Balance: A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions
Life-School-Acting
After weeks of discussion we finally agreed to home-school Ellery and Dylan and boy what a feat it was to home-school! We had no idea what we were doing and were very nervous once realizing we were taking on the responsibility of our children’s early education. In Houston Ellery had only attended one semester of Montessori School and Dylan was a first grader at the time, thus making us, for the most part, starting from scratch.
After reaching out to a professional school administrator who ultimately created a summer 2006 curriculum for Ellery & Dylan (Dad as the teacher) and who guided us to our K12 home-schooling journey we moved forward. K12 is an award-winning program funded by the state of California, an excellent teaching system it is. We worked with and enjoyed K12 for three challenging years; what an experience for all of us, good and at times, crazy! Then one day in the fall of 2009 Dana had it with home schooling; she was done with it and ready to get the kids into a new school system of some kind. Her final words to me were, "I’m their mother and as such I am not intended to be their teacher too." That was the end of it for Dana, and so again we moved on.
So the school search began. Dana looked into public and private schools then quickly decided on San Fernando Valley School For Professionals. SFVSFP came highly recommended to us for many reasons. We quickly gathered what an excellent school it was- a school designed to work with industry children- plus, its convenient location to Studio City and lastly, the Principle and staff made it a no-brainer decision.
We have figured out for us that the balance of school, work and everyday life for our family members should come with a break from each other. Ellery and Dylan are experiencing a busy life schedule that is topped off by an excellent education at San Fernando Valley School For Professionals. The school provides us with an outstanding team of teachers and principle that work very closely with our young child actors' educations while supporting their career dreams.
The Big Bonus is the many new friends Ellery and Dylan have enjoyed meeting through SFVSP and the friends of friends to even broaden their social life and activities.
The kids are so pleased to start a new year at SFVSFP... yes another year of educational success, fun and social fulfillment!
For more information on SFVSFP you may contact Angie Peiris at 818.985.9485 and please reach out to our family for any support we may offer you and yours.
Have a great school year and may 2010 be the beginning of many great HOLLYWOOD years to come.
Love your children first!
~CS
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Slating
A little while back we got a question on the Children In Film forum about slating. A parent wanted to know if there are different ways to slate depending on what type of audition you are on.
To start, let's define slating. Slating is what occurs, usually, when your child goes in for an audition. It is the first thing the actor does, while looking in to the camera. She states her name and the part she will be auditioning for.
However, as far as I am aware (from my experience with Dylan and Ellery), a slate is a slate. Some (print, commercial, theatrical) may ask for profile turns (meaning your child will need to turn to the side for a profile view; hair may need to be pulled away from the face in a mock pony tail), but some may not ask your child to do this.
While we're on the topic, the slate is the moment and opportunity your child has for his/her audience (the client/director/producer/casting associates/etc) to see him/her for the first time on tape. The casting crew in the room, conducting the slate are equally important. They are the ones that pass you on.
Make your slate count. Be real, with energy and most of all confidence. Own the room!
Taking a class from a well-known casting director can help you perfect your slate and your own personal "slating style."
In the beginning, before you are known by the casting offices, slates and headshots are your on-the-spot calling cards, in my experience. Make it count!
Best of luck from our family to yours,
~CS
To start, let's define slating. Slating is what occurs, usually, when your child goes in for an audition. It is the first thing the actor does, while looking in to the camera. She states her name and the part she will be auditioning for.
However, as far as I am aware (from my experience with Dylan and Ellery), a slate is a slate. Some (print, commercial, theatrical) may ask for profile turns (meaning your child will need to turn to the side for a profile view; hair may need to be pulled away from the face in a mock pony tail), but some may not ask your child to do this.
While we're on the topic, the slate is the moment and opportunity your child has for his/her audience (the client/director/producer/casting associates/etc) to see him/her for the first time on tape. The casting crew in the room, conducting the slate are equally important. They are the ones that pass you on.
