Alyson Stoner: "The Best Way To Reach My Peers Is To 'Walk-The-Walk' Myself"

Alyson Stoner: "The Best Way To Reach My Peers Is To 'Walk-The-Walk' Myself"

Back to School

Here comes that time of year when the reality of school begins and summer fun ends! For Ellery and Dylan, getting back in the school grove is a process just like filming; it’s strategic and comes with a good amount of direction and conversation.

Now, I don’t know about your children, but my kids would rather play and have fun all the time, thus making the beginning of the new school year school a chore for them and us. They do, however, recognize the value of a good education and enjoy school, but I would be less than honest if I failed to say they do fight against school at times. Like most kids they would like to sleep in stay up late and so on; going to school is like going to work for many parents.

Before moving forward I must be respectful and clear that each family must do what’s best for them. We were so set on home schooling and did it for 3 years; then one day Dana realized that she was not doing the kids or herself justice with this schooling choice so we moved on to something different. In retrospect we could have evaluated the school options earlier than we did and maybe we would have changed our game plan. My point would be to take a look at what is taking place with school so that you may ensure that, to the best of your ability, you and your children are pleased with the setup. This review could be based on educational objectives to be accomplished not necessarily changing schools, the idea is to ensure our children are set up for success!

The one great thing we have going for us currently, education wise, is that we made the choice to enroll Ellery & Dylan into San Fernando Valley School for Professionals. This school is designed to focus on the core fundamentals of education: Math, Science, Language Arts and History and offers on-site tutoring when/where needed. Additionally SFVSFP offers excellent educational field trips and more. The school is all about student unity and parental involvement with a tight group and team working for the kid’s education.



One of the things I’ve noticed and appreciate is how the kids seem to all get along with no bullying taking place amongst the group. For the most part, these kids have career objectives (or it could be that their family's work schedules fits with SFVSFP school hours and education system. The thought of Ellery & Dylan being around bullying children has always been a concern of ours; it is so great to see the kindness and respect amongst these kids. We do not worry about them being picked on and all of that mean stuff that can often occur amongst young people!

There is, at times, drama amongst the kids, which is more entertaining than harmful. The drama experiences allow us to help our kids understand matters they were not dealing with when they were home-schooled. A big reason for enrolling them in a social school system was so that they could experience the daily exchange of interacting with students and teachers- an element we were missing before. For this reason their manager was very persuasive when it came to enrolling them into a school. As a team we discussed the objectives and what outcome we wanted, and I must say it turned out excellently.

The kids start school each day at 8:30am and wrap at 1:00pm. This schedule allows us the time for their coaching, auditions and other athletic personal choice activities that fit with their needs and our schedules. Many schools are not designed to work with the industry demands, which is why the school choice is so important when it comes to working with industry children. When the time comes to be on set you must have a school that embraces your objectives and knows how to balance your child’s education while allowing them to fulfill their pursuit of acting.

Shortly we will start preparing for the new school year, we will start warming up with reading and math, a couple of weeks out we will start with a new sleep schedule so we may ease them into the morning wakeup call and so on. There is no easy route to get these two great kids to fall right into the school schedule. Come September 2010 the starting of school will take inspiring conversations which focus/target on our family balance: school, health, friends, family and of course ... acting!

Have a great school year kids!
~CS

Balance - a word about homeschooling

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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