Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Circle the Wagons and come on out of the O.K. Corral!
Classic cinema seems to be permeating the brain these days...Oh how I miss those iconic westerns. Now that I've got your attention it's on to the subject at hand. The H4H website hasn't been very active lately. I'm sure you already noticed that. Behind the scenes however, it's celluloid city come to life in a big way! The pitter patter of little feet can be felt across the web landscape as our digital elves work overtime, editing, editing, editing. This is of course to showcase each and everyone of the tremendous actors that put in time during the season one shoot. You may ask why is this all taking sooooooo long. I know I would if I were you. I could tell you it's all due to a battle in the netherworld for domination of the web but the honest truth is that soooooooo much incredible footage was shot that the Director and editors are still sifting through it. There were also a few minor technical issues plus a slight, very positive, change in plans for the series, halting further meanderings on this site at least for time being. That is, an upcoming presentation to several cable networks. Sooooo buckle up and sit tight. I am already strapped in and ready for blast off. H4H will emerge soon hotter than ever! Season two is already in the planning stages.
Friday, October 2, 2009
A Clear Mind + 11 Tips for Memorization
It's been quite a summer. So many changes haven taken place in the sphere of Hellbent for Hollywood. There's also much I'm excited to share but you'll have to wait. Our editors are working feverishly to finish sorting the incredible footage shot over the past few months.
Just as active cultures contribute to smooth intestinal fortitude during that do or die moment in front of the lens, there's no room for the nervous inept meanderings actors deliver when they're lost in the heat of battle. Only excellence entrenched in an unshakable spirit and a clear mind will carry you through the blood bath that transpires during the toughest auditions.
One area that most actors, seem to have a weakness in, especially prevalent in a high pressure situation is remembering lines exactly as written. I've put together a list of 11 techniques often used to assist with memorization of lines. Try them all and find the methods that work best for you. There is no silver bullet and whatever method works best for you you'll still need to put in plenty of hard work.
Best of luck
On Fire
Memorization;
1) Cue Cards (one for each scene which also can be used to keep track of blocking)
2) Tape recording (make a tape of only the other character's lines then use it to rehearse. This is great if you do a lot of driving).
3) Rehearse with a friend of relative
4) Read the line above yours, covering your next line with a sheet of paper. Say the line, lower the paper to check for accuracy. Repeat as you work your way through the scene.
5) Cover the script with another sheet of paper except the line you are saying. Glance down at that line and pick up as much as the eye allows you. Look up and say the line aloud slowly. Repeat this pattern through the entire page.
6) Use a computer to retype the scenes you are in, putting them in larger print
and using colored ink for the major words or perhaps for the major stumbling block words or phrases.
7) Write out your lines on a sheet of paper writing down only the first letter of each word. You can then either write out the other persons lines in their entirety between your lines or you can just write a snippet of them to job your memory.
8) Visualize scenes and and give physicality to to words you're having trouble memorizing by associating a visual with each of those words or phrases.
9) Memorize your lines with emotion behind them. The emotion will reinforce learning the lines.
10) Get to know your character and attempt to understand why your character speaks as he or she does and why they would say the dialogue that is written.
11) Try memorizing backward, from end to start. This separates the emotion from the words.
Just as active cultures contribute to smooth intestinal fortitude during that do or die moment in front of the lens, there's no room for the nervous inept meanderings actors deliver when they're lost in the heat of battle. Only excellence entrenched in an unshakable spirit and a clear mind will carry you through the blood bath that transpires during the toughest auditions.
One area that most actors, seem to have a weakness in, especially prevalent in a high pressure situation is remembering lines exactly as written. I've put together a list of 11 techniques often used to assist with memorization of lines. Try them all and find the methods that work best for you. There is no silver bullet and whatever method works best for you you'll still need to put in plenty of hard work.
Best of luck
On Fire
Memorization;
1) Cue Cards (one for each scene which also can be used to keep track of blocking)
2) Tape recording (make a tape of only the other character's lines then use it to rehearse. This is great if you do a lot of driving).
3) Rehearse with a friend of relative
4) Read the line above yours, covering your next line with a sheet of paper. Say the line, lower the paper to check for accuracy. Repeat as you work your way through the scene.
5) Cover the script with another sheet of paper except the line you are saying. Glance down at that line and pick up as much as the eye allows you. Look up and say the line aloud slowly. Repeat this pattern through the entire page.
6) Use a computer to retype the scenes you are in, putting them in larger print
and using colored ink for the major words or perhaps for the major stumbling block words or phrases.
7) Write out your lines on a sheet of paper writing down only the first letter of each word. You can then either write out the other persons lines in their entirety between your lines or you can just write a snippet of them to job your memory.
8) Visualize scenes and and give physicality to to words you're having trouble memorizing by associating a visual with each of those words or phrases.
9) Memorize your lines with emotion behind them. The emotion will reinforce learning the lines.
10) Get to know your character and attempt to understand why your character speaks as he or she does and why they would say the dialogue that is written.
11) Try memorizing backward, from end to start. This separates the emotion from the words.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
In the HOT seat on the HELLBENT FOR HOLLYWOOD set!
The HELLBENT FOR HOLLYWOOD set is truly heating up these past few days with temps soaring over 100 degrees outside and the latest acting challenges inside creating many a near meltdown for those actors teetering on the precipice, actors before the lens.
The old adage, "You are what you eat", really does have street cred in the acting world. Apart from all those Mickey D's cheeseburgers you're grabbing on the run, an actor's mental diet is an integral part of their training.
Let's say you're doin' Improv. Well you better be dowsin' your brain with cable news or print or even radio. An improviser's mental diet in this case would be to get the news from all sides of the issues. Otherwise how is the actor going to be able to stay on topic and/or play a character on either side of an issue whether they personally agree with the views of their character or not. This also applies to film, television and traditional stage as well. Actors need to be 'thinkers'.
The educational system in this country today is creating a nation of consumers. A successful actor however, should learn to think for themselves because a successful actor must have a sharp mind that is able to exist in the moment yet turn on a dime at the request of the Director. The successful actor must be prepared to digest script changes thrown into the mix at the last moment as the writers make changes in characters or how they interact or even changes in story arc while the actor is on set.
As an actor, if you let your ego manage your career it will manage your career right into the ground. If you let your training and skill handle your business you couldn't have chosen wiser partners. What have you learned so far and more importantly how are you going to use what you've learned to further your career?
ON FIRE
The old adage, "You are what you eat", really does have street cred in the acting world. Apart from all those Mickey D's cheeseburgers you're grabbing on the run, an actor's mental diet is an integral part of their training.
Let's say you're doin' Improv. Well you better be dowsin' your brain with cable news or print or even radio. An improviser's mental diet in this case would be to get the news from all sides of the issues. Otherwise how is the actor going to be able to stay on topic and/or play a character on either side of an issue whether they personally agree with the views of their character or not. This also applies to film, television and traditional stage as well. Actors need to be 'thinkers'.
The educational system in this country today is creating a nation of consumers. A successful actor however, should learn to think for themselves because a successful actor must have a sharp mind that is able to exist in the moment yet turn on a dime at the request of the Director. The successful actor must be prepared to digest script changes thrown into the mix at the last moment as the writers make changes in characters or how they interact or even changes in story arc while the actor is on set.
As an actor, if you let your ego manage your career it will manage your career right into the ground. If you let your training and skill handle your business you couldn't have chosen wiser partners. What have you learned so far and more importantly how are you going to use what you've learned to further your career?
ON FIRE
Sunday, August 30, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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
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
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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
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
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