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DR. MEL'S WEEKLY MESSAGE
“Love what you are doing and do what you love. Then you will be a successful.” Dr. Melissa Caudle
Now that I have to go on a diet thanks to "THANKSGIVING" I also have to start spending money. Sometimes, I just hate the holiday season. I get really perturbed when they have Christmas decorations out before Halloween, and on Thanksgiving Day that play Christmas music. It was never like that when I was a kid. And, no, I never walked 20 miles up a hill in the snow to get to school. I did walk, but because of where I was raised, snow wasn't an issue. So, the 20 miles stands. Just kidding. I took a bus, and at the age of 15 my parents bought me a used HOT PINK Honda 120 motorcycle with black pin strips. Needless to say, I was a "Hot Chick" in high school. Or, should I say, attractive to the boys because of my motorcycle. Oh, did I mention I got it for Christmas. That's how I started this whole blog today. Holidays and gift buying.
Where has the true meaning of the holiday spirit gone? Does Christmas really have to start before Halloween. I can't help it, but I simply refuse. I won't shop in any store that displays Christmas items and decorations before Halloween. And, probably to no surprise to anyone, I am now limited to shopping for all of my Christmas presents this year online. All stores and the malls violated my code of Christmas shopping. The good news, it did keep me out of the stores resulting in my budget not going overboard. I simply did without and my husband, by the way, the greatest of the husbands in the world, does all of our grocery shopping and cooking. Therefore, I didn't have to worry about boycotting the grocery store for displaying Christmas decorations before its true time of calling.
Most importantly, it seems, as I get older, the less important material things are to me and more important is my family. Unfortunately, my children and grandchildren haven't aligned their thinking with mine and still want me to play Santa Claus on Christmas morning and for tons of presents to be under the tree. There goes my boycott budget I worked so hard on. It will be shot right out the door since I gave in and started Thanksgiving night shopping online. This will make my grandchildren happy as well as my girls and their husbands. However, I simply refuse to give in this year and go overboard as I am known to do. Why??? Thanks to KSK, A.D.A.M., LACA NOLA TALENT GROUP, and West Nile Virus, I don't have the time. I don't have the time to go shopping or wrap the dozens of present my family is used too. I have warned them. But, you know what. My girls and their families don't care. They relish in the fact that we can be together, we are healthy, and we love each other. Now we are talking as we move toward celebrating December 25th this year.
I strongly urge everyone who reads this blog to do a self-check. Make sure your priorities are aligned with your family and friends and please, do not spend money you don't have on presents because you think you have too. Be creative and do something else. Make things. Write a special reflection letter to your mother and father or children letting them know how much you love them and what they mean to you. Share a home-made treat with them. Get inventive. That is what I plan on doing too. Yes, there will be presents under the tree. But, this year, it's going to be about family. My youngest daughter hasn't been home for Christmas in two years. She is coming home along with her husband. For me, that is all I want for Christmas is my family. OH, and GIRLS!!! I DO WANT MY LEATHER ROCKING RECLINER! I have to have something to sit in as I read It was a Night Before Christmas to my three wonderful grandsons. Now on with tonight's blog.
THE REALITY OF REALITY TV
By Dr. Melissa Caudle
Okay reality show producers and creators; I am listening. Yes, you are right and I am wrong. I admit it, so mark this down in your calendars the day Dr. Mel admitted she was wrong. How? I have been neglecting my followers who create and produce reality shows by giving actors so much information on auditioning, getting agents, updates on casting BLAH! BLAH! BLAH! So, I have decided to give reality show creators some information. But, the good news is, that the same principles will apply to successful A-list actors. I know this for a fact, as I have worked with the best including Academy Award winner James Woods. Therefore, if you're an actor, don't skip reading this section as it does pertain to you and what you do as a professional. Also, Jack Curenton, casting director for A.D.A.M. and our Los Angeles talent scout for LACA NOLA TALENT GROUP as saved the day with his article specifically for actors.
Thanks Jack! Now everyone knows why you are so important to me. So, not only continue reading, but if you are an actor, read his article. It is a valuable source of information.
Thanks Jack! Now everyone knows why you are so important to me. So, not only continue reading, but if you are an actor, read his article. It is a valuable source of information.
