Ground Control to Major Tom

Affected by the atmosphere and rhetoric surrounding the recent USA national election as much as anyone, I felt an immediate need to recluse myself from social media post from everyone and constantly checking my phone. So, I unplugged for a solid week by taking time to unwind and re-tune myself.  I did it by not clicking on any social medial sites, not watching televised news, and refusing to check my phone more than three times per day. In fact, I stopped carrying it!

By the third day of my self-imposed sabbatical I felt the greatest release of tension in my shoulders and back.  I started feeling general relaxation. I was feeling happier by the fifth day. After one week, I didn't feel the need to; constant click on Facebook, turn on cable news, or check my phone for messages. I was once again in control of my time and importantly, my sense of well being.

So, I began focusing on the person that really mattered in my life; me. My priorities, my focus, my goals, how I was allocating my time. Was I too involved helping others in my community? Yes.  Not only was I investing large amounts of energy and time in others. I was ignoring my self. I reasserted that I can be of service to others but, not at the expense of my own goals.

So, I immediately re-distributed my time allocations and focus. Finally enrolled into the ongoing acting workout class that I kept saying that was going to get around to when I "find the time". Well, I had the time all along. I simply wasn't using it well. So, now I am back in class, ready to mail out a reworded cover letter, new head shots, started gym workouts again, went solo flying, attended some SAG invitational movie screenings and heard famous actors talk about their process, attended a powerful workshop and even purchased a new book to read.

I encourage everyone to take an introspective looks at their lives and dare ask the questions, "Am I in control of my life or are my influences in control of me?" "Do I feel anxious and on edge?"  "Do I need to unfriend some of my social media contacts because they frequently post negative posts and comments?" Even if their postings and comments are factual, seeing them potentially lowers your energy vibrations and negative does not attract positive. And importantly, "Do I need to recluse myself from everything and everyone, refocus and re-tune myself?" Re-tuning may not extend your life but it will certainly make whatever time you have left more pleasant to live. And that is priceless!

I feel as free as astronaut Chris Hadfield did when he sung David Bowie's "Space Oddity" aboard the international space station. Ground Control to Major Tom... https://youtu.be/KaOC9danxNo 

Going International in 2016

"Love" a psychological thriller starring Charlz Williams, Angela Hope, and Stephen Colfield Jr., written and directed by award winning director Marcellus Cox, and co-produced by Charlz Williams is presently scheduled to screen in 18 festival throughout the USA and abroad in 2016. Including appearances in Turkey, Great Britain, and Indonesia. The film is expected to screen more festivals before the year ends.  For a peek at festival badges go to www.charlzwilliams.com                         http://vimeo.com/166535922

Festival Acceptance for Space

'Space the Final Reartier' the sci-fi short I wrote, produced, and directed is an official selection of 2016's Star Gate Galactic International Sci-Fi Fantasy and Horror Film Festival and I am jazzed about that. My website homepage has a link to 'Space' www.charlzwilliams.com
Festival link http://stargategalacticfest.com/

Bio Updating is an Ongoing Process

So, this week I am linking my updated bio and and throwing in an edited clip of me as a homeless man about to get taken advantaged of by Art Hall (HBO'S The Wire) in Troubadour Pictures 'Give and Take' a 2015 festival award winning short directed by Mike Barroga. Thanks to skilled makeup artist Health Harper my appearance is totally transformed. Throw in some character and scene preparation on my part and we have ourselves some interesting viewing.

