So here it is February 2009 and it isn't as busy in the film business as it has been in previous years, but I have learned something throughout this crazy casting career of mine. When I have downtime, do something useful with it. Many years ago when I was casting B.L. Stryker, I went through a period when I would wake up at 4:00 in the morning in a panic. This was right about the time that the series was coming to a close and I didn't have another job lined up. Every morning at about the same time I would wake up in a panic, stare at the ceiling and begin to hyperventilate. I thought I would explode. I went to speak to someone and she asked me if I have gone through slow periods before. I told her that I had. She asked me if I thought it would get busy again, but specifically she asked me if I thought I would ever work again. I looked at her and declared that of course I would work again. She then told me not to worry about it. I have kept that with me for all of these years. Even though this is not the usual time of the year to be slow, it happens. I have taught myself to pursue other avenues when I have been given the time to do so. Instead of sitting around all day "wasting" the time off I am being given, I do something with it.
I'd love to share some of the things I have been doing with all of my free time.
One of the greatest thrills I had was to introduce Stephen J. Cannell at his book signing at Books and Books last month. I had wandered into Books and Books one afternoon and I was speaking with the girl who sets up the author events. When I told her that I was looking forward to attending Stephen's signing, she asked me if I would like to introduce him. You have to know, I have admired this man for over 20 years. ALSO, I had cast a couple of his series when they shot down in Miami. This man is such an inspiration. You can google him, but he was basicaly told he would never make it as a writer, and as you know, he has become one of the most prolific writers in our industry.
Another event I attended was last weekend. I went to the National Speakers Association conference in Orlando. It was a 4 day conference and I learned so much. Sure it was expensive. I laugh because it always works out when I have lots of money, I have no time and when I have time...well you know the drill. Throughout the years I have learned to have faith. So I spend the money when I have the time because I know I will work again. I spend the money on courses that will help me in my business. Last year during some downtime I took a book writing bootcamp. This helped me finish my book. I knew that I would work again, so I went for it.
We have seen one of our top modeling agencies close last week and that is not a good sign. It's too bad they couldn't stick it out because I KNOW things will turn around down here. I choose to focus on the positive. I heard something recently and I love it. "Attitude is everything, so pick a good one." Don't you love that? I do. We used to go visit an elderly relative and when we woud ask her how she was feeling she would always say the same thing. She'd say that it didn't pay to complain because nothing would change anyway. I always admired her for that. She was right. No one wants to hear a complainer, so why put that out there.
I have been really busy lately and I am loving it. I have been getting a few castings in, but I have also been busy with book signings, giving lectures to acting schools, taking classes on the speaking business and spending more time learning about the internet.I am helping the actors by offering classes for Hypnosis for the Actor, Voiceover classes and my weekend workshops as well all over the state. I also have a Facebook account, which I set up, thank you very much. I now have a Twitter and Myspace page as well.
There is so much out there to learn and so little time that when I am given the down time, I choose to use it wisely as opposed to complain about the slow period. It will get busy again. That's how life works. The bigger the front, the bigger the back, they say.
I'll try to blog more now that I have the time. Whom ever is reading this, I hope you use this time wisely as well. Once you get busy again you will wish you had more time.
My website for the actors is coming along as well. It is a work in progress, but it's getting there. theorganicactor.com if you want to check it out.
Ali has the flu and I have to go walk the dog. Marc is on Burn Notice tonight, so I want to deal with all of this, too.
I'll check in later.
OX,
Lori
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Casting Director Lori Wyman wins Artios award for HBO’s RECOUNT
Casting Director Lori Wyman wins Artios award for HBO’s RECOUNT
As I write this, I am sitting in my beautiful hotel room overlooking a magnificent pool area. The temperature is much cooler than the South Florida weather I just left earlier today. I woke up at 3:45 this morning to catch a 6:30 AM flight. The plane ride wasn’t too bad. Nothing out of the ordinary. Everything was on time, I caught a few winks and I arrived as scheduled. I even managed to write out all of my daughter’s thank you notes for the gifts she received yesterday for her 7th birthday. My friend, Jessica, picked me up at the airport and we immediately went for a very healthy and delicious lunch at a new place called SEED. I am macrobiotic so it is always a challenge to find food wherever I travel to. Jessica is also macrobiotic, which is how we originally met, so I always feel “safe” when I am with her. I know she will always steer me to the best eating choices.
We even ran into Madonna’s macrobiotic chef in the restaurant. You know it’s gotta be good.
So, why am I here AGAIN? This time I am nominated for an Artios award. These are casting awards that are given out by the CSA, Casting Society of America, members. I have been nominated for the casting of HBO’s RECOUNT. This time I am only up against other TV movies, as opposed to the Emmys where I was up against John Adams, which was a miniseries.
It’s funny, when I looked out over my balcony in my hotel room, I noticed the very same view I had from the hotel I stayed at when I was here for the Emmys in September. I don’t know my way around LA that well, so I didn’t realize I was staying directly behind the hotel I was at last time I was out here.
