MAY 28th ‘05*Okay, I am finally scheduled to shoot my scene for “I’mPerfect”.  My call time is 1:15am.  Yes, in the morning.  So I show up @ LA Center Studios downtown, park and make my way to the set.  I check in and am taken through a maze of buildings to the wardrobe department, then to my room.  The PA, Vanessa, gives me my contract and all of the usual paper work and then gets a call on the radio.  Right as I’m taking my back-pack off to fill out the forms, she says, "you're wrapped".

Stephon:

huh?

Vanessa:

Yeah, sorry, they just said you’re wrapped.

Stephon:

You’re kidding.

Vanessa:

No, they’re going to be shooting the karaoke scene for the rest of the night and won’t have time to get to your scene.

Stephon:

Okay…I’ll be rescheduled.  Right?

Vanessa:

Yeah, we’ll call you.

Stephon:
Okay, cool.
 

Go figure.  That’s cool though.  I guess, I’ll get an extra day of work out of it, I can always use the dough.  So I finish my paperwork and hang out on set for a couple of hours.  I meet Wayne Brady, who is a really nice guy and reacquaint myself with Sydney Tamiia Poitier, who came in the first day of auditions and is just…like…5’11” and hot.  I also chatted with the writer of the script, Marcus Folmar, for a while.  I told him that I am working on a script myself and he shared some of his experiences with me. 

The director, Brandon Sonnier, assured me that the scene wasn't cut, just rescheduled.  I put a big in his ear about when I am leaving for Summer vacation, so hopefully, I'll shoot before then and won't have to change my ticket.  So, all in all, it was still productive night…morning.

MAY 31st ‘05*Wow, it looks like I am conducting my first consultation this week.  I got a call the other day from an actress who has inquired about it in the past and I was flattered, but now she wants to officially sit down and see what I can offer in the way of strategies.  Oh well, I guess it’s time to get my act together and start "really" doing it.

Ah man, my commercial agency just won't quit, bless those wonderful, hard working women.  I'm kinda in slow-down mode, trying to make a clean get-away, meaning getting out of town for my vacation without anything immediately pending.  Especially since I've committed to being a reader for Dori Zuckerman Casting all day, for the rest of the week.  Trust me, I never hope to not have auditions, but I really want to get out of Los Angeles for a while.

Luckily, my agents at KSA are very aware that I need to make some money and keep calling with appointments so that I don't have to go back to waiting tables....at least not anytime soon...I hope, LOL!

I’ve already turned down 3 or 4 appointments because I didn’t think I would be here, but that’s changing because I keep getting rescheduled for “I’mPerfect”.  So, I guess I’ll start auditioning again, especially for this one.  It’s for "IBM" @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting and the director is the legendary Joe Pytka.  He directs some of the highest profile commercials anywhere.  He has a reputation for using actors over and over and I'm trying hard to get on that list.  I worked for him about 3 years ago on an "IBM" spot and I would love to do it again.  I've gotten close to booking again, but haven't sealed the deal yet.

JUNE 1st '05* Audition "IBM" @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting.  Yes, this went really well and I think I'm perfect for it.  This office doesn't usually do callbacks, so hopefully I'll get an avail.

Today is my first day as a reader for "Easier, Softer Way".  This is the directorial debut of "ER" star Mekhi Phifer.  Of course, the casting director is Dori Zuckerman.

When I walked in and introduced myself to Mekhi Phifer as the reader he immediately felt like we'd met before.  I refreshed his memory and told him that we had done a scene together in New York in the feature "Hell's Kitchen".  He was like "Oh sh*t, that was when I was still living in New York!!"   I worked with him on "ER" as well.  I also met the writer Ronnie Warner and producer Bill Baker.

I have to tell you, we laughed our a**es off today, non-stop.  I was reading 18 different roles and had a complete blast.  I read with plenty of actors I recognized from TV and Film and even a few I knew personally.

Additionally, I got to sit in on a meeting today too.  This was a known actress that doesn't have to actually audition for every project, but was willing to meet with Mekhi.  It was cool to be in the room when that went down.  Mekhi, Ronnie and Bill seemed to really like her and she seemed very interested in doing the project.  It'll be interesting to see if the deal can be made and she actually does the project.

