Screw You, New Year's Resolutions!

Get up and do it already.  No more waiting.  No more wondering "what if" or "is the time right".  Insiders tip:  it never is the right time.  There is no perfect storm of dreaming, determination, talent and luck gathering on the horizon, unless you start creating it.  January 1st is just another date. Just do it.  'Nuff said.

Happy creating and go kick 2012 in the butt.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year!

Well, 2011 is wrapping up and I'm looking forward to a great 2012.  This past year has seen some amazing career changes for me.  My life has evolved and my dreams have morphed into obtainable goals.  I can see those not-so- elusive goals hovering just on the horizon and I can't wait to run to catch up to them.


Remember my goals from earlier in the year?  Well, they are on track and speeding along in ways that I could have never imagined almost a year ago.  I work on new acting projects basically every month. I've launched into producing.  I'm writing more.  I'm collaborating with amazing people from around the world who constantly inspire me.  Heck, I got married to my best friend and got to wear a stunning dress while surrounded by my nearest and dearest.  I'm not usually one to throw the word "blessed" around but I can't really describe 2011 in any other way.


There are exciting things coming, my friends and I can't wait to share them with you.  This journey is going to be  a great one.  I can just feel it.


Happy creating!

A Good Time to Be a Non-LA TV actor?...or crew?

So I just read this article on the state of TV in LA.  More specifically, the state of jobs in TV in LA.  According to stats, California has less dramatic (read: scripted, not "reality") TV being filmed than New York and even Canada.  Yes, our northern market is booming in comparison to La La Land in terms of dramatic television series.  We have some great tax credits here for production and that's making Canadian cities alluring to TV money spenders.  And while that's bad news bears to Hollywood, it's the sound of opportunity knocking in the Great White North.  


What do I mean by that?  Well, it means our crews and actors will start (in some cases, continue) to work on more recognizable projects.  Not only will this allow our talents to shine but to also more fully develop as the work continues.  Put this development hand-in-hand with recognizable projects and you start a perfect cyclical storm of networking, talent, and good ol' name dropping (oh my God, you worked with who, on what?!) that can lead to more work and more jobs.  From my experience thus far in this industry, one big job often yields another or one big production follows another.  Three cheers for employment!


I realize this is an overly optimistic post and I'm most definitely not saying that the film and TV industry is about to be flush with jobs, so don't go quitting your stable income maker to be the next Shonda Rhimes (you did hear she just sold a bunch of shows, right?).  At least, not yet.  What I am saying is that it's exciting to see some good things happening here in the entertainment biz.  And that's always reason to celebrate.  Thanks tax credits.  I'll drink one in your honour.


Happy creating!

Ben Affleck and The Stand?

Ben Affleck is in talks (confirmed?) to write and direct "The Stand", one of Stephen King's best loved novels.  Rumour has it, it will be a trilogy.  Which given the length of the novel, is probably a good thing.  Now, I enjoyed reading the novel.  I did.  But hated the ending.  It just felt like it didn't know how to end so it just did. 


Anyway, read about the announcement here:


http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/10/ben_affleck_stephen_king_the_s.html?mid=twitter_vulture


Thoughts on casting?  


Now, if they would just get around to making a 7 film long epic retelling of the Dark Tower...


Happy creating!

Practice Makes Perfect--Ode to Professionalism

I've been talking a lot recently to different artists from all across the creative melieu.  I should clarify that I've been speaking to professional artists.  You know, the ones that seek to create and entertain beyond the level of a hobbyist.  Their passion may have started as an extra-curricular love but that need to tell stories, whether through film, photography, words, or dance, has evolved into something bigger than a part-time commitment. 


I've discovered that we all have something in common.  True professionals are constantly practicing.  They seek to continually improve, to jump to a new level of expression.  Be it through formalized classes or just doing moves in the studio, on camera, over the mic, we work.  We keep our tools sharp and at the ready by continually doing and realizing that we are forever students.  To be honest, I'm not sure if I ever want to be a master at something.  It implies that I've finished learning and I enjoy that process to damn much to end it.  Being challenged rocks and nothing pushes me past a plateau of blah and safe better than a good challenge.  To quote Timothy Findley, I kill my darlings to allow myself to discover new ways of bringing truth to characters.


So how are you evolving as a professional?  I'd love to hear!


Happy creating!

Studios Rethink Big-Budget Producers and Their Pricey Tentpoles--and Westerns - Thompson on Hollywood

I've been saying for months that massive budget films are coming to an end.  With the global economy on the verge of a possible second meltdown (fingers crossed for a last minute save from the hero who pulls us back from the breach), investors and studios alike are rethinking their options.  Or counting their dollars and cents.  No one wants to invest hundreds of millions into a film that may or may not open.  Unless it's James Cameron.  Or Will Smith, cuz that guy always opens.  But mostly, filmmaking has become even riskier for the folks with the money.  The ROI on a film has always been a gamble but with the current economic climate, that gamble can be equivalent to a newbie poker player trying out his first hand at the high roller's table.  OK, I don't play poker so that analogy may not be correct but you get what I'm saying.  Check it out in the article below:


Studios Rethink Big-Budget Producers and Their Pricey Tentpoles--and Westerns - Thompson on Hollywood


So where does that leave us?  Is filmmaking doomed?  No, absolutely not.  It's evolving.  And the indie world is on the forefront of that evolution.  Independent filmmakers have always had to think outside the box but now they've got a bunch more tools at their disposal to make their films a reality.  From crowd funding to self distribution, the gates are squeaking open and the studios are taking notice.  That being said, you have to have a great product.  There's a lot of crap out there but those hidden gems?  The ones that are beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, geared towards a specific audience with a great story, and with a tightly controlled budget?  They are like catnip to the lions in Hollywood.


