ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY;

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY;

Actor Donald Frank Cheadle Jr. was born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, as the middle child in a family of three children. Cheadle was involved in acting at an early age. While attending elementary school in Denver, Colorado, he played Templeton the Rat in a stage adaptation of E.B. White's Charlotte's Web. "I remember carrying my script around and studying it like I do now," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I don't know why but I was serious about acting even then.">>iN THE BEGINNING:>>Cheadle entered the California Institute for the Arts (CalArts) in Valencia, California, in 1982. At CalArts, Cheadle received a rigorous education in classic theater, and by the time he graduated he quickly found work in television. He appeared in small parts on shows such as Fame (1982-87), L.A. Law (1986-94) and Hill Street Blues(1981-97), while also taking the time to do stage performances.>>Cheadle began his first recurring role alongside Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty in the short-lived spin-off of the popular cult classic The Golden Girls(1985-92), titled The Golden Palace (1992-93). His next recurring role as District Attorney John Littleton in the television series Picket Fences (1992-96) was more successful.

Mr. Cheadle is now worth an estimated 35 Million Dollars 

GREAT COME FROM BEHIND SUCCESS STORY;

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

GREAT COME FROM BEHIND SUCCESS STORY;

Dropped out of High School at age 16 (Not advocating this)  to pursue acting. Landed some NY theatre work,

Was discovered, got booked on a new TV series WELCOME BACK KOTTER,

Went on to star in the number one grossing Musical in history...GREASE,

then of course SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, STAYIN ALIVE and then PULP FICITON

along with Samuel L Jackson (this kicked off his career). JOHN TRAVOLTA IS

NOW WORTH AN ESTIMATED 170 MILLION DOLLARS.

"you just never know, do you"?

JUST WHEN YOU THINK " I'VE GOT IT", YOU FIND OUT YOU DO NOT>>

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

JUST WHEN YOU THINK " I'VE GOT IT", YOU FIND OUT YOU DO NOT>>

The “12 Years a Slave” star talked to Backstage amidst her awards season whirlwind about failing gracefully, the Yale School of Drama, and working with director Steve McQueen on the movie that eventually won her the Oscar. “As actors, you become an expert at starting over,” Nyong’o said. “Every single role brings with it an ignorance and an insecurity, and so you have to approach it with the same curiosity and humility. I’m always nervous. Doesn’t matter how many times I do this. But I remind myself it’s because I care. Steve would say, ‘Fail and then fail better!’ And that environment was so liberating. It’s not about getting it right. It’s about getting it truthful.”

WHY GEORGIA SAYS WE ARE NOW NUMBER ONE IN FILM LOCATION FILMING>>

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHY GEORGIA SAYS WE ARE NOW NUMBER ONE IN FILM LOCATION FILMING>>

We have the complete package, says ”The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s deputy commissioner for film, music, and digital entertainment is enumerating the reasons the state makes for an attractive filming destination prior to and independent of the incentive: Like Southern California, its geography boasts a diversity of microclimates in close proximity to one another, including mountains, forests, cities, and the beach; a decades-long history of filming means a reliable base of trained professionals to staff a crew; and the presence of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest in the world with 26 direct flights a day to Los Angeles alone, makes the area accessible for workers in more established industry centers to fly in for temporary stints.

MANY TIMES THEY WANT REVENGE

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHEN AN ACTOR DOES NOT GET THE PART,

MANY TIMES THEY WANT REVENGE;

An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.Mahatma GandhiIF YOU DON'T KNOW WHO THIS IS >>>LOOK IT UP<<<<

ONCE AGAIN NOT AN OPINION, JUST A FACT:

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

ONCE AGAIN NOT AN OPINION, JUST A FACT:

Georgia is the number one filming location in the world for feature films. Now, it appears as though other businesses are looking to tap into the industry.

Some of Hollywood’s biggest TV shows and movies have filmed in the ATL including Denzel Washington’s Flight and most recently, Stranger Things season 1 and 2.

This week, Simon Property Group held a press conference. In the press conference, Nobu CEO Trevor Horwell announced that Nobue Atlanta Restaurant and a 150-room Nobu Hotel may open as soon as late 2019, as part of a new mixed-use development at Simon-owned Phipps Plaza.

