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Upfront and Center Part 2

6/5/2012

I'm back with more Fall Television excitement!! Can you stand it? This week's installment will focus on The CW and Fox.

The CW

Oh, CW. I do love you so. I have a special attachment to the CW. First it began as my love for The WB. Remember the WB? I was the perfect age for The WB. I hit it just as they were courting the teenage viewers: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek, Felicity- they were made for me and My People (and by My People I mean teens).

Then there was UPN. I didn't know much about UPN except for this little cult gem of a TV show called Veronica Mars. Now, if you've been following my blog (or have ever met me. ever.), you know my feelings on this show. When it was about to begin it's 3rd season (or face cancellation), the two networks merged and formed what is now The CW. Somehow my friends and I were magically able to attend (crash) their upfront party in Bryant Park that year and got to feel all fancy. It was then that my love of television programming/ratings/etc began. This was the moment I started looking at TV beyond nightly entertainment, and more as a genuine career path.

So yes, the CW has a special place in my heart. <3

Arrow

Alan Kistler is a good friend of mine. For those of you who don't know him, he is an author and comic book historian who genuinely LOVES to help people understand/get into comics. Thanks to him, I know the basics of many super heroes, including Green Arrow. Of course I was psyched for the CWs attempt to fill the hole Smallville left behind. Then...I saw this clip.

Not gonna lie, any idea of what this show is about left my brain. Why? Because Stephen Amell does shirtless pull ups.

Let me say that again.

STEPHEN AMELL DOES SHIRTLESS PULL UPS.

And if that isn't enough reason to be excited about this show, I don't know what is.

FOX

Remember how I said I was the right age for the WB? Well, they were not the first geniuses to come up with the idea of wooing teens. Fox was. Oh and watch I did. The ORIGINAL 90210. To this day, I have no idea why my parents allowed me to, but they did and I am grateful. If not, how could I have ever fallen in love with Dylan McKay? My very first Bad Boy with a Heart of Gold.

Times changed and Fox has moved on, but they still have some things that get me as excited as Donna Martin meeting Color Me Badd.

Such as this gem right here:

The Mindy Project. Mindy Kaling! In what will basically be a season-long Rom Com!! In NYC!!! I think of all the shows premiering this fall, this is my favorite so far. It looks adorable and quirky and wish-fulfillmenty and I'm hooked already.

The Mob Doctor is a show that wouldn't normally be on my radar. I'm not a big procedural fan. That being said, oh Zach Gilford I will watch anything you're in. MATT SERACIN!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 Plus, for a procedural, I'm somewhat intrigued!

So, there ya have it folks. Join us next time when we discuss NBC's new shows and more!

Do you find any of these shows appealing?

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Upfront and Center Part 1

5/21/2012

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I love TV. LOVE it. Some might say I'm mildly obsessed. Others may say I"m wildly obsessed. Currently I have 51 episodes of shows in my hulu queue that I WILL get to. However, instead of focusing on that like a normal person (well, a normal person that would have 51 shows in their Hulu queue, that is), I'm looking forward to even MORE TV!! YAYHOORAY!!

Yes, folks. It's that time of year. THE UPFRONTS!!! For those not in the know, Upfronts are the times when networks announce their new seasons to perspective advertisers and try to get some cash monies out of them. It's when you find out which of your favorite shows were canceled, which are staying, but most importantly which brand new pilots are making it on your screen.

It can be overwhelming, but don't worry. I've done my homework and checked out all of the major networks and I'm here to share the shows I'm most looking forward to, just for YOU, dear reader! Disclaimer: I do not watch reality TV, but I love me some guilty pleasure scripted shows. So go ahead. Judge me. The next couple blog posts will focus on 2 different networks (in alphabetical order!). Today, we're looking at ABC and CBS.

ABC

Oh, ABC. First of all, bless you. Thank you for providing me with Revenge, my favorite show this season. You already have a special place in my heart. When it comes to next fall, it looks like you may be providing me with some brand new wonderful guilty pleasure shows to go along with it!

Nashville

It has been described as County Strong: the TV Series. Now, I haven't seen Country Strong so I can't really speak for that, but what I HAVE seen and CAN speak for is Mrs. Tami Taylor. Oh Connie Britton, how I love thee. I kind of want to be you when I grow up. I will watch any and everything you are in. The plot around this show revolves around an beyond-her-prime Country singer, Rayna James (Britton), and an up-and-coming autotuned nightmare, Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere). There's also some politics thrown in involving a mayoral race and I am SURE lots of cheating and backstabbing and soapy goodness. I'm not the biggest country music fan, so I may have to fast forward through some of the numbers, but I have a feeling I'm still gonna dig it.

