Rate this:

It’s been a while since I’ve posted.  With the holidays, Cody filming Uncle Bob’s Leg, and getting back out to California from Florida, getting into an apartment that had cats previously (bad smell AND I’m allergic…) it has been quite hectic, to say the least.

Hard to believe it's freeezing outside!

We got back in CA on Thursday night, and right away, Cody asked “Can I go to class tonight?!”  I was exhausted, but I could take a break and rest while he went to class, so we went.  Then he went again on Saturday and Sunday, and then had two auditions on Monday.  One was last minute–which means….always be prepared!

I get asked the question “is it really necessary to get your child actor training, I mean really, if they have it, they have it, if they don’t then oh well.”   I have heard of many famous actors that “fell in to acting”  or “I went to an audition because a friend of mine was going, and the rest is history.”  Honestly, child or adult, those are not the norm.

In Florida, Cody had Ann Marie at AMCTalent that helped prepare him to come out to LA.  Before Ann Marie was Darla and the Oz Theater productions.  Any time he got an audition while we were still in Florida, I scrambled to find someone, and unfortunately, those were the only two I knew of locally that could do coaching.  With their hectic schedules, he didn’t always get coached, but when he did, I saw the benefit.

Once we arrived in LA, I found Actorsite and it’s been such a Godsend to us.  They have one location just for the kids–which is the one I will talk about since it’s the one I am familiar with.  What sold me first was the fact that they have mock auditions with real casting directors at least three times a week.   These also include a question and answer session where parents and kids alike can ask the casting directors questions.  They have fantastic teachers there, and six days each week there is some type of opportunity for learning.  You can go to their website for additional information, or feel free to respond here with questions.

I will say, I have watched Cody continually improve.  He improved well before coming out to LA, however, since the opportunities in LA are daily, plus the actual auditions he goes on, his improvement has increased tremendously.  The best part, of course, is that he absolutely loves all of this.

So why not train him myself and save the money?  Well, there are a few reasons.  Primarily, I am not an actor (nor do I have the desire).  I’ll teach him about real estate–THAT I know.  Acting, it’s better that he gets trained elsewhere.  There are SO many nuances and techniques that I have watched him learn–they all make sense once I know about them, but this is like with any business.  If you’re going to learn how to do it right, go to the professionals that know what they are doing.  One thing about being in California, now, too, is that we have connections to people here that can and will coach via Skype if necessary when we are elsewhere.  Isn’t technology fantastic!?

So what’s the deal with training?  What do they teach these kids that we, as parents can’t already figure out.  Well, I’ve learned from the coaches as well, and now if I do anything, I only ask questions to get Cody thinking.  A good coach or teacher will help the actor break down a script, audition piece, also known as “sides.”  These are the 3-4 pages, sometimes more, sometimes less, that are used in the audition.  By breaking down the sides, various teachers will have various techniques, so that the child actually sounds like a child and not just someone reciting words.  The key is to sound “real” and “conversational.”  It’s not as easy as you might think.  There are also the emotions that go in to it.

Let me use an example…just about everyone I know can think of a movie or TV show where they have seen someone and right away they say “That’s a bad actor.”  I used to say that myself about a few.  I could never put my finger on it, until I started watching Cody get coached.  When we, as the viewer, are looking at the actor on TV, we have to BELIEVE they are the character.  If we don’t believe they are the character, they are a bad actor.  So what exactly are they doing, or not doing?  If you are talking to someone, you can TELL they are not listening to you because they are looking at something or someone else–it’s the same with an actor.  Also, what about mannerisms?  This may seem natural to us, but turn on a camera, and you have this small box.  It all turns out different–and sometimes pretty humorous!  That’s part of training as an actor as well.

We’re finally settling in to our routine here–if there is such a thing, and enjoying the roller coaster ride.  It sure is fun!

Rate this:

I know it’s been a while since posting.  We went back to Florida for the holidays and are ready to head back to Los Angeles after the New Year for Pilot Season.   Cody told me at one point that he wants to live in Los Angeles.  I told him he can do whatever he wants once he turns 18, but I won’t be staying in California.  It’s a beautiful state, and there is a lot to see, but I’m a small-town girl.  I won’t be staying.