This is a very short trip. I flew in this morning and I will be flying home tomorrow. I REALLY hope I win the statue this time. This will be my 3rd nomination for the Artios. That’s OK. When I was at the Emmys I heard about a man who was winning his 11th Emmy. That sounds pretty impressive until you find out he had been nominated 49 times. REALLY! There was another guy who was winning his 6th Emmy. It was his 35th nomination though. There’s determination for you, huh?
Since I am only going to be in LA for a day, I took a cab ride over to the Samuel French Bookstore. If you are an actor and you have never been in this store, it is a must-see. They have so many books all about our business. I had sent them a copy of my book, The Organic Actor, to see if they would carry it. I spoke to a guy named Mark and he had received the review copy I sent, but he is not the deciding vote as to whether the store will carry it or not. You can help me out. If you are in LA and wander into the Samuel French book store, ask them if they carry my book. If enough people ask for it, they’ll be more inclined to carry it. Thanks,
I just looked at the clock and I have to get ready. I am staying at the hotel where the Artios awards are being held. I figured I’d give myself a break and not have to deal with renting a car and figuring out how to find my way back to the hotel at midnight, like I did last year. I made it back last year, obviously, but not without a few panic attacks and gripping the steering wheel so tight I thought I was going to break my fingers along the way.
I will write after the awards and see how I feel then. WISH ME LUCK!!!!
It is 1:46AM as I write this. I WON!!!! It was really exciting. My heart was pounding as they read the nominees and then showed clips of each movie nominated. When they called my name, I was so excited I screamed. I had called my husband so he could hear them announce the winner. Once they announced my name I dropped the phone on my table and quickly walked up to the podium. Finally, recognition for almost 30 years worth of casting in Florida. Finally, paying all of those dues was worth it.
The statue is heavy and made of lead crystal or glass. It is definitely a weapon. I cannot possibly get away with bringing it on the airplane. They gave me a padded case, but I am afraid to pack it for 2 reasons. One, what if it breaks? and Two, what if someone steals it?
Even though it is heavy, I wouldn’t mind carrying it to make sure it is protected. What happens if it doesn’t pass security? Then what do I do?????? HMMMM?
Well, I have been up since 3:45 yesterday morning and I am fading fast, so I am going to bed and I’ll figure it all out in the morning before I get to the airport.
Great night!!!!
The awards show last night was great. Neal Patrick Harris was our host. He had hosted the Emmy’s I attended this year. While performing his opening monologue he even made a declaration that he was gay. Something about asking him which casting director made an impact on his life and he told about his experience with one Tony Sepulveda and how that experience turned him. Everyone was laughing. It was all in good fun. Then
Sean Hayes from Will and Grace was giving an award and when Neal introduced him, he mentioned that Sean was also a “friend” of Tony’s. It was a racy crowd. Those LA casting directors know how to have fun, let me tell you. I saw lots of casting director friends and big agents and managers. There were many hundreds of people in attendance and everyone had a good time. I sat at the HBO table.
Joshua Jackson from Dawson’s Creek and most recently Fringe, gave me my award. After we gave our speeches we were whisked backstage for photo ops. All in all it was very exciting.
I’m on the plane now and so is my Artios award. I took a chance and made it through security. Not without a scare though. Security was called over to check out this crystal award. I smiled all cutesy and told the security guy how excited I was to have won this award and even showed him my name and last night’s date engraved into the crystal. He congratulated me and let me pass. WHEW!!!
Tomorrow is back to work. I still have a few more weeks of work on the French film I am casting.
Lots going on with the book promo. Radio shows, book signings and on camera auditioning workshops will also keep me busy for the next month.
All this goes to show you, don’t give up on your dreams..
As I write this, I am sitting in my beautiful hotel room overlooking a magnificent pool area. The temperature is much cooler than the South Florida weather I just left earlier today. I woke up at 3:45 this morning to catch a 6:30 AM flight. The plane ride wasn’t too bad. Nothing out of the ordinary. Everything was on time, I caught a few winks and I arrived as scheduled. I even managed to write out all of my daughter’s thank you notes for the gifts she received yesterday for her 7th birthday. My friend, Jessica, picked me up at the airport and we immediately went for a very healthy and delicious lunch at a new place called SEED. I am macrobiotic so it is always a challenge to find food wherever I travel to. Jessica is also macrobiotic, which is how we originally met, so I always feel “safe” when I am with her. I know she will always steer me to the best eating choices.
We even ran into Madonna’s macrobiotic chef in the restaurant. You know it’s gotta be good.
So, why am I here AGAIN? This time I am nominated for an Artios award. These are casting awards that are given out by the CSA, Casting Society of America, members. I have been nominated for the casting of HBO’s RECOUNT. This time I am only up against other TV movies, as opposed to the Emmys where I was up against John Adams, which was a miniseries.
