Shakespeare was right - Time does not stand still…

This week flew by at a rapid pace:

Monday: Juilliard & University of Washington actors showcase. It was fine. I go to these showcases to see how the actors are being trained more then trying to discover an actor. The actors were very enthusiastic and in general, were all good. I love trained actors (after all I am one), but what I don’t like are actors who are trying too hard, which ruins any potential spark that they may have, any creative ability. Showcases can feel a little desperate as all of these actors are hoping for discovery by an agent or a casting director, but in reality what they should be thinking about is their craft. Let their training be their guide, the rest will come…hopefully. After the showcase (no food, by the way and I was hungry) I drove back to my office to set up auditions, answer calls and read a script for a meeting this week.

Tuesday: Two general meeting with actors and more sorting through suggestions for upcoming auditions. I have had over 3,000 submissions for 2 roles! Casting a film that shoots in Hawaii in July, made offers and sorting through submissions (on-line) and scheduling auditions. Why can nobody ever come the first day of casting?

Wednesday: Figure out whom we (productions) are interested in and what the status is of offers on films I am casting: VINYL, ONE KINE DAY, HALF-TRUTH, AUDREY & OLD SCHOOL STORY. Get everyone on the same page, meaning speak with the directors, get the producers to respond to my emails and talk to the agents about who I can really get in the film versus who the producers thinks they can get in the film and try and negotiate the realities of all of this so that I don’t appear negative and nobody gets upset when talking about potential talent and the reality of the situation. Manage agents and managers expectations, meaning, “don’t expect money offers” – not these days – and see who comes to you, who tells you that they need a job. This can be a surprise and a gift all at the same time. Say to yourself, “Matt, think outside of the box, who is everyone going to get excited about?” Wednesday night go to the Cricket Feet Showcase in Burbank…very well done (awesome job Bonnie!) and go home, sleep and try not to think about anything.

Thursday: 9am – Meeting on an ultra-low budget script with the producer and director. They were in my office for 1 hour and 45 minuets. I really do like the script and the director seemed very nice and excited about his film. Hope that it all works out. They leave keep setting up auditions for Friday on Half-Truth. Schedule 4 actors every 15 minuets because there is no way half will show up. 1230pm: Lunch with my actor friend who is also going to paint my office for me. All this week I have been moving from the 12th floor to the 5th floor because I am now sharing office space with a casting director and a writer/producer. Try to clean up the 12th floor office and prepare that office for turning it into a proper audition space (yeah!!!). 330pm General with a lovely actress from New Zealand. Go home late after talking to all of my directors and producers getting everyone updates. Pass out….

Friday: Wake up with a throbbing headache. I have a casting session at 3pm. I was right, about half of the actors scheduled want to reschedule. Set up and book actors for a reading next Friday on a fabulous pilot I am helping the writer cast. Get A-list actors to the reading (not an easy thing to do) and have back-ups ready, just in case the A-list can’t do it. Director arrives on time for his session (good sign, I love him already). Actors sign in and the director is amazing with the actors, he has notes, knows what to say and loves the process. My headache is still throbbing and I am thinking to myself that I have meningitis. Session ends, director is happy. Up-load session to computer. Update my to do list, make sure my phone sheet is updated and I know who to call on Monday. Turn off phone go home lie down and go to sleep. Everything will be waiting for me to tackle next week…

Over the weekend, read scripts, eat, go to the gym, review lists, come up with new ideas, go over the 200 unanswered emails and try not to inhale the fumes from the varnish and paint in my house that is coming from the construction that is going on in my home.Walk the dog.

I am thankfull and blessed for all of the work, I love being busy!!!

I am happy…going on vacation in 2 weeks…even more happy…