NEW MOVIES ON THANKSGIVING DAY???

IIN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

NEW MOVIES ON THANKSGIVING DAY???

Guess how many new films will be released on THANKSGIVING DAY.

That;s correct ZERO,

However there will be 5 new films released on Wednesday the day before

and 2 on Friday the day after. So, all you guys have to do is EAT and

watch FOOTBALL.

THE COMMERCIAL AUDITION>>DON'T CUT YOUR OWN THROAT!!

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

THE COMMERCIAL AUDITION>>DON'T CUT YOUR OWN THROAT!!

The quickest way to eliminate yourself from contention? Talk too much and don’t listen.  In an audition, you’re being judged on several things. Do you look right? Are you delivering a good performance? And one of the biggest things in a callback: Can you you take direction? All of these are factors in whether or not you will book the job.  If a director gives you direction, shut up until he or she is done talking. So many actors say, “Yeah, yeah, yeah…” right away when the director starts giving a note. Many times, actors miss what the director is trying to say. When the director is giving you an adjustment, be quiet and listen. When he or she is done, ask any clarifying question and then give it your best shot.>>>Recently, at a callback audition, the director actually had to say to an actor “Hold on, let me finish,” as he was giving a note. That actor did not book the job. Really?

YOU LOOK MATTERS>>BIG TIME:

  IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

THE COMMERCIAL AUDITION>>YOU LOOK MATTERS>>BIG TIME:

Seventy percent of the audition is over before you read the first word of the script. This may not be fair, but it’s just the way it is. The way you look is a big part of it; especially in commercials where you’re telling stories in 30-seconds and you to establish characters quickly. If you don’t look like the character that the creative team has in mind, it’s not impossible to book the job, but it’s unlikely. In addition, how you present yourself — the way you say your name, your voice and your general attitude — tells the team a lot about you before you ever deliver a line. You probably can’t book the role before you’ve read the script, but you can either tee yourself up for success or create an impression that’s hard to overcome.

" I WANT TO MODEL, WHY CAN'T I GET 'ANY' WORK??

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

 

" I WANT TO MODEL, WHY CAN'T I GET 'ANY' WORK??

 

One of the biggest hangups for most hopeful models is the concern that they are too short to make their dreams happen.  They may be attractive, photogenic, have the right measurements and meet all of the other requirements, but have been told by someone or some agency that they are too short to model.  So why is that?  Why can’t models be short?  If a hopeful model had everything else going for them, could they overcome this height dilemma?

Well, first of all, let’s identify as to why models are supposed to be tall in the first place.  Marketers have long understood the power of visuals.  They realize that there is real significance in getting people to envision themselves within clothing and the idea is to give them the best visual imaginable.  So as you might have guessed, this happens to come in the form of seemingly tall and attractive people; otherwise known as models.

Now without spending too much time here, tall and slender is more desirable to designers than short and boxy.  Designers just simply prefer tall (5’8″ or 5'9" and taller) and slender males and females to display their clothing.  It has a bit to do with the flow of the clothing and the full drapery of each article making a complete demonstration of the article being presented.

It's all about marketing the product or service. It's the clients money that is being spent and they select where and how it is spent.

BE YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE>>>

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

BE YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE>>>

DON'T BE WOUND SO TIGHT>>>

A sense of humor and self-confidence go a long way. Though rose-colored glasses are often dismissed as frivolous or naive, a purposefully positive outlook can help you take advantage of opportunities others might miss. The right attitude is motivating and healing. It leaves behind a good professional impression. And of course, it takes work. Florence knows how to keep her head above water.  Because at days end the best person you have working for YOU is YOU.

GET YOUR TAPED AUDITION TOGETHER.

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WAITING UNTIL THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND TO 

GET YOUR TAPED AUDITION TOGETHER.

