It’s official. I got my old job back. Interesting, to say the least. I’m not tripping out over it either. If anything, I’m tripping by the fact that I’m not tripping.

I stopped by to see that elderly couple from yesterday’s mishap. I didn’t get to see the wife because she was resting, but I talked to the husband. More accurately, I listened to husband. He told me this incredibly long story about…something. I had no idea what he was telling me through his accent, but I trust that it was a great story. He was so animated while telling it; his face just lit up with joy. Or maybe he was saying “keep your dirty paws off of my wife or I’ll breaka your face!” I don’t know.

No auditions for two weeks. Wow. I wonder how long it will last. Another day? Another week? A month? Another hour. I don’t think I’ve had my last audition, callback or booked my last job, but who really knows when the last one is? Time will tell.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Check this out. This afternoon I had gone out to get something out of my car and on my way back to my apartment I sensed “something” was going on. I had no idea what; it was just one of those feelings you get. I stood on my tip-toes to look around and saw, in the distance, a Black woman struggling with a Caucasian man on a 4-wheeled scooter. The kind an elderly or disabled person might use. I sprinted across the street with lightening speed to help, but to be honest, I had no idea what was really happening between the man and the woman.

As I got closer I could see that the woman was in her 50’s and the man, probably in his 80’s. The cart that the man was sitting on was trying to move forward, but the woman was trying to stop him. It was only then that I could see that an elderly, white-haired woman was under the scooter while the man was completely out of control with his hand on the throttle trying to go forward. The motorized wheels kept lunging forward while the Black woman was trying to get the man’s hands off of the controls. The white-haired elderly was screaming “GET IT OFF ME, GET IT OFF ME!!!

Thankfully, I’ve been working out at the gym on the regular and I’m strong like a MOFO! I lifted the scooter off of the woman like the Incredible Black man that I am. You shoulda seen dat sh*t yo! I rolled up like I was gonna save everybody and everything. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time for me to rip out of my shirt and scream like the Incredible Hulk.

So I get the scooter off the woman, comfort her and have her lay still to make sure she wasn’t seriously hurt. She kept repeating, in an Eastern European accent, “I didn’t want to go, I knew something bad would happen”. She didn’t know what the heck had happened except that a damn scooter was pissed off at her for some reason. At that point I didn’t know what had happened either. I slowly helped her get to her feet and guided her to a shady area to gather her wits. Her glasses were bent which gave her a small cut on her cheek; she had a small scrapes on her head and hands and a little abrasion on her leg. Also, her pants were torn and she was quite dirty from being laid the eff out on the sidewalk.

It was only at this point that I got the full story of what happened. The Black woman in her 50’s was a hospice nurse. She was walking along side of the elderly man on the scooter when, all of the sudden, he started going really fast and out of control down the sidewalk. The elderly, white-haired woman was also with them, but she was walking some distance in front of them further down the sidewalk using a walker. She was also his wife. Yup, he had run over his wife with his scooter.

The man on the scooter hadn’t used it for a while and was getting familiar with it again. He’d also had both legs amputated just above the knees and was wearing prosthetics. He was confused and felt terrible about what had happened.

I thought about calling an ambulance, but after a moment or two I assessed that she was okay, just a bit shaken up, bruised and sore. I wasn’t sure what to do next; it all happened so fast. Then the woman asked me if I worked in the area. I replied, “yes”. Then she asked if I had a car. Again, I said “yes”. Next she asked if I would take her home. I said “Of course I would”.

So I went to get my car, cooled it down with A/C blasting, put her walker in my trunk and helped her to the passenger side. We left the hospice nurse and the husband to get home with the scooter on the own. On the way home she was very appreciative of my assistance and I asked her where she was from. She was from Poland and had come here through Canada, had 4 children in the area – one of which is a producer. (I can’t get away from the business, lol!)

I helped her out of the car and up the sidewalk to her home and was on my way. Shortly after arriving back at my apartment I remembered that her walker was still in my trunk. So I drove back to her place to drop it off. She was resting out on the front stoop and was surprised to see me again. She said she was going to be okay. I believed her. Growing up in Poland in the 20’s and 30’s. I’m sure she has seen many things tougher than a silly runaway scooter – even if her husband was driving it.

It totally made my day to be able to help a stranger.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I haven't had a single audition in more than a week. Not alarming, but a little unusual.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

WOW! Talk about full circle or should I say “fuller” circle – no pun intended. I applied for a job today. Not just any job; my old job at the place I used to work at years ago. I say “fuller circle” as opposed to simply “full circle” because when I worked there I used to dream about “not” working there and coming back in a different incarnation. That exact thing happened when, about a year after I left, I booked a job that was to shoot in Japan and the fitting was held at my former place of employment. I thought that was “full circle”, but today the circle grew another dimension, to “fuller” when I filled out the application. Yes, it felt a little weird, but it wasn’t as bad and jarring as I thought it would be. There were several people that I knew from years ago when I worked there that greeted me warmly. Another thing that was weird was that I didn’t know how much I hadn’t forgotten about that experience until I was physically back in the space. It was a long time ago – but you gotta do watcha gotta do.

