Thursday, April 9, 2009

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Attention Blog Readers!

After days of tinkering, I'd like to redirect your attention to www.carollani.com/wordpress where this blog will continue to give the the best in "Carollani tries to be an actress" stories and updates. Please adjust your subscription at this time. Thank you!

Monday, March 30, 2009

12 Hours to Portland and Back

I'm working on a new website for my blog so a lot of my time is going there, so forgive me for not writing as often for a bit.

Yesterday I went to Portland with Brad for the Crowley Project casting call. It was an exhausting experience. We left Seattle at 6am and mashed down south. It was pretty chilly, but I had some of those little warm packets that helped out. We basically waited in line after line for 6 hours. Then we filled out some information, then we waited in more lines, then we got our photos taken, and then... we left.

It was a very long day.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Harrison Ford Feature in Portland

I am totally going to this casting call!
Extras Only Casting Company and casting director Danny Stoltz are
currently casting all extras, featured, stand-ins and photo-doubles
for the feature film The Untitled Crowley Project, which will begin
filming in Oregon next month.

Extras Only will be casting approximately 2,000 extras of all ages and
all types. Extras do not need to be completely available for the
duration of filming, some people will work only 1 or 2 days and some
will repeat in different scenes working multiple days. Extras will
make a min of $68/day (8hrs), OT over 10.

Starring Harrison Ford, Brendan Fraser, and Keri Russell, The Untitled
Crowley Project is an uplifting, inspirational drama inspired by the
true story of John Crowley, a man who defied conventional wisdom and
great odds, and risked his family’s future to pursue a cure for his
children’s life-threatening disease.

CASTING CALL INFORMATION
This Sunday, March 29TH
Anytime Between 11a – 4p
@ The Doubletree (Lloyd Center)
(1000 NE Multnomah St – Portland. Enter at Banquet Entrance)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Third Time's a Charm

It must be embedded in my genes or something, but I am always total crap during my first reading at an audition. Always. I almost always stop midway through and beg for another chance. It must be so off putting and so unrepresentative of me. It blows because I'm actually quite a good actress and I take direction very well, but in an audition setting my nerves get the best of me and I fumble. Always.

All in all, I actually think the audition went pretty well. But you never know until you hear back. I'd really love the part, and I'd tell you about it except that I signed a nondisclosure agreement. Anyway, fingers crossed!

Networking

Brad and I went to an industry mixer at Sole Repair this evening and met some interesting people. Hopefully we'll be able to position ourselves in such a way that local filmmakers will take notice of us and want to use us in their films.

I'm pretty buzzed from my lemon drop and now I need to head to an audition. I actually think the buzz will help me be more relaxed and natural. Wish me luck!

Free Professional Headshot

A very talented photographer is offering to shoot headshots for free! Check out his ad on craigslist.

Hollywood Takes on DC

Big Hollywood stars fill the roles of even bigger US stars!
Dennis Quaid will star as President Clinton, Michael Sheen will portray British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Julianne Moore will play Hillary Clinton in "The Special Relationship," an HBO film about the unique and sometimes turbulent political relationship between the newly installed PM and the U.S. president.
Let's compare them, shall we?







I'll be interested in seeing how they try to make Julianne Moore look like Hillary Clinton.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

That's a Wrap

I just wrapped up my part on Halos and Rainbows. :) It was a really fun shoot and I'm glad I did it. I hope that it all turns out well, but I know I did a pretty good job regardless. Heh. I can't wait to see it!

Are you Harrison Ford?

They're looking for a Harrison Ford stand in. Check out the ad and definitely go for it if you're a match!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Carollani, the Portfolio

I'm working on a new website for my portfolio that also will host my blog content, since Blogger owns all content on its sites. I haven't designed a website for a while and I'm feeling kind of rusty, but I hope that once I get rolling it will come easier and I'll have something up soon. My live website is all about design and is full of dated content. Blah. I need all new everything! :) Wish me luck, I hope to have something soon!

The Weekend

I haven't been able to write the last couple days because I've been so busy! On Saturday I was at the Halos and Rainbows shoot for ten hours and didn't get home until 4:30am. It was a long night, but I had a lot of fun when I was actually working. The other actors are good people and I'm excited to see how they did on film.

I got this great scene where I get to interrupt the main characters by knocking over loads of beer, wine, and liquor bottles. It was awesome, but after several takes my sleeves were pretty soaked. Anyway, I had a good time and I go back for more filming tonight. I'm really anxious and excited to see how they cut the footage together, I hope it turns out as well as I know it can! Trust me, as soon as I'm able to I'll either link to or host some or all of the film here.

On Sunday I went to an audition for a college comedy and read for two of the lead female roles. They offered me the role of Vici, who in my opinion is the more interesting of the two. No word yet on when or where shooting will be, but it should be fun.

Tonight I'll be going back for more Halos and Rainbows filming. Hopefully it won't be quite as late as Saturday's shoot.

