“The speed of communications is wondrous to behold. It is also true that speed can multiply the distribution of information that we know to be untrue.” ~ Edward R. Murrow Im fairly certain that I dont know the majority of the 2,552 members on this page, and likewise that the majority of you dont know me which is fine - Im just some guy whos been acting professionally in film for over a decade (thank you TMG), and professionally in theatre for over 5 years. I have my opinions on any number of things industry related and otherwise and am not afraid to voice them, even when it might been seen as shooting myself in the foot - i.e. if you ask me how I feel about your movie and I think it was awful, Ill tell you in the most constructive way possible even if it means we wont work together in the future. Im not here to coddle anyones ego, but I am interested in working with people who want to improve their craft on any and every level. So, after hearing some strange gossip today, I decided to weigh in on something which Im honestly shocked is being represented as an issue. JJ Neward is one of THE consummate professionals in this town. She is also one of the most ardent and vocal supporters of a not so popular idea among industrial professionals (particularly from outside of Utah) that Utah has any actors/talent worth a damn. And because of this belief, she put together a business class that has NOTHING to do with acting at all. Its literally called everything BUT acting for crying out loud. She did this to help elevate the game of all us wanna-be actors, 95% of whom in my opinion cant compete with LA actors on any level. *JJ, by the way, will be the first one to defend all of you semi-anonymous people Ive just slandered. If you ask anyone whos been around here for awhile and possesses any craft to them whatsoever, theyll tell you all about the various disreputable agencies whove scammed countless people out of thousands of dollars. Agencies that set up shop, pick the pockets of the uninformed, and then shut down, change their name and do it all over again. Its been on the news any number of times over the years. Do a quick google search and see for yourself. *Speaking of which, heres an idea - just the two cents from some random guy: do a little research. If you dont know what makes a reputable agent, ask around, do a google search and find out - its not hard. If your agent is actively dissuading you from a business class whose entire purpose is to better educate you about the industry in which you want to work, maybe you need to get a new agent. If your acting coach is dissuading you, maybe its time to get a new coach. Everything but acting is exactly what it purports to be - a class about everything BUT acting. Theres not a legitimate reason I know why a financially capable person interested in the industry wouldnt take this class, nor can I think of a person who wouldnt benefit from it. I dont care whether or not you dont believe me, but dont spread gossip. Its beneath you and everyone who does know whats what sees through you. And if you dont know whats what - ask around, do some research, vet your sources. What does so and so gain from saying X to me? How hard is it to do a google search? Or... (and theyre going to hate me for doing this so I wont name names) but how about you take 30seconds and go ask the primary casting director in town, or his current assistant, or one of his past ones? Its not hard. Take some accountability for yourselves, dont just listen to some guy - not even me. Or at the very least, stop with the bullshit gossip. ***Full disclosure: JJ and I are friends, but we were colleagues first. We became friends over the years in the down time spent on sets of various industrials.***
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 05:26:27 +0000