It was the logical place to return to. Why? Parking. I’m only sorta kidding. Parking in LA is one of the things that has the potential to drive me absolutely crazy. I’ll see what happens. Who knows, maybe they’ll hire me. At minimum, if I get the job, it’ll help keep me stable while I decide what I’m going to do in the near future. I’m not looking at it as my exit strategy away from my life as an actor, but I can’t help but think about leaving LA as often as it crosses my mind. It’s not a new thought it’s been that at least the last 5 years. I know I can make LA work for me I just have to try harder, be smarter and there are a few things I can change in my life.

One thing is that it’s more difficult trying to make a living booking co-star roles. So my approach is to relax a little more and not put so much pressure on myself. I’m not thrilled about doing those roles in the career sense, but at the same time I love being on set even in that capacity. There is no question that more guest-starring and beyond roles are in my future; I just have to keep moving forward. So I’m going to trust my foundation that I’ve so carefully built and get smarter with my hustle - whatever that entails. That doesn’t mean I’m going to sit idle; it just means that I’m looking at some things a little differently.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Part of this journey is being able to “do whatcha gotta do when you gotta do it”. That being said it looks like I’ll be rejoining the work force. I’m not sure in what capacity, but I have some ideas so what we’ll see what works for me.

I was looking at my earnings over the years on the SAG website (not that it’s been THAT much, it hasn’t), but I can say that I’ve earned several hundred thousand dollars over the course of my career - all under Screen Actors Guild contracts. Now the key is to keep earning and moving forward with a positive attitude onto bigger and better things.

My problem is that I’ve gotten bogged down with the serious side of the industry. It’s hard not to considering the current state of the entertainment business. Sometimes I wish I could just remain oblivious to the inner workings of Hollywood, but it might be my future so I have to have to pay attention to the really important stuff. Honestly, it has me completely drained and beat up, but I can’t complain because there are many more people that are actually doing the real union work. I’m more like a good soldier who has always done a great job of informing fellow performers, attending meeting and when needed, being on the picket lines.

We actors didn’t always get residuals, pension & health benefits, overtime, etc. Somebody, many people, had to fight for these provisions in our contracts. I feel as though I HAVE to participate in the process to protect these benefits for and make things better for those who will come behind me. After all someone did it for me.

Things are changing in this line of work and I don’t know how the chips are going to fall, but it’s going to be different. I’m already feeling the way new media is affecting the landscape as this tough business gets tougher.

Example: My “Bones” episode hasn’t rerun on network, BUT it was available – online - for months after it first aired and I didn’t receive a dime for that additional use of my work. The online version had 4-5 commercial breaks for which, I assume, the network received advertising dollars, but the actors received nothing. I’m way past the point of just being happy to book a job and see myself on TV, in a film or a commercial. It’s a job, a job I love when I get a chance to perform, but a job nonetheless.

I’ve worked plenty of acting jobs for free and will do more in the future I’m sure, but for those jobs I knew up front that it was going to be free. The play I did several years ago was free, heck, it actually costs me money to do, but I had an absolute blast doing it and I knew what I was signing up for in the beginning. The “Bones” appearance wasn’t meant to be free.

I am thankful that I have the experiences behind me that I do. By that I mean my foundation and infrastructure, the team that I’ve built over the years and credits that I’ve earned. I’m tired and I think I need to slow down in order to help myself move forward.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

”Miscellaneous Commercials”. You gotta be kidding! No, not at all. That is what I found as I was looking into some old financial statements. An envelope labeled “Miscellaneous Commercials”. Wow, that was “back in the day!” when I always had at least one commercial running, or just filmed one or one being held by the ad agency…at least one. I gotta get back on the stick and get some jobs. I must admit I smiled when I saw “Miscellaneous Commercials”. It’s not like I’ve done THAT many, but more than most.

At times it’s easy to forget exactly how much I’ve accomplished in my career. Just being able to say “career” is a huge accomplishment. I don’t take it for granted; I have been very, very fortunate – not to be confused with lucky. It took me years to be able to say I was a professional actor on my own personal level. I was a “waiter/actor”, then an “actor/waiter”, then simply “an actor with a career”. “Actor”; that is exactly what it says on my tax returns.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Charter Communications” @ M Casting. I had more dialogue in this audition than in a lot of my theatrical auditions. I read for 3 different roles – I’d like to book one of them.

Afterwards I had a meeting with my new agent at my commercial agency and I like her a lot. Hopefully we can book some jobs together.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition/Producers/Tape: “24” @ Pagano/Manwiller Casting. I’ve been trying to get into this office for years. It’s is 27.9 miles from my apartment so I haven’t made regular drops there over the years, but I’ve recently tried to dig deeper into places where I haven’t been before as far as casting offices go. So lately I’ve been making the long, gas guzzling trek out the 101 North to the casting office to try to get my name in this office. I guess it worked or maybe my efforts had nothing at all to do with it – who knows.