Last Resort

Now this one isn't my typical type of show. It's all action adventure on a submarine. I mean, I like the occasional action movie as much as the next nerdy chick, but I'm not 100% sold on an entire season of it. It looks like they're trying once more to capture the excitement and goodness of Lost, minus the supernatural elements. That being said, It's starring Scott Speedman (from Felicity!), Andre Braugher (from Homicide!), Jessy Shram (from Veronica Mars!), Dichen Lachman (from Dollhouse!), and Autumn Reeser (from The OC!). With a cast like that, and a fun looking trailer, how could you go wrong?? (well, many ways, but we're staying positive here)

666 Park Avenue

Speaking of Lost and supernatural elements, how about this attempt starring John Locke (Terry O'Quinn for those of you who don't think people are who they play on TV) and Vanessa Williams. I'm not 100% sure what it's about (did the couple sell their souls to live in this luxury building on Park Avenue?), but I don't really care. I'm a sucker for these types of things. And considering that it's going to be on Sunday nights after my lover, Revenge combined with the fact that Dave Annable is pretty to look at? I'm sold.

CBS

Oh, CBS. I think for the most part I'm just not in your target demographic. To be honest, the only show I currently watch on CBS is The Good Wife (which I love!). I only saw 4 previews of upcoming shows, but my reaction was the exact same for each one: "I didn't hate it..." None of them were particularly must see TV for me. In fact, I'm not going to even bother posting previews, just some quick thoughts.

Partners, their new comedy offering, has a fun cast with the creators of Will and Grace. I didn't hate Elementary as much as I thought I would (it will NEVER replace Sherlock in my heart!! NEVER!!! BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH AND MARTIN FREEMAN FOR EVAHHH!!!). I've heard good things about Vegas, but it's not for me. And Made in Jersey could have the potential for goodness like The Good Wife so we'll see. Perhaps I'll be a convert by seasons end!

So there you have it, folks! I'll be back soon with thoughts on CW and Fox. Till then, what shows are you excited for?

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Finding the Joy in Auditioning

3/12/2012

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Auditioning. Bleah. The bane of every actor’s existence. You get all of 2 minutes to prove that you’re the best one for the role. Sometimes you have to do a monologue that you’ve done and done and done 100 million times and yet somehow have to manage to keep it fresh and new and find new moments and discoveries. Other times, you read from sides you received 5 minutes prior and are trying not to stumble over the words while your shaking hands become quite obvious as the paper in them starts making rustling noises.

Last year I was really lucky. I didn’t have to audition much at all. Every show I did was through references. I felt so powerful because I was constantly working. However, I was also incredibly LAZY. Yes, I was doing shows. But they were all on the same level. I didn’t challenge myself. I didn’t try anything new. Sure, there were a few surprises/exceptions, but even those seemed to fall into my lap. I didn’t work for anything.   While this may sound pretty freaking awesome…I felt cheap. I know what I want, and I know I’m not going to get it just waiting for things to miraculously come to me.

Since it had been so long since I last really auditioned, I was definitely out of my element. My brain wasn’t in it. It was time to seek help.   A producer I had recently worked with along with a woman I had taken a class with once upon a time both independently recommended an upcoming class to me. It was called Audition Psych 101 taught by Michael Kostroff. Now, Mr. Kostroff has quite a few credits to his name, many of them well known. I, however, knew him from Veronica Mars. If you know anything about me, you will know that I was (am) mildly (wildly) obsessed with that show. And Logan Echolls (note: Mr. Kostroff did not play Logan Echolls. Logan was played by the deliciously talented Jason Dohring who will someday fall madly in love with me after he is no longer married. I am no home wrecker). Plus, the class was Pay What You Can, so I figured what the hell?

Man, this class…it really helped put me in the proper mindset. It lasted about 4 hours, but the time flew. I took so many ideas with me and ways to really get in the proper head space for an audition. The most important lesson I took from it, however, was the idea that those 2 minutes in the room may be your only shot to play that particular role that you’re reading for- so perform the hell out of it. Make it count. You may never get the opportunity again.

Last week, I was given the chance to audition for an incredible character. I prepared those sides like nobody’s business. I went into that room ready to read that scene like I was up for a Tony. And you know what? It worked. I got the call back. The next day, I went in and again and made sure I was doing it for me. I was in the moment. I was connecting with my partner. I was feeling all sorts of emotions coming out of nowhere. It was as if it was only my scene partner and I in that room; everyone else fell away. It felt so AMAZING. It was so FREEING. At that moment, I didn’t care if I booked the show or not. For those 2 minutes, I got to be Kris. I got to be disgusted and upset and hurt and angry. And when I finished reading the scene?   I was still shaking and holding back tears. I was truly an actor, not just an insecure girl begging to be cast. I was reminded of why I do this, any of it.

Sadly, I did not get the role. I’d like to say it doesn’t matter, but, well, unfortunately that feeling was so good I wanted to get the chance to perform the other scenes that character is in. As easier as auditioning is becoming, I’m still finding it hard to leave the audition in the room and not take it with me after. The better the audition, the harder it is for me to leave behind. If any fellow actors are reading this and have advice on how to do this, please share! I do know, however, that while I may not have booked the show, I booked the room. If I don’t get this role, it’s not because I wasn’t good enough, it’s because it wasn’t the right fit. Some days it’s easier than others. With this all in mind, I know I’m on the right path. When even auditioning becomes a joy, you know you’ve found the thing you were meant to do your entire life.

Thanks, Michael Kostroff.

Call me, Jason Dohring.

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Upfront and Center Part 2

Upfront and Center Part 1

Finding the Joy in Auditioning

RebeccaKopec

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