RPM Hollywood Reporter

RPM Hollywood Reporter
Originally uploaded by dalydose.

I am now an "officially" published and credited photographer! Woo Hoo! This picture appears in the December 2004 - Special Issue "Women In Entertainment - The Power 100".

Thanks to RPM Fitness Studio (www.rpmspin.com) for letting me take the photos for them and to Hollywood Reporter for picking my pic! :)

Now available for actor marketing pics (headshots, postcards, biz cards, web pics, etc.) I won't even increase the price with my newfound fame! ;)

Katie Reads Script

Katie Reads Script
Originally uploaded by dalydose.

This is pic of my friend Katie Crawford who I met at the Henderson/Zuckerman 4-week intensive.

(I'd post her headshot if she'd send it to me...hint-hint)

Katie is also a student at the Piero Dusa Acting Conservatory and we met up for dinner before she had a class and I had a meeting with Piero. I asked her to read my script "Field Training" because I think I want her to play one of the roles.

I also want to use two other people from the workshop so I need to get ahold of them...somehow.

This project is one that I wrote andnow I want only to direct it as I think this guy in my class would be a better fit for the rol. WOW...I've even rejected myself. Maybe I should take THIS rejection personally! :)

Piero Dusa Acting Conservatory

Piero Dusa Acting Conservatory
Originally uploaded by dalydose.

This is the back entrance to an acting conservatory that I am considering taking classes at. www.pierodusa.com

I liked the space and Piero is a bundle of energy and positive vibes. The place also comes highly recommended by an longtime friend Heidi Klefstad and a new friend Katie Crawford. Additionally, I just took a 4 week intensive workshop with casting directors Henderson/Zuckerman and they both gave praise to Piero and those who study there.

Amazon Theatre: A-list actors, product placement, real budgets...not your average short films.

See "Portrait" at Amazon Theater @ www.amazon.com

Amazon.com has entered into the short-film game. Ordinarily, I would think this is a good thing, but as an actor trying to make a name for himself and get work, I'm troubled that they seem to be going the route of using name actors.

On the business side, I can see the appeal of using name actors...obviously name actors sell, but will Amazon really see an increase in traffic because of this? I doubt it. I think they would have done better to launch NEW films written by NEW writers made by NEW directors with NEW actors in them. Amazon has grown by being innovators and now they're taking the easy (albeit more expensive) route.

I will say that there listing the product placement items in the credit with the actors is rather unique and may help them plant gift ideas in the minds of visitors to their site. If it works, they will probably have to consider upgrading the script standards. You'll notice that the story is a bit thin and basic and you can predict just about everything that happens, but it LOOKS great!

Funny Films on The Web

C! True Hollywood Story: The Life of Jackie
This one is on iFilm and it's a Mockumentary about Jack of Jack-In-The-Box restaurant fame!

All Amateur Ecstasy
AtomFilms exposes these women's little secret.

How To Be A Cyber-Lovah
Go to www.herbzipper.com and click on the link. That will take you to AtomFilms and you'll see one of the funniest short films that I've seen on the web!

*Do you have any favorite films on the web? Comment or email me!! :)

Jeff

Cruisin' for the weekend.

We went on a 3 night cruise this past weekend and it was great fun. Sometimes you just have to get away from all this craziness. There was NO networking, NO rehearsing, NO writing, NO strategizing...nothing biz related and it was great fun.

In retrospect, we met some great people and also some...well...characters. I've definitely added to my pool of people to draw from.

The ships are like small cities and just about any field I can think of is represented, including entertainment. Mostly they use singers/dancers to put on Vegas-"style" (not quality) shows. There were two standups onboard that did hour long shows each night.

The crew is about 950 people strong and they represent some 57 countries in the world. In fact, this ship only had 5 (or 6) Americans on it.

More pics from the trip:
http://flickr.com/photos/dalydose/sets/30886/

Henderson-Zuckerman Casting Workshop

OK...I finally broke down and participated in a CD Workshop. Actually, I view this 4-week intensive more as a class than a traditional workshop so I still feel good about myself! :) I feel like I'm learning more about auditioning. Which is great because no acting/improv classes I've ever had take the time to teach auditioning. Traditional acting classes teach from the perspective that you've already got the part, but someone needs to teach HOW to get the part. Auditioning requires quick decisions, choice making, risk taking and doing a little something extra to stand out from the crowd. I never really thought about that, but it makes sense that if you give a polished, but 'safe' audition, that they will see that reading 30 times. A small adjustment or choice might make you stand out and get you the job. They explain it and teach it better than I can report on it, but I hope you can see what I mean.

They are actually a really great teaching team and I'm getting alot out of it. I've noticed from this class that people who seem to have steady work aren't necessarily any more talented than those who can't find any work. I've always suspected that, but I've used it to justify why I'm not rich and famous...now I see it in action. Maybe my 'auditioning' will improve from this class...I just wish someone taught a person how to GET the audition which seems like the toughest task in this biz.


