This is my life, living up to my blog title.

Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it.
Those of you that know me know that lately I've been ALL over the place, super busy and somewhat elusive...
I've got alot of really fun projects in the works and the timing of everything is lining up quite nicely with graduation which is exciting.
So what's going on with me? Well first of all, I've recently begun landing some film bookings by freelancing alone which is nice!
       This past weekend I actually started filming pilot webisodes for a new indie film called Backalley Strut, directed by a a friend of mine who owns a production company in Atlanta. He and a friend of his have been working on the script for years and are finally at the right time to make it happen. I play the Barmaid, which is actually a supporting role and have a really juicy scene where I narrate the goings-on of a shooting and such as it plays out!
       But anyways, what we are doing is releasing it in 4 webisodes in order to get financial backing (There are apparently already investors interested in backing it up- we just needed to film something to show first!) and then once we have that, we will begin filming the entire movie over the summer. An of course financial backing means the actors get paid too, so that's always nice! :) This past weekend we were on location in Savannah and St. Simon's Island, and the whole process was so much fun! Since it is being produced by an actual production company, it's pretty good quality and I'm super excited for it to be released soon! I was excited to work with some very talented actors and network. You will definitely hear more about it- we have an entire social media marketing campaign including a website that will give more information as it comes. So stay tuned on that!

     I mentioned this earlier, I believe, but I shot for lcdtvbuyingguide.com this past weekend and it was alot of fun, actually. I got to wear my glasses and be all official and talk about TV's and play with the HP Slate which is kind of like a Windows version of the iPad. (It's really not that great though as you will see in the review!) I read off of cue-cards, which seems like it's totally easy, and it is on shots where its just straight-up talking, but when you have to mess around with the item and then read off the cards at the same time it can get tricky. Especially because I was only given the script the night before :P But at any rate, this is going to be a nice ongoing little gig that is pretty low-stress and actually alot of fun believe it or not!

      Another project I have going on is doing a commercial for a local Atlanta based television show. Yes, it is FOR a show. But I'm pretty sure that I will actually be on the show itself as well based on the audition situation and other factors. But get this- it's for football sports reporting. Thank God there is a teleprompter, haha! But they made it clear that for the girl's part in this show, it's more about jumping in and being funny than really knowing millions of details about football. I mean, it's also scripted so it's not like I would be completely lost! I shoot the commercial on May 7th, and I'm sure I'll find out more solidified info soon.

      I'm also doing a book trailer on Friday with the same production company as Backalley Strut- (They recently did the music video for a new song featuring Ruben Studdard of American Idol fame) which I just actually found out about. It's going to be crazy because I have to start shooting at 8...then I have to finish by at least 3:30 PM and then rush back to Augusta for Brooke's wedding rehearsal. The next day is Brooke's wedding, in which I am a bridesmaid, then Sunday I have final dress for this sound design show I'm doing which his going to be completely ridiculous.... needless to say I have a LONG weekend ahead of me again but I'm so excited to be landing some paid acting work and expanding my work into film so soon! It's definitely alot different than stage work, but it's actually pretty fun and rewarding too- just in different ways! It's nice to be doing something beyond extra work, too which had really been my only experience in film before recently.

       So, The other day I received a call from an agency in Atlanta that was interested in representing me, which was super exciting and I meet with them next week to interview! However, come to find out, after talking to some people who know more about Atl agencies and have networked with more people in film/commercials/modeling and such- apparently this agency is not really the best one, and the owner has been known for some shady behavior. There is just a general dissatisfaction with the agency for the most part, although I have heard of success in the voiceover division. At either rate, it's an exclusive agency, which means I wouldn't be able to do any of the freelance stuff I'm doing now really, and then it's a 2 year contract which is a little long in my opinion. I'm going to still meet with them- but I definitely will not sign anything off the bat. Essentially I was advised to hold off on signing an exclusive contract until it is with a more reputable agency, especially with the other reputable non-exclusive agencies that will work to get me jobs while at the same time allowing me to pull in my own work which I seem to be doing pretty well at this point in time! I definitely don't want to do anything that seems like it would not be in my best interest, and I literally haven't even graduated yet- so I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to get signed with an agency I have absolutely no doubts about.
      
