DAJUAN’S BLOG :

LA or Bust…p3

I’ve been trying to figure out how to end this series and I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s never going to end. Simply because I’m always learning things that I wish I knew way back when. The more I try to figure out what I wish I knew, the more I come up with. I’ve found this is true for life too.

SAG

When I first got here everyone was talking about SAG. “You need to join SAG.” “You need to get your SAG vouchers.” I’d walk into casting director workshops and some would say, “we don’t have time to see non-union actors.” And on and on and on. I started to develop this anxiety about joining SAG and joining fast! But, how was I going to do this?

Every book I read said you should get yourself with an extras casting office, do extra work and “HOPE” for a SAG voucher. But, that you were NOT allowed to ask the production office for one once you got on set. (of course because they would get mad) I thought to myself, let me get this straight…I’m supposed to do countless hours of extra work with only the HOPE of possibly getting 1 voucher? Something wasn’t right about this formula to me. Still isn’t.

Here’s what I’ll say about doing extra work and getting your vouchers. I hated it. I never really bought into the school of thought that you had to “pay your dues” doing extra work before you graduated to speaking roles. I did it ONE time and quickly said I’d never do it again. Voucher or not, NO THANK YOU! It’s true that you get to get on a set and see how things work, but you’re treated so poorly you barely have a chance to learn. I truly felt going to watch a live tapping (which I do highly recommend) would have been more beneficial than the 9 hours I spent getting yelled at from PA’s.

What I want to say to all reading this blog is that getting into SAG will happen. There will come a day when those vouchers are easily handed to you or that you are taft hartley’d into the union. I recommend keeping it in the forefront of your mind, but not letting it hold you back. Remember there are NO rules out here and this is one of them. Focus on getting GREAT at your craft. Making yourself irresistible to casting directors, agents, managers. The best way I know to get into the union is through commercial bookings. Try taking class that focus specifically on commercial technique.

Some will tell you that with the current state of the industry and the economic climate, shows and commercials can’t afford to Taft Hartley you anymore. This may very well be true. And when placed up against an equally talented SAG actor you might lose the job. That’s going to hurt & you’re going to hate me. But, trust me when I say if they want you…they want you. Now, this isn’t to say don’t work hard at getting in the union. No, on the contrary, work very hard at it. Just don’t let it hold you back!

(visit SAG’s website to understand the terms I’ve used and just to read up on the guild, very important. www.sag.org)

Marketing

How to Market yourself. This is one of those topics that I wish were covered in ALL colleges/universities across the world. (in regards to acting) Maybe it is and I skipped that day of class. Once you truly start to understand how to market yourself – you’ll start to work. I remember getting out here when I left college with the mindset of, “I can play any character you want!” Well, that’s what I was taught in school. You want a tree? I can play a tree! You want a 6′4 basketball player? I’m 5′10, but I can pull that off too. Oh, jezz. Wouldn’t it be much simpler if I were just myself and I rocked what I rock well?

Start trying to figure out where you fit in this crazy town. And LA has a way of putting you in a category: Leading Man, best friend/sidekick, character actor, etc. If you’re not sure, ask the people in your acting class. If you’re not in an acting class, ask the people where you work. And if you’re still not sure or refuse to believe that you’re the sidekick because you always played the leading man when you put on the plays in your backyard – there are classes you can take. I recommend asking a lot of people what you give off. What they see you playing. Take everyone’s suggestions and compile a list you can work with. This might suck because you saw yourself one way and people are getting something different. Try not to fight it too much. Honestly, I thought for years I was going to play Superman and no one was going to tell me different. Finally, I had to hang that up because I’m not of the lighter skin tone and when has superman ever been black?

Nothing will shoot you in the foot faster than thinking you’re the stoner surfer guy when you’re really the leading man type. Now, yes, if you had a personal trainer, tons of money, and a nutritionist like George Clooney or Will Smith, you could change all those things about you. Or you could bulk up like that kid in the next TWILIGHT movie. More thank likely that’s NOT the case.

“Don’t fight the universe, ride the horse in the direction it’s going.” –SK. Great quote from a teacher I still work with.

Other Marketing Tools.

Here’s what I’ll say about having your own website. Get one. And get it fast. I have found right now in the business people want it fast. They want to be able to click on something and have all the information they need about you. I’ve booked jobs by having my reel and resume online. Do you need to go off and spend a ton of money on one? Not really. But, you do want it to be presentable, professional & easy to navigate.

Social Networking? Well, I’m on the other side of the fence here. I was just at dinner last night with a group of folks. Some in the industry and some not. Facebook came up and one of the ladies there said she hates it when actors use their facebook sites for self-promotion. I immediately disagreed. I explained to her, that in our field we can either pay someone $1500 -$3000 a month to do our PR or we can take to twitter or facebook or where ever for free! You do the math. I think you just have to strike up a healthy balance of what you are posting about. Try to keep yourself well rounded. Every single post you are doing does not have to be about the biz. But, remember you are an Actor. Period. That’s your career and if people can’t handle that then maybe they should unfriend or unfollow you. At least that’s the way I feel about it.

Oh, and also…keep these places professional. If you don’t want to then get a dual identity page thingy. You know, like a FAN page and a personal page. One of the reasons these sites are awesome is because a lot of industry professionals use them too: casting directors, agents, managers, producers, etc. Not sure they want to see the person they’re thinking about casting doing bong hits or streaking Sunset blvd. From this point on, think like a professional when it comes to your image.

Finally, probably one of the most important things I wish I knew when I first moved out here…but quickly found out…you need to have a strong support system in place. I was lucky because a group of people I went to college with moved out here too or had already made the trek. (One of the cool things about being in a theater program I guess.) But, having this already built in support system I truly believe made a difference out here. This group became my family away from my given family. The people I celebrated the highs with and drank about the lows with. Made up of actors, agents, directors, etc.

If you don’t have something like this in place, find good people you connect with. It helps if they’re in the industry or at least if they get the industry because you’re going to be talking about it a lot. I know, I know…I just said be well rounded too. Well, you can be well rounded after you’ve talked about how your day was in the biz!

I hope I helped even a little. Remember these are the opinions of an actor going through it right now. Real Time. None of this is full proof. Just my journey. I often wonder if I’ll look back on all of this and have something different to say. Probably not. As always, if you feel something in here has helped you, please let me know. Same goes for the other side. I enjoy constructive criticism too.

Follow & Friend button. On the right.

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2009 07 12 admin Uncategorized Comments (1) Permalink

Back In LA

Wrapped between kings and queens in Austin last week. Had a great shoot and meet some great people, but I’m happy to be home. What a great challenge as an actor to get to work on a film where you have to have an accent. One of the biggest lessons I learned on this shoot was, “LET GO & MAKE IT WORK.” It’s rather funny how we do ALL the prep work we need before even getting to the game. But, once we get there we second guess ALL of it. Guess that’s why they call them nerves, eh? I’m hoping to get a trailer or teaser from the film up as soon as possible. But, I have learned in this business these things take time.

Thank you for all the comments about the past couple of blogs on “What I Wish I knew When I first moved out to L.A.” I’m drafting the 3rd part of the series and plan to have it up next week.

Until then, check out some of the pictures of my face from the film I’m currently working on. It’s called Wrath Of Cain starring Ving Rhames. It’s a prison film and I have to say I think it’s a pretty good script. These pictures are a series of shots. It took 4 and a half hours to get all of it done and I loved every minute of it. I kept thinking…this is only prepping me for my part in Star Trek or the next X-men. Click here.

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2009 07 06 admin Uncategorized Comments (0) Permalink

LA or Bust…p2

Now that you have your financial situation in order, got yourself into a GREAT class and got some GREAT headshots we can get down to bizness. Showbiz that is.

Helpful advice to remember while you are first starting out is that this is a business. It’s not called SHOW-ART or SHOW-FEELINGS – it’s SHOWBIZ! I want to stress this point because it took so long in the beginning for me to get my head around the business side of things. I came out here thinking how could the casting directors NOT be fighting each other over me, I played Hamlet in Hamlet at the Repertory Theater back home! Hello?!?! I soon found out so did tons of other actors back in their hometown. This truly is the Superbowl of acting and you’re going to have to step up your game. Especially, soon as you realize that the part doesn’t always go to the most talented actor. Or that there wasn’t even an audition for the cast of that whole film or series that you love – they were all offers! It’s a business and sometimes – most of the times – it is not fair. The game and rules have all changed. Fortunately, for us…there are no rules.

‘Til this day, even when I think I have it figured out, new things about the “biz” reveal themselves to me that I wish I’d known years before! Starting with assembling a TEAM of people who believe in your dream almost as much as you do: Agent, Manager, Acting Teacher/Coach. You’ll probably change a few of the players while you’re here – it’s normal and just part of the way it works.

BUILDING YOUR TEAM

AGENT

Three months after being out here I landed my first agent. And although I’ve changed agents a few times, I found that it really was not as hard to get an agent in L.A. as I had heard it would be. Now, I tell you this not to say, “Oh, look at me I got an agent quickly!” Not even close. On the contrary, I want you to beware. What I soon found out about my amazing luck with my amazing agent that I got through a mass unsolicited mailing was that it really was not an agency. Well, I guess it was. It was not a “GOOD” agency I should say. No one had ever heard of them and I soon found out that casting directors did not open their submissions. Here’s what I’m getting at: I was desperate, eager and green. I did not care who the agent was, only that I had an agent. This is NO WAY to start building your team of people.

Be careful when you start seeking representation. Treat it like any other relationship you are just getting into, because it is a relationship. You wouldn’t choose a spouse out of desperation would you??? Don’t pick an agent out of desperation either. If your spider senses go off, it’s probably right – run! This may sound CRAZY, but, at the beginning level, they need you just as much as you need them. If you are in the initial interview process and you don’t like them – don’t sign with them. And NEVER sign a two year contract! EVER!

Here’s the exception to what I’ve just said: Don’t be afraid to take one step backwards that will eventually push you two steps forward. Some relationships are just experience, but you just need to know when to hold’em and know when to fold’em. Example, when I first started out, one of the agencies I first signed with was not that amazing, but they were all that was opening the door. We quickly outgrew each other and I moved on to a better agent. Remembering that every experience is a learning experience will get you far.

The How TO:

Sam french is going to become your best friend when you first get into town. There’s a lot of GOOD information in that store on how to get an agent. But, I’ve found getting a good agent does not work with spending tons of money on mailings and send outs. Or showing up to their offices and lying and saying so & so told you to stop by. Although it may seem very productive, the majority of the agents you are going to want to get with are not going to happen through a mailing. That’s just been my experience thus far. Referrals and workshops (if you can get them to come), I have found are the best avenues and I wish I knew this from the get-go. Since you’re new out here you are probably thinking how am I going to get a referral? Friends, classmates, teachers, co-workers are a great place to start.

Manager:

There is going to be a lot of discussion on whether or not you need a manager. Some will say do not get a manager until you have a career to manage. Or why give a manager 10-15% when you have an agent already commissioning 10%? Or if you get a manager you will make your agent mad and they might drop you. And the list goes on. The main thing to remember at all times is that you are in control of your career and business (YOU, inc) and you need to do what feels right. My personal route, took me to a manager. I had been beating my head up against a wall trying to figure out the next step in achieving my goal and a manager was it. Although these people ARE NOT babysitters, a manager was able to provide the personal attention I needed to move forward. My manager was more hands on with my career. Again, something I really benefited from in the beginning. I can’t stress enough the importance of choosing someone you vibe with as a manager. Someone who’ll take your calls and/or return you emails.

Now, I’d be negligent if I didn’t touch quickly on etiquette with these folks. I’ll say it again, at the end of the day this is a BUSINESS. There will be some that will tell you that you need to stay in your representations face all the time; therefore calling or emailing everyday just to let them know you are still here. Or showing up at their offices just to say hello once a week. Here’s what I say, MODERATION is key. Where I do think you do not, I repeat do not, want to become the silent person on their roster, you also don’t want to be the nag. Figure out what works for the relationship you’ve just entered. Focus on making their job easier, making them money, thus making you money. Your job does not stop just because you’ve landed an agent or manager. In a way, it actually JUST GOT STARTED. I have to say that my bookings within the last year have been a 50/50 split between the relationships I’ve built and auditions they’ve gotten me. Help them help you. Make it SO hard NOT to notice you. How do you do that? By staying in class, coaching when you have an audition, meeting people, etc.

As always, I’d love to hear from you. Please send me a comment if you are charmed to do so. Facebook & Twitter (@dajuanjohnson) work well too.

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2009 06 19 admin LA or Bust Comments (0) Permalink

LA or Bust

Things I wish I’d known when I first got to L.A.; I’ve been asked by a few different people, so I thought I’d blog about it.

I should start by saying that I have a high level of passion and drive for acting. When I was younger, my mother always use to say whenever I set my mind on something, nothing else seemed to matter – I got consumed almost. Tunnel Vision I believe she called it. But, I later found out that this “Type-A” personality trait would help me with my pursuit in achieving my dreams. I say this to point out that if you don’t have the drive or the passion to really…and I mean really be an actor and all that comes along with it – DO SOMETHING ELSE! Save yourself the money that you’ll spend in therapy and the rejection and heartache. Cool?

The first thing I did when I got out here was get my financial situation in order. I had saved up a few thousand dollars to live just so that I wouldn’t have to jump straight into a side job. I soon found out that a few thousand was nothing in this city. My first bit of advice, if you are not among the fortunate who can afford not to have to get a side gig — get yourself a good flexible “side job.” You’re going to hate it and at times you’re going to even resent it…and why wouldn’t you? It’s not what you came out here to do! It’s not what you spent 4 years in University perfecting your craft to do – and yet you really do need to do it. The trick is to make sure they’re flexible and will allow you to leave for auditions, bookings and/or extended bookings.

Now, that you’ve found the job and you’re setting yourself up for life in LA – the fun can begin.

Classes. Get yourself into a GREAT class. Everyone and their mom (no, seriously, I’ve taken classes with famous actors’ moms) is teaching a class out here on Acting. And they all say they will make you the best! Well, that’s not the case. Do your homework and get into a good class. I spent the beginning years of my career in LA in a great acting class. Or, so I thought it was great coming out of college. This person had been in a commercial and that person had read for a small part on Y&R. But, after being there for 2 years, I realized over half the class did not have agents, they did not have headshots, and they were mostly complaining about being out here in LA – WHAT!!!???

Second piece of advice, find a studio (class) where the people are working, the drive and passion are high and where the people are supportive. (but a little competition never hurt nobody either!) Remember Bill Cosby said it best: The proof is in the pudding. The 2nd studio I went to and spent three years at was like being in an actors boot-camp. But, the majority of people were working. People were auditioning, constantly. The majority of actors had agents or managers and the vibe was different. The conversations had changed…and I had to up my game. 1 month after being there I got a good manager. 2 months I had a good agent. 9 months after working there I booked my first network TV gig. I really and truly believe what this specific teacher taught should be taught in ALL university’s. It was like a LIGHT BULB came on. I feel THAT strongly about her first two classes.

Here’s how I’ll end this part: if you want to get better at your tennis game, you’re not going to play with someone who’s worse than you. No, you’re going to want to play with the best. Don’t be afraid to be the worst in class. You can only go up! And it feels good to rise.

(If you want the names of the teachers that worked for me, shoot me an email.)

Headshots. You need to get them done. They are your calling card to the biz. Everyone will tell you this, but it’s true. It’s what the agents, managers, casting directors, etc are all going to see first. You want them to be damn good. My advice is to get them done for a reasonable price. Do your homework. Know what kind of shots you want. Commercial/Theatrical. What colors you look good in and what you absolutely do not. Look for a photographer that you vibe with. Not one that just wants to shoot you for the money. Really think about your shots and what they could be used to cast you in. For example, do you want to do drama (CSI or Grey’s Anatomy) or do you want to do sitcom (How I Met…/Two & A Half…). You don’t have to give up complete control in these sessions, but you don’t want to try to take them over either. If you’ve chosen correctly, your photographer will know what they’re doing. Most shoot with digital now and can give you an idea what the shots are looking like as you go.

I’ve never bought into the $1000 headshot folks. I’m sure they are amazing and I’m sure their services come with a fluffer or something that’s going to make you look amazing! But, really? $1000 when you’re first starting off. Not this guy. No way, No how. Chances are if you don’t have an agent or manager at this point (and you might not, if you are just getting out here) you are going to have to re-shoot your headshots anyway. Take the proofs to class with you. Ask the other peeps (classmates) and the teacher if they’re willing to take a look at them. This way you will have another opinion outside of your own and your moms who thinks every picture of you looks great!

Now, this is a three part blog so please check back for the next two parts. I will touch a little bit on the big push for an agent and/or a manager, getting into SAG, networking, casting director workshops, finding your support system and more. Essentially, you’re going to need to build a TEAM of people to make this all work out here.

Thanks for reading.

As always, I’m on facebook and you can follow me on twitter (@dajuanjohnson). I’d love to hear from you.

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2009 06 12 admin LA or Bust Comments (1) Permalink

Pause.

Well, week one of shooting officially over. Phew. I’m settling into the accent and I’ve seen some rough rough footage of the film. I don’t know if I recommend doing that, but it was offered so I accepted. I would like to think I operate on the premise that I’m comfortable with my acting so I don’t need to see it. WRONG & RIGHT. I’ll leave it at that. I will say that this experience has been amazing so far and I’m looking forward to the next four weeks.

Also, I went to the MTV Movie Awards this past Sunday. It was pretty freaking AMAZING! All the odds were against me going. Many said I wouldn’t make it – said only A-list actors would be there. That I was no one, even though I did a movie that premiered on MTV. And I almost believed them. Almost. But at the end of the day – I WENT TO THE MTV MOVIE AWARDS! I got to walk the carpet. I got to go to the official after party and another hosted after party. I walked the red carpet with the A list actors. Got to sit aisles away from my dreams of being on the stage. (note to self: don’t do the red carpet behind Zachary Quinto – you’ll get ignored) And sure, no one really knew who Alex and I were except for the fans of PEDRO, but it was AWESOME! What I know for sure???? Don’t let ANYONE set limitations for you and tell you what you can or cannot do! This life has no rules or boundaries – only the ones you let get in the way! I’m so humbled by everything that’s happened so far in my life and I’m looking forward to the wonderfulness the universe has in store for me next.

MTV Movie Awards

MTV Brooklyn Boyz & Alex Loynaz

Forest

Real World Brooklyn Ladies

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2009 06 02 admin Austin
Between Kings & Queens
I Want To Go To There Comments (1) Permalink

Day 1

Well, I’ve just finished Day One in Austin. I’m loving this city. Today was filled with rehearsing and getting to know the director and my co-star, Nakia Burrise. Really cool young lady. I’m looking forward to working with her. Since I was brought onto the project a little late, I have a lot of catching up to do. But, I’m excited and up for the challenge. I’ve been speaking 50% in my new dialect. Tomorrow I’ll try for 75%. I have a few pics from my trip around the city, but check back in for set pics soon.

To love what you do and feel that it matters…how can anything be more fun!? –someone cool!

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2009 05 26 admin Austin Comments (0) Permalink

Dialect Coach

You know I’m a firm believer that the universe is always working in our favor and gives us what we need. When we need it. Well, I’m am here by putting my seal of approval behind Claudette Roche. People tell you they are good at what they do, but no seriously, she is AMAZING at what she does. It’s great to see someone that LOVES what they do and are good at it. I walked in there less than confident and walked out of there holding my head up high and speaking in my new West African Dialect. If you need any dialect coaching…check this lady out first. Tell her I sent you! You won’t get a discount by using my name, but it’ll definitely make her smile. She loves saying my name!

www.theaccentcoach.com

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2009 05 24 admin Dialect Coach Comments (1) Permalink

Austin or Bust!

Hooray! I booked the lead in an Independent film called: Between Queens and Kings! It shoots in Austin for the next five weeks. I play Kalu & he is from West Africa. Yup, I’m doing a West African accent. But, don’t worry, I’m meeting with a dialect coach before I leave and the director is from Nigera – so I should be fine on that front. I’m just really excited to “bring it” on this film.

As you can probably imagine I am on cloud nine. I leave in less than a week and I’ve got a lot to do before heading over to Texas. You can expect many more blogs and postings while I’m on set and in Austin. And of course the videos from my flip cam!

Last, but SOOOOO not least… I’M GOING TO THE MTV MOVIE AWARDS! I told you I had something in the wings that I wanted to tell you, but had to wait…well there it is. Red Carpet…whole sha-bang!!! Alex Loynaz (Pedro) and I are heading there on May 31. Oh, try and stop me from using my flip cam that day. Yup, i’m going to be THAT GUY!

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2009 05 21 admin Austin
Between Kings & Queens Comments (0) Permalink

Star Trek -I Want To Go To There

I saw Star Trek last night. Wait, let me start by saying that I have never been a trekkie. I’ve never watched a single episode of the popular show or the movies out there. I’ve also never tried to split my fingers to create a vulcan..live long and prosper thingy. (Still can’t do it) But, you’d have to be living under a rock not to know who Spock and Kirk were. Plus, I’m a kid who loves sci-fi and spent a portion of my adolescents working in a comic book store. (LOVE X-MEN!) I went into the theater last night expecting a good movie because of all the hype, but nothing like the experience I got. Let’s just say I’m a fan now. I’d pretty much follow JJ to the end of the world. And I am making it my new mission with my career to get J.J. Abrams to cast me. Either in LOST, STAR TREK, HEROES…something. I love the way this guy’s mind works. How amazing that he inspired me as an actor AND an audience member. If you like action, cool story lines, crap blowing up…Go see Star Trek!

P.S. I can HARDLY wait for G.I. JOE, Transformers, and Terminator. I mean COME ON!

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2009 05 15 admin I Want To Go To There
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Boston Represented

I’m just getting back from Boston where I was invited to attend the Boston Film Festival. All I have to say is THANK YOU BOSTON! I fell in love with that city this weekend. So much history, so much beauty and great people. I think I must have walked the entire city and seen everything a tourist could see. Except for where the Boston Tea Party happened. Pedro was received extremely well at the film festival. The audience was pretty awesome and stayed behind for a Q & A and a reception. I promised a few of the guys in the audience that I would blog about the questions I couldn’t answer at the time. Those three questions are listed below.

I took my new birthday gift with me. The flip cam. And I took some pretty cool footage. I’m just getting the hang of it and still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do with it. Bare with me as I work out the FLIP CAM kinks.

Here are the two links:

Boston Part 1

Boston Part 2

Finally, I have to do some ADR this week on Maneater which I’m looking forward to. Hey, if the director will let me FLIP…I’ll bring it along so you all can experience it too. He’s a cool cat so we will see.

PEDRO QUESTIONS:

Q: What was the symbolism of the color yellow and the yellow dress in the movie?

A: If you recall, the mother (who wore the dress) told young Pedro a story about a lady who only had one dress and she had to wash it by the river. SHE’S A SAINT – LA CARIDAD DE COBRE. SHE HAD A WHITE DRESS THAT TURNED YELLOW, AND WE’RE ALLUDING TO THAT STORY WITH THE MOM’S YELLOW DRESS

Q:Did Pedro’s family get to stay in the US after they came over?

A: Yes

Q: What was up with the water under the bed?

A: It was said that the water was placed under the bed to help the spirit pass. The hope was that the spirit would come back and drink the water. Feeling welcome back in the home. Cuban tradition when someone passes away.

Again, thank you to ALL that came out to the Film Festival in Boston. It was a great turn out and I was honored to be there. As always check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter (@dajuanjohnson).

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2009 05 12 admin Boston Film Festival
Flip Cam
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