So I've been shifting gears with acting the past month. Less theater and more film. It's not that there hasn't been the opportunities to do more theater, but I have to prioritize my time. Even before "The Producers" finished I'd been offered no less than three roles. I hadn't even auditioned for the shows, but offers kept coming. I'm eternally grateful for the confidence bestowed upon me and I'm continually amazed how far I've come in my craft. To know that I'm desired is a great feeling, and I value every role and production I'm in. But unfortunately, it comes at a cost; emotionally, financially and spiritually. Most of what I do is unpaid, and although I enjoy every aspect of the process, I am usually spending my own money for the shows I do. I can't do that forever. I also can't continue to sacrifice my relationships simply to be in a show. Of course I look forward to the next show, but I can't just jump from one production to the next without factoring in the effect(s) on me. Lately I've been wondering, "To what end will that role benefit me?" It's horrible that I would be so shallow, but if I want to advance in my career, I have to be more selective with the roles I choose to accept. When it comes down to it, I can't give three months of my life to ensemble work. Not here at least. I've paid my dues here, and unless I'm being paid, I have to choose shows and roles that either speak to me on a personal level, or in all honesty, look good on my resume. I know that there will be the occasional exception, but I also know that those favors will be returned. I'm trying my best not to be so selfish and conceited, but I honestly believe I've reached a level here in Vegas that requires me to either move forward or concede to theater just being a hobby.
That's why I'm trying to do more film. I have a very limited reel when it comes to the big/small screen, and if I want to move to the next level, I need to add more to it. Pretty simple. Of course it's a relatively new realm for me. The process is completely different and the timing is tough. Perhaps that's why I haven't focused on film as much in the past. I can't just take a week off of work to be an extra on a major motion picture in hopes of getting a bump to a speaking or featured role. That means it's the Independent and Student film run for me. I have to start somewhere, right? I actually am enjoying the experience so far. Not that I haven't done films in the past, but they've been so spread out before that each time almost felt like the first time. At present, I've had four auditions for local and student films in the past two months and I've been cast in three so far. Plus I've been asked to be in two others based on past work. Not too bad. Of course I had to back out of one due to scheduling conflicts and another may fall to the wayside for the same reasons. Still, I'm thrilled for the offers. The biggest issue is the fact that the productions are low/no budget, so their respective schedules are always in flux. Of course, I try to be flexible, but you can't just say to me, "Hey! We're filming tomorrow. We need you for 15 hours." Since I'm not seeing any $$ and I'm not under any contract, I can't be expected to drop everything for some student film maker when his mom lets him borrow the\ car for craft services. I would hope that they would have their shit in order by the time they begin casting, but.....you know...... Again, it's a learning experience for everyone, so I expect some bombs and some wasted time. As I'm building my reel, I will forgo these issues, much in the same way I did when I first started doing theater. I suppose I'll post again to bitch about that later.
All told, I believe that the strong theater foundation I've developed over the years will help push my progress in film that much faster. It may take some time to actually get enough footage to produce a solid reel, but I'm in for the long haul. I guess the proof will be when I move to a bigger market, or the bigger market comes to me. Till then, I'll be humble and professional and grateful.