If anyone is interested, here is their blurb from NowCasting:

IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!

One more 4 weeker and 6 spots left. Absolutely last one this year starting Nov 16th Tuesdays 11amCasting Directors - Cathy Henderson & Dori Zuckerman are offering a series of 4 week intensive workshops with limited enrollment. 1 on 1 career consulting and guidance, the secrets to getting you in the door and infront of the right people, cold reading and audition techniques,and much more.

Email inquires to hnzworkshop@yahoo.com.

Here are their imdb.com credits

Dori Zuckerman
Cathy Henderson

I have completed 2 weeks and go to my 3rd this Tuesday (tomorrow). I'll give you the roudup and tell you how I did after my one-on-one meeting with them.

Go USC

I have been having the best luck submitting to USC projects through NowCasting. I've had a few really great auditions and got two of 'em...they conflicted and I had to turn one down.

The one project that I did shoot is a scene from the movie Tape. I got to play Ethan Hawke's part of Vince. It was cool. Hopefully, I'll get a copy that I can put up on the web sometime soon. I'll let ya know.

Dumped and Searching

Well...I got dumped by my now former agent last week...via email, so I'm guess I'm refocusing my marketing efforts to getting new representation.

I have read many arguments regarding mass mailing agents vs. targeted mailing and I've decided that gosh darn it all, I'll do both. I'm on my way PIC/Isgo to get my postcards duped for the mass mailing effort.

For the targeted mailing, I'll send a cover letter and picture inside of my window envelopes that I bought from www.actortips.com.

I'm still looking to craft the next great acting cover letter so if anyone has any leads, links, samples, ideas, etc., let me know. I'll try to post some information here as it is gathered and compiled.

Jeff The Photographer

Jeff The Photographer
Originally uploaded by dalydose.

When the acting is on the slow to no-go side, I have to find ways to be creative. Lately, I've really been into digital photography. If anyone wants some cool postcard/marketing photos, lemme know! :)

I also participate on a website that is perfect for sharing pics and seeing what people are doing. The site is www.flickr.com

You can see my pics and join the fun on flickr:

* Jeff's flickr

1 Minute Monologue

OK...I have an audition for the CBS Diversity Showcase thingy on Friday and they want a 1 minute monologue...one minute...

Needless to say, finding a monologue of quality that is only one minute in length is a tough task. I will just have to write one myself. I have been known to improvise a monologue, but I'll resist that temptation. I did book a USC short film using an improvised monologue. Hmmmm...

...no...I better write something!

Perspective

Mirrored Building
Originally uploaded by dalydose.

I just got back from a trip back home to Kalamazoo, Michigan. This is one of my favorite buildings, anywhere.

The mirrored glass on the front of the building reflects in lots of different directions so you can see the same thing from many perspectives. Also, you might see something in one square and something completely different in another square.

It just reminds me of the limitness variances of perspective that are available to us as actors and as residents of earth. From any location, we can choose a multitude of directions. With any line, we make an in-the-moment choice based on our perspective. When we don't book the job, it may be that our perspective...even though we are reading the same script...varies vastly from that of the casting director. Not necessarily a wrong choice, just a different perspective.

Off To Michigan

I am off to Michigan (and Chicago) for about 11 days!! Woo Hoo!!!! I'm hoping to rejuvinate and remotivate myself to come back with a vengance.

My mom had broadband the alst timeI was home so hopefully she still has it and if so, I'll be sure to make a couple of BLOG entries.

I do have a goal to revisit a couple scripts and make some rewrites as well as start at least one more! Then I'll come back and start the production process.

Their Greatest "Role" To Date

The King and Queen
Originally uploaded by dalydose.

A couple of weeks ago I went to Oregon to witness the wedding of my longtime friend Christina and her now-husband Chad.

I think this picture makes them look like true royalty and the weekend's activities support the appearance. They were a great bride and groom.

I participated in a summer theater company with Christina back in high school. Though she's not into acting/theater anymore, she pulled off a grand performance with style, grace and her trademark control! :)

CONGRATS TO THEM BOTH

To see more pictures that I took at the wedding click on the appropriate albums at: http://photos.yahoo.com/kal2cal
*One album is "people pics" and the other is landscape and flower pics (we went to this amazing flower farm to pick up...well...flowers for the wedding)

No Small Parts

OK...there's this guy Jesse who I came upon at myspace.com. He's profile page was really funny and he had written this piece into his "Movies" section, you know the section where most people list their favorite movies of the hour. I wanted to share it here since A: it's funny and B: it makes a good point for actors when they just get a few lines. I asked Jesse's permission to copy/paste this in to my BLOG. If you are on myspace, check out his page at:

Jesse's MySpace Page

For now, enjoy this little piece. Excuse the formatting, but myspace doesn't allow empty lines in this field so it looks like a rant and makes you read it as such...adding to 'the funny'. ENJOY!

