Post 51

Thank you ALL for the supportive comments/emails in response to my last post. Since more than one of you asked if I could email you with any career news, I thought to set up a mailing list (don't worry, I'll keep anything I send acting or pyramid-scheme related).

If you'd like to be on that list, please visit this link:

http://www.hollywoodmasala.com/mailinglist.aspx?id=960&name=Sundeep%20Ahuja

Again, thank you for your time & support!

Best,
Sundeep

Good Night. And Good Luck.

Friends. Family. Random people who searched for me on the Internet.

I'll get right to it: this will be the last post of this blog.

There are a variety of reasons for this, including:
1) my friends don't call me anymore since they get what updates they need through this blog; I want these people (read: you) to call me back. Please. Please?
2) I'm just not ask clever as I used to be, and it hurts when I try. (Oww).
3) I've only made $0.02 off of the AdSense ads. (Seriously people...couldn't you have clicked for me? Just once?). (If anyone's wondering, the $0.02 is from me clicking my own ad). (Sad, really).

Mostly, though, the reason is that I don't look forward to writing these posts as much as I used to. Now they're something I feel I need to do, not want to do, and that's no reason to do anything (well, except pay taxes...and maybe get married).

Before I sign off though, I really want to THANK ALL OF YOU who've been reading this blog. Seriously. It's meant a LOT to me over the last...(hang on...lemme check...WOW) 11 months (11 months!? Funny thing, this is my 50th post...). It was great to have an outlet for my thoughts and frustrations during the early days of this crazy thing called "acting", and it's truly been an honor to know that friends, family, and even strangers read what I wrote; there's something incredibly satisfying about that, and I suspect it's a feeling that I'll want to experience again some day.

Anyways, THANK YOU.

And until next time....

What. A. Week.

First off, many thanks for your comments and emails of support. Before going any further, I should probably first tell you that my "callback" ended up not being a callback...it was a "hey, let's bring this guy in and not check if we've brought him in already" mistake. The moment the Associate CD called my name she looked at me with a "sh*t...I'm sorry" kinda look.

Well, I'm glad the mistake was made, cause I went ahead and auditioned again, and rocked it. The first time (last week), I was shaky on the second scene, and if I hadn't heard back ever again I wouldn't have forgiven myself because I didn't show them what I was capable of. Now if I don't get a callback, at least I'll know that I did my best--and that's all I can do. Well that, and send them a postcard next week thanking them for seeing me, have my Agent thank them for seeing me, and send them flowers everyday for the next two weeks.

Funny thing...yes, I'm joking about the flowers, but I went to another audition on Friday, and check this: one girl walked in for her first-call audition with SCENTED CANDLES as a "thanks for letting me read for you" gift before her read. The guy that went in after her brought this story back out to the waiting room...he said the CD was laughing about it cause it totally made the read uncomfortable. The things people do....

So, the title of this post is appropriate because not only did I have a huge audition for a lead role in a feature this week, but I had an audition--and a callback (with producers in the room!)--for a television show for ABC Family. Sweet, huh? I was stoked--and then the week got better when I got a call from my Agent on Thursday for a next-day audition. The show? Entourage. ENTOURAGE PEOPLE! Yes it was only like 3 lines and no I don't expect to get it, but damn...sure is nice to get called in for a show like that.

On a side note, I still want to write about Casting Director Workshops...will do that soon. Also, I'm thinking about compiling some of my notes into a mini-book about Acting in LA for professionals (doctors/lawyers/engineers/bankers/management consultants)--basically, people who want to take the plunge but don't want to wait tables. I'm by no means a success story, but I sure feel I've got a lot of tips for those types of peeps.

Okay, this post needs to finish up. Thanks for reading!

The biggest audition of my acting career (to-date)

As most of you know by now--because I've been telling everyone--this past Tuesday I had the biggest audition of my acting career (to-date). Not because of exposure (my NBC Pilot auditions get that credit), and not because of pay (weelll....let's just say there are some auditions I'd rather not discuss)(I'm kidding)--but because of a combination of my personal connection to the role, and the opportunity of the role at this stage in my career.

The audition was for a lead role in a budgeted feature film. In the words of the writer of the script, "it's a medical drama about a Canadian who compromises all his ideals (both as a Sikh and as a doctor) when he takes over a transplant center in Detroit".

When I got the script, I read it twice in one sitting. In the character's father I saw some of my own father, in his mother some of my own mother...in his story, I saw some of my own story.

When I showed up for the audition, though, even before I walked in the office building my confidence was sapped away. Walking just down the street, headshot folder in hand, was the lead character of the film. I mean, he looked the part, anyways. On my way over, I felt the part was mine to lose. Walking into the audition, I remembered that I'm not the only Sikh-American actor in Hollywood.

Anyways, by now you probably want to know how the audition itself went, huh?

Well, it went okay.

I mean, okay enough to get a callback :)

Wish me luck....

New photos up on the website

Hey everyone! I've updated my website with my new headshots...give it a spin and get me feedback: http://sundeepahuja.com

Also, I've got a call back tomorrow for the Target audition...woohoo!

Commercial auditions...

...are starting to pick up again, which is great.

Had an audition last week for KFC. I was Guy #2, with the line "You already had a burger twice this week. You're in a lunch rut". I don't think the line had ever been delivered with such gusto until my audition. Apparently, gusto was not what they were looking for.

Had an audition this week for Target. No lines, but fun...TVs popping out of trees and sh*t...well, not really, I was told to imagine that...er..nevermind.

Oh, and I made my photographer's portfolio page!
Go to http://bradbuckman.com/, then click "actors", then click "MEN"...bottom left...(I look pissed, I know...I was remembering how much the photos were costing me).

Pilot season and Headshots

As the three month pilot season comes to a close, I have this to say: "over-rated". I went to one audition for a pilot. Granted, it was the lead role for an NBC pilot, but still. Didn't even get a call back (but then again, even after a shave and a haircut, it was tough to look 16 again...I mean, have you seen my driver's license? I couldn't even grow a moustache...I just had heavy fuzz on my upper lip). I'm not too bummed though...I didn't expect to get a lot of pilot auditions as my resume is still developing. What I'd hoped for were Co-Star and Guest roles on TV shows, and I'd hoped my agent would have hooked those up. Not sure why I have yet to get one audition on a TV show. I've been told my headshot is part of the problem, so I've been working on that, trying to get the perfect picture. Thanks to the feedback of family, friends, Agents and others, I've already got it down to the few I'm going to use. They still need to be treated and possible touched-up, but I wanted to give you a preview of the up-and-coming me; each one has it's essence, and it's place in my arsenal (it sounds so narcissistic, but seriously, that's what these pictures are).

Muzak gets "People's Choice" Pick at Humboldt International Short Film Festival!

Pretty cool, huh? (For those who don't know, Muzak is a short in which I played a lead role).

In other news, I auditioned for a MasterCard commercial this week...yes, one of those "priceless" ones. I want to design my own...."Headshots, $600; Acting orgs you rarely take advantage of, $80/month; Acting classes, $400/month; getting told you're never going to make it in Hollywood? Priceless...."

Hmm....what else...oh! I have an audition on Monday. Lead role. For an NBC Pilot :)

General update

Not much is going on, and I'm too lazy to write all about Casting Director Workshops or my Groundlings classes (which have ended, anyways), so figured I'd just serve up a general update for ya.

1) Auditioned today for a student short. Forgot rule #1 for student shorts: get a copy of the script before spending 2 hours driving out to audition.
2) Have been attending Casting Director (CD) Workshops, the most recent of which was with the Associate CD for Grey's Anatomy. I tried to convince him that no hospital in this country is without a least one doctor of South Asian decent, and so the cast is incomplete without... umm...ME. He smiled and then ended our meeting.
3) Finally (finally!) took professional headshots, and only for $500! (Now you see why I tried all other avenues?). Actually, they turned out pretty darn good, and I'm kicking myself for not having shot 'em the day I moved down. I love all my friends who gave me headshots on the cheap, but there's a reason people pay up to a G for these. As soon as I narrow down my favorites, I'll post 'em for your voting pleasure.
4) Got the callback for that lead role in that feature (mentioned a few posts back). Didn't get the part. Booh.

My plan over the next week or two is to lock down and mass produce the perfect headshot, and then to...oh, I don't know...maybe book something?!

The shoot

Wow...what a day. There's a lot to tell, but here's the reader's digest version.

I roll up last Sunday morning to a parking lot next to this artsy loft-complex in Venice, CA. There's an RV parked with some people hangin out that I figure are the crew for the shoot; I ask the small crowd if I'm at the right place and this guy casually says, "yup...there's breakfast in the trailer if you're hungry" before ignoring me again.

