Hey all. It's been a crazy couple of weeks. The steady job hunt still continues, but I may not have to do it after all. It just depends on how some of my entrepreneurial endeavors work out. What endeavors you say? Well let me tell you!
I've started doing background work (extras) in order to gain onset experience, watch the pros at work, and learn how this "Biz" is put together. It's not hard, just long hours and really low wages. The good thing is I can work almost indefinitely because there's always something out there. I say that now because it's spring and this is pilot season. Let me requalify that statement, there's always something out there during spring. In the past two weeks I've worked on a TV movie that Hallmark is producing for the SciFi channel called Mega Storm, a Toyota commercial, been a party guest on Desperate Housewives (check out episode 521: Bargaining) and on HBO's pilot episode of Hung starring Anne Heche. I was also a featured theatrical statue/artist on CSI NY opening the "Grounds for Deception" episode. Tonight I get to work on the set of Eastwick as a town's person. Background work isn't well-respected in the industry, and it's certainly not where I want to stay but I hope it can help me to build connections and learn a little.
Also! I just became an Independent Associate for Prepaid Legal Services. I'm super excited about it. I think it's a great service and look forward to bringing it to others. Plus, the market's completely open which means that there's real opportunity to grow a strong business where I make my own rules. You guys know me. Being my own boss may be just the thing I need. Once I get my cards and site set up I'll let you know more about it.
Oh, and today I discovered the webcam on my computer. Don't worry, I'm not going to start video blogging. God knows I don't need to fulfill my need for screen time by torturing all of you with off topic rambles and rants. I just thought it was cool. The camera is horrible and really does add ten pounds. Amazing what limitations a lense actually has.
So if I haven't returned your phone calls or emails lately, that's pretty much why. On top of the odd background hours, trying to get my new business going, and job hunting, I have also been catering a little. It was greeting at the Nickelodeon's Kid Choice Awards at the Casa del Mar last week. Beautiful hotel! I can't wait til I make enough to spend an evening in one of their rooms. They start at $1,100 a night! Wow.
Hugs to all. More later. Oh, and check out my new website below. I'm using it to really pull my Twitter, Poetry blog, and professional website all together. The look will probably change in the future, since I found a great template that automatically imports stuff, but I'm pretty happy with how it's working for now.
Take care!
Steph Paige
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Connect creatively at http://www.everydaydifferent.wordpress.com.
Learn something new everyday. Contribute something new everyday. Live anew everyday. Find the beauty in everyday different.
31 March 2009
15 March 2009
Like a Fish in Water
Whenever I've had to think, reflect, unload, cool off or destress, I do one of two things: take a walk under the stars and talk to the moon or head to a body of water and just feel it. I'm so thankful to be living in California, and I'm even more thankful that I'm still on the west coast and my friend the Pacific is close by. Pursuing your dreams doesn't mean achieving them, and while it's a nice idea I'm learning it's a lot harder to accomplish than it sounds. After a wonderful hike with friends this weekend, I took a solitary trip to Point Dume and walked the beach until sunset. It may not solve my problems, but it helps refresh my soul and face the ups and downs of the day. I'm so lucky to have this. I hope that each of you have something special that you do to wipe your mental slate clean.
Check it out!
EverydayDifferent.com - My Portfolio Website
POEIN - Literary & Artistic Blog
Check it out!
EverydayDifferent.com - My Portfolio Website
POEIN - Literary & Artistic Blog
01 March 2009
Update
It's time for a long overdue update.
Following the holidays, I found work with the company for whom I worked this past summer: Lee Hecht Harrison. It was a temporary job to last 2-3 months while they found someone to fit the position permanently and have me train them. Unfortunately for me, it didn't take them too long to find a person. So once again, I'm job hunting.
January was an interesting month. After having been home for Christmas, I was truly confused. I enjoyed being home. I dearly missed my family and friends, and a part of me even missed the wretched weather. At the same time, I feel like LA is it (for now). You know me. I tend to be outgoing, talkative, and at times overbearing. My personality changed, for lack of a better description. I became more contemplative, thoughtful, and certainly less talkative. I was a sponge. I absorbed, spent most of the time by myself, and struggled with how much I hate it here and yet how much I need to be here at the same time.
This is what we call a growing phase. It's painful. You don't recognize it at the time. And you're no fun to be around. Thank god for my patient friends who do happen to stick by me. (Love you guys!)
Anyway, with the end of January, something clicked in my brain and I resigned to my decisions, not figthing, doubting or questioning them. I finally honored my decision to be an actress and pursue the arts. Having been here eight months already, you'd figure that was enough time. Anyway, with the end of my contract job has come opportunity. I'm really committing to acting. I've joined a writers group for actors where I'm in front of people in the business reading original and upcoming scripts. I also have the opportunity to write, but I think I'll listen and learn for a while first. I'm auditioning. This weekend alone I've had two auditions, a filming for a music video, and a staged reading at a local theater. I'm officially an artist. I'm also filming a student film next week, and hope to hear from some other auditions I had earlier last week.