Make your slate count. Be real, with energy and most of all confidence. Own the room!
Taking a class from a well-known casting director can help you perfect your slate and your own personal "slating style."
In the beginning, before you are known by the casting offices, slates and headshots are your on-the-spot calling cards, in my experience. Make it count!
Best of luck from our family to yours,
~CS
Monday, April 12, 2010
"Mojado"
It was March of this year, and very bad things were taking place within the boarder towns of Mexico. So, I rightfully passed on the opportunity for Dylan to shoot the film "Mojado." The storyline takes place in a boarder town of Mexico and Texas and was scheduled to be shot in the deep southern desert of Mexico.
After declining, our manager called us back and informed us that the director only wanted Dylan for the role and does not want to use anyone else which we appreciated. My fear, however, is kidnapping which is common in certain areas of Mexico and South America. And I was concerned that the public awareness of the film production could allow any potential "bad guys" to know about our arrival. Simply put, it seemed like a potentially nightmarish situation.
As I thought about the situation, I could hear the logic of crazy kidnapping cartel playing out in my head: "cute American actor kid must be rich, so a nice ransom would be no problem." And I could only think of the potential wear and tear that such an occurrence would have on our son's soul. So, I don't consider the option. I say thank you, but no thank you to our manager.
Our team thought I was being over cautions until some of the realities and research on kidnappings started to be discussed. Soon everyone became aware and sensitive to the possibilities. Our manager, now on board with my concerns, calls production to once again pass on the opportunity.
We then learned that the production office here in LA once lived and worked out of Mexico City. An extended and established relationship still exists between the director who is out of London, the LA team, and the production team in Mexico City. I soon became much more comfortable knowing the extended history of our contact here with whom we had met and felt more than comfortable. Additionally, our manager decided to orchestrate a driver and guard for Dylan's protection throughout the entire shoot.
So, we were off to Mexico City. Once we landed, we had another three hour drive to our hotel location and yes, our driver and guard were there to greet us at the gate. Each day we drove 45 minutes to the film location, which was located within the Mexican Desert. The days were hot and the nights cold, but the film will be excellent and that's what matters.
It's good to be cautious and careful when traveling abroad especially in known areas of violence, so make sure you know the details of where you're going and all precautions that will be in place before making a final decision.
May your trips be safe and fun,
~CS
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Casting "Look Factor"
A couple of weeks ago Dylan, Ellery and I were intentionally standing in the office of a casting director after an audition. Our purpose was to thank this casting director for choosing Dylan as the boy in a film that was shot in March 2010. After introductions, Dylan thanked the CD and they chatted about the shoot and how it went. (More on that shoot later).
The casting director made a point to share something very significant with Dylan. He made it very clear to Dylan that over 120 boys were auditioned for the role and that Dylan earned it not by looks, but by his acting chops.
This film is extreme drama; a lost mother flips her car over and lands 50 feet below after flying off a bridge in a boarder town somewhere in Texas. The mother eventually dies in the presence of her young son. We find a banged-up little boy all-alone in the hot and vast Mexican desert. The boy has recently lost his father too.
Dylan was chosen for his acting chops, not because of his look or matching (which is when a child is picked to match the look of the actors playing his parents). This dramatic film required Dylan to remain mostly in a fearful and emotional state throughout the shoot.
We have learned that many times it's a look that lands the role. One must possess talent, but the look often comes first. But not in this case, which was nice to learn.
I'm sure many of you have felt like your child did a fantastic job on an audition but received no callback or booking. How could that be??? Simple: it's often the "Look/Match Factor"
But when you have a CD articulate this to your child it only confirms how true and real the casting/look factor truly is. As we know, more often than not the kids are matching with adult actors.
We had a seasoned and tenured actress share something with us recently - in her experience the look/match and essence of what casting is looking for is number one and if you have that and can pull of 60% of the actual acting in the auditions you will have a shot at the role.
