What an eventful and fun summer Ellery and Dylan experienced here in beautiful Southern California. Trips to the beach, family visiting from Texas, Disneyland, fishing, bowling and more!
Ellery enjoyed an extended break from filming which ended last week when she booked an episode on “The Mentalist.” So it's back to work for my little princess. Ellery is elated to get started as we gear up for Episodic Season; she loves the set, and meeting new friends is her favorite part of filming.
Dylan had an amazing summer shooting three films and a few commercials; he was a busy boy from March through August and now he is taking a short break. He had the pleasure to work with incredible scripts, directors, crew, cast and producers - all fun and rewarding.
As we wrap up summer and steady ourselves for school we will always remember the perfect summer of 2009. So many new friends were made with heart warming memories to reflect on; it just doesn’t get better.
Until we BLOG again keep it fun and stay focused little thespians.
~CS
This is Our Story
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
I Get By with a Little Help From My Friends
It’s week three, day two of shooting and we get to set. Dylan has his lines down and ready to go. He and his two buddies in this ensemble cast of three orphan boys are ready for another fun and adventurous day at their third location site.
But wait!!! One of the boys worked late the night before and didn’t notice that today he has monologue scenes and more than a few of them! He has not read any of his lines and is frustrated as is the mother who unintentionally upsets the boy causing him to tear up.
Dylan’s Grandmother who happens to be sitting there seeing this say’s to Dylan, "can you please go over and ask to help your friend get his lines down?" Dylan, being the wonderfully giving kid he is, jumps at the opportunity to help his friend out!
Long story short, Dylan and Grandma saved the day for Dylan’s friend; everything worked out nicely. The production for the day was not interrupted and no one knew what happened. The mother of the boy was so grateful for the caring support.
When I heard this last night it made me so proud of how Dylan and Grandma took note of a fellow thespian in a tight spot and did something about it.
Dylan went over all the monologues with his friend throughout the day and worked with him in-between all scenes as they worked through their nine-hour day.
This is what its all about, giving.
We all need a little help from our friends.
~CS
But wait!!! One of the boys worked late the night before and didn’t notice that today he has monologue scenes and more than a few of them! He has not read any of his lines and is frustrated as is the mother who unintentionally upsets the boy causing him to tear up.
Dylan’s Grandmother who happens to be sitting there seeing this say’s to Dylan, "can you please go over and ask to help your friend get his lines down?" Dylan, being the wonderfully giving kid he is, jumps at the opportunity to help his friend out!
Long story short, Dylan and Grandma saved the day for Dylan’s friend; everything worked out nicely. The production for the day was not interrupted and no one knew what happened. The mother of the boy was so grateful for the caring support.
When I heard this last night it made me so proud of how Dylan and Grandma took note of a fellow thespian in a tight spot and did something about it.
Dylan went over all the monologues with his friend throughout the day and worked with him in-between all scenes as they worked through their nine-hour day.
This is what its all about, giving.
We all need a little help from our friends.
~CS
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Shuffle - My Time as a Parent in the Casting Room
I was walking down Sunset Blvd. on a Saturday afternoon in April 2009 discussing the character for the audition that Dylan was heading to, when a rare thing happened...
Upon entering the audition, a nice young man asked me if I cared to sit-in on the audition.
In the three years we've lived here, never have we, the parents, been invited in on a theatrical audition, or any other type of audition for that matter.
As I thought about that, I respectfully returned with a thank you, but no thank you. As I'm sure you can appreciate, I do not like to be a distraction on set or otherwise (you know what I mean parents?).
I hesitated, then looked at Dylan to make sure that he was okay with my decision.
He wasn't. His reply was that he wanted me to join him on the audition, so I'm like, "OK then, let's roll!"
As we headed into the room, I imagined that there would be just a camera person and reader, and that that's the reason they had invited me in. WRONG again, Dads!
As we entered the room there were six or seven people huddled behind the reader and a lonely blue chair, dead center in the room in front of the casting team.
