sisters” @ Bacharach/O’Neill Casting.  This one goes pretty well.  It had been a while since I auditioned for Bacharach/O’Neill Casting so it was great to get back in their office.  As soon as Gillian took me to the audition room director, Michael Lange, knew we had worked together before.  I knew he was directing the episode before I went in and was hoping he would be there, but I didn’t really think he’d remember me.  I refreshed his memory of the episode of “The OC”; he cast me in 2 years ago.  We shot out at the mansion in Malibu – we both remembered that place well.  That mansion was just too much and it overlooked the Pacific.

Anyway, I read the material once and was on my way.  There was one little point I wish I would have paid a little more attention to; a technique thing.  All said; I felt good on my way home; actually I felt great.  A top casting office and a top TV director knows who I am.  Cool.

DECEMBER 14th ‘06*YES! Just before noon this morning my agent called to inform me that I’m on “Watch and Advise” for yesterday’s audition for “Brothers & Sisters”.  He said it looks good and that they just needed to get their schedule set before they could officially book.  I should hear something this evening or tomorrow.  I guess I should go pay those SAG dues.  I don’t normally pay my dues before I go home for the Holidays are when I go home in the Summer.  Actually, what I do is hope I “have” to pay them before I leave – that’s mean I booked a job.

YES AGAIN!!  I honestly thought they had moved on with this spot and “went another way”, but my agent called to inform me that they put me on avail for the “Budweiser” commercial @ Francene Selkirk for Tuesday – Thursday of next week.  Alright!

I did a workshop with several casting associates tonight.  My scene went really well; my partner was an actress I’ve been consulting for a good while.   Afterwards, one of the casting associates asked about how my credits were listed on my resume.  I knew this would eventually come up.  On my resume I only list the project and the director in most cases – very little billing.  Most actors don’t list their credits this way, but it’s part of a strategy to help me move to the next level.

I feel comfortable doing it because I have two recurring credits on big network shows.  If I didn’t have those two particular credits it would look as though I’d only done co-star roles and was trying to trick them.  What I am trying to do is to help casting directors/associates/assistants think of me as more than just an actor who does co-star roles.  After I explained my strategy to the associate she said it’s a pretty good strategy.  I couldn’t do it without those two recurring credits.  Of course others may not agree with it, but at the moment this is how I’m doing it.

DECEMBER 15th '06*Audition: “Verizon” @ Cathi Carlton Casting.  This went OK; it should have been so simple, but I just couldn’t smooth it out for some reason.  I hope to get a callback – I think I am really right for it; so we’ll see.

The official booking came through for “Brothers & Sisters”; I work on Monday @ Disney Studios.  It’ll be my first time working at Disney.  Yes!!! 

It’s cool watching how the script is changing through rewrites.  I auditioned with the sides my agents sent; after I booked I was sent new material and then sent an even newer version after that.  They even completely changed which lead character I interact with in the scene. 

I called one of my other agents this afternoon to tell her what the casting associate said about how my resume credits were listed.  She was thrilled that the associate said it was “a great strategy”.  We talked about it for a while understanding that every casting professional may not be supportive of the resume style.  I have to say it’s really cool to be able to pick up the phone or walk-in and communicate with my representatives. 

I was talking to a client during a consultation about how and when I stop by or call my agents.  She asked me how I handle it; I responded “I just handle it”; I don’t tip-toe or beat around the bush about it.  If I need or want to stop by, I do it.  That’s they way it’s always been for me and I’ve never had a problem with it.  Actually, it’s all they know from me; so it’s normal that they see me on a regular basis.  I also know when it’s not a good time and I respect that they are handling careers – mine included.  If they don’t have time to talk I don’t take it personal.

As of 6:30 this evening/Friday I am still on avail for the “Budweiser” commercial.

DECEMBER 18th ‘06*Shooting “Brothers & Sisters” @ Disney Studios.  This was my first time working on this studio lot and hopefully not the last.  I had a quick afternoon of work.  I was the only principal in the scene; just me and 3 background players.  When I first saw director Michael Lange to thank him for the opportunity and thanked me and said “he hopes it won’t be 3 years before we work together again” (He directed me on “The O.C.” just over 2 years ago.)  I was taken aback by that comment and the enthusiasm behind it.

