“A Woman Should Have” by Pamela Redmond Satran

Enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own. Even if she never wants to or needs too.


Something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour.


A youth she’s content to leave behind and a past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to
retelling it in her old age.


A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.


One friend who always makes her laugh and one who lets her cry.


A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family.


Eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honoured.


A feeling of control over her destiny.


A Woman should know..


How to fall in love without losing herself.


How to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship


When to try harder and when to walk away.


That she can’t change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..


That her childhood may not have been perfect, but its over now.


What she would and wouldn’t do for love or more.


How to live alone - even if she doesn’t like it.


Whom she can trust.


Whom she can’t and why she shouldn't take it personally…


Where to go - be it to her best friend’s kitchen table or a charming inn in the woods when her soul needs soothing.


What she can and can’t accomplish in a day, a month and a year.

Quick Acting Exercise

Tis' the day that the 48 hour film festival begins! And I have had my little pre-preparation hat on for the last few days!

What I mean by 'Pre-Prep' is that I'm getting all of my work, exercises and character development techniques in place and ready to go (even if I have one line) once the script gets handed to me.

I love being prepared. I always feel so much more in control and powerful when I'm prepared and awesomely it means I can be very fluid and changeable with my work too!

So speaking of acting exercises and techniques, I have a quick and easy acting exercise you can do before an audition, before the 48 hour film comp or just cause you feel like a refresher!

Easy Acting Exercise

• Make a 20 - 30 second monologue on the spot (can be a sentence or in your head)
• Write a list of 10 emotions you want to go through (make sure you choose opposites to challenge yourself!)
• Set up a camera or film yourself on your computer (optional. but fantastic for you to observe your work)
• Go through your mini-monologue by saying it through those 10 different emotions. Mix it up. Throw some challenging ones in there. Keep doing it until you 'feel' it.

Example Below

Sentence: "What happened to the washing? I left it here."

Emotions: Nervous, Stressed, Annoyed, Angry, Happy, Disgusted, Worried, Scared, Jealous, Guilty etc.

Appreciate EVERYONE on Set (even coffee runners)

As the weekend of 48 hours draws near, it reminds me of a time long ago (last year) working on a production out in the middle of nowhere. The looong days on set, the crew and the coffee runners. And all I have to say from that experience is... 

You best be bringing your gratitude to set mate!

I am speaking of a lesson I learned while on set (without being in the actual crossfire) just by observation.

It was day two of shooting on location. I had been in the wardrobe and make-up van for about 3 hours getting transformed into acid dropping hippy. Yeah that's right.

The bulk of the crew was getting the shot set up about 100 meters up the road.

My assistant came to get me and take me to the food station so I could have some breakfast. (I know, I just giggle at the thought of saying 'my assistant' hehe!). And as I went up I chose the food I wanted, piled it into my paper bowl and grabbed my cutlery.

A lady came over to me and asked me what beverage I would like. She was obviously the coffee runner. A little startled because I just assumed I would make it myself I said "Oh, yes please! I would love a coffee!" and off she went to brew it up. (7am, Oh my god, yesssssss!)

I made my way over to the lady with my assistant (teehee!) holding an umbrella over me at all times so my makeup didn't run and had a quick chat with her. She said she had been up since 4am making coffees for the director, producers and the assistants. I said to her she was doing a fantastic job.

My coffee was just about made when a girl (in crew I think) came over looking a bit tired and possibly annoyed she was awake and said "Can I have three coffees?". The coffee lady (I still regret I didn't get her name!) literally transformed into a different person and said in a very bitter tone towards this girl "I'm not doing shit for you until you can say please and ask me nicely."

The girl was stunned, I was stunned. I felt like I had just accidentally fell into the lion pit! My assistant started tugging my arm as if to insinuate "Okay.. time to get the hell out of here". The lady gave me my coffee, I said thank you and turned to leave.

I heard the crew girl say "What? I did say please" and the coffee lady snapped back "No you didn't, so say it" (talk about a 'Oh no you didn't' moment!) and the girl eventually asked nicely and she got her three coffees.

This fascinated me and I thought about it for days afterwards. If that girl had just said 'please' their mornings would have gone a lot more cheerily.