It feels good.
Now the job hunt must truly begin. Unpaid acting work doesn't pay the rent. The 10-plus percent reported unemployment in California includes the entertainment industry. Not much union work is being filmed because SAG is still in contract negotiations and companies don't want to put money into projects that could potentially be shutdown. There's enough of that going around already. It's a wait and see game at the moment. It's an opportunity for me to build my portfolio with the student films and such, but for those who are beyond that stage these are hard times.
I have found some work with a catering company. That starts this month. And I have an interview with an art education company teaching little kids about theater and dance. I'm going to specialize in puppetry and masks so that I carve a niche out for myself. That's on Tuesday, so wish me luck.
On a final note, with this new commitment to the arts has come a renewed sense of purpose. I am the first one to say I hate spending hours on a computer, but they're an evil necessity. I've got some different projects going on, most of which have to do with networking. The list of the following is all of my public blogs. I'm keeping this one private for family and friends. Check them out if you have any interest:
Twitter - A Story a Day in 140 characters
Poein - My Poetry / Arts Appreciation Blog
Facebook - Networking (Search Paige Barnett)
LinkedIn - Networking
Myspace - Networking
PaigeBarnett.com - Up and coming acting website of yours truly (grand opening to be announced)
That's about it for now. I hope you're all well, and I'll keep you posted if I land any work or acting gigs.
Cheers and hugs,
Stephanie Paige
Check it out!
EverydayDifferent.com - My Portfolio Website
POEIN - Literary & Artistic Blog
Following the holidays, I found work with the company for whom I worked this past summer: Lee Hecht Harrison. It was a temporary job to last 2-3 months while they found someone to fit the position permanently and have me train them. Unfortunately for me, it didn't take them too long to find a person. So once again, I'm job hunting.
January was an interesting month. After having been home for Christmas, I was truly confused. I enjoyed being home. I dearly missed my family and friends, and a part of me even missed the wretched weather. At the same time, I feel like LA is it (for now). You know me. I tend to be outgoing, talkative, and at times overbearing. My personality changed, for lack of a better description. I became more contemplative, thoughtful, and certainly less talkative. I was a sponge. I absorbed, spent most of the time by myself, and struggled with how much I hate it here and yet how much I need to be here at the same time.
This is what we call a growing phase. It's painful. You don't recognize it at the time. And you're no fun to be around. Thank god for my patient friends who do happen to stick by me. (Love you guys!)
Anyway, with the end of January, something clicked in my brain and I resigned to my decisions, not figthing, doubting or questioning them. I finally honored my decision to be an actress and pursue the arts. Having been here eight months already, you'd figure that was enough time. Anyway, with the end of my contract job has come opportunity. I'm really committing to acting. I've joined a writers group for actors where I'm in front of people in the business reading original and upcoming scripts. I also have the opportunity to write, but I think I'll listen and learn for a while first. I'm auditioning. This weekend alone I've had two auditions, a filming for a music video, and a staged reading at a local theater. I'm officially an artist. I'm also filming a student film next week, and hope to hear from some other auditions I had earlier last week.
It feels good.
Now the job hunt must truly begin. Unpaid acting work doesn't pay the rent. The 10-plus percent reported unemployment in California includes the entertainment industry. Not much union work is being filmed because SAG is still in contract negotiations and companies don't want to put money into projects that could potentially be shutdown. There's enough of that going around already. It's a wait and see game at the moment. It's an opportunity for me to build my portfolio with the student films and such, but for those who are beyond that stage these are hard times.
I have found some work with a catering company. That starts this month. And I have an interview with an art education company teaching little kids about theater and dance. I'm going to specialize in puppetry and masks so that I carve a niche out for myself. That's on Tuesday, so wish me luck.
On a final note, with this new commitment to the arts has come a renewed sense of purpose. I am the first one to say I hate spending hours on a computer, but they're an evil necessity. I've got some different projects going on, most of which have to do with networking. The list of the following is all of my public blogs. I'm keeping this one private for family and friends. Check them out if you have any interest:
Twitter - A Story a Day in 140 characters
Poein - My Poetry / Arts Appreciation Blog
Facebook - Networking (Search Paige Barnett)
LinkedIn - Networking
Myspace - Networking
PaigeBarnett.com - Up and coming acting website of yours truly (grand opening to be announced)
That's about it for now. I hope you're all well, and I'll keep you posted if I land any work or acting gigs.
Cheers and hugs,
Stephanie Paige
Check it out!
EverydayDifferent.com - My Portfolio Website
POEIN - Literary & Artistic Blog
18 January 2009
Belly Laughs
Los Angeles is home to a fabulous silent movie theatre that shows every week a variety of classics and independent films, as well as hosts a number of artistic events. I did NOT go to this theater this weekend.