--------------------------------------------------------

ya, I believe in movies. I also believe in handguns. I mean, I believe they exist. I don't know, I really want to be an actor so it is painful to watch someone making more money than I am. Especially those guys who just walk on and say "Telephone for you sir." $1200 bucks that could have been mine. I have been practicing saying things like "Telephone for you sir" and "Your car, sir" and "she is in room 303, I believe" and "He went that way! Over there!" over and over, putting my entire SOUL into it, for like 5 years so when I see another actor attempt these lines it is all competition. I am like "OH WOW DID THAT GUY EVER BLOW THAT LINE!!! SHEESH!! Were YOU convinced? Were YOU convinced? I wasn't convinced!! I didn't believe for a minute that there was a phone call for James Bond at the front desk! And if there is no phone call at the front desk how am I supposed to believe it is the beautiful double agent Scorching Hotpants inviting him for a nightcap? And if there is no night cap there is no sex, no attempt on his life during sex, no sliding down the bannister with a machine gun AND NOW THE REST OF THE MOVIE COULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED!!!...I'M LEAVING!!! This is CRAP!!!" I end up throwing my pop corn at the screen. It is usually at these times the orderly at the hospital tells me if I want to continue to volunteer my time with old people I will not be allowed to watch movies with them on the big screen TV any longer if I can't seem to relax.

SAG Micro-Budget Projects - An Appeal to SAG

I emailed SAGIndie and this is the result...there may be hope! :) If anyone out there know anyone on the board of SAG or an applicable committee or even a candidate for the board...please bring this issue up with them. I'd gladly broadcast the names of candidates in support of this type of proposal.

===================================================

Jeff,

Your timing is perfect. The Committees are looking at the low budgetagreements and have asked for my input from filmmakers. I will add your comments and suggestions (anonymously) to the list that I provide to the leadership.

Again, thanks for your proactive suggestions.

Paul

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Daly
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 5:52 PM
To: indieinfo
Subject: "Micro-budget" projects

I would like to know how to raise an issue with the board of directorsfor consideration or deferral to committee.

My issue concerns "micro-budgeted", short length, projects. As amember who *rarely* works, I wanted to the option to 'self-produce' acouple of projects as showcase pieces for me and a couple of friends.

We have NO INTENTION of marketing these pieces...they would be shot onDV...they would be on our websites and demo reels and possiblysubmitted to a small festival or two.

We think there should be a 'waiver' for these types of projects basedon certain criteria:

1. Budget - I would call a 'micro-budget' under $1000. (Since I own mycamera and mic and boom pole, I might actually come in under $100)

2. Length - I would exclude feature length projects altogether andinclude short pieces under 20 minutes.

3. Intention - these projects should be intended as showcase piecesfor demo reels, websites, etc. I *would* like to see however theprovision for entering into festivals for greater exposure.

4. "Ownership" - the actors are the producers.

The reason that I would seek a waiver vs. using the Experimental orthe mysterious Internet contracts is the cost prohibitive nnature ofWorkman's Comp insurance which those contracts require. With amicro-small cast (2 or 3 people) interested in showcasing, we would only be protecting ourselves from ourselves. I find that the potential for exploitation is non-existant or at most highly unlikely.

SAG should be aware that the traditional casting process is notworking for all of us and we need other outlets.

Thank you,

Jeff Daly

SAG's Hollywood Film Society

I haven't been writing about the Film Society because I didn't want to get in the habit of writing "movie reviews"...enough of that going around. So instead, I'll do a quick recap.

The films/movies that I've seen so far:

Shrek 2: I liked it...the humor was grown up and I won't fight Mindy when she wants to buy the DVD! :)

Terminal: I'm usually not a big Tom Hanks fan (not his acting, but rather the large budgeted, ego films that he does), but I did like this one. It was a bit slow at times, but I thought with the limitation of being in the terminal that they did an excellent job.

We Don't Live Here Anymore: EXCELLENT FILM...EXCELLENT CAST...EXCELLENT SCRIPT...EXCELLENT DIRECTION...guess what? I liked this one a lot!! Go see it, it is an exhibition of great ensemble acting?

Troy: Not so much. long...boring...over produced

The Notebook: I thought this was gonna be a chick flick and it was, but it still managed to hold my attention. I really liked the two movies that made the movie and watching the... I'm not telling you anymore...watch the doggone movie.

The Village: If you are going for an extreme horror movie...dont' go. I wasn't looking for that and enjoyed the piece. There are the usual M. Night Shyamalan twists so I won't talk about the story. I will say that Ivy (played by Bryce Dallas Howard) didn't seem very blind. I know she is supposed to be greatly independant, but the blind thing didn't convince me or the people around me...I swear she was making eye contact and moving out of the way of things that should have tripped her. This was my only "major" distraction.