It's when you get the callback that you want to be able to deliver 100% of the audition. This makes great sense to me. Think about it; if you look or match the lead actors and you can act, you're more than half way there.
By the way, this person's entire family is in the entertainment business and has been for decades. When I talk with people like this who have walked the path we walk, I do listen up.
Have a great family summer CIF Friends!!!
~CS
The casting director made a point to share something very significant with Dylan. He made it very clear to Dylan that over 120 boys were auditioned for the role and that Dylan earned it not by looks, but by his acting chops.
This film is extreme drama; a lost mother flips her car over and lands 50 feet below after flying off a bridge in a boarder town somewhere in Texas. The mother eventually dies in the presence of her young son. We find a banged-up little boy all-alone in the hot and vast Mexican desert. The boy has recently lost his father too.
Dylan was chosen for his acting chops, not because of his look or matching (which is when a child is picked to match the look of the actors playing his parents). This dramatic film required Dylan to remain mostly in a fearful and emotional state throughout the shoot.
We have learned that many times it's a look that lands the role. One must possess talent, but the look often comes first. But not in this case, which was nice to learn.
I'm sure many of you have felt like your child did a fantastic job on an audition but received no callback or booking. How could that be??? Simple: it's often the "Look/Match Factor"
But when you have a CD articulate this to your child it only confirms how true and real the casting/look factor truly is. As we know, more often than not the kids are matching with adult actors.
We had a seasoned and tenured actress share something with us recently - in her experience the look/match and essence of what casting is looking for is number one and if you have that and can pull of 60% of the actual acting in the auditions you will have a shot at the role.
It's when you get the callback that you want to be able to deliver 100% of the audition. This makes great sense to me. Think about it; if you look or match the lead actors and you can act, you're more than half way there.
By the way, this person's entire family is in the entertainment business and has been for decades. When I talk with people like this who have walked the path we walk, I do listen up.
Have a great family summer CIF Friends!!!
~CS
Monday, January 4, 2010
Leadership Changes
When it comes to making changes, or considering changes, to your current agency or management situation, the subject is less than simple. In fact, it can be a very touchy and sensitive point of discussion.
I will start off by saying that Ellery and Dylan are represented by the very finest team of agents and managers. They have worked very hard to earn their representation. As for many others in the business, this did not come easily for our family. It required a lot of work to find the outstanding team with whom we are now in partnership.
Without getting into all the details, I will express that things happen at the time they should happen when we as entertainment families logically understand the big picture. The flip side to this is that we must hold ourselves accountable for our part of the deal, thus placing ourselves in a position to make a good and strategic decision once a change is in mind.
Contemplating the Change:
The thought process is this: is a move even necessary or (the reverse) have we waited too long to change? I have friends who moved too quickly and friends who have waited years too long. Because timing is everything, you want to make sure you aren't jumping the gun or waiting until it is too late.
When we enter into constructive conversations on this important matter we realize there is no easy answer to this vital process of timing.
Here is how our family views this topic: (keep in mind that one could actually write a book or a few chapters on this subject matter. I will attempt to make it quick & easy from my point of view.)
The real responsibility for making the decision as to whether or not to change representation lies in the hands of the parents and the young actors; remember this is a business and as much as it is personal you can't take it personally. You cannot wait on your representation to give you some sort of sign that it is time to move on, nor can you fear the confrontation involved in discussing a change with your reps.
How to Assess Your Situation:
First, we have learned to take on the responsibility of viewing each audition as a privilege and opportunity where we prepare accordingly. Once it’s over its over. Our gauge is simply good feedback, callbacks, then bookings. If you are receiving callbacks you are doing great; booking the job is simply the bonus.
Second, we get that agents and managers make their living from bookings. They care for everyone, but we must realize there is only so much time in a day to give. Their job is to facilitate bookings and support growing talent. We must, however, earn our position in their list of priorities; this is done through a quality talent growth process that takes time.