        However- the good news is that there is a newer agency, Legacy Talent NC based in Wilmington, N.C. that is going to represent me! The great thing about them is that they are non-exclusive, and I've heard nothing but great things about them from people whose advice I trust, as well as sites like Backstage.com and other actors on message boards and things like that. So that is definitely exciting. :) I think that will actually work out much better for me in the long run than signing my life away on a 2-year contract for a company that I feel a bit uneasy about. But like I said, I still am going to meet with them and find out for myself, as I mean it definitely is a legitimate agency, but if it's the best one for ME, well that's still to be figured out!
    
          On top of filming, auditioning/ etc., I've been busting my butt trying to find a legitimate "real people" job. Thankfully, I am 99% sure I have a job at On The Border in Buckhead hostessing/catering! I've been through 2 stages of the interview process already and I just need have the final interview whenever I move, apparently. However, it's a little frustrating because I kind of need the job before I can sign a lease on an apt...ha. But I'll figure it all out! I'm also going to interview at a fancy shmancy restaurant that a couple of my friends that are already graduated work at and I've been told that I would easily get hired. That interview is next week. I'm actually hoping that I end up getting that job because I would  make way more money serving at a fine dining restaurant than hostessing at a chain. But a job is a job and I need anything at this point. I've applied and interviewed at other places, too but I'm really thinking it's one of those 2 places that I'll be working at!
        I'm also going to be auditioning for the Atlanta Lyric Theatre next weekend which is doing plays such as Thoroughly Modern Millie, Gypsy, and A Little Night Music! It's really a great season and it would be absolutely AMAZING to be contracted for their season. But we'll see what happens with that.
Oh yeah and I'm in a wedding this weekend! And I have finals! And a radio show to do on Monday! Ay.
       While I'm completely busy right now, it is really exciting to finally graduate. And especially because I feel like all my hard work that I've put in is finally starting to come through and I see my career taking shape, which is exciting! I'm telling you, these last 2 weeks are going to be so amazingly hard to get through. Graduation is SO CLOSE and it's so exciting to be in a new place soon, with a new environment, people, and experiences. I just feel like I've been going nonstop, cramming in homework, not having much of a social life, spending hours upon hours looking up castings, networking, building up my modeling portfolio, etc. and it feels like things are falling into place. It's weird, because I feel like I should be a little scared at least, or feeling sentimental about leaving- but to be completely honest, I am just so ready to leave. That's that. I feel stifled and suffocated here right now and I just have put complete faith in myself that things will work out the way they're supposed to! And I honestly believe that things will work out. Like, even though I don't technically have an apartment yet, I know it will come together! Things always do! Alot of situations tend to fall into place with no problems for me because I just believe that they will. It's the law of attraction, of which I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE believer in. It's all about the power of positive thinking, and constantly having your mind on your goals and not worrying about the details of how they will come about. If you literally believe it will happen, and you are disciplined and willing to put in the work to make it be, then there is no reason for you to get what you truly desire out of your career and life in general. You have to literally "block" negativity out of your train of thought. It's become a thing where if I catch myself thinking a negative thought or think about a pessimistic "what if" situation  I consciously stop myself. You have to! I've come across alot of "I always think of the worst that will happen in every situation" types of people and you know what? They usually get themselves into the craziest, difficult, and awful situations. I think one's mindset is so extremely important and I have no doubt it had something to do with it!


        And I know that I definitely do NOT have all the answers or am just the pinnacle of success or what have you, but I think that I've accomplished enough to prove that the power of positive thinking and having faith in yourself and in what you want out of life is a completely valid notion. I sincerely recommend everyone read the book "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. It seriously alters the way you think, in the best of ways. And no, it's not some crazy New-Age philosophy- it is really simple. The law of attraction. Visualization. Positivity. Just go read it!