Village:

Me & My New SAMA Sunspecs

Actors need images as well as decent eye protection. With those themes in mind I bought a pair of "real" sunglasses. Not the $9 knockoff in Venice nor the $5 knockoffs from Tijuana...not even the $20 pairs off the spinning rack at Target. Nope, for the first time in a loooooooong time, I paid real money for eyewear that was non-prescription. Do they help with my "Hollywood" image? What do they add to my persona?

Me in my specs Originally uploaded by dalydose.

Piston's DVD Provides Motivation

We ordered the Piston's NBA Championship DVD recently and I gotta tellya...it's VERY motivational.

This was a team that NO ONE gave a chance to even make it to the Championship, let alone demolish the mighty Lakers.  The DVD shows the hard work and determination against all odds of success. 

Sounded a lot like trying to make it in Hollywood so I'm making the Pistons team my career role model.

"Matthew 26:17" Update

Well, I called called back for what seems to be a very interesting project!  Unfortunately, the dates of shooting conflict with a wedding that I am in out of town.

In related news...I am in the wedding of my friends Christina and Chad, but I'm standing up for the bride! :)  No, there will be no bridesmaid outfit for me.   

Audition for "Matthew 26:17"

I had an audition the other day for "Matthew 26:17" the story of the conversations at the table of The Last Supper. I read for Judas and I gotta tell you, being evil is fun. :)

The project will be directed by Shannon Rawls of Be Out Productions. It seems like a very interesting project that would be great to be involved with. I've worked with Shannon before on "Camouflage" and the rest of the people I met seemed great as well.

Rest assured that I will let you know as soon as I know anything!

Picture from "Camouflage" a project that I worked on. I took this photo from BeOut Productions (www.beout.com) one of the producing entities of the project. 

Agent 155

I found a new website that assists performers and artists with exposure and marketing. It is www.agent155.com. My page can be found at:

http:www.agent155.com/dalydose

This is a really good looking site and they seem to be promoting it REALLY well...you may have seen commercials for it in movie theatres. They will be using members again in their next commercial to be aired on cable television. Another cool feature is the 500MB of storage that they give to store and display various types of content: audio, video, images, etc.

The best part is that if you sign up now while they are growing, it is FREE! I suggest that every artist or person involved in the entertainment industry jump on the bandwagon while the seats are still FREE.

Jeff

No Budget Videos Up!

"Mates" Concept 

Well, the test videos from my NoBudget Festival are up and waiting for your viewing. Just git yerselph over to jeffdaly.com and click on the Video tab and you'll see three videos there waiting for you. Here's a little history:

This little project started out as a goal that I would finish "something" during the 5 weeks of our 'bootcamp' workout class. (Bootcamp by RPM Fitness Studio)


NoBudget Prep - this started out as a test video that I made to check out the light in my living room, but Mindy and Hesika both liked it so I decided to include it.

NoBudget Population Control - this video evolved from a pet peeve of mine which serves as the litmus test for whom should be selected for termination in the name of population control. I originally recorded a voiceover, but it somehow got lost in the mix so I'm showing you how it was shown during NoBudget Fest. Lemme know if you think it would benefit from a little helpful narration.

NoBudget "Mates" Concept - this video is the first several pages from a scene that Elizabeth Rick-Hunt and I did for our former theater company. We're trying to revamp it into a pilot idea. I'm actually trying to get my SAG contract together so we can produce a web series of like 3-4 episodes to try and create a buzz and then get it on TV somewhere...anywhere!

That's it...enjoy! Feedback is welcome and appreciated. (Compliments and suggestions for improvement)

10 Day Update

It's been 10 days since my last update! My friend Jason just sent me an email reminding me of that fact.

I've had a couple of auditions since my last message. One went pretty well the other wasn't so great. I need to get to the point where I'm getting more auditions. I really believe that getting access is the hardest part of this business. The work is doable, getting to prove that is the challenge.

We've been really playing with self-production. I had a goal that I would finish "something" by the end of the last session of bootcamp and I had a few people from class over to see the result. I'll post a couple of video clips soon!

Speaking of our showing, we made quite the purchase last week. A tenant from the old building in Pasadena where we used to manage emailed me and offered to sell us his Infocus digital projector and his Magnavox 450watt surround sound receiver and speaker system for $500! We took him up on his offer and we're putting together a little home theatre in the 2nd bedroom. It's all hooked up, but we don't have the proper furniture for the components nor the right mounting equipment for the speakers, but it looks and sounds GREAT! We've even moved the XBox into that room! :)

Audtition Today

Well...I auditioned for a yet untitled Chase Mattews project. It is going to be a sketch comedy and the entire audition was improvisation. It was pretty fun, but it also illuminated the fact that I have not done improvisation in a looooong time. I think it took me too long to get into it and I don't think I was 100% comfortable. Oh well...we'll see what happens.

They said that they had over 2500 submissions and that they chose 60 to see. That's positive! :)

If anything happens...you'll be the 1st to know!!

Audition!!

