I love performing with the iO West's Mainstage Sketch team. Love that marriage of improvising with a script. Here are 2 of the sketches from this last Sunday.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A Cloudy L.A
I find I get the hankering for updating and writing on my blog on overcast days. Thankfully, today, LA is providing it's version of an early fall day and I couldn't be happier.
Since my last post so much has happened. First, I moved into my very first studio apartment. I am finally living by myself. After having 20 housemates in Ireland, 10 housemates in Camarillo, 2 roommates in Sherman Oaks, 1 roommate in East Hollywood, 2 roommates in Studio City, it is now "me time" in NoHo. Basically living in a studio apartment makes me feel like I'm just living in a really big bedroom that happens to have a kitchen and it's own bathroom - but I am truly happy (and I moved in the first of July- honeymoon's not over!).
In other news my short silent film, Dear Hollywood, is coming along nicely. We are pretty much to the final cut in editing and the music composition is going swonderfully. I love it and I am very excited to start submitting it to festivals. As soon as we have a trailer version ready I will be sure to post it here.
The acting biz is going...well, it's going. There are times, like today, when I get flustered and frustrated with all the business and administration side of acting as a profession (or in my case, turning it into a profession). I really hope the cynical and jaded side effects of living in LA are not trying to seep in. I don't want to be that way, but it gets exhausting and a little disheartening when it seems like every which way you turn you have to be thinking 3 steps ahead and is your resume up to date, are your headshots working for you? Have you been keeping up on Actors Access, LA Casting, Backstage West, and all the other sites to submit to? Bumping into acquaintances in the grocery store or the bank the conversations consist of "What have you been doing? What's next?" I'm constantly trying to find that balance of nurturing the artist I am by soaking in art and inspiration and then turning around and putting my nose to the grind and getting myself out there. It's easy to lose sight of who you are as a person and as a human being - which is so essential to being an artist.
I miss waiting in the wings for my entrance, walking the boards, rehearsing for hours in a dark dusty old theatre. Living and breathing an imagined life in front of an audience. I'm giving LA a couple more years I think and then I may have my next adventure in New York. Theatre is what I love to my very heart and soul, but I'm not done trying out acting in front of the camera. I haven't really gotten the chance to give it a go. So, let's wait and see. Learn more on the art of storytelling through film, acting in front of a camera, understand more of the industry and marketing...and then I'll go from there. Make a few more silent shorts along the way.
Perhaps I'll get a chance to do a little theatre while I'm here too. That would be quite nice.
Since my last post so much has happened. First, I moved into my very first studio apartment. I am finally living by myself. After having 20 housemates in Ireland, 10 housemates in Camarillo, 2 roommates in Sherman Oaks, 1 roommate in East Hollywood, 2 roommates in Studio City, it is now "me time" in NoHo. Basically living in a studio apartment makes me feel like I'm just living in a really big bedroom that happens to have a kitchen and it's own bathroom - but I am truly happy (and I moved in the first of July- honeymoon's not over!).
In other news my short silent film, Dear Hollywood, is coming along nicely. We are pretty much to the final cut in editing and the music composition is going swonderfully. I love it and I am very excited to start submitting it to festivals. As soon as we have a trailer version ready I will be sure to post it here.
The acting biz is going...well, it's going. There are times, like today, when I get flustered and frustrated with all the business and administration side of acting as a profession (or in my case, turning it into a profession). I really hope the cynical and jaded side effects of living in LA are not trying to seep in. I don't want to be that way, but it gets exhausting and a little disheartening when it seems like every which way you turn you have to be thinking 3 steps ahead and is your resume up to date, are your headshots working for you? Have you been keeping up on Actors Access, LA Casting, Backstage West, and all the other sites to submit to? Bumping into acquaintances in the grocery store or the bank the conversations consist of "What have you been doing? What's next?" I'm constantly trying to find that balance of nurturing the artist I am by soaking in art and inspiration and then turning around and putting my nose to the grind and getting myself out there. It's easy to lose sight of who you are as a person and as a human being - which is so essential to being an artist.
I miss waiting in the wings for my entrance, walking the boards, rehearsing for hours in a dark dusty old theatre. Living and breathing an imagined life in front of an audience. I'm giving LA a couple more years I think and then I may have my next adventure in New York. Theatre is what I love to my very heart and soul, but I'm not done trying out acting in front of the camera. I haven't really gotten the chance to give it a go. So, let's wait and see. Learn more on the art of storytelling through film, acting in front of a camera, understand more of the industry and marketing...and then I'll go from there. Make a few more silent shorts along the way.