Umm...okay.

I go in and they've got 6 different kinds of breakfast burritos all ready to go (I didn't even know bfast burritos came in 6 different varieties). I make my selection and one bite in this girl comes from the back of the trailer and says, "when you're done come find me; I'll be doing your hair and makeup".

So after the tasty burrito I get seated in this chair so this girl can do my hair and makeup. I feel a little weird...you know...like when you get a hair cut? Are you suppposed to talk with the person or not? They're all up in your grill. I usually don't, but this girl seemed cool, so I start making conversation and we chat it up while she does my hair and makeup. Fabulous.

I hop off the chair and this other girl gives me a once-over, disappears to the back of the trailer, and brings back these designer clothes that I never would have picked out for myself (dudes actually wear jeans that tight?), but that looked pretty good on (if I don't say so myself).

It's about 9:45 now and I'm all ready to go, so I ask the producer where I should be.

"Oh just hang out...they probably won't need you for another hour".

An hour?! I grab my trusty Economist and sit down to wait.

Finally I'm needed...awesome. What do they want me to do? Oh, just sit in this chair over here and talk to this other model while they take pictures of us. Okay, I can handle that.

After 10 minutes, they're done with me, and it's more waiting till lunch time (catered, with dessert). After lunch they shoot me looking at a painting (mind you, I've also had a wardrobe change...oh, and every 5 seconds the hair/makeup lady comes to make sure my hair/makeup still "work"). Then I wait for another hour or two and then it's on to the "profiles": all eyes on me. As glamorous as it sounds, it was kinda weird. Eight-ish people working to make sure everything is perfect (photographer, lighting, set, makeup/hair, wardrobe, producer--and assistants), and everyone is looking at me while I'm being told to "smile! a little bigger! okay, you're an animal...you're an animal!!".

I hang around for another hour before someone comes to tell us (there were four of us that day) that we can go.

Key takeaways for me:
1) It's all business for the crew. They see actor/model types come, and they see them go. Also, it's okay if they talk inches away from you about you; we're just objects.
2) Models are waaay overpaid.
3) I wanna do it again.

I booked a print job!

My bad for taking a couple weeks to post, but at least I'm doin it with some f'n GREAT news: I booked a print job, and it PAYS!! It's not quite what I got into the business for, but hey -- I ain't gonna say no to gettin paid for smiling in front of a camera; plus, AKA (my commercial agent) is stoked cause they get some decent return on their so-far minimal investment in me. I'm just happy it's for a company I believe in (a technology company, in fact) and not for some anti-diarrhea medicine (or worse...and believe me, there's pleeenty worse).

All around, the good news capped a good week: I had a big audition for a lead role in a feature length film yesterday, and even got a call back -- but will be out of town for it. I'm hoping my agent can convince them to take a look at me next week; we'll see.

Anyways, I have to write about these Casting Director workshops I've been going to, and this even more interesting Groundlings class I started (Improv). Next week I guess...till then, thx for tuning in!

[On a side note, these used to be kinda funny, didn't they? What happened? Hmm...I'll try to work on that in my next post. Although I'll trade poor attempts at humor for posts with solid news any day....]

I had four - count 'em, FOUR - commercial auditions last week

I was told to be stoked about signing with AKA by nearly everyone I mentioned it to, but last week I understood why. I had four auditions with them, and for big-name clients: Microsoft, Mercedes, Wells Fargo, and Comcast (the Comcast was a callback...woohoo!...didn't book it though...booh!). This week I had an audition Monday I couldn't make, and a callback Tuesday for Wells Fargo (which I probably won't get...I think they were deciding between "asian" ethnic and "indian" ethnic....guess I'll find out when I see what airs in a couple weeks).

Soo...what have I learned? It really is ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS in this town. For starters, most of these auditions don't filter down to people without agents. No agent=no f'n clue that it's even happening. And even when I did submit headshots/resumes/flowers to get an audition, NO DICE. Enter AKA, and doors start opening.

Thing is though, an audition is just an audition--an interview, but not a job. I met a guy at one audition that has been getting out 3-4 times A WEEK for A YEAR. He says that of those, he averages 1-2 callbacks A MONTH. And in all this time, he's booked...are you ready?...a whopping ZERO commercials.

ZERO.
ZERO ZERO ZERO.

I've signed theatrically with BKI

That's it. I'm officially represented theatrically (movies and TV) AND commercially. I ended up with three offers for theatrical rep, two of which were from "brand name" agencies. Turned out that one of the brand's reputation is like Enron's reputation to investors: stay the f away. I ended up signing with Baier Kleinman International, which is really one guy (clever marketing, huh?), Joel Kleinman (think a lighter John Goodman with a beard). I've been getting good feedback from industry folk when I mention his name, so I'm stoked.

Headshots - feedback requested!

Let's make this post interactive! Do me the favor of an email or a comment with your top 3 of the pictures below; ideally, at least one with me smiling, and at least one with me lookin all GQ and sh*t. Thanks for your input!

Pic 1
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Pic 10

M-I-A

First off, apologies for taking nearly a month to post. I was in Brazil for the last half of January where I was hoping to shoot a travel show pilot, but it kinda fell through (the camera we had secured wasn't so secure), so I was forced to just vacation. I made the best of it. :)

A quick update on what I've been up to since I've been back:

1) I auditioned for "One on One productions", a Casting Director (CD) workshop group, and got in. This means I can now pay them to see Casting Directors. Why they would not let me pay them I have no idea (well, they said they want some quality control...I guess I don't suck...horribly). I signed up, but was disappointed to see that a lot of the workshops are with Casting Director Associates or Assistants, who--though I'm sure are very nice people--aren't always worth the $30-$40 cause they may just answer phones and open mail (it's kinda hit/miss). There are two more organizations I'm going to try to get into (so I can pay them).

2) I'm veeerry close to signing with a theatrical agent. I'd actually posting something about this, but Blogger didn't like it, so it deleted my post; those of you who actually got to read it, consider yourself an owner of privileged information.

3) After a dry spell in December, I'm back to auditioning a couple times a week. Maybe this is because I've started submitting to student films again.

4) I took some new headshots! Am waiting for the proof sheets, and am hoping for some gems. Just one would be fine, though, as long as it "works".

My next post will be more interesting...I swear...I just had to get something up so AM would have something other than The Economist to read.

My 2006 plan...

...is simple: do everything different from 2005.

Sorta.

Here's what I'm thinkin:
1) No more mailing my headshots in response to audition notices. It takes a lotta time and so far has done zip-zero (stingy with dinero...sorry...Jay-Z? Anyone?) for me. Instead, for those roles that I really want and fit the part, drive my ass over to the Casting Director's (CD's) office and drop-off my headshot/resume personally (with hopes of meeting the CD). The goal will be to not get yelled at.

2) No more Howard Fine acting classes (for pilot season, anyways). Though extremely helpful, they require a lot of time, energy, and money. Instead, I'm gonna start CD workshops. Yes, I'll be paying for face time (which I take maaad issue with), but I've heard that people actually book out of these, as they help in building relationships with CDs. There are a couple of scams out there though; I'll have another post with what I find legit, and what's to quit. I'll hopefully re-join Howard's studio in May-ish.

3) No more turning down gigs. Pretty self-explanatory. My resume needs help.

4) No more Actor's Network. Though it's an incredibly helpful organization that I highly recommend, I'm going to try out another organization called The Actorsite. If I had the money, I'd do both. But I just like beer too much, so I don't.

5) No more B&W headshot. Gonna fix that this week, and go with this picture for now (unless I get hate mail from you). I've got headshots scheduled for the 17th, so hopefully I'll have better pix up by the end of the month.

6) No more targeting gigs outta my reach. Take pilot season for instance. I could potentially be making a heavy push for pilot auditions right now. But that would be a waste of time, as I'd get into the room, kick ass at the audition, and then not get called back cause some other desi-bhai has more on his resume. So while everyone is chasin the pilot dream, I'm gonna focus on co-star roles on TV shows. If I can book a couple of those this pilot season, I'll be able to call Q1 of 2006 a success. Q2-Q4, I'll celebrate the success of Q1, like all the other wannabes.

7) No more wasting time lookin for agents...cause I've already signed, sucka! (commercially, anyways...still debating theatrical offers). Now I'll be wasting my time building relationships with Casting Directors, the true gatekeepers.

I've signed commercially with AKA Talent

Went in yesterday and signed the paperwork. I have to shoot new headshots, and have to decide (by today) if I'm going to change my screen name, but then I'll be all set.

