OUR HAPPY CLIENTS
Dear Toni,
My name is Adelaide Crockett. I’m 10 and the great-great-great-great-great niece of Davy Crockett.
I have been acting since I was 6 years old, and have been in Music Man, Li’l Abner and many other shows in the Antelope Valley where I live. I really love auditioning and planning for them and learning the lines, working with other actors and meeting the people and then learning a lot as I do the auditions. They bring my family together, too, talking about what I did and how well I did the show and or acting or what mistakes I made. It really brings the family together.
My hobbies include vaulting (gymnastics on horseback) with my Gold Medal champion coach who is also my uncle. I love to go horseback riding (bareback or with saddle, either way). Once I got on a horse bareback and it started to buck (I stayed on until I realized what he was doing). I didn’t get hurt or even bruised.
I also like to hang around with my 3 dogs, 7 cats, my miniature horse, my gecko, my bunny and numerous fish.
I live with my grandparents. My grandparents rescued me from being in Foster- Care and part of their wonderful gift to me was to enroll me in the world of acting and I just love acting as well as my grandparents for giving me this great gift. My grandpa was a shark diver and racecar driver, and he wrote books about the great white shark and about scuba diving. He was also the publisher and co-owner of GPI Publications that did “Guitar Player,” “Keyboard,” “Bass Player,” and “Drums & Drumming” magazines. He is a jazz/blues/rock/swing/country drummer who has jammed with B.B.King, Jerry Garcia, Country Joe and others. He just finished a true screenplay about the world’s first all-women jazz band in the 1920s.
My grandma was a flight attendant and traveled everywhere. She also shark dived and drove racecars. She drives me to all the auditions and to my 3 acting coaches. They both are the ones who earn the money for my lessons, headshots, and audition clothes. They say I am a terrific actor and so do my coaches and photographer. People say I am an “old soul in a little girl’s body.”
Now, about my question: I have done many auditions for commercials and theatricals. How many auditions does it usually take to actually get a part?
Dear Toni,
As an international Pop artist, I have sung all over the world in many countries and been on various labels. Some years ago, I started two companies, Telegraph Hill Company and Parnassus Productions. My business partner (Al Roberts) and I then built a recording studio. Al has long been associated with Dimples’ restaurant in Burbank. We decided that the only way to have it all was to own it all! My new CD, on Yellow Brick Rose, will be called, Only In Hollywood. I’ve been on TV and radio all over the world, and also in Billboard magazine. Can you tell me if (you believe) there is a link between “bad culture” and public misperception of what is truly good? Rap and Hip-Hop and simplistic drum and bass Beats have dominated music far too long, encouraging the public to embrace yet lower standards. But surely the public cannot believe this is good music. I wonder: is this an example of the saying that “You can sell garbage if you paint it gold,” and the public simply buys into what is served them by a compliant press and record industry? The difference about music today, I think, is that the artist has to take total control of career — learn all aspects of the business, produce and own it all, hire people to help you (don’t just sit around and wait to get discovered). It’s time for really good music to come back again.
Dear Toni,
What do you think about burlesque today? Gone are the glory days of glitz and glamour. Gone are the Beautiful girls and beautiful costumes. So are the comediennes. Burlesque has been replaced with people who shouldn’t be on the stage in the first place. Instead we have pole and lap dancing… what is a lap dance anyway? Girls in the business today, don’t really care don’t care about doing a grand show- just cold hard cash. What happened? I am still a working dancer in the few spots that are left and I am one of the last.
Dear Toni,
Almost a year ago, I made the decision to pack up my Sunfire with as much stuff as it could contain and make my way from Missouri to California. I had said good-bye to the snow and hello to the beaches.
I made the voyage to continue my acting education on a larger scale. Within the past year, I have teamed up with an agent; have been taking acting classes focusing on character development, repetition, scene study, and auditioning; and have just started the actual auditioning process. I have also been working on the production side, learning all I can.
