This is sooo true!

Way, way too many wannabe actors/models think that because they got photos done, and took a couple of classes,

that they just have to sit and wait by the phone or even to door. Surely Hollywood will come calling. They are probably

the only one that's waiting. Correct?

NOT!

Life Direction

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

CHANGING YOUR LIFE'S DIRECTION; 

This is easy to forget while you’re hustling for your next gig, but it’s an important step of the journey. Before you get too deep into your next film, even an extra role, take a beat and reflect. What have you accomplished so far, and what do you want to accomplish next? What goals did you have in your last gig, and which are still left to hit?

When you look at those goals you achieved and those you did not, try to figure out what was missing, be it time, interest, a skill set (training) or just a change in priorities. Do the same quick audit for those you did accomplish—there will likely be some patterns as to why you focused on certain areas and how much progress you were able to make. If your interests have changed, honor that in your next gig. Think about which projects made you happiest, in and outside of work. Take advantage of this new mind set while it lasts, and think. And don't get caught up with this, "I'm probably too old". yeah sure you are. The oldest person we've ever booked was 88 and a ton between 50 and 65.  I remember not too long after I had started Law school, a person that I knew fairly well said. " You know I'd like to go to law school too, but I will be over 40 when I finish."  My response "Well you'r going to over 40 anyway". He still didn't get it, stayed doing the same old same old, and sure enough if he's lucky, he will be over 40, but likely to still be doing the same thing.

Denzel Favorite Quotes

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

PRAY FOR RAIN, YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE MUD TOO;

ONE OF DENZEL WASHINGTON'S FAVORITE QUOTES,

SO WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN?

 When you wish for something you also have to deal with the aftermath, effects, and consequences. If you were to wish for the rain you would be happy that your wish was granted but by the time the rain passes you will have to deal with the effects and consequences of the rain (which would be the mud). I think this quote shows that by wanting something you shall also have to deal with the consequences and effects of it. Although it may seem like the best thing in the world it also has it's consequences that cannot go ignored. Everything comes with a consequence/effect and you should keep this in mind before wishing/getting something. Acting is much like that, great but absolutely heartbreaking at the same time. Acting just like life is not always a bed of roses. You like some and throw the others away.

Career Options

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

A CAREER IN THE PERFORMING ARTS/ FOR YOU?

It’s no secret: pursuing a career in the performing arts is hard work. Even those who’ve already “made it big” admit that it’s never been easy and they never stop working. If you’re an aspiring performing artist, you already know that, and you’re going to follow your dreams anyway. This is why artists are some of the bravest, most passionate people out there. Whether you’re an actor, dancer, musician, or an awesome combination of the three, we want to help you find your place. So, if you’re just beginning your journey into a performing arts career, you’ve most likely started hearing people throw around words like “risky” and “back-up plan.” If you’ve already started working toward your performing arts degree, you’re probably used to hearing “In this economy…” and “Find something more practical…” when you tell people your major. Although those people (most likely) are just trying to help, they also (most likely) don’t know the full story.    PLUS:::

There are lots of opportunities in the industry> THE STAGE> THE CLASSROOM> BEHIND THE CURTAIN> ON THE SET> AND SOME PAY VERY GOOD MONEY;  Contrary to popular belief, there are a lot of career options for somebody who wants to work in the arts. You just need to find your place.

Don't Quit

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

DON'T QUIT RIGHT BEFORE YOU MAKE IT.

iF WE ALL KNEW WHEN WE WOULD START RIGHT BEFORE THEN, RIGHT?

Comment from an LA actors , if you're an aspiring actor in Los Angeles, all I will say is this. You can't make it if you quit. If your finances are stable and you're living, and you know that you can continue to live while pursuing acting, then don't quit. No one who pays their dues and hones their craft and are proactive about their own career "fail." Everyone will get a big break if they put enough time and effort into it. And don't listen to all of those 'naysayers" giving you advice while their on career is a flop.

EDIT: That doesn't mean you'll be a star. Not a lot become stars but make a pretty darn good living at it. Plus get some social attention that strokes your ego.

Comment: I recently read something about Steve Buscemi (Sopranos and Boardwalk) refusing to get his teeth straightened, saying he would lose his character appeal. How about Newman from Seinfeld, fat, or chubby, whatever, he became a household name. Made a ton of money.

Dry Spell

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

I'M GOING THROUGH A DRY SPELL NO ONE LIKES ME.

