Author Archives: admin

Celebrating a Friend, a Brother and a Movie!

Friend & Brother, Cameron Arnett. We have had the pleasure of working on some projects in the recent years and so excited to celebrate his amazing job in “Overcomer!” Cameron is the most humble dude and just a joyous spirit to be around… and his star is on the rise! Grateful for this man!

A NOTE TO THE ACTOR: GIVE IT EVERY TAKE!

NOTE TO THE ACTOR: You can go before the same Casting Director dozens of times before booking a project. DO NOT LOSE HEART & GIVE IT ON EVERY TAKE!
The very fact that you are asked, repeatedly, to read for their projects is evidence that you are on their creative radar. An inventory of range and character is being taken into account.

That being said, I am so grateful to all the “CDs” I’ve had the privilege of performing before – from Lynn Stallmaster, Jackie Burch, Shay Griffen, Mark Fincannon, George, Pierre, Chase Paris, Tom Shelly, Erica Arvold, Olubajo Sonubi, Rhavynn Drummer, Jessica Fox-Thigpen and many other stalwarts in the industry. The Casting Director is entrusted to tell a story, and, in turn, they are on the line to entrust the “story” to the cast being assembled.

This brings me to this connecting point and post of gratitude. When a Casting Director entrusts a role to an actor, without having them read for the part, there is no higher compliment in the industry. The CD has entrusted you with the telling of the story based upon a confidence established through observing your work within the craft. To understand the process of going from “first read” to “set” is a refining process that takes thick skin and resolve to be confident in the choices you’ve made as an actor and leave it in the audition room – EVERY TIME. An inventory of range and character is…

Thank you Jessica Fox-Thigpen and Fox Casting for bestowing this honor upon me. I promise to bring my A game. Thank you, Jana VanDyke for letting me be picky and choosy with the stories I tell. And most of all, THANK YOU, God, for the opportunity. All praise rising!

Stay tuned.

Air Date Announced for “Swamp Murders” on Discovery ID

It was a distinct privilege to work with Crazy Legs Productions, once again, in another Discovery ID show. August 30 is set to air the episode of “Swamp Murders” featuring some of the industry’s finest on set, as we depict the true story of Mary Stetson. May her memory be honored. Our hearts direct thoughts and prayers for comfort and healing for her family and loved ones.
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@DiscoveryID #swampmurders

Acting Lesson 101: Inner Monologue

CAB_HeaderOne technique I have used throughout the years on stage or screen has been the “inner monologue.” In the development of characters, I find that this is such a vital component to the process. I think all actors use this to a degree but may call it different names, depending upon how it was taught or learned. For me, my acting maestro Sandra Ellenburg-Dorsey taught from a foundation that “it’s about life, not lines” and instructs students to approach the craft from this point.

This is where the inner monologue has great power in shaping the actor’s choices in the moment. I find that it must be a laser focused stream of thought that invokes the needs of the character or some parallel emotional stimuli; so much so that the inner monologue will sometimes bleed into the dialogue of the script. In fact, it should be on the very tip of your tongue. This brings the actor into the moment of the scene and breathes life into the urgency of the character’s needs. I would invite you to try verbalizing this in between takes or during rehearsal. After all, it really is the basis of improvisation in character. Give it a shot and get ready to shoot your best take yet.

I find that it must be a laser focused stream of thought that invokes the needs of the character or some parallel emotional stimuli, so much so that the inner monologue will sometimes bleed into the dialogue of the script. In fact, it should be on the very tip of your tongue.
CAB

I have had instances where I was preparing for a role and developing my inner monologue only to discover “life-beats” and emotional catalysts that I asked the director if I could try out as we shot. In some cases, the add from my IM was a welcomed part of the on-screen creation, while in other instances it was appreciated but not implemented. None-the-less, it was still something I could use in my character development and internalizing of the character’s depth.

That’s just scratching the surface. Like I’ve said before, “There’s so much more to it,” but that’s a good thought to leave with you that are looking for help in building a foundation for a character. Thanks for checking in! Blessings!

CAB