What different ways can I work on becoming SAG? What are some ways to stick out of the crowd (in a good way!)? Is there anything else I should do that I may have overlooked?Thank you,
Dear Toni,
I am a 19-year-old student of Business and Screenwriting looking to further my education in both the business and artistic sides of the entertainment industry. As I have gotten more involved, I have discovered that my true love seems to be stand-up comedy and improvisation. I’m naturally hilarious and everyone loves me. But that doesn’t pay for dinner. What steps should I take towards furthering my comedic career? Also, I auditioned for an improv group at my University and I found it to be very much an “old boys club”-type deal. In fact, when I heard some second-hand commentary of my performance, I was called “too sassy, too sarcastic, but pretty”. Why is it that some Improvisers tend to be so snooty and exclusive, especially when it comes to letting female comics in?
George Keymas called me up and said in this husky, good ole boy voice. Toni, write about me for your column. To say that I am a Twilight Zone lover is to be modest. I grew up on the Twilight Zone series and probably one of the most famous segments of the Twilight Zone, was “In the Eye of the Beholder” and George Keymas played the Lord of all the pig-like people who wanted the beautiful babe to become like everyone else…yes, pig-like! He sent shivers down my back as a young girl watching him. I looked him up and found out he has played in so many television shows like Rin Tin Tin and movies like Zorro, that I cannot even begin to give this great character actor all the credit he deserves. He could play the meanest of the mean and certainly brought out the shadow side of his characters. So when, I talked with George, I was a little overwhelmed. But he soon won me over with his warmth and yes, charming voice. “I have tons of pictures to sell- where do I sell them?” he asked me. When I mention Craig’s list or Ebay there is a dead silence and I realize, George does not have a computer and I am talking Algebra to him.
George sends me a sheet with over 200 shows on it and some pictures and says, just write what you feel. I think about the episode of the Wild, Wild West I saw him in and I can only say “ If only actors could work this much today” I mean George grew up in a time when television was at it’s height and he worked continuously on one show after another. Most actors today are lucky to do three or four a year and even then, the actor is
Dear Toni,
My career has spanned four decades. I started as a folksinger in Greenwich Village (NYC) in the 60’s playing many of the venues that were made famous by the likes of Bob Dylan. Like Dylan, my music became “electrified” by the middle of the decade, and I signed with Atlantic Records. My group, Apple Pie, toured constantly, opening for the immortal Jimi Hendrix, Cream (featuring Eric Clapton), and The Chambers Brothers, among others.
I moved on to the world of theater as star of the San Francisco production of the Broadway hit Hair. Following my stint in Hair, I relocated to London where I was recruited as vocalist for the Polygram recording group, Steamhammer, later returning to the States to star in the stage production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
An avid Harley owner and longtime session vocalist, I’ve appeared in numerous films and television series, including a pilot for ABC, and a short-lived series co-starring with George Clooney. In the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, I was a partner with the late actor Ray Sharkey in a rock n’ roll club called Radio Night Club & Lounge.
I recently put the finishing touches on my first literary effort, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Chronicles.
My new band is CHEAP SUIT. Our next show is at THE MINT, 6010 Pico Blvd. (half a block east of Crescent Heights), in Hollywood, January 28th, from 7:30 to 9:00. This is also the 20th anniversary of my 39th birthday, so I would recommend making reservations and being there by 7:00 P.M. if you intend to have dinner. By the way, the food is great and not expensive.
I know this has been a long road to my question, but sometimes I think our background is just as important as our questions. At least, for me, I always find myself interested in how a person got to where they are.