Man, they want stand-ins for the regulars on a show on TNT in Portland, but I'm too short for all of the actors. Heh. Here's the link though, if you match any of the following criteria:
TIMOTHY HUTTON: Caucasian; Ht. 5'11" - 6'; Wt. 165-175; Brown Hair, Blue Eyes

CHRISTIAN KANE: Caucasian; Ht. 5'8.5"-5'9.5"; Wt. 170; Brown Hair, Blue Eyes; Very muscular

ALDIS HODGE: African/American; Ht. 6'0.5"-6'2"; Wt. 180-185; Black Hair; Brown Eyes: Long and lanky

GINA BELLMAN: Olive Complexion; Ht. 5'7"-5'8"; Wt. 130; Brown Hair; Brown Eyes

BETH RIESGRAF: Caucasian; Ht. 5'6"-5'7"; Wt. 120-125; Blonde Hair; Hazel Eyes

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Theataaah

I went to my first theater audition today. To be honest, I'm not sure how well I did. I kind of think I was okay, but it's hard to tell sometimes. I'm getting better at showing up for these things and not getting too nervous; I'm sure the more I go to the easier it will be for me to stay cool. (ice cold) Heh.

I really liked the script (what I read of it anyway) so I think it could be a really fun play to be in if I were to be cast. I think I do so much better when I get to audition with another actor so I have someone to answer to and react to, but I try my best regardless.

Tomorrow I don't have any auditions, but then Saturday through Monday I'll be on the set of Halos and Rainbows. On Sunday I also have another audition, this one is in Auburn, so it'll be a busy day.

Foreground Background

I came across Denise Gibbs about a week ago, she's got a company called Foreground Background and she has this to say about herself and her company:
My hope is for my success as well as the good people I've met in front of and behind the camera. I've learned a lot from many people and am looking forward to continuing to grow and learn as well as provide opportunities to those in our area as well as abroad. Another one of my dreams is to see film come roaring back to Seattle. With so many talented individuals and such breathtaking beauty, how could it not happen!
Since gaining access to her listings I've found some really good stuff. Besides various jobs, she had a notice and link for free screening passes to see The Great Buck Howard last night. I was fortunate enough to go and see it and I had a great time. The movie was pretty cute, definitely funny, and had a nice feel-good ending. The cast included John Malkevich, Colin Hanks, Tom Hanks, and Emily Blunt (love her). Enjoy the Trailer!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Audition: Actors Needed For Student Short Film

This one's near Vancouver (Burnaby), and at least it pays an hourly wage!
Actors Needed for student short film.
We are Surrey Simon Fraser University students.
We are making 5 to 7 minutes short film for course project.

We need 2 male age 20-30 male actors and one age 20-30 female actress.

If you are interested, please contact us, I can send you the script.
We are going to start shooting this possibly this friday or this weekend. Please contact us ASAP!
Free Lunch + $5/hr

Email me or contact me on a phone, 778 883 8321

I am sure this film will be great to have it on your portfolio reel.

SAG Looking at Pact

I don't know if you've heard about he impending SAG strike, but I have mixed feelings about it. I believe that SAG members should be getting a portion of the revenue that online media brings in for the production companies and I hope they resolve the conflict soon, but a strike could be a very good thing for a non-union actress like myself. Heh.

Big stars like Tom Hanks and George Clooney are trying to dissuade SAG from a strike, saying that a recession is not the time to stop actors from working.
"While the rigorous confidentiality required in negotiation settings prevents me from providing a full update here, I want to assure you that we are working deliberately, and with as much haste as possible, to conclude our talks and bring to you, the members, a deal for your ratification," said national interim exec director David White in a message sent to members Tuesday evening.

Audition: Young Man Needed For Reading

I'm going to be reading for "Hannah" tomorrow, but she needs a guy to read for Seamus.
Local writer Julie Salle is in need of another actor for her script
reading in front of patrons on April 4th. If you are interested and
fit the bill, please contact her ASAP!
Thanks,
Denise

“Circuity” is a feature length story of teen lust, envy and the
circumstantial choices that compel life forward. Everything is set
for a live reading the evening of April 4th, with the exception of
finding the right 'Seamus' and ‘Hannah (Already posted).’

Exercise your talent for an audience of over 100 art patrons and a few
industry folks.

Seamus Sinclair - early 20's
Seamus is a cocky, confident young man who moves through the world
with a sense of entitlement. He speaks in direct commands and
apologizes for nothing. The attraction between he and Hannah is lust
filled and wanton, but is it love? The first time she says 'No' is
when he says good-riddance. It's a choice that haunts moving forward.

Audition Sessions:
Location: Kenyon Hall (West Seattle)
7904 35th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98136
www.kenyonhall.org
Wednesday (March 18th) 11:30am-1:30pm
Thursday (March 19th) 4:30 - 6:30pm

All volunteer.