When I arrived on-set I saw a crew member I recognized; so I approached him and introduced myself.  We couldn’t figure where we had worked together as he went down his list of recent shows.  In all honesty, I haven’t worked that much in recent years.  Then it came to him; it was “Love, Inc.”!  He even remembered that I had a commercial running at the time and I was just busy.  I think I had 6 auditions in the 4 days I worked on the show; so yeah it was a busy week.  He then kinda mumbled something to effect of “yeah, you’re out there all over the place”.  That’s always kinda weird to me because I feel that I just work occasionally, but I guess I have built up a little “body of work” and that’s the key – create some heat and build a body of work. 

We did a quick rehearsal and my stand-in, Shawn, took over while they set up the cameras and lights.  It’s always odd to have a stand-in because I prefer to be on-set and in the mix.  So after about 4 hours I was finished; I actually worked about a half an hour total.  I said goodbye to the crew and Michael who said “we’ll do it again” and was on my way.  It feels great to have a TV director at his level know who I am.


"Brothers & Sisters" - Disney Studios - Burbank, CA

Since I haven't heard anything; I'm officially releasing myself from the "Budweiser" avail.....unless they call and book me of course!  It's funny, I often hear actors grumble about being put "on avail" and that being "on avail" means nothing - which I think is a silly way of looking at it.  Personally, what is more annoying to me is not getting a release from the avail from the casting office.  It would be nice to get beyond the "on avail" stage every now and then, but being "on avail means a lot to me.  It means my name is floating around my agents office more often and that is a good thing.  Matter of fact I was at my commercial agents office this evening and one of the assistants said that very thing - that my name is often in the air over there.  That's a great feeling in an office like KSA.  '07 is gonna be hot!

DECEMBER 19th ‘06*Audition “Best Buy” @ Craig Colvin Casting.  This audition went GREAT!  I mean really, really great.  I’ve gotten many, many callbacks for Craig over the years, but have yet to book.  I don’t know if I’ll get a callback this time, but I sure hope so. 

Before I read, Winston the session runner, wanted to ask me something.  He asked if I still hadn’t had any coffee or alcohol.  I started laughing and said “No, but I think I wanna start drinking because I wouldn’t be such a boring person.  I wanna have stories!!”  Ya know, stories about “last night” – Like – “last night me and so and so got soooooo……..fill in the blank!!!  I was craaaaazzy!”  My problem is I remember everything.  Drinkers have the greatest stories, at least the part they remember.  I’m talking about real drinkers…..I’m kidding….sorta.  Anyway, Winston also said he sees me quite often on TV.  I guess it makes sense that he could say that because fortunately a lot of my bookings have been on what I call the “Blue Chip Shows” that run a lot in syndication.

DECEMBER 20th ‘06* Callback: “Verizon” @ Cathi Carlton Casting.  Yes!!  This was that one that should have been so simple, but wasn’t.  I felt I was really right for it, so hopefully I can go in and represent.  I’m not sure what I’ll be representing, but I’ll rep something…..The callback goes really well.  I would love to book this spot; of course. 

Audition: “Century 21” @ Cathi Carlton Casting.  This one goes just okay.  There was a lot of dialogue.  I did pretty well with the dialogue, but even I didn’t believe most of what I was saying.  I had some good moments, but don’t think I put it all together too well…we’ll see…or not.

DECEMBER 22th ‘06*YES!!!  I’m on avail for the “Verizon” spot.  I am determined to turn more of these avails into bookings; I hope I can start with this one.

I was shaving my head this morning and decided to get a Mohawk.  Yeah.  I’m not sure why, but I did.  I didn’t plan to do it and I didn’t do a very good job, but what’s done is done.


The top...


Dag...I really jacked up the back!  ...oh well.

DECEMBER 24th ‘07*It’s so great to be leaving LA to go home!!!  I waited until the last minute which was nice because I didn’t have to think about having to change my ticket for a last minute something.  I’m on avail for a “Verizon” commercial for when I return.

DECEMBER 30th ‘06*Yeah!!!  I got to go dirtbike riding today with my brother and my nephew.  It was so much fun, but I was so out of shape it wasn’t even funny.  I haven’t worked out since the Summer and I’m getting a little pudgy - I think.  Gotta fix that in ’07.  My brother whipped my butt partially because I was so tired and winded that I could hardly hold onto the bike.    

JANUARY 2nd ‘07*Wow, the gates of 2007 are open already.  My commercial agent calls with an appointment for tomorrow…only problem is that I’m still in Virginia Beach.  I’m not ready to comeback to the vortex of LA yet so I’ll have to miss this one. 