Yesterday was an interesting day though...quick story:

So after I got the offer from AKA on Friday, I was asked to cancel my other meetings--particularly one with another top agency.

But when I called them to cancel....

"Have you signed yet?"
"Umm...not yet, but--"
"--come in Monday morning. Don't sign yet. Just come in for a quick meeting"

Not wanting to set fire to water-crossing structures, I went in yesterday morning to meet an agent there (this really cool guy I met through The Actors Network, which is how I got the meeting btw), and another commercial agent joined us.

In 5 minutes, I had an offer.
A minute later, comparisons were being drawn between the two agencies.

I left their offices in a state of shock, as I was sitting on two offers from two top commercial agencies. I of course only got the second because I had the first, and I got the first because of some strong support (see previous post). Regardless, I had a decision to make.

After calling everyone from commercial casting directors to other actors, I decided to go with AKA (the first offer). Don't think I coulda gone wrong either way, though. And I'm stoked about what this could mean.

2006 is off to a great start

Just got a call from one of the top Commercial Agents in LA.

With an offer.

(BOOOYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!)

(Trying to contain my excitement right now.)
(Okay I'm calm.)

Guess I'll have to cancel my upcoming Commercial Agent meetings cause I'm TAKIN THE OFFER.

BIG THANKS to Jordana Capra and Vic Chao (both rep'd by this agency) for putting in great words (read: lying) on my behalf.

2006 plan to come...it was almost ready, but it's gonna have to be slightly modified given this nice turn of events...stay tuned....

A Hollywood tragedy

From The Economist (my '06 plan is almost ready to go live...and no, after reading articles like this, it is not "abort!"):

A Hollywood tragedy
Hollywood’s best actors can cry on demand, but the industry's executives may soon be shedding real tears. A new report from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation predicts that 2006 will be a hard year for the entertainment industry, which employs about 249,000 people in LA County [btw, note the word 'employs'...people like me don't fit in that category]. Falling cinema attendance, a slump in DVD sales (which fell from $15.2 billion in 2004 to around $10.2 billion in 2005) and the increased threat—thanks to evolving technology—of copyright piracy are all contributing factors. As if this wasn’t bad enough, studios will begin new contract talks with unions in late 2006.

With the industry aiming to cut costs, the city itself may suffer. Los Angeles is facing increased competition from other cities in America and around the world which are wooing film and television producers with tax incentives and lower labour costs.

This. Is. Hard.

I just got out of an hour long Q&A with an Agent (hosted by The Actor's Network). Why I or any Actor in that room would want to continue as an Actor is confounding.

I'll put it like this: the future is bleak. For Actors just starting out, anyways. No, this is not news to me, but damn...it doesn't help to hear it (or worse, see it) again and again. And again and again and again.

Some realities:
1) Commercials are down almost a quarter this year as advertisers move money to other mediums (Internet, Mobile phones, etc). This means that the shows they support (most anything on the networks) are cutting episodes. Clearly, this is not good for Actors, for two reasons: first, the obvious. Secondly, commercials are often the bread and butter that allow Actors to stay in LA, as they used to pay a fair amount.

2) There are three screens: TV/Film, Computer, Mobile. Currently, a compensation structure is in place for Actors on the first screen. Not so much for the other two, so talent is being sold on the cheap.

3) There are so many actors in LA now that Agents have most of the power (they have their pick, 10 times over). Agents are the gate keepers to Casting Directors, so without an Agent, it's tough to get cast. What's better? They consider me (and so many like me) too old. At 27 (wait, Agents might read this...) AT 22, without major credits to my name, they say I'm a tough sell. Being ethnic helps a bit (and is why I'm getting the agent meetings I'm getting), but still.

4) Casting is moving so fast that casting directors often have projects cast (through phone calls to a couple of Agents) before the word is out that a project is even casting.

5) In order to keep advertisers happy, there are rumors that cast members for TV shows will be required to advertise for the shows' sponsors. For free.

So.
What am I going to do about it?
Stay tuned for my '06 plan.....

Demand creates Demand

Quick post that I probably shouldn't make, but I will anyways.

After I got the two offers for representation I mentioned in my last post, I began marketing those offers to other Agencies/friends to see if I could get meetings/referrals out of 'em--and I did. I have 3 more meetings over the next month. And it's not like I didn't contact these agencies/friends before; they just weren't interested (or interested in helping) until someone else was interested (btw, I've found this to be the case with investors too. And women.)

Also, I want to add a THING THE SIXTH to my previous post: cold calling. A couple of Fridays back, I called 74 agents (that's 74, people) to see who was accepting submissions from my "type" (ethnic). Thirty-six asked me to send 'em stuff (18 didn't answer, 3 were weird, and only 1 hung up on me). Anyways, I sent materials to the 36 and am waiting now to see what happens--but the moral here is that calling helped me avoid wasting my efforts on agencies that just weren't interested (wait...maybe they'll be interested now that I've got offers...).

Offers for representation (!), with more mtgs on the way (!)

Today, I got verbal offers from two agencies (one theatrical, which is film & TV, and one commercial).

BOOO-YAHH!!

"But how did you even get meetings" you may ask?

Wellll....I did a couple of things :)

THING THE FIRST
Made a (great) impression in my Commercial Auditioning class. Not only did I get a reference from the teaching team to (and an upcoming meeting with) a top Commercial agent, I also got this cool quote (used in the referral email to the agent) which I'll be adding to my website: "a very good actor and sexy enough to be the next James Bond. His sexyness sneaks up on you."

THING THE SECOND
One of the websites I use to submit myself for auditions, NowCasting, allows agencies to list types that they are seeking, and then allows actors who fit those types to submit to those agencies. I happened to fit the bill at one, submitted electronically, and got a meeting! It took place last week; we'll see what comes of it....

THING THE THIRD
A couple of weeks ago I did a postcard mailing, but unlike my first one which was too information-y (read: boring), I went with a bullet point marketing approach:

"Hey! I'm looking for new theatrical representation--but who isn't? Well, here are the top 5 reasons to meet with me:

1) Training - over two years (currently at the Howard Fine Studio)
2) Reel - available at sundeepahuja.com
3) Versatile - My 'look' spans everything from Latin to Italian, and I plan to change my stage name to match
4) Driven - I'm a Stanford grad who has worked in finance and technology (in other words, I know business, hard work, and what it takes to succeed)
5) SAG - I'm eligible to join

Plus, I have new (color) headshots on the way. I look forward to reading for you!
- Sundeep"

And from the 50-odd postcards that I sent out I so far have scheduled two meetings, one of which took place today and resulted in a verbal offer.

THING THE FOURTH
I've been lucky enough to have a couple of actor friends of mine refer me to their agents. This so far has resulted in one upcoming meeting....

THING THE FIFTH
I prayed. And showered daily.

Now, nothing is signed or certain, but I got good vibes during the meetings and really think that were I to decide to get on board, the offers would be in writing. Will keep ya posted....

Highlights from my "commercial auditioning" class

I recently wrapped up Craig Colvin's commercial class; here are my key takeaways:

On clothing
- Don't wear religious jewelry (unless it's Christian), and don't wear a political shirt (unless it's not in English).
- Don't be dumb. For example, don't wear a "Bitch" shirt to a McDonald's audition. Yes, this has happened.
- Don't wear bright clothes cause they'll take the focus off of you. Now, if this is your objective, wear white.
- Dress the part.

On product
- Always keep the product in frame, but away from your face. Any label should always face camera (the product should "love you", as I'm told...can you believe they say things like that? The product "loves her"...ha!).
-Remember you are selling a product..."my life is better because I have ____" (Frosted Flakes, designer shoelaces, whatever).

On copy
- If there is a time listed on the copy sheet for the length of the spot, try to stick to it. So put a watch/stopwatch in your bag for all auditions. Do this now.
- Memorize at least the first lines and the last lines...those are the ones that should be delivered perfectly (along with the ones in between).
- Make strong choices (strong choices are better than the right choices).
- Feel free to mark up your copy. But if you do, walk it out (do you really want to share all that work you've with the next person?). (Have I really become so Hollywood that I agree with things like that?).

On slating (stating your name and agent)
- Hook 'em with your slate.
- State your name confidently, clearly, and with familiarity.
- Hook 'em with your slate.
- Keep eyes on camera as long as possible, don't move body to profile (just head), and think a secret thought (go crazy with this one...the more secret, the better...yeaaaah...that smile you've got now? Perfect!).
- Hook 'em with your slate.