Tonight I conducted my first real consultation; I was happy with how it went.  The client gave me a list of questions prior to the meeting.  When we met discussed her specific situation, exactly what she was trying to accomplish and different, “outside of the box” ways of going about getting them accomplished.  She had booked two hours, but we ended up going a bit longer.  I could see it as something I would like to do more of in the future.

JUNE 3rd '05*Take three.  Day 3 for "Easier, Softer Way".  Today was short day and I was having withdrawals because I have had such a great time in the room.

I also auditioned for a role in the film.  It went okay.  I mean, I felt I was funny in the room, but I also felt kinda one note and not special.  It was weird because I think I knew too much about how it was going to be shot and tried to incorporate that in the audition...stupid.  I hope I didn’t make too much of a fool of myself.  Maybe, I’ll go into the pile of "people to consider".  I'll be back next week as a reader.  I'm still trying to find out when I will be rescheduled for "I'mPerfect".  Hopefully, it will happen sooner than later.

YES!  My commercial agent just called with avail dates for "IBM" of June 8th-12 with a target date of June 9th.

JUNE 6th ‘05*Okay, it’s time to figure out what’s going on with “I’mPerfect”.  So far, they’ve told me that the scene I’m in is still in the script, but the day hasn’t been rescheduled yet.  I’d kinda like to know since my ticket is booked to go to Virginia for a month….and I’m due to leave Tuesday night which is tomorrow.

So I call the production office and they are still not sure, but they say they’ll call me back before the end of the day.  Cool.  Then I call my commercial agency to see if they know anything about the “IBM” avail.  Not yet, but they should know something today.  Cool.  It’s supposed to shoot on Thursday, so if I book I won’t be leaving as scheduled.  That’s cool, I’ll stay in town for an “IBM” Joe Pytka directed national spot.  Then my agent calls back to tell me that I need to be available this Saturday the 11^th as well for another part of the shoot.  Okay, cool.  I think Saturday pay is double time for commercials, I’ll take that. 

Later, the line producer of “I’mPerfect” calls to tell me that the scene has been cut for the time being.  Some things happened that made it necessary to trim a couple of days from the shoot.  He said, most likely, those days will be shot in about 6-8 weeks. 

Then my commercial agent calls to say that they won’t be making the decision today for the “IBM” spot.  I should know, tomorrow, Tuesday morning.  They are shooting several spots and they’re booking each spot one day prior.  Since I am on avail for Thursday I may not know until Wednesday, but hopefully I‘ll find out Tuesday early so I can figure out if I’m going to leave on my flight Tuesday night.  They say I am the first choice for the role.

I figure I better call American Airlines to see about changing my ticket.  They wanna charge me $803.  Are you f^&$@ng kidding me!  I’m pissed.  Not about the acting stuff, the $803.

JUNE 7th ‘05*Okay, back in the saddle being a reader for “Easier, Softer Way” @ Dori Zuckerman’s office.  Another session of non-stop laughter.  As I was leaving, they told me I have a part in the film.  Cool!!  They even gave me a tentative shoot date.  It’s July 1^st.  No!!  That’s a week before I’m supposed to return from my vacation.  Cool, I’ll be back. 

On the way home, I stopped by to see my commercial agents to say good-bye before leaving town and the agent handling it, Brooke, attempts to find out what’s happening with “IBM”.  It seems like I am definitely the guy the are going to book.  There are no other choices at this point; even the ad agency has approved me.  It’s just that the casting director hasn’t gotten the go ahead to book it yet.  So, I told my agent I would take the risk and not leave on my flight and hope for the best.  I haven’t booked a commercial in almost 14 months so I am really excited about the possibility of booking this one.  My fingers and toes are crossed.

JUNE 8th '05*YES!!! The risk paid off, I booked the spot the "IBM" commercial. I'm really excited, it's been almost 14 months since I've done a commercial. It shoots tomorrow and possibly Saturday. Another great thing is that a friend of a friend, whom actually I know a little, that is a flight attendant. She has offered to extend a buddy pass to me to help me get home for less than $803. Kimberlay thank you, thank you thank you!!