At that moment it occurred to me what strength, confidence and concentration it truly takes to be an actor. I didn't become nervous or fearful for Dylan, but instead, decided to enjoy this rare opportunity. I quickly concealed myself off to the side, behind Dylan's view.
The reader asked Dylan if he was ready, and Dylan politely asked her if he could have a minute. The reader told him to let her know whenever he was ready, and Dylan took 30 seconds or so, then nodded for her to start.
I watched this process full of pride and excitement as he delivered a flawless and beautiful two- scene audition, both intense and emotional. I still get goosebumps when I think back on how well he played this supporting lead character... Wow!
When he finished, the comments from the team were all extremely complimentary. Dylan very politely asked if they wanted him to adjust anything or redo either of the scenes. The response was that he had made excellent character choices and had done a great job! They thanked him, and we made sure to thank them back before taking off.
As we passed through the main exit door my little boy looked up at me and said, "Dad, how did I do?" I stopped, looked at his sweet face and said, "You knocked it way out of the park, son." I couldn't find the words to articulate his exceptional performance, so I used the word "strong" and followed up with, "very strong work Son."
As we walked and talked, I shared with him that I had not yet realized how talented he had become and how very proud he should be of himself. I gave him a hug and held his hand as we celebrated his well deserved moment of glory. I could tell how happy he was that I saw how certain he was of what he was doing.
My final comment to Dylan was that one of three things was going to happen:
1. They book you immediately.
2. They go with someone with the same strong read but with a better character match.
3. They call you back, and then you book it.
He ended up with number 3.
As I watched Dylan that afternoon I thought to myself how I would have immediately cast him without question. I told this to Dylan that day, and have done so a few times since.
Today I'm on set with Dylan, watching him shoot the film. I'm entilting this BLOG, "SHUFFLE".
Three life-shuffling years of relentlessness, commitment and experience, and my son is now a relaxed actor, and an actor who continues to improve and learn his craft. We are so very proud of his beginning accomplishments and growth. Dylan is such a wonderful and giving person, and we admire him so very much.
As of today, he is scheduled to shoot a few more Burger King commercials this year, as well as being on avail for a Disney project, and up for another supporting lead role in a feature film. He is consistently receiving positive feedback, and is enjoying himself, all from just having fun at a craft he continues to love, learn and improve upon.
Hard work and commitment yields the priceless opportunity to be on set, which is where Dylan & Ellery love to be.
CS
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
An Interview with Dylan Sprayberry
In light of the fact that the Children In Film Speaker Series will soon be hosting Carl Sprayberry and his two children, Dylan and Ellery, CIF and Carl sat down with the kids for a brief "update interview." We wanted to give readers the opportunity to find out what is going on with the kids.
The following is Dylan's Interview:
Q: How and why did you get started in acting?
DS: When I got started at [age] five, I was too young to really know what acting was. Now I understand and acting is one of my favorite things to do!
Q: What current child actor/actress inspires you?
DS: Not really kid actors so much; I like Hugh Jackman and Bruce Willis because they get so much into their characters.
Q: So do you hope to maybe have a similar career path as one of these adult actors?
DS: Hugh Jackman, maybe, because he plays characters in Superhero and action movies. How cool is it that he booked Wolverine that lead to 3 Xmen Films and the latest "Origin of Wolverine" That would be so much fun to do all of those films!
Q: And he just did the Oscars! That is cool!! So do you see acting as a hobby or a career?
DS: I see acting as a career because it is what I want to do; it's the best! ... and a great way to make friends.
Q:What about school? Do you think it helps with your acting or makes it more difficult?
DS: It helps. In school you learn things about history that can help me when I'm thinking about or getting into a character.
Q: That's a good point; how else do you work on your craft?
DS: When I'm reading a script I vision in my mind who my character is, what he looks like, where I am and what the setting looks like. I also take classes and get coached; this helps me connect with the character.
Q: So you take classes with a professional?
DS: Yes, most Saturdays. And I have for three years now.