OK...it's not the BEST acting career in the world when you get excited about an audition, but I did get called in for a pilot. The audition will consist of improvisation and it is for a sketch comedy program.

I think this might be just the type of project to jumpstart things.

Wish me fractured lower limbs at 4pm tomorrow!

We Met...We Created!

Elizabeth and I met to do some creative flowing for our TV Show idea. Actually, while working on one, we came up with another as well. Oh yeah, mogul-dom may be in our future yet! :)

Audio Feature Test Post!

"Torn" a play worth seeing

These 3 fine performers pictured are part of a 2 Thumbs Up performance. I'm not just saying this just because my friend Elizabeth (the blonde chiquita in the middle) is in the play. This is a unique concept somewhere between scripted and improvised and it works most of the time.

There are the expected moments where cast members talk over one another, but it seems to always work itself out.

This is the single most impressive performance that I've seen from Elizabeth. I saw a range from her that I don't normally get to see and I was soooo proud of her work here. The rest of the cast was also excellent and they seem to all have a chemistry that will only grow as this semi-improvisational show continues on. I will say that after seeing this performance I am even MORE convinced that Elizabeth needs to be a part of my sitcom pilot. Now I just gotta get her nailed down and focused on helping me make it happen.

 

Called Back...but for WHAT???

About a month ago, one of my many submissions on NowCasting was to an "Untitled Legal Show". I got called in and they just wanted to talk with me on camera. I guessed that it was a reality show and never thought about it.

This morning I got a call that I was being further considered and that they wanted me to come in to fill out paperwork and to bring in my License and Social Security Card so they can start a background check. Hmmmm...a background check I asked. She admitted that it is a reality show about legal drama.

Hmmmm...I knew the show was on Fox so I did a little "Googling" and found something that sounds like a match. It's a show called The Partner and it looks like an offshoot of The Apprentice where some law school grads will compete on teams for the shot at being a 'partner' in some fancy law firm. Since I am not a lawyer I can only conclude that I am being considered for 'the jury' of "real people" or maybe they will have witnesses for the cases. Since it is Fox, I *could* see them throwing in some people who aren't even lawyers to see what happens.

I'll try to find out more when I go in on Monday and shortly after I'll post whatever information I can pull out of them.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I can't stand reality TV, but if it even resembles an 'acting' gig, can I refuse a union gig that pays scale???

New Camera...FREE Headshots

.
We bought a new camera (The Canon 300D Digital Rebel) and I hope to start doing some marketing services for actors. To get started, I need to compile a database of headshots and I'm looking for about 10 people to volunteer. You'll get the images on CD to use how/if you like!

Lemme know...

Audition @ Chapman

Today I had an audition at Chapman University in the city of Orange in Orange County. The drive sucked, but the people were really nice and the project seems very interesting. I've also heard some great things about Chapman. I won't bore with the details except to say that they have a good reputation that seems to be growing. I am adding Chapman to the schools that I want to target to be in their student films. I'd definitely be interested in hearing about other people's experiences at the Chapman film school.

Chapman Front Originally uploaded by dalydose.

Elizabeth helps Jeff Shoot!

Here's picture of my great pal and creative partner Elizabeth. She helped me shoot some footage today that will be a major part of one project for the upcoming "No Budget"! Check out her website as she keeps adding to it!

*This shot was taken 'on location' in beautiful downtown Burbank with our new Canon Digital Rebel.

 

Drunk Karaoke

This picture is from the 'after-party' on my birthday. Mindy+Steff+Karaoke on the XBox = PHOTO OP! :)

 

Birthday Recap

Well my birthday has come and gone, but it was a time well spent at Timmy Nolan's! The pictures were great and I think we're gonna have to make some room on 'the wall' to honor people who aren't currently represented.

Many of my gifts that I received will assist me in my acting/self-producing pursuits.

Tripod - Thanks Libbis (real name = Elizabeth), this is EXACTLY the 3-legged upgrade that I needed. We'll use it on our 2 shoots that we need to do before the "No Budget Festival".

Boxing 'stuff' - Cynthia and Karyn owners of RPM Fitness Studio, got me the gear to handle the new boxing section of the Bootcamp that they run and that Mindy and I are a part of. The gloves have also inspired me to write something that could use the boxing gloves as a prop.

Holdon Log - Kristina and Brian, the owners of HoldOn Log gave me one of their organizing books. They also told me that their software will soon support PocketPC! This is great news for all y'all who don't use Palm but need to get organized.

Pretty Blue Shirt - Jason and Steffanie (of Stormmaker Productions) got me a very cool blue shirt. It is now 'officially' the gift that keeps on giving, because we left it in their Explorer. :|

Rebel Without a Crew - This book by Robert Rodriguez was given to me by our bootcamp buddy Marti H. I've heard stories about this book, but have never read it. He apparently made a feature with VERY limited funds and should be a big 'ole inspiration to me!