It’s funny, when I looked out over my balcony in my hotel room, I noticed the very same view I had from the hotel I stayed at when I was here for the Emmys in September. I don’t know my way around LA that well, so I didn’t realize I was staying directly behind the hotel I was at last time I was out here.
This is a very short trip. I flew in this morning and I will be flying home tomorrow. I REALLY hope I win the statue this time. This will be my 3rd nomination for the Artios. That’s OK. When I was at the Emmys I heard about a man who was winning his 11th Emmy. That sounds pretty impressive until you find out he had been nominated 49 times. REALLY! There was another guy who was winning his 6th Emmy. It was his 35th nomination though. There’s determination for you, huh?
Since I am only going to be in LA for a day, I took a cab ride over to the Samuel French Bookstore. If you are an actor and you have never been in this store, it is a must-see. They have so many books all about our business. I had sent them a copy of my book, The Organic Actor, to see if they would carry it. I spoke to a guy named Mark and he had received the review copy I sent, but he is not the deciding vote as to whether the store will carry it or not. You can help me out. If you are in LA and wander into the Samuel French book store, ask them if they carry my book. If enough people ask for it, they’ll be more inclined to carry it. Thanks,
I just looked at the clock and I have to get ready. I am staying at the hotel where the Artios awards are being held. I figured I’d give myself a break and not have to deal with renting a car and figuring out how to find my way back to the hotel at midnight, like I did last year. I made it back last year, obviously, but not without a few panic attacks and gripping the steering wheel so tight I thought I was going to break my fingers along the way.
I will write after the awards and see how I feel then. WISH ME LUCK!!!!
It is 1:46AM as I write this. I WON!!!! It was really exciting. My heart was pounding as they read the nominees and then showed clips of each movie nominated. When they called my name, I was so excited I screamed. I had called my husband so he could hear them announce the winner. Once they announced my name I dropped the phone on my table and quickly walked up to the podium. Finally, recognition for almost 30 years worth of casting in Florida. Finally, paying all of those dues was worth it.
The statue is heavy and made of lead crystal or glass. It is definitely a weapon. I cannot possibly get away with bringing it on the airplane. They gave me a padded case, but I am afraid to pack it for 2 reasons. One, what if it breaks? and Two, what if someone steals it?
Even though it is heavy, I wouldn’t mind carrying it to make sure it is protected. What happens if it doesn’t pass security? Then what do I do?????? HMMMM?
Well, I have been up since 3:45 yesterday morning and I am fading fast, so I am going to bed and I’ll figure it all out in the morning before I get to the airport.
Great night!!!!
The awards show last night was great. Neal Patrick Harris was our host. He had hosted the Emmy’s I attended this year. While performing his opening monologue he even made a declaration that he was gay. Something about asking him which casting director made an impact on his life and he told about his experience with one Tony Sepulveda and how that experience turned him. Everyone was laughing. It was all in good fun. Then
Sean Hayes from Will and Grace was giving an award and when Neal introduced him, he mentioned that Sean was also a “friend” of Tony’s. It was a racy crowd. Those LA casting directors know how to have fun, let me tell you. I saw lots of casting director friends and big agents and managers. There were many hundreds of people in attendance and everyone had a good time. I sat at the HBO table.
Joshua Jackson from Dawson’s Creek and most recently Fringe, gave me my award. After we gave our speeches we were whisked backstage for photo ops. All in all it was very exciting.
I’m on the plane now and so is my Artios award. I took a chance and made it through security. Not without a scare though. Security was called over to check out this crystal award. I smiled all cutesy and told the security guy how excited I was to have won this award and even showed him my name and last night’s date engraved into the crystal. He congratulated me and let me pass. WHEW!!!
Tomorrow is back to work. I still have a few more weeks of work on the French film I am casting.
Lots going on with the book promo. Radio shows, book signings and on camera auditioning workshops will also keep me busy for the next month.
All this goes to show you, don’t give up on your dreams..
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Pre and Post Emmys
Blog - Pre Emmy
As I write this I am sitting on an airplane on my way to Los Angeles. I am looking out the window from my seat and I see the mountains in New Mexico. It’s beautiful down there. Nothing, but land. Wide open land. There are a few clouds in the sky, but it is smooth sailing. I watch the little TV screen in the headrest in front of me and am grateful that I am even on this flight. You see, yesterday around 3PM I checked my e mail and had received one from Continental airlines telling me to watch the weather as Hurricane Ike was on it’s way to Houston, Continental’s hub, and our stop over on our way from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Los Angeles, California. It didn’t look like the airport would be open all day and we might want to make other arrangements. You have to know that I made these reservations 2 months ago when I found out that I was nominated for this Emmy. I got a price so cheap that I thought it was a mistake, but I wasn’t about to argue. I don’t remember the last time I flew Continental, but “less is more” as I always say to my actors, so I took my own advice. I booked this great flight with this even greater fare.