The audition – I haven’t had this happen in a long time. I completely blanked out. Yup! I had my first moment, said my first line and then just came up empty. I don’t know what happened, but I recovered admirably. I didn’t ask to start over or apologize; I just backed up to my starting mark, paused 2 seconds and began again – and nailed it if I may say so myself. I felt bad for stumbling, but I felt better for how I handled it. Of course they may have already tuned out from my performance. Oh well there always…”next time”. Geez, I’m tired of saying that.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Not so great news. I was released from the “Chili’s” avail. Oh well, I‘ll get ‘em next time. The great thing is that Top LA commercial casting director Ross Lacy continues to call me in more than anyone in this town. No, I'm not always great, but more often than not I leave good stuff in the room. I’ve booked 3 commercials for him so he knows I’m professional, talented and can do the work. Thanks Ross!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: "Cox Cable" @ Joe Blake Casting. Yes! This audition went really well even though I was preparing the wrong character the entire time I was preparing in the lobby. I knew the copy backwards and forwards so I was able to switch it up right away. I expect to get a callback on this one.

It seemed like the SAG-AMPTP negotiations might have been moving forward, but now it seems like “no so much”. To be frank - this sucks. It makes me sick to my stomach that these huge entities - the studios - are so greedy. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the near or distant future concerning the entertainment business, but things are changing and I hope I can continue to make a living in this business…

…on to better news. I received my official notice from the Screen Actors Guild today informing me that I’m now a vested member of the guild. I’ve earned my 10 pension credits and I qualify for an early retirement. This is really exciting news for me because if I decide to retire from acting and do something else I’ll have something tangible to show for my time spent in the field – a pension for the rest of my life.

Speaking of retirement or better yet being tired I am contemplating going back East for a while – I’d like to go back for the rest of the year and come back in January to be honest. As it stands right now, I have no idea what I’m going to do, but I’d love to be away from Los Angeles and the entertainment business for a spell.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Callback: “Chili’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. YES!!! This is the first commercial callback I’ve had in a while and I’m super- excited. The director seemed to be completely exhausted, but my group did well I felt. It would be nice to hear something like ''Stephon! You booked the ...spot!" Yeah, I like the sound of that.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I’m not wearing shoes.
I’m not wearing socks.
Pants? ...Nope, no pants.
Shirt? Missing in action.
Underwear? Nowhere in sight.

I am naked, sitting on a cold, padded vinyl table covered with a thin layer of sanitary paper. Well, naked except for the assless medical smock I'm wearing and it’s not even tied up in the back.

I know what you're thinking - sexy.

Not so much.

What the heck is going on you might ask…or you might not.

I’m at the Bob Hope Health Center for my annual Comprehensive Physical Examination (CPE). Yup, gotta take advantage of the wonderful SAG medical benefits that I've worked so hard to earn and keep.

Okay, back to being naked...and cold...and a little weirded out that the nurse is going to return to the room to take my vitals. I'm NAKED! Well, except for the untied, assless smock loosely draped over my body. I'm sure it's all in a days work for her, but for me...I'm a little nervous. I mean what if she has X-ray vision? What if she's "checkin' me out?" Actually, if she's checking me out I'll be aight...I wear size 11 Skechers and a Large glove...and you know what they say...

So the young nurse does her thing and after a while the doctor that is going to perform the examination enters the room. We make a little small talk and he starts asking the usual questions while poking, tapping and peeking into different parts of my body. One thing I really wanted to ask about was the constant ringing in my ears.

The whole time I was going though this process my mind was clouded by the fact that I knew the doctor was going to utter a series of words.

The first in the series of words was:

"Okay, roll over on your left side".

That sounds harmless enough, but don't forget about the assless and untied smock I'm sorta wearing.

The second series of words were:

"Pull your knees up to your chest."

As I'm getting myself into the fetal position I'm face-to-face with a stainless-steel table and at that very moment a box of tissues lands on it. I knew what was to happen next and tried to just relax and get it over with.

Behind me the latex-gloved doctor was lubricating his index finger...(I guess that's the offending finger he used). There should be a warrant out for the arrest of that finger. If nothing else to protect ALL men who have to get their...thing checked.

Oh sh*t. "Why? Why? Why?" I asked myself.

You can probably guess what happened next...I was informed that my prostate still works and is good shape. Can't wait until next year to do it again...not so much.

Audition: “Kellogg’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Simply- they need to bring my ass to callbacks…at least. Skip all that - justbookabrotha!

One of my consulting clients, the one that signed with my theatrical agency finally got a commercial agent as well and today was her first appointment through them. Ironically, it was at the same place and around the same time as my audition so I waited for her to arrive. We are in touch quite a bit concerning her career and I wanted to wish her good luck in person. I believe she is going to work a lot both commercially and theatrically.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “So Cal Honda” @ Alyson Horn Casting. This was fun and since they needed me to read twice I portrayed “The Husband” for two different women. It was fascinating at how different each women’s’ approach was after receiving the same group explanation. I think both of their approaches worked and, of course, I was on point too. Callbacks are tomorrow and I plan to be there.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Chili’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting. Nice! Another one that goes really well and hopefully they’ll bring me back for the next round. It would be nice to book something…and soon.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

The business. Sometimes, I think I’m too cerebral about the realities of the entertainment business. I’ve never felt that it was a “cutthroat business” as so many people say - at least at the day-to-day level. Sure, it’s extremely difficult to forge a career as a performer, but I haven’t dealt with many that I would call cutthroat. Not any agents, not any casting directors and not any actors.

Having a job as an actor is a great way to make a living – if you can get enough work. If not, it can be challenging to say the least. In many situations these days even if you can get the work the question is how much can you make on a given job. Our industry is going through a tremendous change and the opposition is doing their best to make sure we actors, writers and directors get as little a piece of the financial pie as possible. Truthfully, it’s quite depressing for me.

The studio level is where it’s ruthless and it affects us all – every last one of us. Sure, it’s fun to get an appointment from your agent, get callbacks and shoot projects, but at the end of the day it’s a job. If there is a time that it’s crystal clear we are workers it’s now - today, yesterday, tomorrow and beyond.

Tomorrow SAG starts negotiating with the AMPTP for our new theatrical contract and there is much strife in the air you can cut with a knife.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition “ESPN Promo” @ Lien/Cowan Casting. This went well too…they should bring me back for callbacks…yup, they should.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Crank 2” @ Kelly Wagner Casting. This one was pretty fun; I had to do an English accent for it. If nothing else; a major victory was that I was able to do the accent without being in my head about it. It was fun and freeing to just deliver and not worry about sounding silly. So much of what we do as actors is not being afraid to make a fool of ourselves. I was fearless today in Marina Del Rey! …hey that rhymed…

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “GMC” @ skirts Casting. This was for a 4-sport spot campaign. It went great! I was very happy with how it went and my ability to get the dialogue and feel of the different spots. A commercial campaign would be nice before the possible work stoppage – really nice.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition/Producers/Tape: “Ghost Whisperer” @ Donna Rosenstein Casting. I had good moments in this one – I say “moments” because I didn’t get a strong opening beat. What happened was that I was ready to start reading and in the mental space I wanted to be in. I was waiting for the red light to light up on the camera, but it never did so I waited. Finally, I looked up at the associate and I kinda got the look of “anytime now”. So I started, but not with the strength that I wanted to – no worries though I recovered and caught some nice moments.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Verizon Fios” @ Ross Lacy Casting. I wish this one went better. It wasn’t bad, but not great. My mind wasn’t clear and I had trouble concentrating.

Actually, truth be told, I know exactly what was going on; I’d had a troubling night last night. Simply put, I miss my mom. I don’t think the void of having her in my life will ever go away and since my father and I aren’t in touch it makes me feel a bit like an orphan at times. Sure, it has gotten easier to handle, but when it hits me it takes me down for the count. I also think the fact that I didn’t go home for the Christmas holiday is weighing on me as well. I usually get a serious recharge by going home and getting out of LA, but I missed it this time.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition/Producers/Tape “Lost” @ April Webster Casting. Finally! I’ve been trying to get an appointment for this show for the longest time. The role of a teacher was a nice two page scene. I was prepared and ready to rock & roll.

I asked a few questions before I started to read and the answers informed me and slightly changed some of what I prepared to do. I felt great about how it went. I think I was a little young for the part, but I can’t do anything about that.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Seven years ago today I worked my last shift waiting tables at The Hollywood Standard on Sunset Blvd. Wow, Happy Anniversary to me! Right? I guess so.

Geez, I don’t know much I like living in Los Angeles. I know there are some things that I can do to make it better, but I don’t know that I will ever call Los Angeles “home”. I do my best to fake it, but it only goes so far. I’ve been here for almost 10 years, but I don’t think I’ll ever say I’m from here or that I’m a native. It’s not anything against Los Angeles per se; LA has been great to me over the years. I’ve had my challenges, but overall, moving to LA has been a very successful move for me. I just don’t like living in a huge metropolis anymore. I wouldn’t want to live in New York either. Been there done that too. I'd like to be in the suburbs with a garage to work on my car and a lawn to cut...one day.

Maybe I’d feel different about being here if I was married with children because I would need for my wife and kids to feel that they had a home, but it’s just so hectic here for me. If it wasn't for "the biz" I'd BE OUT unless I had a serious reason to stay – dating can put a twist on things.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Honda” @ Ross Lacy Casting. This was a good one, I listened well. Hopefully, I’ll get to the next round of the casting process. Yeah, a callback would be nice.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s” @ Francene Selkirk Casting. Since I put my car in the shop last night to have some work done I opted to ride my bike from my apartment in Miracle Mile to Studio City. I took the subway for one stop because it’s a little dicey riding my bike over the Cahuenga Pass. I love riding my bike! I also really enjoy riding the subway when I have the opportunity. Sure, it would have been easier to just ask somebody for a ride, but I like when situations arise and I have to figure something out – especially when it leads to riding my bike, bus, subway or skateboard.