Real wood frame & Significant Others Episode - Our friend Jessica (we call her Hesika)got me the frame with a quote from one of our creative/funny moments. She also was a ROCK STAR and found me the one episode of Significant Others on Bravo that I missed. Significant Others is completely improvised and I want to do some of my stuff that way...maybe now one of things that I do for "No Budget" will have to be improvised.

PIZZA - Mindy got me some Chicago style pizzas delivered in dry ice. We're on an eating regimine so they'll have to wait a few weeks, but they will be a big bright light at the end of the tunnel.

XBox "stuff" - We bought XBox Live about a week earlier and Mindy supplemented that with another game. I've already used XBox in one thing that I've shot...everything is useable when you got Noooooooooo Budget! :)

DVD - Mindy also got me "The Office" on DVD...a funny BBC improvised comedy about working in a corporate office. We also got "Miracle" about the 1980 Team USA Hockey team...inspirational.

Electronic Football Game - Our own Kelly got me this. It's not really entertainment related, but it might help me pass the time on a set in the near future! Kelly also brought our old pal that we never see Lisa Loo.

Fry's $$$ - Our sometimes long lost friend Kim got me a gift cert for one of my fav stores. It will definitely be used for something related to career enhancement. Maybe to help buy a Compact Flash card for my digital camera or towards Roxio Easy Media Creator to put this stuff on DVD for y'all! We also met Kim's new boy and he seems great.

and finally....

THE BIG ONE! - On Saturday, Mindy and I went to see Troy through the SAG Film Society and then we went to BestBuy. While at BestBuy, we got a new digital camera, the Canon Digital EOS Rebel - SLR. This will help me elevate my love of photography to a more professional level. In fact, I'm going to start doing headshots...FREE SHOOTING SESSONS. If you like the pics, I'll get you a CD of images and I'll post 'em on the web for $100. I'd like to morph my computer biz with actor promotions (photography, postcard design, picture resume's, web sites, etc.) The deal was great too...we got a 10% off coupon, a $50 gift card, plenty of Reward Zone Points and a REALLY great camera!

I'm truly blessed, but the best part was seeing everyone. Catching up with some of the people is such a rare event that the fact that they came out made it an event! Other people we only see in their workout mode, so we got to see them all cleaned up rather than the sweaty 6am version that we're used to. :P

National Holiday! :)

Happy Birthday To ME!!! My birthday got off to a great start with Spinning at RPM. I also officially passed out the "No Budget Film Festival" invitations! 

The Seinfeld/Superman Series

If you missed it last night between the Friends episodes, here's a link.
http://www.jerry.digisle.tv/room.html

Instant Films

I saw a message on NowCasting yesterday about Instant Films. I loved the idea of making a movie from script to production to edit to audience in 48 hours. Again, kind of inspiring...especially on my quest to have the "No Budget Film Festival" in just over 4 weeks.

We had talked with some friends once about a production company called "Sticky Films", but I think that's a whole other genre! :) Those friends are Jason and Steffanie and they are StormMaker Productions. They do editing and production including PetCare TV which is distributed via DVD to vet offices nationwide.

What was I talking about? Oh yeah, Instant Films. The website shows the films from the previous productions. The next showing is THIS WEEKEND (Sunday), so I imagine the writers will get their assignments today. Very exciting and I think Mindy and I might try to attend. If we do, I'll be sure to write about it!

This is a picture at the new AMC 16, movie complex in downtown Burbank. I like palm trees and the shadows they make on the empty walkway. Hmmm...that walkway is empty because, judging by the shadows, most people are at work. Maybe I should get to some of that "work" stuff. 

Biz Plan For Acting?

I just started (last night) taking a class for entrepreneurs at USC. We will be developing business plans for our various ventures. I embarked on this course as a way of expanding my current survival business of computer consulting, but I started wondering if the same principles could be used for an actor.

There will of course be differences since our "customers" are of such a small scope that traditional marketing goals and objective might not apply. Also, our "product" must be treated differently than a manufactured product. Those these instances are true, it got me thinking that we do have customers (CDs, Producers) and ultimately if self-producing is part of your plan then purchasers of entertainment become potential customers. We DO have to market ourselves. We also have a "product".

I'm hoping that some of the pieces of a traditional business plan will apply to acting. It might be as simple as creating a budget for marketing (pics, repros, postage, CD workshops, etc.) product enhancement (acting classes, special skill aquisitions, self production, etc.

Any thoughts?

Check out Joel Pelletier

It's been a while, but I had the fortune of working with a person who I can only describe as an "Artist". He's a musician, visual artist, writer, actor, car restorer, web designer, etc.

His thoughts on the economics of Art and what it means to be an Artist are inspirational. They are also a breath of reality in this town where the bottom line usually defines creativity while also limiting it.

Check out his website. Some highlights on his site are:

"Minute Song" Video - (Windows Media for Broadband) I shot the footage for this one! :) Joel wrote the song, gathered the musicians, setup the (Real) Time 5.1 recording equipment, performed the song, mixed the song, edited the video and put it on the web. How does that not inspire all of us who aim to self-produce??? You can find this and more music on his music page.