Now, for a little background. For those of you who only know me as a producer, director, or talent agent, I am also a writer. I write books on things I know. For example, my next book coming out in seven days, Thumbs Up! How to Nail Auditions, is about auditioning. But, I also have books for screenwriters and reality show producers. The biggest seller in my collection is The Reality of Reality TV: Reality Show Business Plans.
This book is the only book on the market of its kind. Trust me. I know. The reason is when I started producing reality shows I needed help. I wanted to read and find any and all information on creating reality shows that I could. Guess what? There wasn't anything out there. So, after stumbling my way for five-years and figuring out the process, I wrote the book.
So, what is tonight's reality show topic? Reality shows of course. However, I am going to share with you what I find that makes reality show producers successful. That way, if you are thinking about creating a realty show or you are a part of one, you can compare and contrast these fundamental ideas. Here is information on the book.
LET’S GO
You have an idea for a
reality show. Great news! So now you have to create and produce
it. This costs money and lots of it. You bought my books, The Reality of Reality TV:
Reality Show Business Plans and 150
Ways to Fund a Reality Show, created your show and raised your cash. Now
what? Producing is more difficult than
you might think. It’s not easy.
Producing a reality show
requires a great deal of planning, making deals, hiring your cast and crew,
setting up your production office and more.
Adding to the complexity, no one believes in your project like you
do. Trust me. Your job is to get people around you as
excited about your show as if they created it.
This is only one of the many characteristics that make successful
reality show producers successful. Let’s
take a look and get you started on the path to producing a successful reality
show.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL REALITY SHOW PRODUCERS
It is my experience; successful
reality show producers are successful because they all have certain
characteristics that make them that way.
I have worked with numerous well-known and respected reality show
producers and have conversed at length with them. I’ve made it a point not only to observe them
in action but to also identify characteristics they all have in common. In essence, I used a qualitative statistical
analysis approach and studied successful reality show producers. I coupled these characteristics with those of
film producers that I had the pleasure to work with side-by-side. I discovered the following characteristics
they all share.
·
They believe in themselves.
·
They always seek improvement in what they do.
·
They don’t make excuses.
·
They are accountable for their actions.
·
They take responsibility for what they say and
do.
·
They have and maintain integrity adhering to a
professional code of conduct.
·
You don’t have to second guess their
decisions.
·
Their actions equate with the words they
speak.
·
They operate on a high standard of work ethics
with established work times.
·
They set time for personal reflection.
·
They have balance in their life.
·
They are persistent.
·
They never give up.
·
They are creative and use their imagination.
·
They are a leader and a follower.
·
They surround themselves with great people.
·
They are visionary.
·
They set goals and objectives.
Each characteristic enhances
a producer’s ability to produce their reality show because they instill
confidence in what they do. With their
confidence, comes enthusiasm for their project.
Others witness this confidence and the characteristics they portray and
ultimately recognize them for such.
These characteristics mark the difference in any producer’s level of
success.
Believe in Yourself
It should be understood; to
be a successful producer you have to believe in yourself. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? You would be surprised how many times I have
come across someone with a fantastic idea for a reality show only to discover
he or she lacks the confidence to go forward.
They come to me and pitch their idea but lack the belief that they can
achieve a final product. They would
rather take the easy way out and turn their idea over to me or some other
production company to produce their idea.
Maybe it is because of their own fear of failure. I’m not sure.
I only know that often reality shows never see the light of day.
I don’t understand this
philosophy. Why turn over your project
to someone else? Getting someone to
co-produce with you is different. You
are not turning over your project.
Rather, you are smart enough to get additional people involved. We all could use an additional person to
share your dream and make your reality show reality. Completely ridding yourself of it makes me
question your own dedication and belief in your project’s potential success. Think of it this way, why would a production
company want to produce a show that you don’t want to be a part? If you believe in your show, then you must totally
commit to producing it. When I question
a creator who wants to sell his show concept and not produce it. I receive a dozen or more excuses explaining why
they can’t produce it themselves. Mostly,
I hear that they have never done it before and don’t know where to start. This doesn’t build confidence in me for the
project. Making excuses has never gotten
any anywhere in the business world.
Another example came when I
was working on the new T.D. Jakes film, Woman
Thou Art Loosed: On the Seventh Day. Dallas Montgomery, one of the drivers in the
transportation department, had two reality show concepts but wasn’t quite sure of
the next level. Fortunately for him, Robby was the transportation coordinator on this film and she gave him a copy of
all of my books. Little did I know, he
brought the books to work and read them during his down-time. Every time I got into his van, to go to set
or back to base camp, he’d ask me a question directly from one of my
books. To him, he had a private audience
with me and spent his time wisely during our rides. The end of the story ends great – he pitched
his two shows to me, wrote the business plans for them based on my method
presented in my book, and the next thing I knew I was producing River Kings and Deep South Paranormal. Both
of which are reality shows.
Both Dallas and Dustin proved
to me that they had what it took to be successful as reality show producers –
they believed in their projects 150 percent.
It didn’t take much from either of them to convince me that they were
willing to do whatever it took to make these shows a success. Without a doubt, they believed with
conviction in their projects; which made me want to believe.
Seek Improvement
There is a huge difference
from not knowing something and learning it, than not knowing something and give
up. If you lack the necessary production
skills or knowledge then do something about it.
First, admit it and acknowledge the area that needs improvement. Take classes, do your research, read books,
or do an internship for another production.
Don’t just sit there and give up.
Take control and improve your skills.
Knowledge is worth its weight in gold and can’t be supplanted in this
industry. Believe me, it’s not a fake it
until you make it type of business.
Maybe this is the educator in me coming out, but I firmly believe that
everybody can improve their standings by obtaining knowledge and skills. With knowledge and skill comes the confidence
to become a producer and achieve. This
is one area setting successful producers apart from those that are lack luster.
Be Accountable for your
Actions
Often people get into
situations and don’t understand the ramifications of their actions. Instead of facing the situation head on they
turn and run. It’s the flight versus
fight mentality. Nothing ever gets
resolved in this manner. Becoming a
reality show producer you must have the opposite characteristic and face
everything in an upfront manner. Stay
focused and instead of looking at problems, look at everything as a situation
that needs resolution. Don’t run from
them or give up - face them. Then no
matter what, when you respond, own your actions and be accountable for
them. Don’t make excuses. Others around you will recognize this
characteristic in you and will want to be a part of what you are doing.
It is also very important
that your actions match the words that come out of your mouth. When you tell somebody to their face that you
will do one thing and then do the exact opposite it raises doubt about your
integrity. It makes others distrust what
you say in the future.
I found in this business,
people are often very mischievous and tell you anything to get you on board
their ship so to speak. Then, they make
a complete reverse when they approach others in order to benefit
themselves. This is neither the way to
conduct business nor the way to raise any funds. People won’t contribute to your fundraising
campaign if they have doubts about your integrity. I could write pages of these examples but I
feel like I would be preaching to the choir; therefore, I will only provide one
key example.
In October 2008, a reality
show producer came to me and asked me to come on board with the project as a
co-producer. My team assembled to
consider the project and to discuss the pros and cons of the project as we always
do. Without exception, we as a team were
100% in agreement not to get involved in this project as a team or as
individuals for fear it would damage our reputation.
Then, one of my team members,
who had zero experience as a producer; and up to that moment had only served in
a smaller leadership role on one of my documentary films, decided that she
wanted to become a producer. Without my
knowledge, not that she needed my approval or permission; she approached the
reality show creator to become the producer and was turned down by him for lack
of qualification and experience as a producer.
Word spread quickly within our reality show production community of what
had transpired. People were shocked that
one of my team members went behind my back and tried to acquire the project. In reality, she was free to do so and had
every right to try to obtain and produce any project on her time and
terms. We all have that right as
individuals. However, when the next
project came my way, I was asked by my current team to exclude this person from
participation. They felt that she
couldn’t walk the walk that she talked.
They all remembered that she was the leader of the pack so to speak that
spoke with conviction that the project wasn’t right because of the nudity
involved; yet, she did a 360 and tried to obtain the project for herself. In fact, she was one of the most vocal about
not proceeding with the project because of the nudity.
Her decision to compromise
her belief impacted her credibility and integrity in the eyes of my team. The lesson to be learned is that you can’t
say one thing with conviction and then reverse it for your own
gratification. People question your
motive. Was she wrong to try to acquire
a project that we turned down? I don’t
think so. She was free to do such. What she failed to recognize was the fact
that she said one thing and did another.
Her words didn’t match her actions.
They felt they couldn’t trust her.