Now, 2 months later, a huge hurricane was on its way to our layover city and they were threatening to close the airport before we would be able to change planes and make our connecting flight onto LA. My husband, Marc, was in the big casting room preparing for me to put him on tape for a couple of projects shooting out of town. Just to throw a little wrench into the works, Marc’s Orlando agent and his Dallas agent called and said he had to be put on tape right away for 2 big projects shooting out of town. I was planning on running into the office for an hour or so, doing any last minute work and then going home early to finish packing and get my house in order. “The best laid plans…” as they say. There is a wonderful saying, “Man plans and G-d laughs.” Well, G-d was yucking it up yesterday at my expense, I can tell you that. While my assistant, Phyllis and my intern, Alex, were looking for alternate flights “just in case,” we called Continental again only to find out they were officially canceling the flight altogether. This was at 4:30 in the afternoon, the day before an 8AM departure. Now, the scramble. I still have to put Marc on tape and e mail the auditions at this point. I now have NO WAY to get to LA, and one of us has to go pick up my daughter at her performing arts afterschool program by 6PM. I also had a 7PM hair appointment so my hair would look good for the Friday trip and evening activities that were planned for us. All I can say is, “Thank goodness I took the dog to the vet earlier in the day to board him.”
As I was calling airlines to arrange a flight for less than 24 hours away, the prices were astronomical. Marc yelled in to me that I should call Gary at the travel agency. Gary actually gave me a great idea. While he couldn’t help me because he was frantically trying to help another dozen of his travelers who were in the same situation as I was, he suggested that some airlines might, and might being the operative word, actually accept my Continental ticket as payment for their flight. I told Phyllis to work on that angle. I HAD to get to LA today. While I was taping Marc, Phyllis got a woman named Beth on the phone from Continental airlines and explained our saga. After much discussion, Beth was able to get us on a Delta flight today and use our existing ticket as payment for today’s flight.
The only catch? It was a 6AM flight, which meant we would have to leave the house at 4:30 in the morning. Not my first choice, but I had to get out of town, so 6AM it was.
My good friend Bob was originally going to drive us to the airport at 6:30AM so I had to call him and tell him we would take a cab instead. I wasn’t about to ask him to wake up at 4 in the morning to drive us to the airport. Being the wonderful friend Bob is, he told me he would get up at 4 and drive us. WOO HOO!
Earlier in the week we had another possible snafu. Almost 2 years ago Marc had a recurring role on the USA television series “Burn Notice.” He was in the pilot plus another 5 episodes as Agent Harris. They shipped his character off to Washington DC never to be heard from again. UNTIL THIS WEEK! Out of the blue this past Monday, Marc received a call checking his availability because they were bringing his character back. Normally this would be a cause for celebration. The dates they were checking? You guessed it. The dates we were supposed to be in Los Angeles. Luckily we skirted that because they changed the start date until the day after we come home from LA.
While watching the CNN news on the headrests in the plane, it looks like Houston is going to get IKE full throttle. Luckily we will be safely in LA.
Now about getting home. HMMMM!
When we landed in LA it was a bit foggy/smoggy. I didn’t care. I was so grateful to be in LA on my Emmy journey. The car rental process went smoothly and we immediately drove to our nearest Whole Foods. I was in heaven. From lunch we drove directly to the hotel we were staying at. Hotel Sofitel. We are right across the street from a mall. As a matter of fact, as I write this I am staring at Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Could life be any better?
I had to take a nap before our Friday night party or I never would have made it.
Friday night was wonderful. We had been invited to a party at a restaurant/club called
“Falcon.” It was right on Sunset. One of those trendy kind of places that opens itself up to private cocktail parties before they start serving dinner later in the evening. I made sure I had a new outfit, new shoes, all made up with hair and make-up. Why, I don’t know. The atmosphere was very dark. The music was loud and it was difficult to talk to anyone for too long because of all of the obstacles. I did manage to meet some clients of mine who were only voices on the phone in the past. So, as far as I am concerned, the evening was a success. We were supposed to go out to dinner with some HBO execs, but we were all tired, so we left and Marc and I actually grabbed a quick bite at a place called Real Food Daily. This is a vegan restaurant within walking distance of our hotel.
EMMY DAY HAS ARRIVED. I woke up nice and early all ready for my 9AM hair and makeup appointment. I had saved some of my dinner from the night before so that I would have something healthy to eat in the morning. Marc walked me over to the hair salon. We got there early so we spotted a Starbucks and I splurged on a Venti Soy Chai tea latte, no water, extra hot. My usual. Life was good at that moment.
We walked back to the salon and Olya was waiting for us. She is a very pretty young girl from the Ukrain. She had short stylish red hair and had an almost Asian look to her. Lovely girl with an accent, but spoke perfect English. I told her all about my adventure to LA and why I was getting all gussied up in the first place. We discussed hair up hair down. Straight versus wavy and how much makeup I actually wanted her to put on my face. In the end I had lots of false eyelashes and more makeup than I had ever worn, but it looked good, so I was happy. I told her I would come back in on Sunday with the statue if I won. If I didn’t win, she wouldn’t see me again.
I was running a bit late so Marc came and got me and we rushed back to the hotel to get dressed. We had to be at the Four Seasons Hotel to hob nob before the limos were to take us to the Nokia Center, the location of the Emmys. The garden of the Four Seasons was beautiful. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Men in tuxedos and women all made up in an array of gowns and cocktail dresses. I saw a face that looked familiar and I called out,
“Diane?” Indeed it was. Diane had been Don Johnson’s assistant on Miami Vice oh so many years ago. It was really nice to see her. She was up for an Emmy for a movie she had done about Autism. We wished each other good luck and walked down to meet our limos. Marc and I got into a beautiful black stretch limo with another couple. Once we were settled the man asked me, in his English accent, if we were with “John Adams.”
I replied that we were with “Recount,” the enemy. John Adams was a mini-series that was the only project that had more nominations than “Recount.” As a matter of fact the casting director on “John Adams” was nominated for both “John Adams” and “Recount” as she had done some casting on our movie. She was the main CD on “John Adams” though. After talking to “Rob” in the limo we found out that he was nominated for his music score on “John Adams.” He and his wife had flown over from England for these awards. This was his fifth nomination and he was hoping his first win. WOW, I felt badly for the poor guy.
The limo ride seemed long. My phone kept buzzing with text messages from well- wishers. I was giving them a play by play of my day. Getting up. In the salon. Getting dressed. At the Four Seasons. Now I was texting, In the limo.
When we arrived, there were lines of limos and people for as far as the eye could see. I told Marc I just had to walk the red carpet. It was an amazing experience. It is everything you see on TV. Cameras flashing, reporters shouting out questions, security guards ushering people along, the clothes, shoes, jewels. Oh yea, I was having fun. I WAS AN EMMY NOMINEE!!! I belonged there.
We found our seats. I was in row L. That would be the 12th row. Near the front. Not as far to walk when they called my name. Very cool. I saw all of my “Recount” friends. We all sat around each other. I also saw Sarah Silverman, Susan Lucci, Tom Hanks, Tim Conway, Kathy Griffin. Not that I get too star struck. I have met some pretty big stars over the years, but this was still pretty darn exciting.
The Emmys began and the very first category was…yup CASTING. Oh my gosh. My heart was pounding out of my chest. They announced the 5 nominees for best casting for a movie, mini-series and then announced our names. In a flash they announced the winner: “JOHN ADAMS!” JOHN ADAM???? Are they crazy? Who voted on these things? Did they not know that we had over 100 principals in one movie? That the bulk of them were look-a-likes and that I had cast almost 80 of them alone in Florida? NOT a mini-series worth of programs. Typically a mini-series and a movie would not be in the same category, but they didn’t have enough of one category so they combined them: NOT FAIR!!!! David and Richard, the two LA casting directors on our movie both looked at me and told me they were sorry. Marc felt worse for me than I did. I was OK. Sad? Sure. A bit dejected, yeah, but you know what? I was at the EMMY’S. I AM AN EMMY NOMINEE and they can’t take that from me. I know in my heart of hearts that we won. We did a fabulous casting job. The people who really count in my life know. My husband, my friends and the people I work with whom I respect and admire. They know we won.
Now I had to sit through the ENTIRE show. I was listening to all of the nominees and the winners. When someone won they would announce which number nomination this was for them and which win this was. I heard one winner had 49 nominations and this was his 11th win. Another guy had 39 nominations and this was his 6th win. My limo mate from England did NOT win again. So he is a 5 time nominee. Not too bad in the grand scheme of things. In the grand scheme of things, I am a winner in so many ways and I know that.
After the awards show we all walked over to the convention center next door for the ball.
The room looked like we had just walked into a fairy tale. The lights and sparkles and decorations were just beautiful. We ate and laughed and danced. I saw Jay Roach, the director of “Recount.” I even got to take a picture with an Emmy that the editor for “Recount” had won. He told me I could hold it as long as I wanted to. I got my Emmy fix, if you will. By about 8:30PM we were ready to go back to the hotel. I made my goodbyes to all of my HBO friends. David, the LA casting director, whispered in my ear
“You are a winner in my book.” That made it all worth it. I am a winner among my peers.
I am a winner in my own book where it really counts the most.
When Marc and I got back to the hotel we got into comfy clothes and shoes and walked around the corner for some dessert. I had a big piece of vegan chocolate peanut butter cake with vanilla soy ice cream. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
As I write this I am sitting on an airplane on my way to Los Angeles. I am looking out the window from my seat and I see the mountains in New Mexico. It’s beautiful down there. Nothing, but land. Wide open land. There are a few clouds in the sky, but it is smooth sailing. I watch the little TV screen in the headrest in front of me and am grateful that I am even on this flight. You see, yesterday around 3PM I checked my e mail and had received one from Continental airlines telling me to watch the weather as Hurricane Ike was on it’s way to Houston, Continental’s hub, and our stop over on our way from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Los Angeles, California. It didn’t look like the airport would be open all day and we might want to make other arrangements. You have to know that I made these reservations 2 months ago when I found out that I was nominated for this Emmy. I got a price so cheap that I thought it was a mistake, but I wasn’t about to argue. I don’t remember the last time I flew Continental, but “less is more” as I always say to my actors, so I took my own advice. I booked this great flight with this even greater fare.
Now, 2 months later, a huge hurricane was on its way to our layover city and they were threatening to close the airport before we would be able to change planes and make our connecting flight onto LA. My husband, Marc, was in the big casting room preparing for me to put him on tape for a couple of projects shooting out of town. Just to throw a little wrench into the works, Marc’s Orlando agent and his Dallas agent called and said he had to be put on tape right away for 2 big projects shooting out of town. I was planning on running into the office for an hour or so, doing any last minute work and then going home early to finish packing and get my house in order. “The best laid plans…” as they say. There is a wonderful saying, “Man plans and G-d laughs.” Well, G-d was yucking it up yesterday at my expense, I can tell you that. While my assistant, Phyllis and my intern, Alex, were looking for alternate flights “just in case,” we called Continental again only to find out they were officially canceling the flight altogether. This was at 4:30 in the afternoon, the day before an 8AM departure. Now, the scramble. I still have to put Marc on tape and e mail the auditions at this point. I now have NO WAY to get to LA, and one of us has to go pick up my daughter at her performing arts afterschool program by 6PM. I also had a 7PM hair appointment so my hair would look good for the Friday trip and evening activities that were planned for us. All I can say is, “Thank goodness I took the dog to the vet earlier in the day to board him.”
As I was calling airlines to arrange a flight for less than 24 hours away, the prices were astronomical. Marc yelled in to me that I should call Gary at the travel agency. Gary actually gave me a great idea. While he couldn’t help me because he was frantically trying to help another dozen of his travelers who were in the same situation as I was, he suggested that some airlines might, and might being the operative word, actually accept my Continental ticket as payment for their flight. I told Phyllis to work on that angle. I HAD to get to LA today. While I was taping Marc, Phyllis got a woman named Beth on the phone from Continental airlines and explained our saga. After much discussion, Beth was able to get us on a Delta flight today and use our existing ticket as payment for today’s flight.
The only catch? It was a 6AM flight, which meant we would have to leave the house at 4:30 in the morning. Not my first choice, but I had to get out of town, so 6AM it was.
My good friend Bob was originally going to drive us to the airport at 6:30AM so I had to call him and tell him we would take a cab instead. I wasn’t about to ask him to wake up at 4 in the morning to drive us to the airport. Being the wonderful friend Bob is, he told me he would get up at 4 and drive us. WOO HOO!
Earlier in the week we had another possible snafu. Almost 2 years ago Marc had a recurring role on the USA television series “Burn Notice.” He was in the pilot plus another 5 episodes as Agent Harris. They shipped his character off to Washington DC never to be heard from again. UNTIL THIS WEEK! Out of the blue this past Monday, Marc received a call checking his availability because they were bringing his character back. Normally this would be a cause for celebration. The dates they were checking? You guessed it. The dates we were supposed to be in Los Angeles. Luckily we skirted that because they changed the start date until the day after we come home from LA.
While watching the CNN news on the headrests in the plane, it looks like Houston is going to get IKE full throttle. Luckily we will be safely in LA.
Now about getting home. HMMMM!
When we landed in LA it was a bit foggy/smoggy. I didn’t care. I was so grateful to be in LA on my Emmy journey. The car rental process went smoothly and we immediately drove to our nearest Whole Foods. I was in heaven. From lunch we drove directly to the hotel we were staying at. Hotel Sofitel. We are right across the street from a mall. As a matter of fact, as I write this I am staring at Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Could life be any better?
I had to take a nap before our Friday night party or I never would have made it.
Friday night was wonderful. We had been invited to a party at a restaurant/club called
“Falcon.” It was right on Sunset. One of those trendy kind of places that opens itself up to private cocktail parties before they start serving dinner later in the evening. I made sure I had a new outfit, new shoes, all made up with hair and make-up. Why, I don’t know. The atmosphere was very dark. The music was loud and it was difficult to talk to anyone for too long because of all of the obstacles. I did manage to meet some clients of mine who were only voices on the phone in the past. So, as far as I am concerned, the evening was a success. We were supposed to go out to dinner with some HBO execs, but we were all tired, so we left and Marc and I actually grabbed a quick bite at a place called Real Food Daily. This is a vegan restaurant within walking distance of our hotel.
EMMY DAY HAS ARRIVED. I woke up nice and early all ready for my 9AM hair and makeup appointment. I had saved some of my dinner from the night before so that I would have something healthy to eat in the morning. Marc walked me over to the hair salon. We got there early so we spotted a Starbucks and I splurged on a Venti Soy Chai tea latte, no water, extra hot. My usual. Life was good at that moment.
We walked back to the salon and Olya was waiting for us. She is a very pretty young girl from the Ukrain. She had short stylish red hair and had an almost Asian look to her. Lovely girl with an accent, but spoke perfect English. I told her all about my adventure to LA and why I was getting all gussied up in the first place. We discussed hair up hair down. Straight versus wavy and how much makeup I actually wanted her to put on my face. In the end I had lots of false eyelashes and more makeup than I had ever worn, but it looked good, so I was happy. I told her I would come back in on Sunday with the statue if I won. If I didn’t win, she wouldn’t see me again.
I was running a bit late so Marc came and got me and we rushed back to the hotel to get dressed. We had to be at the Four Seasons Hotel to hob nob before the limos were to take us to the Nokia Center, the location of the Emmys. The garden of the Four Seasons was beautiful. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Men in tuxedos and women all made up in an array of gowns and cocktail dresses. I saw a face that looked familiar and I called out,
“Diane?” Indeed it was. Diane had been Don Johnson’s assistant on Miami Vice oh so many years ago. It was really nice to see her. She was up for an Emmy for a movie she had done about Autism. We wished each other good luck and walked down to meet our limos. Marc and I got into a beautiful black stretch limo with another couple. Once we were settled the man asked me, in his English accent, if we were with “John Adams.”
I replied that we were with “Recount,” the enemy. John Adams was a mini-series that was the only project that had more nominations than “Recount.” As a matter of fact the casting director on “John Adams” was nominated for both “John Adams” and “Recount” as she had done some casting on our movie. She was the main CD on “John Adams” though. After talking to “Rob” in the limo we found out that he was nominated for his music score on “John Adams.” He and his wife had flown over from England for these awards. This was his fifth nomination and he was hoping his first win. WOW, I felt badly for the poor guy.
The limo ride seemed long. My phone kept buzzing with text messages from well- wishers. I was giving them a play by play of my day. Getting up. In the salon. Getting dressed. At the Four Seasons. Now I was texting, In the limo.
When we arrived, there were lines of limos and people for as far as the eye could see. I told Marc I just had to walk the red carpet. It was an amazing experience. It is everything you see on TV. Cameras flashing, reporters shouting out questions, security guards ushering people along, the clothes, shoes, jewels. Oh yea, I was having fun. I WAS AN EMMY NOMINEE!!! I belonged there.
We found our seats. I was in row L. That would be the 12th row. Near the front. Not as far to walk when they called my name. Very cool. I saw all of my “Recount” friends. We all sat around each other. I also saw Sarah Silverman, Susan Lucci, Tom Hanks, Tim Conway, Kathy Griffin. Not that I get too star struck. I have met some pretty big stars over the years, but this was still pretty darn exciting.
The Emmys began and the very first category was…yup CASTING. Oh my gosh. My heart was pounding out of my chest. They announced the 5 nominees for best casting for a movie, mini-series and then announced our names. In a flash they announced the winner: “JOHN ADAMS!” JOHN ADAM???? Are they crazy? Who voted on these things? Did they not know that we had over 100 principals in one movie? That the bulk of them were look-a-likes and that I had cast almost 80 of them alone in Florida? NOT a mini-series worth of programs. Typically a mini-series and a movie would not be in the same category, but they didn’t have enough of one category so they combined them: NOT FAIR!!!! David and Richard, the two LA casting directors on our movie both looked at me and told me they were sorry. Marc felt worse for me than I did. I was OK. Sad? Sure. A bit dejected, yeah, but you know what? I was at the EMMY’S. I AM AN EMMY NOMINEE and they can’t take that from me. I know in my heart of hearts that we won. We did a fabulous casting job. The people who really count in my life know. My husband, my friends and the people I work with whom I respect and admire. They know we won.
Now I had to sit through the ENTIRE show. I was listening to all of the nominees and the winners. When someone won they would announce which number nomination this was for them and which win this was. I heard one winner had 49 nominations and this was his 11th win. Another guy had 39 nominations and this was his 6th win. My limo mate from England did NOT win again. So he is a 5 time nominee. Not too bad in the grand scheme of things. In the grand scheme of things, I am a winner in so many ways and I know that.
After the awards show we all walked over to the convention center next door for the ball.