So keep on doing what you're doing.  If you do it well, enough, those pesky gatekeepers in LaLaLand may just sit up and take notice.


Happy creating!

Happiness is a warm gun ... carried by a girl

Ahh, Katee Sackoff.  This is why you rock!


Happiness is a warm gun ... carried by a girl


PS: Totally agree!


Happy creating!  Especially if you're in the middle of writing an awesome feature script that has a kick-ass female lead who's actually kicking some ass. 

Zombies!!!!

See my description in About Me in my Twitter profile?  Zombie preparedness is always necessary.  You never know when this might happen:

Happy creating!...or clean removal of the zombie head to ensure a clean kill...whatever...

The Audition Issue

Hey actors! Have you read this yet?  You probably should.  Backstage has put together a great collection of articles about the mysterious process known as auditioning.  And given that what we do is audition, it's well worth the click.


The Audition Issue


I read every article in one sitting and loved every one.  There are great tips from working actors, producers, and casting directors alike.  Key bit of advice?  Get out of your head, stop beating yourself up, and just be you.


Happy creating!

State of the Union | Sundance Institute

An excellent commentary on the state of indie film.  I admit this post is little behind the times as this panel took place in July.  For my lateness in posting, I apologize but regardless of the timeliness of it, this is a great read.  Again, Sundance, you rock.


State of the Union | Sundance Institute


Happy creating!

Goals and a Check In

So remember how I said my life had become incredibly busy?  And that I would keep you posted?  Notice how that was ages ago?  Sorry about that but nothing much has changed in the ensuing weeks.


So here's the low down on what's been going on:


1) I worked on a TV show for Animal Planet.  From what I understand, it will be released sometime in October in the US.  No word on when myself and my countrymen will be able to see it up here in the Great White North.  OK, so not snowy right now but you get the cliche;


2) I booked a feature film which is slated to start soon.  I can't give you much more information than that as I signed my life away saying that I wouldn't.  But it should be really cool once everything gets off the ground;


3) I've been thoroughly developing my web series while also helping other producers develop some of their own projects.  Nothing like working with a community of like-minded people who just love film and telling stories to get you motivated!


There are more projects thrown in there as well but most are more personal and not the stuff to post online to live on ad infinitum. Needless to say, everything is connected to the goal of acting.


So what's coming up soon?  Well, I get to work with one of my favourite directors and DoP's this week on-get this--an action comedy.  That's all I'm saying but tune into Tom Antos' YouTube channel for more details. I'll post more when it's complete!


I hope you all are as busy as I am and loving every minute of it!  I'm constantly grateful for the people who are supporting me in my efforts and giving me opportunities to do the thing I love.


Happy creating!

Felicia Day: How a Girl Geek Made It Big on Her Own

Gotta say, I love Felicia Day.  She, along with Joss Whedon and his amazing universe of characters and stories, have helped make geeky cool.  She's been a huge inspiration for me to go after my goals no matter what.  I hope to one day let her know in person.


Read about her web series "The Guild" and it's evolution below.  And if you still think you'll never get your projects off the ground afterwards, well, go get more creative about it.


Felicia Day: How a Girl Geek Made It Big on Her Own


Happy creating!


PS: Yes, I do get stupidly excited at mentions of Comic Con, Buffy, Angel, BSG, X-Files, Star Trek (TNG, Voyager, and DS9), and have been known to play marathon board games.  Ask any old roommate.  They've seen it.  Oh and I sing along to sing along blogs like no tomorrow.  Anyone got a freeze ray?

Audition Metaphor

Ask any actor: auditioning is a weird and difficult process.  It's a constant question or string of questions.  Am I the right type?  Too short?  Too tall?  Do I go big?  Small?  And most importantly, am I telling the story I need to be telling?  Sides are chosen for an audition for a reason.  Usually, they are an important part of the character's story.  This is especially true for leads.  The CD and producers want to see how you handle the character, often at different points in the story.  Auditioning for the waitress who makes a two second appearance halfway through the film?  Guess what.  That role is important too.  Scripts go through so many revisions and characters are edited out and changed constantly.  There is a reason why that waitress is there when she is there.  Hint: check out what's going on with the main characters in the scene.  Make your choices from there.


But what to do when you have to bring out your trusty ol'monologue?  And yes, you should have one or two of those stored in the memory banks.  And be out the look out for more as your type will change as you do.  Sometimes, it's hard getting the story out with your monologue when you only have a couple of minutes and that includes saying hi to those in the room and doing some chatting.  Joel R. Putnam really hits the nail on the head with what to do with shortened audition times and how to adjust your monologue accordingly.  Like with almost everything in life, leave 'em wanting more.  Check out his post below.  It's a great read!