Q: Is there something neat you've learned from your parents, in a class, or on the set that you use as a trick or tool while you work? For example, a special way to memorize lines?
DS: Subtexting.
Q: Wow, that sounds complicated. What is that?
DS: I think of one word that best describes the character, like if I were playing a football kid I would think of being a jock and work on building the character from that word.
Q: How do you think your parents help you as an actor?
DS: My parents help me with the script breakdowns and understanding the character. My parents take me to auditions and coaching sessions. They buy me drawing materials and different things that help me as an actor.
Q: Is there something you think they could do better or that you wish they would do?
DS: No; my parents do everything they should be doing.
Q: What would you tell all the kids out there that want to be working regularly as an actor like you?
DS: Be prepared and have fun, you don't have to book to be good, just do your best work.
Q: What would you tell their parents?
DS: I would tell the parents to watch for the other kids telling their kids that they can't act or they're not good, because some kids aren't nice.
Q: Like bullying you mean? One actor tries to tell another one that they aren't good?
DS: Yes
Q: How's life now? Any new news or something you want to share with us? It can be anything.
DS: Life is amazing because my parents make my life great and they steer me the right way with a great home and I have great friends and I love drawing superheros and faces. Ellery and I just completed a film as brother and sister; it was awesome and awesome to work with my sister!
The following is Dylan's Interview:
Q: How and why did you get started in acting?
DS: When I got started at [age] five, I was too young to really know what acting was. Now I understand and acting is one of my favorite things to do!
Q: What current child actor/actress inspires you?
DS: Not really kid actors so much; I like Hugh Jackman and Bruce Willis because they get so much into their characters.
Q: So do you hope to maybe have a similar career path as one of these adult actors?
DS: Hugh Jackman, maybe, because he plays characters in Superhero and action movies. How cool is it that he booked Wolverine that lead to 3 Xmen Films and the latest "Origin of Wolverine" That would be so much fun to do all of those films!
Q: And he just did the Oscars! That is cool!! So do you see acting as a hobby or a career?
DS: I see acting as a career because it is what I want to do; it's the best! ... and a great way to make friends.
Q:What about school? Do you think it helps with your acting or makes it more difficult?
DS: It helps. In school you learn things about history that can help me when I'm thinking about or getting into a character.
Q: That's a good point; how else do you work on your craft?
DS: When I'm reading a script I vision in my mind who my character is, what he looks like, where I am and what the setting looks like. I also take classes and get coached; this helps me connect with the character.
Q: So you take classes with a professional?
DS: Yes, most Saturdays. And I have for three years now.
Q: Is there something neat you've learned from your parents, in a class, or on the set that you use as a trick or tool while you work? For example, a special way to memorize lines?
DS: Subtexting.
Q: Wow, that sounds complicated. What is that?
DS: I think of one word that best describes the character, like if I were playing a football kid I would think of being a jock and work on building the character from that word.
Q: How do you think your parents help you as an actor?
DS: My parents help me with the script breakdowns and understanding the character. My parents take me to auditions and coaching sessions. They buy me drawing materials and different things that help me as an actor.
Q: Is there something you think they could do better or that you wish they would do?
DS: No; my parents do everything they should be doing.
Q: What would you tell all the kids out there that want to be working regularly as an actor like you?
DS: Be prepared and have fun, you don't have to book to be good, just do your best work.
Q: What would you tell their parents?
DS: I would tell the parents to watch for the other kids telling their kids that they can't act or they're not good, because some kids aren't nice.
Q: Like bullying you mean? One actor tries to tell another one that they aren't good?
DS: Yes
Q: How's life now? Any new news or something you want to share with us? It can be anything.
DS: Life is amazing because my parents make my life great and they steer me the right way with a great home and I have great friends and I love drawing superheros and faces. Ellery and I just completed a film as brother and sister; it was awesome and awesome to work with my sister!
An Interview with Ellery Sprayberry
The following is an interview conducted with Ellery Sprayberry:
Q: Why and how did you get started in acting?
ES: I got starting in acting because my parents made it happen. Today I really love acting; it's my life, I love acting!