. Are you prepared? You better be. Yes, sometimes auditions are horrendously LAST MINUTE  and you’re basically cramming in your car on the way to reading for the producers, but often, you usually have at least a day’s turnaround before you have to go in. Your agent sends you material so you can look at it ahead of time, and not for the first time when you’re in the waiting room. By the time you’ve written your name down on the waiting list you should know exactly how you’re going to approach the material and how you can properly embody the character. No one necessarily expects you to be off-book (and certainly don’t pretend you are off-book when you’re not) but you should be familiar with the text, the cadence in which you’re going to speak, and how you’re going to physically approach a character. Not being prepared is tremendously detrimental to you as an actor. It not only shows the producers and casting director that you couldn’t be bothered to take their audition and meeting seriously—it also conveys to them that perhaps you won’t take the job seriously either. On top of that, not being prepared makes your AGENT look bad, which in turns makes THEM UNHAPPY which then results in them being LESS INCLINED TO PITCH for future projects. Granted, some auditions might require you to improv, but even with that in mind, you should go into the audition knowing everything there is to know about the project, story, character, etc. so that you can better create a well-rounded audition—even if it’s all improvised. AND AS MENTIONED BEFORE, RETURN CALLS AND TEXTS FROM YOUR AGENT, SHOW THAT YOU ACTUALLY 'WANT TO WORK'. DON'T SAY, 'OH, I'"ll DO IT WHEN I GET HOME". THE AGENT

HAS TO ANSWER TO THE CLIENT THAT IS TRYING TO BOOK YOU

You said it Ben

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

WELL SAID BEN;

PRO VS AMATEUR

IN MY OPINION; WILLIAM REYNOLDS

BEING A PRO AND NOT AN AMATEUR;

It doesn’t matter what you are trying to become better at, if you only do the work when you’re motivated, then you’ll never be consistent enough to become a professional. 

The Pain of Being A Pro ...Approaching your goals — whatever they are — with the attitude of a professional isn’t easy. In fact, being a pro is painful. The simple fact of the matter is that most of the time we are inconsistent. We have goals that we would like to achieve and dreams that we would like to fulfill, but we only work towards them occasionally; when we feel inspired or motivated or when life allows us to do so. It’s just easier that way. I can guarantee that if you set a schedule for any task and start sticking to it, there will be days when you feel like quitting. When you are on a film set there will be days when you don’t feel like showing up. When we have castings that have to be done 'today' like it or not. When it’s time to write scripts, there will be times that you don’t feel like typing, or worse coming up with a different idea. But stepping up when it’s annoying or painful or draining to do so, that’s what makes you a pro. Professionals stick to the schedule, amateurs let life get in the way. Professionals know what is important to them and work towards it with purpose, amateurs get pulled off course by the demands of life. Being a pro, in the long run makes life soooo much easier.

Making it in an INSTANT

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

A FILM CAREER CAN COME IN AN INSTANT;

For any actor, a career can come at any moment, just burst on to

the scene, when you least expect it. I found that to be true far too

many times. Others may tell you ' Oh, you don't want to do that,

it's a waste of time and you won't make that much money" You 

should say "Really, let me see you long list of success'es"

One minute you are a background extra making $64 bucks a day,

the next day, you get bumped up to a 'featured role' which is a

'placement' on the scene where you are seen, featured. And then

from out of the blue you get a chance to speak, and you are ready,

because you have trained for this moment, and then BOOM, you 

get it, jump to $900 a day and become SAG/ELIGIBLE. The movie

does well and you are becoming seen and known in the right circles.

Follow your instincts. your heart.

And lastly DO GET TOO IMPATIENT. MANY QUIT RIGHT BEFORE

IT HAPPENS.

Truth about Small roles

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

THE TRUTH ABOUT THOSE SMALLER ROLES;

As an actor, especially one that is not known, but is trying to get their face out there.

Don't just look at the big picture, the big movies with the big stars. Take advantage

of each opportunity that comes you way, smaller roles, documentaries you would

not normally even see. They can be very moving and worthwhile.

And then there is the 'EXPOSURE'. Movies are screened, seen by many directors,'producers,

agents and casting directors. You could be doing some little dinky part and be seen at a 

screening by some mover and shaker. Like Brad Pitt did and many, many others. Do

what you want, and most of all don't listen to yet another frustrated actor with an attitude.

