From the mind of an indie film maker

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Wed, 08 May 2013 01:43:53 -0400

oneachseptember: Rain handsome-awesomeness. Gif fun today. He...

Tue, 07 May 2013 18:51:32 -0400

oneachseptember:

Rain handsome-awesomeness. Gif fun today. He tears it up in Fugitive plan B!

mandarinpanda: this is literally one of the funniest posts i’ve...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:22:11 -0400

mandarinpanda:

this is literally one of the funniest posts i’ve ever seen on tumblr #ugh #hunsattack

"What it takes to move past anything is to simply realize that your obstacle is unimportant, and that..."

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:12:16 -0400

“What it takes to move past anything is to simply realize that your obstacle is unimportant, and that it can be dismissed.”

- Julien Smith www.twitter.com/julien

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:12:57 -0400

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

- Ernest Hemingway (via nocturnalchangeling)

I am on twitter! Love it...join me...follow me.

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:11:40 -0500

I am on twitter! Love it...join me...follow me.

30 Seconds To Impress Me I have to say, wasting time is...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:08:03 -0500

30 Seconds To Impress Me

I have to say, wasting time is insulting to yourself and even more so for those you are working with. Never waste time, in anything that you do. But in this case when it comes to your passion, something that interests you or you’ve dreamt about…acting. If you take the time to get somewhere and you took the time to book the appointment, get there on time and do what you’ve said you were going to do. Walk through the door, introduce yourself, get to work as if you only have 30 seconds to impress me not thirty minutes, not two hours, 30 seconds. This is huge for you as an actor! Directors will sense you within those seconds and pay attention.

I cannot believe people who actually arrive unprepared, lines aren’t memorized, characters are unknown to them and they just get up there and waste my time and waste their own time.

I spent two hours with a young lady as…well at the start, I thought she’d be worth it, but minutes in I realized she wasn’t but continued through as I needed the footage of the male she was reading with. This female actress drove four hours and came in unprepared, she did not have the lines memorized and stated clearly “I wish I had these memorized.” I stayed silent, the voice in my head saying ‘You think…you wish!? I wish!’ I drove forty minutes to meet an actress who had the script for two weeks and hadn’t memorized any of the lines. I followed through as I wasn’t going home ‘empty handed’ so to speak.

By the end of the day myself and the other actors became acting teachers. Honestly it was pulling teeth, exhausting lol. I pulled the actress aside to figure out what was going on as maybe it was a ‘head’ thing. But after I had done so I realized she didn’t want this role anymore. She wasn’t in to win and didn’t push herself to connect with it. She clearly knew this but ignored it.

Which brought me to this blog to help you guys willing to take lessons from us directors. As this actress came through the doors at 20% started working at 10% dropped to 5% to 0% then to 70% to 60% she was all over the place. Regardless of what happens when you arrive, you have agreed to be here, you wear the title ‘actor’ and need to act like it. Do everything at the best of your ability, it’s huge! I take note of those things, I decide who has the role by such things. But when you are given access to a story, a script, other actors and a full on experience and 2 hours of tips you get your damn head in the game, remember your agreement, your responsibility and get to work. You don’t like the hard work that comes with work then get the heck out. Work hard, I’ll reward you and life will reward you. 30 seconds to impress me, get in the game.

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Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:23:56 -0400

If you’re ever curious of who my favorite actor is...

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:47:00 -0500

If you’re ever curious of who my favorite actor is it’s James Franco. I love his growth, and even more so as I could see it and follow it through his work. He’s talented the legacy kind of talented. He has that classic modern feel, dig! I not only enjoy him on film, but even in interviews like this, I could just listen to him talk all day. If you ever want to get a great James Franco interview check him out on “In The Actors Studio” (check youtube)! He’s the only reason I watched Spiderman for Harry Osborne haha!

divinezer0:

Man to Man with James Franco.

An awesome little interview :)

Your parents don't know everything. Especially you. If your dream is to dive into the arts, be an actor, director, screen writer, whatever it is. Following your dream. You'll never regret it.