On the audition
- Ask what your "framing" is so you know if you can move around (if you plan to move, tell the camera person, or they might yell at you).
- Don't stop after you finish your lines or action...keep going till someone says cut or you find a reason to exit frame. Otherwise it just gets weird (you standing there all awkward like...).
- Don't shake your head. At all. Only nod. (This is hard).
- If you want a second go at it, ask! But in a leading way..."would you like to see that more...Russian?" (to quote one guy in my class).
- If you're forced to read with someone who sucks, as you are walking out do the "oh, I left something behind" move and go back and ask the CD (casting director) for another take with someone else. Brilliant, huh?
- Don't f it up.

Generally
- Have a couple of characters developed that you could tap if you need to (I've got this Italian dude, and this dorky guy...please, no comments about the dorky guy...he's a nice guy).
- Know your look/type--and embrace it.
- They can't ask your age...if they do, give 'em a range...a wide one....
- They don't want to book actors, but people--go in, in character, walk out, in character.
- Sometimes they book only off the slate (so...HOOK 'EM WITH YOUR SLATE) .
- Many times they watch auditions with the audio off (can you believe that? I still can't...).
- Answer questions into the camera if the person asking is not next to it (cause when watching the tape later it'll look weird if you're talking off camera).

Wow...all that cost me $475...and all it cost you was $20! Send checks payable to....

Seriously, if you got questions, ask.
(I'll cut you a great deal :)

So you want to be an actor, huh?

My advice: run it like a marathon, not a sprint.

I'm creeping up on four months here in LA, and while I don't feel like I've wasted any of that time, I have remarkably little to show for it. Yes, I've taken some great classes and yes, I've been to a fair number of auditions--but my resume has only grown by two little items, only one of which was paying.

As I begin to tire of the near-daily online submissions, the monthly mailings, the informational events which are beginning to sound the same, the "chicken-and-egg" agent hunting process (i.e. they want people with reputable experience, and it's tough to get reputable experience without an agent), I'm finding myself frustrated. I mean, I moved down here for acting, and outside of my class, I'm doing very little of it.

To outsiders, "acting in LA" is often romanticized as great times with attractive people--and though that is out there (HOLLYWOOD), it's no way to build a career (great way to spend a lotta money, though). Building a career here is a ton of work--a lot of it not super exciting. So as I've continued to chip away at my long "to-do" list of acting items, I've realized something: for those actors who aren't satisfied waiting tables (or tutoring) (or stripping) for money while auditioning and making slow (sloooow) progress (years), it's advisable to front-load a lot of the work.

I tried to do this in SF by finding independent film work and taking acting classes, by having headshots ready to go, etc. I think what I should have done was continued doing all that on a part-time basis--but here in LA. I could have taken the acting classes I'm taking now in the evenings. I could have only gone to auditions that I was really passionate about. I could have attended the networking sessions, the information sessions, the parties--but all while keeping a full-time job. After a year IN LA, I'd know people, I'd have "brand name" training, I'd have "brand name" work on my resume, and I'd be in a better position to rock and roll--all with more money in the bank and a more satisfying day-to-day in the interim. Most of the basic ingredients for an actor new to LA--a local cell phone number, a website, a reel, business cards, reading the better industry related books (I'll detail this in another post), etc.--could all be taken care of on the side.

So, I offer this as advice to any actor thinking about making the move: eeeease into the LA acting scene because there's no rush (if you try to rush, you'll get mighty frustrated). Now, to be fair, there is a lot to be gained from diving right in, as great experience/exposure can come from interning at casting offices, being a Production Assistant (PA), writing/director/producing shorts, etc. while eating top ramen for bfast/lunch/dinner--but if all that doesn't excite you, you have two options: (1) do it anyways and learn to like it, or (2) stay focused on acting, but wait for the right opportunity to go full-time.

Okay, that's all with the advice; back to me. The question I'm now asking myself is, what should I do? Get a full-ish time job, keep auditioning as I can, slowly building up my resume, and then jump back in a year (or more) from now when I'm being pulled in by roles? Or continue with the standard LA actor thing (as described above), with some tutoring or consulting for money, always ready to drop everything for the perfect role?

I dunno.
Stay tuned.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Struggling actor types don't get much of it.
And it kinda bums me out.

I was out on Saturday night and met a fellow desi (Indian American) dude (male). We were chatting amicably about this or that, and then the "what do you do" question came up. I replied that I was an actor, and awaited the usual "wow...cool" response (sometimes genuine, and sometimes dismissive, but always polite). Instead the bitachara (%@@!^) started laughing.

"You're an actor? Really. Have you been in anything?" I held my calm and replied that I was just recently full time and had done some independent film work. He continued his laughing. "Wow...I mean doctor, lawyer...those I could see...but actor? What are you doing?" His tone was condescending, but it was his LAUGH that killed me. And so I snapped, and went into how I did this and that and if he thinks he's in any way shape or form yada yada yada.

Finally, I had to walk away for fear of hitting the (smaller) guy.

Actors don't get enough respect. Probably because they have a reputation for being superficial pretty types that just like to party. They are seen as "wasting" their time/life. They aren't very smart, they aren't very capable, and they are foolish enough to think they can "make it". Well, I've met those types, and yes--there are a lot of them (some freaks and wierdos up in there too...for real).

But let me tell you: acting is hard. Those that bubble to the top and give us our most dramatic or comedic or otherwise genius performances are just that--genius. And though many starting out are just attracted to the fame/fortune and in fact are "no talent a** clowns" with no right to call themselves actors, there are others who are as passionate about acting as any "professional" is about his/her job or work.

Anyways, this is my defensive blog post. Yes, at times I feel like I'm wasting my potential. But other times, I feel like I'm maximizing it. The only thing I can say with certainty is that I've been full-time here less than 4 months, and I am trying to shape this experience to be the best and most enjoyable learning experience it can be--and I think that's what most of us do no matter where we are.

So. Give actors a little RESPECT. Particularly those that might hit you if you don't.

Drumbeat please....

and the answer is?!

Thanks.

But no thanks.

The last couple of days, as I've weighed this opportunity, I've been wanting--desperately--to say yes. And if it were sponsored by a reputable production company or a university or basically anyone I could sue, I'd be so all over it. But as is, "Quest for the Code" is a wholly independent documentary, which worries me if we're going to be running around Israel and Egypt, poking our heads into religious shrines/places of interest ("Hi! Don't mind us as we seek to potentially undermine deeply held religious tenets...oh, and ignore all the cameras...how are you today?"). Further, it's being assembled by people with a distinct opinion on a very controversial manner (the exec producer is involved with this organization).

All in, there were too many uncertainties and I didn't want to be a part of a project that may have had an ulterior motive.

So I passed.

Crap. Think it's too late to change my mind??

Anyways, thinking through this decision was a great exercise is self exploration. My thought process took me back to one of the very reasons I went into acting--to live an interesting life. I remember when I watched Raiders of the Lost Ark, I sooo wanted to be Indiana Jones--and so, by extension, Harrison Ford. I quickly realized, however, that Harrison Ford was not Indiana Jones, and I was forced to ask myself: do I want to be Indy? running around the world, exploring history and escaping the bad guys? Or do I want to be an actor? Umm...INDY!! But then Mom and Dad woke me up for school and off I went. I realized that though I could maybe (maybe maybe) someday be Indy, or Bruce Wayne, or Neo (well, I am Neo, actually) the only way I could be all of them was to be an actor. But this was an opportunity to be Indy himself. And so yeah...it was tough to pass up. CRAP CRAP. WHAT WAS I THINKING??

Anyways, thanks to all of you who commented/emailed/called with thoughts/opinions/advice.

Apologies for ignoring all of it.

Also, thanks in advance for putting up with my "what the hell was I thinking when I said no" tantrums.

Quest for the Code

"'QUEST FOR THE CODE' (HEREAFTER, QFTC) IS A DOCUMENTARY FILM PROJECT THAT WILL INVESTIGATE DAN BROWN’S BOOK, THE DA VINCI CODE. THE QFTC PARTICIPANTS WILL BE SENT ON AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP, WITH VISITS INCLUDING FRANCE, ITALY, ISRAEL, AND EGYPT...."

So, my first reaction was "WOW. That sounds awesome. May as well apply". One long application, a fun 5 min video in which I tried to get kicked off the grounds of a Morman church (not really, but kinda), and a $36 FedEx overnight charge later, my reaction is "WOW...THAT SOUNDS AWESOME!"--because I got it.

All expenses paid, with a per diem and a stipend.

Are.
You.
Kidding me??