Audition Metaphor


Happy creating!

The Audition Machine

My ramblings here have been more or less silent these last few weeks.  It's not because I haven't wanted to write.  Trust me.  But you know when someone says be careful what you wish for: it might come true?  That has been the definition of my life these past three weeks.


Besides my full time job (yes I still have one of those), I've been doing some serious auditioning.  And then doing some more.  As a friend so rightly defined it, I've been an audition machine.  Thanks Joe.  PS: you should check him out on Twitter.  And his production company.  


For those of you that know me and my schedule well, auditioning isn't out of the norm for me.  I do it quite often, either on projects I've sought out or ones that my amazing agent has submitted me for.  What has been different is the amount of callbacks I'm getting.


I'm walking around right now with a great big grin which just keeps growing with every callback I get.  And what's really awesome is that I know why it's happening.  I think every actor goes through a period when they just don't get there.  They don't sparkle in the room.  Nothing wrong with the read or the acting or the look.  They're just not "it".


I've gone through a long period of this but did some soul searching recently and did some re-focusing on my priorities.  I feel now when I get that call and go into that room, I've settled in.  I'm me and it's great.  Yes, I take my inspiration from a universe of sources--how can you not?  Discovery says it best: the world is just awesome.  But now when I audition, I'm just me.  Goofy, geeky, cheerful, and able to get into a character in a flash.  And it's paid dividends.


So to sum up, I apologize for the long silence.  It's been a great few weeks, filled with great opportunities booked and others in the making.


Oh and if you want to hear more regular updates--you know the ones I can do from my smartphone while waiting to head into the audition room--check me out on Twitter or on my Facebook fan page.


Happy creating!

Are You Alone Part Deux

In keeping with the art of shameless self promotion, I wanted to share the official poster for "The Intruder".  I worked on this short thriller a few weeks ago and it looks as though post production is chugging along nicely.


The shot looks great and yes that's the actual location.  And that big guy lurking in the background?  He's huge!  And terrifying when in character but ridiculously nice when not.

For those of you who missed the teaser trailer, check it out here.  Enjoy!


Happy creating!

J.J. Abrams: Not so Typical

So it's turns out that J.J. Abrams worked his butt off to get where he is.  Go figure.  I love stories like this.  It just goes to show that with talent, hard work, and more hard work, it is possible. 


Check out this post from Atypical Tales:


http://atypicaltales.com/feature/filmmaker-profile-j-j-abrams/


Happy creating!

Bolivia Set to Pass Historic 'Law of Mother Earth' Which Will Grant Nature Equal Rights to Humans

OK this isn't specifically film related so I apologize up front for that.  But think of what this could mean in terms of environmental protection.  I'm not saying riding the earth of industry but what would our existence be like if everything we did was measured by what it would do to the earth?  


Bolivia Set to Pass Historic 'Law of Mother Earth' Which Will Grant Nature Equal Rights to Humans


Whether you agree or not, it's a pretty amazing concept.


Happy creating!

Are you alone? My Scream moment

Scream was one of the movies of my high school years.  The second movie in the franchise was the first (and only) movie I snuck into because I was technically underage.  Sorry Mom.  I remember being terrified in that opening sequence where Drew Barrymore is, well hacked apart.  Who doesn't harbour a secret fear that someone is watching them while they are alone in a house?


Well, I got to have my Scream moment a couple of weeks ago with a short thriller film.  OK, it was scripted but still cool.  And you'll just have to wait for the full short to be released to know what happens.  For now check out the teaser trailer.

Are you alone?


Happy creating!

Edward Burns says: 'I don’t think we’ll ever go back to theatrical.'

Funny.  This is what so many indie filmmakers I know have been saying too.  It doesn't have to cost millions.  It just has to be your passion and you will make it happen.  It's weird to be on the possible forefront of change industry wide.  And with mediums such as YouTube, iTunes, and great inexpensive equipment, creating wonderful and well-made films is within everyone's grasp.  Check out what Edward Burns has to say on the matter in this article from indieWire.  


Edward Burns says: 'I don’t think we’ll ever go back to theatrical.' Here's why. - indieWIRE


Thanks Eddie Burns.  Glad you agree.


Happy creating!

Roseanne Speaks: And I Should Know

If you haven't read Roseanne's article on life as woman sitcom creator and star, you probably should.  Best part?  The mental picture of her and George Clooney going Happy Gilmour on a chocolate Number One.


Check it out here: And I Should Know


I hope things will change and maybe they are.  Fingers crossed.  And if not, I know a few woman filmmakers who are ready and waiting to kick the door in.


Happy creating!

Things are Looking up!

So we've struggled.  I mean, we always struggle in this industry but recently, we've struggled a lot.  But times they are a'changing.  OK, realistically we're still gonna struggle.  Deal with it.  It comes with the territory. 


