Lately I have grown accustomed to what life is like working in an office. Though it is not the most exciting or stimulating work, I am grateful for having this opportunity because I can have a firmer grasp on what the majority of Americans who have office jobs are used to everyday. And, I must say, it is not quite as bad as I thought. I have great co-workers, which I believe are a contributing factor in me not totally losing my mind, and the position is not horribly demanding, which helps.
However, I do have that feeling that my creativity is not being utilized to its full potential, which I thought might happen.
In searching for my next gig, I came across a particular film audition which I decided to pursue. The film is an independent gritty, dark, dramatic thriller in which the main character, who I like to refer to as the anti-hero, is forced to takeover his family's funeral home.
I went in for the audition, met with the director, and put myself on tape for him. Immediately afterward I second-guessed every acting choice I made during the audition and said a prayer, believing I hadn't won the role. Despite my preconceptions though, I received an email a few days later with an offer for the lead role of the film!
Ecstasy. Jubilation. Bliss.
Words can't do justice to the feeling I felt, winning my first starring role in a feature-length film! The project is independently financed, which means its not backed by any major studios, but my excitement for what it could be grows every time I think about it.
Production begins in a couple of weeks, and I'm convinced it is going to be one of the greatest challenges of my life, but I am still so excited to do it. And I think that's how you know you are in the right profession; even when the task seems unbelievably daunting or challenging, when you are excited to take on that responsibility and give it your best shot, you know you're headed in the right direction. And I think I finally am. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, I'm going to put everything I have into it making it great. Even though it's only a small project, it could end up becoming the next Precious, you never know.
Right now I feel like I'm at the starting line in the race of life. I finally am on the track I want to be on and I have to try and not veer off too dramatically from it. In a few weeks, when filming begins, the gun is going to go off and I'm going to embark on the greatest race of all...the one against myself, to be the best I can be.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Step Four: Stop Being Nice, Start Getting Real
I should explain that the title of this post can have a double meaning. Many of you might recognize it as the catchphrase for MTV's The Real World, which I auditioned for last weekend. However, it can also serve as a line of advice in these tough times of being a post-grad.
Currently, The Real World casting directors are scouring the country for the next 7 or 8 cast members to grace America's screens with their drama, booze-fueled rants, and often comedic antics. Back in December, I received word of this country-wide casting and sent in a brief bio of myself along with some pictures. I was pleased to receive an email back last week that requested my presence at the Philadelphia casting call, which permitted me to skip to the front of line and bypass all of the "other" Real World hopefuls.
I suppose the reason I initially applied was because back in December, in my time of desperation, I was eagerly job hunting and was coming across nothing. I thought, if I cannot sell people my resume, why not sell my charm? I'm a funny guy, enjoy socializing, and have a generally adventerous spirit, so the whole Real World premise sounded exciting to me. Plus, the thought of entertaining millions of Americans was appealing.
After arriving at the casting, I was sandwiched behind a Sisqo look-a-like (yes, dumps like a truck), and a kindly art student girl from Temple University. The three of us, plus 5 others were led inside and situated around a table with a female casting agent. She grilled us with questions, which were surprisingly intricate and deep; the meaning of life, advice you'd give a past version of yourself... My group consisted of a self-proclaimed "floozie", an outgoing south Philly princess, a beautful ditz, 2 artsy types, two gay black men, and myself. Needless to say, being the only straight, white male, I stood out. After being hit on by both the floozie and one of the black men, it was nearly time to go and the woman said we would receive calls if they wanted us to return for a callback.
As the day went on, I received no such call, however I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. It was like my own little miniature Real World experience and in that 30 minute timeframe I got a very good taste of what it would be like had I been casted. I have an inkling the south Philly princess might be picked, and if she is, you will hear me say "I know her", so be ready for that.
Today though, us post-grads have to "stop being nice and start getting real" in our own way. When you are trying to make a name for yourself professionally, you don't want to make friends or be nice to everyone, you want to do what you have to do to get ahead. Be real with yourself because no one is going to take pity on you or cut you a break until you prove yourself. At this stage in life, no one's success is as important as our own. Sure it's a self-centered view on life, but can you really disagree? Sometimes to be successful, you have to "do you" and be self involved, otherwise you will not acheive those dreams you have set for yourself.
Currently, The Real World casting directors are scouring the country for the next 7 or 8 cast members to grace America's screens with their drama, booze-fueled rants, and often comedic antics. Back in December, I received word of this country-wide casting and sent in a brief bio of myself along with some pictures. I was pleased to receive an email back last week that requested my presence at the Philadelphia casting call, which permitted me to skip to the front of line and bypass all of the "other" Real World hopefuls.