Problem is, now I'm not sure I want to go. I know...what am I thinking? Life experience wise, it'd be a phenomal once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. And if I were still working at eBay I'd be packing by now. BUT, I have to look at this through the acting lens and ask myself--"is it worth the opportunity cost?" Thing is, I'm not sure.

I've been chatting with friends in the business to get their perspectives, and they are fairly split. The general consensus is that few people make the jump from documentaries/reality TV into acting. The way I see it (acting wise):

Upside--extended time in front of cameras, potential for great exposure in a few months time (especially with the movie coming out)
Downside--I lose three critical weeks I could spend trying to find an agent (which is key for Pilot season in January), going to auditions, and generally moving my acting career forward here in LA.

At this point, I'd like to open it up for comments, cause I'm @#$@ torn!

Etc.

It's been a while since I've been helpful to would-be actors. My past few entries have been about "me, me, me", and though these entries have been like therapy sessions, I realize I need to remember my charter: convince other would-be actors to STAY AWAY FROM LA.

Commercial classes

I started Craig Colvin's commercial class on Tuesday, and so far I dig it. Craig, who is a commercial casting director (CD) in LA, co-teaches it with an actress who's "day job" the last 25 years has been running commercial auditions. The first class was all about how each of us is pre-judged before we open our mouth. It was kinda like the "type me" session I wrote about earlier (through The Actor's Network), but this one was more commercially focused (apparently, I'd be a great spokesperson for Shell's "endangered turtle" campaign). Nine more classes to go...I'll keep you posted.

Auditions

I was averaging roughly two auditions a week. I then stopped submitting myself for student films. Now I have zero auditions a week. Hmmm......

Honestly, I think this is the better way to go...I'm starting to market myself to television shows and pilots and feature length films, and though I won't be auditioning as much, when I do get an audition it'll be for something that will really help my career. Now, if I had an agent, I'd be going to two or three of these kinda auditions a week....I know, I'm working on it.

Etc.

In other news, I'm still taking classes at the Howard Fine studio, and we've moved on to doing scenes. When I went up last Friday for my first scene, I'm happy to say that I got confirmation that I don't suck. In fact, I think I even surprised Howard a bit, because until scene work I wasn't really giving the class 100% (if you ever find this blog, Howard, please don't hate me). It's nice, cause now I have people asking to be my scene partner....

I've also started a sailing class, which with my guitar and two acting classes give me a pretty full schedule. Yes, life is good....but...it also feels a bit empty.

Which will be what I get into next time (warning...it'll be another "me, me, me" entry...but relevant, because I imagine many actors go through it).

Scratch that

Due to scheduling issues (or so the directors say), I'll no longer be in the student short I talked about in my last entry (ha...maybe they found this blog....)

I'm kinda bummed because I was starting to get excited about it, but honestly, I'm glad to have my time back.

What does more time for me mean for you?? More blog entries.

HEY, be nice...that's a good thing.

I booked a lead role in a short student film...

...and kinda wish I didn't. I know, it sounds lame, but I'm being serious. Lemme back up:

I got a voicemail on Saturday afternoon that I was pretty excited about. I had landed the lead role in a student short playing an interesting character in a fast paced, cute story (btw, the character is Portuguese...'Sundeep' is playing 'Marcelo'...ha!). The film is going to be professionally shot, has a decent budget, and is festival bound (meaning I should hopefully get some exposure). Though it's unpaying ("copy/credit/meals", where meals is usually defined as "cheap pizza"), it'll be good for my reel and a nice payoff for all the auditions I have been doing.

BUT.

The past few days, I've realized (remembered?) that acting in ambitious films is a no joke commitment--and it's taking away from time I could spend doing other, potentially more important acting related things (the list is looong). It's also taking away time from more important non acting things--like, say, making money. After a little cost-benefit analysis, I've realized I need to sharpen my focus here in Hollywood. No more auditioning for student films or non-paying gigs unless I really, really believe in the project (or I get to show off my brilliantly smashing British accent). I have a reel, I have headshots, and I have talent (damn it!); what I need is exposure, and that is gained by getting in front of the right people (agents, casting directors) and going after higher profile roles (the next 007?).

I'm sure you're thinking (cause I'm thinking) "why not just say no?" Well, these are students working on their thesis film who have been casting for a while, looking for the right person (as it turns out, only 1 person from Portugal emigrates to the US every 100 years). To be honest, they didn't even give me an option to say no; they sort of assumed I would do it (btw, if you are one of the two "they", please don't leave a nasty comment...I'm just being honest here...I love the script...really....).

Anyways, I start filming next week, and am going to be the best damn Portuguese bakery owner that ever lived. But, starting today, I'm gonna start aiming higher. Cause I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And gosh darnit', copy/credit/pizza doesn't cover rent!

Zooming out

Many actors keep a "trigger" journal, which is essentially a record of people/places/events that trigger an emotional response. Over time, a trigger journal becomes a resource an actor can turn to when he/she needs help evoking particular emotional responses. For example, if an actor had a bad audition (say) where he forgot a few of the lines and it threw him off and he walked out realizing that there is no way he's gonna get the part and he hates himself for not preparing more (hypothetically speaking, of course), that could go in the trigger journal under "feeling like a dumbass", or more simply, "dumbass".

I sat today to start this journal, but rather than begin by listing explicits, I started with "things that make me happy". The thoughts came in a deluge, and I wrote down anything that popped into mind (no, I'll never be sharing this with anyone). When the ideas began to slow down, I started another column, "things that make me angry". "Things that I'm passionate about" followed, and then "things that make me sad" (yeah...next time I'll be starting with this last one and ending with the happy list...yikes).

Anyways, after this flurry of scribbling, I paused and then re-read each list. It was so interesting to see what was on each list, and then to compare those lists to how I'm living my life. The rest of the evening was not about a trigger journal, but about me. It was very insightful and very therapeutic, and for anyone doing anything (that's you), I highly recommend it. Take 5 minutes and focus on yourself, but zoom out. Move past the to-do list, and beyond judgment. I think you'll be glad you did.*

*Note: You may very well not be glad you did...proceed with caution....

So I think I can dance

The clouds look like thinly painted strips of white on the bluest of blue skies. Behind me, the green and brown and red hills climb and then fall to meet the ocean, just at the cusp of the horizon. I stand in a moment of disbelief at the edge of the pool, looking around the palm tree lined Malibu hills mansion--and then I smile, thinking "and I'm getting paid for this?!"
--
Okay, so there's a (good) reason I don't write fiction. But today was definitely non-fiction. My first gig since my move to LA: a featured dancer in a short film titled "The Audition" about the shooting of a music video--the biggest budget short film I've ever seen (or even heard of). An amazing setting (sitting in the pool, you could look out towards the ocean), more than a full crew, an up and coming director, an up and coming singer, food, water, wardrobe--everything. AND I got to dance, looking all GQ in a full suit with a slick tie as part of choreographed routine that five of us learned an hour before going in front of the camera. On a side note, we learned the routine without music, and the the first time we danced with the music the film was rolling--so if you ever see it, now you know why I sucked.

It's probably not something I'll do again (even though one of my childhood dreams was to dance for Janet Jackson), but damn, it was a lot of fun. Not only getting to dance with cameras and lights and makeup people and all that, but meeting the other people around the set, especially my fellow dancers: one guy, a bonafide graduated-from-the-top-ballet-school-in-Russia-dancer-turned-Cisco-employee-turned-actor. Talented as sh*t, funny as sh*t. Another guy--the choreographer actually--a 21 year old kid who's an actor and an emcee, and very good at the business of acting (so smooth on set with the director and crew). The third guy, a singer from the Dominican Republic who comes across so cocky and soo Hollywood, but with such a chill demeanor that you can't help but dismiss your first impression and love him. And the last guy, a down to earth, "sarcastic from being in the biz", but "energetic cause he hasn't given up on the biz" cat that could move.

Every one of these guys has a dream, and every one is smart and hard working with the great personality to match. We chatted, we laughed, we learned from each other, we danced, and then we went our separate ways. It was kinda like traveling; you know, when you meet people from different places and have the greatest conversations over the course of several beers? Except instead of chatting about where we've been, we were chatting about where we're goin.

Umm...what am I doing? And why, again?

I have new found respect for entrepreneurs. In college (and since), I romanticized them: bold, passionate individuals who made significant professional and personal sacrifices to bring something that they really believed in to life, usually from scratch. Also, they usually got rich at the end of it (can anyone spell IPO?).

