So now that I've deemed 2011 the year of Cultivation & Preparation, here are the goals I will be working towards... {UPDATE: Will cross off as they are completed.}
- 2011 Career Goals
Keep a journalof one thing I do each day to further my careerEdit my reelSubmit to commercial agents once a month until I land rep- Finish what I started with Diary of a Wedding Planner
Get DWP on IMDbGet into classand stay there for a while- Join & become active in networking organizations
- Develop relationships with three casting offices
Writemore- Step my game up image-wise
- Shake, shimmy, stretch, pop and leap into shape
- Join SAG
One of the main differences about my goals for this year is that I don't have things like "book a co-star" or "book a national commercial" anymore. I definitely want those things for sure! And when I meet with agents & managers I will let them know that when they ask me what my specific goals are for the next 3, 6 or 12 months. But I don't have them at the forefront of my mind this year because I realized that {for me} at the "developmental stage" that I'm at right now that's kind of putting the cart before the horse so my thinking has shifted. I'm much more focused on booking the room {aka making fans of casting offices} than just booking one job. Once I've gotten to the point where the CD's who I'm targeting actually know who I am and like my work THEN I will focus on booking roles specifically.
Which brings me to my next point- targeting representation. If you've followed this blog for awhile you know that I'm more focused on getting a manager first and then a theatrical agent. I've known for some time now that I want a manager who also produces and has great relationships with cd's. But I've realized recently that I don't have anything of real value to offer the type of manager that I'm seeking... yet. So until I do, until I get my first co-star credit, or join SAG, or feel like such a rockstar in class that I KNOW I can walk into any agent or managers' office 100% confident in my ability to make them a ton of money, I'm going to hold off on spending my energy on rep submissions. This doesn't mean I won't keep in touch with those on my target list when I have news to share but it does mean I won't be actively pursuing an agent or manager for the time being. NOTE: I'm referring to theatrical rep only. Commercial rep is completely different. I'm very much still seeking that and yes, referrals are always welcome. :-)
So without any further adieu, here is my 2011 Action Plan...
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Happy New Year friends!
•to try to develop and improve something
•If you cultivate a relationship, you make a special effort to establish and develop it, because you think it might be useful to you
•to improve by labor, care, or study : refine
The Year of the Hustle has come and gone and before us lies a new year filled with new promise and possibility. I'm starting this year off with an attitude of gratitude, thankful to God for allowing me to see 2011.
As ya'll know, I'm very much into themes and theme songs. They help me really visualize and hone in on what my focus is. And after really putting some thought into what it is I want to do and the type of results I want to see, this year's theme is...
Cultivation & Preparation!
CULTIVATE verb (DEVELOP)•to try to develop and improve something
•If you cultivate a relationship, you make a special effort to establish and develop it, because you think it might be useful to you
•to improve by labor, care, or study : refine
This year I plan on doing a better job of cultivating relationships with other people in the industry. While my main focus is to develop relationships with three casting offices in particular, I also plan to work on forming/strengthening my relationships with other actors, writers, directors, producers and representation as well.
PREPARE /PREPARATION
•the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty
•a state of being prepared
•a preparatory act or measure
•a state of being prepared
•a preparatory act or measure
As Will Smith says, "If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready." Point blank it's time for me to really get serious about studying my craft again. Though I know I have natural talent and strong instincts I haven't actually ACTED in awhile. DWP doesn't really feel like acting to me because those are my words but even that is sporadic. I'm ready to act on a daily basis and combine my natural talent with solid technique. I haven't been in a consistent acting class since I left college so it's definitely time. Besides, I want to be 100% ready whenever I do get offered a meeting with an agent or an audition for a tv show or film. And the only way to do that is to practice, practice, practice. So I'm going to throw myself into classes I'm interested in for as long as I can afford them {not only acting, but dance as well to make sure I get in shape}. I'm also going to work on monologues/sides at home for me to post up on my youtube & vimeo page.
I'll post my goals later today but in the meantime enjoy my 2011 theme song, Natalie Bedingfield's "Unwritten." Yes it's a bit of an oldie but it's still a goodie and it's very fitting for the place I'm at in my career. Here it is with lyrics for the few of you who may not know this feel-good song...
Email subscribers can view it here.
As we get closer and closer to the end of 2010 {already, really?} I figured it was time for me to take a moment and congratulate myself on the goals I've achieved this year. To kick things off, let's start with a really cute compilation of my facebook status updates in 2010...