So finally, here is my question:
I recently finished my first literary attempt and have been told by professionals that it’s pretty damn good. Being a songwriter and not necessarily an author, I really think it’s needs to be edited. I would like to publish it as well as work up a treatment for a screenplay. My question is: what course of action would you suggest I take in finding an editor who would edit it for a piece of the action?Sincerely,
Bruce Payne
Dear Toni,
My name is Clair Sinnett. Like many of us in Los Angeles I have held many jobs and worn many hats. I have been a casting director, actress, talent scout and a writer. My new book about Acting is doing great and Borders bookstores have set up a great book tour for me. Does it make sense to stay in town to take advantage of the performing opportunities? Or should I consider myself blessed that I’m in such demand internationally as a teacher and lecturer? I leave for Rome and County Tipperary just as the Pilot season kicks in.
Thank you,
Clair Sinnett
Dear Toni,
I am a 36-year-old man that is interested in getting back into the acting game. In college I had planned on being an actor. However, I had a young child and needed to make sure I could provide appropriately. I switched majors and became a graphic designer. I have been very successful over the past 12 years in this field. Just recently, I have been bitten by the acting bug while watching my 10-year-old boy become a very talented and successful, busy working actor. Is this just a silly pipedream or do I stand a chance at getting any work.
Thank you and I look forward to reading a response.
David Jones
Dear Toni,
I moved here from Dallas and am in the 30-35-age bracket. I am interested in doing film work but am not sure this is a good medium for me considering my age. With all the reality shows out there, is there a good chance for someone my age to get back into the business in LA? I have had a lot of training. Also, I have anxiety when I audition and am not sure what to do about it.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
Nicole Vaughn
Dear Toni,
My name is Crystal Smith and I am a twenty-one year old student at UCLA’S School of Film and Television. I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. I was raised bi-coastally between Charlotte and Los Angeles. I am an actress and a writer and am currently in the process of completing my first feature length dramatic script. What is the best way for an ethnic actress to sign with a talent agency and break into dramatic acting?
Thank you,
Crystal Smith
Dear Toni,
I have been exposed to the media since 1951 when I came out to Hollywood from New Your to fulfill my destiny. Within two weeks I wound up at the Riverside Hotel in Reno as a showgirl. I then went to New York where I appeared on many TV shows with Uncle Miltie’s Texaco Theatre. I was chosen to appear with Bob Hope, Eddie Cantor, Danny Thomas, Donald O’ Connor, George Jessell, Ray Bolger and many others doing comedy sketches on NBC’S Colgate Comedy Hour. I wanted to tell you all a story about Howard Hughes since the movie about him was such a success. I spotted Mr. Hughes with Debra Paget at the Sahara in Las Vegas. The minute I was offstage in my dressing room a messenger knocked at my door with a note for me from H.H. We met and I wowed him with my expertise on aviation, as I was a certified Aircraft mechanic. I was then chosen by Spike Jones to go on the road with him and at the same time I was cast in 20,000 leagues under the Sea with Kirk Douglas and James Mason. I created a show for ABC called Voluptua, TV’s Love Goddess. I was just way ahead of my time. Along came Elmer Gantry with Burt Lancaster and Shirley Jones, Night of the Hunter with Bob Mitchum, and then a young swivel hip kid named Elvis with Jailhouse Rock. I portrayed a Burlesque Queen and got a lot of attention from Elvis between scenes. I have also appeared recently as a sit down comic since I get tired of standing around. I have appeared at senior centers, nursing homes and several of Marilyn Monroe Memorials at the Westwood cemetery. These gigs are all free due to their low or no budgets. I have a long list of credits; I’m also a clothes, jewelry designer. My stories are quite endless and I love to tell them…
My question is: with all these talents, including thirteen books I have written, I would like to know how I could cash in on them. I need to find a way to continue to afford today’s costly lifestyle.
Fondest Regard.