As an entrepreneur myself now (aHEM...if I may be so bold), I'm seeing the other side of the coin, especially when just starting out: a ridonkulous amount of work (it's never done, really), little/no pay (which goes great with all the start-up costs), the need to do everything yourself (product development, marketing...even my own friggin IT support), and then, maybe two months and a few days into the venture, having to deal with what I'll call the entrepreneur's nemesis: doubt.

Umm...what am I doing?

I was in a bum mood on Saturday after spending pretty much all day trying to edit my reel (still outstanding, btw). I started thinking about all the other things I could be doing (like, umm, traveling the world?!), and began to question myself. I mean, c'mon...what are the odds I'll "make it"? And I'm not talking rich and famous--just make a decent living as an actor. Seriously? (Btw, if you know, don't tell me; it'll only make things worse). I mean, I don't have a natural competitive advantage (read: mommy and daddy are not in the industry), and I'm starting out at the bottom (read: uncles and aunts are not in the industry), and Hollywood is infamous for its competitive, cut throat nature (it's worse than you think).

It's while I'm trying to connect my camcorder to my computer for the fifth time that I pause to think "WTF am I doing"?!

And why, again?

I saw Johnny Depp on Friday afternoon, signing autographs after doing the "hands in concrete" thing on Hollywood Blvd. It was absolutely surreal seeing everyone all lined up, cheering, jumping, pushing, drooling, gawking, and sometimes even being freakish (a few full costume Charlies and Jack Sparrows were present), just being in the mere presence of this guy. I walked through the crowd with an odd detachment, thinking, "do I want this??" The answer was pretty clear, and I relished in my anonyminity as I snaked my way away from the man.

Later, while working on my #$%# reel, I caught a bit of The Diary of Angelina Jolie & Dr Jeffrey Sachs in Africa. I watched with a combination of sadness/disbelief at the conditions and stories of the villagers in Sauri, and admiration/respect for the celebrity. Probably not coincidentally, that evening I saw Crash. And as I lay in bed that night, I thought of others in the industry who use their fame or tap their resources for worthy social causes (everyone from Bono to 'unknown' friends I have in the biz). I remembered movies from City of God to my friend's In The Morning. And then I remembered again why I'm doing this. The media and entertainment industries (and its leaders) are far more powerful than most like to realize, and I want to get in a position where I can use some of that power for good.

The "why" motivates the "what". I just hope the "how" comes to me sooner rather than later.
------
A quick note about this blog...as you've seen (Mr. Blender man), I'm posting less often--but my posts are longer. This will continue. Until it changes.

2 month anniversary

Today is my two month anniversary here in LA. I found myself reflecting on all I've done, and the so much more that I need to do, and thought to share....

DONE
- found a place to call home near westwood after an interesting apt/roommate search ("life is like a roommate search off of craig's list postings, you never know....")
- found acting classes I (mostly) like
- printed up bcards and pcards; the bcards have come in handy in getting people to laugh; the pcards go out tomorrow
- joined The Actor's Network, where I pay to have friends; kinda like a co-ed frat, except instead of 'keggers' we have "what can you do for me" events. No, that's too brutal...it's actually a pretty cool org; for example, I attended a "type me" session yesterday...kinda surprising to see what 14 other actor types think of me at first glance. I mean, do I really come across as 'ethnic'??
- found a job SAT tutoring, which I start next week (still don't know what SAT stands for though)
- registered with the three main casting websites and had eight auditions with several call backs
- beverages/bites with actor/director/agent types
- had Seth and Young take headshots and added a few of the pictures to my website
- started a blog :)

Not bad for two months, huh?

TO DO (in the next two months)
- enroll in a commercial class (I know, I know...but commercials pay...I'll be picky, don't worry)
- finish my reel (!)
- get two monologues down (at some auditions, they ask you to recite a monologue...anyone got any suggestions? I wonder if I can pull off this one from Pulp Fiction)
- get new headshots (professional ones though...no offense Seth and Young)
- assemble a list of casting directors/directors/producers I want to target; harass the hell out of 'em
- drop-offs at commercial agencies (will help in getting a commercial agent...will also get me yelled at)
- book a role! (out of my control, but I'm still going to put it on the list)

Yikes. Okay, lots to do...back to work...(that goes for you too, Osi)

Atypical days

First off, thanks to everyone reading and posting comments. I particularly appreciate the person who complimented my blog and then asked me to check out his/her blender site. To you I say: "I have no idea how you found my blog, but I don't need any blenders. So piss off."

When I told friends I was moving to LA for acting, most were pretty supportive (in a "laughing with me not at me" kind of way...I think). Several even said they would live 'vicariously' through me; in fact, I think I'm living for about six people right now. For everyone else, I thought a "day in the life" might be worth sharing, so you can be happy you're saving your vicarious lives for people really worth it (like, say, Richard Branson).

M-F:
7:00 AM - alarm rings
7:16 AM - get up motivated by the fact that no one will believe I got up by 7:16 AM
7:17 AM - sit-ups
7:30 AM - after briefly checking email, jog to the gym and work out while listening to the NY Times digest from Audible (for any commuters/productivity freaks, Audible is huge; if you sign up, tell 'em 'ahuja' referred you)
9:00 AM - showered and ready, at this point my schedule forks: if it's Tues or Thurs, leave for guitar class at Santa Monica College; any other day, submit myself for auditions on afore mentioned websites (see 'Auditions' post)

The only other fixture every week is--if it's a Tues or a Fri--acting class from 2:15 to 6 in Hollywood, and I always have some prep work to do before hand. I spend the other days: (1) tackling the huge acting to-do list I've got (get an agent, get famous, etc.), (2) preparing for/attending any auditions I get, and (3) checking out interesting acting related events I hear of (including Actor's Network events; will detail this org in a later post).

What else...a few friends and I have Tuesday night movie nights where we watch thought provoking, relatively independent type films (this week we saw Maria Full of Grace; heavy...very good...very heavy....).

In summary, my days are pretty atypical. I've quickly realized the importance of: (1) being organized, (2) keeping an up-to-date schedule, (3) numbered lists, such as this one, and most importantly, (4) keeping my eye on the prize (having something to write about for my blog).

My first commercial audition: Part II

So I show up at the commercial audition feeling a bit out of place, partially because everyone else was white (can I say that?) and in their late 30s (wait a sec...have I been here before?). Like the print audition, it was kinda cattle call-ish: sign in, wait, have a Polaroid taken, wait, watch nervously as they call name after name and people disappear into the studio. Wait some more. Then they called several of us in and explained what the audition was going to be about: we were newscasters on location reporting a big story, and we had only one line--and would need to improvise the rest.

We went outside to sit (wait). Trying to be productive, I started checking the news on my PDAish phone, but then realized I had better prepare. 'Improvised' does not mean 'unprepared', so I came up with a few lines to use. A few minutes later:

"Sun..deep...Aaahu--"

"--yeah, that's me".

And in I went. The camera guy put a mic (prop) in my hand, went behind the camera, and then said the magic word: 'you'.

As soon as I finished (signing off with a sure-to-sound-different "This is Sundeep Ahuja, back to you John"), the camera guy did something I didn't expect.

He laughed.

I thanked him and went outside, only to be greeted by a "wow, that was fast" from the casting associate.

So that's what the camera guy was laughing about.

Never heard back, but at least I learned lessons I can apply in order to nail the next one:
1) Pay attention. How are others preparing. How long are auditions are going. How are people leaving the studio.
2) Be white and in my late 30s.

My first commercial audition: Part I

Some time ago I wrote about my first "print" audition, which left me wondering about how I would feel endorsing a product or service associated with a for-profit enterprise. Well, late last week I got wind of a certain company (that I may or may not have worked for) that was casting commercials for a new advertising campaign. The company in question is one that I firmly believe in and would love to help advertise for. Problem was, without an agent (ah-HEM all you agents), there is no way I was going to get in the door.

Soo, I kinda sorta maybe contacted someone I knew at the company and asked if they could find the right person to put in a good word--and it worked :)

On Wednesday morning, I received a phone call from the casting agent asking if I could come in later that afternoon, and lo and behold, my schedule was free (the beauty of unemployment). It was clear the moment I walked in that the casting agent was honoring a favor, as I looked nothing like (age-wise and skin color-wise) everyone else auditioning. But it took me 0.12 seconds to get over that and prep to do my best.

I'll save describing the audition for my next post, and close this one with a thought on how I got the audition. It would not have happened if (1) I had burned bridges, (2) I had not kept up communications with my contacts, and most importantly, (3) I had not asked. I keep hearing how people in LA are strictly interested in what you can do for them. I've even seen it. But IMHO, it's okay to ask people to do certain career oriented favors--like referrals and introductions--for you. If they can help, great! And if they can't/don't, you know not to ask next time. And not to send them a Holiday card. Or autograph.