I remember when Cody hit the terrible two’s.  And then it got worse when he was three.  I was widowed and raising him on my own, and he was out of control.  All I could think was “I need to get a handle on this now, because if I don’t, he’ll be worse in ten years.”  Well, he’s twelve now.  We’re dealing with some bumps and bruises.  he’s pre-teen, and getting the attitude at times that goes along with it.  We have discussions (Okay, so as a parent, they are mostly one-sided).   I don’t see it as any different from any parent–although I WILL welcome any and all feedback from those parents who have survived the teens years….I want to know…HOW!?

Mind you, for the most part, Cody is respectful, and considering I am retired military, I don’t tolerate game-playing, rudeness, attitude, and disprespect well, and I let him know that when I see it.

So the questions arise (and I still don’t know the answers to), how many times is too many to tell him the sacrifices that we are making for this to happen?  All parents sacrifice to make life better for their kids.  With my husband (his step-father) in Florida, it is not easy to pick up and go across the country for months at a time.  It’s a decision we made as a family because as his parents, we believe in him.

How does one know if their child can handle a life as an actor?  Honestly, I don’t think anyone can know for sure.  We do our best to keep them grounded in reality.  As things begin happening, they get busy, book jobs and continue to get busy, it can become a challenge.  The best thing is to not become star-struck by your own child and their stardom, no matter what level they are at.   As we meet more and more people that are on TV shows and in films, it is nice to know that they are all “real” people.  This is a job for them, for whatever reason, regardless of their age.  Actors do it because they love to act, and to make it work, you have to stick with it.  Those that stick with it do so because they love it.

Cody is 12, going on 30 in many ways.  I’m sure like most kids out there, also figuring out who he is as a person, while persuing his dream.  We will go back out to California, and he’ll have auditions and acting classes, as well as school.  And we’ll continue to have discussions on respecting your parents–not just everyone else.  We’ll get through to him…eventually.  And the discussions will continue.

Rate this:

Today we spent the day on the road, on the way to Arizona to visit my in-laws.  It was supposed to be for a week, then to Colorado for my niece’s Halloween wedding, and then drive home.  BUT, as with this business, things change!

Almost everything was packed to leave yesterday afternoon–just last minute stuff left, really.  We met with his manager, then with some friends.  While at the friend’s house, his manager called…he now has a callback Monday afternoon.  So as I am trying to figure out how we’re going to do this (I can call the landlord and see if she’ll let me stay a few more days; or leave and come back), either way, we WILL be back for this callback.  It’s what’s also called a producer’s session.  There will be others that have been called back as well, probably about ten, but when the casting director brings your child in for a producer’s session, it means that they are confident he or she can do the job.  Now it’s up to the producers to find the exact fit for their puzzle from the callbacks.   Knowing what it is the director and/or producers need or want won’t ever happen, so it’s best to not ever try and second guess them.

So after deciding that we’ll spend the weekend in Arizona and drive back for the callback, and having accommodations for Monday night confirmed, his agent calls and asks if he can be at another audition on the same day.  This one in Santa Monica, an hour prior to his callback in Burbank.  For those of you not from the Los Angeles area, this, on the map is only a 30 minute drive.  But in the afternoon, with the traffic, will take an hour and a half if you’re lucky.  Fortunately everyone was quite helpful in adjusting times for us so that I can get Cody to both.

In the last week while getting ready to leave Los Angeles, I have spoken to other parents, and it’s so interesting listening to their stories as well.  Learning how they handle and deal with the roller coaster ride.  One thing is that we’re all here because we want to be (or rather, our kids want to be).  But those of us who travel back and forth (where-ever the permanent home is), it’s kind of humorous to hear that every time you get ready to leave town, things will suddenly get busy!  That’s not to say it hasn’t been busy for us, as Cody has been getting auditions, and even callbacks.

One piece of advice that Cody’s acting coaches in Florida said multiple times; Darla and Ann Marie both continually said you can’t live your life hoping for that next booking, you have to go to the audition, go to the callback, train, but get on with your life.  You’ll go nuts otherwise.  But it’s still a rollercoaster.  I get motion sickness on roller coasters.  I’d rather deal with this kind, though.  It’s a lot more fun to me.

Cody has heard many times from casting directors and coaches, auditioning IS your job, so you need to love what you do.  If the casting directors don’t see that your having fun in the audition, why would they want to work with you on a set?  Fortunately he loves all aspects of this.  Except for missing home, his dad, and the dog.

So what happens if he books the callback?  I could make plans now, figure it all out, so that we’re ready, but really, that’s kind of silly.  I speak from experience.  Even though I don’t necessarily let Cody know, once in a while, I will (for WHATEVER reason) see that THIS audition/callback would be PERFECT, timing, filming, place, etc, and then I start making plans and figuring out what needs to be adjusted.  Only to find out it’s not going further.  After the third time I realized this was a futile effort (even though I continually hear Ann Marie & Darla saying “get on with your life”!)  Sometimes THAT is easier said than done, especially if the ONLY reason you are in Los Angeles is because your child wants to act.

Some of the parents I have met have jobs that allow them the flexibility to telecommute (don’t you just LOVE technology!), others just flat make the move as a family; some families split time between two homes, but either way they manage one way or another.   You have to figure out what will work for you.  I don’t know how full-time stay-at-home parents do it, though.  I have a LOT of respect for them.  This is the second time in my son’s 12 years that I’ve done the full-time stay-at-home bit.  The first time I went stir-crazy after four months…I’ve made it seven this time, but I have other projects I am working on this time, too, that allow me the flexibility I need to accomplish this.

So are you ready for the roller coaster ride?  My son has booked quite a bit just since being in Los Angeles, and it is a different world for boys than it is for girls.  I can’t speak for those with girls that go through this.  I only know what this is like as the mom of a boy.  And I am finding out talking with various parents the true difference.  The ones that understand both sides the best are those that have both a boy and girl in acting.

So what’s next?  We’ll see what happens after Monday, if we need to re-adjust or not.   Either way, I’m having fun, and so is Cody, so I guess that’s all that matters!

Valerie

Rate this:

I actually wrote this while in the Angeles National Forest on October 13th; no internet or cell phone access, which is nice once in a while!

Preparing for the next scene

Today is Day 2 of a 3 day film shoot, and we’re in the Angeles National Forest shooting scenes.  It’s a refreshing change from the traffic of Los Angeles!  The “roar” we hear up here is the wind, not the traffic.  And it smells a whole lot better!

It’s quite interesting being on a set, and if you’ve been on any set with your child, you already know that.  If you haven’t, don’t worry, you’ll learn as you go.  One thing I have found in any project my son has worked on, there are always people around that will help you, and educate you as you learn about the entire process—and if you want to deal with it or not.  Let’s face it, this may be something your kid REALLY wants to do, but you as the parent have to be willing to make some sacrifices to make it happen.  It truly is a FAMILY decision.

In California, or with a California production company, it is a requirement that a child have a valid work permit prior to working on any project in the entertainment industry (even if it’s a non-paying job).  The website at www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSE-CL.htm will help you to get what you need.

A work permit is good for six months, and when you get it renewed, it renews from the date you get the new one—it does not start when the previous one finishes.

Also in California, it is a requirement for a child in the entertainment industry to get a Coogan Account.   By law, 15% of proceeds made from any paying project must go into a Coogan Blocked Trust account.  Blocked means that nobody can withdraw the funds, and only the child can do so once he/she turns 18.

Various other states around the nation are opening production companies for filming because they are getting tax incentives to do so.  For all intents and purposes “Hollywood” is growing.  As of now, other states don’t have the strict mandatory requirements that California does, but they still have good guidelines to follow.  Some of these states are requiring work permits for each specific job the child does (versus getting one for six months).  If you’re in a different state, just do a search on work permits for minors in your state

In California, there is the requirement to have a set teacher on set when there is a minor filming.  Even if it is a weekend or summer break or the child is not otherwise in school.  These set teachers are also there for the welfare of the child.  They ensure that laws are not broken, and that based on the age of the child, they are not on the set longer than the law allows.  The amount of time a child is allowed on set differs according to their age.  You can find more specific information on hours in this pamphlet.

The day in Angeles National Forest was a good one.  It was an hour drive to get to the location.  Much of the forest is still burned from the forest fires, but it was beautiful where we were filming.  There were emotional scenes, weapons (fake, of course) were used, but a great short in many ways.  As emotional as watching one of these films can be, and even in the process of filming, it is also such a fun and fantastic experience!

Huge pine cones in Angeles National Forest!

As I write this now, we are on the last day of filming, back inside the house.  More emotional scenes, but everyone is enjoying themselves.  I think one of the best things of being on a film set is that I rarely meet someone that does not want to be there.  These people are doing what they love, they have fun, and are professional.

Until my next post…adios!

Feel free to comment or ask questions!

Valerie