His Painting - Check out his latest painting project. It's large scale, has a message and pays tribute to Belgian Artist James Ensor and his painting "Christs Entry into Brussels in 1889"

What is Art - his thoughts on what is Art and who are Artists should start discussions in every medium of creativity.

My Bootcamp Goal: The "No-Budget" Film Fest

Mindy and I participate in a bootcamp at RPM Fitness Studio. This applies to my acting career on a couple of levels:

1. The Obvious - I get in better shape, I'm eligible for more roles...it's a simple Hollywood fact that talent is worthless without aesthetics.

2. The BONUS - This program doesn't just focus on fitness, the owners are into life goals as well, and I have made this goal that must be accomplished by the end of the 5 weeks:

I will be hosting the "Jeff Daly, NO-Budget Film Festival" in my living room for all my bootcamper comrades and assortment of friends to (hopefully) enjoy. This means that I will HAVE TO get some stuff shot and edited in 5 weeks or risk the embarrasment of public failure. Anyone who knows me can probably figure out that this is the best form of motivation for me...possibly even greater than money! :|

To cement the deal, I am sending out the invitations to my ad-hoc festival this week! People should save the date, clear the calendar and plan to attend because I will either have entertainment in the form of digital film or analog failure.

It's fame or shame for Jeff Daly.

On a promotional/testimonial level, I TOTALLY recommend RPM Fitness if you wanna get in shape and have a supportive team on your side in life. Cynthia and Karyn will take you, kick your butt and push you towards your goals.

Postcards Mailed

Today I will be mailing 300 postcards to TV/Film Casting people and I'll only have 94 more to get done. I'll consider it a success if the following are true:

1. 90% of the addresses are valid - I got them from NowCasting and I've heard good stuff.

2. 50% of the postcards get looked at by at least an assistant before being thrown out.

3. 20% actually make it to person on the address label.

4. 3-4 inquiries are made either directly to me or my agent

5. 1-2 auditions happen.

hmmm...400 postcards to get 1 audition - that's a .025% return. In any other business that would be a huge failure, in this crazy business we call show, it's a dream result.

Printing Direct

I may be late in my 'discoveries', but I'm ecstatic that I can now print directly onto the back of my headshots with my laser printer. I am also printing onto my postcards with my inkjet printer.

$ave $$$
Now that I don't have to buy labels for the back of my postcards, I'm saving $$$. I'm also saving because I don't use up my paper for printing resumes to staple (no more staples either) to the back of my headshots.

Save Time
Obviously, I won't have to take the time to affix the labels to my postcards. With my headshots, I don't have to cut the resumes to fit the 8x10 headshots nor do I have to sit there and staple.

Save Reputation
I think the 'direct printing' approach looks VERY professional. The labels that I was using had to be placed in an EXACT way to look right, meaning the process was slow and sometimes sloppy looking.

Save Stress
First and foremost, I no longer have to worry about the resume coming off the headshot in the shuffel. That's excellent enough. I can also more quickly get a submission or mailing together. When my agent calls, I can just put the headshots into the printer...no other steps are needed.

If I could only find a way for the postage and mailing labels to affix themselves...that part of my marketing would be on autopilot. I sure hope all this saving pays off with a blossiming career!

Elizabeth Rick

Here are two links for my friend Elizabeth Rick. She's so cool that she has TWO WEBSITES!

1. ElizabethRick.org
2. ElizabethRick.com

Check her out, drop her a line and by all means HIRE HER so she can start buying all her friends stuff!

Back of Latest Postcard Mailing

SAG Indie Contracts Meeting

I attended a SAG meeting about contracts so that I could see how to videotape myself and stay "legal" in the eyes of SAG. Let me tell you...it's not easy. They got rules on top of rules and rules on how the rules should be ruled.

The bottom line that I figured is that if you are BROKE and still want to do union videos that you need to get an Internet contract. You defer all salaries until the project is sold and distributed. You can also enter the project into festivals and such, but you MUST 1st show it on the Internet for 2 weeks (I think it's two weeks). This contract also avoids having to show proof of Workman's Compensation insurance. The SAG Experimental and Modified Low Budget require the actual certificate before your project will be SAG sanctioned. Workman's Comp is still "required", but you don't have to produce the actual certificate. That's what I was told and I didn't push it any further. ;)

Off to my Day Job

Well, I am off to see a client to troubleshoot a network issue. I'd rather be on set somewhere, but I am very fortunate and blessed to be in my position. As the owner of my own little computer consulting company, I get to work with great people and make my own schedule.

My client today is author and professional speaker Jim Cathcart (www.jimcathcart.com).

Computer client today and tomorrow, SAG Indie Workshop Thursday night and *weather permitting* shoot some coverage for a PSA spoof on Thursday/Friday.

RANT Alert!!!