No. This weekend I went to Los Angeles' beautiful Orpheum Theatre, an early vaudeville theatre in the heart of downtown. The theatre, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Theatre Organ Society, was hosting a fabulous silent film event featuring Harold Lloyd in The Kid Brother, as well as the short, One Week, with Buster Keaton.
Simple, straight forward, and with some of the best physically, choreographed comedic timing seen in years, the audience was bellying laughing the whole night long. What's more, the films were accompanied by live organ music which the organists selected and scored themselves specifically for the films. They were rockstars for the night. The audience literally gave them both a standing ovation, and they were eating it up.
If and when you ever have the opportunity to see a silent film, either at home or on the big screen, I encourage you to take advantage and see it. It will be worth your time.
Check it out!
EverydayDifferent.com - My Portfolio Website
POEIN - Literary & Artistic Blog
No. This weekend I went to Los Angeles' beautiful Orpheum Theatre, an early vaudeville theatre in the heart of downtown. The theatre, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Theatre Organ Society, was hosting a fabulous silent film event featuring Harold Lloyd in The Kid Brother, as well as the short, One Week, with Buster Keaton.
Simple, straight forward, and with some of the best physically, choreographed comedic timing seen in years, the audience was bellying laughing the whole night long. What's more, the films were accompanied by live organ music which the organists selected and scored themselves specifically for the films. They were rockstars for the night. The audience literally gave them both a standing ovation, and they were eating it up.
One Week, a Buster Keaton short, opened the evening with rollicking fun about a young man and his bride who receive a home for a wedding present. Unfortunately for them, the house comes in the form of a build-it-yourself kit, and the couple spend the next week trying their darnedest to create a home for their hearts and hineys. All doesn't go as planned in this hilarious little comedy.
Kid Brother was Harold Lloyd's favorite film he produced. It's about a rough and tough family of father and sons who run the town named after them. The youngest, played by Lloyd, is scrawny in comparison and has to use wits versus brawns in order to earn the respect of his father and the girl.
If and when you ever have the opportunity to see a silent film, either at home or on the big screen, I encourage you to take advantage and see it. It will be worth your time.
Check it out!
EverydayDifferent.com - My Portfolio Website
POEIN - Literary & Artistic Blog
17 January 2009
Second Star Sighting
Today it was Jennifer Love Hewitt in Studio City. I was at the best Gelato place in the neighborhood brainstorming story ideas. It was a beautiful afternoon.
Secondary Thoughts
While I love that it's nice, I wish it would rain. This is supposed to be the rainy season and it's been hot and dry all month. Not a cloud is in sight. The government is talking about water rationing starting next month and looking forward to a serious drought season come summer. This also likely means a serious fire season, too.
I learned the other day that Disney regularly cleans its entire park by hosing it down with voluminous amounts of water. The people who do this are officially called Hosers. Hehe, hosers. Anyway, the park has cut back from doing it nightly to a couple times a week. Still.
Hollywood might tout that LA is an eco-friendly city, but that's a big fat lie. This is one of the dirtiest places I've ever been, and most of it is self-inflicted. Keep a window open for a day and dust will cover the inside of your windowsill. Leave it open for a week, and soon you'll see shades of brown-gray lining your walls where fans are directed and the ceiling will have pale white circles above the ceiling fans which are lined heavily with a sticky dust. I might as well be a smoker living here since the damage is being done daily. Just wish I could stand the smell. It's probably for the better that I don't anyway.
Tertiary Thoughts
The inauguration is just around the corner! Where are you going to be on this historic occasion? I have yet to figure that one out. Update to come.
Check it out!
EverydayDifferent.com - My Portfolio Website
POEIN - Literary & Artistic Blog
Secondary Thoughts
While I love that it's nice, I wish it would rain. This is supposed to be the rainy season and it's been hot and dry all month. Not a cloud is in sight. The government is talking about water rationing starting next month and looking forward to a serious drought season come summer. This also likely means a serious fire season, too.
I learned the other day that Disney regularly cleans its entire park by hosing it down with voluminous amounts of water. The people who do this are officially called Hosers. Hehe, hosers. Anyway, the park has cut back from doing it nightly to a couple times a week. Still.
Hollywood might tout that LA is an eco-friendly city, but that's a big fat lie. This is one of the dirtiest places I've ever been, and most of it is self-inflicted. Keep a window open for a day and dust will cover the inside of your windowsill. Leave it open for a week, and soon you'll see shades of brown-gray lining your walls where fans are directed and the ceiling will have pale white circles above the ceiling fans which are lined heavily with a sticky dust. I might as well be a smoker living here since the damage is being done daily. Just wish I could stand the smell. It's probably for the better that I don't anyway.
Tertiary Thoughts
The inauguration is just around the corner! Where are you going to be on this historic occasion? I have yet to figure that one out. Update to come.
Check it out!
EverydayDifferent.com - My Portfolio Website
POEIN - Literary & Artistic Blog
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