As with Sundance, Cannes is showing that there is life renewed in this field.  People are talking and most importantly, people are buying.  Thank goodness.  But from what I've read, while many of the investors, distributors are the same, how they do business has changed.  Almost losing everything will do that to high-net worth individuals and multi-million dollar companies.  They are looking for well-made films that attract a target audience with controlled budgets.  And this seems to go for everyone from the biggies to the little guys like IFC.


Check it out here with Scott Macaulay's post on US distributors in Cannes.  


Happy creating!

Wanna sneak peek at a new pilot?

OK so you may have actually already seen it but ABC has got at least one new ridiculously creative series coming up this fall.  If you haven't heard of "Once Upon a Time", you should probably look it up.  Seriously.  Released on your TV screen by the creative minds of Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis (ever heard of a little show called "Lost"?), get ready for ever after as fairy tale meets modern world.


There are evil queens, enchanted forests, and princesses but they don't know it.  Oh my!  Locked into a town called Storybrooke, the cast of characters have forgotten who they are and the only one who can save them is modern world gal Emma Stone.  Now it's actually more complicated than that with a long lost son and a curse involved but you can read the press release as well as I can to get the deets.


So why am I excited for this?  My nearest and dearest know that I'm a sucker for fantasy shows that take me into other worlds than this.  If someone (please) made The Dark Tower books into a long running series, I'd be right there, signing up to play Susan Delgado--hint, hint Mr. King.  Or barring that, tuning in each week to be transported away.  I love well thought out universes which is probably why I still watch shows like Buffy, Angel, and the X-Files with rapt attention.  And "Once Upon a Time", on a first sneak peek basis, seems to have that level of attention to detail.  


More than that, I'm curious to know if it makes me think a little.  "Lost" certainly did, despite my less-than-enthusiastic reaction to the finale. I want my brain to be twisted a bit between episodes.  That is what makes me talk about a series.  I mean, really talk about a series, not just wonder what the hell they were thinking.  Anyone remember the feeling when Dawn suddenly appeared on Buffy?  I loved that and I'm hoping that the deliberate mash up of storybook epic weirdness and the hum drum of everyday will do the same for "Once Upon a Time".


And besides all of the above?  I love most of what Robert Carlyle does.  He freaked me out as Hitler and made me giggle as a male stripper (or wanna be male stripper).  So seeing him as Rumplestiltskin?  Yeah, sign me up for that.


So check out the trailer for the pilot and let me know what you think!  I promise I don't have any evil cider here if I don't agree with your opinion.  I save my evil for other things, remember?


Happy creating and ever after!

Sarah Michelle Gellar talks about returning to TV

Buffy's back!  Or Sarah Michelle Gellar is!  Check out this blog post from Jarrett Weiselman at Pop Wrap who interviewed everyone's fave vampire slayer about her new show.


Sarah Michelle Gellar talks about returning to TV with 'The Ringer' & 'Buffy' legacy - PopWrap


5 by 5.


Happy creating!

NDP's arts caucus to take centre stage

Yippee! Let's hope to see some results from this!

NDP's arts caucus to take centre stage

Happy creating...maybe even with some money!

The Impatient Actor

Like most actors I know, I can get really impatient when waiting for things to happen.  If you work in this industry, you know there is a lot of "hurry up and wait" and at the moment, I'm at the wait part.  Which I suck at.  A couple of weeks ago, my life was a flurry of auditions and congratulatory emails and text messages.  I have one project booked to start in a couple of weeks and am on hold for a commercial.  So here I sit.  


Waiting.  Waiting.  Waiting...


Happy creating!

Controversy Swirling

So I just found out that a Netflix commercial I did a few months ago has caused some controversy.  A men's rights group in the USA has taken offense to the spot and has some people boycotting Netflix.  First, after the initial shock that anyone would take a satirical commercial based on absolute fantasy so seriously, I began to read the comments on the edited version of the commercial they released.  Get ready for it.


I'm evil.


Yes, I am.  Supposedly, it's something in either the eyes or my aura that gives it away.  Damn.  I guess I gotta switch eyeliner from "Evil Feminist Master Mind Kohl" to "Loves Puppies and Rainbows Green". 


So here's what I have to say to it.  First, TV and the commercials that air both on it and Internet aren't real.  This really shouldn't be news to anyone but thought I would make that completely clear.  If anyone does think that women really want to order their babies from an online movie rental service, I suggest they go talk to some women.  Most I know are looking forward to pregnancy and childbirth, despite the risks of it.  And those that aren't, newflash, they aren't looking to have children anyway.  And those women who desperately want children and cannot conceive through traditional methods?  You're right.  They don't really need men.  Invitro and adoption are options for them but I can tell you now that most women in that situation are heartbroken they can't conceive the traditional way.  You know, the way that needs men.


Second, I can assure you the writers, crew, actors, and Netflix (although I haven't spoken to them but feel secure in saying it) don't have a master plan to eradicate men from the planet.  Honest.  Cross my heart.


The truth of it is while being called evil by people I don't know does sting, I'm trying to see this as something to learn from.  That not everyone will always like everything I do.  Bad reviews will come.  People will get the wrong idea from a comment or action.  This is just my first lesson in it as I work along this path.


PS: I do love puppies and rainbows by the way.


Happy creating!..you know, both creatively and otherwise....