What’s the appeal of waiting last minute? Whether it’s doing our holiday shopping, preparing for finals or SELF TAPING AN AUDITION>>, we hold it off until the very last second. No, it’s not healthy. It gives us immense anxiety but we do it anyway. Some people say they “work better under pressure.” (YEAH RIGHT) Others try and pull off the cool, calm and collected attitude when they really can’t.  Don't forget the casting folks may have already decided on their choice, before they even see yours,,if they look at it at all. Sometimes this comes true 'THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM'

SELF TAPE AUDITION TIPS > PART TWO

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

SELF TAPE AUDITION TIPS > PART TWO

8. Yelling to express emotion.Anger and sadness are more nuanced than just yelling. Find other dimensions to bring to a feeling. A coach can be very helpful here.

9. A bad stance.
Lowering your head to convey a feeling is okay, but don’t keep it down for too long. We need to see your eyes and emotions. Casting often views a move like this as bad acting, assuming you don’t know how else to demonstrate a feeling.

10. Fumbling with your script.
You should be off-book for a self-tape, but always have the script in hand just in case. It’s better to glance down to refresh your memory than fumble through lines. And please just hold the script still. 

11. Letting the scene drift off.Talent agent Robin Nassif says, “Don’t let the end of the scene just fade away. End the scene strong and on purpose. End your scene still in character. Don’t break character and say thank you, or suddenly pull the viewer out of the moment.”

12. Making lazy choices.
Make strong choices for your character, do your homework, investigate how the character feels in that scene. Make bold choices that create a sense that something serious is at stake. Make us care.

13. No editing. 
If you’re taping two scenes, you need to be able to edit them together as seamlessly as possible. Learn how to use an editing program, or find a professional.IN

SELF TAPING AUDITION MISTAKES> PART ONE:

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

SELF TAPING AUDITION MISTAKES> PART ONE:

1. Shooting vertically. 
All self-tapes should be shot horizontally, no exceptions.

2. Standing too far away.Casting should be able to see your face, eyes, and expression. Don’t shoot too close or too far, get it just right and shoot from the waist up.

3. The full-body pan.According to CD Carol Goldwasser, when casting asks for a full-body shot,“[they] don’t want to see a head and then a chest and then legs and then shoes. I want the camera to get the entire person in the frame at one time.”

4. A distracting background.I can’t tell you how many self-tapes I’ve seen that are shot in front of closets, in a bathroom or cluttered kitchen, etc. All of this is wrong. A self-tape should be filmed in front of a blank wall of neutral color, like green or blue. We want to be looking at you, not trying to figure out what’s hanging behind your head.

5. Poor lighting and sound.Invest in a simple lighting kit. Add a mic to your iPhone or digital camera. Watch out for background noise from traffic, lawn mowers, and barking dogs.

6. Using a bad reader.Pick a reader who’s a good actor with great diction. Even though you’re the one auditioning, their bad reading will bring the tape down. And make sure your reader stands to the immediate right or left of the camera, and brings their volume down a bit. This will put your eyeline close to the camera lens without looking directly into it so casting can see your expressions and ensure the reader isn’t talking over you.

7. Not dressing appropriately.Wear solid, bright colors. Avoid white (it reflects too much). No hats, crazy makeup, excessive patterns, or flashy jewelry. Dress to suggest the character. You don’t need to buy a space suit if you’re reading for an astronaut, but you also shouldn’t be wearing shorts and a tank top for an office manager.

ARE ACTORS, MODELS, MUSICIANS ETC. 'REALLY THAT HAPPY"?

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

ARE ACTORS, MODELS, MUSICIANS ETC. 'REALLY THAT HAPPY"?

Oh no, not at all, not all the time, and not because they are rich, they are just like me and you.  They are people just like all of us are, and subject to the same ups and downs as we all are.  Just last year a really bright young actor, Lee Thompson Young, committed suicide, and the world was shocked when Robin Williams took his life. They found coping with life far too burdensome to bear, and while there may have been some happiness, there was enough of the other for them to feel the need to leave.  Some sad deaths the past few years, some from suicide, some from drug use, which one could assume mean they are not happy - acclaimed director Tony Scott, fashion designer L'Wren Scott, singers Whitney Houston, Simone Battle and Amy Winehouse, actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. Everyone is subject to the kind of happiness or sadness and despair that life brings. Believe it or not they even have money problems,,,,just like me and you, just on a slightly higher level of course.