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:18:00 -0500

Rant: I will become self involved and obsessed

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:04:00 -0400

I’ve made the decision to become just as self absorbed as everyone else apparently it’s an acceptable and universal personality trait. I will ignore what anyone’s ever done for me, or how much time they put in to assist me. I will forget everything as the most important thing is how pretty my face is, where I purchased this cute summer dress I’m wearing, what designer made my shoes, how sparkly my rings are. I will simply put my arm around someone in a photograph so they hold me up and help me make sure I get the most flash. I will call you or just show up because I need something instead of just seeing how you are because if you smile I’ll think you’re fine cause if I’m fine, you must be fine. At the end of the day I’ll be unhappy but at least I spent all day thinking about myself. Because that’s what counts right? Me and all I need?

Too Asian? Ideas that completely limit film making.

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:02:00 -0400

So a few months ago I was doing casting for my short film. By the time the screen test came to, I had narrowed it down to two guys and four girls for the lead roles. It was down to one more reading between a young man we will call Aaron and young woman we’ll call Tabitha. They read together…it was good. I was excited. Aaron had done an amazing performance. A smile was on my face.

Everyone cleared out, it was just me and two members from my crew. They asked me what I thought of the last two and I said they did good and they look amazing together. I was intrigued, as the two complexions, both black hair, they were beautiful together. But one of my crew members said ‘It may be too Asian?’ and I said ‘I don’t understand…’ I hadn’t noticed but both of them were Asian, to me they were just…them. I thought about it and they are both Asian. She repeated herself…I said ‘Well, I’m colorblind, so I don’t know.’ I was so confused. A couple seconds passed, I read her expression and she continued on. She thought that putting two Asians in one movie…not acceptable. It’s too many Asian’s in one film both as lead! What?

So I thought about it some more, the actors, one male was a Caucasian looking young man, brown hair, brown eyes, the other an Asian, light brown skin possibly Tahitian…Polynesian, black hair, dark brown eyes. The females, two Caucasian, one east Indian, the other Asian possibly Korean. As the girls got knocked down, it was down to the one Caucasian and the one Asian girl. Ah…my wheels start spinning. So now I’m thinking how ridiculous. What the heck is ‘too Asian?’ Not to mention they don’t even look anything alike, Asians are a slew of different types, he’s a dark honey brown and she’s a tan/peach. But how true it was in the sense people judge movies on what they see of the actors. My young crew member had done just that, the other crew member agreed with her. Two Asians! My hypothetical viewers would panic and judge and probably assume it isn’t in English and not see it. As associates, friends of friends complain all the time when they see Asians in the film, ‘I don’t want to read subtitles.’ Forgetting these are Asian Americans, English speaking! Heck, they’ll probably see my film and think suicide/mental illness/self injury (social issues tackled in the film) are only for the Asian culture! My heart ached at the fact people are judged this way, film is judged this way, tv is judged this way! We see it all the time! It’s simplified. American film dominates, Caucasian dominates, it’s acceptable to have a full white cast, two white leads. But the second you change that, simple thinking of the audience kicks in and they assume the most ridiculous things. Continuing with the crew and I, I say my piece, but she somewhat retracts her statement and claims she’s color blind too…lol. Now when you turn on a movie and watch Thor or Green Lantern or Gone in 60 Seconds are you thinking…it’s too white, it’s too Caucasian? It does not happen. I’m furious now. This crew member of mine ticked me off for a few seconds and yet opened my mind. As that is exactly what people think. Some of my favorite films are Asian film, I love Bollywood, another culture another language bring it on, I just want a good movie. Some of my favorite actors are Asian, East Indian, Mexican, mixed, all sorts of cultures, mind you a lot of my favorite actors/actresses are not hitting up the Emmy’s or the Oscars anytime soon but not because they’re not talented or don’t deserve them. I was so close to casting them both (Aaron and Tabitha) in the lead role, just to do it! JUST TO DO IT! Start a new path for film making! As they were perfect together visually. But she wasn’t right, he was close to being right and as screen tests continued it was down to Aaron and the other young man mentioned before and one more girl. But when casting came to, the other young man has the lead and none of those girls had the lead. Simply because of talent and chemistry. But this young Asian actor that did not get the role was good! He is good and I will work with him in the future! Perhaps soon! And I have already made the decision to stick in two Asians as my lead in an upcoming project. This is absurd and completely limits film making. I’m changing this. I’m also writing an article on fantastic Asian, East Indian, African American, Mexican, Native American, First nation…all different types of culture filled actors, film makers, musicians…if you’re cutting things off ‘cause the faces don’t look like yours or what you’re ‘suppose’ to see or expect, there is so much talent, art, experiences and creativity you are missing out on. What’s your opinion on this? Do you see such films and think such things? Was SlumDog Millionaire too East Indian to you, or did it not matter because you took it for what it is coming out as an ‘underdog’ film in the start? Photo: Jay Chou (actor).