Fuzzy Wuzzies

OK that post title isn't fair.  We're talking about big cats here.  You know, the king of the savannah.  But gosh darn it, those cubs are adorable.  I've been hearing industry buzz about "African Cats" for months.  I don't know what Disney did but they certainly put the right words into the right medium at the right time.  Personally, I'm excited to see it-- like everyone else it seems.


For the low down on filming and some pics of super cute fuzzy wuzzies, check out this interview by Melody Simpson with the directors.


Happy creating!

Successes and Failures

So I've had a pretty interesting week and a half.  After a lull in auditions, I suddenly got two in a week.  Actually two in one day.  Which just happened to coincide with an appointment to find bridesmaids dresses.  But auditions are auditions and my artist soul tells me to never say no and just do it.  And to top it all off, I was called into the second audition partly due to my resume and reel but also on personal recommendation.  Yeah.  So someone else's personal reputation was on the line with my performance.  Let's play a game and take a guess how that one went.


It bombed.  Entirely.  Not really sure why as the lines were secure in my head, I had made character choices.  But as I walked into the room, the "sparkle" left.  And that's the only way I can describe it.  I took the director's notes and incorporated them into my performance but still no go.  Blah. Boring. Blah.


So now I agonize over it.  Berating myself for sucking so horribly and hey, maybe I shouldn't even do this acting thing.  Honestly, who am I fooling?  


Then a tiny little red and white star appears beside my email on my Blackberry.  And I open up my new messages.  The message read something like, "Hey Tonya, we loved you and want to offer you the part.  Script to come soon, from the first casting director from the first audition".  So during my insecure neurotic ramblings about my second audition performance, my brain had completely decided to ignore the kickass audition I did first thing that day.  The audition I knew I had hit out of the park.


Moral of the story?  Sometimes that insecure voice that we all actors have needs to be thrown against the wall and put in its place.  Like tossed over a cliff or hung by its toe nails.


Happy creating!

Wanna Make a Movie?

Then do your homework.  Honestly.  I'm all for picking up that camera and making something cool.  Go grab your buddies and shoot a scene for YouTube.  That's how you explore and learn your craft.  By doing it.  But if you want to make more than a film but a movie, one where people want to pay to come see it, do some leg work.


What do I mean by that?  Work with people who are professionals.  This isn't always expensive, trust me but if you don't personally know any professionals, you'll probably have to pay for their services.  This goes for that great DoP, actress, AD,  or lawyer.  Some times you really do get what you pay for.  And if you are looking to raise a bunch a'moola for your film, you may need to be prepared to invest some of your hard earned cash into making your pitch and package be the best they can possibly be.  Folks with tons of money got tons of money by being wise with their investments and probably won't give it to someone who just thinks their movie is going to be cool.


So don't rush headlong into it.  Most of my friends and family know I'm not the most patient person in the world but I'm learning that this industry is marked in decades, not weeks or months.  So do your research and know who and what your resources are and gather them.  If you don't much about pre-sales, gap financing, or writer contracts, find someone who does and get some help.  And maybe your film will be a great movie with some money behind it.


Now, anyone know a great lawyer?


Happy creating!

Lionsgate and Micro-Budgets

The love independents are getting these days is insane!  In a good way, of course.  Lionsgate announced last week that they are opening a micro-budget division, headed up by Matt Kaplan.  Specifically, they are looking to back ten films a year that are made on budgets of 2 million or less.  So we're looking at budgets on the level of Paranormal Activity or Blair Witch.


The reasoning seems to be clear; get behind a film that cost substantially less than studio-backed films for a better return on investment.  If you only have to pay back $2 million instead of $200 million, that's more cash in your pocket if your film does well.  And that is the key.  You can bet Lionsgate is looking for something like was seen in Sundance this year.  Films that are impeccably made with a targeted audience, a great cast, well acted, beautifully shot, and all the details attended to.  Which can translate into a film doing well.  If yours isn't, they probably won't look at it.


But despite that, things are looking up for the indie world.  Let's hope it continues!


Happy creating!

Raindance, You're Cool

So I feel like that kid who never got the secret joke that everyone else in the class knew.  You know, where you have to copy what the person does exactly to "get it"?  I finally did some research into Raindance.  Here's the kicker; I thought they were only in the UK.  Yup, I'm an idiot.  Not only are they in Toronto, they have a wildly active chapter in Toronto.  Between networking nights (now every last Wednesday of the month in Leslieville) and really cool sounding courses, they really are working to help give voice to great indie filmmakers.  


So why the lovefest?  Well, I firmly believe that indies don't get much of a chance anywhere but really not in Canada.  I went to a screening last night for a Canadian independent film and witnessed the support Raindance had given it.  I'm not talking money here.  I'm talking about guidance, mentoring, getting bums in seats, helping understand the legal jargon-- the intangible things a filmmaker needs to do and know but needs the experience to do it.  And it was great to see the head of Raindance Canada at the screening, lending her support to the project.


So Raindance peeps, expect to see another filmmaker/actress at your doorstep soon cuz I kinda like you.


Happy creating!