Q: What current child actors or actresses inspire you?
ES: I like Macaulay Culkin. He makes his movies seem so real.
Q: Macaulay is all grown up now. Do you admire any adult actors?
ES: Lesley Ann Warren. She makes me feel inspired and she makes it fun. That's what I really look up to.
Q: Is acting your hobby or your career?
ES: I think it's a career for me because I really, really love acting. I know it will be in my life forever.
Q: What about school? Do you think it helps with your acting or makes it more difficult?
ES: I think it helps. School is what makes you smart. If you want to be an actor or actress you always have to be smart and think because thats part of acting.
Q: How do you work on your craft?
ES: I focus on my scripts and take them seriously. Every time I go to my coach he teaches me and this is how you learn to be better. Little things that help me are learning the beats. I go to a weekly class along with the auditions and filming and that helps me get better.
Q: Do you take classes?
ES: Yes with Janet Alhanti
Q: Is there something neat you've learned from your parents, in a class, or on the set that you use as a trick or tool while you work...like something that makes you memorize lines?
ES: If I am playing a sad character or a scene I think of something really really sad and I don't talk when I'm getting into character. I taught myself how to cry; a scene that is sad will help me get into character and make it easier to cry.
Congrats on teaching yourself to cry! That's tough!
ES: Thanks
Q: How do you think your parents help you as an actor?
ES: Well they always inspire me and tell me things like "you can do it" and "You're the best" and that really helps me get into character.
Q: Is there something you think they could do better or that you wish they would do?
ES: They are the best parents ever. They could buy me an iPhone. (smiles) Just kidding!
Q: What would you tell other kids that want to be actors?
ES: To always do your best on auditions and you'll start making fans. Trust me. After you make fans you get more auditions and even if you book a small part its special to book anything so always think that way.
Q: Would you tell their parents anything?
ES: I would probably say that [they should] always inspire [their] kids and never let them down. I mean, always tell them they are the best.
Q: How is life right now? Anything you want to share with us? It can be about anything.
ES: Well I think life is fantastic, but part of it, on the other side is that my grandfather is in the hospital which makes me feel sad.
We're sorry to hear that, El
ES: My family is worried about my Grandma and it makes me sad when my mom is sad. We try to make the best out of it. I like LA because its so outgoing and fun! I have a new "Movie of the Week" coming out March 7th staring Lesley Ann Warren and Meredith Baxter called "Bound By A Secret"
Congrats Ellery! Keep us posted!!
Q: Why and how did you get started in acting?
ES: I got starting in acting because my parents made it happen. Today I really love acting; it's my life, I love acting!
Q: What current child actors or actresses inspire you?
ES: I like Macaulay Culkin. He makes his movies seem so real.
Q: Macaulay is all grown up now. Do you admire any adult actors?
ES: Lesley Ann Warren. She makes me feel inspired and she makes it fun. That's what I really look up to.
Q: Is acting your hobby or your career?
ES: I think it's a career for me because I really, really love acting. I know it will be in my life forever.
Q: What about school? Do you think it helps with your acting or makes it more difficult?
ES: I think it helps. School is what makes you smart. If you want to be an actor or actress you always have to be smart and think because thats part of acting.
Q: How do you work on your craft?
ES: I focus on my scripts and take them seriously. Every time I go to my coach he teaches me and this is how you learn to be better. Little things that help me are learning the beats. I go to a weekly class along with the auditions and filming and that helps me get better.
Q: Do you take classes?
ES: Yes with Janet Alhanti
Q: Is there something neat you've learned from your parents, in a class, or on the set that you use as a trick or tool while you work...like something that makes you memorize lines?
ES: If I am playing a sad character or a scene I think of something really really sad and I don't talk when I'm getting into character. I taught myself how to cry; a scene that is sad will help me get into character and make it easier to cry.
Congrats on teaching yourself to cry! That's tough!
ES: Thanks
Q: How do you think your parents help you as an actor?