Now I REALLY know things are moving why?  Because I just got my first release from an avail this year – already!!!!!  Yeah, I got released for the “Verizon” commercial.  Geez, I hope I can somehow cut down on the amount of releases from avails I get this year.  Obviously, I’m doing a lot right, but not sealing the deal as much as I’d like.

It’s funny because years ago I didn’t get as many callbacks and avails, BUT if I got a callback there was a good chance I would book.  So I had the “brilliant” idea trying to increase my callback ratio.  I’ve been pretty successful in that, but in the last few years I’ve booked fewer jobs…hmmm.  I’m not overly concerned, but I’m used to getting that call saying I’ve been released…that isn’t good.  I think my fortunes are going to change in 2007.

I called the ad agency for the “Michelin” commercial I did in October to get a status report.  Supposedly, it’s still on schedule to start in mid-February; I sure hope so.

JANUARY 4th ‘07*I’m on a 5:40am flight back to LA.  I’M NOT READY!!!  I wanna ride my motorcycle one more time, play with my niece and nephew some more, go bowling with my sister again – how about park the car in a driveway?  Simple things.

Anyway, it’s time to go back to work or at least the pursuit of work.  It’s amazing when I go home because I TRULY CHECK OUT of my life in LA.  I had a surprise on my connecting flight from Virginia to Charlotte, NC.  One of my classmates from my very first class in Virginia was on the same flight also going back to Los Angeles.  Her name is Joanna Canton and she is a wonderful actress.  We met 13+ years ago and we are both still in the game…and actually making a living at it.  I’m not really surprised, but at the same time it’s kinda surreal that we are doing what we set out to do so long ago.  From VA to NYC to LA we are living the dream – go Joanna!

After landing at LAX @ 10am I went straight home to take a shower.  By 1pm I had already stop by to see all of my agents.  I always like for them to see me in the flesh when I return from out of town.  I get to share about my family stuff and hear their stories too.   

JANUARY 8th ‘07*Audition: “Shell” @ Jessica J. Casting.  This one went really well and I think I’m right for it.  I would love to do a commercial with a NASCAR driver.

Audition: “Lexus” @ Natasha Cuba Casting.  I think this went okay; I kinda jack it up a bit...sorta on purpose and sorta not.  I just wasn’t feeling what was happening so I did my own thing.  I guess we’ll see if it worked…or not.

I guess I’m back in my hustling mode – I was doing a drop-off today at a studio and the guard asked me what company I was with.  I said, really fast “MySelf, Inc.”; he just looked at me.  His co-worker died laughing; I told him to scribble it down real fast like a doctor and it’ll look legit.  They let me through.   I'm not usually so forward, but it seem to fit the situation.   

JANUARY 9th ‘07*Audition: “Konica/Minolta-BizHub” @ Renita Whited Casting.  The audition went well and I think I’m right for it.  Callbacks aren’t until week after next and hopefully I’ll get one.

JANUARY 10th ‘07*Nothing going on today; other than trying to figure where I should drop headshots at.  Gotta keep it moving.

The phone rings at 10:04am; it’s an associate from Natasha Cuba Casting with an appointment to go on tape for “Short Circuitz” anytime before 12:30pm.  On the message she said she was calling my agent as well. 

At 10:22am my commercial agency calls with another appointment for 1:35pm; then calls back at 10:38 with a callback also at 1:35pm.  The also gave me the time frame so I could get to the callback and also make the first time audition.

I check the sides for “Short Circuitz” and it’s a funny, but very short scene with Wayne Brady.  A little while after that my theatrical agent calls with the same info; I didn’t mention I had already gotten the call.  She was surprised I was considering auditioning for it.  I thought the bit was funny and this casting office is usually busy, plus they called me in for a commercial a couple of days ago.

They told her that they wanted me to read for two different roles.  I looked at the other role which was one line and we were not go to audition for that.  So my agent called back to confirmed that the scene was really with Wayne Brady and that I wouldn’t read for the other role.  My agent and I also agreed that if for some reason they offer me the other role that I am not auditioning for we would not accept.  It’s was great to be able to talk to my agent about these things as we try to build this career.

Audition: “Short Circuitz” @ Natasha Cuba Casting.  I read for the role of “Dexter” and it goes really well.  After reading; the guy running the camera said “okay, cool now we’ll go ahead and read the other role.  I said, “no, I think I’ll let it ride with my read for “Dexter”.  He kinda looked at me funny and then said “okay”.  I thanked him and left.

