So, it's been a couple of weeks since I sent material to the casting folks of the TV series Criminal Minds. Haven't heard anything...yet.
That's not unusual. The entertainment industry works on its own schedule, and that's okay. Aspiring actors should never, ever set expectations --other than ones of rejection.
My philosophy is I try to start with rejection, and if something positive happens -- like a call from my agent -- then that's a small first step.
And I have realized that things happen when you least expect them...not just this business, but life in general.
Who would know that after 40+ as a journalist I would be entering my second year in the legal world? And, with the best and most successful injury attorney and law firm in Indiana and Illinois -- Kenneth J. Allen. March 11 is my anniversary with Kenneth J. Allen & Associates.
And who would have guessed that a family from Poland, who landed in Valparaiso nearly 20 years ago, would drop in our world (my wife Donna and me) and become very loved -- and valued -- friends.
Donna is trying to learn Polish -- she's up to four or five key phrases and words.
Having been born and raised in Chicago, obviously I was exposed to Polish families and some of its culture. But honestly wasn't very close to anyone of that ethnicity ... until three years ago when our new friends entered the picture.
So all of us are working on somewhere warm to travel. We all love hot weather. Everything from Belize, Mexico, California, Hawaii are on the table.
But, if and when we win the lottery is has been decided we are all moving to Bora Bora. Houses on stilts with glass floors, flowers, sun, and more. That's our joint dream. Hopefully all our kids will come, too. We''ll come back and visit Valparaiso.
In the meantime, we just enjoy life while I wait for that call for an acting role, and the others do their thing.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Nothing ventured, nothing ...
Criminal Minds is probably my favorite television drama.
Why? Probably it has some to do with my intense interest in human behavior and psychology. I have always been keenly interested in what makes people do the things they do ... or don't so. It's fascinating to study people.
I've found one of the benefits is often predicting human behavior in advance, and ultimately avoiding pitfalls. It also gives me an edge in being able to easily manipulate situations. Normally that's not a good thing, but I always do it with best intentions. I rationalize that if you know you're manipulating, then it's okay.
I doubt the real professionals would agree, but it makes me feel better.
Back to Criminal Minds. It's a drama about the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, which of course studies human behavior and uses those skills to solve crimes.
For months I also told myself I ought to research casting for the show. Well I did. And I found the company that apparently does the casting for principal players. It's in LA.
So yesterday I put together a package -- all they want is a professional 8 x 10 and a resume stapled to the back of the photo. That's all any casting company wants actually.
I sent it off. I did, though, also send a demo video of an audition I did last year for a major motion picture to be released this fall -- Machine Gun Preacher, with Gerard Butler.
That would have been a great role, but apparently got cut before it ever made it to production. It was two scenes with Butler. Oh well.
Since then I have been rather blasé about whole acting thing. I have been so busy this past year that I have not had time to pursue this career. I promised I would change that this year.
Normally my agent puts me in for roles she thinks I should audition for. Recently there was an upcoming feature film role calling for a news reporter. She is submitting me.
I did this yesterday on my own, although I listed my agency -- BMG Talent / Chicago -- on my resume. Not to do so would be plain wrong. Hopefully they'll get a call for me.
And if they do, it'll be interesting to see what the role is. Psycho killer, local cop, who knows? When I mentioned it to my friend Art Pniak a couple of days ago he laughed -- "You, a psycho killer...?" It is pretty funny. We'll see. Likely I'll hear nothing, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Note to CN: Thanks for the comment. Send me your email address and I'll tell you what I have with regards to the real reporters in Public Enemies.
Why? Probably it has some to do with my intense interest in human behavior and psychology. I have always been keenly interested in what makes people do the things they do ... or don't so. It's fascinating to study people.
I've found one of the benefits is often predicting human behavior in advance, and ultimately avoiding pitfalls. It also gives me an edge in being able to easily manipulate situations. Normally that's not a good thing, but I always do it with best intentions. I rationalize that if you know you're manipulating, then it's okay.
I doubt the real professionals would agree, but it makes me feel better.
Back to Criminal Minds. It's a drama about the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, which of course studies human behavior and uses those skills to solve crimes.
For months I also told myself I ought to research casting for the show. Well I did. And I found the company that apparently does the casting for principal players. It's in LA.
So yesterday I put together a package -- all they want is a professional 8 x 10 and a resume stapled to the back of the photo. That's all any casting company wants actually.