Gloria Pall aka Voluptua
Dear Toni,
My name is Jesse Fortney and I’m writing to you about my current
situation. I started to study acting about 7 yrs ago. I had an agent in the beginning and I tried out for work as much as possible, but, I had to stop 5 yrs ago to help out my family business. I think the uniqueness in my situation is how my look has really changed from the beginning of my acting career when I was a teenager. I was very young then and I still am. I went from a fresh teen look and even though I am a little older, I have still kept my young looks. The only thing I have added to how I look is tattoos. I didn’t have any tattoos when I started out acting but now I have what they call a full sleeve on my left arm. I don’t see to many others guys with a full sleeve trying out for the same rolls as I am. The guys may have a few tattoos but that’s it. I wanted to ask you what you think about tattoos and if you think having these tattoos will affect my chances of getting work?
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and help out a
struggling actor.Jesse Fortney
Dear Toni,
How does one go about finding representation? I find that is a catch 22 really…you can’t get work because you don’t have representation, but you can’t get representation because you haven’t done any work. Many of my friends seem to have found agents/managers without any problem, but most of them aren’t being sent out & haven’t gotten much work. I am not in either of the unions, but have done some independent work, student films & have been taking classes & workshops from a number of wonderful teachers. What would you suggest to someone who wants to work but can’t seem to get that foot in the door to get representation?KaDo Gorman
Dear Toni,
Reading your advice columns for years leads me to trust you to answer a question that I have. Here goes: I have been dealing with much heartbreak lately from the loss of a very close family member, to the loss of my dog, and now, the loss of a girlfriend. I have always been a good friend to people and animals and have a business that lends itself to taking care of others. (In other words, it’s tough to be a good person but still bask in trauma.)
As an entertainment lawyer originally from New York who came to LA to work as a Business Affairs executive at one of the major studios, I left to start my own actor management business about twenty years ago. Being a professional manager and helping actors is something I wanted to do since I entered law school. Later, I created a course for UCLA Extension called “This Business of Acting” to show actors how to “make it” in the business (nothing to do with teaching acting), and will be doing it again in the Winter Quarter ’06.
While I have been dealing with grief over the losses I mentioned above, I have found some solace in the preparation of my upcoming book. It concerns two New York actors Dick and Jane who move to LA to pursue their dreams (something they try to do in completely different ways.) Actually, the book, like my class, is highly motivational. It is called How To Get Arrested (A Motivational Story for Actors). It’s in a novelette format with serious information about achieving success in the acting business.
Back to my own story: While preparing the book keeps my thoughts from my troubles, it is still very tough, particularly when my mind wanders. So, what should I do? Do you have any thoughts? Thank you for your help and consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael (Wallach)
Dear Toni,
I am an actress (and proud member of both SAF and AFTRA), a jazz vocalist, and have been living and working Los Angeles since 1991. I will be honest and tell you that I have been very fortunate in finding representation for both voice over and commercials, although I am currently seeking new representation, in order to get into film (as is any actor’s fantasy). I have had the great fortune of moving to Rome, Italy at the age of three and attending French Lycee due to my father’s accepting a job with Dino De Laurentis and Carlo Ponti-my father is screenwriter Stephen Geller (“Slaughterhouse five,” “The Valachi Papers”). My passion for languages, literature and music poured into a jazz career, which began in roman jazz clubs, singing jazz standards next to Tiber. Jazz was in my family: my grandfather is trumpet player Harry Geller who played with Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw and who later did arrangements for the Tennessee Ford Show.
After Rome, I continued to sing with a big band, act and study at Dartmouth College and in Los Angeles have had the honor to perform and record with jazz pianist Mike Melvoin, composer Mike Stoller of (Lieber& Stoller), bandleader Less Brown Jr’s Band of Renown, arranger/guitarist Skip Heller, the late great Lalo Guerrero. I am currently forming an all –girl jazz band, inspired by my favorite film “ Some Like it Hot”My question to you is: how do I get my singing demo to soundtrack producers? How do these doors open? And how do I build a career as jazz vocalist/singer on TV/Film?