Don't burn bridges. 

Frequent Questions

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

COUPLE OF QUESTIONS TO ME:

Two questions!

1) I'm thinking of switching agencies. Should I break up with my agent first then go on the hunt or can I secure one and then work out the breakup? Also from your perspective how do you feel about actors who already have representation submitting to you?

2) As an ethnic actor what is the better situation to be in: To be with an agent that will submit you for a wide range of roles (even for non ethnic roles) but has limited experience under his belt OR with an agent that won't submit for a wide range and more specific but has more experience and the name of the agency is bigger? Thanks!!

Answer:
First off if you have not signed a representation contract, or you are not on an exclusive (one agent only) contract, then you don't have to worry about a 'breakup'. Just go do it. There are a ton of actors in Atlanta that have more than one agency they work with. But be aware of spending a ton of money on one that is not even a real agency. Check with the
BBB. In my estimation, you want to be submitted for anything that you fit. Janet, our casting director that does the 'in-house'  castings, does just that. But she only lets talent know when the client has narrowed it down to the few that they really want to see. There are so many working actors of all ethnic backgrounds that sometimes a casting director may be 
looking for a particular group, but changes their mind when viewing headshots and resumes Plus many times that small role that gave you pause, to do, or not to do, turned out to be the one that changed your life. You just never know. Plus BE AWARE OF BAD ADVICE, FROM YOUR PEERS.

Channing Tatum

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

ONE REASON WHY CHANNING TATUM MADE IT;

Channing Tatum was diagnosed with ADHD and DYSLEXIA and did not do good in school. Played football in HS and some in college before he dropped out and then.

QUOTE

When I started going out into the world, I was drawn to people who knew about movies, art, even fashion," he said. "I went to New York and did the whole modeling thing, and I just learned everything I could from anybody who knew something I didn't… That's one thing I'm pretty skilled at: I can look at a person and say, They’ve got something that I want up there in their head. I’m going to do my best to get in there and absorb it. My mom said, 'Be a sponge.' And so I've learned more from people than I have from school or from books."

26th President

THEODORE ROOSEVELT 26TH U.S. PRESIDENT

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. 

Working Actors

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

A FEW TIDBITS FOR WORKING ACTORS;

1. Get your mind properly aligned with your goals, and then work toward that.

2. Know how you come across to others. This will absolutely help when you have an audition that

is not how you are perceived by others. "Normal", 'everyday' folks.

3) Get totally involved in your acting experiences, both good and bad. Play an extra for example and don't just

go Ga, Ga, over being on a film set, or get bored. Look around, what's going on, absorb, .LEARN SOMETHING.
4) Keep your chin up. Think positively. Many great achievements have been born from bad experiences. But, once

again. Something learned.

5. DON'T GET SIDE TRACKED.

Acting and Crying

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

OH SHE'S REALLY GOOD, CAN CRY INSTANTLY.
"If you want to be an actor and you don't have your emotions right at the surface, you may as well hang it up right now...I am not saying that if you cry at the drop of a hat or shriek at the sight of a bug you are a talented actor. It just means that you have some of the basic tools to become a good actor... if you see a crazy emotional sort of person come into an audition, don't assume that a great actor is in your presence. They may just be neurotic."

What it takes to be an actor

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

"How can I tell if I have what it takes to be an actor?"

First, a warning: be very clear not to confuse this question with "How do I know if I will be a success?" "Have what it takes" refers to ability to act. Ability may or may not lead to success.
A story before we dive into "what it takes" vs. "success."
A young child raised in the rural south dreamed of singing opera. Life just didn't quite work out that way. But the dream persisted and the self yearned to sing its song. Then, years later all alone in a spotlight on a darkened Off-Broadway stage, sitting on a "boulder" night after night, she sang an exquisite song about the birds in Ireland. The dream was filled. The self was filled. No, not Casta Diva or Lucia's Mad Scene. But her song. The idea of "success" was not compromised. It was just allowed to change. Let the self dictate the meaning of success. Not money and fame but the joy of the action.
The simple truth is you can't tell if you have the ability. To repeat what has been said in these articles a dozen times: talent is not the sole element that determines success. You may have enough talent to be an actor, but even great talent cannot guarantee success.

Actors Pay

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS.

WHY DO PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT ACTORS/ATHLETES MAKING SO MUCH MONEY?