The audition went well and was fun. I worked with an actress I had previously met while working on “The Terminal”, Carlease Burke.

I guess the “WaMu” commercial is still running pretty strong because I’ve been hearing quite a bit about it at auditions – at least I hope it’s still running. I haven’t seen it myself, but that’s okay I just like to know it’s continuing to run.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

There was a film I was a reader for several years ago that I also booked a role in. When I work as a reader I don’t attempt to work my way in the production. I do what I’m asked, but on this one after the first day of being a reader on this project the casting director told me that they were going to put me in the film somewhere. I ended up being a reader for several days and had a great time.

They eventually booked me and gave me a start date. When my day came to shoot I never received a call time from production so I called them the night before to see when and where I was supposed to be. I found that things had changed and I wasn’t needed. No problem, but I was a little annoyed that they never called to let me know – just a little. They said I’d be rescheduled soon. So I was rescheduled and when I showed up on-set I was taken to my room and before I even finished filling out my paperwork I was wrapped and was told that I’d be rescheduled again. I was never rescheduled and heard through the grapevine that the indie production had “financial difficulties”. I gave it a couple of months to see if I was going to get paid for my time and energy then called SAG to see what the deal was.

The really interesting part was that they finished enough of the film and sold it. Months later it was airing on a sister channel of a major network. I stayed on top of my claim with SAG and today received a check for two days of work plus penalties on a film that I only actually worked as a reader on – I never filmed any principal work. It was well worth those two days of “not working”.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Print go-see: “Apple” @ Yvonne Armstrong Casting. This was another same-day call which is happening more and more these days. I think it’s because of online casting and the fact that casting directors have the ability to put sessions together at the last minute. Not a problem for me as I’m usually available (which will probably change in the near future as I may be picking up a side gig.)

Anyway, you know the drill with print; it’s usually 2-3 digital stills and out the door never to hear from them again. Actually, I used to get a fair amount of avails for print, but never book the job. I know I’ll eventually book in the print arena and it’ll seem like it came “out of the blue”. This should happen sooner than later. Yeah, that sounds good.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

It looks like I’ll be getting back in shape. Yep. I renewed my gym membership. It ran out 6 months ago and I didn’t renew it in an effort to keep my expenses super low in anticipation of the just finished WGA strike and possible, upcoming work stoppages. No, I wasn’t thrilled with the company I was dealing with, but I had a great deal. The deal was from a coupon I was given years ago. I originally signed up for $90 for a year and it would increase around $10-$13 a year – also, part of the deal was that I was limited to just one location of the gym locations available.

Every time I considered moving to another company I realized I had a great deal and I’d have a hard time beating it. As I said before I wasn’t crazy about the company I was dealing with and I knew that if I renewed my membership after being inactive for 6-months of the term they would try to only give me 6 months instead of the full year I’d be paying for. Nah dawg; caint do dat.

Well, in January, while listening to a podcast I learned the company received a last place rating in a national magazine. Several weeks after that they started sending me offers to renew my membership that weren’t too much better than my original renewal so I ignored them. Then a couple of weeks ago they sent me a deal I couldn’t refuse. It was a “Welcome Back!” deal. Renew for $90 – pay up front and they will give me 60 days free for a total of 14 months. Also, as long as I stay current, it’s only $9 a month or $90 a year if pay annually, never to increase, cancel anytime and I’m now a Premier member that can go to most any club nationally. $90 a year!!?? In Los Angeles? Now I can get my girlish-figure back! I love beating big companies at their own game, but I'm still a little suspect of the fine print...and my interpretation of it.
Wow, I’ll no longer be “pudgy”. I might even get my “nice buns” back from the “WaMu” shoot – scary. Don’t sleep!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Question: Is HBO’s "The Wire" the best display of writing, acting, directing, lighting, props, production design, wardrobe, hair & make-up, etc. on TV?

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Callback: "Progressive Motorcycle" @ Ross Lacy Casting. Not good. Nope, no two ways about it. I felt terrible about this one. I looked like I had no idea as to what I was doing. I felt like I had no idea as to what was doing. I was all confident going in and it went bad immediately after slating.

Part of the problem was that I was wearing a motorcycle helmet and couldn't hear anything - nothing. I couldn't tell if the director was talking to me or my partner. It was a complete disaster to say the least. It’s too bad because I had a shot at booking and I gave it away.

It was a perfect example of how I don't think a bad partner isn't going to hurt your own performance. My partner was great; I think the audition went fantastically well for him. It wouldn't surprise me if he books. So I don’t think that me sucking affected him in the least – he did his own thing…NEXT!!!!