Meg Ryan to Make Directing Debut

I love when women take the helm...or camera, I guess.  I know Meg Ryan gets a lot of flack about being the former rom-com queen etc etc but I've always loved her on screen so I'm just as excited to see this next phase of her career develop.  Hey, Meg!  Need a cute redhead?


Meg Ryan to Make Directing Debut Women and Hollywood


Happy creating!

Enough with Reality TV

Sorry this is a rant post.  Flipping through the channels tonight and as usual I'm greeted by an obscene number of reality shows.  I'll admit there are a couple I love: Pawn Stars (I'm a history geek) and Say Yes to the Dress (I'm girl and there are pretty things on that show) are about the only ones I can stand.  Between women and men who are so desperate for fame and just horrible concepts for shows, is it really any wonder that our industry is suffering?


What happened to the whole paying your dues and actually having a good work ethic?  I, for one, love seeing an actor or actress develop into an artist.  Take Natalie Portman.  She's worked her butt off for years and is at a point that no one can deny how talented she is.  But she worked.  She educated herself while immersing herself in her craft.  


I'm all for getting yourself noticed but I think you need to be careful how you're getting noticed.  Is it because you genuinely did a good job or is it because you made a spectacle?  This industry, while seemingly impossible for people to get into, is actually a very small community.  Everyone knows everyone.  Word travels and a good reputation is a precious thing to have.  Build one and guard it like the treasure it is.


Happy creating!

Great Females Roles are Hard to Come By

So it looks like both Katee Sackhoff and Eliza Dushku are getting pilots this year.  This makes me happy, mostly because I loved their portrayals of two of my favourite TV characters, Starbuck (BSG) and Faith (Buffy and Angel).  And yes I'm revealing how much of a geek I am by saying I watched all those series faithfully...pun intended.


What I really love is that both of these women have a tendency to play strong female roles and that's a hard thing to do in this business.  Most female roles are defined as "the girlfriend", "the wife", or most sadly, "the victim".  As someone who spent most of her life as a blonde, I know all too well how much type casting comes into play when trying out for a role.  The amount of ditzy cheerleaders or helpless victims I've tried out for is almost funny.    


A writer friend of mine recently apologized for the general lack of creativity among writers when creating female characters.  Which I thanked him for.  It's a nice sentiment really but until I see more frequent awesome mainstream female roles in films, I'm not holding my breath that his awareness is widespread throughout the industry.


So here's my challenge to all you writers out there.  Write a feature, a short, or TV episode that has one great female role.  One where she's the strong one but not cold and unapproachable.  Make her smart and equal to her peers.  Have us want to see her character reveal itself.  Just try it once.  


Oh yeah, then tell me what hair colour she has in your mind.


Happy creating!

Creative Ways to Fund Your Film

There are tons of ways to get your film made.  You could fund it yourself, either by credit card or by breaking up the shooting schedule so you can afford it.  You could beg family and friends for loans.  There's crowd funding and, of course, the traditional find a distributor, get some names, and wrangle up some moola.  


What has been your go-to for funding?  Have you sold merchandise?  Given away swag in return for donations? Amassed a Facebook and Twitter army of fans?  Let us know!  We're dying to hear your crazy attempts, successes, failures, and best of all, ideas!


Happy creating!

Variety Archives: Elizabeth Taylor 'Conquers'

Today, we lost an icon.  She may not have been everyone's favourite but she left her mark.  Thanks Liz for everything.

Variety Archives: Elizabeth Taylor 'Conquers': "Variety Archives: Elizabeth Taylor 'Conquers'"

Again with the self promotion...

So it's official folks!  Netflix bought our commercials and yours truly is coming to an online video source near you.  Soon (maybe now) you can see the ads we filmed about a month ago before the video you actually wanted to see plays.  Sorry about interrupting your online video experience but I hope at least you get a giggle out them!

NETBABY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USrKRE15kks

NETCOMMUTE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOsH2_XtU7Q

NETOUTFIT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo_8S4bxkm8

Happy creating!

Filmmaking is a Business. Period.

No matter how beautiful your art film is, no matter how poignant the story of a woman who selflessly gives her all to her family is, if you as a filmmaker don't understand that you are working within a business industry, you are screwed.  That is assuming that you want more than your family, friends, and a handful of festival goers to see your film.


Yeah, things are changing.  Mediums such as YouTube and VOD are changing the scene.  Crowding funding through sites such as IndieGoGo are making it much easier to raise capital for films.  All good. All great.  But this is a business and if you don't adhere to that concept, you could be shooting yourself in the foot.  Are there legal ramifications of raising funds through crowd-funding sites in your province or state?  Do you know about chain of title...if that's even what it's called?  What sort of tax incentives can you go for?  Have you set up your production company properly to take advantage of them?  Who knows?  Do you?


I just read a great post that really hit this point home.  There are so many things I would never even consider when looking at making a film.  It really focuses on a filmmaker as a manager and acting in the best interest of the business; the business being the making of your film and future ones.


Here's just a small glimpse into the world of the entertainment business.  Goodness knows, there are countless vistas to explore as I learn more.  But enjoy.  I found it incredibly educational.  Be forewarned, there's some legal jargon in there.