Just like in the 'real world', it starts at the bottom and works its way all the way up to those at the 'very', 'very' top. Bright side, if there is one,,,,your family is taken care of.

ACTORS, DEALING WITH REJECTION

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

ACTORS, DEALING WITH REJECTION

Actors are such sensitive creatures. You take every rejection personally. When an audition or meeting doesn’t go well, you respond like the apocalypse is knocking on your door. It must be an exhausting way to live.  Remember back in high school when every heartbreak felt like the end of the world? Part of growing up is learning that wounds heal and life goes on. >>>Anyway, dealing with disappointment is a necessary skill if you want to be an actor. You have to understand that rejections are like speed bumps on the road to success. So here are a few words of wisdom that might help you drive over them without breaking an axle. So, I think one of the good things about this industry is that you are surrounded by other actors, many times about your age. Immerse yourself into trying again and again, and you will probably soon forget your crappy rejection. Make healing even quicker....NAIL THE NEXT ONE.

SO, WHO SEE'S YOU FIRST? DIRECTOR OR CASTING DIRECTOR?

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

SO, WHO SEE'S YOU FIRST? DIRECTOR OR CASTING DIRECTOR?

Often a director gets all the credit for a great movie. But,  that is not always the case. Many important jobs contribute to the making of a masterpiece. Which brings us to casting directors, the people whose job it is to know the strengths and weaknesses of an entire landscape of actors, both discovered and un-, and then convince a director that one of them is perfect for his or her film.  So, where do the CD's begin? How about your headshot and resume, if you are not known. Of course having a reel helps a ton, especially if the CD is narrowing the audition process down, first.  Don't forget the CD sees your headshot and resume long before they see you, IF they see you at all.

Don't sell this process short

To smile or not to smile

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

To smile or not to smile, that is the question.

Headshot? What to do?

SMILES ARE GREAT BECAUSE:
1. They allow you to connect on a genuine level with the viewer. Make sure your smile isn't fake!!!
2. They show approachability, warmth, and build trust.
3. They make the viewer more comfortable with you.
4. They make you seem easy to work with.
5. They can help you look younger.

THE DOWNSIDES OF SMILES CAN BE:
1. If you don't like your teeth, they will probably show if your smile is genuine. But remember, your teeth can be whitened and straightened in Photoshop! however I don't recommend that, casting directors want you to look like you really look
2. If you already look young, you will look even younger and possibly inexperienced.
3. It's dangerous to fake a smile in a headshot because if it's not a genuine, real smile, you could appear untrustworthy. An easy fix to get a real smile is to just laugh!
4. Your eyes can become squinty. Fix this by looking at the top part of the photographer's camera, or do a more subtle laugh/smile instead of a big one. Don't deliberately widen your eyes or you'll look like a deer in the headlights!
5. Wrinkles can show on your face, or your face can look wider. Lighting has a lot to do with this coming out properly without 'photoshop.

Casting Directors don't want to see a headshot of Halle Berry, and then Whoopi Goldberg shows up. Not good.

FOLLOW THE HERD RIGHT OFF THE CLIFF>>>

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

FOLLOW THE HERD RIGHT OFF THE CLIFF>>>

Throughout my years in this industry,  I’ve seen actors attempting to launch A-list careers and achieve major success by trying to fit through the same small door as everyone else—attending cattle call workshops, sending postcards, practicing gimmicky acting techniques taught by Madame Ooh La La, taking non-craft-related personal empowerment classes, etc. >>>>On the one hand, I don’t blame them. Many careers actually have been forged on the formula of: receive audition, perform well at audition, book job, repeat process, get noticed in time. If this approach is working for you, congratulations. Move onwards and upwards.>>>>However, if one aspect of this particular formula isn’t helping you, it might be indicative of the fact that you’re embracing too much of the HERD MENTALITY The herd mentality is a term that I use in this business to refer to “widespread beliefs” that permeate throughout the minds and mouths of actors that can actually be crippling and prevent the actor from moving forward. For instance, ideas like, “casting directors don’t want to meet actors without credits” or “leading men/ladies have to be traditionally handsome” or a host of other blah, blahs.” Obviously, the bulk of the ideologies connected to the herd mentality don't work for most actors, especially beginners, that can't wait another day to get on the top rung, when they've done,,,,well not much. When you look around at the 'herd' and they are all just like you, maybe you should take a mental break.