Thank you for all your help and, above all honesty, Toni.Polly Gellar
Dear Toni,
For several seasons, prime time has been filled with actor-less reality shows. In addition, over the past 10 years, I’ve seen TV acting roles written overwhelmingly for younger actors. This is not only a perception coming from my growing older, but also a real, objective phenomenon. There are not a lot of older roles on sitcoms, except for those rare few who already have stellar careers (e.g. Peter Boyle and James Garner). But the future isn’t all that bleak. While it’s true that the most desired audience (25-40) are those raising families with credit cards loaded with interest charges, soon older generation money will start to be spent as many post-WWII baby boomers enter retirement with their accumulated savings and pensions. Do you see any objective data that show a growing number of older acting roles aimed at the baby boomers, or is it still too early for their influence to be felt?
Jim Hudson
Dear Toni,
I am a multi-instrumentalist. I play the Saxophones, Clarinets, Flutes, the Bassoon, Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Harmonica. I sing, I write, I arrange, but I am told I don’t dance too well. I have two albums out called A Fifth of Midnight. I gave the album this title because I am playing five instruments — Six Horn Strut — I named because I am playing six instruments. I just came from gigging in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
How does a guy like myself break into show biz?
Mikole E. Kaar
Dear Toni,
All my friends are involved in movie videos right now. I had offers to do a few music videos but I turned them down, because I wanted to be a big time respected actress. The reason why I am reluctant to do music videos is because they make them — the actors or dancers — look like groupie video hoe’s. I feel they just don’t get any respect for the real roles they may want further down their career. What do you think Toni?
Clarissa Williams
Dear Toni,
My name is Sari and I live in Orange County. I am a petite 5 feet small. I say that because I like to think differently and positively. In fact if there is a chance to use humor in a situation I always go for the laugh. I have been challenged in my young life. I am in my twenties and I have had health challenges since I was a young girl. My passion and love is people and acting. It is my dream to be an actress and many people say I look a lot like a young Natalie Wood when I straighten my curly hair. I feel that in this business everyone gives me mixed messages. You are too thin, you’re too short, you’re funny but not all American looking funny and so on and so on. I am talented, funny and quite different from most of the actors I see on television and in movies. My question to you is “Who do I listen to?”
I love your column!
Sari Alan
Dear Toni,
Hi, my name is Mitch Collier and I am thirteen years old. I have been doing stand-up comedy for two years in Austin, Texas. I have been living in Los Angeles for three months and I intend to go home for the Holidays and then come back to L.A. for pilot season. Could you tell me how I would get started in stand-up comedy and where I might find some good opportunities to study sketch comedy and stand-up? I would love to do stand-up at a club.
Thank you,
Mitch
Dear Toni,
My name is Shantelle Canzanese and I am a twenty-three year old actress, singer and dancer. For as long as I can remember, I have always expressed a love for the arts. At the age of fifteen I auditioned for Wexford C.I., a high school for the performing arts. There, I gained life-changing experiences that made me realize that acting was my calling, and after graduating, I decided to turn my love for acting into a career. I then went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at the University of Windsor.
I now have over eight years experience in the Industry and I’m lucky to have been a part of several independent short and feature films, several music videos, television show pilots, radio commercials, print ads, television commercials, plays, and multiple musical theatre productions. I am a versatile performer and my drive is very evident with strengths in sketch, improv and physical comedy. I am also an improv Instructor and have studied at the famed Second City Conservatory in Toronto. I have a well-trained singing voice and having studied with several vocal coaches over the past few years, my musical focus is in rhythm and blues and musical theatre with an Alto/Soprano vocal range. I can honestly say that I take pride in my ability to be a young, fearless performer and I strongly believe that failure is not an option.
This is my question for you Toni. When an actress moves to a new city, where does she begin? I have experience, but I feel as though I’m starting from the bottom again. Do you have any strategies for becoming successful in this city?