The Robey Theatre Company called yesterday and scheduled me for a general meeting with casting executive Fern Orenstein @ CBS Beverly this afternoon. It was really cool. There was about 12 of us in attendance. Fern was very, very candid with us. She talked a lot about what we are up against in the business and was extremely specific about photos. She asked each of us what was going in our careers and we even did a cold scene for her. Fern oversees much of the casting done at CBS, so that is a really great connection to make. Ben Guillory, artistic director for Robey set it all it up. Thanks Ben!!

JUNE 9th '05*I was treated to a beautiful drive up I-5 to Valencia for the "IBM" commercial shoot.  The location was the Vista Valencia golf course.

I knew right away I was in the right place when I saw one of the production people erecting a basketball goal on the set.  The director, Joe Pytka, is a legend in commercial direction; I mean top dog.  He is also a basketball fanatic who is known to always have a basketball goal nearby while shooting.

After having breakfast, going through hair/make-up & wardrobe, I watched Joe and some production guys play a game of 3 on 3 b-ball.  It’s kinda funny to watch this 60 some year-old man play ball with these young cats.  He can play too; sinking bank shots from all over the court.  Interesting.  Usually on-set it’s “time is money”, but Joe truly runs his own show. 

Cameras are ready , first shot up, I am playing “The Helpist”.  I am sitting at my desk in the middle of a golf course right beside a bunker/sand trap.  It’s a funny spot and we had a great time shooting it.  Let me tell you, Joe Pytka is one interesting fellow.  He is known to be quite tough on his cast and crew when he wants to be.  Some of it is very, very harsh and some of it is completely hysterical.  This is my second time working with him and I haven’t received any of his wrath….yet.

He really knows what he wants and does not waste time.  You really need to be ready to work and pay close attention to what is going on.  The script and other things changed many times and you have to be able to roll with it.

LUNCH!!    

Oh...my...WHAT? I just had a conversation with one of the executives from Ogilvy & Mather, the New York-based advertising agency handling the campaign.  She told me I was a "double miracle".  What?  Yeah, she explained to me how the whole process worked for this particular spot.  I auditioned Thursday morning on my way to Dori Zuckerman's office to be a reader; I almost had to miss it because I had to in Encino by 11am.  By Thursday evening I had been approved by all but one person.  She said I was a "double miracle" because I was the right type, had the quality they were looking for and being African-American helped too…..a lot.  Of course, I didn't know any of that going in, but it was cool to hear it directly from the people involved.

She was talking about how great it is to find good actors that you know can do the job.  She even said that I’ll probably get a bunch of bookings in the next 6 months from them.  WHAT!?!?  Cool!  I mean, I won’t wait by the phone, but it sure sounds good.

She also explained that I was going to be a different character, but how and why that changed.  Interesting stuff. 

STEPHON’S WRAPPED!!!!!

So I’m done for the day.  The spot is due to break in conjunction with the US Open Golf Tournament in August.  Although, I haven’t gotten the official booking yet, but it seems that I will working on Saturday as well for an interactive video too that has something to do with the commercial.  That’s cool, weekend commercial shoots pay double!

Okay, now back to reality and getting my ticket to go home for Saturday.  Thankfully, I have some friends that are really stepping up and helping me out. 

Shortly after talking to Kimberlay about scheduling my flight home with a buddy pass I get another audition.  Huh?  I thought I was done.  How did I get in this great situation?  I mean…yeah…I developed a plan years ago and have stuck to it, but it’s always still kinda surreal to actually see it work. 

It all goes back to my days in New York and researching the companies who I wanted on my team when I moved to Los Angeles.  Seven years later it’s still working with most of the same people I aligned myself with back then.  I have a great team on my side.

Anyway, if this was any other audition I would probably just say no because of time; ya know, audition, hope for a callback, then an avail and wait to see if you book.  I just really want to go home.  BUT I have a team for a reason.  Some decisions are made by committee.  If it was soley up to me I never would have booked the “IBM” spot because I was so in the “I’m out of here!” frame of mind. I just wanted to leave.  Alicia and Brooke @ KSA have been doing this for years and I trust them. 