My thoughts on Digital vs. Photo headshots mixed in with my thoughts on Litho vs. Photo duplication.

In the coming weeks I will reveal my economic study which concludes that Hollywood has an underground economy based on the failure of actors. Of course, this is not a scientific study, but rather the results of my own skewed observations.

Actors spend and spend and spend yet continue to struggle to 'make it' in this town. I'm not convinced that more is always better in this business. Many "experts" (other struggling actors) will profess that you need better and more expensive tools to 'make it'. I guess spending does coddle the actor ego into thinking that fame has yet to surface only because not enough money has been wasted on more expensive photographers or more expensive duplications. *Is this "paying your dues"???

I have a picture of Tyra Banks that looks like it was litho...at best. It was obviously printed for mass distribution for adoring fans. What makes this picture worth hanging on my file cabinet is the subject matter, capturing an interesting image that says something.

Film vs. Digital
The tired argument that film looks better was actually true...a couple of years ago. Now you can buy cameras with so many megapixels that the pictures can be blown up for use on billboards. We actors are shooting for an 8 x 10. Granted, if you got a magnifying glass or a loop and studied the image, you MIGHT tell the difference.

Film is expensive and requires processing before you can even see what you've got. You wait for your proofs and then *UH OH* you might have to go back and get them reshot. If you have any 'retouching' done, then the picture is most likely scanned and worked on, so you've got a digital picture anyway.

I went to a digital photographer named Armen Asadorian (www.armenasadorian.com) and we shot and shot and shot, because digital uses nothing but storage which will be erased after the shoot. Armen has a very high definition camera and we didn't even use the highest setting (remember kids - we're only going for 8x10 pics). I left with 2 CDs and about 100 images. No waiting for proofs...I knew while sitting there that I'd have some good shots to work with. *I don't remember what I payed for the CD, but the shoot was free from a special that he sometimes runs in Backstage West. **I liked my pics so much that I've been back for a second shoot!

After the shoot, I quickly set up a webpage photo gallery and enlisted my trusted friends and colleagues to help me narrow down the choices. After sufficient whittling, I made an appointment with my agent. For that meeting I went to COSTCO and made 4x6 prints/proofs that ran me a whopping 19 cents each. My agent and I agreed on a set of pics and I ran to get them printed up.

Lithographic vs. Photo Reproduction
The area of "litho vs. photo" can become a bitter debate with actors. My thoughts are that lithographers have become very adept artists and still are a much better bargain for the aspiring actor's marketing budget. Again, if equipped with magnification equipment, a discerning eye can probably tell the difference. My impression is that most CDs aren't looking that closely at the hundreds and hundreds of pictures that pass through their offices each week. In fact, most pictures are looked at VERY quickly...if at all...and then thrown away. How people can spend significantly more money to join the garbage pile is beyond me.

Like I said before, the picture of Tyra (I'm on a 1st name basis with her photograph) is a great picture because of the IMAGE that the photographer captured. It would look good if it was printed on a photo copier!

I've actually seen faxed, photocopied, laser and inkjet printed headshots from people who were AT auditions. Obviously, something other than how much money they spent went into the decision to call them in for an audition. Maybe it was what was on the back of their picture in terms of experience, training, etc. - maybe it was that they actually had an interesting picture that jumps off the page. I'm not suggesting that you get reproduction in the self serve area of KINKO's, but I would have you really consider the cost/benefit analysis of going photo over litho. In my economic opinion it doesn't add up. (My mom will be happy that my Economics major in college is actually being used!)

Final Thoughts
I can assure that VERY professional results can be had for significantly less money if you take advantage of the latest technologies in digital photography and reproduction. I proudly use my headshots and am routinely complimented on the quality and I always tell them "digital shot, litho repro"...and some of them actually look shocked.

They look shocked because they've been convinced by the arguments of the past. We are in a digital age and your pictures will be seen on the Internet as much if not more than physically in front of the casting community.

Remember there are choices that successful and unsuccessful people make everyday. It is my opinion that significant extra spending with minimal (and unnoticeable) improvement is not the ticket to 'making it'. Of course some people will sway you to believe that it is so and if you follow that advise you will perpetuate the "Economy Based on The Failure of Actors".

Current Pics on Current Postcard

This is the front of my postcards that I'm prepping to send out to all Casting Directors. I'll be designing the back this week...I'm using a Daly News theme to keep the audience updated on what I'm doing to stay "in the game".

Also, note my use of 'branding'. The 6 picture logo has been a part of every piece that I've put together over the last year. I'll probably post the original postcard of that logo this week too.

Stay tuned!

My New Blog

My REVITALIZED Career Starts TODAY!

Well...it's been 5 years since I've embarked on Los Angeles to pursue acting as a career. Needless to say that I've not "made it" yet, but I will not give in. I hope that putting my goals "out there" will keep me motivated to move forward. Maybe it will also motivate others to keep their focus on their goals and doing what they want to do.