Another example came from a
cameraman that I used for one of my projects.
He is great at what he does.
However, he, like the above example wanted to be more than a cameraman
and become a producer. I admire his
aspiration. What I don’t respect is when
I brought him into a meeting with me with a potential client, behind my back,
he attempted to obtain the client for himself and become the producer. In this line of work, that is poaching. It inherently demonstrated to me an unethical
practice. His plan backfired. The client told me what happened and asked I
not use him for the job. Was he wrong
for wanting to get ahead? I don’t think
so. However, the method in which he went
about it was unethical. Do you think
I’ll ever use this cameraman again or for that fact recommend him for a
job?
People in film and television
production have long memories. They
don’t easily forget how you conduct your business affairs.
Successful reality show
producers maintain a level of trust with their production team and
clients. They walk the walk and talk the
talk in alignment. They are accountable
for what they say and what they do and others want to be a part of that. This is even more evident when you are trying
to get somebody to give you money for your cause.
Reality Show Code of
Professional Conduct
Reality show producers
represent a creative group in performing arts that have the right to freedom of
the press. Investors or financial
contributors to our projects have the right to informed choices and full
disclosure of how funds will not only be raised, but how they will be used.
Adhering to a Professional
Code of Conduct
There is nothing worse than
leaving a bad reputation by misuse of money you received from a
fundraiser. When you lose your integrity
you can never get it back. People don’t
want to be around others that don’t have integrity or that don’t abide by a
professional code of conduct.
In fact, when others stray
and break a professional code of conduct, it hurts the rest of us in this
business. Once a person gets “burned”
they are more than likely not to contribute to another fundraising campaign. That is why it is so important to abide by a
professional code of conduct in all business dealings as a producer. Embodied in what I call The Reality Show Producer’s Code of Professional Conduct are eight
tenets I created that set forth guiding principles for reality show producers.
- Producers must adhere to standards of confidential communication.
- Producers must possess the professional skills and knowledge required for the specific purpose of fundraising and distribution of funds.
- Producers must at all times demonstrate respect to others and their money.
- Producers must at all times maintain ethical business practices.
- Producers must at all maintain accurate records and documentation of the fundraising process.
- Producers must avoid engaging in activities that are considered a conflict of interest or unethical.
- Producers will not mix personal funds with funds designated and received during fundraising events.
- Producers must advise contributors and investors that to engage in the production of a reality show is risky and that are no guarantee that there will be a return on the investment.
Maintain a Solid Work Ethic
Work ethic and professional
code of conduct are not the same things.
Whereas a professional code of conduct guides you as a professional in
the manner in which to conduct your business affairs, work ethic is the manner
in which you conduct yourself to get ready to do business. For instance, as a writer I have a work ethic
where I am committed to writing every weekday for a minimum of three
hours. It is my business. It is the first thing that I do after I have
my cup of coffee in the morning and after I check my e-mail. I am committed; and have set those standards
for myself for my production company.
Likewise, I also set aside
the hours for producing my projects.
Other work ethics include answering phone calls, making new contacts,
updating my mailing lists, increasing my network. All of these activities have a direct
influence on my outcomes. It is that
important to establish your work ethic when you begin to raise funds for your
project. You have to be willing to
commit the time, effort, and resources.
Otherwise, outcomes fail to come to fruition. Successful producers know this and adhere to
their own self-established work ethic.
Successful reality show
producers usually have strong work ethics.
Work ethics are intrinsic in nature and are a common core set of work
values. They come from within one’s
moral character. They tell people who
you are as a person and how you conduct your daily affairs in business
transactions. Work ethics tells others
how you would act in situations. They will
tell others whether you are an above board person or one that is underhanded
and conducts deals under the table.
Successful reality show producers share the following work ethics.
·
Get up early and begin their routines.
·
Report to the office first and are usually the
last to leave.
·
Maintain open communication.
·
They are reliable.
·
They are above board in all they say and do.
·
Take initiative where others don’t.
·
Demonstrate a positive attitude.
·
Gets along well with others.
·
Avoids gossip in the work place.
·
Demonstrates positive influence with actions
and words.
·
They maintain integrity.
·
They conduct business in a straight forward
manner.
·
They are honest and refrain from lying,
stealing and cheating.
·
They do their job to perfection believing in
quality versus quantity.