Happy creating! ....hope I didn't cause a headache....

A little more on goal setting

I may talk about this a lot but it's something that's near and dear to my heart.  I get asked a lot about goals and how to go about achieving them.  I've written before that I post mine up so I can see them.  But what good is posting them and telling them to others to help keep you accountable if the desire just isn't there?


So here's the new challenge:  attaching a strong emotion to those goals.  Something so strong that if you don't do them, you will feel like you've let yourself down.  And there's nothing worse than letting yourself down.  OK, maybe letting your mother or partner down and knowing they're disappointed in you is worse but you get the idea.


Deep breath, here's mine.  I feel horrible if I don't try my best at something and do a good job.  If I feel that I've let someone down because I didn't put my all into something, I'm a wreck.  I still feel terrible about the time my favourite teacher in high school caught my friends and I copying our homework from each other.  All he had to do was shake his head and sigh in disappointment for me to spend the rest of my academic career trying desperately to make up for it.  When I passed this by my fiance, he just smiled that knowing smile of his and said that sounded exactly like me.  So here I am, attaching this to my biggest goals.


What's your strong emotional tie to your goals?  Ain't got one?  Do some soul searching.  Why do you want to do something?  It's all well and good to want to get out of debt for example, but if it's not emotionally important to you, it probably won't happen.  At least, that's the way it is for me.


Oh and PS:  I write killer essays and assignments now. Or did when I was in university.


Think it through and happy creating!

Have an iPhone? Make a Movie!

Yeah you can do that.  If that super sweet Canon 7D or a RED is a bit out of your price range, check out the cool apps you can use to make films on your devices.  Sometimes, Apple you're so cool.


22 Filmmaking Apps for the iPhone and iPad


I'm particularly excited about "Rehearsal" and "Movie Slate"...those suckers are expensive!


Happy affordable creating!

Ever Wonder What Happens in an Audition?

People go crazy. I'm serious. It's like another world in there. Let me set the scene;


The agent calls. You've got a great principal audition for a pilot. Awesome. You get the sides, work them out, get them on their feet, and then to bed early to get your beauty rest.


Then you arrive. Maybe you left work early or headed in before your shift. Now you gotta get into the head space you were last night. Into the Actor Head Space. You take a step into the waiting room. You know you'll be greeted by one of two things. Either complete silence (aside from the either super cheerful or really sullen desk person) or almost silence except for those two people that worked on that commercial last year and OMG how have you been and I've been soooo busy....blah blah blah. The rest of the peeps who look a lot like you are usually gazing off into space mumbling or staring intently at their sides. Every so often, one might get up and start vocal exercises or even jump around.


Then you hear your name called. So you head in. Smile. Smile. I'm great. How are you? Look at me being a nice fun person. Introductions. Slate. And switch! I'm a clinically depressed woman who's on the verge of being admitted. Scene! Take some direction. Do it again. Great. Cheery girl emerges again. And thank you very much and have a great day.


Auditioning is an intense experience. It asks you to be both yourself and a completely different person in the space of a few seconds. It's an art and one that's hard to master. I'm still getting the hang of it. My nerves can be killer sometimes. Every actor handles it differently. Where else can you find a room full of look-a-likes who are either mumbling to themselves, staring at walls, or saying "ahhhhhhhh" and making raspberries? Anywhere else, and they'd be labelled crazy.


I read a great post about auditioning today. The writer really tries to turn the audition waiting room on its head to make it less intimidating. I like this. There's no point in making it more than it is--just a room full of people who are just as nervous as you, no matter how cool they try to act or how much they jump around.


So maybe next time I enter the strange world of the audition waiting room, I will try something different and see what it does to my performance. Hey, it can't hurt.


Happy creating!

Interview with Sherry Hormann, Director of Desert Flower Women and Hollywood

I just read a really nice interview with Sherry Hormann. It gives a great outline on some of difficulties of women in film. It does take baby steps. Check it out below:

Interview with Sherry Hormann, Director of Desert Flower Women and Hollywood

Thanks Sherry and Women & Hollywood. We're with you and waiting to knock down a few doors along side you.


Happy creating!

It's Been A Long Time, My Friend

The Oscars have come and gone.  The red carpet is rolled up and put away until next year.  And all the dresses and jewels have been returned to their respective owners (right, Lindsay Lohan?).  


Watching the Oscars always makes me take a look at my career.  What can I be doing differently?  How can I hold myself accountable for what I need to be doing?  How I can create more opportunities for myself?


So to tie into one of my first posts this year, here's the lowdown on my progress:


1) I've been auditioning way more this year.  From theatre to film, I'm getting out there for a lot of really cool roles.  And none of them are ditzy cheerleaders.  Thanks to my agent on this front for putting up with my constant emailing about interesting parts I find.  You rock my world, my friend!


2) I'm working out waaaay more.  Thanks to my wonderful fiance for reminding me to kick my own ass.  Not only does this help with the winter blahs, it's lining me up for at least being considered for some great roles.  Oh yeah and to look smoking in the wedding gown;


3) I still have my mountain of debt but I'm being very conscious of how I spend my money and what I'm putting towards that mountain.  It's gonna take me years but progress is being made;


4) I'm in talks with some producer/director friends regarding a feature.  More to come on that front but it sounds really cool.