Callback: “Shell” @ Jessica J. Casting.  I don’t know what else to say; I feel it went well and I’m right for it.  It’d be nice to book something.

Audition: “Dodge” @ Alyson Horn Casting.  Good time, fun audition that I’m perfect for.  Hopefully, I’m not the only that thinks that.

So, all in all, a great, productive day.  I woke up this morning with no appointments and ended up with three. 

JANUARY 12th ‘07*Audition: “Holiday-Inn” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  Simply, in and out.

JANUARY 13th ‘07*Audition: “Verizon” @ Ross Lacy Casting.  I’m perfect for this – I think.

"The Terminal" aired on ABC tonight in it’s network debut.  Cool.  I saw myself a couple of times.

JANUARY 16th ‘07* Audition: “Verizon” @ Popcasting.  hmm...this one didn't go so great.  For some reason, neither I nor my partner could get it together for this audition.  You would have thought it was our first audition ever.  Fortunately, the casting director gave us three takes...and I think the last one was the best...if they get rid of the first two....oops.

Get this - over the last several days I've been getting e-mails and text messages from different parts of the country letting me know that I'm in the promo for next weeks episode of "Brothers & Sisters".  Cool!

So yes, I thought it was odd when production from the show called tonight and asked my availability to come in for a looping session today.  I thought everything would have been done by now so close to airing, but evidently not.  No problem for me.  Looping means I'm at least partially in the final edit and I get to see part of it early.  Oh yeah, of course I’ll get paid for my time.  This'll be the second looping check this month.  Unexpected checks with my name on them are always welcomed.

JANUARY 18th '07*Audition: "Verizon" @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  What is going on with all of the "Verizon" appointments?  This is the fourth one in the last month.  I hope it's some sort of sign that I'll be booking one in the near future...or something else...or ANYTHING!

JANUARY 21st '07*If you look closely and you might see me on “Brothers & Sisters” tonight 10pm EST/PST on ABC.  ....and yes indeed I did, in fact, appear on the show.  Actually, I knew I'd be on in some capacity because I did looping for it a couple of days ago.  Cool, my list of "Blue Chip Shows" grows.  "Brothers & Sisters" isn't "Blue Chip" yet, but I have a strong feeling it's well on its way.

I heard ALOT about my appearance on this show because I was fortunate enough to be in the promo that ran all week.  I knew the show was popular before I booked the role, but now I know it's "really" popular.  It just means more role for actors and that is a great thing.
    

JANUARY 23rd '07*Wow the last two days have been really busy as far as drop-offs go.  I'm trying to make it happen and work on more top shows in larger parts.  Typically, pilot season starts really late for me, but that's okay.  I just wanna get in on whatever is out there for the most part.  So tomorrow will be more of the same.

I stopped by to congratulate Deb and Tannis at Debra Zane Casting on their 8 nominations for "Dreamgirls".  One thing I don't really understand is how a film can get so many nominations, but not one for Best Director or Best Picture.  Kinda makes you how it all really works.

Debra asked me if I had heard about the new project that she and Tannis just landed; she figured if anyone in town knew it would be me.  I wasn't sure but there are two very specific projects that I've had my eye on that I figure she'll be casting.  One is still probably a year or so away, but I've heard very recent rumblings about the other one; so I guessed that one.  I was right!  She is going to be casting "IJ4"; that is a big deal.  Locations aren't set, the cast is pretty small and it doesn't start shooting until summer.  I'm not anticipated getting to audition for it since the cast is so small, but you never know; I do have some key things in my favor.

JANUARY 25th '07*Drops, drops and more drops.  I've logged a lot of miles in my trusty Honda recently.  Hopefully, I'll book some more work soon and get some routine work done on it. 

Wow, it's been an entire week since my last audition; that doesn't happen too often.  I hardly notice it because I do so much running around anyway.  Whether it's seeking auditions, actually auditioning or being on set I keep it moving no matter what.

JANUARY 26th '07*Audition: "Liberty Mutual Insurance" @ Laray Mayfield Casting.  Yay!  An appointment!  I knew it would happen any day.  It went really well; they wanted a lot of really small, subtle stuff and I gave it to him.  Callbacks aren’t until February 20^th and hopefully I’ll get one!

