Monday, 2 August 2010
Discovery Channel Show highlighting LA Headshot Photographer Kevyn Major Howard
As any actor can tell you, the headshot for those of you who do not know, this is a 10 x 8 Photograph of an actor focusing on the face.
This accompanied by a Resume or CV is the normal requirement for an actor to be considered for a TV/Film job. There are so many photographers, how do you choose? It's a dilemma most actors deal with when they submit or their agents submit to a casting director.
I know a few photographers in LA, New York and London but there are few photographers the industry, especially Hollywood would say is delivering exactly what they require. However, there is one LA Photographer 'Kevyn Major Howard' who has the reputation to capture great pictures specifically 'Headshots' which open doors for actors in the Industry.
Check out the video link of Kevyn Major Howard right here at TC BLOG
Sunday, 1 August 2010
INCEPTION is a mind maze of reality meets surreality
Well, I have now seen the film 'Inception' and must say that in the first 30minutes, I was unsure of what to really expect and at the sametime my mind was trying to conculude and summarise but to no avail. It was hard to comprehend the path being taken as we see Leonardo Dicaprio washed up on the shores of a beach.
It seemed unbelieveable as I sometimes like to know where I am going with a film but something was holding me back and allowing the film to play out before me. As I sat in the movie theatre, I began to absorb this film differently and not try to evaluate or judge to quickly and then things began to change.
The lead actor of course, drew the attention immediately but the idea of dreams being invaded seemed different, at first obsurd and then becoming convinced of the possibility. Gravity is a law that exists and wind blows but we cannot see it but it is real. Therefore, my thought was, if there are things we cannot explain than maybe our reality doesn't have to end there. Dreams are a phenomenon in themselves, could it be that these events in time when we are sleeping in a fictional sense, potentially 'be' isolated and penetrated? It all sounds abit 'spooky' and alittle weird you may say but there are so many things we cannot explain and I realised this film, was tapping into something we take for granted and we all do but don't take the time to think about dreams.
This film within 30minutes hooked me in as I was desperate to find out what was happening and what was real and what was a dream. Some of the dialogue between the actors was like a group of science majors, who who were going against the rules and we were observers, looking in. The good thing about the film was the varied cast, young and legendary.
Michael Cain an incredible actor and the dynamics of the other cast members all worked well together, as the pace and the speed and of course the effects literally were amazing. Some, film enthusiasts may think, it was odd because it was a surreal film on the edge of reality and often science, philosophy and psychosis can be understood in certain circles but if you like action and clarity immediately, then this may not be your film. It's a film where reality is broken and surreality embraced.
The epic scenes of exploding buildings and city scapes 'turning on their heads' as it were is simply unbelievable and something you would only imagine but not actually see before your eyes. Truly a marvel to be seen and a film many will question but one thing is for sure, it is a film that will go down in history that took reality to surreality and back in a moment. Dreams can never be truly understood but at least there was one film that looked at it differently and gave us a view into the human subconscious. Whether conclusive or as agent Dana Scully would say this is inconclusive evidence. Nothing is cut and dry!
Solving the film isn't necessary but to experience the impossibility is what makes this film a hit. Salvador Dali painted dreams and Inception did the same but through film. That's a work of art.
It seemed unbelieveable as I sometimes like to know where I am going with a film but something was holding me back and allowing the film to play out before me. As I sat in the movie theatre, I began to absorb this film differently and not try to evaluate or judge to quickly and then things began to change.
The lead actor of course, drew the attention immediately but the idea of dreams being invaded seemed different, at first obsurd and then becoming convinced of the possibility. Gravity is a law that exists and wind blows but we cannot see it but it is real. Therefore, my thought was, if there are things we cannot explain than maybe our reality doesn't have to end there. Dreams are a phenomenon in themselves, could it be that these events in time when we are sleeping in a fictional sense, potentially 'be' isolated and penetrated? It all sounds abit 'spooky' and alittle weird you may say but there are so many things we cannot explain and I realised this film, was tapping into something we take for granted and we all do but don't take the time to think about dreams.
This film within 30minutes hooked me in as I was desperate to find out what was happening and what was real and what was a dream. Some of the dialogue between the actors was like a group of science majors, who who were going against the rules and we were observers, looking in. The good thing about the film was the varied cast, young and legendary.
Michael Cain an incredible actor and the dynamics of the other cast members all worked well together, as the pace and the speed and of course the effects literally were amazing. Some, film enthusiasts may think, it was odd because it was a surreal film on the edge of reality and often science, philosophy and psychosis can be understood in certain circles but if you like action and clarity immediately, then this may not be your film. It's a film where reality is broken and surreality embraced.
The epic scenes of exploding buildings and city scapes 'turning on their heads' as it were is simply unbelievable and something you would only imagine but not actually see before your eyes. Truly a marvel to be seen and a film many will question but one thing is for sure, it is a film that will go down in history that took reality to surreality and back in a moment. Dreams can never be truly understood but at least there was one film that looked at it differently and gave us a view into the human subconscious. Whether conclusive or as agent Dana Scully would say this is inconclusive evidence. Nothing is cut and dry!