Sites that I check DAILY for work and that I recommend:
The Southern Casting Call
Model Mayhem (I have gotten paid modeling AND acting gigs form here!)
NowCasting
Craiglist - Before you scoff- companies that are not familiar with the agency/acting world but that need actors for projects use this site! That's how I got my reviewing gig. But be careful- I submitted for this "dating show" and met with someone who turned out to be a creeper. I'm not sure of the legitimacy of the whole thing. Nothing happened in our meeting, but later on he started texting and sending me weird messages so that is that. You just have to chalk things up to experience but always be careful! But you're bound to run into some characters anywhere you go. Just always be on guard!

On Facebook (Most of these are for extra/stand in work, but occasionally you get calls for very featured extra roles or small speaking parts!:
Extras Casting Atlanta
Last Looks Casting
Bill Marinella Casting
Cherrix Casting
Extra Bad Group

GIRL, GIMME DEM DIGITS!

Now, I'm all about "seizing opportunities" or what have you- but what is it about guys that they think that after not even talking to you at all, they can ask for your number out of the blue and expect a positive response? Am I the only one that is extremely turned off by this? 

The annoying thing is, it's always with guys that are the opposite of what I would actually date- the "gangster" immature fast food workers, the middle-aged men, or the super-cocky, arrogant meatheads.

Whatever happened to striking up clever conversation? Personally, just RANDOMLY asking a girl for her number just because you think she looks cute is completely impersonal, and just annoys me instead of flatters me. It seems to come across as forced: "Oh, here is a girl I find attractive. I need to ask for her number in the slight chance that she may agree before I lose my chance." 

Now maybe I'm just really shy and don't know how to approach guys really, but if I see a guy that I think is attractive, I'm not going to force things to come together. Either something will happen that will create a natural conversation between us, or I will come up with a clever way to introduce myself or break the ice. (The latter rarely, if ever, happens as I'm incapable of being clever unless I'm forced to be. And I'll never force myself on my own terms because I know I'll probably end up saying something completely stupid.) But if we never end up actually meeting, I just chalk it up to "that wasn't meant to be." 

I mean, even if a guy is the pinnacle of attractiveness to me- if he just comes up to me randomly and asks for my number, I still probably will be wary in giving it to him. I'dbe skeptical. I just think the whole ritual is completely asinine and dumb to be honest! Now, if he makes a funny comment on a book I'm looking at in a bookstore, or playfully insults my drink order at Starbucks, that's another story. I mean, it shows the tiniest bit of effort, and that goes a long way!

The trouble is, it's never the guys I think are attractive that have ever asked for my number. No, it's always those guys that are on the complete opposite polarity of desirability that feel as if they are the answer to my prayers. 

Meh. At least I finally figured out that lying and saying I had a boyfriend was an effective repellant towards this attack. It makes me seem like the noble girlfriend for denying their approach, instead of having to awkwardly say how I don't like to "give my number to strangers," and have to scramble for different variations of saying so as I try to maneuver my way through a barrage of desperate attempts on the guy's part, making them feel embarrassed. Sure, it's lying, but at least it's saving both of us humiliation and it just seems to nip it in the bud.

Now here's the question: do many girls actually respond to this? I mean, they'd have to, if guys continue to do it on a daily basis. I just can't even fathom giving my phone number to a guy I've spoken maybe one word to  and picturing any sort of relationship forming from such. 

Maybe I'm just too skeptical or am asking too much. Girls- what do you think? Do you agree with this or am I just cold-hearted?!

Progress!

So As You Like It is over, which marks the last rehearsal process of my college career basically. Not accepting a role in the One-Acts or doing alot of dances for Dance Extravaganza this year was probably one of the best decisions I've made. It feels weird in a way but I'm going to be spending these last couple weeks preparing for graduation and my real life. Here is my checklist of things I need to get done:

• Get a Job. More than likely some sort of full-time "survival" job that I can start immediately so that I can pay the rent! I'm planning on going to apply at restaurants and places like that these next couple weekends.
• Get an apartment. I have a place in mind,the thing is- I can't secure the apartment until I get a job so I can let them know that I'll be able to make the payments which is annoying. So, the sooner I get a job, the sooner I can get the apt.! Good thing I have a home base I can stay in for a few days or a week or so until I get my own place if need be. I'd rather move directly from Columbus to Atl though, so I'll try to do whatever it takes to make that happen for sure!