JANUARY 29th ‘07*Tonight I did my first radio interview; actually that’s not true; I did a piece for National Public Radio (NPR) last year.  I met Rob Hollywood, who is based in Connecticut, through MySpace several months ago.  He runs Inside Entertainment, which is an entertainment internet radio show.  He contacted me and asked me to call in so I did, you can click here to listen to the interview.  I come on at 11:20 seconds into the 30 minute program.  Thanks Rob!

JANUARY 30th ‘07*Oh no!  I’ve decided to finally start working out again at the gym.  Why?  What’s the point?  It’s been 7 months since I last hit the weights and I’m gonna feel it.  I don’t particularly like working out, although many years ago I used to hit the iron 6 days a week - many years ago.  I’d much rather be riding my motorcycle, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding or on my mountain bike.  I eat very little and VERY slow; although I love food.  I sleep 4-6 hours a night; although I love to sleep.   I think I’m just a workaholic; I cannot sit still. 

I got through the workout pretty well, but I’m gonna have to eat more and drink more water; which is an issue for me.  I weighed myself and found that I gained about 10 lbs., but funny enough I constantly have people telling me that I look like I’ve lost weight.  I don’t get it; I feel a bit heavier and can tell that I’m a little “pudgy” and softer than usual.  I’ll be back to my fighting weight really soon – probably by the end of the week!  I know poor me.

It’s been pretty quiet for me lately audition-wise, but I’m not too concerned – it’ll come around.  Actually, I hardly notice because I’m busy with a lot of different things.  I’ve been writing some stuff and the consulting venture is taking off too.   

JANUARY 31st ‘07*Audition: “Geek Squad” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  Geek squad – YES!!!  This should be right down my alley – ya know, the geek thing is perfect for me.  I sure hope so; I get a lot of callbacks for this office, but it’s time to go the distance.  Callbacks and avails are nice, but……….ES!!!  This audition goes really, really well.  I would love to get a callback for this one.  The session runner was great and had me and my partner do it about 4 different times.  The session runner @ Kathy Knowles Casting is great; I think his name is Melvin.  He’s really “smart” funny and will tell you if you’re being fake or pushing too much on camera.  It’s for “Geek Squad”, I’m perfect for that!!!  Somebody should hire me soon; I’m due.

FEBRUARY 1st ‘07*Print go-see: “Verizon” @ Gayle A. Means/Lynch Studios.  Okay this is 5^th time I’ve been in for “Verizon” in the last 5 weeks.  Does this mean anything?  I don’t know, but they should book a brotha soon.  It went well, you know how print is; in and out in a jiffy. 

FEBRUARY 2nd ‘07*Airing: “Monk” on USA @ 9pm EST/PST.  I shot this back in May; I thought they scrapped the episode, but they had split their season and that is the reason for the delay.

YES!!  NO!!  Yes.  I guess.  My print agent calls this afternoon to give me the news that I am on avail for the “Verizon” print ad from yesterday.  I’m thrilled about the news, but of course there a little potential complication.  One of the two days I’m on avail for is the same day I’m scheduled to work on the film “Privileged” that I booked back October.  Huh?  Why does this “scheduling thing” keep happening to me?  I mean I’m not booked, but still.  It was the same thing with “Ocean’s Thirteen”; book something months in advance and then when it finally gets close to do the job another job conflicts.  Well…I have a great answer as to why this keeps happening.  It’s because I am a working actor.  The more I work the more I will have these issues.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wish for scheduling conflicts, but it’s good that people know my name…at least a little bit. 

I have to say that I am really enjoying this consulting thing.  I am meeting actors in town that are looking for direction and I really, truly feel like I’m providing them with what they are coming to me for – alternative ways of thinking.  I don’t pretend to have “the answers”, but I have definitely learned a lot along the way.  Plus, I’m an expert on “my opinion” and I stand behind it.

Today I had a session with a young lady who is my youngest client to date and the some of the advice she’d had been given made me cringe.  I mean terrible advice that equated to way too much wasted time in her young career.  I was really glad we had a sit-down and I look at today as being the first day of the rest of her career.  I don’t think some “industry professionals” realize the impact of some of the things they say to actors; especially actors arriving from other markets that have no reason to know any better.  This is not an audition; it is someone’s career and future.  You cannot get these wasted days back.