Perhaps I'll get a chance to do a little theatre while I'm here too. That would be quite nice.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April 14th
On April 14th it will be 2 years since I stepped on a plane to leave my small town in the Pacific Northwest to find out what happens when you act on the question "What if...?"
And on April 14th I will begin shooting the short film I wrote, am co-directing, producing, and starring in. 2 years exactly.
Although I arrived pretty fresh faced and pretty green behind the ears (when it comes to "Hollywood stuff"), the more I learn and experience the more I see how green I still am.
It's a constant education through trial and error to find the right acting classes/studio, learning what are considered "good headshots", who to trust, who to walk away from. Who is sincere and who is just a lot of hot air. I think overall the biggest learning experience is discovering who to take as sincere. I am thankful everyday for having such a lovely wonderful core group of friends that I know care for my best interest.
It's a funny place, this town of tinsel. So many of us are in the midst of a handful of projects (myself included) that it becomes too easy to miss out on taking time aside and just make sure you know where your focus is. I've caught myself doing this all too often. I'm in mid meeting when I remember I need to send an e-mail to someone about another project, or I'm on the phone with one person discussing a writers meeting while on my way to rehearsal for my improv group, or shooting something. I love it. I do. But there comes a point when you need to put everything aside and do something that is just for you. Not something to add to your resume, or to increase the depth of your networking, or whatever else.
I spent 7 hours at LACMA a couple weeks ago and I felt like I got to peer deeper into myself. All was quiet and it was just me and these artist's work (although I was with a dear friend- we enjoy museum going together but alone).
I don't know where I was going with this. But just that I've learned the importance to take a moment to slow down. Living out my dreams is great, but I don't want to get swept away by the crowd or the current because I think it will get me further ahead. What keeps you on track is having a strong hold on who you are.
And knowing who you are and living it out is what gets you ahead in the end.
And that "end" may be somewhere you never dreamed of. But you'll be happy.
I just know it.
So.
Happy 2 year anniversary! It's been a close call to having to pack up and move home a couple times...but somehow, I'm still here.
Thank you.
And on April 14th I will begin shooting the short film I wrote, am co-directing, producing, and starring in. 2 years exactly.
Although I arrived pretty fresh faced and pretty green behind the ears (when it comes to "Hollywood stuff"), the more I learn and experience the more I see how green I still am.
It's a constant education through trial and error to find the right acting classes/studio, learning what are considered "good headshots", who to trust, who to walk away from. Who is sincere and who is just a lot of hot air. I think overall the biggest learning experience is discovering who to take as sincere. I am thankful everyday for having such a lovely wonderful core group of friends that I know care for my best interest.
It's a funny place, this town of tinsel. So many of us are in the midst of a handful of projects (myself included) that it becomes too easy to miss out on taking time aside and just make sure you know where your focus is. I've caught myself doing this all too often. I'm in mid meeting when I remember I need to send an e-mail to someone about another project, or I'm on the phone with one person discussing a writers meeting while on my way to rehearsal for my improv group, or shooting something. I love it. I do. But there comes a point when you need to put everything aside and do something that is just for you. Not something to add to your resume, or to increase the depth of your networking, or whatever else.
I spent 7 hours at LACMA a couple weeks ago and I felt like I got to peer deeper into myself. All was quiet and it was just me and these artist's work (although I was with a dear friend- we enjoy museum going together but alone).
I don't know where I was going with this. But just that I've learned the importance to take a moment to slow down. Living out my dreams is great, but I don't want to get swept away by the crowd or the current because I think it will get me further ahead. What keeps you on track is having a strong hold on who you are.
And knowing who you are and living it out is what gets you ahead in the end.
And that "end" may be somewhere you never dreamed of. But you'll be happy.
I just know it.
So.
Happy 2 year anniversary! It's been a close call to having to pack up and move home a couple times...but somehow, I'm still here.
Thank you.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Purdy Talk
It's a rough video of the sketch my friend Amy and I wrote for Dave Holmes' Nicest Sketch in the World Competition at the iO West in Hollywood, CA this last weekend.
We're planning on doing a full on filming of it soon.
We're planning on doing a full on filming of it soon.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Hang on to your hats kids!
It has now been 2 weeks since I've escaped the grasp of the 9-5 work force. Escaped, kicked out, whatever. Point is, I'm enjoying this new adventure. It's pretty scary at times but more of the time that sense of tension in my stomach is just excitement. I had 3 auditions this week. 2 for commercials and 1 for a student film. I booked the role for the lead in the student film and even though to some it's not a big deal, it is to me. Finally I'll have some actual film experience. It's a start- and I won't start by complaining.