The room looked like we had just walked into a fairy tale. The lights and sparkles and decorations were just beautiful. We ate and laughed and danced. I saw Jay Roach, the director of “Recount.” I even got to take a picture with an Emmy that the editor for “Recount” had won. He told me I could hold it as long as I wanted to. I got my Emmy fix, if you will. By about 8:30PM we were ready to go back to the hotel. I made my goodbyes to all of my HBO friends. David, the LA casting director, whispered in my ear
“You are a winner in my book.” That made it all worth it. I am a winner among my peers.
I am a winner in my own book where it really counts the most.
When Marc and I got back to the hotel we got into comfy clothes and shoes and walked around the corner for some dessert. I had a big piece of vegan chocolate peanut butter cake with vanilla soy ice cream. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
THE EMMYS
As I write this, I only have a couple more days before the BIG DAY. QUEEN FOR A DAY! THE EMMYS. I have been casting in Florida for almost 30 years and this is the first time I have been nominated for an Emmy for casting. It was for the HBO movie I cast last year called "RECOUNT." I knew this was Emmy winning material as I was casting. Afterall, there were over 100 roles to cast and I cast almost 80 of them alone in Florida. Not to mention that most of those roles had to be look-a-likes. I had to find actors who looked like the person they were portraying. I cast up and down the state of Florida with the help of Ethan. He was my driver, my tekkie, and a great big help overall.
I found out I was nominated on July 17th. I was driving my daughter to camp around 9AM when my cell phone rang, telling me I had a text. I looked down and saw the text from a friend in LA. They always get this info before we do out here on the east coast. A few moments later, my cell phone rang again from an actor friend in LA. I knew why he was calling already.
That was almost 2 months ago and it seemed like a long way off, but now here I am getting ready to leave in less than 48 hours.
The first question that most women ask me is, "What are you wearing?" I finally picked out a dress and shoes on Labor Day. I thought I might lose those extra 10 pounds before I went shopping for the gown I would wear to the black tie ceremony and banquet afterwards. But alas, I just couldn't do it. So instead I will be wearing some help in the form of a "Spanx" to make sure there are no ripples under the dress.
I have been practicing "THE SECRET" for 2 months. Visualizing the Emmy on my desk, in my hand, and me up on that stage accepting the Emmy. I repeat out loud that I am an Emmy winner. I have even picked out a personalized license plate when the time comes for me to renew. I am building this up to monumental proportion. I do not even dare say the "what if..." scenario because I don't want to put that out there. Oh everyone says it is just an honor to be nominated and it is, but I WANT TO WIN!!! Can you blame me? We don't get such great opportunities in Florida. I'm not sure when another one of these will come along again, so I am putting all of my brain power to work and "putting it out there" as they say.
I have to finish packing, get the house and office in order, pack a suitcase for my daughter, board the dog, go to the bank, arrange for my neighbor to get the newspaper and that's what I can remember. My husband is going with me. It's the first vacation we are taking since my daughter is born. She'll be 7 in November.
I haven't felt this excited in years. It's nice, fun, thrilling.
I am just enjoying the moment and continuing to put it out there until the clock strikes midnight and the coach turns back into a pumpkin. Then I can remove the "Spanx" and put on my jeans and tee shirt.
For now, I am enjoying the journey.
I found out I was nominated on July 17th. I was driving my daughter to camp around 9AM when my cell phone rang, telling me I had a text. I looked down and saw the text from a friend in LA. They always get this info before we do out here on the east coast. A few moments later, my cell phone rang again from an actor friend in LA. I knew why he was calling already.
That was almost 2 months ago and it seemed like a long way off, but now here I am getting ready to leave in less than 48 hours.
The first question that most women ask me is, "What are you wearing?" I finally picked out a dress and shoes on Labor Day. I thought I might lose those extra 10 pounds before I went shopping for the gown I would wear to the black tie ceremony and banquet afterwards. But alas, I just couldn't do it. So instead I will be wearing some help in the form of a "Spanx" to make sure there are no ripples under the dress.
I have been practicing "THE SECRET" for 2 months. Visualizing the Emmy on my desk, in my hand, and me up on that stage accepting the Emmy. I repeat out loud that I am an Emmy winner. I have even picked out a personalized license plate when the time comes for me to renew. I am building this up to monumental proportion. I do not even dare say the "what if..." scenario because I don't want to put that out there. Oh everyone says it is just an honor to be nominated and it is, but I WANT TO WIN!!! Can you blame me? We don't get such great opportunities in Florida. I'm not sure when another one of these will come along again, so I am putting all of my brain power to work and "putting it out there" as they say.
I have to finish packing, get the house and office in order, pack a suitcase for my daughter, board the dog, go to the bank, arrange for my neighbor to get the newspaper and that's what I can remember. My husband is going with me. It's the first vacation we are taking since my daughter is born. She'll be 7 in November.
I haven't felt this excited in years. It's nice, fun, thrilling.
I am just enjoying the moment and continuing to put it out there until the clock strikes midnight and the coach turns back into a pumpkin. Then I can remove the "Spanx" and put on my jeans and tee shirt.
For now, I am enjoying the journey.
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