Well, do you have any idea how much revenue he NFL brings in Annually? How about Paramount Studios?

Maybe just the executives of those companies should just keep most of the money. But then again how

are they getting it in the first place? Because of "THEIR" greatness? Or, because of others?

Their products make them and their employers a ton of money. It's all about the capitol.

If Pirates of the Caribbean only made $1,200 nationally, Johnny Depp would be working minimum wage.

Models do not smile

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

WHY DO HIGH FASHION MODELS NEVER SMILE;

PARIS: They wear the world´s  They They wear the most expensive clothes yet their faces are the picture of blank boredom.

Why do fashion models always look so miserable?

"You don´t smile. It is just not done," said model Ty Ogunkoya as catwalk stars criss-crossed Paris for fashion week. In his decade as a top model, the 26-year-old Nigerian-born Londoner has never once permitted himself a grin. "I have modeled for everyone, and no one has ever asked me to smile," he told AFP. "To be honest, it would feel weird if I did."

"When I walk I think about something sad, like when my cat died," added Klara, a 18-year-old Slovakian model. "It was run over by a bus."But do models really need to be so glum?

"Never forget it is the clothes they are looking at and not you," Victoire Macon Dauxerre, a former model for Celine and Alexander McQueen, said she was told. In her book, "Never Thin Enough", she tells how she was warned to "never, ever smile".- ´It´s so not done´ -

Screenwriter wannabe

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

ARE YOU A SCREENWRITER WANNABE?

Not bad advice for actors either.

Billy Wilder: 10 Screenwriting Tips

Billy Wilder was one of the greatest writer/directors in film history, having co-written and directed such classics as Sunset Boulevard, Some Like it Hot, The Apartment, and Double Indemnity. What screenwriter wouldn't want a little advice from him?

Well, here are some of Wilder's screenwriting tips:

1. The audience is fickle.
2. Grab 'em by the throat and never let 'em go.
3. Develop a clean line of action for your leading character.
4. Know where you're going.
5. The more subtle and elegant you are in hiding your plot points, the better you are as a writer.
6. If you have a problem with the third act, the real problem is in the first act.
7. A tip from Lubitsch: Let the audience add up two plus two. They'll love you forever.
8. In doing voice-overs, be careful not to describe what the audience already sees. Add to what they're seeing.
9. The event that occurs at the second act curtain triggers the end of the movie.
10. The third act must build, build, build in tempo and action until the last event, and then—that's it. Don't hang around. Get out, you're finished.

Acting and Modeling

Things to consider acting and modeling:

As beginners gain more experience and get more training they will qualify for higher-paying jobs or roles. They also earn more in major markets, such as New York and Los Angeles and now Atlanta because more agencies and movie production companies operate in these states. Retail modeling and commercial acting assignments pay more in New York and Los Angeles, because living costs are higher in these two states. For example, a starting model or actor earning $40,000 in Atlanta would need to make $112,435 in New York to enjoy the same living standard, according to CNN Money's cost of living calculator. In Los Angeles, they'd need to earn $68,242 annually. So, don't think, you just 'jump' into these markets. Prepare yourself. You and your agent will know when you are ready.

Being a Pro

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

BEING A PRO, IS NOT ALL THAT EASY

OR YOU WOULDN'T BE A PRO!

The hassles of being a professional.

Approaching your goals — whatever they are — with the attitude of a professional isn’t easy. In fact, being a pro is painful. The simple fact of the matter is that most of the time we are inconsistent. We have goals that we would like to achieve and dreams that we would like to fulfill, but we only work towards them occasionally; when we feel inspired or motivated or when life allows us to do so. It’s just easier that way.

I can guarantee that if you set a schedule for any task and start sticking to it, there will be days when you feel like quitting. When you start the business of acting or modeling, there will be days when you don’t feel like rehearsing or reading the script. When you’re at the gym, there will be sets that you don’t feel like finishing. When it’s time to write, there will be reports that you don’t feel like typing. But stepping up when it’s annoying or painful or draining to do so, that’s what makes you a pro.

Professionals stick to the schedule, amateurs let life get in the way. Professionals know what is important to them and work towards it with purpose, amateurs get pulled off course by the everyday life, work, babysitters, or just being lazy.  AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHY THEY ARE AMATEURS AND NOT PROFESSIONALS.

Take Two

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

CAME ACROSS THIS AND THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE IT,

I DID.

12 TIME ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE.