Dear Heart Players,
I don't know about you, but as I went to acting summer camps, got my BFA, and continued studying, working, and learning as an actor, this one phrase was repeated "ad nauseum":
"Create your own work"
Right? And, to be frank, it irritated the living daylights out of me! I thought it was ridiculous, that I had to create work, shorts, characters, shoot films, but how?! It irked me...why am I preparing to act, when now it seems I have to be a freakin' filmmaker!
...Yes...you are a filmmaker.
When the pandemic hit, I literally had every security, every single part of my life I thought was "set and stable", washed away right down the toilet. But, right here...
I started creating my own work. Yup, all alone, with barely any money ( well, no money ), no glamorous sets, and almost no sense of what the heck I was doing. I realized my phone, and my laptop / computer, already had FREE software on it, basic as it was, to edit, add music, and polish up scenes together, and create a short film. Look , right now in your app store, on your smart phone and laptop, and see which editing, sound, photo, video apps there are for you to use, and play with them!
My mindset began shifting...from "Waiting, sitting down...waiting for someone to give me a chance"...to "I am the chance, I take a chance on me...I am casting myself in this role in this short film..."
CAST YOURSELF FIRST. Then...well, casting directors, producers, actors, the industry will see you, and start to bet on you too. But, you have to bet on yourself first.
What characters do you dream of playing? Cast yourself.
All alone, no friends (like I was), just yourself, your phone, and a tripod? Me too.
Not a writer? Don't need to be. We are actors, we are...already...born with the imagination, and the tools writers want FROM us.
For example: I love playing women who are passed over, downtrodden, servile, yet are quietly...watching...plotting...dreaming...and become someone entirely different by the end of the film.
I shot and acted in a short recently, doing just that, while also using my unique and special talents, and passion, for flamenco and salsa dance, among many.
Maid Dances : https://www.stage32.com/media/4002458460795970304
Right now, with just your tripod, phone, and the unique set of passions, skills and emotions you have, what can you shoot, and cast yourself in?
Anything goes ladies and gents...unlock your imagination...
CREATE YOUR OWN WORK
2 people like this
Hey, Juliana Philippi. Congratulations on creating your own work! Great job on your short film and unique concept! I remember talking to an actress on here who wrote, made, and starred in scenes so she could have material for her acting reel.
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Maurice Vaughan Thank you Maurice!!! For sure, acting reels can definitely begin in self-made shorts! From here, you can build, and as you get footage from features and tv work, then your portfolio polishes up. But, you must start with you.
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You're welcome, Juliana Philippi. I'd watch a feature movie of Maid Dances!
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Maurice Vaughan You're awesome dude, always kind and engaged. Thank you Maurice : )
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You're welcome, Juliana Philippi. Thanks. Same to you. Maybe a movie series. Maid Dances, Maid Surfs, Maid Goes to Japan, etc.
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It’s so cool to see how much our editing journeys have in common! Seeing that same drive in your story makes it clear how much hard work you put in to turn your passion for filmmaking into a career. Thanks for sharing your path—it’s seriously inspiring.
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Maurice Vaughan Lol! Maid sequels...I love it.
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Timothy Miller Thank you so much, that means a lot. Passion, and talent, are just sitting ducks without drive, and just going for it : )
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Excellent insight!
Over the years, I have always been looking for 'opportunities to create'. It was almost like I was asking permission to do things that only I could do the way I would do it. As time went by, I realize it is only me that has been holding me back.
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Speaking as a director, acting coach and former actor, when creating a role ask yourself the following questions: who? what? where? when? why? and how?