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Get Bruce and Lloyd” @ Roger Mussenden Casting. This is the first time I’ve been to this office and I hope it isn’t the last. I was put on tape by the associate, Jeremy, who I’ve met before at another major film office. He was a pleasure to work with. He also commented that he’d seen the WaMu commercial several times. I still haven’t seen the commercial on TV, but it must be running a lot because I hear about it everyday through e-mail, text messages, MySpace or seeing people in person. I’m thrilled to finally have something on the air, LOL!

Anyway, I think the audition went well and I made another positive connection in another office.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: "AT&T" @ Ross Lacy Casting. Pretty simple and fun setup on this one. I would think I’m perfect for it, but…

Audition: "Progressive Motorcycle" @ Ross Lacy Casting. This also went pretty well. I'm not sure what they're really looking for since I had a full faced helmet on the entire time - maybe a certain body type…and it’s common knowledge that I’m “fit like a mofo!”…not really; I haven’t worked out in months and I’m little pudgy these days. My belly is like jelly - oh my!

ttp://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: "NBA Promo" @ Deborah Kurtz Casting. This was a voiceover and it went great! The session director seemed very happy with my work. I went in and used my strategy of "stealing a rehearsal" and I felt I delivered the goods perfectly. I don't know if I'll go any further in the process, but I felt great about what I left in the room.

I attended another SAG meeting tonight and I’m happy to report that many more actors were in attendance than normal. I’m not sure why, but whatever the reason it was great to see. The display of solidarity with the WGA that I witnessed on the strike lines is of vital importance for the future of our guild. Hopefully, in the years to come SAG and the WGA can nurture a better relationship with the DGA and other labor organizations. I can tell you that I feel much more kinship with writers than I ever have in the past. Even though I’m not thrilled with the WGA deal I don’t think they would have gotten what they did without the support of SAG. I’m proud to have been part of the united front in the fight.

I don’t know how these upcoming negotiations are going to play out, but I do feel that it’s going to become even more difficult to make a living as a performer. For some it will be the difference between a career and a hobby. Others will leave the business altogether and another segment will continue to move forward and build their careers. I’m going to fight to stay in the latter group – at least for the time being.

I’m really thankful that I have as many years as I do in the game and that I’ve remained faithful to my quest of building my foundation, but I cannot rest on it. I have to stay out in the field on the grind, but also develop new strategies. I have to learn how to network and “work the room”. Don’t get me wrong I know how to handle my business with the best of them, but the whole being out “rubbing shoulders” thing is completely foreign to me; it just doesn’t feel real. I don’t have that gift of being able to be smooth about it. I’ve seen others do it and do it well, but it’s just not one of my gifts. Fortunately, I’ve known from day one that that was a weak point for me so I’ve always made up for it in other ways.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Audition: “Ad Council PSA” @ ASG Casting. This one was interesting. I often hear actors complain about “having a partner that sucked!” in a CD workshop or audition. I think this notion is overrated. Why? Because casting directors are professionals. It isn’t hard for them to tell who is doing what in the scene. My partner in the audition today refused to listen to the session director in any way, shape or form. I resisted the temptation to compete with him/her on the long road to prove him that he/she had no intention of taking any direction whatsoever. None, nope, nada – zilch. It was pretty funny because just when I thought he/she would get the hint that it was time to listen he/she would put his/her foot in his/her AGAIN.

Before the first take the session director told us that we had to do it 8 times. I think he/she thought we had 8 chances to get it right. In reality, the session director meant that all of the characters needed coverage on camera from different angles so we needed to get it right 8 times. It was a great lesson in what happens when actors don’t listen. The funny thing is that it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he/she gets a callback and/or books and I don’t hear a thing. But I nailed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so thankful that the WaMu commercial is actually airing. It seems like it’s been forever since I’ve been on television. I told myself I would wear the prop wedding band I wore while shooting until it started running – as a good luck charm. Last week I retired the wedding band prop. Wearing a wedding band for 2 months prompted some interesting questions…who knows, I may put it back on.

In the past I was used to having 2, 3 or 4 commercial conflicts at once. I guess those were the good ole days! I haven’t seen the spot on TV myself, but I’ve seen it on the internet. My man Jay was kind enough to send me a copy of it. Personally, it’s okay if I don’t ever see it on TV; it’s much MUCH more important that it continues to run though – gotapaythebillsson! Knowwhatimsayin?!

These days I don't have to actually see any commercials I’m in running, but it sure is nice to hear confirmation that they are running. Last week I was eating lunch at Panera Bread and this young woman kept staring at me. I couldn’t figure out why – I thought, just maybe, she thought I was hot piece of ass. I was going to walk up to her and say “excuse me; you’re staring at me like you think I’m a hot piece of ass. Do you think I’m a hot piece of ass?” But then I figured maybe that wasn’t the smartest thing to do, plus her mom was there and she might not have thought it was too cool. Truth be told, there hasn’t been a day in my entire life that I thought I was a hot piece of ass and I don’t think that day last week was going to be the first…oh well.