·
They are humble in their business dealings.
·
They are loyal to their production team.
·
They are trustworthy.
·
They are self-disciplined.
·
They are motivated.
·
They self-assess in order to improve.
Without question having a
strong work ethics are essential. Like I
said before they are intrinsic in nature and I believe they are a part of us
and have a direct impact on our ability to raise funds.
Reflection Time
Many successful producers take time to reflect on their projects as
well as themselves. They look within
themselves with a critical eye with the goal on gaining a perspective on how
they can improve, what they could be doing better, what relationships need to
improve, where their priorities lay, and much more. Setting aside time to reflect is very
important for a producer. Often, our day
is filled for at least 18 hours with no time for ourselves. However, not finding “Alone time,” could hinder
you. It drains your inner-self and often
producers who don’t take reflection time end up with heart attacks or other
serious illnesses. Successful producers
understand this and take the time for reflection.
Be Persistent
Persistence is a very strong and key characteristic for all
producers. Without it, the will to
accomplish is void and leaves room for someone else to take over in your
place. Likewise, without persistence,
you give up and your reality show will never see the light of day and make it
to the line-up on a television schedule.
Be Creative and Imaginative
It is one thing to have an
idea, but to see that idea come to life is the producer’s responsibility. To accomplish creating a final product of a
reality show a producer must tap into their creative side and use everything
they have and imagine the outcome. Walt
Disney was to me the greatest at this.
He used not only his creative side and skills but his imagination. To be successful as a producer, you must
share these two characteristics with Walt Disney.
Be a Leader and a Follower
It’s true – you can’t lead
unless you have followers and you can’t be a follower unless you have a
leader. Wow! Where does this leave you as a reality show
producer? What it means is that in order
to lead others you must first be a good follower. Why?
Because as a producer you won’t know everything and you will have to
rely on those that do. You will have to
follow their advice and trust them.
Likewise, you will have to
have those around you be willing to follow you to complete your dream and they
will have to be willing to share their talent and skill with you. Thus, the personal characteristics of
leadership and being able to follow are essential for all producers to possess.
Surround Yourself with Great
People
Another characteristic of a
producer is surrounding themselves with great people. This not only includes a great crew and cast
as mentioned above but also mentors, consultants and affiliations with
professional organizations and groups. A
successful producer will need a complete network of people to produce a reality
show. No one can go it alone nor try
too. Surrounding yourself with other
successful people will instill confidence from investors.
Be a Visionary
You also have to be a visionary
and see beyond all negative factors in raising money. You have to be able to set yourself apart
from the rest of the world that just thinks about producing a reality show and
actually do one. It is a mindset and
only you are in control of that. Unconditionally, although I may provide you
techniques and strategies, if you don’t put your mind to it, it won’t get done.
Raise the funds and get started.
GOING FORWARD
Now that you clearly
understand what it takes to be a successful reality show producer, if you want more information, you might want to consider purchasing my book THE REALITY OF REALTY TV: REALITY SHOW BUSINESS PLANS available on Amazon.com. You will find all of the necessary forms you
need for your show including sample contracts and production forms. Since I am not an attorney, the contracts are
for educational purposes only and you are advised to seek legal counsel from an
entertainment attorney when executing all business affairs and legal
documents. The same holds true for the
accounting forms, seek the expert opinion of an accountant, as I am not one.
Acting Advice For Survival
By Jack Curenton
- BELIEVE: One must believe in oneself in order to be in show business because despite what it seems; it's not easy to break into or sustain longevity in.
The truth of the matter is most actors’ career lifespans last for only five years. Yup, that's it! Only a five year career. Ouch!
It doesn't matter whether you're on a T.V. series or whether you're in movies on a major feature film by Sony, it is still five months. That is unless you have the power of an agent. Avoid the five year and 15 minutes of fame with a powerful agent.
If you think this is bad, most R&B singers or rap artists have less than that. How many times have you witnessed an individual hit the charts and then you don't hear from them anymore? (The 1 Hit Wonders...Where are they NOW?!!) To quote Dr. Mel, "Eliphono!"
It's the same with actors except the catch phrase is... "Your only as good as your last job." That is if you are the lucky one to get a last job.
There are exceptions (so, take a deep breath) and knowing what the truth is and that it's a real obstacle will help a lot. Now since you have this information, you can do everything you can to prepare and fight against it the five-year fifteen minute rule.