My favorite status of the year has to be when we played the question and answer game. For those of you who aren't familiar, your facebook friends would ask you a question in your inbox. You'd then answer that question in your status without mentioning who it was who asked you the question in the first place. The question I loved answering the most was as follows:
Q: If you were single and without children how hard and long would you pursue acting as a career?
A: As long as it takes... which is the same answer that I have now even with the husband and kids. There's no set time. While I'd love to be a series regular on a hit TV show right now, that may not happen for 10 or 15 years. But guess what? I'll still be here trying to make it happen because I have to.
And I really believe that. Having a family doesn't change my goals, it just altars the way I go about attaining them.
Speaking of goals, here's what I accomplished this year...
And these are the classes I took...
My favorite status of the year has to be when we played the question and answer game. For those of you who aren't familiar, your facebook friends would ask you a question in your inbox. You'd then answer that question in your status without mentioning who it was who asked you the question in the first place. The question I loved answering the most was as follows:
Q: If you were single and without children how hard and long would you pursue acting as a career?
A: As long as it takes... which is the same answer that I have now even with the husband and kids. There's no set time. While I'd love to be a series regular on a hit TV show right now, that may not happen for 10 or 15 years. But guess what? I'll still be here trying to make it happen because I have to.
And I really believe that. Having a family doesn't change my goals, it just altars the way I go about attaining them.
Speaking of goals, here's what I accomplished this year...
- Produced my first project: Diary of a Wedding Planner. Though we are far from done, we have gotten 2 episodes shot and online for the world to see.
- Helped produce the pilot episode of the webseries Millie's 101 Things.
- Became SAG-eligible thanks to DWP.
- Booked a regular gig doing interstitials for Santa Monica's City TV.
- Got my first two listings on IMDb.
- Ate much more healthy than I ever have before.
And these are the classes I took...
- Killian's Commercial Workshop (4 weeks) LOVE and will be taking a refresher next year.
- Private Coaching with Amy Lyndon (1 60 min. session) She knows her stuff.
- Self-Management for Actors Seminar aka Class Rules! (5 weeks) Every actor should take this class.
There are definitely some areas I fell short, some things I need to change subtly and some things that need a major overhaul and I'll get to all of those in the next post. For now, I'm patting myself on the back for a year well done.
For Myesha: Think On This
What do you say to honor someone who's left you much too fast
when you took for granted the time you shared because you thought it would always last?
You might get consumed with anger or wallow in your tears
but for now let's take a moment to think about when she was here.
Think about her dimpled smile and how friendly she could be
and remember the rich sound of her laughing happily.
Think about the joy she spread to everyone she knew
and how even when she had little, she'd offer some to you.
Think about her as a mother and how proud she was of Jhai,
how much she truly loved him as the apple of her eye.
Think about all the good times you've spent with her, though they were much too brief
and let those memories bring you comfort in your time of grief.
For we can rejoice in knowing she is with our Lord above,
no longer feeling any pain, but covered in His love.
So when you think about Myesha, in all your pain and strife
go ahead and mourn her death but then celebrate her beautiful life!
Well this is a birthday I won't ever forget.
Today I celebrate the blessing of being able to see another year. The many blessings of having good health, a family who loves me, shelter, food, clothes, a car, all of my basic necessities met and all of which I'm thankful for.
Last year I didn't do anything for my birthday except bake a cake and listen to my sons and my hubby sing to me. Last year I was kinda bummed that that was all I did so this year I decided to do it up. I made plans at this awesome Cuban restaurant that offers salsa dancing lessons along with a live salsa band and even planned an afterparty at a hookah lounge. You'd think I was turning 30 by all the festivities {I'm not there yet, don't rush me} but I was just very excited to celebrate!
Until yesterday.
Yesterday my mom called me and said she was going to pray and fast for the rest of the day because my cousin Myesha, who had been in the ICU for the last 3 or 4 days, had taken a turn for the worse. Myesha had gotten an infection after being pregnant, but was an otherwise healthy girl so when she first went to the hospital I hadn't thought much of it. Sure I prayed but I still just knew she would be fine because she'd never really been sick before. After getting the call from my mom, however, I got a little nervous and prayed much harder this time. 20 minutes later I missed a call from my mom and I immediately knew why she was calling me back.
Myesha was young and vibrant and a mom to a 7 year old boy and we didn't expect this. I just saw her on Thanksgiving {so very glad I went out there now} and now I wish I would have spent some real time with her before coming back here. The toughest part is that her little brother's birthday is today too and I know he's hurting really bad right now.
So needless to say, I don't really feel like dancing anymore. I'd rather eat dinner and enjoy the cupcakes that I woke up to this morning {thanks Stephen!} and just be with my husband and my boys. Same as last year but it's funny how different your perspective can be when you remember how short life is and what's really important. So yes, I'm still gonna celebrate, just in a much more intimate way. I'm sure my boys will still sing to me and right now that's all I want.