Day job

"Excuse me, are you a really bad singer, or a really bad actor?" -- From Letterman's "Top ten ways to annoy your waiter", 1/13/95

Go to a trendy restaurant in the greater Los Angeles area and chances are you've got an actor for a waiter. It's the day job-of-choice for four reasons: (1) flexibility (to attend auditions, etc.), (2) pay (umm...15-20% cash off every check? cash!?), (3) the chance of being 'noticed' by someone with power (as opposed to the other 98% of the people that come through), and (4) instant, attractive friends of the opposite sex that can be found among the rest of the restaurant/bar staff. Four very, very compelling reasons. Particularly that last one.

But if I were to be a waiter, I'd get fired on my first day, likely for the "are you f'n kidding me?" type comments that I'd express to my colleagues after dealing with the obnoxious out-of-work director at table #4. Mad respect to those in the service industry. It's just not for me.

After spending time on craigslist and considering everything from "mystery shopping" to canvasing/telemarketing for select non-profit to just spending less (ha!), I've decided to try and find a gig tutoring or teaching.

The good: The first two reasons for waitering apply, and a solid third is that I'd get to start problem solving again (I was considering taking an advanced math class at SMC to challenge myself, but doing so would likley require an explanation...see?...even you think I'm crazy...).

The bad: The last reason for waitering doesn't apply.

So, step 1...figure out what SAT stands for again....
----
Quick side note about this blog.

Yesterday evening when chatting with my mom, I asked what she thought about the blog, and if she liked the 'shout-outs' to her as the only person reading. Her reply? "What is a blog?"

Brutal mom. Brutal.

Sundeep Ahuja, Inc.

Okay, I know this is my third entry on the business side of being an actor, but I'll make it worth reading (but c'mon...anything I write is worth at least a skim, right mom? Be nice mom.)

I had lunch on Wednesday with an actor who's been in LA for a year and half, and for two hours he reinforced my thoughts on how to approach this profession. I believe him because for the little time he's spent here, he's done remarkably well. Below is a list of some of his more interesting tips (the only one I already knew was the first one):

1) Get lunches (and pay for 'em) with people who you can learn from.

2) Have go-to social spots so there's none-of-that "Where do you want to go?", "I dunno, where do you want to go??" when you are going to meet someone in the business. For different neighborhoods (Hollywood, Santa Monica, etc.). For different occasions (lunch spot, drink spot, etc.)

3) Carry around blank business-sized cards in case you meet someone who doesn't have a business card. Hand the individual the pen you are also carrying, and when you get it all back hand her your business card--with the location/situation you are at/in on the back so she knows how she knows you two weeks later when she discovers your bcard in her purse. [Btw, I started this paragraph with he/she structures, but they got annoying...what's the protocol on that, anyways? I just picked she :) ]

4) Invest in a good briefcase. Carry around extra headshots, audition sides, bcards, a reading book, etc. Carry around an audition log book (it'll make call backs way easier). And yes, walk into auditions with it (and scare all the other wannabes...hahahahah!!!).

5) Buy nice "thank you" cards. Oh, and use 'em. Thank you cards always get opened, and always get read (unless they are sent in 8x10 headshot envelopes, in which case they are burned with the other unopened headshot envelopes).

6) Scope important places out. Studios, agencies, etc. So when you go for something important, you know the layout, you know the vibe. Think about it...anytime you revisit a place for something important, you walk in with a familiarity, a sureness. And sureness=confidence=respect. And we all know what respect equals, yes? That's right. Ego.

Auditions (yeay!)

In the past week I've had four auditions :). That brings me to an average of one audition a week (since I moved down), which ain't bad for someone without an agent (I think); I've even received call-backs for two of 'em. I'll now take two questions from the one actor I know reading this (my roommate):

1) How?

How what...the call-backs? Cause I'm f'n good. Oh! How'd I get the auditions. I've signed up with two websites, Now Casting and Actors Access (from Breakdown Services). The former charges $10/month, and the latter a flat fee of $60/year, which includes access to sides (pieces of the script used for auditioning, mom). There are numerous sites out there, but I believe these two are legit; I plan to also sign up with LA Casting.

2) What types of gigs?

Three of the four have been for films (short or feature), while one was for a stage performance. Unfortunately, even if get these they are all NON-PAYING (yes, donations from readers are accepted); however, if I find a project I believe in, I'll do it for the experience (and the food; it is true, most actors in LA work for food...but instead of cardboard signs on the street corner we carry headshots and wounded egos).

I spend maybe 30 minutes a day on the two websites trying to find roles that suit me. I'll continue to submit via these sites even after I get an agent, but will likely be a bit more selective. Right now, "food" is good enough compensation for my time.

Ahh, the ugly side of Hollywood...

Hollywood has some not-so-nice people. I was lucky enough to come across one of them last week.

I mentioned earlier that I audited/interviewed with several acting studios before deciding to go with Howard Fine (not super impressed so far, by the way...more later). I learned about one of the studios through a friend of mine, and when I mentioned his name at the interview, I was happy to see it work it my favor--so much so that a few days after the interview one of the owners of the studio left me a voicemail encouraging me to join.

I was impressed, and wasn't sure how much of it had to do with my friend (I mean he's good, but that good?), and how much of it had to do with my wallet (a studio, afterall, is still a business). I didn't return the phonecall (I mean, she owns the studio...it was clearly a courtesy call).

A week later, on a Saturday afternoon, I received a second phonecall from the studio owner.

First I was floored. The lady was talking all about all the talented actors that went through her school--an impressive list--and then about how much I would get from the school.

But then I was confused. I mean, why does she care about me? Who am I to get two phonecalls from the head of a studio? I wrote it off to good salesmanship on her part, and left it at that. The following week I left a message with the studio (note: not with her, but the administrative contact at the studio) about my intention to join Howard's class.

The next day, I receive a third phone call from the lady. And what began as a nice "you really should study here" became a "well, don't come back later because we won't let you in" and finally ended with a "I swear that you won't make it...I mean, you're not smart enough to do the right thing."

Umm...excuse me??

Yeah, now I totally want to join your studio.

Marketing Marketing Marketing

Before I moved down here, I mused with my work colleagues that I was going to be starting a company in LA, with me as the product. I joked (hey, I thought I was funny), but now that I'm here, I'm realizing that's exactly what's happening.

Wednesday evening, I checked out an information session held by Sam Christensen, an "image and brand" guru. He called "product identity" the "PIN number" to a person's untapped potential (I know, it sounds kooky, but in context it made sense). He also called it the most important part of a marketing plan, and stressed the importance of marketing for actors.

As I think through the best way to get an agent, the best way to get in front of casting directors, and the best way to "make it happen", I'm beginning to think I should detail out a marketing plan and then launch a campaign for my brand--of course, after first figuring out my "product identity" (and let me tell you, it's not going to be the "t" word). Maybe I should have gotten an MBA before doing this whole acting thing....

Anyways, I need to spend the next couple of days thinking about this (and about how I'm going to afford all these classes; Sam's program is $695). For now, this is my working slogan: "Sundeep Ahuja...tastes great, less filling."

Training

For the past month I've been researching acting classes (or "actor's training programs" for the more sophisticated) in LA. Below is a list of the bigger ones I checked out, and quick thoughts on each. Please note that (1) this is by no means an exahaustive list, and (2) these are my opinions (so please, no hate mail or law suits).

- Howard Fine studio: Audited the Masters class, and dug it. Mr. Fine is professional, funny, and knows what he's doing. I'm now enrolled in the "Comprehensive Technique" class which is taught by Howard himself (one of the main reasons I enrolled).
- Larry Moss studio: After attending the information session, I took the required two day scene study class taught by Michelle Danner and liked it. Though way overpriced at $195 for two days (and class starting 30 minutes late each day didn't help), I felt like Michelle knew how to "take us there". Decided against them only because I was more impressed by Howard.
- Beverly Hill Playhouse: The interview went well and I left excited about their approach, which--as described--balances the business and the art. However I met faar too many people that pooh pooh'd the Playhouse for various reasons. I may yet enroll at a later date though...just need to get more G2.
- Playhouse West: Audited the beginner's class, and did not like it--but only because I've already done Meisner and didn't want to start over. The students I met after class raved about it, so if you're just starting training it's worth checking out.
- DW Brown / Joanne Baron: Interviewed and it sounded interesting, but like Playhouse West I felt I was going to be repeating training I've already had and wanted to try something new. A friend of mine recently graduated from their two year program and loved it.