So there I learned (thank god from a distance) how you should always treat people on set and in life!

Mum and I were talking the other day while out on one of our forest walks about Hugh Jackman. She told me she had read an interview with him in a magazine and he was talking about working on set with a crew and other actors and he said that he makes a point to talk to everyone on set. Establish a connection, acknowledge their work and just talk about anything really. He said it's because "We're all the same. We work together and live together for periods at a time, but at the end of the day we're all the same and I don't see why people should be divided or hierarchies. I just make friends with everyone".

Isn't that lovely? I am definitely going to make a point to make friends with as many people as I can on set, are you?

So guys, my moral of the story is: No matter if you're having an average day, the make-up lady is talking too much, the director is an absolute douche, the producer keeps yelling at everyone or you're just too damn shy to talk to anyone - at least be grateful and appreciative of where you are. Cause that alone can make miracles happen!

TLG: Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco Pics by Zooey Magazine

You obviously know who Kaley Cuoco is now, right? If you don't I'll give you a wee hint.. 8 Simple Rules, Hop and The Big Bang Theory..

Kaley is my favourite comedy actress (with Emma Stone following not too far behind in second place).

This girl is fascinating. I have watched a few interviews with Kaley and she seems like such a down to earth regular girl.

She first got into acting when she was 8 months old. I know right! So she was already handling auditions, gigs and rejections before she could speak!

Once Kaley was 6, she got into modelling but also stuck to acting doing a lot of theater at her schools.

She'd been auditioning a lot and not landing the roles but that all changed once she landed to role for 8 Simple Rules which basically launched her career. After the series ended, Kaley went on to do some more gigs in tv and film but it wasn't till she landed the role of Penny on The Big Bang Theory that we all fell in love with her and that solidified her career in television.

One thing I found out about her that I really like is that when she told her parents she wanted to pursue acting professionally, her parents said to her that she could only do that if she took up another hobby as well. This became tennis, and she is damn good at tennis too! (I secretly want to play a game against her!).

Love these Kaley Cuoco Pictures

48

So.... I'm doing 48 hours this year!

I did not expect to. Scott even asked me a couple weeks ago if I was going to do it this year and I said 'No'.

Low and behold the opportunity presents itself to me.

If I've learned anything in this life it's to never pass an opportunity that found it's way to you on it's own.

They are rare and they should be milked and enjoyed!

So guys, I wanna know - Who's in 48 hours this year?

NZ Actors Agents 101

I was thinking to myself the other day, "Man I wish someone had told me all the things I now know about the NZ film industry that I didn't know then."

It possibly would have sped up the process! Ha! Of course I know it's about the journey and not the destination, but that thought led me on to think about others just starting out who will most likely be in the same position as I was. Clueless.

It puzzled me as to why no one had thought to shed the light, it made me curious to actually search for any basic information. Nada. So you know what, I'm gonna tell you myself!

So if you're new, old, young, been around a while, looking for more info and just curious here is my New Zealand Agents 101 guide for you!

Actors Agents in New Zealand

PLEASE NOTE: The information below is based on my own personal opinion and experience. Take the information as a loose guide to the industry. It's going to be different for everyone. If I happen not to know much about a particular agency, it doesn't mean you shouldn't check them out. Listen to what your heart is telling you, get onto the agencies websites and follow your gut - not your head.

B & M Creative Artists: B&M is a relatively new agency (only a year and a half old as of March 2012) and they have been building a pretty solid foundation since they started. Together they are an amazing team and they really support their actors. They're hands-on agents and put a lot of effort into their relationships with their clients and they only work on referrals. Contact them to see if they're interested in taking you on.

Gail Cowan Management: I feel like Gail Cowan is one of the loveliest agents I've ever had the pleasure to meet. She's got a great list of actors in her books, one of my favourites is Amellia Reid! In my opinion you do have to get to her at the right time as her books aren't open often. But keep in mind you also have to have great training credentials, headshots and a reel. But she is lovely to talk to, very friendly and has a really kind energy about her.

Human Garden Agency: I believe HGA have a massive client list because they represent many different types of performing talent. i.e Dancers, Singers, Circus Performers, Talent, Actors and Presenters. If you're multi-talented and/or want to do more than just act, Human would be fantastic for you!