FEBRUARY 3rd ‘07*This blog completely blows my mind sometimes.  I mean, I’m not a writer in the traditional sense.  Even today I’m concerned by how my grammar and text flows.  This bio/blog is more words than I wrote the ENTIRE time I was in grade school.  When I started it I had no idea I would be read as widely as it is – however wide that is.  Obviously, I knew I was putting it on the WORLD WIDE WEB, but still, I didn’t think it would turn into what it has.  The consultation session I had yesterday stemmed from the young performers mother finding my writing from many, many states away and urging her daughter to book a session with me.  Really?  Wow!

Several days ago I got an email from a New York Casting Director that said this:

==========
 

Hi Stephon,

I found your blog while googling Xxxxxxx Xxxx and I'm hoping you have contact info for her as I'm trying to get her in for an audition!  If you are still in touch with her would you let her know I am trying to get ahold of her:

Xxxxxx Xxxxx

Xxxxx/Xxxxxxxxx Casting

XXX Ninth Avenue

Suite XXXX

New York, NY  10036

212.123.4567  Tel

212.123.4567  Fax

Or if you feel comfortable giving me her number that would be great too...her SAG and AEA info is outdated.

Many thanks in advance for your help!

All the best,

Xxxxxx Xxxxx

==========
 

WHAT?!?!?!  The actress she was looking for is someone I waited tables with 12 years ago at The Harley-Davidson Café in New York.  The reason I wrote about her in my blog was because one of many times I was back in New York I went to see her in a play – actually I think I’ve seen her twice on stage while back in the City.  I had a number for her and left a message, but I wasn’t sure how current it was because I hadn’t spoken to this actress in 3 or so years.  So I called another New York friend her in LA to get a more current number and left another message.  I then called the Casting Director to let her know that she should be hearing from the actress soon.  The actress got the message and was thrilled to have gotten the info in a timely manner.  I thought that was pretty cool.

On another note, I just found out that my friend, Lydia Blanco, just booked a guest lead in a pilot and is going to Vancouver for 10 days.  How cool is that?  I remember meeting Lydia when she got to town not to many years ago and was non-union.  We have some conversations about who I felt was the single most important casting director to know in this town and it didn’t take too long for her to become SAG - through that very person.  So much has happened for her since then.  We both worked on “Good Morning, Miami” and “The Terminal”.  One of these days I’m going to get to work in Vancouver; I hear it’s beautiful.  Reminds me that I need to get my passport renewed  Go Lydia!!

FEBRUARY 5th ‘07*Oh no, I think I have a cavity…or worse.  I’ve been in denial for the last couple of days about this slightly, nagging pain.  Last night the alarm went off and was almost writhing on the floor in pain.  Thankfully, I saved some of that Vicodin from my surgery last year.  That’s stuff really works!  I mean really.  I still don’t get why some take it if they aren’t pain, but maybe that’s something I don’t need to understand.  This afternoon after the gym and GSA Contract seminar at SAG I took some medication and got in the bed – I was in terrible pain.  It felt like someone was drilling into my temple.  I HAD to call 1-800-VICODIN.  I have a dentist appointment tomorrow – hopefully I won’t be drugged up for my audition in the early afternoon – especially because I think it’s a Pytka spot.

Speaking of General Service Contracts (GSA).  OMG!  Those things are potentially vicious to say the least.  I have one, but I’m not too concerned about it, because I don’t believe I’m in a relationship with vicious people.  But some agents are definitely running game on people – educate yourselves folks!

Yesterday I rode my bike all they way to the top of Griffith Park to the observatory; 16.25 miles roundtrip – that uphill part was a BEAST!!!  I did it without stopping even once.  Maybe I’m in better shape than I give myself credit for.  Next time I should actually go in the observatory; I haven’t been in there since 2001.

No news on the "Verizon" print avail.  I really hope it doesn't get "too" interesting.  Whatever is supposed to happen will happen - I suppose.
 

FEBRUARY 6th ‘07*So it’s 9am and I arrive at my dentist, Dr. Rashti’s office; I’m not in a great mood, but when I walk in a kid is waiting in the lobby.  I like kids.  Then everyone in the office starts talking about how they saw me on “Brothers & Sisters”.  I don’t know why that still catches me by surprise anytime someone sees me on the tube, but for some reason it does. 

Anyway I sit down beside the kid and say “Sup?” he say responds “Sup?”.  That put me in a much better mood and within a couple of minutes me and this 8 year old were kickin’ it about motorcycles, video games, his stepmom – the artist, his favorite subject  - math and video game cheat codes.  We were definitely connecting until it was my turn to get in the chair.