Solving the film isn't necessary but to experience the impossibility is what makes this film a hit. Salvador Dali painted dreams and Inception did the same but through film. That's a work of art.
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Inception - Movie is a roller coaster of dreams..Wake up or not.
This film is about dreams and so far I have yet to watch the film, but will go and see it soon but check out the official trailer. It is incredible combined with the special effects is sheer brilliance.
The cast are good too but it's the acting by Leonardo Dicaprio seen in the trailer that really shows he is the leading man. The next time you go to sleep who knows what could happen.
Do our dreams reveal truths of our existence and are there any messages in them? Everyone has an opinion. I believe there may be something in this but who knows.
Twilight Films are a great modern look at The Vampire Phenomenon.
Yes, before you ask, I absolutely think the Twilight Films are brilliant from the perspective Vampires in the traditional sense are integrating with society is a great modern take which works. Growing up watching films, from the 80s and 90s especially films of this genre; including Lost Boys and Interview wth a vampire were such epic cult classics and brilliant and some 'may say' ahead of their time. But, with all films there must be another shift and another level of creativity coming out of the Film Industry. And, here we have it. Twilight.
The next addition of 'Twiilight' comes to our screens with less blood than the normal traditional. This was in many ways somewhat of a relief as Vampires always equalled blood but this film takes a different angle to this cult phenomenon. We are taken on a journey with a young girl 'Bella', with teenage issues. confused and yet we see an individual crying out to be understood, and yet she is astute but lost and trying to find herself. Bella loves her father but is often distant, detached, showing us although love is there it isn't enough. The father daughter dynamics is not a normal synergy as this plays out in the film.
Bella cares very little to conform with her peers but is happy to live and co-exist but not engage with her new found friends at a teen superficial level. Her life turns upside down as she meets the new guy at school. Edward with his chisselled looks; cool, slightly odd, but disengaged guy 'Edward Cullen' who is every teenage girls dream; tall, good looking who is captivating and who has caught her heart from a glance. This power draws them nearer and they soon are caught in a web of intense passion throughout the movie. Bella is drawn to Edward and vice versa with no understanding of the sinister truth of his existence or what fate has in store for them both.
Edward Cullen a young man, who speaks with maturity beyond his years and who has lived for decades. It is true being 17years is hard enough but having to repeat your education must be hard to take. It seems the approach in the story and characters selected for the film were there to help us believe these characters could actually be in our own town. There were no blonde 'super-models' pacing up the corridors of the school but young ordinary looking people, funny, quirky, enjoying life and unaware of the reality of their community.
The idea of vampires working within the community and making choices to integrate with humans is brilliant and a totally different perspective with a modern take. The pale faces are clearly different but this seems not to bother the people in the community. Refreshing. Twilight is not just about vampires and werewolves but it's about relationships and also love, superceding circumstances and indifference. Twilight with all the effects is impressive but the interaction between good and evil is more interesting in this film as they deal with this reality in a different way.
Love seems to have more power than anything else. But, also we understand vampires have feelings too, they are not just the enemy but they do have another side, which is what we get to see in Twilight. Acting was great throughout and awesome locations.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Twitter Phenomenon and New Technology
This Twitter Phenomenon is a funny one. Ever since I heard about that news story in America where members of the public were able to see something and broadcast using their twitter accounts before regular mainstream news desks, was impressive, to say the least. It proved we have moved on heaps and bounds into a modern age where consumer becomes news reporter. News travels with new technology faster than even the press! The sheer power and control people have and more importantly the technology we have at our finger tips is changing interaction and speed of communication. The twitter news story opened my eyes to the reality and that was it. This idea was never something that I could have even perceived true but it seems people trust Twitter and so I joined.
It is the best thing ever! And I can assure you I'm not one to follow the crowd but had to admit this was revolutionary. The ability to connect with anyone around the world and share your thoughts instantly with the added benenfit of security and privacy, it proved a great networking tool. If your an actor or anyone in any field you get so much opportunity to talk about anything, anytime and it takes seconds to post straight from your phone! Phones were at home are now mobile and part of life. If I forget my blackberry it almost feels like I left myself. I don't think it's too extreme or dramatic but it's true. Technology has advanced.
Almost 20 years ago, Twitter was never truly realised or would be conceivable much the same as the mobile phone. What is the future for new technology? How far are we going with it and what will it be like in 10 to 20 years time? Biometric technology and eye scanning are already underway but it's interesting the speed of change. Where will this take us and for those less technologically savvy, it could be a nightmare? or a brain melt-down.
In anycase, technology will no doubt evolve and integrate with our every day lives, as good design and technology should but will we lose the great part of human interaction and communication? Human interaction and how we use this technology is the fundamental question. Future dictated by technology or should we strive for equilibrium?
It is the best thing ever! And I can assure you I'm not one to follow the crowd but had to admit this was revolutionary. The ability to connect with anyone around the world and share your thoughts instantly with the added benenfit of security and privacy, it proved a great networking tool. If your an actor or anyone in any field you get so much opportunity to talk about anything, anytime and it takes seconds to post straight from your phone! Phones were at home are now mobile and part of life. If I forget my blackberry it almost feels like I left myself. I don't think it's too extreme or dramatic but it's true. Technology has advanced.