To any of you who are inclined to wish me happy birthday, thank you in advance! I appreciate the love and I am truly truly grateful to see another year.
And to those of you who believe in prayer, please lift up the Kingsberry family right now, that's the best gift you can give.
I love you cousin!
Today I celebrate the blessing of being able to see another year. The many blessings of having good health, a family who loves me, shelter, food, clothes, a car, all of my basic necessities met and all of which I'm thankful for.
Last year I didn't do anything for my birthday except bake a cake and listen to my sons and my hubby sing to me. Last year I was kinda bummed that that was all I did so this year I decided to do it up. I made plans at this awesome Cuban restaurant that offers salsa dancing lessons along with a live salsa band and even planned an afterparty at a hookah lounge. You'd think I was turning 30 by all the festivities {I'm not there yet, don't rush me} but I was just very excited to celebrate!
Until yesterday.
Yesterday my mom called me and said she was going to pray and fast for the rest of the day because my cousin Myesha, who had been in the ICU for the last 3 or 4 days, had taken a turn for the worse. Myesha had gotten an infection after being pregnant, but was an otherwise healthy girl so when she first went to the hospital I hadn't thought much of it. Sure I prayed but I still just knew she would be fine because she'd never really been sick before. After getting the call from my mom, however, I got a little nervous and prayed much harder this time. 20 minutes later I missed a call from my mom and I immediately knew why she was calling me back.
Myesha was young and vibrant and a mom to a 7 year old boy and we didn't expect this. I just saw her on Thanksgiving {so very glad I went out there now} and now I wish I would have spent some real time with her before coming back here. The toughest part is that her little brother's birthday is today too and I know he's hurting really bad right now.
So needless to say, I don't really feel like dancing anymore. I'd rather eat dinner and enjoy the cupcakes that I woke up to this morning {thanks Stephen!} and just be with my husband and my boys. Same as last year but it's funny how different your perspective can be when you remember how short life is and what's really important. So yes, I'm still gonna celebrate, just in a much more intimate way. I'm sure my boys will still sing to me and right now that's all I want.
To any of you who are inclined to wish me happy birthday, thank you in advance! I appreciate the love and I am truly truly grateful to see another year.
And to those of you who believe in prayer, please lift up the Kingsberry family right now, that's the best gift you can give.
I love you cousin!
Myesha Latrice Kingsberry, rest in peace.
Over Thanksgiving I went back home to Vegas to spend time with my family and meet my new niece, Ava Christine. She was just over 2 weeks old when these pictures were taken. Isn't she beautiful?!?
I spent one of the nights with Kaymen, one of my best friends from high school, watching the film "Burlesque" {totally mad at myself for not taking one single dance class this year!} and drinking yummy Oatmeal Cookie Martinis at Friday's. Delish!
It was nice to get away from everything industry related and just spend some time with family and friends... but now it's back to work. Only 21 days left before this year is over, gotta make them count.
Jayden was a very big helper. He kept wanting to hold her and make sure she was okay.
Aww she loves her auntie!
And before we got back on the road we stopped at a waffle cafe to eat breakfast with my friend Veniesha and my beautiful goddaughter Shalina. {And if you look closely you'll see our hubby's in the background. Hi guys!}
The boys definitely had a good time.
It was nice to get away from everything industry related and just spend some time with family and friends... but now it's back to work. Only 21 days left before this year is over, gotta make them count.
After not having much going on for the last few months, these last 2 weeks have picked up quite a bit for me.
On the survival job end, I had the interview for the wedding planning position, actually I had a series of interviews. The first day I met with three people in the hotel: the Director of Catering, the Catering Sales Manager {who handles all the corporate accounts and hates weddings} and the Director of Sales {my former boss who told me about the job in the first place} and it was one of the best interviews I've ever had. They all told me what they were looking for and it sounded like everything I wanted and was perfect for, yay!!
Cut to Friday, when I met with two more people: the HR Director and the GM of the hotel. They painted a much clearer picture of just how demanding this job would be. 10-12 hour days. Working 3 out of 4 weekends. Meeting high sales goals each month, boo!! By the time I finished talking to the GM I knew immediately that it wasn't the job for me. So I plan to send my former boss a note later today thanking him for the opportunity but withdrawing from consideration of the position. Don't get me wrong, the money would have been great. Seriously, I'd already started making a list of all the classes I planned to take since I'd be able to afford it. But what good is the money if I won't have time to ever go on any auditions? So back to craigslist I went, looking for something more flexible. I may have found it. I have an interview tomorrow with an event planning company for a full-time position. I let them know in my email that I'm an actress and I'm looking for a job that will allow me time off when I have auditions and bookings as long as I get my work done on time. And they actually called me! They don't produce the types of events that I'm used to working on but I'm meeting with them in the morning to learn more about what the job entails so we'll see.
