Keeping it positive

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