I feel like I should add more to this list but honestly that's all I really ABSOLUTELY need to get done. Of course I should be networking and looking for modeling/acting work but I'm already doing that. Speaking of- I have some pretty cool and exciting things coming up:

• I've got a paid modeling gig on Friday! It is for a waxing salon's website and print ads and possibly a car wrap. (Yes, there may be a car riding around the Atlanta area soon with my face on it, haha!) Even better-  it's a retro pin-up girl/Bettie Page type theme which I love, of course! So that's pretty cool
• I'm now going to be doing on-camera reviews of plasma TV's and tablet PCs for the websites http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/, www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com, and http://www.tabletbuyingguide.com/. This is paid work, too which is nice. But yeah I'm essentially going to be filmed giving in-depth reviews of the items for use on the websites, which are pretty high-traffic and one of the highest ranked on Google and such. So major exposure for me and monetary compensation as well. Technology is only getting better and better and more products keep coming out so the nice thing about this is that it is a job that keeps on going. Of course, it depends on how much they like me ;) I start filming my first review on the 22nd!
• I got cast in a pilot for an original screenplay that is being put on by an Atlanta production company that produces commercials, music videos, etc. in the Atlanta area and have had some of their videos on MTV2!. I film in Savannah on the 24th. It's not paid initially but once it is financially backed by investors and clients it will turn into paid work for me. So yay on that!

I'm of course still working on getting an agency- but I have found that if you know how to network, meet people, and respond to casting calls and basically constantly put yourself out there, you will be surprised at the opportunities! Work is definitely out there. Some websites that have helped me so much are www.modelmayhem.com, the Southern Casting Call (http://excoboard.com/THESOUTHERNCASTINGCALL), Craigslist (believe it or not!) And "Like"ing casting FB fan pages such as Extras Casting, Last Looks Casting, Bill Marinella Casting, etc. While most of the calls are for extra work- sometimes it can turn into featured extra work or a small role. I got called to go to an audition through Extras Casting once, so it is definitely possible.

But anyways, it's just a nice feeling to feel like things are coming along slowly but surely. :)

I need your help!

Okay. I have a couple things that I want people's opinions on.

1.) I have been toying with the idea of dying my hair darker like this:



As opposed to the way my hair is now, which is not terribly different, I know- but it's more of a reddish brown:

It would be a way of sort of "re-marketing" myself. I think I look more exotic with darker hair because of my light eyes, and it may help me stick out more in piles of headshots, or in my modeling portfolio. (This question is both from an actor and modeling standpoint so I want opinions from both!) For reference- I HAVE had my hair pretty dark like that before, but it was a different look altogether because then my hair was cut in this funky kind of way, whereas now my hair is longer and more feminine. Also, my hair was pretty damaged at the time, coming straight from blonde hair so it would definitely look much better this go-round if I did! Also, if I decided to go dark, it would be very easy to keep up since my hair naturally is brunette, and I could probably do it from home. Here is a picture of me when I used to have it dark: Another thing to note is that I will be getting tanner now that summer is coming, whereas in this photo I am pretty pale? haha. Anyways. I just thought that because I'm going to be getting new headshots whenever I move to Atlanta and things that I should make this decision soon if so. So just let me know what you think! :P

2.) As some of you may have noticed...I like to be present in the social media/internet world, and I wouldn't say I'm trying to market myself as a "brand" per se- but I do alot of things. Acting, modeling, blogging, etc. So I'm thinking- instead of bombarding all of my facebook friends that may or may not care to see photos from shoots or what have you with pictures, should I create a facebook "Page?" Alot of models/actors have them and I was thinking it may be a good way to keep followers up to date on little things relating solely to career-related things as well as post shoots and what not. I don't know. It's something I'm toying with, but I am aware that it may seem a little self-indulgent. Howeer, it could also be an easier way to network with photographers and such without having them privy to my personal facebook necessarily. I don't know! What do you think? Would you "Like" it? Would that seem pushy to ask? Is that weird? I need to know!