Start by believing that you can and will be the EXCEPTION TO THAT RULE. How?
- EMBRACE WHAT MOST DON'T: If you go into an audition saying how much you hate the audition process, you've already lost. I love auditions. It's fun to me. I believe it's another opportunity to create another character. So don't hate something that is part of the occupation you've chosen. I believe if a role is not meant for me...it's not meant for me but I go into every audition with one thing in mind...I want to win a fan in that room.
- DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL: It may not be ones artistry or the lack thereof that hinders one from landing a job. The writer could have a certain, "type," in his mind when he wrote it or the studio may have someone contracted to work with or the director has a "star" that he sees specifically for this role. There are a host of reasons a person may not get a particular role. You may not have the hair color or you may be too tall. Whatever the reason is, don't look at it as a rejection. Look at it as if you're getting closer and closer. At some point, Johnny Depp will be busy....will you be ready?
- IF YOU'RE NOT READY SHAME ON YOU….NOW GET READY: Yes, some people have a natural God-given talent but I have found that if one wants procure, sustain, and progress in ones field of choice, this being acting, my suggestion is to get your butt in a class!!! Knowing all you need to know and mastering it can only give one an advantage. One may also learn the art of acting organically by way of the theatre. Growing up, I did a lot of theatre and was blessed enough to get lots of roles in High School, College and Community Theatre… Yet, prior to that I couldn't afford acting, singing, or dance classes. So I utilized every source I could find. I studied certain individuals I admired in the field. I used books, television, movies, etc. If you can't afford it find other resources the study your craft!
- REHEARSE, REHEARSE…OH YEA, AND REHEARSE SOME MORE: My grandmother used to say, "You must be extraordinary in order to be considered average." That meant I had to be better than good in all my ventures. It's not enough to just mutter through your lines or give half a performance in rehearsals. Even when I'm alone studying for an audition or a role, I study hard for hours on end. I never wanted to just be considered average. I want to be BETTER than average. I want to be the best!
- BEING THE BEST: Know that you are a BEAST! When I go into an audition I am kind to my fellow thespians, Honestly, I am happy to see people when I get to auditions and I embrace them with so much love because, although the business is small, we all rarely get to see each other because we are all on our on personal hustles. At the same time...I'm HEAD HUNTING. I'm trying to be the BEST period. I've come prepared and as ready as I can be so that when I get into the room with the director, producer, studio, Network and casting I will leave an impression. If they don't want me for this role my philosophy is... "They will remember me for the next." Additionally, when I'm hired to play a particular character, I work just as hard, constantly challenging myself. I try to be as on point and as professional as possible. I go as far as to hire a kid from an acting class to run lines with me on the set. I promised myself that I will always strive to be the Best Me…that I can be!
- BE PROFESSIONAL : Having good work ethics is an essential element to having good relationships and sustaining a job. Acting is not just mastering one's lines; it's also being on time, it's being well practiced in rehearsals, it's being proficient in front of the camera, and when the camera's not on you, being just as professional for the other actors, it's being competent with your props, it's keeping your personal problems away from the workplace. Being professional makes the long hours you have to spend with the many people (which consists of the cast and crew) more bearable and a lot of fun. More importantly, those around you would feel comfortable riding in an elevator with you in a 150 story building. That I call “The Elevator Test”.
- THE BUSINESS OF SHOW: Have passive income. It is a business! The advertisers have to make their money. The film industry has to make their money and YOU have to procure other income to allow you to do what you love. Unless you're retired or independantly wealthy, you gotta eat and have a place to live...SET PRIORITIES!!!
- UNDERSTANDING THE GAME: Remember, "LIFE IS A GAME," just like football or chess. Playing ball is not easy to do. It comes with challenges; people are fighting you and pulling out all stops to stop you from winning.
There are other factors and elements that are demanding too; yet, as hard as it may be we love the game. It's fun.
Now, with that said, it's necessary in any game to have a goal to win but it's just as necessary to have opponents, obstacles and problems or there wouldn't be a game. For example your GOAL is to win a role. Some obstacles or problems you run into may be having other actors contending for the same role or you may be stereotyped, you may have no money to get to your audition or get back home, there may be an offer on the table for someone else and it's up to you to change their minds.
