One Door Closes, Another Opens

So, I got an email the other day from my agent saying that I have not been short listed for the production of Charlie's Angels. I was disappointed of course, but more frustrated than anything, because the casting director didn't say why. One has to know that this business is extremely fickle. Usually a decision is made not based on ones talent, but for political, or physical reasons. You need thick skin to be an actor, or performer in general, and you can't let news like that slow you down, or get you down.

The opportunities in Canada, are few compared to those in Los Angeles, but they are there. I do miss auditioning almost everyday, however, you have to make the best of the situation. The day after I got the disappointing news from my agent, I went to a modeling call for a very important fashion show. I got the job on the spot! No, it's not Charlie's Angels, but it's a great gig, and I'll be in lingerie, so I'll feel like a charlie's angel ha-ha. See, one door closes, and another opens. Regardless, it's always nice when you hear, "Yes...we want her," no matter how big or not big the job.

So I'm at my modeling agency in a teeny, tiny bikini, because not only do they want to see your body, but see how comfortable you are walking a runway. So here I am, pretty much naked under my coat, when the lady who's casting says to me, "Okay, drop it already." So I did. I have to say I am more comfortable with my body now, than I was five years ago. Here I am, wearing basically nothing, in heels (had to ad that), being poked, prodded, and measured, and then pretending to walk the runway. I did feel sexy though, I must say. It was certainly empowering.

I will keep you posted on the fashion show, and ad some pictures too, so stay tuned...

Until then, I have a KFC commercial audition to go have fun with tomorrow.

Post #5- Charlie's Angel Audition

Hello everyone, I hope you all had a fantastic week. I know I did. On Tuesday I got a call from my agent saying that Coreen Mayrs, and Heike Brandstatter, who are casting directors based out of Vancouver, wanted to audition me for the new Charlie's Angels series that will be shooting in Miami. I felt tremendously grateful that they wanted to see me for one of the leads, so my agent booked me a time at Casting Central, here in Toronto, so that I could tape myself doing the audition. Now I thought I would be paying maybe $30 tops to put myself on tape, but nope, the total was over $50. This is for one half hour of someone taping you, then emailing it to your agent. Don't these people know that actors are called "starving artists" for a reason? I have to say it costs a lot to be an actor...ha. So anyway, the audition went extremely well, other than the fact that I was so confused as to which take to use, that I had the guy who taped me play each take like 10 times. I think he was a little annoyed, but hey, I'm paying 50 bucks, so suck it up. My agent liked the audition, and sent it off. Who knows, it's a long shot, but anything is possible. Oh, and my agent lied about my weight...shhhhh...don't tell anyone. They like skinny in Hollywood.

I also found out that I didn't get the part of the prostitute in Breakout Kings. They went with someone a little more rough around the edges, shall I dare to say. I know because I have a friend who works on the show; I got the inside scoop. Man, you're either to pretty, or not pretty enough. This industry is crazy, but I love it!

My newest, original song has been recorded thanks to Crown Royalty Entertainment. Fito Blanko engineered along with producer Terence Lam. For those of you who don't know Fito, he is a reggae-ton artist who has worked with Drake, Beanie Man, Rochester, and many others. You can check him out at www.fitoblanko.com.

Yesterday I had a meet and greet with the director of Silent Hill 2. Well, he never showed up so they took our pictures, and then called us back today. We were originally supposed to be at the film studio for 11:30am. Then it changed last minute to 12:15pm, and then because the director was late, it changed a third time to 1:15pm. They think us actors have nothing else to do in our day, that we can just change our plans like that. I mean, I really had nothing to do ha-ha, but still, it's the principle. This director is from the UK, not from LA. I thought only LA directors would be flakey...oh well. We also met the choreographer, and had to learn this type of zombie walk/choreography. It was actually quite fun to do; isn't it every girls dream to play a plastic zombie nurse? They wanted us to wear push-up bras so they could see our womanly assets, and if you know me, I'm not lacking in that area. Boobs was what they wanted, so boobs is what they got! These are creepy, bloody, veiny, zombie nurses, with big boobs, dressed in latex. It's a horror film, what do you expect?

