Acting : Making your own work as an actor by Julie Brett

Good job Julie. Look forward to one with dialogue, see how you handle that as well.

Thanks Chris! Doing a web series next so that'll have lots of dialogue!

Great job, Julie. Original, creative, funny - Chaplin funny. Can't wait to see more from you. Congrats.

Appreciate the comment Jorge!

Just watched your Magic Hat, another great one . Left u a long, positive review, I hope you don't mind. Cheers from NYC.

Oh I'll never turn down a positive review Jorge! :) Thanks so much for watching glad we are connected now!

Keep me posted of future projects, Julie. There's lots to be learned from your unique artistry.

Of course! Thanks so much and I hope you'll do the same on your projects.

The begging scenario was fun, it captured the tension of turf share, with an unexpected twist at the end. "The Hat" (another film) drew me in, atmospheric feel and quirky concept, like the tales from the darkside/unexpected series they re run on TV.

Awesome Debbie, I'll check that Tv series out. I've heard of it, but never actually watched it. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!

This was cool, I "liked" it on youtube and shared it as well. I have been touring the USA, Canada, The Bahamas and last year a week in Japan as a Stand-up Comedian for over Twenty years. It's getting harder to get work now because all the clubs want you to have Movie or TV credits so I've started moving in that direction over the last several years. I have noticed that people are taking things into to their own hands to get noticed and I thinks it's smart. I'm starting to build a following and I'm doing some VO work for Independent films and have produced/ written and acted in a comedic duo as well. I have a WEB Series called "BTS On The Road" that follows my life as a touring comic and I'm also starting to put together my own short films. Keep up the great work and all the best to you!!

that was great!

Thanks Brian. Do you think working on your own projects has helped you traverse the more emotional or psychological pitfalls of acting? I feel as if I can get through the slumps if I have a project I'm working on myself. Do you feel this way too? Also thank you Cindy for your comment!

How does it appear to those running a casting session, when most of the material on your reel is self produced?

Julie, I have a small group of like-minded people that I've always worked with. If any of them wrote something then generally I had a part in it. However this year's been too quiet for my liking so I've taken to coming up with ideas for shorts with myself. I have an idea for a short about an aging rock star caught up in a situation he has no control of. I'm currently putting together a scene by scene breakdown with the hope to get a script written. Tagged into Beth Fox Heisinger's idea in the Screenwriting lounge to use the 30 days of November to get "stuff" done. I will of course have someone shoot and direct it but I take JD's point about the possibility of CD's looking at a reel and only seeing stuff you did yourself. I wonder what they would make of that. I guess if there's no work or you can't get cast then making your own stuff is your only way forward. At least your showing a willingness to be proactive. Maybe that counts for something. Good luck with your future projects Julie

Great question Julie (Do you think working on your own projects has helped you traverse the more emotional or psychological pitfalls of acting? I feel as if I can get through the slumps if I have a project I'm working on myself. Do you feel this way too?). Yes, the hardest part sometimes is in between gigs if they are not coming one after the other. It's great to have a break after a long or tough tour, but waiting to perform is hard. It can be depressing to be honest, I try to keep busy as possible.I have a radio segment I do every Friday called "Comedy Corner" on a radio show "What's The Story?", I also host Team Trivia every Wednesday at a local bar if I'm in town, I'm doing VO work for an animated series and contributing short stories to a monthly publication. I also sometimes DJ Weddings and Special events. I believe all these things contribute to me being a well rounded performer. I'm judging and Emceeing a Comedy Competition Next week and doing my own show the following night so it will be nice to get back on the horse. Keeping the creative juices flowing in between acting jobs, gigs, performances, etc. is essential I believe.

Interesting point JD.I found the benefits have been more beneficial for other people directing. I haven't had any issues, but I wondering if anyone else has? Have you?

Hey Michael.I suppose the question is, what really is the harm of having people know you create work for yourself? Especially if your proud of it? And frankly, how often does a casting director stop and ask who directed this indie project on this actor's reel? If they don't recognize the show/film they brush past it anyways. I take it as just a chance to get people to see what you can do and if you have a good idea go for it! But that's just my opinion. :)

Great answer Brian! Thanks and well done on all your projects!

