Happy New Year Actors!

maggiesmith

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday season with family and friends. It went by quickly didn’t it?

Well, now it’s time to get busy. Again!

This is a great time to go through your Actor’s Access profile and see if you can make your resume and special skills more specific with great key words.

Additionally, I think you should go through your last photoshoot and pick out a few pics you haven’t used and upload those to your profile.

This will give your agent some new options. Especially if you felt you did not get enough auditions last year.

I suggest picking a look totally different from your “usual suspect” headshots.

Embrace a NEW you.

Why not?

Focusing on my writing has been an enlightening process for me and my “type”.

I’m not as active as I used to be, so my face is a bit fuller. What?!

It’s true.

Actually, all of me is a bit fuller. M-K?

I shot a webseries last year. Always great to work. I saw the finished product and was like….who the hell is that?!

 

I noticed jowls and lines and things I had not seen before.

Does age & weight make you more interesting? I’ll get back to you on that. LOL

Well, I was hired to play a “character”. It’s not about me. It’s not about you. You’re a product.

It can be frustrating when it doesn’t fit your usual “brand”, but that’s ok.

It was a great experience and it showed me, hmmm, well, perhaps that isn’t my best side? I need to work on this and I need to work on that. 

 

Working is always the goal! Am I right?

And I’ll start on the New Me… Now.

 

I took a first step and changed my hair color a bit.

 

Now it’s your turn. 

Ready-Set-Go !

nyebookmeme2

 

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Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Everyone!

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“ACTING…It’s Not For Sissies” 1 & 2 available on AMAZON!

http://amzn.to/1MigmKN

Hello everyone!

So sorry I’ve been absent from the blog. I have been busy working on my screenplay projects.

I hope that everyone is well and had a fabulous 2016! I did!

Enjoy this time with family & friends and remember once the New Year gets here it’s time to hit the ground running again.

Let’s make 2017 the best year yet!!

Check out my books on Amazon. GREAT gifts and Stocking Stuffers for those actors in your life.

Ho Ho Ho

http://www.NicoleComer.com

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Pilot Season Is Over…Now What?

Pacino

 

Hello everyone.


I’m sorry I’ve been a bit absent from the blog.

I am focusing on the sequel to “ACTING…It’s Not For Sissies” as well as completing a few screenplay projects.


Writing can be a bit isolating (and sedentary! ) however I am truly enjoying taking this time to focus on my own personal writing goals.


So, pilot season is over. What are you up to?


I talk about Pilot Season in my book and the anxiety that goes along with it.

Actors are consistently second-guessing themselves wondering if they’re doing enough.


Well, now that the season is over and things have slowed a bit…now what?


I also talk about this in my book in the Keep Yourselves Busy chapter.


The possibilities are endless.



This is that time to do some SPRING CLEANING.


-Go through your ONLINE PROFILES (Actor’s Access, LAcasting, etc)  and be sure everything is up-to-date and accurate


-Go through those HEADSHOTS; Take some down, upload some new ones. The #1 reason you’re not being called in is your headshot! (hopefully your manager and/or agent includes that submitted photo w/ your audition info so you know which ones are working. If they’re not, it’s a good suggestion). 

 

-Although they’re not used as frequently as before, please do an inventory of your HARD-COPY headshots and see if you need to place an order


-Missing some work for your REEL? Contact those productions again to get your scene(s).  Accessing TV episodes is simpler now because most of it is accessible online and you can do that yourself. Getting your scene(s) for a film can be a challenge. There’s only so much you can do. Trust me, there are projects I worked on that I never saw the end result. 


-How is your RESUME looking? I’m referring to the printable copy as well as the resume on your online profiles. Clean it up! Make it pop! Be sure new credits & training are added and look at your formatting to be sure it’s as eye-pleasing as possible. 

 

-AUDIT some new acting classes & workshops

Improv, Cold Reading Workshops, Acting For The Camera, Sitcom

 

 

-Do you need NEW HEADSHOTS? Do your homework, find a new photographer and schedule that session ASAP. (more info in my book under Headshots chapter)


 

-Are you still carrying that holiday weight? Get your FITNESS plan in gear!