Almost 20 years ago, Twitter was never truly realised or would be conceivable much the same as the mobile phone. What is the future for new technology? How far are we going with it and what will it be like in 10 to 20 years time? Biometric technology and eye scanning are already underway but it's interesting the speed of change. Where will this take us and for those less technologically savvy, it could be a nightmare? or a brain melt-down.
In anycase, technology will no doubt evolve and integrate with our every day lives, as good design and technology should but will we lose the great part of human interaction and communication? Human interaction and how we use this technology is the fundamental question. Future dictated by technology or should we strive for equilibrium?
Workshops are a must as an actor!
As an actor I have looked at the importance of building up my skill. Let's face it, if you haven't been acting for a month or two, it's time to get into an acting workshop. The acting profession is not an easy one but with all talents we need to continue to develop it.
Talent is vital but our skill must be nurtured and constantly worked on, whether we are new comers or not. It's something actors must look at and enrol whereever necessary. In the United Kingdom, there are so many opportunities to advance our skills as actors and we should take them. There are many good, reliable and cost-effective options out there! The Stage newspaper is a good place to start if you're based in the UK.
In the US, workshops are a highly used resource and I think it may be catching on in Britain much more. What do you think? It's an observation I have seen overtime and as an actor interested in 'method acting' for Film and I know it is imperative to seek more training. If we as actors are not looking to continue to learn and utilise our time well, then what are we doing with our time, when we are not working? It's a question to ask ourselves.
Training is the way forward I think but what do the rest of you think?
Talent is vital but our skill must be nurtured and constantly worked on, whether we are new comers or not. It's something actors must look at and enrol whereever necessary. In the United Kingdom, there are so many opportunities to advance our skills as actors and we should take them. There are many good, reliable and cost-effective options out there! The Stage newspaper is a good place to start if you're based in the UK.
In the US, workshops are a highly used resource and I think it may be catching on in Britain much more. What do you think? It's an observation I have seen overtime and as an actor interested in 'method acting' for Film and I know it is imperative to seek more training. If we as actors are not looking to continue to learn and utilise our time well, then what are we doing with our time, when we are not working? It's a question to ask ourselves.
Training is the way forward I think but what do the rest of you think?
Thursday, 10 June 2010
What is method acting? There are so many definitions but which is the definitive?
The process of method acting has been defined by so many different people but I think Stanislavsky' term (Definition 1) for this is the best and easy to understand;
Definition (1): an acting technique introduced by Stanislavsky in which the actor recalls emotions or reactions from his or her own life and uses them to identify with the character being portrayed.
Definition (2): (Wikipedia Research below) Method acting is a phrase that loosely refers to a family of techniques by which actors try to create in themselves the thoughts and emotions of their characters in an effort to develop lifelike performances. It can be contrasted with more classical forms of acting, in which actors simulate thoughts and emotions through external means, such as vocal intonation or facial expression. Though not all Method actors use the same approach, the "method" in Method acting usually Wrefers to the practice, advocated by Lee Strasberg, by which actors draw upon their own emotions and memories in their portrayals, aided by a set of exercises and practices including sense memory and affective memory.
Method actors are often characterized as immersing themselves in their characters to the extent that they continue to portray them even offstage or off-camera for the duration of a project. However, this is a popular misconception. While some actors have employed this approach, it is generally not taught as part of the Method. Method acting has been described as "revolutionizing American theater." While classical acting instruction "had focused on developing external talents," the Method was "the first systematized training that also developed internal abilities (sensory, psychological, emotional)."[1] Method acting continues to evolve, with many contemporary acting teachers, schools, and colleges teaching an integrated approach that draws from several different schools of thought about acting.
Further Information: Click on link >>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_acting
What has method Acting done for you?
Definition (1): an acting technique introduced by Stanislavsky in which the actor recalls emotions or reactions from his or her own life and uses them to identify with the character being portrayed.
Definition (2): (Wikipedia Research below) Method acting is a phrase that loosely refers to a family of techniques by which actors try to create in themselves the thoughts and emotions of their characters in an effort to develop lifelike performances. It can be contrasted with more classical forms of acting, in which actors simulate thoughts and emotions through external means, such as vocal intonation or facial expression. Though not all Method actors use the same approach, the "method" in Method acting usually Wrefers to the practice, advocated by Lee Strasberg, by which actors draw upon their own emotions and memories in their portrayals, aided by a set of exercises and practices including sense memory and affective memory.
Method actors are often characterized as immersing themselves in their characters to the extent that they continue to portray them even offstage or off-camera for the duration of a project. However, this is a popular misconception. While some actors have employed this approach, it is generally not taught as part of the Method. Method acting has been described as "revolutionizing American theater." While classical acting instruction "had focused on developing external talents," the Method was "the first systematized training that also developed internal abilities (sensory, psychological, emotional)."[1] Method acting continues to evolve, with many contemporary acting teachers, schools, and colleges teaching an integrated approach that draws from several different schools of thought about acting.
Further Information: Click on link >>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_acting
What has method Acting done for you?
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