audience member gig

We ended up staying an extra hour or so as part of an audience gig. I never heard so much complaining in my life, with the word "slave" being used in reference to wages. The amount had been mentioned prior, so it was no surprise to anyone, along with the hours. We all knew this was not a simple two or four hour gig. We all agreed to go to this, and applied accordingly. Of course the agency did not identify themselves, which is just as well. Their reputation wasn't great, and so what if it got soiled a bit more?

I had the same attitude I had when I didn't have a day job to supplement. I was just happy to see some old on-set friends, and enjoy spending time catching up. It was great.

We were there for an infomercial for a financial planning seminar. It was not too boring, but some of the extras were obviously bored and wanted to show the 'stars' they were that only they knew they were. "There are no small roles only small actors" crowed one of the more obnoxious ones, and another sitting next to them was just as annoying with their "I know everything" b.s.

They tried to get the talent's attention by saying they did this, and pretending to be ooh and ahh over what the talent there had done. Their tone was very condescending and transparent, but the talent chose to rise above it and keep it moving.

February 1st

Got an email from a fellow BG'er asking how I was and what I was up to. So much had changed. I had passed the three month trial run at the office gig and was full time. I had health insurance. I was getting regular checks...when I was keeping an eye on them.

The biggest issue was dealing with the personalities that were content on rotting there and infecting anyone new with their attitude problems. There was a lot of laziness and lethargy. A lot of don't give a damns and clients are crazy not us, type of thing. I was learning that keeping my mouth shut and letting them run their mouths was enough evidence.

So far the only complaint was I stepped away from my desk one too many times in order to help people out. This could be getting some water for a client, checking on whether something was done for another employee or client, anything job related, it didn't matter.

Yet, I wasn't hitting the pavement as much as I used to, since my hours were now dedicated to sitting in an office dealing with people. Although I still submitted, and had the new PDA to thank for that, I wasn't really holding my breath on getting responses. The few responses I got were repeat offenders that I dealt with last year who never answered or seemed shady last year.

So instead of panicking or hyperventilating as to how'm I paying the rent this month, I merely keep it moving, and next month, start the work on joining union.

Today I got what I think is the rest of my W-2's, and in another week or so, I am going to do my taxes and get it over with.

Back to the BGer. I filled them in briefly on what I've been doing. The voiceover site I had a complimentary membership at didn't really prove to me that they had an abundance of voiceover work, and I had a long way to go in regards to submitting for anything at this point. The site could not justify paying $200 a year. I just couldn't see it. I had it for two months, and I submitted to about ten jobs. I was selective too, just as the bullshit it claimed to say, that the more you submit, the less success and job leads one would get.

So...followed the rules, and got only one feedback, that my voice wasn't right for their particular project. Otherwise, the pricings were way low and not very promising. I have to go union. This is ridiculous.

What is new for 2010?

Currently working a day job -- and finding myself getting sucked into the 'drama' of surly, unhappy, defensive people who seem to find my cheeriness and happy go lucky self grating to their day. I remain unfazed, appreciative on having health insurance and a regular check and continue to be the picture of calmness and laughter, chuckling over the stupidity and sadness of the pathetic pencil pushers who whine to justify their paycheck. Didn't bother to get into tiffs with anybody, because I don't intend to make this place a home for the rest of my life. I cannot imagine staying in day in day out, year after year, with a bunch of unhappy souls. Have a life and have better things to focus on.

A new opportunity fell into my lap for voiceover and background work, put in for it and am awaiting callbacks. I'm really excited. In the meantime, another opportunity for a nicer environ and possibly better pay and promotion, has been swirling around me. I have put in for more information, and continue to look for the best. I'm not going to overthink things, but remain flexible and go with the flow. Already met with the head cheese and was advised later that they were certainly impressed and want me to meet with the rest of the crew.

So things are starting to move quickly. I see this as a way to get one step closer to joining union, as I have yet to save any real money towards membership. But I'm determined for it to happen this year.

Other things I'm looking at: online education for writing classes, acting classes. And travel. In no particular order. I'm already looking at flights to do a simple quick weekend in Canada. It's not that far away and I can hang with friends there so it's all good. Then the next trip for California and then Mexico. Gotta get things moving.

currently scouring the ads for voiceover work

Skimming quickly in my usual spots. I will also have to cancel the special shampoo that is going to cost an arm and a leg and has no real proclamations from any hair people that it actually WORKS. Several that state they notice absolutely no change. Which doesn't exactly give the shampoo any props in the positive column.

In any case, I will re-examine my shampoo methods and look into getting an appointment for my annual health checkup.

Yep, too excited for words!

yay got check today

Got my check for a voiceover gig I did last month. Feeling awesome!

Will deposit tomorrow. It's a great pre-holiday gift and a reminder towards what I plan for next year. Feeling awesome!

Got a reminder from a voiceover company to check out going 'premium' but the jobs so far that I see aren't that very impressive or numerous. Should I really be throwing my money away on this one?

tonight is Bored to Death

I don't know if I'm even going to show up on camera, even though I sat directly across from actor Jason Schwartzman in a scene at the Russian club/bar place. He was nice to make small talk with background, asking about favorite movies and what we liked about NYC. What I liked was his comment about walking down the street here and picking up on other people's conversations, something that doesn't happen as much in L.A. He seemed sweet.

I ended up dancing with an extra I had worked with on a prior gig, he was this big muscle bound Mr. Clean looking kind of guy, and we just joked and danced before the final scene which involved him with several other men chair lifting Jason and a fellow actor in a crowd dancing vodka drinking sequence. *smile* That was a good memory. After that, everyone quickly dispersed as they called it a wrap.

I remember wearing these Steve Madden black shoes that were quite comfortable despite the heel height. It was one of those heavy front strapped kind that was popular last year. I was dressed head to toe in black in the tackiest pieces I could find to wear...and it ended up being approved for wardrobe!

Looking to find work for nights and weekends in voiceovers. I keep looking.

voiceover gig went well, done in an hour

And it was, as some like to say, 'easy peasy'! I already have my 15, 30 and 60 second voice segments, and it's to air on local radio already. Now it's a matter of getting paid. I'm definitely psyched!

Meanwhile, the SVU episode where I appear as a juror showed this past week and you can see me for like two seconds behind Christine Lahti. Then this week on Bored to Death, the ep where I appear as part of a Russian restaurant club scene is to air. It's wild to see how these things are finally coming to light.

I put in for a background gig this weekend but I haven't heard anything. At this point, the only time I can work background is on a weekend. My focus is more on voiceover work. I want to do more paying gig ones! Let's see what happens next.

Went to a friend of a friend's off-off-off-off-Broadway show. It was pretty cute, I had a laugh or two. It's good to support your fellow actors.