-Need a NEW AGENT? At the end of pilot season, some agencies will begin to drop talent, so you may have to start that search for a new agency. This is the time to do it! 


Or even if you weren’t dropped and you have decided it’s time to make a change, please read my book about agents.  Do not leave until you have a new agent. 



That should keep you pretty occupied and most importantly in a constructive fashion.

And before you know it, the Fall TV season will begin!

Break A Leg! 

 

“ACTING…It’s Not For Sissies”
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NOTHING Can Replace or Diminish a Strong Work Ethic

ClintCHANGE

NOTHING Can Replace or Diminish a Strong Work Ethic

 

It doesn’t really matter whether you’re an actor, writer or IT professional.

 

You must have a strong work ethic to survive and thrive in this world.

 

From an observational standpoint, I use a lot of child stars as an example. Not all, but a lot of them were quite lucky from an early age and the only job they ever had was to be an actor.
Pretty great, huh?

 

However their experience is not a realistic one and it did not prepare them for the world at large when/if their careers stalled.

 

A lot of them are not prepared and were not prepared for curve balls that headed their way, because they didn’t have any other skill than being an actor.

It has nothing to do with having an Plan A or Plan B, per se.

 

It has to do with your world and life experience.

From my own observation when I hear of a young star or starlet being “difficult” or showing up late, keeping people waiting, being snotty to fans...it’s not shocking to me.

 

They don’t appreciate what a gift they have been given. 

 
Those of you in the trenches waiting tables, tending bar, substitute teaching and on and on are believe it or not SO lucky & SO much more prepared for life.

 

When/if you get those bookings and triumphs, you appreciate it and do not take it for granted.

 

They were simply not prepared for a world that didn’t include a hit TV show or film career.

 

On one hand, I believe if you’re a good person you’re going to be that same good person regardless of the money and success that comes your way.

 

On the other hand, the young starlets and stars that behave in such a manner are not much different than this younger generation coming out of school and expecting everything handed to them.

 

They haven’t had the struggle. They never waited tables or worked in a chaotic call center. They have never been sick to their stomach as the 1st of the month approaches. For them, that does not compute.

 

There are always exceptions. Always. But I see it quite frequently with successful actors that if you followed their journey you realize that they were pretty darn lucky.

 

True, we don’t always see their struggles and their work.

But if they have been a working actor since their teens and early 20’s, color them fortunate.

 

I have been working since I was 11 years old.

 

I was “the” neighborhood babysitter and was known as the type of responsible kid that parents trusted. And I did that consistently until I was old enough to get an official job at the mall. And many many jobs and careers followed including acting. 

 

I went to school with kids that didn’t have to work. If we took a trek to the mall their parents easily and readily gave them a couple $100 to blow on whatever.

 

If I wanted whatever, I had to work to pay for it.

 

I’m bringing up Work Ethic because I believe it is so important for aspiring and working actors. You’ve often heard the phrase that your agent makes 10% so you’re responsible for 90% of the work.

 

And it’s SO true.

 

So many actors think once they sign with that agent that their work is done.

I talk about this in my book, “ACTING…It’s Not For Sissies”.

 

Once you sign with an agent THAT is when the work begins. NOW you’re in a position to capitalize on that connection and that person who is working to get you into doors.
So when you make it in that door you had better be ready.

 

How are you going to be ready?

 

Classes, workshops, up-to-date professional headshots, updated resume and of course TALENT.

 

And how you are going to pay for all of that? Work! Work! Work!

 

This business has ebbs and flows for everyone no matter their success level. You must be willing to venture out into unknown territory and take the reins.

 

You cannot sit and wait for your agent or anyone else to bring things to you. Go out and get it!!

 

There will always be actors that are working actors that people refer to as “difficult”, that will never change.

 

However, in most cases, do you want to know why it’s “who you know”? That’s because no one wants to spend a 15-hour day with a pain in the ass!!

 

If a director has worked with an actor and had a great experience, they’re going to hire that actor again.

 

That’s why it’s “who you know”.