I sent it off. I did, though, also send a demo video of an audition I did last year for a major motion picture to be released this fall -- Machine Gun Preacher, with Gerard Butler.
That would have been a great role, but apparently got cut before it ever made it to production. It was two scenes with Butler. Oh well.
Since then I have been rather blasé about whole acting thing. I have been so busy this past year that I have not had time to pursue this career. I promised I would change that this year.
Normally my agent puts me in for roles she thinks I should audition for. Recently there was an upcoming feature film role calling for a news reporter. She is submitting me.
I did this yesterday on my own, although I listed my agency -- BMG Talent / Chicago -- on my resume. Not to do so would be plain wrong. Hopefully they'll get a call for me.
And if they do, it'll be interesting to see what the role is. Psycho killer, local cop, who knows? When I mentioned it to my friend Art Pniak a couple of days ago he laughed -- "You, a psycho killer...?" It is pretty funny. We'll see. Likely I'll hear nothing, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Note to CN: Thanks for the comment. Send me your email address and I'll tell you what I have with regards to the real reporters in Public Enemies.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
My two cents: Academy gets it right
It's great to see the Oscar people got it right for a change.
The King's Speech deserves every one of its 12 nominations. The acting in the film is outstanding. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush were spectacular and I am pleased the Academy has nominated them for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
And, The King's Speech was also nominated -- along with nine others -- for Best Film.
As I prepare to submit my votes for the Screen Actors Guild awards (deadline is noon Friday) to be broadcast on TV Sunday evening, I am delighted that the Oscar nominations are more in line with my choices than in previous years -- especially last year.
Anyone who has followed my writings knows I blasted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last year for snubbing "Public Enemies" and almost more importantly, Johnny Depp.
Of course again they overlooked Depp, who without a doubt is the most talented actor never to win an Oscar. The Academy needs a wakeup call on that one.
Anyway, there's been a lot of buzz about another film The Social Network. No mistake, it's good. But frankly it cannot hold a candle to The King's Speech.
Other than this, no hints on how I'm voting in other categories. Besides, I still have work to do on my picks.
The King's Speech deserves every one of its 12 nominations. The acting in the film is outstanding. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush were spectacular and I am pleased the Academy has nominated them for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
And, The King's Speech was also nominated -- along with nine others -- for Best Film.
As I prepare to submit my votes for the Screen Actors Guild awards (deadline is noon Friday) to be broadcast on TV Sunday evening, I am delighted that the Oscar nominations are more in line with my choices than in previous years -- especially last year.
Anyone who has followed my writings knows I blasted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last year for snubbing "Public Enemies" and almost more importantly, Johnny Depp.
Of course again they overlooked Depp, who without a doubt is the most talented actor never to win an Oscar. The Academy needs a wakeup call on that one.
Anyway, there's been a lot of buzz about another film The Social Network. No mistake, it's good. But frankly it cannot hold a candle to The King's Speech.
Other than this, no hints on how I'm voting in other categories. Besides, I still have work to do on my picks.
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Times wins huge honor
The TIMES of Northwest Indiana deserves congratulations after winning Lee Enterprises Inc. prestigious company "Enterprise of the Year" award announced last Friday.
You may think this is not a big deal, but it is. Take it from a former insider of The TIMES. This honor is coveted by every publisher and staff of all of the company's 50+ media companies around the country.
Now I'd like to take some credit, but I can't. I retired from The TIMES last year. But I am still proud to have spent 13 or 14 years at The Times.
Publisher Bill Masterson came to The TIMES from Rapid City, SD four or five years ago where he was also publisher. He deserves much -- if not most -- of the credit, even though he will give it to his staff.
Granted I'm deciding what he's likely to say before he says it. I have that right because I'm the one with the keyboard.
But he would be correct. While he built his team, he is the leader so all employees of The TIMES -- with Bill at the helm -- deserve to celebrate this great accomplishment.
So my hat is off to Bill and all those at The Times. Bravo!
You may think this is not a big deal, but it is. Take it from a former insider of The TIMES. This honor is coveted by every publisher and staff of all of the company's 50+ media companies around the country.
Now I'd like to take some credit, but I can't. I retired from The TIMES last year. But I am still proud to have spent 13 or 14 years at The Times.
Publisher Bill Masterson came to The TIMES from Rapid City, SD four or five years ago where he was also publisher. He deserves much -- if not most -- of the credit, even though he will give it to his staff.
Granted I'm deciding what he's likely to say before he says it. I have that right because I'm the one with the keyboard.
But he would be correct. While he built his team, he is the leader so all employees of The TIMES -- with Bill at the helm -- deserve to celebrate this great accomplishment.
So my hat is off to Bill and all those at The Times. Bravo!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Election is over, time to reconnect
Wow, the election is over and the people have spoken. No -- they shouted, which in my mind is different than speaking.
Be that as it may, while I don't agree with some of the outcomes, others were dead on. For example, it was time for a major change at the Porter County (Indiana) commissioner level.
It was a huge accomplishment that Nancy Adams defeated Bob Harper. While I thought Nancy would make a good showing -- and county commissioner -- I actually thought Harper was unbeatable. Hats off to her and her campaign staff, led by my friend Deb Butterfield.
It was great to see Dave Lain get re-elected as sheriff; Chuck Conover as well.
But now that all the hoopla and voting is done, my hope is to reconnect with a couple of folks I hold in high regard -- Deb Butterfield in Valparaiso being one of them, and Reba Kennedy in San Antonio, Texas.
Deb of course has been busy for what seems like an eternity with the Adams campaign, and now her appointment to the Valparaiso City Council.
And my friend Reba, an attorney/writer in San Antonio also has been "out of pocket" -- as she likes to say -- for too long involved in a campaign down there.
I miss them both, although I saw Deb election day and we promised to get our little group together soon.
Candidly I haven't been very accessible myself, although it has nothing to do with the election. It seems everywhere I turn family and friends are getting caught up in some type of drama, some good, some bad -- mostly bad.
On the good side I'm going to be a grandfather again soon -- Nov. 17, if not earlier. Aubrey Addison will be born to my son Tony, and his wife Lindsey here in Valparaiso.
I won't go into the dark side.
And there are other friends who I haven't seen, or heard from. Those have nothing to do with the election.
Jim Fitzer, NIPSCO's Porter County rep, retired last fall. For a while I saw him fairly often. An avid fly fisherman I guess he's busy traveling to wherever the fish are biting. He did stop by my office a month or so ago to say hi. Not a word since.
If anyone sees, or hears from him, please tell me. Otherwise, he'll remain on the missing list.
Mark Maassel, Mike Bucko, Bill Alexa, are others. I know they're around. I guess maybe I need to get off my *** and do some reaching out.
My outreach has pretty much been limited to the Liar's Club Boys Breakfast at Mike's Premiere Grill on Saturday mornings. That meeting is a blast every week.
Why is it called "The Liar's Club?" Renata Pniak, wife of member Artur Pniak gave it that name. The membership list might be a clue. Cicco, McNulty, Frataccia, Rose ....
Anyway, qualifications to join "The Liar's Club" you ask? None. Just show up.
BTW Renata and Art are undoubtedly the best Physical Therapists in Valpo, Northwest Indiana and probably all of Chicagoland, at least in my experience. And I have had a lot of PT.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Where's Don been?
It's been a while since I've written. Not that anyone has noticed except my close friends.
Frankly it's been incredibly busy here at Kenneth J. Allen & Associates, which is a good thing.
Squeezed in the past couple of months was a long overdue visit with our daughter and her family in Phoenix, AZ and then some R&R in Rancho Mirage, CA.
As my daughter reminded me we had not seen our grandchildren for well over a year. Point taken.
My acting career continues to languish, although my agent from BMG Talent called a couple of weeks ago to ask if I would audition for an Illinois Lottery commercial. I had just returned from vacation and was up to my eyeballs trying to catch up so I had to take a pass.
Those of you who remember my auditioning for the feature film "Machine Gun Preacher," production has wrapped. It's due out in 2012. You won't see me on the big screen.
I do keep track of "Machine Gun Preacher" on IMDb.com and it looks to me like they never cast the role I auditioned for. I assume that means it was cut out. If true, that would make me feel a little better about not being cast.
Oh, and I almost forgot. My good friend David Stamps is retiring at the end of this month as executive director of the Hoosier State Press Association. He and I have been friends for over 40 years.