ALL ARTISTS POSSESS THIS TRAIT>>>

IN MY OPINION;

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

ALL ARTISTS POSSESS THIS TRAIT>>>

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” –Albert Einstein

Your imagination is an extremely valuable commodity. It’s imagination that gives birth to freedom of mind, questioning, experimenting creativity, and discovery. When you consider the technology sector over the last decade, the creation of softwares, hardwares, and websites are clear evidence of people’s active imaginations. More than the technology, the imagination is the real champion here, creating unprecedented breakthroughs in countless areas of life. Without imagination, we stagnate, and the result is unoriginality as well as lack of innovation.

WHEN SHOULD A CHILD START TAKING ACITNG??

IIN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHEN SHOULD A CHILD START TAKING ACITNG??

If the actor is not properly trained, they are not an actor. Acting is fun, but it is not a part-time hobby. If your child is serious about pursuing this field, you must cultivate a mindset, as one would do when becoming a professional musician, athlete, or dancer. Your child must train continually in order to stay competitive and most importantly cultivate the understanding of the entire process. When a child is in school sports, parents are diligent about never missing practices or games. However, when it comes to their acting classes, many parents do not attach the same discipline. They find the money to invest in other activities, but fall short when it comes to paying for artistic training. There are thousands of classes; find one that is challenging that your child loves. Do your research. A great acting class will enhance every area of their life.

WHY TAKE A FEW ACTING CLASSES AT ALL???

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

WHY TAKE A FEW ACTING CLASSES AT ALL???

Whether you walk into acting class after a stressful day at work or crappy day at school, you will be able to drop off some baggage while you’re there. Some dramatic scenes require you to tap into passionate emotions like anger, despair, hatred, love, shame, and yearning. While this is far from easy for any beginning actor, you’ll become more comfortable tapping into your full emotional range as time goes on. Many acting classes will require you to prepare your own monologue, which is a great opportunity to express some feelings that have been held in, as you could select a monologue that makes you think about whatever you’re going through in the real life (effectively giving you a much-needed emotional outlet where no holds are barred).

Well this isn't really my opinion, it's a fact.

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS.

Well this isn't really my opinion, it's a fact.

Georgia is quickly taking over the TV and film industry. There are the 48 movies and TV shows filming in Georgia this November.

DON'T DO THIS:

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS:

DON'T DO THIS:

It's actually hard not to do>>nitpick other actors careers while at the same time comparing them to your own.

Also, don't nitpick your own work, it simply does not work. I remember once quite some time ago, I was in 

a lot of golf tournaments and was always taking lessons and seemingly not getting a bit better. So one

day my PGA INSTRUCTOR SAYS. " JUST FORGET EVERYTHING I'VE SAID AND HIT THE DAMN BALL."

I got a 'little better' by not concentrating so much. I think this also applies to acting. Just do it.

UNDERSTANDING IMPROV>>>

IN MY OPINION:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS;

UNDERSTANDING IMPROV>>>

Basically the 'first rule' of Improv is "yes" and,,,,since just about everything is simply made up right then, right now, it is vital that you

say yes to everything your improv partner says, what they bring to the scene. You can, of course add to the scene by adding your imput,

your feelings about what is happening. Successful improv scenes are structured (or should be) through some type of agreement. And just

like in scripted scenes, listening to and reacting to the moment. And if you are not, well then you are missing out on what might have been,

'your moment'

DON'T CALL THE CASTING PERSON;

IN  MY OPINON:

WILLIAM REYNOLDS

 

 DON'T CALL THE CASTING PERSON;

 

Your submission should consume as little of the casting directors time as possible. Avoid calling the production office or casting director's office unless your given a number and asked to. It's also not the best idea to submit yourself and then ask for them to call you. Why would they want to call you? They have what they need and don't need to spend time on the phone. If you do this and also send in multiple submissions multiple times, it can be very annoying and will make your chances even worse. Your reputation is on the line when you submit yourself. At least act like you've done this before. believe me they can tell an amateur...easily.