 

There are producers and directors that say, you know what, I could get this person who is a much bigger “name”, but life is too damn short and if we’re going to embark on this creative journey, let’s enjoy it too!

 

Life is happening all around you.

 

You may not currently be at your chosen destination.

 

But please know if you’re armed with a healthy work ethic, you will always get the better of those challenges that life throws your way.

 

Break A Leg!

 

 

 

“ACTING…It’s Not For Sissies”

http://amzn.to/1MigmKN

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Bookstore Locations, Availability & Updates

Actress Writer & Acting Coach

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Hello everyone. Thank you for taking a look at my new book.

A sequel to this one is in the works. I am continuing to utilize examples and experiences with my coaching clients as inspiration as well as the questions and comments I receive on the regular from actors.

Please follow this blog & always feel free to post questions. I would be happy to assist and if it’s not something I’ve heard before, it just might make it into the next book.

Below are bookstore locations and the Amazon link to view and purchase the book.

If you have a favorite local bookstore that you love to support (or your college bookstore) you may simply ask that they order it for you.

Happy Week & Break a leg!!

“ACTING...It’s Not For Sissies”

AMAZON:

ENGLISH eBook & Paperback:  http://amzn.to/1MigmKN

eBook in SPANISH: http://amzn.to/1L2ITEU

SPANISH Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/dp/152279994X

eBook in JAPANESE: http://amzn.to/1O7yVX0

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Tess Holliday Takes A Swipe At Victoria’s Secret…Again

Tess
September 2015
 
 
December 2015
 

Good morning peeps!

 

Well, apparently Plus-Sized model, Tess Holliday decided to take a swipe at Victoria’s Secret models. (sigh) And this isn’t the 1st time she has done this.

 

This tale is as old as time.

 

Now, if the tables were turned, everyone would pile up on those angels from VS and pull out the popular term, “bully”.

 

The fact that she then equated herself with the gay community and black community is also very telling. She sees herself as some sort of oppressed minority and therefore she believes she has Carte Blanche to say whatever she wishes without consequences? Was that her thinking?

 

Actually, I have no idea what she was thinking or her true rationale so I will leave that alone.

 

However, I will say a few other things.

 

Why are women constantly in a competition with one another to say, “No, I’M the ideal woman!” ?

 

It annoys me.

 

These are the times when I feel more like a man and think, geez, women are exhausting.  Am I right?

 

Tess is using VS to gain publicity for herself because she is preying on the insecurity of all women. Women that look at VS models and think, crap, I’m never going to look like that. I’m 5’4″ and my legs are just never going to be that long; That ship has sailed.

 

But Tess, you’re in for a rude awakening. I do not want to look like you. I don’t aspire to look like you and in fact you’re so heavy that you make me uncomfortable.

 

In addition, I have never personally been a fan of tattoos. Not in the slightest. I realize in the younger generation I may be in the minority but I’m not a fan of that look.

 

I dated a muscle-head guy years ago and didn’t realize he had tattoos until he wore a short-sleeved shirt. I was immediately turned off. My only exception to this would be The Rock. For him, I would make an exception.

 

Tess and her career rise is a stark example of political correctness gone awry.

 

I do not believe anyone should be picked on for the way they look.

 

At the same time, I do not believe she should be put on a pedestal for women either.

 

I’m an educated adult and you cannot convince me that Tess is healthy. She is a walking advertisement for diabetes and heart disease.

 

And I’ll tell you something else. As an actress, this whole discussion is also quite personal. The smallest I have ever been is a size 4 and that was a full-time job. It’s possible I was smaller at a certain point, but I’ll never know, because it always seemed when I had the bod, I didn’t have the $ for the new wardrobe and vice versa.

 

I am curvy. Hippy and busty. I cannot change that unless I have surgery and I’m a bit gun-shy when it comes to unnecessary surgical procedures. I have longed for breast reduction since I was a teenager, because my back, shoulder and neck issues are daunting. At the same time, surgery scares the crap out of me. Although I do realize my chest makes me appear much larger on-camera. It’s a stark reality and I have accepted it.

 

Hollywood is also a mirror image of this political correct argument. Hollywood tells actresses that you’re either a size 0 or you’re obese. They don’t seem to allow much variance there.