I suppose the reason I initially applied was because back in December, in my time of desperation, I was eagerly job hunting and was coming across nothing. I thought, if I cannot sell people my resume, why not sell my charm? I'm a funny guy, enjoy socializing, and have a generally adventerous spirit, so the whole Real World premise sounded exciting to me. Plus, the thought of entertaining millions of Americans was appealing.
After arriving at the casting, I was sandwiched behind a Sisqo look-a-like (yes, dumps like a truck), and a kindly art student girl from Temple University. The three of us, plus 5 others were led inside and situated around a table with a female casting agent. She grilled us with questions, which were surprisingly intricate and deep; the meaning of life, advice you'd give a past version of yourself... My group consisted of a self-proclaimed "floozie", an outgoing south Philly princess, a beautful ditz, 2 artsy types, two gay black men, and myself. Needless to say, being the only straight, white male, I stood out. After being hit on by both the floozie and one of the black men, it was nearly time to go and the woman said we would receive calls if they wanted us to return for a callback.
As the day went on, I received no such call, however I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. It was like my own little miniature Real World experience and in that 30 minute timeframe I got a very good taste of what it would be like had I been casted. I have an inkling the south Philly princess might be picked, and if she is, you will hear me say "I know her", so be ready for that.
Today though, us post-grads have to "stop being nice and start getting real" in our own way. When you are trying to make a name for yourself professionally, you don't want to make friends or be nice to everyone, you want to do what you have to do to get ahead. Be real with yourself because no one is going to take pity on you or cut you a break until you prove yourself. At this stage in life, no one's success is as important as our own. Sure it's a self-centered view on life, but can you really disagree? Sometimes to be successful, you have to "do you" and be self involved, otherwise you will not acheive those dreams you have set for yourself.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Excuse The Hiatus
It's been eons since my latest post, and quite a lot has been happening...
...well, sort of...
...depending on how you look at it.
I still do not have a job :) But I have come to terms with it. Instead, I have been furthering my work in the exciting world of temporary employment. I recently worked for a consulting firm organizing all of their files as they were moving their office to Princeton. In fact, my supervisor was so impressed with my organizational skills, he offered me a position with the company (shocking because if he saw my bedroom, it would be clear to him that I do not take my organizational powers home with me). However, the job was about 70 miles away. Sadly, that was not going to happen. And I'm kind of glad I was not able to accept the position because being tied down to a career in the finance field sounds similar to suicide.
Currently, I just landed a customer service position for a well-known hospital, which is not bad so far. Today is my first day. The job is not overly demanding and so far has given me lots of free time to browse the internet (hence this post), so hopefully I'll be updating more frequently.
As of now, it looks like I'll be heading back to Montauk this summer, where hopefully more of my dreams will be actualized. In a weird way, even though this past year has left me feeling more lost than I ever have before, it was good for me. It put things in perspective and allowed me to dip my feet into a variety of different puddles.
Everyone is complaining that we graduated with the worst economy, but I can attest that it really has made me stronger, more resourceful. I've had to find new, and quite creative ways to bring in money. I realized on the drive in to work today that I would much rather graduate in this terrible economy than have a wife, 2 kids, and a house to pay for and then not be able to find work. It could always be worse, right?
So right now, as of 5:16 PM today, I am not really that worried. I am excited for what's next.
...well, sort of...
...depending on how you look at it.
I still do not have a job :) But I have come to terms with it. Instead, I have been furthering my work in the exciting world of temporary employment. I recently worked for a consulting firm organizing all of their files as they were moving their office to Princeton. In fact, my supervisor was so impressed with my organizational skills, he offered me a position with the company (shocking because if he saw my bedroom, it would be clear to him that I do not take my organizational powers home with me). However, the job was about 70 miles away. Sadly, that was not going to happen. And I'm kind of glad I was not able to accept the position because being tied down to a career in the finance field sounds similar to suicide.
Currently, I just landed a customer service position for a well-known hospital, which is not bad so far. Today is my first day. The job is not overly demanding and so far has given me lots of free time to browse the internet (hence this post), so hopefully I'll be updating more frequently.
As of now, it looks like I'll be heading back to Montauk this summer, where hopefully more of my dreams will be actualized. In a weird way, even though this past year has left me feeling more lost than I ever have before, it was good for me. It put things in perspective and allowed me to dip my feet into a variety of different puddles.
Everyone is complaining that we graduated with the worst economy, but I can attest that it really has made me stronger, more resourceful. I've had to find new, and quite creative ways to bring in money. I realized on the drive in to work today that I would much rather graduate in this terrible economy than have a wife, 2 kids, and a house to pay for and then not be able to find work. It could always be worse, right?
So right now, as of 5:16 PM today, I am not really that worried. I am excited for what's next.
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