My updated bio is at www.charlzwilliams.com
                                                                                 

Music Video Completion

I am feeling rather accomplished these days after successfully directing the music Video Better written and song by singer Angela Hope. I am equally pleased with the side story I wrote for the song. Better is Angela's first music video out of over 200 songs many of which are posted on Sound Cloud. The smooth jazz video has over three hundred views in the first week and here is the link:
https://vimeo.com/159741854     

www.charlzwilliams.com

Accelerated Artist Recognizes Charlz Williams

The Accelerated Artist recently recognized Charlz Williams for early 2016 successes. Accelerated Artist works to connect an artist's vision, goals, brand, marketing, PR & Sales strategies into a cohesive business plan, committed to helping artist achieve career success. Link to the story here. http://ow.ly/YKgX0      www.charlzwilliams.com

Robert De Niro's Sound Advice

If only every actor, especially indie actor and director understood this, movies would be much more compelling & realistic.  According to Robert De Niro's in this short linked video it is important to understand that it is not necessary to overact by showing the camera what you the actor feels or thinks.  Experience a real emotion in the life of the character and story and the camera will record that because subtleties do not escape the camera.  Look at any of your A-list actors in any film other than comedy and see how their actions compared to everyday people in everyday life.  A-list actors mirror real everyday people without the histrionic gesturing and energy. I for one enjoy engaging my brain when I view film and not having the actors gesture to me what I am suppose to think.

https://youtu.be/S4K2znuYjwI

www.charlzwilliams.com

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a painful existence for anyone in an unsafe relationship . I am thankful that I woke up this morning as a very different man from the vicious wife beating and child abusing character I became during filming of the short film thriller "Love" based on a true story and directed by Marcellus Cox. Crew members on the set said that it was difficult to watch a women being repeatedly and viciously beaten take after take. We actors walk away from the set and our characters with fond memories of doing what we love doing; living the life and moments of someone else for a day after which, our lives return to normalcy. For victims of domestic violence the day doesn't end nor are the memories fond because the pain is real and forever. For those trapped in the cycle of violence or you are unsure if you are in an unsafe relationship, help is a phone call or computer click away. Children can also seek help by telling a doctor or school counselor.

For nearly 20 years, the National Domestic Violence Hot line has been the vital link to safety for women, men, children and families affected by domestic violence. Open 24/7 and totally confidential. www.thehotline.org  1 800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY 1-800-787-3224

I wish that I had this help available to me when I was a child.

www.charlzwilliams.com

Earth To Major Tom

Can you hear me, Major Tom?

Invited to Show My Film

Indie Night Film Festival at TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood asked to show the Sci-fi comedy film I wrote, produced and directed, Space the Final Reatier, in their lineup on January 16, 2016. Such a wonderful way to start out the new year! See my website for more film info: www.charlzwilliams.com

They Are Pointing At Me

The Sun is shinning, wardrobe and makeup are on, in character, the Director and camera crew are buzzing around the actor's mark, the location is Hollywood Blvd, spectators are passing by on the sidewalk trying to get a good look, a photo, or even a selfie while pointing and saying, "He is an actor!". I am fully awake and it is not a dream as I took a silent moment to say, "Thank you universe", because they are pointing at me! Dream big, work hard and make your dreams come true one small gig at a time!

25 Ways To Get More Auditions!

I just read the eBook "25 Ways To Get MORE Auditions!" by Talent Manager Wendy Alane Wright and found it to be packed with resourceful ways of generating more opportunities to work in this business. One piece of information that I found really insightful was the information on how to ensure that you get your messages delivered DIRECTLY to Casting Directors and Directors. The numerous bits of wisdom from current industry professionals is powerful as well.  I read this book in one sitting because I could not stop reading once I started. And I am grinning like a Cheshire cat because I feel like I have an advantage over those who haven't read this book.  I give it five stars and you can get your copy here https://www.secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com/           http://www.imdb.me/charlzwilliams                                                                                        

New Relationship Starts

Signed a new commercial agent today.  New relationships are always so full of excitement and promise.

Me; A Human Cartoon

My first experience as a human #cartoon in the upcoming #GalacticGalaxy

http://www.imdb.me/charlzwilliams 

Voice Over Demo Reel

You Know of the Freedom I Speak

I walked out of a feature film producers callback at Raleigh Studios feeling the freedom of knowing that I gave it my all and it is now out of my hands. I release it to the universe and languish in the freedom I've earned until my computer or phone beeps again.