Back to the audition, it’s for “Motorola”.  Whom is this audition for?  TLC/Loree Booth Casting, the same casting director I just booked through and the same director, Joe Pytka.  They don’t normally have callbacks.  They usually just put you on avail after the first call if they are interested.  So the process is a little quicker.

The spot is scheduled to shoot next Wednesday through Friday of next week, the 15th-17^th.  I am supposed to leave on the red-eye this Saturday night 11^th to go home.  I still don’t know if I am working Saturday on the other part of the “IBM” spot or not. 

Alright, this is the deal.  I’ll change my Saturday flight to the red-eye on Wednesday the 15th.  I don’t know if it’s 3 different spots or one spot with a 3 day shoot or how it’s working.  Listen to me, getting carried away; I haven’t even auditioned yet!!!!  CHILL!!  I ain’t like I’m a big booker in the first place.  The “IBM” was the first one in 14 months!  BUT, I do need to figure what I’m going to do.  By Wednesday, I should know if they are interested in me.

JUNE 10th ‘05*Audition “Motorola” @ TLC/Loree Booth Casting.  I am really right for it and it goes well.  I have my fingers crossed.

Check this out!!  Brooke, @ KSA, calls to tell me that Tracy and Kelly, two great young ladies who work in the bullpen at the agency made me “Client of the Week” for next week.  WHAT!?!?!  WOW, that’s cool.  The bullpen is where they handle the hundreds of calls that come in and go out everyday in the commercial department and they do a tremendous job.  THANKS!  I’ll have to stop next week and see my photo in the frame.  That’s a real honor at an agency like Kazarian-Spencer & Associates.


Introducing KSA Commercial "Client of the Week" for the week of June 13th-17th 2005 - Stephon Fuller!

Alright!  It’s confirmed that I am working tomorrow/Saturday.  It won’t be Joe Pytka directing, but his second unit.  That’s cool, it’s another director that I’ll get to know that I’m sure will be directing commercials in the future if he or she isn’t already.  Whew!

Tonight I attended a small get together for a pre-release of "Acting Q's" by Bonnie Gillespie and Blake Robbins.  I am one of several actors based in New York and Los Angeles that were interviewed for the book.   I've got to tell you this is an excellent book.  I am not finished, and I don't want to finish because the stories are so rich.  It covers actors at all level in the game.  I highly recommend getting a copy.

I have a hard time reading my chapter without laughing because it's "so me".  It's like reading in a mirror.  It's totally in my language, which means I go off on many little sub-stories and such.  I am proud to be a part of it and envision writing my own book in the future.


Me and the fabulous casting director, consultant, author and more Bonnie Gillespie with her latest book "Acting Q's".


JUNE 11th '05*Back in the saddle for the "internet interactive" part of the "IBM" shoot.  We shot at Sony Studios.  I am so thankful for this extra day of work, especially with it being Saturday.  It really made it worth it to change my flight home.

It was fun, we worked in front of a green screen, so I'm not sure what the background is going to look like.  The people from the ad agency were really nice and I hope to work with them again in the future.  Actually, sooner than later, they are also the agency for the "Motorola" spot I auditioned for yesterday.

JUNE 14th '05*Audition: "Saturn" @ Ross Lacy Casting.  It goes well and I think I'm right for it even though I wouldn't be here for callbacks...if I was so fortunate.  Who knows, there is no shoot dates scheduled yet.

Afterwards, I stopped by KSA to get a photo of my picture as "Client of the Week".  YEAH!!  I gotta tell ya, it really means a lot to me to be recognized at an agency like Kazarian-Spencer & Associates.

Okay, so it looks like I'm not going to get an avail for the "Motorola" spot; so I'm on a plane tomorrow night.  YES!!!!!!!!!!!!  I can't believe it; I'm a week late going home beacuse of the commercial and have to return a week early to work on Mekhi Phifer film "Easier, Softer Way".  My month trip has been cut to 2 weeks.  No!!!!!!!.......YES!!!!!!!!!!  This is a great reason for my trip to be altered, I just hope it's as busy when I get back.  My brother wanted me to come back to Virginia at the end of July for a MX race anyway....hmmmmm.

JUNE 16th '05*Here I sit at Cincinnati International Airport waiting for my connecting flight home. I am so glad to be out of Los Angeles for the moment. I already feel younger!