 

There are exceptions I have seen if you’re a minority.

 

However, if you’re a Caucasian (appearance) actress and you’re remotely attractive, you had better be perfect. That is my opinion and my experience. Take it or leave it. 

 

There’s all this talk about gender inequality and racial inequality in casting.

 

Well, I would like to put my vote in the box for a discussion about size inequality.

 

I have read for major leading roles on a couple series. When the casting breakdown initially came out it was, “we’re looking for an actress who needs to lose about 15 pounds”

 

By the time they were cast, the roles were obese. Now, one of these roles was cast with a “name” actress, so I get it.

 

And please let me say that I appreciate ALL auditions. I love a chance to go in and show what I do. I take my own advice and tell myself, hey, go in and Make Fans (From, “ACTING…It’s Not For Sissies”), because I’m in it for the long haul.

 

I am the 1st to admit that there are 100’s of reasons why you do or do not book a job. And in a lot of cases it had absolutely nothing to do with your audition.
Your resume, your name recognition, your “type”…many reasons. And they usually have “offers out” on most of these by the time I walk in their door so while I am always hopeful, I am also realistic.

 

However, when it came to this discussion, I felt the need to put in my 2 cents in regards to body image.

 

There is no such thing as perfection. And women and girls should not be lectured to by anyone as to who is their perfect body image role model.

 

There is a place for Tess and there is a place for the Victoria’s Secret models. And there is a place for me too!

 

Isn’t that the point?

 

 

I wish that Tess would focus on herself. I wish she would work on her own image and I’m not just referring to her outward appearance. She needs a PR coach, because I believe she may have overstayed her welcome.

 

 

Break A Leg!

 

“ACTING…It’s Not For Sissies”

http://amzn.to/1MigmKN

 

NICOLE COMER:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1588997/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

 

 

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eBook Holiday Special $5

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AMAZON:  http://amzn.to/1MigmKN

 

HOLIDAY SPECIAL….eBook Now $5

 

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays everyone!!

 

I cannot believe it’s December, can you? Phew, this year flew by!

 

A friendly reminder: If you have not given your agent and/or manager your Book Out dates for the holidays…do it ASAP!

 

All of the breakdowns that are coming out right now have those pertinent shoot dates.

 

As an actor we hate to miss out on anything. I totally get it. You just need to have those conversations with your representatives and feel them out. When I’m in LA, I rarely vacation to tell you the truth.

It is important to live your life and take a breather now and then. It will make you a better actor.
But always check with your reps before you do. You’re a team!

 

Wishing everyone a truly blessed Christmas and Holiday Season.

 

Ho  Ho Ho and Break A Leg!

 

xo

 

 

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New Christmas & Holiday Items available!

BookBlueImNotSantaBLACKnWHITE

Ho Ho Ho

Hey everyone!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week. Just a quick shout that I have added new items for the holidays to my website.

As always I have tons of cute T-Shirts, Hoodies, Book Bags, etc etc for all Actors, Actresses & Artists.

The Christmas & Holiday items are for EVERYONE!

Men, Women and Babies!!!

Please check it out!!

Ho ho ho

https://shop.spreadshirt.com/ActingItsNotForSissies

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eBook Now Available in Japanese!!

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日本で使用できるようになりまし電子ブック
ebook now available in Japanese 

 
 

こんにちは。Hello

私はロサンゼルスでコーチと著者の演技、女優です。私が原因で私のコーチングのクライアントとの私の経験にこの本を書いて、これらのヒント＆物語を共有するために強いと感じました。

I’m an actress, acting coach and author in Los Angeles.

I felt compelled to write this book and share these tips & stories due to my experiences with my coaching clients.

ほとんどの演技学校＆劇場プログラムは演技の工芸を教え、彼らは演技の「ビジネス」をカバーしていません。私が始めたとき、私はこの本を持っていたいです！

Most acting schools & theatre programs teach the craft of acting, but they do not cover the “business” of acting. I wish I had this book when I was starting out! 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

USA: http://amzn.to/1O7yVX0

A脚を破ります！

Break A Leg!

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