The World Of WD - Answering Your Questions

This week was a little more low key. Things are winding down for the holidays. I had a VO gig for Google, shot the pilot episode for the webisode that my friend and I wrote and acted in a feature film that starred the original Jason.

The VO gig was fun. They always are. The pilot shoot went well. We got everything we needed done. The movie was a fun experience. Should be out in DVD's pretty soon.

So I thought I'd answer some questions. I love reading your comments. It's so cool to me to see what you guys find interesting and how you interact with each other. Plus, you ask some really good questions. So, I'm going to try to answer them the best I can.

anon said... Thanks WD. I enjoy reading your posts. I was wondering your thoughts on reality TV stars who get opportunities most actors would die for including guest appearances on network shows, roles in big studio films and lots of media attention. I'm thinking especially of Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari who are essentially famous for being famous. How does it make you feel when you are working hard to establish your career when others are given opportunities they don't deserve or haven't worked hard for?

Anon, I love this question! I hate reality TV. Don't get me wrong I've been drawn into episodes of the Bachelor as much as the next person. I really really love Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. However, I have in fact lost parts to the reality tv "stars". I have worked in casting offices where I overhear conversations of whether they should cast a trained professional actor or Lauren Conrad. They inevitably go with Lauren for the ratings. There are many Casting Directors who have stood up against this, and God bless them! It makes it especially hard now with the writers strike. Not many scripted shows are even still shooting, so there is only reality work. All that being said, I can't think of one reality star who has successfully made the transition to a respected actor. Can you? Please let me know if you can. They might shoot a few things but as soon as the buzz dies down so does their career. It's a marathon not a sprint and only the ones who have been training will make across the finish line. At least that's what we tell ourselves.

8:43 AM anon said... WD, In several of Ent's blind items he recounts how actresses have performed "favors" to land roles. From your experience and what you know of the industry is this a common occurrence? Anon (again), I feel that this will always occur as long as people in power abuse that power. It happens in every profession, but, I think it happens more in the entertainment industry because talent is so arbitrary. If you are a lawyer, you must have gone to school, studied, passed the bar, do well with cases. That is concrete proof of skill and all concrete requirements for the job. Same thing with Doctors and teachers. There is no such thing in this industry. I've run auditions and had amazing talent come in. However, these amazing talents are dismissed because "He reminds me of my ex boyfriend." "She had something stuck between her teeth." "I didn't like his beard." Seriously? Seriously! That's why they didn't get the job.

The opposite also holds true. I have seen mediocre to BAD actors get callbacks or hired because "I liked her tight sweater." "He reminds me of my high school crush." "She was totally flirting with me." So, two men are up for the same role, one had incredible training and is great actor. The other has no training, isn't a bad actor but happens to be the producers boyfriend, guess who gets the role? This doesn't happen on every production, with every casting director or producer but it happens a lot. It explains a lot doesn't it? How certain people get acting jobs?

Sharon said... Awesome, I love the kind of technical/organizational insight you give in your stories. Is it common for music video filming to be like two days or so or is this considered a "big" production? Also, what do you think of the future of music videos in general? With the reduction in video rotation on television and a migration of viewers to the internet are these kinds of productions in danger of extinction?

Sharon, To be honest I don't have that many experiences with music videos. The 2 I've worked on went for 2 days. But I had a friend who worked on a Gwen Stefani music video and was there for 24 hours STRAIGHT. Long days. I think they want to believe they can get it done in 2 days. And you can get a lot done in 2 days if you have a lot of money to throw at it. And most record labels do. It's like that saying you have do it cheap, fast or good but you can only do 2 of those.

As to your next question, considering that MTV hasn't shown a music video since the 90's not sure really. From what I know from my friend who is a music producer (the most recent album he produced is top of the rock charts) he says the video is a visual representation of the band. Videos are still a great way to sell records. Just like hearing a song on the radio. A great video will still stand out. With the internet, videos still have a place to be viewed but the budgets might be cut. But he doesn't think they are going anywhere. I mean the video for Ok Go put them on the map. I mean that was wildly creative and all in one take!

I hope you have/had a great Chrismahankawnzka!