ES: Well they always inspire me and tell me things like "you can do it" and "You're the best" and that really helps me get into character.
Q: Is there something you think they could do better or that you wish they would do?
ES: They are the best parents ever. They could buy me an iPhone. (smiles) Just kidding!
Q: What would you tell other kids that want to be actors?
ES: To always do your best on auditions and you'll start making fans. Trust me. After you make fans you get more auditions and even if you book a small part its special to book anything so always think that way.
Q: Would you tell their parents anything?
ES: I would probably say that [they should] always inspire [their] kids and never let them down. I mean, always tell them they are the best.
Q: How is life right now? Anything you want to share with us? It can be about anything.
ES: Well I think life is fantastic, but part of it, on the other side is that my grandfather is in the hospital which makes me feel sad.
We're sorry to hear that, El
ES: My family is worried about my Grandma and it makes me sad when my mom is sad. We try to make the best out of it. I like LA because its so outgoing and fun! I have a new "Movie of the Week" coming out March 7th staring Lesley Ann Warren and Meredith Baxter called "Bound By A Secret"
Congrats Ellery! Keep us posted!!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Dylan's Recognition
It’s Monday night; Dana and the kids have just jetted from shopping at Fred Segal on Melrose Ave. Then they are on to Santa Monica to make a callback for Ellery, and from there, more fun shopping at Fred Segal Santa Monica.
Fred Segal has this great annual sale and when possible we take advantage of it. While shopping, a lady calls out to Dylan using his character name from an episode they were working on (Mother & Son) a year earlier.
As they connected, hugged and talked the lead actress informed Dana that she had requested Dylan once again to play her son in another episode being shot this month; such an honor for Dylan.
My phone text alerts me as to what’s taking place in Santa Monica; as I read Dana’s quick text it occurrs to me how really cool it felt to see this kind of sincere recognition and memory retention this well-known actress was extending to our son.
As I envisioned the live scene playing out at Fred Segal with our family and this kind actress, many thoughts ran through my head, however, one in particular stood out, good things happen to good people, this was Dylan’s moment of recognition.
Dylan is such a great person to be around. His sense of respectful playfulness, an extraordinary level of sincerity and kindness, and of course it doesn’t hurt to be a talented actor make him a likable child.
Hollywood is a beautiful place; a setting filled with amazingly giving people, one must earn the genuine treatment and it must be real in return, in our family we ask only for the opportunities to earn the gift of being on set.
We define great work as preparation, punctuality and politeness additionally recognizing that we have a responsibility to respect the entire business process.
Repeat business opportunities come from businesses that are reliable and delivery of a great product - a reliable and dependable product and our little actors are the product.
The quicker one understands this reality the better. It can be challenging because this is an often emotionally charged process for us parents; the good news is that it’s easier than we often make it - RELAX have FUN do GREAT WORK!
We are grateful for this exciting entertainment arena we are privileged to play and grow in. We know Hollywood will remember you when a part is right for you and if they trust you, good things will happen.
Our posture is to be kind and real. Fact is, this town has a great memory... Good, Bad or Ugly. Let them remember you and your children as the "good."
CS
Fred Segal has this great annual sale and when possible we take advantage of it. While shopping, a lady calls out to Dylan using his character name from an episode they were working on (Mother & Son) a year earlier.
As they connected, hugged and talked the lead actress informed Dana that she had requested Dylan once again to play her son in another episode being shot this month; such an honor for Dylan.
My phone text alerts me as to what’s taking place in Santa Monica; as I read Dana’s quick text it occurrs to me how really cool it felt to see this kind of sincere recognition and memory retention this well-known actress was extending to our son.
As I envisioned the live scene playing out at Fred Segal with our family and this kind actress, many thoughts ran through my head, however, one in particular stood out, good things happen to good people, this was Dylan’s moment of recognition.
Dylan is such a great person to be around. His sense of respectful playfulness, an extraordinary level of sincerity and kindness, and of course it doesn’t hurt to be a talented actor make him a likable child.