We believe presenting our family as a good business partner and non-troublesome family yields a very good relationship builder. If there is a shortcut, it is simply being busy with bookings, and thus creating a natural presence in the day-to-day lives of our reps. But, as you know, keeping busy with bookings is much easier said than done.
So how do the previous paragraphs fit into deciding whether or not to make a leadership change? When you are determining whether or not to change your representation, you have to make sure you'd be leaving your current representation for the right reasons. Ask yourself if you're considering leaving because you aren't booking enough jobs. This may not be the right reason to leave. Also, are you being a good team member to your agent and/or manager? Are you doing your part? Do you know what your part is? Have you had discussions with your reps on this matter?
If you are at a talent level where you are receiving callbacks and bookings and you don’t feel the agent/manager connection, call your manager and work through your thoughts. Ask for the truth but always be prepared to logically receive it.
We recognize that sometimes people don’t really connect, and as a result a relationship doesn’t materialize which could be a big part of the puzzle.
If you are confident that your family has logically evaluated the various aspects of your situation, take another check and reach out to a non-entertainment friend or colleague who posses a strong business acumen. Doing this can be a good sounding board; sometimes we just don’t see the bigger picture and need help.
We learned this lesson the hard way a long time ago and are often challenged to remember the “Entertainment Rules of Emotion and/or Logic.” As I said before, as much as this business is personal, you can't take it personally. This, of course, is not easy especially when our children are involved.
Risks and Results:
When we discuss family business changes, risks are always involved and change is often a good thing when thought through.
Needless to say, how one handles a change such as this is very important. We are always respectful with change as we are the ones who live with the end result of our decisions and how we’ve conveyed them to others.
For us communication is king; quality work is imperative. Add this to the kids having fun ... and success is around the corner!
~CS
I will start off by saying that Ellery and Dylan are represented by the very finest team of agents and managers. They have worked very hard to earn their representation. As for many others in the business, this did not come easily for our family. It required a lot of work to find the outstanding team with whom we are now in partnership.
Without getting into all the details, I will express that things happen at the time they should happen when we as entertainment families logically understand the big picture. The flip side to this is that we must hold ourselves accountable for our part of the deal, thus placing ourselves in a position to make a good and strategic decision once a change is in mind.
Contemplating the Change:
The thought process is this: is a move even necessary or (the reverse) have we waited too long to change? I have friends who moved too quickly and friends who have waited years too long. Because timing is everything, you want to make sure you aren't jumping the gun or waiting until it is too late.
When we enter into constructive conversations on this important matter we realize there is no easy answer to this vital process of timing.
Here is how our family views this topic: (keep in mind that one could actually write a book or a few chapters on this subject matter. I will attempt to make it quick & easy from my point of view.)
The real responsibility for making the decision as to whether or not to change representation lies in the hands of the parents and the young actors; remember this is a business and as much as it is personal you can't take it personally. You cannot wait on your representation to give you some sort of sign that it is time to move on, nor can you fear the confrontation involved in discussing a change with your reps.
How to Assess Your Situation:
First, we have learned to take on the responsibility of viewing each audition as a privilege and opportunity where we prepare accordingly. Once it’s over its over. Our gauge is simply good feedback, callbacks, then bookings. If you are receiving callbacks you are doing great; booking the job is simply the bonus.
Second, we get that agents and managers make their living from bookings. They care for everyone, but we must realize there is only so much time in a day to give. Their job is to facilitate bookings and support growing talent. We must, however, earn our position in their list of priorities; this is done through a quality talent growth process that takes time.
We believe presenting our family as a good business partner and non-troublesome family yields a very good relationship builder. If there is a shortcut, it is simply being busy with bookings, and thus creating a natural presence in the day-to-day lives of our reps. But, as you know, keeping busy with bookings is much easier said than done.
So how do the previous paragraphs fit into deciding whether or not to make a leadership change? When you are determining whether or not to change your representation, you have to make sure you'd be leaving your current representation for the right reasons. Ask yourself if you're considering leaving because you aren't booking enough jobs. This may not be the right reason to leave. Also, are you being a good team member to your agent and/or manager? Are you doing your part? Do you know what your part is? Have you had discussions with your reps on this matter?
