Making Wise Choices

Someone commented that the trenches are not just in Hollywood and they're right. Sometimes tinseltown gets a little too wrapped around itself and engrossed with tinseltown but the bottomline is that talent has no borders...

Acting is re-acting. An actor can steal a scene without ever opening his or her mouth. Actors are defined by the choices they make. Quick succinct choices are the earmarks of brilliant acting. Even seemingly simple choices such as how an actor takes his or her mark or how they follow directions on set can carry more weight than most actors realize.

How an actor interprets a line is course an important choice. Script interpretation is a matter of digesting the information given in the sides and making choices, not just any choices but gut level choices made in an instant with precision. In the book “Blink” author Malcom Gladwell discusses the need for making gut level choices in an instant and how to make ‘right choices’ in doing so.

Some actors believe in going deep and channeling characters. I once spoke with the Artistic Director of Second City, the famed Chicago Improv institution on that matter. He felt channeling had a purpose in Improv. In Improv especially, some actors push the envelope in the development of characters, as they explore unique speech patterns, accent, posture and facial expressions even changing the way they interpret emotion and what the basis for those interpretations are. Ultimately this usually results in extraordinary entertainment value.

However, actor and author Shirley Maclaine, recently commented on the great Meryl Streep and her channeling characters, which Maclaine feels is unhealthy. What if the entity you are channeling refuses to let go? The question is; does an actor really need to go that far to work? Of course the answer is “no”, as many actors work not because they are brilliant actors or because they can immerse themselves into a character 150% but because they are professional, easy to work with and most importantly make it easy for the Director to get the shot when they’re on the set.

Remember that film is a Director’s medium not an actor’s. Television is a writer’s medium but Theater is an actor’s medium. It’s all about choices and yours better be to serve the Director’s vision if you want to work on screen.

IN THE TRENCHES

The other morning as I sat on the porch of the Malibu Kitchen enjoying a light breakfast, I noticed a couple cars parked directly in front of my table…a fire engine red custom Ferrari and a black Bentley with a showroom fresh chrome grill. It dawned on me that these two cars were opposites yet each representing the A-list of hand precision rides, one the ultimate in speed and agility, the other the ultimate in smooth classic comfort. As I sat there with the ocean breeze at my back and salty air on my face I couldn’t stop thinking about HELLBENT FOR HOLLYWOOD and these two precision driving machines each unique in their approach to the road, each a reflection of their owner yet each at the top of their game.

I couldn’t stop wondering which actor on the HELLBENT FOR HOLLLYWOOD cast page might be getting out of one of these road trophies in the coming years. Would it be one, two or maybe even a few more or does anyone on this cast even have what takes or close to what it takes?

Next week, we’ll have our first glimpse into the crystal ball and as production gets underway we may have an idea of whom or what is going to emerge from the fog. If you were a betting man or woman and at the track, which horse would you put your money on and why? I hope you’ve got a stronger argument than because the actor is a friend they’re going to bring it. Who has the set etiquette, ability to take direction, focus and discipline to stand up to the Hollywood spotlight and be counted and who’s just another pretty face? Post a comment. I’d like to hear your thoughts.
ON FIRE

SPREAD THEM OVER HOT COALS

As the sun came up over a bleeding western sky, nine valiant film professionals arrived at their beachside locale with coffees in hand. It was a seemingly non eventful July morning. The stages were quiet as the trucks rolled in to the loading dock. Steadfast in their convictions and striving to make their mark they worked as few against the many laying preparations for the legions of Hollywood hopefuls that would follow.

On that cavernous soundstage in the sleepy southern California enclave of El Segundo the crew hoisted lights, painted flats, nailed and drilled set facades. By the second day nine men working as one were testing their lighting with a Director at the helm. Build it and they will come and soon the casting began.

Actors answering the call arrived from across California and beyond. Many were from out of the country. For eight grueling days under searing lights the crew endured and actors kept coming... All came with one goal in mind, to show that they are HELLBENT FOR HOLLYWOOD!

Actors are tough. Sometimes I wonder if you have to have a penchant for punishment to join their ranks. The wide-eyed innocence of new arrivals in the city of angels is all too often blurred by the smoggy landscape. Some loose their way and leave, some discover other fulfilling meanings to their life outside the craft. Unfortunately, some just keep making the same mistakes and repeating a vicious cycle. They never leave acting but they also never really accomplish anything of substance either.

Jamming with “Doors” guitarist Robby Krieger in his home studio is a fond memory of my late 20s. I was young and hungry and HELLBENT FOR HOLLYWOOD myself, riding high on an adrenaline rush of dreams untainted by age and the prolonged struggle to reach the top in tinsel town. Living my life I’ve discovered it doesn’t matter whether you make it or not. It’s the skills and relationships you develop along the way that have a life-long effect in defining who you are both as a performer and a person. It’s those same skills and the work ethic you build that decide where you fit into the industry hierarchy and how…

Here in sunny southern California, often there are glimpses of paradise on a clear day when the palm trees sway to the rhythm of a sweet ocean breeze. That could be a direct correlation to the careers of so many actors who by accident or not hit on a golden moment practicing their craft untainted by outside forces but those without substance are all too often soon to fade.

We’re at a turning point in the industry, a paradigm shift in how business gets done in Hollywood, who’s producing product and the distribution of that product… The music industry has already been decimated from the inside out, not due to illegal downloads as many would have you believe, but because technology has changed, distribution has changed and the old business models no longer apply.

The film and television industry is right behind the music industry in this paradigm shift. The television industry is being hit hard with change right now as viewing numbers slip and it’s becoming evident the old business models are crumbling. Their business is in transformation. However, many in the industry saw it coming years ago. The television industry is embracing digital technology. The networks realize they must adapt if they are to survive. What does this mean to the actor? To some it spells disaster and to others opportunity. It can mean a job for all who are ready to work and maybe there will be less megastars but there will be a solid stable of working utility actors that can tell a story and keep the public entertained.

Think about the 100 actors cast in HELLBENTFORHOLLYWOOD, their battle is about to get bloody as they stand on the steps of Hollywood. Some will bandage themselves and get back into the fray. Others won’t. Sit back and sip your favorite drink and get ready to watch to see who’s building a career and who’ll be going down in flames. It’s gonna be trial by fire. I say turn up the heat and let the games begin…
ON FIRE