The only thing my brother's have been talking about is "The Race". Well, not the only thing, we are looking into some business ventures in Virginia Beach as well, but for the most part it's "The Race". "The Race", as in the motocross race. You see, currently I hold the title amongst my brothers. Yup, the champ...the don.

JUNE 19th '05*And were off! To the AMA National Motocross Series Championship stop in Budd's Creek, MD. It was a great family trip with a lot of exciting racing and perfect weather. I wish I could ride 50% as good as the guys I paid to see.


Me and Motocross star Mike Alessi at the Budd's Creek race in Maryland

JUNE 21st '05*Tonight I attended my old acting class with Sylvia Harman @ The Actor's Place. Whenever I go home I try to stop by and check-in. Sylvia is an amazing instructor and it's great to watch her teach.

Usually, while I'm there, I speak to the students about the business for a bit. It always shows me how significant it was that I left for New York. For Greg and I it was never a question about whether we were really going to go for it or not. I'm glad I have the knowledge behind me that I do; it helps with my confidence.

I spoke and answered questions for about 90 minutes. Many of the students seemed to be serious about moving forward in the business. I tried to be encouraging yet straightforward with what they are up against. I usually tell groups I speak to that what we are trying to accomplish is "damn near impossible, but people are moving forward in the business everyday" and it's true. I wish them all the best of luck.

JUNE 22nd '05*Yeah!!! The Fuller MX Challenge is on. My brother Jeff and I were heading out to the track with my youngest brother Todd joining us after work. It's about 45 minute drive down into North Carolina. I started out slow on the track getting used to things again because one of my biggest concern is getting hurt. I've had enough with doctors for the moment.

It didn't take long for me to feel like my old self again. I was playing cat and mouse with Jeff, ya know showing him that I still had it even though I hadn't been on a bike since December.

After a couple of hours of riding Todd joined us. He was crisp and smooth while I was completely exhausted and ragged. Previous to Todd arriving I had only fallen once, but after he got there I couldn't stay on the bike to save my life. I was beat, winded and ready for a break. Of course they wanted to race and I couldn't back down from the challenge.

There we were on the starting line, engines peaked to the proper RPM's. 3....2....1 and the bikes are screaming to the first turn. It's a dog fight and Jeff gets the holeshot to the first turn on the Kawasaki KXF250F. I'm right on his tail on the Honda CR125, exhausted, but looking to make a quick move. Jeff was flawless, he didn't at all resemble the guy I'd been playing cat and mouse with in practice. He stepped it up and totally caught me by surprise. I finished second with Todd on a Suzuki RM125 in third.

The second moto is on the gate and ready to go. 3...2...1!!!The three of us blast our way to the first turn with Todd leading me in second and Jeff bringing up the rear. Todd quickly started to get away from me so if I was going to make a move it had to be quick. I wasn't really able to close the gap but was keeping Jeff at bay without too much trouble. Then BAM!!! Agh!!!! There was this turn that was pretty flat and very slick. I found a line that I liked around the very edge that had a little berm and was able to do it as long as I committed to it. For some reason I hesitated and my front wheel got into the soft stuff and it was too late. I went down while running a respectable second. Jeff got around me and I finished third.

The Third Moto: BAM!!! The gate is down. I stay on the gas and win the race to the first turn. I'm determined to win this moto. In and out of the first turn, over the table top jump and a left into the sand whoops. I find the energy to ride standing up and I'm feeling good. Next up is a right hair-pin into a right hand sweeper to a set of doubles and I'm feeling great. Todd is close behind and I know he is looking to make a move. A table top jump with a little kicker is coming up fast and I'm moving a bit faster than normal. I hit the jump and........lights out!! Yup! I don't remember what happened. I just know I went down in a big heap. Todd said I got twisted up in the air and landed really crooked. I just remember hoping that Todd didn't land on top of me. When I stopped tumbling I also remember making sure I had feeling in my fingers and toes...and I did. Whew!! A broken bone wouldn't be a big deal as long as I had feeling in my extremities. I laid there for a while and wasn't able to finish the race. I took a break and got back on the bike to make sure I didn't lose my confidence. I was very, very sore but fine.


