Posted by Arianna on Jun 5, 2012 in Blog | 0 comments
Hello world!
I could start this post by apologizing for not updating you all more…But I’m not going to 🙂
Much has happened in these months of living, surviving, and fighting this city. It’s not exactly a gentle place, though it seems all sunshine and no clouds. Los Angeles has a very strong way of making one feel at ease, welcomed, and a part of something, though in reality, each person you pass is as vague a figure as the smog that hovers above them. I’ve realized after a year of living here the majority of passer byers are as empty and misguided as the befuddled six year old that dreams of being a police man or teacher but has no clue of the labor intensive work it takes to get there. For others it’s a challenge that pumps the very blood from their hearts to their veins to make the rest of their systems work and brings energy to the core of their being. For those people, Hollywood is a mark. It’s a podium they win medals on, a stamp in their passports, a trophy for themselves and their loved ones, it’s the opportunity to sever themselves from the decrees of the doubters and cynics in their lives.
For me, it’s a boat house. The rules of this place are always changing. It’s like turning tides. Sometimes you’re up on a really big wave, auditioning three times a week for major companies, serving Larry King and his family, meeting and trying to encourage Helen Hunt in a chance encounter, having a party at the producer of Narnia’s house and swapping stories with a cast member, or auditioning for movies that could have major potential. Nothing is certain you never know how deep the water is that you’re getting into. Some pilots can be as shallow as the kitty pool and go no further than their tiny classroom audience. But the director you worked with could end up being a golden globe winner of “best picture of the year” ten years from now. So as much as we want to put down our smaller jobs, you really have no idea how far that wave will take you in the future. Sometimes the water seems quiet and there’s no wind in our sails, i.e. no work but there’s so much to be said for past networking jobs. There’s lots to remember when you get into that lulled place. 1. It only lasts as long as you let it. There’s ALWAYS work to be found and if not found CREATED. Actors can always improve their resumes, reels, etc by writing themselves work, kind of a cheating tip but it’s actually perfectly acceptable and wise. 2. Your look and talent is always useable in someone’s project. All types, shapes, sizes, and personalities are needed to make a piece of work realistic. 3. If you’re here don’t waste your time. Go out and do something fun and enjoyable. Get to know your city. The worst thing you could do would be to get stuck doing nothing because you aren’t being handed your every job.
Remember when I talked about changing rules? Well here’s a few that are important to remember NOTE: not in order of importance
We have a tough job as entertainers. We are made to sell people on loving us (if we’re the heroes) or selling them on hating us (as villains). It’s a risky intimate business but I was just telling someone the other day that I love that while others are training their entire lives to run marathons, be Olympic gymnasts, professional baseball players, golfers, Rolling Stones musicians, I can just PLAY them! And I don’t have to spend my whole life working out at being the best at one thing. I get to be whatever I want to! It’s a privilege and a blessing no matter how hard it is to get there. There is nothing more rewarding then loving people through your talents and showing them that there’s so much joy in sharing what you’ve been given. The ship will come to port whether you control the speed it takes to get there I promise. Everyone’s port just looks different and some don’t look like you imagined but it’s where you’re supposed to be.
Hope these few practical tips were helpful! Blessings friends!