If you are at a talent level where you are receiving callbacks and bookings and you don’t feel the agent/manager connection, call your manager and work through your thoughts. Ask for the truth but always be prepared to logically receive it.
We recognize that sometimes people don’t really connect, and as a result a relationship doesn’t materialize which could be a big part of the puzzle.
If you are confident that your family has logically evaluated the various aspects of your situation, take another check and reach out to a non-entertainment friend or colleague who posses a strong business acumen. Doing this can be a good sounding board; sometimes we just don’t see the bigger picture and need help.
We learned this lesson the hard way a long time ago and are often challenged to remember the “Entertainment Rules of Emotion and/or Logic.” As I said before, as much as this business is personal, you can't take it personally. This, of course, is not easy especially when our children are involved.
Risks and Results:
When we discuss family business changes, risks are always involved and change is often a good thing when thought through.
Needless to say, how one handles a change such as this is very important. We are always respectful with change as we are the ones who live with the end result of our decisions and how we’ve conveyed them to others.
For us communication is king; quality work is imperative. Add this to the kids having fun ... and success is around the corner!
~CS
Friday, January 1, 2010
Lucky 3 for Ellery
Boom!!!! It's early fall and Ellery is gifted with many auditions both theatrical and commercial.
Her mother Dana is running in many directions keeping up with Ellery and Dylan’s sides, scripts, home schooling, gymnastics, acting class and everyday stuff taking place in a kid’s life.
Elle is coming off a five-month break, and out of nowhere she receives three calls within a two-week period where she has booked two excellent episodic roles and a feature film. We are so proud, honored and excited for Elle as she gets back in the game she so loves - filming!
Unfortunately the film shoot conflicts with one of the episodic shoot schedules and Ellery misses the opportunity because the other contracted her first and the dates could not be moved. Hey we get it, this is how it happens; you can’t win them all. Some other lucky kid is now working on the film and having a great time doing it.
Here's my advice: don’t worry about slow periods. Things can light up at any given minute. Enjoy life, have fun, be a good student and always do good theatrical work. It will pay off. This business is like any business; it requires commitment and diligence at each and every opportunity. Like we always say, have fun and go in prepared, that’s all you can do.
A very famous actor and one my personal favorites,Jack Nicholson, once said "everyone gets a chance; the question is will you be ready and prepared?" True statement and more importantly this is the truth in how it all works.
We still keep to our Family Business Formula:
Be Punctual – Be Prepared –Be Polite
Happy New Year!!
~CS
Her mother Dana is running in many directions keeping up with Ellery and Dylan’s sides, scripts, home schooling, gymnastics, acting class and everyday stuff taking place in a kid’s life.
Elle is coming off a five-month break, and out of nowhere she receives three calls within a two-week period where she has booked two excellent episodic roles and a feature film. We are so proud, honored and excited for Elle as she gets back in the game she so loves - filming!
Unfortunately the film shoot conflicts with one of the episodic shoot schedules and Ellery misses the opportunity because the other contracted her first and the dates could not be moved. Hey we get it, this is how it happens; you can’t win them all. Some other lucky kid is now working on the film and having a great time doing it.
Here's my advice: don’t worry about slow periods. Things can light up at any given minute. Enjoy life, have fun, be a good student and always do good theatrical work. It will pay off. This business is like any business; it requires commitment and diligence at each and every opportunity. Like we always say, have fun and go in prepared, that’s all you can do.
A very famous actor and one my personal favorites,Jack Nicholson, once said "everyone gets a chance; the question is will you be ready and prepared?" True statement and more importantly this is the truth in how it all works.
We still keep to our Family Business Formula:
Be Punctual – Be Prepared –Be Polite
Happy New Year!!
~CS
Thursday, September 17, 2009
That's a Wrap!
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
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
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
