TOOLS OF THE TRADE, Part Deux (a.k.a. "THE D-LIST DIARIES")

It was a very interesting Monday indeed.

Here we go...

What NOT to do to not get on the dreaded DROP list.

1. DON'T email your agent asking "Are you even submitting me on anything?" just because you think that you haven't heard from them lately since all those audition notices you've ben receiving come from some "CastingNetworks.com" email and text number and you didn't realize that your agent is the one who is actually sending you those notices. Really???

2. DON'T think it's ok to fly out of state indefinitely and not book out only to have your agent find this out only because you get called in for auditions that you now have to miss. And then when you finally return out of the blue over a month later, don't complain that you haven't booked anything. Seriously???

3. If you happen to have your agent's cell number, DON'T call, but text to confirm auditions or to convey urgent or time-sensitive issues. For general comments or questions and including after-hours issues, please send an email. And if you are even contemplating sending (or drunk-texting) a text (or even butt-dialing) at 1 am for reasons other than a valid business one and expect a response, well...let's just say that your house BETTER be on fire. Otherwise, stick to email. You will always get a reply. (Oh, and don't even THINK about calling a director, producer or CD at home unless you are a blood-relative...and your house is on fire!)

4. When your agent invites you to a meeting to introduce you to the team, it's a good idea to NOT respond with, "Sure, but don't think I'm going to do a monologue or anything for you." (OH. NO. HE. DI'UHNT.)

5. And finally, DON'T think an agent won't drop an actor immediately for being an obnoxious and disrespectful D-bag. Rudeness and moronic behavior will not be tolerated.

Yes, all these scenarios really happened yesterday. And during pilot season. Which is why I am writing this at 6 am sharing this with you so it won't take away from my busy submission hours.

Oy vey. Such a crazy business we're in. Well, back to work!

HAPPY TUESDAY, everyone! Thanks for reading. Thought you could all use a laugh! :-)

Click here for --> Tools of the Trade, Part 1

DON'T BE A TOOL.

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MARIO VERNAZZA IN "THE CON-ARTIST"

TOSCAR Award-winning parody of THE ARTIST with our very own Mario Vernazza as The Producer. Brilliant!

THE CON-ARTIST is a sure to please Hollywood farce, filled with wonderfully executed physical comedy of the silent picture era! THE CON-ARTIST is Luis F. Pazos and Rick Garcia's team entry for this year's fifth annual Toscars. Luis F. Pazos wrote CON-ARTIST as a homage for their draw, The Artist, for this 2012 Brits in LA event. This 5-minute short, black and white, silent film is Pazos' directing début bringing grace and hilarious charm to the silver screen. THE CON-ARTIST depicts the Hollywoodland Star, George, Luis F. Pazos, being challenged for his limelight in 1920's Tinsel Town, by a mystery man, Albert Nobbs, played by 2011 Toscars Best Supporting Whactress, Rick Garcia.

Prompted by Reporters, Johnny Wactor and Shane Alexander, Hollywood mogul, Mario Vernazza (DaVinci Code, Nine), of Hollywoodland Studio, pits the Hollywoodland Star against the mystery man in a dance off. The ladies accent the jokes with their own vigor. The Octavia, Jose Calderon, and Dorothy, Jesyka Samborski, both help bring the sense of urgency to win, and with help from the Butler, Marc Conneely, rounds out this tongue-in-check parody with laughter.

Composer, Daniel Ciurlizza's melodies adds a harmoniously while Walter Lowry sets the scenes as costume designer and provides some beautiful period pieces for the sets which create a wonderful and believable backdrop for the Co-Directors of Photography, Connor Heck and Chaz Main, to capture this delightful physical comedy...

L&L TALENT ACTORS ROCK!!!

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ROBERT KENISTON & THE ARTIST's UGGIE AT THE OSCARS

WOOF!

A big THANK YOU to Robert for sharing this awesome photo with us!

L&L TALENT ACTORS ROCK!!!

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HEADSHOTS 101: CLIFFSNOTES VERSION

We posted some headshot advice (with visuals!) a while back and we are still getting asked "what kind of photos do I need?" especially from new actors. Here's a basic headshot wishlist, the CliffsNotes version (or SparkNotes, for those of you who aren't old enough to remember LP records and phones with cords!) compiled by our agent apprentice and commercial dept rockstar, Mandy.

FOUR SOLID HEADSHOTS:

1- You on a casual Saturday afternoon. Attractive, friendly and most importantly --- real.

2- You as a business professional. Maybe not a full suit/tie but at least a dress shirt and perhaps a coat.

3- You showcasing your physical skills. Not necessarily with an action pose, but in the attire and with the look of someone who plays sports, runs, is a professional dancer, etc.

4- You in "your character." Wardrobe and personality of how you might typecast yourself. (The role/roles you like to play and are most believable in.) Some examples from recent breakdowns: blue collar, quirky, silver lake, goofy dad, hottie/babe, fashion model, geeky/nerdy, thug, dark, European.

ORIGINAL POST, HEADSHOTS 101 WITH EXAMPLES --> SAY CHEESE!

SMILE!!!

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STEPHEN BOATRIGHT: JASON MRAZ MUSIC VIDEO

Check out STEPHEN BOATRIGHT & his adorable daughter in JASON MRAZ's "I WON'T GIVE UP" music video!

L&L TALENT ACTORS ROCK!!!

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WOOHOOO TARA!!!

WooHooo!

Congrats to TARA G on her cool commercial booking!!! :-)

L&L TALENT ACTORS ROCK!!!

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SUPERBOWL 2012 COMMERCIAL!!!

1st BANK Superbowl spot starring ADRIAN ALITA!!!

Seriously. ;-)

L&L TALENT ACTORS ROCK!!!

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