For more details or an appointment, contact Julie Salle

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Families in Portland

Lana Veenker Casting, a Portland casting company is casting a print job that will shoot in Bend, OR the week of March 30th. We are looking for real families (Mom, Dad, Kids) or individuals (client will "create" families). We are specifically looking to fill the following roles or family groupings:

FAMILY #1 -
Mom & Dad mid 20's-early 40's
Two Kids ages 5-7 -- both kids must know how to ski
(Mom/Dad or legal guardian should contact casting company)

FAMILY #2 -
Mom & Dad mid 20's-early 40's
Two Kids ages 7-9
(Mom/Dad or legal guardian should contact casting)

FAMILY #2 -
Mom mid 20's to early 40's
Baby 6-9 months old

Ideally, the client would like to cast real families, but will create families from individuals, so please submit yourself if you fit any of the roles listed above. Again, for minors, the parent or guardian MUST contact the casting company.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, please email us the following information:

1. Full name(s) (if individual just for you, if submitting for entire family, please include all family member names and AGES of kids as they must fit the age ranges being sought).

2. Contact phone numbers (cell, home, etc) VERY IMPORTANT, if we do not have this information, we cannot contact you if you are selected for the audition (or "go see" in the world of print).

3. Please email a recent picture of you or your family. This is important as this photo is your initial audition.

We will make selections from photos submitted of those to be asked to the audition (Go See). The audition is set to take place this coming THURSDAY 3/19/09, so we need to hear from you ASAP.

If you are selected to come to the audition, we will call you to give you further details on the location and time.

Reminder: The shoot for this job will take place during the week of March 30th, 2009 in Bend, OR. Those chosen for the shoot may work as little as a 1/2 day, but could work for multiple days.

Pay:
Half Day - $500; Full Day - $700
Per Person, Per Day

Travel Reimbursement:
Client will pay for the hotel in Bend, plus $30/day per person per diem, plus a $20 gas stipend per vehicle.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call our company at 503-221-3090.

Cold Readers

Check this out, they're looking for actors to go do cold readings of scripts in front of an audience of industry professionals!
Come to another great show Thursday, March 26th 8-9:30pm!
Professional actors interpret, improvise, and play off locally
submitted scripts at the Seattle Cold Readers at this monthly event
at the historic Alibi Room in downtown Seattle.
Our line up for this month will be:

The Store Next Door by Richard Lasser
12:01 by Jenni Brown
The Star Maker by Jesse Ward Putnam
Betty Lies by Scott Bell

If you are an interested actor or writer for a future show, please
submit your script, resume or headshot to: www.seattlecoldreaders.com
$6 cover charge
Performing actors & writers excluded.

The Alibi Room

85 Post Alley #410
Seattle, WA 98108

Marh 26, 2009 8-9:30pm
www.seattlecoldreaders.com

Email available through the website.
Eileen Dey, M.A.
Community Relations

Seattle Cold Readers | The Alibi Room | 85 Post Alley | Seattle | WA | 98101

I Drove All Night

I was offered the supporting role of "Driver Girl," in the short film Halos and Rainbows, early yesterday morning. It's not paid, but I thought it would be fun and a good experience, plus I think the script is pretty good. You can check out the project on the Blue Crest Pictures website.

So, everyone in this first shoot showed up, we had our hair and make up done, and then we proceeded to drive from Bellevue to Alki Beach over and over and over to get every shot they needed. For most of it our car was on a flat bed and I just acted like I was driving while they filmed us dancing around and being silly. The shoot was pretty fun, but we filmed until 4am, so by the time I got home I was completely wiped out. Plus my character smokes so my throat and lungs are pretty sore today.

I think the shoot this weekend will be even more fun, because it's in a house and I have a few lines and walk throughs. Hopefully it won't shoot quite as late, but whatever, it's still fun.

TV is getting out of Cali

At least 20 pilots are being shot outside of California this pilot season, which is really good news for us folks on the outskirts of the entertainment industry. Hopefully this trend will push the big networks up to Seattle and Vancouver, and maybe give me a chance to get in on the mix.

I know if I am serious about acting I should probably go to LA, like... last week, but until I get a little steam going I will continue to seek out opportunities here in the Northwest. I only wish the city of Seattle made itself a little more welcoming to studio business--I'm looking at YOU Mayor Greg Nickels. California's new budget makes it economically sensible to go elsewhere to shoot. Vancouver, BC is especially alluring because of the currency exchange, says Cynthia Littleton.

Check out the article in Variety!

Acting UP in Seattle

Hi! My name is Carollani and this is my story.

A few months ago, like a lot of other people these days, I lost my job. I found myself at a cross roads and thought long and hard about what my next move would be. Straight out of high school I did what I thought was the smart thing; I went into a commercial art school (The Art Institute of Seattle) and focused on Multimedia and Web Design. I learned a skill set that made me valuable in the market that existed at the time, but while I was doing that I set aside a lot of things that I really loved and had a passion for.

One of those things was acting. I've always loved TV and movies and theater so much, and I've always felt like I had a lot to give as an actress. So now, while the economy is bad and getting worse, while I'm unemployed and uninterested in returning to my previous career, while I'm not getting any younger... I want to act. Specifically in film or TV. Maybe I sound naive, but time will tell, and I invite you to follow along in my journey.

I plan to write about the acting jobs I get, I plan on posting listings for auditions, I plan on blogging on any big entertainment news, and I hope to be able to post clips of myself of things I get into. So, enjoy!