Then today I got an email form Mark Mowad, www.mowadinc.com, to confirm our meeting, this coming Monday, January 17th. I have written a screenplay called "Can You Feel The Beat, " which is going to be a smash hit, and Mark has agreed to produce it. I am very excited. Mark is currently in production of his own 13 episode series, a show called "The Cool Guys File," airing on The Cave TV.

What a great year so far; i've hit the ground running. Since my last post, I auditioned for Mccain Super Fries. I played a mom to a four year old boy. Yes, I am now going out for mom roles, and I embrace it to the fullest. Soon I will need Botox! That audition was...well...you know how commercial auditions are. I was reacting to a chair, with a pretend child sitting in it, while setting a table with pretend kitchenware, in a pretend kitchen. AWESOME!

Yesterday was a music day. My producer, Terence Lam, and I, met with Chris, at Crown Loyalty Entertainment. This is where I will be recording my next single. We also met the very talented, Fito Blanko, and master producer, Sensei. I loved the vibe in there. They are real good, and funny people, though some of them were really blinged out, you'd think I was still in Hollywood. I almost went blind. I'll remember to bring my sunglasses next time, at least then I'll fit right in.

Today I auditioned for Breakout Kings, for the role of a prostitute that has been confined in a cellar for months. A little bit of a stretch from my current life, but hey, that's what makes it fun. She is terrified because she is being mentally tortured. Hmmm...

I have to say that these past auditions have been painless. In and out. Just the way I like it. Nothing too crazy has happened the last few days, but then again, it's not quite Hollywood.

First Audition of 2011

Today, January 4th, was my first audition of 2011. I have to say it went pretty well for only 16 bars. Okay, let me start at the beginning.

The audition was for the role of Maria, in West Side Story, for the Vancouver opera. I decided not to show up to the dance call because who are we kidding, Maria doesn't dance, and because, yes I'll admit it, I'm a little rusty. Anyway, the Maria's that showed up to audition, at 2, ended up being sent home . Yay me for calling that one! So, I get there a little before our call, which was 4:30, and as I walk in I see a good 20 girls. I think, "Okay, It's going to be a while before they get to me," so I decide to pee. Of course they call my name as I'm in the washroom. I didn't even hear the guy; a girl had to come knocking on the door. Talk about timing. I rush out, fixing myself, while all the other girls are staring at me. Great start right?

So I enter the room, head held high, feeling good, because I have just emptied my bladder, and then I see how many people are sitting behind the panel, and can you believe I had to pee again! Of course they didn't even say hi, I mean come on now, this isn't New York. I give the music to the pianist, sing my 16 bars, say thank you, and leave. As I was leaving, there was dead silence, and I could feel their stares on the back of my head. But I did walk out with swagger, I must say. Oh, the joys of auditioning...

However, this evening I was over at Terence Lam's studio, working on my new single. Terence Lam is an extremely talented producer/engineer who you will have to look out for. He is going to do very big things. My new track is banging, and I have to say, working on that with Terence was the best way to end my day. Just me, and my music; no panel of judges, and a producer that can make magic. That's what it's all about. Making Magic!

I'm Back...Happy New Year!!!

Well, I am not in Los Angeles anymore, and yes my blogs did stop. However, I decided that I don't have to be in LA to write a blog about my crazy life as a performer. If anything, Toronto life is even more insane. Why you may ask? It's because people in the industry out here feel they need to act a certain way to compete with the stereotype Hollywood has created.

I came back to Toronto, from LA early, because of some major scamming that went on. believe me, no one is who they say they are out in LaLa land. It was an important experience, and I will go back to work one day, but for now I am back to the hustle in good old Toronto, Canada.

Yep...I have been here for a while now, and have a nice handle on the city. I don't feel as much pressure over here, as I did in LA, but I will say that Los Angeles had a lot more going on in the industry, obviously ha-ha. They love to take risks. This is something Toronto has to learn to do.

Many things have happened since I've been back. I shot a few commercials, and P.S.A's for breast cancer, and for the U.S military. Most exciting news though, is that I started really focusing on my singing career. I have been writing, and recording music, which will be out very soon.

Anyway, it's the new year, and things are a bit slow right now, but stay tuned, because as the year progresses, so will the entertaining stories of my life as a performer, in Canada's biggest city. It's a great city, but it's not quite Hollywood.