Sincerely,
Shantelle Canzanese
Dear Toni,
I have been working as an actor in regional and Community Theater for almost ten years. I have acted in over 115 productions and would like to broaden into film, television, and voice-over work. I am looking for direction on how to make a transition from stage work to other mediums, as well as how to best apply my experience as a positive asset despite my lack of film experience.
Thank you,
Ryan Williams
Dear Toni,
I spent 7 of the past 8 years as an invalid. A back injury benched me, two failed surgeries flattened me and complications nearly killed me. The doctors said I’d never walk again. Yet I’m now out there rollerblading on the Venice Boardwalk. I used the power of my mind to heal my body. Today, I teach people how to heal themselves. My Internet radio show, “Triumph Over Trauma,” spotlights guests who talk about the challenges they’ve overcome, how they did it, and how the listener can overcome them, too. I learn so much from every guest. It’s a blessing and a privilege to do this work.
Each week, a new guest talks about an emotional or physical challenge they’ve overcome, how they overcame it, and how the listener can overcome it, too. Topics range from AIDS to breast cancer to childhood sexual abuse. Audience response has been phenomenal. Do you think this would appeal to a wider audience? If so, what’s the best way to reach them? Thanks for your help! … Happy trails
Love and light,
Moira
Dear Toni,
I am an American actress, originally from Virginia and have just moved to Los Angeles from London where I went to drama school. While there I received the Peter Howitt Scholarship Award, and in the last year, worked in London doing classical and modern plays. I am now living in Los Angeles and have booked Passions The Television Soap Opera.
My question to you is: How do I go about getting the best manager and agent for myself, taking into consideration what I have to offer? I am an American, but I speak fluent Spanish (my mother is from Spain) and I have perfected a charming British accent as well!”
Thank you Toni!
Christina Edland
Dear Toni,
I would love to attend one of your workshops. Just let me know when you have them. After a four-year hiatus from the Los Angeles acting scene, I’ve returned and am seeking new representation. Unfortunately, I’ve run into a dilemma; I am 19 years old but look about 16. Should I look for an agency that primarily represents children, or one that focuses on adults?
Thank you and look forward to meeting you,
Jenn Shagrin
Dear Toni,
My name is Ilana Martin and I am a singer. I have been singing my entire; I have a five-range octave and I sing from my heart. I also write my own music and am setting up my own publishing company. Currently, I am working on a film about a struggling singer trying to make it in the music business. My life is going well and I am experiencing considerable amounts of success in my singing career. I am a strong, motivated woman who has followed her dreams. My problem is that because I ask so much of myself, I have a level of perfection that somehow bleeds into what I want for a mate. How do I find a mate who isn’t intimidated by my success and can support me in the way I need?
Ilana Martin
Dear Toni,
My son, Drew, is 10 years old and has been starting to get work in commercials and TV. He has an excellent agent that seems to take care of everything he needs and is sending him out on auditions often. Our experience on sets so far has been wonderful. The directors and assistants have been attentive, caring and kept me informed at all stages. I am always concerned about Drew’s welfare and best interests but don’t want to be demanding and obnoxious. I’m concerned about the stories I hear about “stage moms” and certainly don’t want to be in that group. What tips or suggestions do you have for parents of child actors?
Cheryl Jones
Dear Toni,
I produce a very successful revue called, “Broadway Tonight,” that performs all over the world. The show consists of four to twelve performers and is a potpourri of all the Broadway Showstoppers and is a smash wherever they perform.
My dilemma is that there are so many venues that I have yet to reach such as Theatres, Conventions and many other venues. My time is so limited being that I also manage a couple of other acts, as well. Just the phone calls, mailings of promo material are more than a full time job for one person. I need an assistant desperately.
My vision is so great and getting this vision to where I want it to be is very difficult. I cannot afford to hire help. I did try hiring someone on a commission basis, but that did not work out. I need a very strong, knowledgeable salesperson that knows this end of the industry, knows how to pitch a show and get the account!
Any advice would be welcomed.