Anyway, about an hour later it dawned on me that she may have seen the commercial and that might have been why she was staring so intently. I really appreciate all of the text messages, emails, phone calls, etc. from all over the country with news of seeing the spot. The link to it is here – funky dance man spot – click on “let’s hear it” or “we got your back”.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

I attended another SAG Meeting tonight concerning New Media and the upcoming TV/Theatrical contract negotiations. This stuff, the other side of being a professional performer, is of vital importance to our future of making a living in this business. I really hope I’ll be able to continue to be successful, but sometimes it feels like we are fighting a losing battle. Thankfully, there are key members of the guild that are willing to fight for the rights of the rest of us.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

The WGA strike is over and TV production is gearing back up in LA so I’m on the trail of dropping off photos to hopefully drum up some activity. There’s no time to waste because there’s a chance that another work stoppage could be on the horizon – this time by the Screen Actor’s Guild. I hope the SAG leaders are able to negotiate a better deal without having to strike, but you never know. I’m not a big a fan of the new WGA deal and I don’t think the SAG leadership is either. Plus, the SAG commercial contract expires at the end of October so I have to keep it moving.

I remember the days when I loved doing drop-offs. That time has changed. I don’t particularly love doing them anymore; especially in certain areas of town, namely Century City and Beverly Hills. The parking situation is enough to drive me crazy. It would be much easier if I had someone to sit in the car while I did the drops or vice-versa, but I’m not convinced that easier would be better. Even though it’s more work I much prefer to be the lone wolf and do my drops alone. I think I get more done that way and I don’t have to explain my rationale and trust me, my rationale runs in circles and can be quite confusing – even to me.

This afternoon I found myself trying to find a particular film casting office. I had to make a couple of U-turns, but I finally tracked it down. Then I couldn’t find anywhere to park. I was so close to just saying “forget it” and crossing it off of my list, but I couldn’t justify it. I was just being a sissy. I ended up having to park 4 blocks away. So I put on my iPod with an interesting podcast playing and made the trek to the office building.

I walked in the parking garage and saw the security guard; he asked if he could help me. I told him I wanted to drop a photo to the casting office. He hesitated and asked if I had an appointment. I told him no. I like to keep it on the up and up and not say I have an appointment if I don’t, in fact, have one. He reluctantly had me sign the log book and there was an uncomfortable moment. I wasn’t sure exactly why he was reluctant, but I remained respectful. We had a few words and told him it was no big deal and that I didn’t want to get him in trouble or anything like that. So he began to explain how to get to the office and then another employee appeared and the security guard asked him to take me up there.

While I was walking towards the elevators I saw the drop-off boxes for two projects they are currently casting and told them I preferred to just leave them there. The other employee said, “no, it’s cool, I’ll walk you up there”. I hesitated and then said “okay”. The young employee asked me which project I was dropping a photo for while waiting for the elevator to arrive. To be honest, I didn’t really know, I just wanted to get my photo in a box and bounce. He told me what type of actors had been coming in and out earlier in the day. The actors described were very different than me. At that moment another person needed his assistance right away and he sent me up the elevator alone and told me where to go. I went up, exited on the proper floor and then stopped in my tracks. It didn’t feel right. I couldn’t let those guys get me off of my game. They were just being nice and I appreciated it, but the set-up wasn’t right. I didn’t want to walk through the door to casting office for some reason…and I didn’t. I went back down the elevator and put them in the box. I thanked the two guys and briefly explained my decision and was on my way.

My next stop was at an office that I have been dropping off at for years and have never gotten an appointment. They are a very busy office too; I’ve even discussed with my agent. What she explained made sense, but I’ll keep trying.

Anyway, I went up the elevator and paused outside the door to make sure I “had all my ducks in a row”. I never know exactly what I’m going to walk into so I have to be prepared for a multitude of scenarios. The assistant asked what project I was dropping for, but I didn’t know, so she suggested one and told me the role. I thought that was really nice of her. So I’ll let my agent know and maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally get to read for something at that office.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Whew! I made it through the SAG Foundation LifeRaft panel titled “When Actors Decide to Quit Their Day Jobs!” I was on the panel with friend/fellow actor Nicole J. Butler. I think it went well. I was pretty nervous in the beginning, but after a while I got settled and had fun. It felt great to share some of my experiences…I say “some”, because, in reality, I have a tremendous amount of interesting things to share about my journey as a performer. It would take hours to share all of the details of my experiences.

I was asked some specific questions about certain things I do and have done over the years. I answered them the best I could, but some of those questions things forced me to actually think about how I do them. My methods are so deeply engrained that I rarely have to think about what to do. Honestly, it’s pretty simple; I usually just follow what makes sense. But “what makes sense” is a very relative thing to different people. I haven’t met anyone on my journey that I had an identical agreement as to “what makes sense” in a given situations. I’m a thinker and I probably over think a lot of things, but I also know how to get out the muck of over thinking and get the job done. That’s one of the great things about being in this business is that I can do things my way for the most part.