There was a retirement party in French Lick weekend before last and I was asked to participate in a roast of David. Those of you who know me know that I avoid public speaking virtually at all costs. But I did it. Three of us -- Scott Schurz, VP of Schurz Communications; Henry Bird, VP of Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.; and me. Randy List from Greencastle was the M.C.
The audience was composed of newspaper executives and publishers from around Indiana, with a couple of exceptions. Peers of David's from Illinois and Pennsylvania also attended. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42479&id=127999110544640
Anyone who has been to French Lick knows you can't get there. That is true. It was a very long drive from Northwest Indiana.
So that's what I've been up to and I think that brings us up to date. I'll try to write more often. No guarantees.
Frankly it's been incredibly busy here at Kenneth J. Allen & Associates, which is a good thing.
Squeezed in the past couple of months was a long overdue visit with our daughter and her family in Phoenix, AZ and then some R&R in Rancho Mirage, CA.
As my daughter reminded me we had not seen our grandchildren for well over a year. Point taken.
My acting career continues to languish, although my agent from BMG Talent called a couple of weeks ago to ask if I would audition for an Illinois Lottery commercial. I had just returned from vacation and was up to my eyeballs trying to catch up so I had to take a pass.
Those of you who remember my auditioning for the feature film "Machine Gun Preacher," production has wrapped. It's due out in 2012. You won't see me on the big screen.
I do keep track of "Machine Gun Preacher" on IMDb.com and it looks to me like they never cast the role I auditioned for. I assume that means it was cut out. If true, that would make me feel a little better about not being cast.
Oh, and I almost forgot. My good friend David Stamps is retiring at the end of this month as executive director of the Hoosier State Press Association. He and I have been friends for over 40 years.
There was a retirement party in French Lick weekend before last and I was asked to participate in a roast of David. Those of you who know me know that I avoid public speaking virtually at all costs. But I did it. Three of us -- Scott Schurz, VP of Schurz Communications; Henry Bird, VP of Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.; and me. Randy List from Greencastle was the M.C.
The audience was composed of newspaper executives and publishers from around Indiana, with a couple of exceptions. Peers of David's from Illinois and Pennsylvania also attended. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42479&id=127999110544640
Anyone who has been to French Lick knows you can't get there. That is true. It was a very long drive from Northwest Indiana.
So that's what I've been up to and I think that brings us up to date. I'll try to write more often. No guarantees.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
11 years since our Route 66 adventure
Next week will be 11 years since my friend Jim Jackson and I set off on an adventure that came close to rivaling my "Public Enemies" experience.
He and I were given a brand new 1999 Corvette by the Chevrolet division of General Motors -- actually three of them -- to traverse the country on Historic Route 66.
The trip took 8 1/2 days during which we sent stories and photos each day to The Times so readers could follow along on our excellent adventure. And boy did they. To this day I periodically get asked "Aren't you the guy who drove Route 66?"
The answer is yes, plain and simple. I think I mentioned the trip in my piece about The Eagles band. We stood on the corner of Winslow, Arizona on July 23, 1999.
Why three Corvettes you ask? because GM didn't want us to run up the miles on just one. So, we traded cars in Oklahoma City, drove that car to Santa Monica, California. Then we traded cars again and drove back to Oklahoma City where we picked up our original Vette and came back to Chicago where Route 66 started.
I could write tons about our trip. But, if anyone stops at Cadillac Ranch in Texas, check out the axle of one of the planted cars where we wrote "The Last Summer Cruise of the Century."
Probably long gone, but who knows.
He and I were given a brand new 1999 Corvette by the Chevrolet division of General Motors -- actually three of them -- to traverse the country on Historic Route 66.
The trip took 8 1/2 days during which we sent stories and photos each day to The Times so readers could follow along on our excellent adventure. And boy did they. To this day I periodically get asked "Aren't you the guy who drove Route 66?"
The answer is yes, plain and simple. I think I mentioned the trip in my piece about The Eagles band. We stood on the corner of Winslow, Arizona on July 23, 1999.
Why three Corvettes you ask? because GM didn't want us to run up the miles on just one. So, we traded cars in Oklahoma City, drove that car to Santa Monica, California. Then we traded cars again and drove back to Oklahoma City where we picked up our original Vette and came back to Chicago where Route 66 started.
I could write tons about our trip. But, if anyone stops at Cadillac Ranch in Texas, check out the axle of one of the planted cars where we wrote "The Last Summer Cruise of the Century."
Probably long gone, but who knows.
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