Me!


Me again!


My brother Jeff, the overall winner.


Jeff again.

JUNE 23rd '05*I was hoping this would happen. My day of work on "Easier, Softer Way" got pushed back because production is starting later. This is great news because I'll be able to stay in Virginia for another week. Also, my commercial agency calls to make sure I'm not there because they have an appointment for me. I hope it's busy when I get back, but I really need to be away right now.

JUNE 28th '05*Yay!! Today is my xxxx birthday. I'm always surprised at how many people remember because I'm usually pretty low key about it. I have my reasons......Thanks for all of the phone calls, cards, e-mails and stuff.

JUNE 29th '05*Cool, Dori Zuckerman Casting called with my new date to work on "Easier, Softer Way". Now it's July 25.

JULY 3rd '05*Race day!! Yeah, my brother's convinced me to race today. WHAT?!

I haven't been this nervous in a while. Actually, "slightly freaking out" was more accurate. My strategy was to chill and do "my" thing, ya know, ride my own race. The number one goal was to not injure myself and goal number two was to not mess up the motorcycle.

Okay, first practice is up. I tried to get a feel for the track, but it all happened so fast. I was only able to get two laps completed before it was over. I didn't fall! That was a big accomplishment in itself! I have a bit of reputation for "going for it" and taking "dirt naps" as a result.

So I made it through practice and felt really good. We still had a couple of hours before our first moto was up. I went into shut-down mode. There was no smack-talk coming from me. None. I was just trying to calm myself and breathe; I didn't want to get on the line and tighten up.

Our first moto is on the gate; my brothers Jeff and Todd are beside me. 18 motocross bikes are singing at peak RPM's. BAM!! And the gate slams down! I hit the throttle hard and began to slide a bit so I backed off. Mud, rocks, saw dust, etc are flying everywhere. I see Jeff a couple a spots in front of me; I had a decent mid-pack start.

I made it out of the first and second turns without too much trouble. Up next was a series of about 12-14 small jumps called whoops. Whoops are notorious for bucking riders off of their bike. I went through them slow and steady and passed Jeff. I still hadn't seen Todd.

Out of the whoops there was a right turn which was a bit muddy. It wasn't that bad, but I was tentative and that is the wrong thing to do in the mud. You have to go for it and keep your momentum. UGH!! I was running pretty good and I went down. Yeah, my front wheel slid out on me. I really thought I was going to get run over by one of the many riders behind me. I had some close calls, but fortunately I didn't get hit. When I got up I was almost in last place; after a bit I got the bike restarted and on my way. Todd had gone down earlier too because he passed me; I figured I'd try to follow him and move through the pack some. I stayed behind him for a while until he started to get away THEN I saw Jeff; at that moment I became a lion on the hunt. I really wanted to finish ahead of him. I passed him on an uphill jump, in the air, one turn before the finish line. YES!!

All-in-all we did just okay; out 18 riders in the 125D class Todd finished 11th, me 12th & Jeff 13th. Todd and I definitely should have been in the top 8. Jeff rides cautiously and rarely falls and probably could have been in the top 10. Todd and I hate getting beat by him because he doesn't take chances. It's all good, he has his strategy and we have ours.

Back in the pits we all talked a lot of crap and got our laugh on. I felt pretty good about things and was ready to do better in the second moto. So we're back on the gate waiting for it to drop and NOOOOO!!!! I get caught in the backward falling gate AND stall the engine. I finally get the bike started and blast down the start straight. I was determined to make up time and was doing okay, much better than the first moto. I was passing some riders and moving forward.

There were a couple of jumps that I felt like I could do if I put my mind to it. It was a double to a step up to a double combination. I wanted to just go for it and see what I could do; I didn't want to regret not trying it. So I come around the corner and hit the jump and come up short with a bone-jarring landing. I was barely able to stay on the bike and kept moving forward. Then I see Jeff again and I really wanted to finish ahead of him and I go for the jump again and come up even more short. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have done it because I could've passed Jeff on the uphill, but I went for it. For some reason I was going even slower this time and landed right beside Jeff and then bounced into him. My bike started sliding and I bounced into him again and crashed in a heap. Again I thought I was going to get run over, but I didn't. I ran over to the bike got it restarted and was back in the chase.

