Why should writers give away their product for free? We shouldn't. But the uninformed, those of us just starting out perhaps feel the exposure offered by writing for free is worth it. That decision is up to the individual, of course. But as I've seen in job ads more lately than not, you can't expect someone to write a nearly 1,000 word article -- and all the prep, energy and effort that takes for $20, and expect to get the best product.
I can't help it. This guy just... does it for me. Here's a bit of an update. Someone at NBC got wise and signed Isaiah Mustafa of the famed Old Spice commercials to a talent development deal late Spring 2010. Finally! Someone sees what I see -- a talented actor who deserves his own TV show.
Here's the latest Old Spice ad --
HILARIOUS! I'm happy for him and hope the opportunities keep coming!
Okay, this is a quick shout-out to Viola Davis -- now TWO time Tony Award winner! She, along with Denzel Washington, won for Best Actress/Actor in a Play. The play itself -- Fences, is the latest dramatic revival to earn a record number ten nominations.
The producers and lead actors walked away with a Tony. Fences also earned Best Play honors.
I can't speak enough on Davis' talents. She is a skilled, nuanced actor who deserves every opportunity I hope is coming her way. After the limited Broadway run, both Davis and Washington will begin prepping for the feature version of August Wilson's esteemed piece.
Ever have that out-of-body experience when an old friend from the past recognizes you and you're not exactly camera-ready?
Well that happened to me yesterday. In the store... the store I meant to just dash in and grab a few food staples... that didn't happen. I didn't run into an old boyfriend, TYJ, but ran into an old friend. A friend from a clique of chicks I used to admire back in the day. She's good people, then and now. And now that I think about it I don't know what's more confusing -- do women dress for men, themselves or other women?
Discuss amongst yourselves.
I like to think I make all personal appearances as if I were prepped for a George Hurrell photo shoot -- but lately I know this simply isn't true.
As much as I deride LA denizens for being papparazzi-ready at any given moment, there's something to be said about looking your best in public places. But being back, getting to a place where it's not just about what's on the outside, but what's internal... that's what I've been trying to find.
Now I want to balance the two -- where what's on the inside -- that inner peace and wellness, just radiates on the outside.
I gotta admit, every time I see this skit on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), I crack up. I'm literally cackling like a hyena -- hysterically, most times in the fetal position.
Introducing Grady Wilson, with special guest co-host Costas, better known as Alec Baldwin.
SNL has been on something of an upswing of late. Last week, Hollywood's latest "it" girl -- Betty White, wowed everyone, including those Facebook fans who got the attention of both NBC and SNL brass to get her booked on the show. It was the highest rated episode in 18 months. Looks like the fans knew what they were doing. And might I add, women rule. This was their special Mother's Day episode, and with vets Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, Molly Shannon, Ana Gasteyer, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch and Betty, they rocked the house!
And as a personal aside, I LOVE MAYA RUDOLPH!! The woman is one of the funniest comedienne's I've ever seen. Her Whitney Houston impersonation -- hy-sterical!
Here's an old one --
This week's iteration with Alec Baldwin is the 2009-2010 season finale. Baldwin's appearance ties the other record holder Steve Martin, with 15 guest host appearances. Where are the women who can match that?
I love SNL -- which turned 35 this year, but this tired mothership needs a huge re-infusion of women both before and behind the camera to get it back on track to relevancy and hysterical laughter.
Wow! Didn't realize it had been a month since my last post. Apologies, but I've been finalizing a couple projects I'll reveal more about later. Stay tuned.
Okay, someone sent me a link to a fascinating and I must say, riveting excerpt from an interview with the amazing Viola Davis and Denzel Washington about their roles in the revival of August Wilson's play, "Fences". The clip makes you want to see more of the interview and I went to the source -- The New York Times. Here's the clip -- http://nyti.ms/aIikO4
Now, if you want to see a portion of the interview that didn't make the official NYT video archive, check this YouTube clip --
We all know how talented Washington is -- his two Oscars and tenure in the business prove how universally regarded he has become. Davis, on the other hand, is just now creeping into the creative collective in Hollywood. The woman's been around for awhile, and it was only during the last couple years -- with her lauded role in "Doubt" that she began to receive the critical and Hollywood attention her talent demands.
Can I just say how refreshing it is to see two people of this caliber talk about their work? How they began, the challenges they've faced -- the crap they've had to endure just like the rest of us whom are building (hopefully) careers that endure and actually mean something...?
Denzel will work. He's in the pantheon of revered, and in-demand actors in the entertainment business. He's held this position for 25 years, and he just keeps getting better, stronger. Viola... she will work, but the opportunities for film work won't be as bountiful nor as delineated or well-defined. Why? Because she's female, and because she's African American. Simple fact is, Hollywood isn't writing for black women. This woman is the chocolate version of Meryl Streep in terms of talent, and Streep is enjoying one of the most profitable and prolific runs of her career. And good for her!
To be honest, Hollywood doesn't do well when it comes to embracing stories written for women, by women or directed by women. It's astounding, considering women purchase 85% of household goods, are 50% of the population, 51% of the workforce... need I say more?
There's money to be made and the Hollywood establishment is squandering its best resources. Take note, take heed and enjoy the clips.
Building capacity... expanding your circle... elevating your network profile. Love all those catch-phrases for what's basically known as "meeting people".
And that's what I've been doing the last couple weeks, nonstop.
New writers to my group, new contacts for my business, newwwwww. It's exhausting, and yet I can't help but think -- "What the heck have I been waiting for?" Should've been doing this a while ago. And I'm not saying I haven't done it at all, but I haven't done it to the extent where I'm connecting dots -- people I know and want to know, AND being strategic at the same time.
But life can't be all about business. Have to have balance. Today, I'm taking the time to stop and smell the...
I urge you to do the same -- don't wait two weeks. Start now. Take a moment, think about what needs to be done and then do something to feed your soul.