5) Regarding creating more opportunities for myself, obviously I've been searching out more auditions and working more with those in my network (Hi guys!).  But on top of that, I finally put together an actor's basic tool and made my demo reel.  To be honest, I had enough material for this awhile ago but for some reason just didn't do it.  It took someone else doing theirs (thanks Mel) for me to just sit down and do it.  Maybe I was afraid but it's out there now and I feel much better;


6) I'm taking inspiration from my peers and celebrating their successes.  Yes, there are days it's hard when you hear that someone else is getting a great role you'd kill for.  But I've decided to see someone else's success as a sign that our industry is actually still kicking.  Check out some friends' projects here:  Clutch, TLA Pro, Nocturnal Emissions, Bay Street Visions;


7) I've re-focused on acting and it's made all the difference.


So how have I been holding myself accountable?  Someone I know does a point system everyday to show what he has accomplished.  I'm not sure if it's a game with a winner at the end but it sure helps him stay on track.  I've decided to use a chart.  Kinda like the chore chart you used to have when you were a kid.  I've set out things that I need to do each week and when I do them, I get a star.  OK, an "X" but you get it.  And I've got my chart posted proudly on my desktop so when I turn on my laptop, I see it there, glaring disapprovingly if I'm not working on something productive.


While I may get frustrated at things being slower than I want, at least I can take comfort in knowing that I'm doing something.  Every journey and blah blah blah.


How do you hold yourself accountable? 


Happy creating!


Tags: acting, demo reel, feature film, priorities, lindsay lohan, nocturnal emissions, tla productions, bay street visions, clutch webseries, tonya dodds, producing, auditions, film

More Shameless Self Promotion

OK I'll admit to the cliche.  Yes I hate watching myself on camera.  I analyze everything I do.  Like with a mircoscope.  And while that may seem crazy, it can actually serve as a useful training tool.  Kinda like how athletes watch how they play to learn their strengths and weaknesses.  That's what I do when I get a copy of work I've done.


It's funny now looking back on some of my earlier work and seeing what I did.  Some of it is good, some not so much.  It's also nice to see some of the wide range of projects I've worked on--from horror to comedy to drama, I've done it all.


So after a couple of years of working on some great projects (and lots of not so great--those didn't make the cut), here is my demo reel.  Enjoy!


Happy creating!

The Art of Shameless Self Promotion

Well, I'm usually much more of a shrinking violet when it comes to the art of self promotion but I worked on these commercials a few weeks ago and thought I'd share.  Enjoy!

NETBABY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USrKRE15kks

NETCOMMUTE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOsH2_XtU7Q

NETDOCTOR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6EBJDEDfkQ

NETOUTFIT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo_8S4bxkm8

Happy creating!

The rise of the indie...again?

From everything I've heard, Sundance this year was a bit different.  It was still celebration of the indie film but what was great was the distribution deals.  Yeah, you read that right.  Indie films got distribution deals.  Perhaps you're thinking: "But, Tonya, it's Sundance.  It's a festival dedicated to the independent film.  Of course, indie films got some deals" and you'd be right.  Here's the difference: the number of deals and the fact the they made sense for filmmakers.  


Don't get me wrong.  The films had to be exceptional with a clear target audience.  Distributors were looking for films that had majority of the work done for them.  Great script.  Great acting.  Beautifully shot. And, most importantly, laser focused on a specific audience.  Why is this important?  It's makes marketing a film much easier and way more affordable.


This is something I've been an advocate for since I started producing and looking at possible scripts to film.  When I read something, I go through it a few times, looking for different things each time.  First, I make sure that I just plain old like it.  If I don't get involved in the story, it's more than likely no one else will either.  On the next reading, I start formulating an idea of who is going to watch it and letting that add to the tone of the script.  Something geared for teenagers looks way different on screen then something made for women aged 25 to 40.  On the third go through, I start thinking marketing and different ways of selling the film. This could include merchandise, events, and how to introduce the film to my intended audience.  


Then I start the math.  Yes, math.  I may be an artist first and foremost but when I wear my producer hat, I look at numbers.  Luckily, it's mostly just adding and subtracting with only a few ratios thrown in.  If I can't figure out how to make a film profitable, how can I possibly convince anyone with money that they should invest?  Maybe I'm just too honest a person but I just don't feel right asking people to throw their money away.


And after all that fun is done, the work really begins in trying to get someone, anyone, everyone interested enough in the project to lend a hand.  That could include investing or just committing to work on set.  This takes years.  Seriously.  "Good Will Hunting" took ten years to get into production because of Matt and Ben's determination to star.  They needed to get a name attached to make the film so it took years of shopping it around before a little actor by the name of Robin Williams signed on.  And movie history was made.


Filmmaking and the entire entertainment biz is a risky one.  But if we do our best to eliminate the risks we have some control over and prepare for as many eventualities as we can, it is possible to get a film made that is artistic, stunning, and profitable--otherwise known as distributable. Thanks Sundance, for renewing my faith.


Happy creating!