Mara Chapel
Dear Toni,
I never wanted to be an actor. If you had told me 5 years ago I would become one I would have laughed and said, “No, thanks!”
After spending my whole life in the 3-stoplight town of Chelsea, Michigan, I moved to New York City hoping to further my career in book publishing. One day I met a guy on a train who invited me to come to an audition just to watch. I thought it would be interesting to see behind the scenes, so I took him up on it—still with no interest in acting. After auditioning people for 3 hours they still couldn’t fill one role, so the director turned to me and said, “Jonny, why don’t you try it?” Startled, I replied, “You’re joking right, I’m not an actor!” But he insisted, so I tried, and I got the part, which was for a play reading. I had fun with it, did some more auditions, and about a month later I was cast in the male lead in an original production at the 13th Street Repertory in Manhattan. Right after our 3-month run ended I did my first film, again the lead role, for which I won “Best Actor in a Short Film” at the Denver Film Festival [when the film was screened there in 2004]. In the 4 years since then I’ve had leads or supporting roles in more than 20 Indie films and 30 student films, some in New York but most here in Los Angeles.
I enjoy the process of working with the director, cast, and crew toward the common goal of producing the best film possible. Often it becomes like family. I even went to the wedding of a husband and wife director/producer team in December.
I love becoming another person for my roles, playing everything from a compassionate priest or therapist to a psychotic killer. I also enjoy comedy, and would love to do more of it. In my off time I enjoy keeping fit and browsing the Iliad bookstore for all types of books, but especially those about various types of spiritual pursuits.
My question to you: The legend is that Al Pacino did 50 student films before he got noticed. I have done more then that in just four. What’s a guy gotta do to get to the big time?
Johnny
Dear Toni,
My name is Hector L. Chaidez, and I am a bilingual, twenty-two year old Latino. I have a busy schedule complete with a job, homework and auditions. What can I do to handle stress and anxiety? What are some techniques to prepare for an audition? What shows would you suggest I’d be right for as a young Latino male?
Dear Toni,
I am enjoying your column. Thank you. I am an actress and vocalist. My CD, “Is This Desire?” is being released to jazz radio stations in the U.S. and Canada this January. I have just returned from performing in Hong Kong and China where I sang for Rolls Royce’s 100th Anniversary party. I performed a concert and also some jazz dates.
I have some film and television credits and would like to incorporate these two things more. I have some original tunes on my C.D. My question for you is: How do I get my songs and me into films?Thanks,
Carrie Landsgaar
Dear Toni,
I am a late-blooming writer with three published books to my credit. I have been much less successful with a screenplay I wrote called The Killing Ground. It is based on the life of the first white woman who traveled to the Pribiloff Islands (Alaska) in the late 1800’s. It is a story that would inspire women and I believe it is commercially viable. Do you have any ideas for getting it into the hands of someone who would actually read it?
Thank you in advance for helping me with this problem.Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Author
I met Susan White on the Queen Mary. It was a strange place to meet the white gloved very proper English Lady. The whole ship was intermingled with Metaphysical Speakers, and Harley Davidson riders. In the midst of this mishmash of unusual suspects, walked this very formal, tall lady and she caught my attention. “ Hello, I said” “So nice to meet you” she replied” I am here to meet my brother who has just flown in from London. I was fascinated and to my delight found that she and her brother were eating lunch where I was. I could observe her and I became fascinated that during the entire meal with her brother, she never took off her white gloves and never got them even soiled. So, I decided to write about Susan White for the column. She made the motorcyclists seem like…normal.
Susan survived the World War II Blitz and started entertaining back in 1945. As Susan puts it she had nine lives. Lots of near death experiences but she kept dancing her way through Europe entertaining the troops. Keeping the fighting boy’s minds off the isolating and lonely feelings, men away from home feel while fighting for something they may not politically understand, but bravely go to battle for the sake of their country and safety of their loved ones. Politics and War is all beyond me but Susan went out there and danced for them
