Last Friday, I shot a student short film. Yesterday, I created UGC (user-generated content) for a company’s product I’ve been using and enjoy. I’m doing role-play work today, and tomorrow, I’m shooting an independent commercial for a startup Canadian brand. I’m taking an intensive workshop with a renowned acting coach. So far, it’s a great run of acting-related work.
If I were an engineer, it would be the equivalent of helping my daughter with her bridge-building exercise out of spaghetti in high school. The role-play and UGC-related work draw on my skills but do not call on my full abilities or knowledge. Unlike the dad/ daughter spaghetti bridge example, I might be paid slightly for my troubles. At least the workshop, student film, and commercial will allow me to interact with others in the industry and work on my craft. I never know where it will lead.
I operate on faith, determination and lots of hope. I prioritize opportunities to work with or meet other actors, directors and producers. It’s taken me three years to have a string of related work like this. Running trains my mind to keep going, step by step.
I run, do yoga, go for walks, meditate, prioritize sleep, and eat balanced meals… But then, sometimes, I burn it all down and scarf an entire bag of potato chips (not the single serving size) for dinner in front of the TV. When anxiety and self-doubt rage, I go for a walk or to sleep to reset.
Oops! As I write this, another commercial audition has popped into my email! I have to jump to it; it’s due in two days. The universe sends me an opportunity, and I answer no matter the outcome. This is my work.
I’m blessed.
How do you perceive your opportunities?
Wonderful piece. When I feel the internal "yes", it's a yes to such opportunities. It's taken years to learn to hear the occasional "no", which always leads to a bigger yes around the corner.
I have been reading your posts these last months, feeding off them, be they up or down. The raw, real you has been a source of inspiration for several years, now. I'm glad you are having this run - you deserve it. Your readiness and presence for this muse should be rewarded! I'm hoping this is the thread that leads to a string and then to a rope...