Just had to say it

What I can’t stand is an actor that can’t take my...

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:01:31 -0400

What I can’t stand is an actor that can’t take my critique. DO NOT GIVE ME EXCUSES OF WHY YOU DID SOMETHING TERRIBLE. ACKNOWLEDGE IT. LISTEN. FIX IT. I may have fallen in love with you as an actor but as soon as that happens, I black list you. I know what I want, no one else knows the script better than the director. I direct you. When I say this is what you did, this is what I want, I show how you are to do it, change it. It’s your job to take action follow through. Don’t overload me with a spiel.

The second you ignore your director, you place a wall, a wall that the director does not have time to knock down, I’m on a schedule. I have work to do, loads of it. We move on.

Communication. Listen. Hear me. Ask questions. Deliver.

I'm an actress and I actually live in Dallas, Texas..
I heard Canada was a pretty good place for filmmakers/actors...how long have you been living there for?

Mon, 30 May 2011 13:17:25 -0400

Hi there, nice to meet you. ! I’ve always wanted to see Dallas, Texas. Is it as beautiful as I imagine?

I have to agree a lot of talent comes out of Canada in the film industry, I’m happy to be here. I have lived in Canada my whole life and am fascinated by the idea of constantly filming in Canada. Hope to meet you one day, I’m always looking for actresses.

I don't make friends, I network.: Audition Monologues

Wed, 11 May 2011 00:43:29 -0400

I don't make friends, I network.: Audition Monologues:

lindsayactress:

Last month I went to Karen Kohlhaas’ free Auditioning/Cold Reading intro class at Atlantic Theatre Company, and it was soo informative. So I was really excited to see she was having another free intro class this week! Today it was all about audition monologues! Your audition monologue is so…

Of course auditions are full of hundreds of other people (just...

Tue, 10 May 2011 14:47:15 -0400

Of course auditions are full of hundreds of other people (just being realistic) so you have to know yourself. Remember who you are at all times and why you want to be an actor and then DELIVER!- G. Cuvier

It’s so important to embrace the art for all of its part not...

Wed, 04 May 2011 02:24:00 -0400

It’s so important to embrace the art for all of its part not just the ‘acting’ portion of what you do, or the directing or the writing parts that I do. It is all of its part which will truly make you a better actor. Get your hands on a good script, honor it…and the script, along with it’s creators will respect you and appreciate you. - Gene Cuvier

Thomas Bergersen-Promise-Kind-of-Inspired

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:03:03 -0400

It’s crazy! I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with it today, there’s so much energy rushing through my brain today. My instinct is to right, but my creative sides have progressed so much that I have no idea where to direct my inspiration today! Which scares me as I know it should come again, but I hate missing this moment.

Ever since last night…I was watching some reruns of a a show I used to watch back in early 2000 and I never watched all three season. I finished them all this month and it has me in such a directors mode, I have no idea where to put it. I’m stretched thin, due to the film I’m working on now and preparing for the screen test tomorrow…

Do I try to write a new story, add on to a current one. Break out some paints and start something…yikes. It’s too much! I’m not complaining. I dream for this to be inspired for hours at a time! I just need it to last longer this time so I don’t waste it, so I can find where it’s meant to be directed. I wish it came with instructions…

Once you get that script in your hand, read it and if it's good honor it. Remember who you are and why you want to be an actor and then deliver! You might not get a yes everytime, but consistency and a solid performance is always noticed. They WILL REMEMBER YOU for their next project and call you! - G.C of llawnrocfilms