Todd was in sight; he had wrecked a bunch of times too. He was in front of me and I was going to follow him to catch up to Jeff, but then Todd went down again. I ran out of time to catch Jeff. Todd and I were really frustrated anf Jeff was happy that he didn't fall. Jeff finish 10th, me 13th and Todd 14th. Our overall finishes were Jeff 11th, me 12th and Todd 13th out of 18 riders. Jeff was really happy that he finished ahead of us. None of us were particularly happy overall, but the great thing is that nobody got hurt and the bikes ran great. It was a great family day.


L-R Me, Todd & Jeff.  How did both of my "little" brothers get to be bigger than me?


My sister-in-law Lisa


My niece, brother Todd, nephew & me.


Me looking really nervous or asleep before the first race.


Chillin' on the 4th

JULY 6th '05*Well, it's that time again; time to go back to Los Angeles.  I'm cool with that....I need to check my mail anyway.  I'm kidding, I just need a break to chill for a bit and I got it.  I had a great time at home; it always resets my clock and enables me to fight for another day.  My brothers and I did a lot of talking about some business things we plan to do.  The future is really exciting....in the business and out.

JULY 7th '05* I was hoping to get back in the streets today to start doing drop and the like, but my body had other ideas. I am completely beat. Jet lag maybe? I don't know, but I'm going back to sleep!

JULY 11th '05*Big day today for drops.  I had to pick and choose carefully because so many casting changes have taken places and my database isn't completely updated.  Are they ever updated?

Anyway, one of the most significant changes, at least to me, is that Kimberly Lanae Foster is now the CD of WB drama "Charmed".  I met Kim many years ago through my friend William Gregory Lee while attending a staged reading she had cast him in.  The big deal is, at least in my mind, is that she is an African-American casting director casting a one hour, primetime drama WITHOUT African-American leads, AND for Aaron Spelling Productions.

I’m not saying it’s great because she’s black and I’m black so now she gonna call everyone who is black to audition.  No!  I went to producers several times for previous CD Leslee Dennis and her associate Megan Entriken; they were particularly great ladies too.  I just think it’s great for Kim because I understand how she is making her dreams become her reality and I’m tickled to see it happen.

Needless to say, I made sure I dropped a photo over to Kim with a note of congratulations.

JULY 12th '05*YES!!  I got an audition for "Charmed" for tomorrow.  I don't know if it was from my drop-off, an agent submission or their files, but I'm just happy to have an appointment.  It's my first since getting back in town.

JULY 13th '05*Audition: "Charmed" @ Kimberly Lanae Foster Casting.  I told myself that I wasn't going to get caught up in too much small talk about her new position and just concentrate on my work.  Of course I failed because I was so happy for her and wanted her to know it.  So we chatted about it for a moment and got down to business.  I had rehearsed it with my friend Jon and came up with some stuff, but we were wrong.  She could tell my take was wrong before I even uttered a word and stopped me to give me more info.  We did it twice and she said she's bringing me back for producers.  Cool!  I hope it, in fact, happens.

JULY 14th ‘05*Cool, the call came in for the “Charmed” callback tomorrow.  I got another call that TOTALLY caught me by surprise.  Yeah, I got an appointment for a print go-see.  I don’t go out for print very often, although I do have a print agent @ KSA.  In all honestly, I haven’t given her the proper tools like a zed card so I don’t complain much.  I’ll take what I can get…but I have been thinking about getting a card done so I can increase my chance of working.

Speaking of choices, I got a call from a commercial background company inviting me to a registration for their files.  I did tons of commercial background in New York, but none here in Los Angeles.  I’m not oppose to doing it, but I do audition on a regular basis and I wouldn’t want it to conflict with that, but I don’t audition ALL the time.  I like having many irons in the fire so I can increase my choices.  I think it’s good to be on-set, the pay isn’t bad AND it goes to my SAG insurance and pension.  So I think I’ll at least go register and see what happens.