My acting classes are wonderful. I look forward to all that I will learn and am so grateful for what I've learned so far.
What amazes me most though is the strong sense of support I have felt from friends. They are literally holding me up while I get to be a little more steady using my acting legs to support me. It will be a little while till I can walk on my own, but to have that support encourages me to walk on my own and then to hopefully run. Run like the wind! And then to be in place where I can be the person someone can lean on while they try to steady themselves.
I know I've lucked out down here by having such amazing friends. Too often I've heard from people how lonely it is down here, how much back stabbing and biting goes on. All I can say is that there must be Someone out there taking care of me.
I have a family of friends down here and they make this adventure all the more fun.
So, while I steady these new legs, I continue to work on re-writing my movie, Dear Hollywood, that we plan to shoot mid April, writing a sit-com webisode, and draw cartoons for a friend's show. All this while going out for auditions and working on scenes for class...and pick up any paying gig I can.
This is one heck of a ride folks. Hang on.
My acting classes are wonderful. I look forward to all that I will learn and am so grateful for what I've learned so far.
What amazes me most though is the strong sense of support I have felt from friends. They are literally holding me up while I get to be a little more steady using my acting legs to support me. It will be a little while till I can walk on my own, but to have that support encourages me to walk on my own and then to hopefully run. Run like the wind! And then to be in place where I can be the person someone can lean on while they try to steady themselves.
I know I've lucked out down here by having such amazing friends. Too often I've heard from people how lonely it is down here, how much back stabbing and biting goes on. All I can say is that there must be Someone out there taking care of me.
I have a family of friends down here and they make this adventure all the more fun.
So, while I steady these new legs, I continue to work on re-writing my movie, Dear Hollywood, that we plan to shoot mid April, writing a sit-com webisode, and draw cartoons for a friend's show. All this while going out for auditions and working on scenes for class...and pick up any paying gig I can.
This is one heck of a ride folks. Hang on.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Freedom By Being Fired
So....I got fired from the bank on Friday. I've never gotten fired before. It's kind of a weird feeling. But most of all...I feel relieved. I'm not a bank teller. Well, at least not a very good one. I was great working with people and making them laugh and joking around with them. I was able to talk to almost everyone. But that's just it. I talked too much and it ended up getting me in trouble.
I can't help but see this as such a great opportunity. Finally I can be available for auditions. Finally I can get more of my projects done. Finally I can just take it a little easier (for now). Maybe it will help bring my stress level down.
So we'll see. I feel I'm on the verge of another big adventure.
I told the HR people, after they fired me, that I would thank them in my Oscar acceptance speech for firing me. Finally I can pursue what I love closer to full time.
Here's hoping!
I can't help but see this as such a great opportunity. Finally I can be available for auditions. Finally I can get more of my projects done. Finally I can just take it a little easier (for now). Maybe it will help bring my stress level down.
So we'll see. I feel I'm on the verge of another big adventure.
I told the HR people, after they fired me, that I would thank them in my Oscar acceptance speech for firing me. Finally I can pursue what I love closer to full time.
Here's hoping!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Latest:
First off, I switched back my Twitter name.
You can find me here: http://twitter.com/JulisaLyn
I write this blog entry on a rare cloudy L.A morning. Irish Breakfast tea by my side and Miles Davis jazzing his way out my computer speakers.
Last night I was walking back to my car after going to see Roman Polanski's latest film "Ghost Writer". I really enjoyed myself. Had a very Hitchcock feel to it. I felt like I was watching a modern day classic movie - if that makes sense. Anyways, as I walked the rain covered pavement of Hollywood I heard Ella Fitzgerald crooning from some rooftop party and it was one of those moments where you love the very moment your in. The air was fresh after the rain, the city was actually a little quieter this Friday night, and Ella was the soundtrack to my life at that moment.
I've been trying to fight it, but I think I'm really enjoying living in Hollywood. There are times when you just feel like your at a big art camp. Everyone here is going for similar things. Most of us love the art of films and acting. We want to tell stories. I came here shouting loyalty to The Theatre, but I feel I've been somehow wooed by film making. I'm learning to appreciate the art of a well written script, smartly decided camera shots, subtle acting that catches your breath, and directors that have a story to tell in a simple beautiful way.
Of course there are those Hollywood blockbuster hits that make you feel like you just ate all the frosting off a cake and you feel a little sick afterwards...but there are so many film makers, actors, story tellers that want something deeper. I love discovering that.
