Dear actor, Questions direct thinking. Statements direct destiny. 6/21/15

Dear Actor,

 Questions direct thinking. Statements direct destiny.

Sincerely,
The other side.

I had taken part as an industry guest in several industry actor meet up events where producers/directors/writers/casting agents meet with actors in 3 minute speed meetings with about 10 industry guests.

 There is value to be gained and learned in these kind of events. However, before you go to one of these kinds of events, you may want to be ready for questions the guests may ask of you and be prepared to ask questions if you have anything you'd like to know, not as having canned responses ready but really thinking about it for  your benefit. (take some time to learn about the guests you will be talking to)

Each event, guest, actor and time is different and depending on what projects(s) a guest is working on or what their agenda and priorities are, you may find yourself asking and receiving many of the same questions like:

• What are you currently working on?
• What are you looking to work on in the future, more of (whatever your resume says your focus is on) or branching out into other media?
• What do you consider your type?
• What kind of roles do you like to play?
• What kind of roles do you want to play?
• What is your dream role?
• Have you ever written or produced for yourself?
• If you could describe yourself in 3 words what would they be?
• If you could describe how you see your type, what would it be?
• What is your greatest inspiration?
• What is your greatest fear?
• Do you sing? What is your range?
• Do you have any questions for me?
• Etc...

If you have never been asked or asked yourself these questions as an actor, you may want to contemplate what answers are right for you at this point in your career.  Those types of questions, along with others you may come up with, direct your thinking about how you may improve your acting, your career choices, your relationships and your life.

Having answers to those kinds of questions may help directors/producers/casting keep you in mind for the future, even though they may not have something that you would be fit for at the moment.

One of the best ways to make sure you have a great part is to write yourself one.

Your statements about yourself direct your mind into the kind of person and the kind of behaviors you deem congruent and acceptable for yourself and define who you are to yourself and others. They are like affirmations. For them to be effective, they should be framed in the first person, active, positive.  For example: "I am (this)"

Not everyone wants to self produce, which is fine. Not everyone wants to write. As an actor, however, I would suggest you attempt those activities at least once in your lifetime.

You may gain a deeper understanding of what the other side is looking for, the challenges they face, and how it may help you find work and get cast.

Simply put:

Writing informs/enhances your acting
writing informs/enhances your directing
writing informs/enhances your producing

acting informs/enhances your writing
acting informs/enhances your directing
acting informs/enhances your producing

producing informs/enhances your acting
producing informs/enhances your directing
producing informs/enhances your writing.

directing informs/enhances you acting
directing informs/enhances your writing
directing informs/enhances your producing

I started off as a musician and I can relate acting, producing, directing and writing to creating and studying music.

• There are fundamentals in technique and theory in craftsmanship.
• there are styles. you can copy or you can come up with your own based on your influences and taste
• there are composition and writing techniques you can learn, then it is up to your instincts and creative imagination to create something from nothing.
• There are rhythms to things, harmony between cast and crew members, dynamics and arranging parallels to all these activities.

Be well,
Vincent

My name is Vincent Veloso. I am a writer, producer, director, actor and musician and martial artist. I have worn many hats in my career, learned some things, still learning, but in this blog, I will be addressing my experience and insights making films and music... stories from casting to wrap party... the good, the bad, the really bad and the ugly.... and the really ungood.

I never use real names, and many times I address my concerns on the day directly to people in real time. I point out my own missteps  just as much if not more because I have been that actor/writer/producer/director who has made the same gaffes just as much if not more. Hopefully as I address the circumstances,  people can gain valuable insight, through story and my experiences, it will give people help. It is not meant to be mean spirited, but like all subjective commentary and blogs, and many other existing advice and commentary articles, I understand that audience perception is subjective and do hope you know that I hope to help others.

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