Hollywood is a beautiful place; a setting filled with amazingly giving people, one must earn the genuine treatment and it must be real in return, in our family we ask only for the opportunities to earn the gift of being on set.
We define great work as preparation, punctuality and politeness additionally recognizing that we have a responsibility to respect the entire business process.
Repeat business opportunities come from businesses that are reliable and delivery of a great product - a reliable and dependable product and our little actors are the product.
The quicker one understands this reality the better. It can be challenging because this is an often emotionally charged process for us parents; the good news is that it’s easier than we often make it - RELAX have FUN do GREAT WORK!
We are grateful for this exciting entertainment arena we are privileged to play and grow in. We know Hollywood will remember you when a part is right for you and if they trust you, good things will happen.
Our posture is to be kind and real. Fact is, this town has a great memory... Good, Bad or Ugly. Let them remember you and your children as the "good."
CS
Monday, October 6, 2008
A Time to Remember
We worked for five months towards the opportunity and hope of booking “Eloise Goes To Paris.” The last of Ellery’s six auditions was a noon session with the Director Charles Shyer on Saturday, February 2, 2008.
After the audition we dropped off Stan (Ellery’s Coach) then headed over to our neighborhood hangout Aroma Café. Ellery ran inside to visit as I caught up with a friend just outside the library seating area. Ten minutes later I walked in and took note of Ellery standing at the head of a table engaging with 4 adult ladies - Ellery, submerged in girl talk, was looking quite cute. I quickly noticed one of the ladies was a tenured Hollywood actress.
Respectfully I quickly wrapped up the conversation and thanked the ladies for making time to visit with Elle. When I looked at the leading lady to say thank you, she ask if Ellery was my daughter and I proudly answered yes. She then placed her hand on her heart and said a few very kind and sincere words with respect to Elle.
I never told Ellery who she was; I just left it at a table of nice ladies who appreciated the loving spirit of a sweet little seven-year-old with whom they enjoyed talking and laughing.
Fast forward to April, Ellery auditions for a MOW leading role, and a few days later she is awarded the leading role, WOW!!! Ellery was scheduled to report to set on a Tuesday, and on Monday we get a call inviting us to come and meet the other leads who happen to be filming just a mile or two from us.
As we enter the set, the actress who I mentioned above looks at me, I ‘m reading her lips and I'm thinking she is saying something regarding Ellery. That’s when I figured I must be hallucinating on set, maybe a little too excited. A few minutes later the introductions start and I hear the other leading actress say something to Ellery about someone recommending her for this role,... now I’m really dreaming!
Did I mention that I had a cold and was a bit stuffed up and a little disoriented? :) The next thing I hear from the other leading actress is that she was so happy they took her recommendation and chose Ellery for the leading child role. I have never been so astonished in my life and had no words. I only held back tears of appreciation that I cannot begin to express. I’m staring at this kind actress. I say to her, "how do I respond to something as kind as what you have done for Ellery?" My heart pounding with joy, I gave her a hug and thanked her.
WOW, what a moment that was!!!
She told me that since that day when her and Ellery first met she had not stopped thinking or talking of her, which really got to me; I can’t believe I held it together.
We all know how hard we work to earn the chance to make set. This was a leading role. This gift came by way of an actress who believed in a little girl she had met just two months earlier and after only chatting for 10 or 15 minutes.
If lessons can be learned for other families though, it is a testament to the impressions we all make in the first moments of meeting someone - no matter who they are or what they do. If we make it a point to treat all people with respect and to teach our children to speak up, shake hands, smile and present their true selves, we never know who we will impress or leave an impression on.
Ellery spent five splendid weeks working with this incredible team. From the Director, Producers, Cast & Crew she, was part of a family and an experience she will treasure forever. Her relationship with this wonderful person has blossomed into a real girly friendship; they have breakfast and movie dates they’ve even included Dylan in on the fun.
Once again, Hollywood has such a big heart; there are great and giving people everywhere, embrace the friendships, we can’t have enough real friends in life, its all fun! CS
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