Keep doing what you are, Julie. A creative mind never ceases. It's part of what we are made up. Its like the air we breathe. I recently read an article on creative people that said: "Creativity is the act of making something from nothing."

Hi I agree with Brian and Julie, acting in your own films is a great way of getting yourself seen. Twenty years ago it was harder to get hands on, affordable cameras that were capable of shooting quality cine film. (Yeah I know some existed, but not on mass in the high street, and not the user friendly specifications readily available now.) Off course in addition there is the availability of being seen across the world Internet, a ready made Global Stage, so why not take advantage? Providing its good quality material, it's a no lose situation. Years ago people paid for publicity agents, big bucks to studio photographers for portfolios/showreels, and were at the mercy of agents to get them noticed. There was no "being seen across the world" at the flick of a switch, and no cheap technology retail outlets to make your own work in the first place. So Im all for Independent minds, using Independent means, to make Independent creations.

Great post, Debbie.

LOL That was great Julie! :D

oh i agree totally Julie, create your own work and get it out for people to see. Its so much easier now as Debbie says to get it out there.

Wonderful and insightful Debbie. Thanks so much for your comment.

Yeah MichaeI, I think we are in a golden age of entertainment production. (at least in terms of accessibility)

I believe that it's often easier for others to have faith in your abilities if they can see what you can do, so I'm all for self producing between gigs. Plus it's great practice, shows drive, and is just plain fun!

Great comment Abigail. I agree, I think that since people see how I see myself, they have an easier time knowing the kinds of roles to offer me. Does anyone else find the roles fit them better after making projects? Love this conversation!

LOVED your story! I totally believe in creating your way there :) ... And wow, what a thread! Happy Halloween :)

Thank you Shawn! Happy Halloween to you too. :)

Watched three of your short films. Well done. If time allows, let me know when your next work is posted.

Thank you Douglas! I'm current;y in post production on a web series and then onward to another short film! No rest for the weary!

Oh WOW Julie, I loved this!! You had me rollin on the floor. Kudos. :)

Thank you Bruce!!

Beautifully stated Victor. I agree whole heartedly.

Very true! I love this mind set! Congrats on your success as well.

I believe all success is a matter of perception. The most "successful" people I know, don't think they are because they haven't achieved specific goals. It's hard for me to remember this sometimes thought lol

I have produced 3 seasons of my own comedic web series (www.beckyandbarry.com), and it has parlayed into other opportunities. Not only have I become closer with some of the Southeast's casting directors (because we cast them in our show), but based on the series alone I got hired to direct some web videos for the Georgia DOT that has a full budget. So even though I never got paid for my web series, it has translated into real money through real opportunities. Now if we were able to make the series go viral, then we would see other opportunities open up as well. Unfortunately, the site we were hosted on (Blip.tv) was closed down after Maker Studios bought them out, so we had to move to YouTube and start our hits at 0. Hard to get all those hits back. But I digress. Making your own work is essential simply for self-expression. Let's face it: even when you do book "Man" in a network TV show, it isn't exactly artistically fulfilling. By creating content yourself, even if it sucks, and even if no one watches it, you will feel a lot more fulfillment. You will, for a time, stop thinking about the jobs you have no control over. Your auditions will become "fun" instead of "work". And who knows? Your self-generated content may resonate with enough people that you actually reap the rewards.

I didn't know blip.tv was down! That' stinks about losing your views but a fantastic story none-the-less. Your last paragraph really drove it home though. Sometimes it's just about getting yourself passionate about this insane career again. This was a fantastic post Matthew! Thank you for sharing your experiences and I can't wait to check out Becky and Barry!

Thanks for sharing your experiences about youtube. I haven't experienced bullying yet, but I do assume its only a matter of time. It's a shame how the anonymity of internet breeds destructive people.

Aside from the potential health problems, I'd say bullying is self-defeating. Movie making, inclusive of supportive endeavors, is a collaborative art form. You want those with whom you work to do the best they possibly can. To create the context in which they do that, and I do believe the context is created from the top down, bullying, mendacity, arrogance, etc., are all to be scrupulously avoided by those in charge because they poison the work place. You certainly can expect good work from people but you also want them to be enthusiastic so they do their best. That said, I have read about at least one highly successful person in the biz who is a notorious unrelenting bully. There are probably more.

No problem. Thanks for clarifying.