Indie Night Film Festival

Tonight I participated in this week's Indi Night Film Festival in of all places, Hollywood, CA. as an actor on screen in "A Woman's Worth" and as a first time attendee at this weekly film festival. You read it correctly, a weekly film festival!  They showed five awesome indie films tonight and inspired me to work toward getting my next film shown on the large screen in the TCL Chinese Theater at Hollywood and Highland. Viewing admission is free especially if your name is on a guest list. I wasn't asked for my name although I was on the guest list. Two drink minimum is payable at the door; alcoholic or non or a combination there of. Parking is validated for four hours meaning that you will probably only pay $2 during exit. There is a business card exchange social up stairs after screenings.  Well worth attending.  @indienightFF on twitter or Facebook

Inside The Black Box

Technical rehearsal for blocking and lighting went well last night for Thursday night's fund raiser/variety show at the Elephant Theater on the Asylum Stage. There is going to be awesome performances, prizes and a good time for everyone. No cost to attend.  Donations only.  Less than 10 seats available out of an 80 seat capacity. So, the place is going to be packed. My parlor magic act is ready to go and I am excited.

Tool or Rule

I suppose that if the information in the linked Facebook article isn't done skillfully enough the outcome looks mechanical.  I noticed that most folks in conversation don't stare intensively at each other throughout the conversation.  Rather, they look from side to side, look at their phone, scratch their nose, or maybe nod.  Actors are taught to look intensely at each other like that.  Focused or engaged looking into someone else's face or eyes doesn't feel natural to me especially when the other person doesn't respond to me in the same manner.  Although in some scenes it works depending on environment.  Love and emotional scenes, or two people in a quiet room for example.  But, clearly not workable in a driven car or interactive environment where it would be unnatural or safe to focus so much eye contact on each other.  It seems to work well in afternoon television soap operas.  But, the actors are facing each other and using the same technique.

On numerous occasions I practiced active listening with random strangers in stores with the expectation of getting a desired reaction to what I was saying and always sensed that the other person became uncomfortable with me looking uninterruptedly into their face for an extended period of time.  I can easily tell when I meet actors who do that to me because it becomes uncomfortable standing there in the mall looking at each other like one of us needs to initiate the kiss.  A filmed scene isn't usually about the actions of one character but the relationship between both. If only one character practices engaged listening the scene doesn't work quiet like some acting teachers want us to believe that it will.  Which is probably why my attempts to use it in in real life did not fair well.

There are acting schools out there who appear to make this approach the foundation of their teaching.  But, read around and it's not difficult to find dissension among studios and teachers as to what looks most realistic on screen.  An actors goal in a scene is to be present and believable on the screen.  So, conduct your own experiments and draw your own conclusions about what makes you comfortable on screen. Because if you are not present and realistic in the scene the audience is going to see it.

Rather than raining on any ones parade with this blog I use it to encourage you to conduct social experiments and approach it like you are preparing for an audition.  Expect anything and be prepared to react to the other actor who makes you look slow and out of the scene because they are all over the place and you are not keeping up.  This Facebook article appears to make the case for one of many tools, but not a rule.

https://www.facebook.com/RobinDaleMeyersActingCoach/posts/792496320831907

Yes I Am Cold But That Is Not The Point

Filming on the Marcellus Cox short "A Woman's Worth" wearing a thin
sleeveless t-shirt commonly known by some as a "Wife Beater Shirt" I was
acutely aware of the evening's cold as I shivered between takes.  Rather than
consume myself with the cold or the crew and other cast members
wearing warm jackets, I concentrated my thoughts on the circumstances
of my character who was on screen the entire time.  I even started to enjoy,
shot after shot, having more wet unheated blood poured on me. I thought
of how fortunate I was to get to live in that moment doing what so many actors in
this town would kill to do;  act in that film with a film festival renown Director!
I thought to myself, "Yes, I am cold but that is not the point of why I am here.
I am here to be the best possible supporting actor that I can be to the story's lead.
Everything else is beside the point. So, get over it."