So I’m in the chair getting ready for my cleaning and explaining the extreme pain I had been in.  I say “had been in” because it had mysteriously subsided a great deal.  I explained to Dr. Rashti how bad the pain was and she x-rayed the tooth and it looked fine.  She poked it, put ice on it and examined it repeatedly and couldn’t find anything wrong.  WHAT?  Just yesterday I was damn near in a fetal position in extreme pain until my brother Jeff called and laughed at me.  I don’t think I ever laughed that hard while in pain.  I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t in pain any longer; the Vicodin I had taken just to get to sleep last night had worn off. 

Anyway, during the cleaning Dr. Rashti found some other stuff and took another x-ray and asked when I had my wisdom teeth removed.  I thought about it for a second and then remembered it was when I was working at The Standard in like 2000 I think.  Wow, I hadn’t thought about that for a long time.  She then asked if one had broken off while being extracted.  I thought…….Oh no, yeah, it was all coming back to me.  One DID break and the dentist couldn’t get the broken piece out – which now makes no sense to me.  I honestly don’t remember exactly what happened, but I remember it happening.  Aw man!!

So I got the bad news that I need have surgery to get the rest of the tooth removed.  I also was informed that I grind my teeth really, really bad and need to have a night guard made.  This put me in a terrible mood, not like mad at anybody, just frustrated.  I left there with my head spinning and just sat in my car damn near tears.  I was beside myself.  I needed a moment to clear my head – before my audition in a couple of hours.

The last time I had dental surgery I underestimated what I was going through and it all snuck on me.  I ended up with a black eye and a swollen face - fo real.  This is not nearly as serious, but still it’s just not what I had planned – dental stuff ain’t cheap and my Quicken budget program is asking question like “WTF?”.  What to do, what to do.

Alright, I wasn’t going to call the ad agency about my “Michelin” commercial, but I’ll call them tomorrow to see what the status of it is.  I don’t wanna commit to paying for this stuff until I can get a clearer picture financially.

Audition: “Xerox” @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting. I always like going here to audition; well I like going most places to audition, but I’ve booked twice here in the past for the legendary commercial director Joe Pytka.

I’m not sure how this went; I just wasn’t all there mentally, but for some reason I wasn’t too concerned.  I felt I was right for the spot and they know I can do it and they’ve hired me before.  I think I’m right enough for it, so we’ll see.  So I left there just not too sure, but that’s okay.  You can’t win ‘em all.

FEBRUARY 7th ‘07*Okay, so I call the ad agency in Chicago to get an update on the “Michelin” commercial.  The person I usually talk to isn’t in so I leave a message for her.  Not two minutes later my commercial send me an email informing me that I’ve been outgraded for the “Michelin” spot.  What?  “You’ve got to be kidding me?”  I just stare at the email thinking it’s gonna change, but it didn’t.  This was not the news that I hoping to hear.  As I've said in the past; "booking the job" is not always enough.  

I took a deep breath and called my agent.  She had already requested a copy of the spot so that we could judge for ourselves.  I told her it was possible that they got rid of all three engineers, but I’d be a little surprised if it was only me that was edited out.  Could be though, we’ll find out when we get the tape.

Well, with that news, I’m not gonna be making any dental surgery decisions today or tomorrow.  It’ll have to wait until I figure something out; it’s not like I’m bleeding, plus the pain is totally gone.

I’m not feeling so great right now so I decided to go to the gym – which I don’t particularly enjoy, but I knew it would help get me centered again.  On the way I stopped by to see Debra and Tannis @ Debra Zane Casting.  Since they cast “Ocean’s Thirteen” and I pulled out to do the commercial I wanted to update them of the latest development – plus I like them, they are nice.

We all got a great laugh out of it and I was already feeling better.  They then informed me that the group of guys that I was to be with in the film got to go back for re-shoots.  Wow, more days on the film.  We all agreed that this is happening for a reason – I’m not necessarily sure what the reason is, but there is something behind it.  It makes for a good story – I guess.  Well, I’m proud to say that I’ve been hired 3 times by Academy Award winning directors…and it will happen again.

So on to the gym…I do my two hours of sweating, running, lifting and more sweating and when I get in the car I have a message from my theatrical agent.  I usually leave my phone in the car when I’m at the gym because I just don’t want to hear from anyone during that time, but I should probably change that.  I don’t really like being at the gym in the first place and if I’m getting calls it’s all the more reason