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:37:00 -0400

No, you can't have the shirt off my back: Weeding out the bad personalities

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:30:00 -0400

The Audition of Orga

So this actress we’ll call Orga auditioned for me, acted all ‘this is a great project,’ and was so grateful I contacted her. She auditions, I love her performance. I call her and tell her so. I invite her for a screen test she says sure, where’s it at, I tell her… She acts all shocked… This is where things get frustrating then she asks if I’ll pay for her travel and I’m gasping as we’ve been over this, the casting call clearly explains nothing is covered and where the screen test is and where we’re shooting. She emailed me asking about this before she auditioned and was all, okay I understand it’s independent no prob. I say no, travel is not covered due to…bla bla, you know putting it in to making the film great.

The Email Without a Face

She then asks to read the whole script, however with a hint of attitude, I ignore it thinking she’ll be calmer once she gets what she wants (don’t do that, follow your instincts people once someones irritated they stay that way), I say that’s fine, I was planning on sending it to you anyway. I send it to her, the next few hours or so she emails me saying this:

“Hi there Gene

…after thinking about it, I have decided that “——” is not the project for me.

Best wishes with the film!

Yours Truly,

Orga”

My thought here is, why didn’t you think about it before? You had read the sides, you read the synopsis, character descriptions, full casting call, we had a full conversation about the project in full detail, right down to it’s purpose.

Maybe I’m irritated over nothing in your eyes, but right now after dealing with a multitude of actors that do something similar to this I’m thinking new actors (with bad personalities) just want some sort of validation that they have it. I feel a little used and my time I spent on her, directing her, assisting her with making her performance better, discussing the script goes right out the window. My lesson of the day is to follow your instincts, I had a feeling she was one of these but I gave her the benefit of the doubt because I could see her in the lead role. I’m sure she made the decision weeks ago she didn’t want to work on this project, she dragged it out to get something out of it.

Give Me Yours and I’ll Gladly Give You Mine

Second lesson (which I mentioned in previous post sorry for repeat) people always want the shirt off your back so they get something and see things only from their perspective. She saw it through her eyes where she was putting out so much effort to get here. She didn’t see all the hard work I have been doing (I don’t sleep…really) and my crew supporting me. Others like her want me to give them the shirt off my back if they’re not getting cash money, and I’m thinking you give me yours and I’ll gladly give you mine.

It’s service for service. You can’t go into independent film as a newbie and be worried about money, you’ll get no where, you won’t make anything great.

And after venting…I know I just have to get used to it, expect it, this whole process weeds out the bad ones, the ones left are going to be fantastic. Looking forward to the screen test!

Quoting myself: “…it’s indie film how the hell do we get anywhere if you’re so busy wondering what you’re going to get out of it? I know I’ll get exposure and a fantastic film if I put in the time and effort which is the base for a career… what else can you possibly want with on romeo and juliet under your belt?” Post: Don’t cha forget about moi.

From the mind of an indie film maker

Photo

oneachseptember: Rain handsome-awesomeness. Gif fun today. He...

mandarinpanda: this is literally one of the funniest posts i’ve...

"What it takes to move past anything is to simply realize that your obstacle is unimportant, and that..."

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."

I am on twitter! Love it...join me...follow me.

30 Seconds To Impress Me I have to say, wasting time is...

Photo

If you’re ever curious of who my favorite actor is...

Your parents don't know everything. Especially you. If your dream is to dive into the arts, be an actor, director, screen writer, whatever it is. Following your dream. You'll never regret it.

Rant: I will become self involved and obsessed

Too Asian? Ideas that completely limit film making.

What I can’t stand is an actor that can’t take my...

I'm an actress and I actually live in Dallas, Texas.. I heard Canada was a pretty good place for filmmakers/actors...how long have you been living there for?

I don't make friends, I network.: Audition Monologues

Of course auditions are full of hundreds of other people (just...

It’s so important to embrace the art for all of its part not...

Thomas Bergersen-Promise-Kind-of-Inspired

No, you can't have the shirt off my back: Weeding out the bad personalities

I'm an actress and I actually live in Dallas, Texas..
I heard Canada was a pretty good place for filmmakers/actors...how long have you been living there for?