Johnson Laird Management: JLM to me is probably the most powerful actors agency in New Zealand. Their client list is damn impressive. I mean check it out, Anna Hutchison, Grant Bowler and Beth Allen! I'm pretty sure you gotta be pretty professional to get on their books. I'm talking headshots, long list of training credentials (or drama school), professional show-reel, luck, timing and a bit of panache!

Karen Kay Management: I think KKM is one of the powerhouse actors agencies of NZ also. I really like the energy of Karen Kay, she loves her clients and truly supports them. I haven't yet had the chance to meet her, but when I do I swear I'll tell her this! I believe that getting a place on her books comes down to timing, talent, experience and luck! Flick the company an email and find out if they're taking anyone on at this time and what the requirements are.

Kathryn Rawlings & Associates: I did a little research on KR&A and they have a great client list! (side note: They have a lot of new zealand actresses that I really admire on their books like Jacquline Nairn!). They're a boutique agency which means that they host a smaller number of clients which is great! I think KR&A would be a great agency to try and get into. Best way to find out is to contact them!

McDaniel + Power: is a modelling and actors management in Dunedin, perfect for you scarfies! Aliana McDaniel is the modeling side and Barbara Power is the actors management side. (Special thanks goes to Janna Cachola for this info!)

Red Eleven: I was lucky enough to meet a lovely actress from Red Eleven last year. I believe Red Eleven is both a modelling agency and a talent agency so give them a call if you have multi-talents!

Sharon Power Management: I'm pretty sure Sharon Power management used to be NZTalent. So I have a feeling that this agency is more geared towards childrens actors. So mum's, this agency could be great for your child to start off with!

Talento: Check out Talento's website. I have heard a ton of lovely things about them. They're friendly and great at getting back to you promptly. Check out their facebook page as they often post audition postings there as well! (Special thanks to Becky Kuek for all of this info!)

Talent Banque: In my opinion Talent Banque is a great agent to approach.  They have awesome clients on their books and they've been round for years. Check em out!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It can be quite overwhelming at first, but after a while it gets easier. I feel I must say this even though it's been said many times - DO NOT PAY TO BE ON AN AGENTS BOOKS. It does not work like that. Your agent gets paid when you do.

Don't feel too disheartened if the agent you really wanted turned you down or didn't get back to you. It's part of the process. Most actors will have been turned down at some point! But you just can't let that stuff get to you. Keep working, keep training, keep your mind on the prize and one day you'll get to where you want to go.

Talent and Model Agents

The agents below are for talent - which is like background talent, extras, featured extra kind of work and models. Extra work is a really good way to learn about how the dynamics of a set and crew work together from a distance. It's also a great way to meet other actors and the pay is pretty good if you are working often. Some have said that doing extra work can taint your image as an actor if you're serious about doing bigger roles. I honestly don't know. This is a judgement call you have to make on your behalf.

• 62 Models
• Ali McD
• August Models
• Background Talent
• Bubblegum Kidz
• Clyne Management
• Dreamcast
• Folio
• Fresh Talent
• Kam Talent
• LMC Models
• Morris Talent
• Nova Models
• Possum Productions
• Real People
• Red Rocket
• Renaissance
• Sista Talent
• Stellar Management
• SVM Actors
• Tag Creatives
• The Agencie
• TWA
• Vanity Walk
• Visage

Hopefully this information helps you out a little bit with your journey! Much success!

SIDE NOTE: If you have anything you would like to add about any of the information posted, feel free to do so in the comment box below. If you have any questions you want to ask me directly, flick me an email! 

Free Online Acting Lessons!

Don't ya just love those three words - free acting lessons. Ooooh yeah!

Below are three unique videos I stumbled across on youtube by a guy called Benson Simmonds. Did a little research and his is both an actor and acting coach.

I watched all three of the vids and what he's gotta say is pretty darn good for freebies. Especially for beginner actors or actors doing a little extra research!

There are only the three videos, I couldn't find any more but hey there's still three of these online acting lessons and that's why you should watch em!

Thanks Benson!

Lesson 1



Lesson 2




Lesson 3