So it was a great evening and I think I was able to share a few alternative viewpoints as to how this entertainment thing can be tackled.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

For years I’ve had this thing where I try to keep my schedule as full as possible. Just always into something productive; it could be a movie, a workshop, a class, a panel, virtually anything. Lately, I’ve been shifting that a little; still staying busy, but doing different things. One of them is learning to network better. I don’t know if I will ever learn that but I’m giving it an honest shot. Other things are reading, writing, riding my mountain bike and the biggest thing is taking ownership of what I have to offer this world…however much or little that is.

I’ve been attending some of the union meetings at SAG to become a more informed actor. So last week I was checking the schedule for this week’s union meetings and there was a conflict with a SAG LifeRaft event that I had already RSVP’d to attend. So I had to make a decision on which one I was going to attend – I hate that. I’m an information junkie and I need my fix – I didn’t want to choose. At that point, for the first time, I took a closer look at exactly what the topic of the seminar was. Usually, I’ll just attend them all because there is always something I can learn. Well, the title of the conflicting one was a SAG Foundation LifeRaft event titled - “When Actors Decide to Quit Their Day Jobs!”. I literally asked myself out loud, “Why aren’t I on that panel?” I mean seriously, I’m an actor that decided to quit my day job; I prefer to say “resign” for some reason.

So I thought about it for a moment and got really nervous. Yes, I have spoken before to groups of actors, but it’s always been at events I was asked to participate in. This would be the first time I asked to be on a panel. My heart was beating a mile a minute. I don’t know why, but I get insanely nervous about things like this. In the end, I’m usually able to handle it well because I’m pretty good at putting on my game face and handling things when the time comes.

So I decided that “Yes!” in ’08 I’m going to go forward with it and take ownership of what I have to share. My story is as valid as anyone else’s and everyone else’s story is as valid as mine. I feel as though I’ll be telling every actors story of deciding to quit their day job make a go of it.

It’s incredible how nervous I am right now just writing about the possibility of being on the panel. What would they say about me? How would I be introduced? I mean, it’s easy for me to sit behind the keyboard post stuff on my blog, but this is different. I don’t know. I’ve been interviewed for the newspaper in my hometown a few times and that hasn’t been the greatest experience. They just get the story wrong; not anything malicious, but wrong nonetheless.

After sitting on it for a bit I decided to go forward and try to find who is organizing the event to see if I’m a good fit for the topic being discussed. I left a message for the organizer and a few days later I was contacted and asked to submit a few things about how I left my day job so they could get an idea of who the heck I was. The next day I got the news that I would be perfect for the panel. I guess I’m committed now! I feel good about it; I think I’m doing the right thing. Hopefully, I’ll be much less nervous by Wednesday night. It’s just the very beginning and the time before the very beginning – like now. Once it’s starts and I warm up I’m fine.

Audition: “Breyer’s” @ Ross Lacy Casting.

http://www.stephonfuller.com/consultations.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hRX79E75yA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vMXinr1N9w

Meeting: "The Quest" @ Cricket Feet Casting. This was my first "meeting" as opposed to an audition. It was intended to be "a chat" between myself, the director and two of the producers.

Again, this was my first meeting as an actor, but since I've worked as a reader for films I’ve sat in on a few meetings with actors that don’t always read for a part, but they’ll “take a meeting” so I kinda knew what to expect.

This particular CD makes available an unbelievable amount of information for the actor to fully prepare and research the project. I had the full script, biography of the director, writers and producers, storyboard, location scouting photos, etc. Remember, I wasn’t even auditioning – just meeting, but of course, I read the entire script and went through the additional material to give me a strong perspective.

The entire meeting lasted about 11 minutes and it went very well…I think. It’s always hard to tell so you can only go on what you feel. Since I was so informed I really had a strong position so the meeting was a real two-way street. I had questions, they had questions, I had answers and they answers. They seemed interested in my services; I guess time will tell.

It felt great when the producer asked for my resume because I have a nice collection of credits and directors. The director, being Italian from Italy, wasn’t as up on who the TV directors on my resume are, but he knows who Steven Spielberg is. The producer is from Hollywood and has been in the business for years and has worked on many of the shows that are on my resume. I think that moment was a strong positive as kind of a pedigree to legitimize me.

At the meeting I was just trying to get to the next step which, I assume, would be actually reading for the part. Did I mention that it shoots in Rome and Bulgaria? Yeah, and I’m really overdue for a stamp on my freshly renewed passport. I’ve gone to Tokyo, Madrid, Washington, DC and Miami for jobs; back to Europe in the summer would be nice.

The director explained that they need to get the names set before they can move forward with supporting cast. So that was it; my first meeting, but I handled it like I take meetings on the regular. Not anything weird; I just handled myself as a pro that wasn’t at the rodeo for the first time. I mean, more often t