I've started up a little museum going group. It started with me going to the Hammer museum on a whim a couple weeks ago. To have wonderful pieces of art so close at hand and not take advantage of it seems a shame and a waste. Leaving the museum I felt completely inspired to use what I saw in my improv, in my scenes, in my acting and writing, etc.
So I got a couple of friends together and we went to LACMA, saw Aztec sculptures (and by some odd chance got to share the experience with Diane Keaton), early American paintings, and a few other things. Last Sunday my friends and I celebrated Valentines day with our love of art, so we went to MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). I don't think I've really gotten to experience art with friends that enjoy it as much as I do before. It brings a whole new light not just to you and how you view things, but discover how your friends view things as well. Seeing the art in friends is really great.
Renior is being displayed at LACMA now so I think that will be our next stop. Da Vinci will be at Getty in March.
I still have that feeling that something could happen and I would have to go home all of a sudden, so I make sure that I live every day to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity before me.
I'll be starting classes at an acting studio in a couple weeks. I look forward to all it will teach me. The class will also help me get on the right track for becoming a working actor. I don't want to be a bank teller forever!
So many things are possible.
I like this feeling.
Shooting begins for Dear Hollywood in about 4 weeks. That is a great feeling too.
You can find me here: http://twitter.com/JulisaLyn
I write this blog entry on a rare cloudy L.A morning. Irish Breakfast tea by my side and Miles Davis jazzing his way out my computer speakers.
Last night I was walking back to my car after going to see Roman Polanski's latest film "Ghost Writer". I really enjoyed myself. Had a very Hitchcock feel to it. I felt like I was watching a modern day classic movie - if that makes sense. Anyways, as I walked the rain covered pavement of Hollywood I heard Ella Fitzgerald crooning from some rooftop party and it was one of those moments where you love the very moment your in. The air was fresh after the rain, the city was actually a little quieter this Friday night, and Ella was the soundtrack to my life at that moment.
I've been trying to fight it, but I think I'm really enjoying living in Hollywood. There are times when you just feel like your at a big art camp. Everyone here is going for similar things. Most of us love the art of films and acting. We want to tell stories. I came here shouting loyalty to The Theatre, but I feel I've been somehow wooed by film making. I'm learning to appreciate the art of a well written script, smartly decided camera shots, subtle acting that catches your breath, and directors that have a story to tell in a simple beautiful way.
Of course there are those Hollywood blockbuster hits that make you feel like you just ate all the frosting off a cake and you feel a little sick afterwards...but there are so many film makers, actors, story tellers that want something deeper. I love discovering that.
I've started up a little museum going group. It started with me going to the Hammer museum on a whim a couple weeks ago. To have wonderful pieces of art so close at hand and not take advantage of it seems a shame and a waste. Leaving the museum I felt completely inspired to use what I saw in my improv, in my scenes, in my acting and writing, etc.
So I got a couple of friends together and we went to LACMA, saw Aztec sculptures (and by some odd chance got to share the experience with Diane Keaton), early American paintings, and a few other things. Last Sunday my friends and I celebrated Valentines day with our love of art, so we went to MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). I don't think I've really gotten to experience art with friends that enjoy it as much as I do before. It brings a whole new light not just to you and how you view things, but discover how your friends view things as well. Seeing the art in friends is really great.
Renior is being displayed at LACMA now so I think that will be our next stop. Da Vinci will be at Getty in March.
I still have that feeling that something could happen and I would have to go home all of a sudden, so I make sure that I live every day to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity before me.
I'll be starting classes at an acting studio in a couple weeks. I look forward to all it will teach me. The class will also help me get on the right track for becoming a working actor. I don't want to be a bank teller forever!
So many things are possible.
I like this feeling.
Shooting begins for Dear Hollywood in about 4 weeks. That is a great feeling too.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Transfering, organizing, and getting my crap together.
So I'm in the process of transferring all my bank stories to
I also made my twitter acct to just bank story excerpts as well: http://twitter.com/leTellerTattler
I think I'll keep this blog on a more personal level in that I write my day to day life observations. We'll see.
It's all coming along. Slow. Steady. One step at a time.
You can read more bank stories at http://tellertattler.wordpress.com
I also made my twitter acct to just bank story excerpts as well: http://twitter.com/leTellerTattler
I think I'll keep this blog on a more personal level in that I write my day to day life observations. We'll see.
It's all coming along. Slow. Steady. One step at a time.
You can read more bank stories at http://tellertattler.wordpress.com
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