All of these are examples of the barriers one may have to grapple with when trying to reach your goal.
Yet, again it is absolutely necessary in order for us to play this game. Your viewpoint on the entire game is all about your perspective. You can look at it as if it's difficult and arduous or you can look at the game as if it's stimulating and enjoyable.
The problems can either be brick walls that you couldn't possible break through or mere barriers like an obstacle that you could jump over. Make it fun!
-Whether You Think You Can…Or You Think You Can’t…You’re RIGHT!!!! SO NEVER GIVE UP!!!
Note by Dr. Mel - Well said Jack! This is T.I.T. "This is True." Believe this, engage this, think this, BE This!
DEAR DIARY
BY ROBBY COOK STROUD
Dear Diary,
Today is the last day for Louisiana residents to apply for FEMA assistance. As this disaster comes to a close I am so thankful that I am in New Orleans instead for New York or New Jersey.
I had an app apologize to me today because he had two flights of stairs for me to climb. That made me think back to last year when I was in the north working and every house had at least three flights. I was doing 10 inspections a day and that came up to about 450 stairs everyday. I think I can handle 30.
I am so glad FEMA decided to keep me here close to home. I had a friend call me the other day and with all the electricity out all over the city he has to climb sometimes to the sixteenth floor to one apartment, and then getting stood up on top of that.
The work is slowing down for FEMA , but I am busier than ever with our LACA NOLA Group. The breakdowns are coming in fast and furious and we are sending out audition requests by the hundreds everyday. I hope everyone can keep up because this is at lightning speed.
This has been such an exciting ride and we are thrilled to have all of you on this journey with us. We will work very hard day and night to make this work. We have a great crew here and also a great team in all of ya’ll. With that said, I need everyone to check in on actorsaccess.com and make sure your photos and resume are up and that we are listed as your agent. There is only one actor who has not created their Actor Access Account so Dr. Mel and I applaud the rest of you for taking care of this spoke. There is a lot of work out there, and we want everyone of our talent to succeed. And, as we have said many times before, we don't see other agents or managers as our competition. In fact, we welcome the opportunity to work with them and share what the Southern hospitality is all about. We are "rockin and rolling" at LACA NOLA.
If you haven't signed with LACA NOLA TALENT GROUP and you are interested in representation, just go to WWW.LACANOLA.COM and submit your information. We will take a look and see if you are a great fit for us. Let’s go break some legs!!
LACA NOLA FEATURE ACTOR
THAT'S ALL FOLKS UNTIL NEXT WEEK. WE'LL CONNECT ON SKYPE, IN THE AIR, ON FACEBOOK, AND DON'T FORGET THE FREE AUDITION CLASS NEXT SATURDAY DEC.8 IN NEW ORLEANS FOR LACA NOLA TALENT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF $25.00 FOR DR. MEL'S LATEST BOOK AND LUNCH . DR. MEL WILL BE DISCUSSING A LOT MORE THAN AUDITIONS AND YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE COLD READS AND AUDITIONING IN FRONT OF A DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, AND CASTING DIRECTOR.
YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO MISS IT. ONLY THREE SPOTS LEFT. COMING SOON TO LOS ANGELES SOON, SO DON'T FRET. OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY FOR PILOT SEASON. IT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
READERS FOR YOUR AUDITION AVAILALABLE
How do you find readers for you online auditions? Easy! Call LACA NOLA TALENT GROUP. We have professional actors from Los Angeles, New York. Miami, Dallas, and New Orleans ready to bring your online auditions to life. Just give us a call and we will set it up! You will get the best audition READER ever!
YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO MISS IT. ONLY THREE SPOTS LEFT. COMING SOON TO LOS ANGELES SOON, SO DON'T FRET. OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY FOR PILOT SEASON. IT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
READERS FOR YOUR AUDITION AVAILALABLE
How do you find readers for you online auditions? Easy! Call LACA NOLA TALENT GROUP. We have professional actors from Los Angeles, New York. Miami, Dallas, and New Orleans ready to bring your online auditions to life. Just give us a call and we will set it up! You will get the best audition READER ever!
Bill is an intriguing actor with hazel eyes that have the ability to look through the soul of the audience on the big screen. Having studied the Meisner Technique of acting under John Ruskin, Bill taps into his experiences to bring all of his characters to life.