JULY 15th ‘05*Go-see: “Dolby” @ Emily Mueller Casting.  This took a whole two minutes including the paper work.  Cool, I can take that.  I'm gonna see what I can do to raise my profile in the print world.  Actually, after I finished the "Dolby" go-see I scoped out the place to see what else was going on and saw another print job for "Nissan" going on.  I figured I would go over and at least drop a photo for their files. The young lady running it said "Why don't just come in and get seen?  We're seeing everybody." I was like, "okay, sure".  Then she went in the room with my photo; she returned a moment later and said "ooops, I guess not".  SHe happily took my photo for her files though; I'll take that.

Callback: “Charmed” @ Kimberly Lanae Foster.  I didn't feel great, but definitely good enough.  The only this is that "good enough" isn't usually good enough.  I guess time will tell.

JULY 16th ‘05*Bright and early this morning I attended the Broadcast Preview for Fall programming.  I saw a lot of stuff that I enjoyed, including the pilot that I worked on “ABC Comedy “Hot Properties”.  I have to tell you that “Everybody Hates Chris” a single camera comedy based on the life of Chris Rock and narrated by Chris is very, very, very funny.

It’s a long morning, but it’s always inspiring to see all these new opportunities for acting work.  I must admit that it feels great to see so many people that I know or have worked with in the past.  PBS had a Bob Dylan special and I’m thinking to myself that I’ve been directed by his son, Jesse Dylan, in a “Pizza Hut” commercial with Carmen Electra.  It makes me feel that I’m on the right track.  I’m really excited by this new season and feel great things in the air.

From there I attended a registration for a SAG background company.  I’m not sure how they got my stuff, they may be on my postcard list.  Anyway, I went and now my name and photo is in the their books.  I hope it wasn’t a mistake.

Lastly, Audition: “Sprint” @ Kathy Knowles Casting.  This one shoots in New York next week.  The audition was great; my partner Scott and just improved our way through and had a ball.  Hopefully, we’ll get a callback.  How much would I love to go to NYC?  Yeah, that much!

JULY 18th ‘05*Lots and lots off drop-offs today and let me tell you it’s freaking hot outside, but I must continue!

My orientation session went well tonight with a group of mostly New York-based actors who are testing the waters in Los Angeles.  The had great questions that answered from my point-of-view; which can be odd.  My point-of-view that is.

JULY 20th ‘05*More drops and more blood, sweat & tears out on the pavement.  It’s amazing how empowered being out in the field makes me feel.  Even if I’m not getting calls at a given moment; it feels great to be at least attempting to make it happen.

THIS JUST IN!!  Ha!!  I went in for a “Dolby” print job last week and just got the call that I am on hold for Monday or Tuesday.  Cool!  That’s 2-2 this year for print.  Not bookings, but being placed on hold.  I know that I don’t get paid for it, but usually you have to get an “on hold” before you’re going to make any scrilla(cheese, cash, dough, dollars, deniro, pesos or money).  Hmmm…maybe there is a market for me in the print world too.

JULY 22nd ‘05*Audition/Producers “Just Legal” @ UDK Casting.  Imagine that!!  I was just telling a friend that I haven’t had an audition at UDK for three years.  THREE YEARS!!!  I still drop-off there, but I rarely get in.  Matter of fact, I dropped there two days ago, but for a different project.  I think the last time I auditioned there was when I worked on “CSI”.

Anyway, the read went well and it was great to see casting director Robert Ulrich whom I know through my friend William Gregory Lee.  Maybe this will help me get back on the map at this office.  No matter what, I will keep dropping off my photos.

After doing some early drops this morning I was looking forward to going home to chill, but my commercial agent called with an appointment for this afternoon.  It was straight to callbacks for a “FedEx” national spot @ Mimi Webb-Miller Casting.  YES!!  This one goes well…sorta.  I mean the read was good, but I had an issue with the session runner.

I like to think I’m a nice, understanding guy, but I don’t like to be disrespected for no reason.  I could see that the young lady running the session was really busy so I tried to stay out of the way and have all my stuff ready.  It just seemed like everything she said to me specifically was rude and nasty.  Again, I understood that she was really busy.  Well, the third time I’d had it and I told her that she was very rude to me numerous times for no reason.  We kinda got into a bit and she apologized….I didn’t.  I had no reason too.