The business versus the art

When someone says "acting" in a business sense, words that might come to mind include 'cut-throat', 'hyper competitive', 'brutal' (or, if you're a traditional South Asian American parent, 'stupid'). When someone says "acting" in an artistic sense, words that might come to mind include 'touching', 'inspiring', 'brilliant' (or, if you're a traditional South Asian American parent, 'stupid'). Just so, I think these two angles are the two ways to approach the profession of acting--business and artistic. I believe the best commercially successful actors (note the qualifiers) have mastered both.

My approach here in LA is to balance both, whereby I'm developing the art and the business of being an actor. For the art, I've enrolled in an acting class (more later), and for the business, I'm spending time writing a blog no one reads.

I saw a play Saturday night in which a friend of mine played a leading role. He's been in LA two years, and this is his second play. He hasn't had any speaking roles in TV or film. He has no agent, no manager. He has no business cards. In the last two years, this friend has solely focused on developing his craft: acting classes; voice classes; movies; books; smoking; more movies. All of it.

For awhile I used to wonder why he was wasting his time. But after seeing his incredible performance Saturday night, I realized that he has been as passionate about his profession these past two years as I can only hope to be.

On a side but very personal note, I also realized that I'm not a true artist. I would go friggin nutz if I was here for two whole years and only had one lead stage role to show for it.

Weekend Intensive at the Larry Moss Studio

This weekend I took a two day scene study class at the Larry Moss Studio at Edgemar Center, taught by Michelle Danner. It had been awhile since I'd been in a classroom, and even though I'm still shopping for the perfect class (more later), this seemed like a great opportunity to really check out a teaching style to aid my decision, and more importantly, get back in the classroom.

Couple of impressions:
1) Acting is ridonkulously difficult. I mean, it's all about being raw, being real...being honest. It's not for the weak, because it's really about getting to know yourself--the good and especially the bad. It's about looking in the mirror past the reflection. It's...it's...it's....yeah.

2) IMHO, training is soo important. The best thing someone can do if he or she wants to be an actor is get into a good training program. I think.

3) I hate wasting time.

Okay, the third point seems a bit random, but coming from a banking/technology background, productivity is huge for me, and I hate when my time is wasted--and this class wasted maybe 2 hours of my time (class started late, etc.). Though I learned about endowing objects and triggers and what not, my biggest takeaway this weekend is the challenge I face to not going f'n nuts in situations where my time will be wasted and there is nothing I can do about it. Like traffic, for instance. Or looking for parking. Or stupid questions (I know, it's lame to say this, but I really do believe there are such things as stupid questions...anyone ever see Empire Records? This dude working there picks up the phone and says "Empire Records open till midnight"...and then a pause...and then he says "midnight!" and hangs up. I hate those kinds of questions. Ahh!)

I know...I need to breathe....

Headshots

Ahhh...the headshot. Critical. Vital. Narcissistic.

When I first got headshots taken a couple of years ago, I conducted a fair amount of research (websites, references, etc.), and finally met with four photographers. Of the four, I ended up going with the one that I vibed with the most; the one that could most help (and let) me be honest in front of the camera. The photos turned out pretty good, but times have changed (these days, color is in and B&W is out), and so has my hair (thankfully most of it is still there). So, I needed new ones.

But before going through the above routine again, this time I decided to first see what a few friends of mine who dabble in photography could do--headshots can cost from $200-$600, and my friends would be, umm...doing me a favor :)

Don't get me wrong, there are some fabulous photographers out there worth the money, but I really feel that headshot photos--where it's all about the emotion exuded by a 2D picture--are more about the actor. I mean, for a 3D moment to be captured by a 2D medium the actor has to feel entirely comfortable. And where better to feel honest and comfortable than in the company of friends? (Above paragraph can also be read: "hey, I'm just tryin to save $400").

Last night, I got pictures back from one of the friends I shot with last weekend, and damn. Not bad. And they only cost me a $51 bar tab.

Networking

Networking is formally defined by Merriam-Webster as "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions". They should add to that "it's also the only way to build a career in Hollywood" (or anywhere?).

Tonight I attended a "fireside chat" with an Executive Producer of a major television show, organized by my alumni association (great resource, btw). The 'chat'--between the organizer and the Producer; the rest of us 'sat'--was both entertaining and informative. My biggest takeaway, though, was how her career always seemed to move forward through someone she knew. Probably not coincidentally, in her parting words of advice she impressed upon us that "it's all about who you know".

Question is, how does one get to 'know' people? This mentally probably contributes to the 'shallow' attitude assigned to most of LA's population. 30 seconds into a conversation you figure out if a person can help you or not: "Hmm...so you are a rocket scientist...greaaat...." With so many other people to meet, do you keep chattin? Or do the career minded (and shallow?) thing: excuse yourself to the restroom, take 3 steps in the direction of the restroom, and meet someone else?

Anyways, I took the producer's advice and met two writers and an actress today. And left the finance guy by the potato chips....

My first "print" audition

First off, for the one or two people who have found this blog (hi mom) , I'll be writing as often as I do something career related (that is both legal and moral). That should be everyday. But yeah...I kinda took a loong wkend.

Last Thursday I went to a print audition (so more of a modeling thing than an acting thing, but hey, it was going to pay well). I heard about it via email from a third party who found my picture on Hollywood Masala, a website/portal for South Asians in entertainment. Couple of impressions:

1) Cattle call - esque
2) Suuuper fast. Sign-in, get your number, get called, pose for one pic (holding the number, no less), pose for another pic, leave ("ahem...now").
3) Thought provoking. Not the audition itself per-se, but as I was getting in my car, I kept wondering if (IF) I got the gig, would I do it? I mean, do I believe in the company enough to represent it to other consumers? Even if only one person bought the product because they liked my smile (or the sale advertised next to it), would I feel good about that? Luckily, I didn't have to make this decision.

Though it would have been nice to.

Agent hunting: mass mailings

There are two philosophies on mass mailings to agents: (1) they work, and (2) they don't work. The best way to get in front of an agent is of course through referral. I've been advertising my need for an agent for weeks now, and have only had one actor say "you should totally call my agency". Every other actor I've met is clearly afraid I'll get all the auditions and so doesn't help (youbastardguys). So, rather than just wait around for a referral (no matter how many actor/director/agent types I meet with), a mass mailing seems like one way to take control of the situation. I'm hoping my look is different enough that it'll catch the eye of the hungover-unpaid-wannabe-actor-intern who will be flipping through them.

First step? Assuming you already have a headshot (which I do), get the postcards printed. After some research, I went with Reproductions because they seem to be legit and offer a reasonable price.

On a side note, I'm also getting business cards printed. Kinda wierd after years of having distinguished business cards with one corporate logo or another to go ahead and pay someone to put my face on a card--like it is a friggin logo. I really, really hope they make me look good.....

"Soft push"

I recently heard the phrase "soft push", and dug it (stop snickering...it's not what you think). Everyday, do something that pushes you in the direction of your goal. It can kinda sorta MAYBE be overwhelming starting out as an actor in LA, and I've met more than a few people who got distracted (something about having to make money) or burnt out (though, if you are never a 'star', can you really 'burn out'?).

Today my "soft push" was lunch with Raj Raghavan, who is on the agent track at CAA, arguably the top talent agency in LA. His advice? "Don't waste time having lunch with anyone on the agent track at CAA." If I'm looking for an agent, I need to talk with other actors at or above my level of experience who have agents. SO. Anyone reading this have an agent? I'll buy....

I also spoke with an acquaintance at Groundlings, one of the top improv schools in LA, who advised me to think through my desire to audition for the entry level class (Level I). He's been taking the "Fun Shop" class there, and recommended it as a great way to introduce myself to the school. It's cheaper, more kick back, and will better position me to rock the audition when I'm ready. Oh, and I still get to put "Groundlings" on my resume. BRILLIANT!!

Week 3

Wow. So this is blogging. I don't get it...what's all the hype about??

Anyways, join me as dig my heels into LA and blaze a career as an actor. I'll only be posting notes relevant to acting, and will spare you what I ate for breakfast (bagel) and where I slept last night (not sure).

Real quick, I want to take a question from the audience: "What happened to weeks 1 and 2?"

They were spent figuring out how to get this blog up.

Other relevant notes:
I'm already eligible to join SAG, and have the beginnings of a resume (www.sundeepahuja.com/resume.html). I've also already had headshots taken (www.sundeepahuja.com/photos.html), but will be going through that process again soon so stay tuned.....