Onward and upward.
- I booked a music video for Japanese pop star Ayumi Hamasaki.
- Booked an LMU student project that will shoot sometime early next semester.
- Helped a friend produce the pilot episode of her super cute webseries Millie's 101 Things.
- Was supposed to shoot a spec commercial yesterday but due to the rainy weather we've postponed it until December.
- And had an audition with Stevie for a Huggies potty training video... and was quickly reminded why I decided to stop taking the boys on auditions in the first place. No cooperation at all! He was supposed to dance {they even played a song from his favorite show Yo Gabba Gabba} but instead of dancing he just kept stomping his foot and saying "I'm really, really mad!" Cute, but definitely not gonna book that one.
On the survival job end, I had the interview for the wedding planning position, actually I had a series of interviews. The first day I met with three people in the hotel: the Director of Catering, the Catering Sales Manager {who handles all the corporate accounts and hates weddings} and the Director of Sales {my former boss who told me about the job in the first place} and it was one of the best interviews I've ever had. They all told me what they were looking for and it sounded like everything I wanted and was perfect for, yay!!
Cut to Friday, when I met with two more people: the HR Director and the GM of the hotel. They painted a much clearer picture of just how demanding this job would be. 10-12 hour days. Working 3 out of 4 weekends. Meeting high sales goals each month, boo!! By the time I finished talking to the GM I knew immediately that it wasn't the job for me. So I plan to send my former boss a note later today thanking him for the opportunity but withdrawing from consideration of the position. Don't get me wrong, the money would have been great. Seriously, I'd already started making a list of all the classes I planned to take since I'd be able to afford it. But what good is the money if I won't have time to ever go on any auditions? So back to craigslist I went, looking for something more flexible. I may have found it. I have an interview tomorrow with an event planning company for a full-time position. I let them know in my email that I'm an actress and I'm looking for a job that will allow me time off when I have auditions and bookings as long as I get my work done on time. And they actually called me! They don't produce the types of events that I'm used to working on but I'm meeting with them in the morning to learn more about what the job entails so we'll see.
Onward and upward.
Here is a Doritos commercial I did for the Crash the Superbowl contest. Husbands/Boyfriends pay attention!
Sidenote: Many people in my class have said I look like the type who is vindictive and shouldn't be crossed, I guess they're right. Tee-hee!
Email subscribers can view it here.
Two weeks ago I enrolled in an AWESOME marketing/business/branding class for actors called "Class Rules!" which is taught by casting director Bonnie Gillespie and boy am I glad I did! Though you can view the gist of what it offers here, this class really is so much more than what's listed on the site. Everyone is incredibly supportive and the exercises and assignments we're given have been extremely insightful thus far. That said, the first week we did a typing exercise {for family/friends who aren't in the industry, this is when people look at you and/or your headshot and describe what you look like} before we got to know each other so that it could be as true to a first impression as possible.
Here is how I was described most often...
- Young Mom
- Entry-Level Professional {nurse, doctor, etc.}
- Strong/Tough
- The Best Friend
- Sassy/Feisty
- Fun/Playful
- Sweet
- Smart
- Matter-of-fact/No-Nonsense
- Bitchy/Catty
- Friendly/Kind
- Addict {yeeeahhhh I had to quickly get over my WTF attitude with this one & just roll with it}
And this is how my headshot was most often described...
- Strong/Tough
- Serious
- Smart
- Intense
- Angry
- Guarded
- Vindictive/Don't Cross Her
- Young Mom
- Disadvantaged Background
- Blue Collar
- Lawyer/Assistant DA
Finally, these are the shows that are in production that most folks suggested I try to get on based on what they consider to be my type...
- True Blood {one of my faves!}
- Treme
- Criminal Minds
- The Game
- Vampire Diaries
- Defenders
- Grey's Anatomy
- Glee
So obviously when I get new headshots to submit to the above shows I need to have some balance and find a way to show my strength/intensity along with my softer side {which is the REAL me anyway}.
Next we'll be discussing agents & managers that we should be targeting individually. The process to come up with the specific agents who need my type is time-consuming but necessary so I'm off to get started on my homework and compile that list. And if any of you want more details on the class shoot me an email, you'll be glad you did!
