For the love of it...

Want to learn the guitar? Simon will take requests!

I met this groovy cat whilst I was strolling along the beach this morning, sipping a latte, walking to clear my head.

He's a gorgeous musician and a wonderful example of an artist who makes music for the love of it. He shared with me that he is creating videos and tutorials for YouTube just to give back to the muse and his community.

Nice work, Simon :)
Miri

Ever wondered about moving to LA to pursue your career???

Here is an article that Kate Davies posted on her facebook group called "The Actor's Journey" discussion board. i thought it was pretty awesome, so I'm reposting it here for you to read. I think, regardless if you're going over there for acting or other filmmaking career aspirations, that there is plenty of gold nuggets to mine!

Make sure you go and join her facebook group too! See the bottom of the page for the URL:

Hey Gorgeous actors and film folk,
Many of you have been asking me where I am studying etc. So here is some info on moving to LA.

1. I am studying at TVI actors studios, the reason I chose them was it is an intense 8 week course covering mainly the audition process, american dialect class and the way to market yourself for the American Market.
The 8 week course cost $3500 US. There is also an 4 month course which gives you the chance to work in the industry for a month.

www.tvistudios.com

2. To find accommodation, the school will help you or you can check craigslist:

www.craigslist.org/

The average monthly rent is about $750 - $1000 US per person.

3. There are also some other visa options on the discussion topic here on the AJ " 10 ways to get a visa to USA"
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=10671721578&topic=8736

4. Please be careful and don't part with your money unwisely. To set yourself up for a 2 month stay in LA here is a breakdown of costs:
a) $3500 US for 2 month school
b) $1000 AUD for a return flight from Sydney to LA (I flew Virgin, they were great and it's a 13 hr flight)
c) $750-$1000 US a month rent.
d) Budget about $100-$150 US a week on food and living.

5. Getting around LA is a pain if you don't have a vehicle. If you study at TVI you can get a place quite close and walk it is quite safe. The buses ($1.25US per ride)are cheap but getting to Santa Monica from Sherman Oaks is a 2 bus ride and takes about 1 1/2 hrs. Buddy up with someone with a car and you can share petrol it costs about $28 US for a full tank of gas.

6. TVI are quite lax and as long as you have some acting experience you can get in. Don't do yourself a dis favour and go without acting lessons as you will feel out of your depth.

7. I studied acting for screen in Australia at NIDA and Screenwise as a part time student but I also worked extensively in the Oz industry. For some of my work check my website:
www.katereesdavies.com

8. If you have a few credits, an IMDB or lots of PR you are probably better off spending the $3500US on getting a lawyer in Oz to sort you out with a 2 year work visa, that way you can get out here and work straight away and fund your trip and stay that way.

9. Don't think it is any easier here in LA, yes there is more work, but there are 20 times more actors, going for the same jobs. You really have to market yourself as a business here and not rely on your agent or manager. Relying on them you will starve to death and just end up getting jaded and leaving the industry.

10. Everyone is really friendly here and there is a huge Ozzy community. So it is up to you to get out and go the the networking events. There is something different going on every day.
Also classes out here are roughly about $250 US for 4 x 3hour classes. But again do your homework and go and do an audit of the class (sit in and watch for free) to see if you like it.

Adopt a smart proactive attitude, seek your own work and network like crazy! It is definately not what you know but WHO you know in this town.

I am loving my experience and the classes are teaching me a lot about the business of acting.

I hope this is helpful. Feel free to add some comments if there is anything I have forgoten!

And remember:

"The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore."
–Dale Carnegie

Good luck guys and keep on believing in yourselves.

Best wishes
Kate

SOURCE:
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1157843146845&mbox_pos=6#/topic.php?uid=10671721578&topic=9040


Best of luck!
Miri
from Lunar Wolf Productions

quote. a creative life: mastery in the offering...

Here's a cool quote i read on a facebook group I just joined called A.C.D.C:

"There are those that learn to swim by being thrown into the water and there are those that learn to swim by acquiring knowledge about everything to do with the process of swimming, and play around with various conscious ways of entering the water as well as propelling through water.

The former become good at not drowning - the later may swim in a range of styles, understand the nature of water and it's various forms, and most importantly can consciously identify the experience of doing as well as interpret it's impact on the viewers.

The former doesn't take very long to achieve, the later is a life time commitment."

Cool huh?

Miri

Source:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19624893006&ref=share
posted on a fb by Greg Kurapatkin

Sydney-siders: check out this photographic exhibition @ CAFE LOUNGE

Cafe Lounge has an exhibition on at the moment called LOUNGIN'

It's out of this world!!!

My favourite portrait was a gorgeous image of a woman as if in a japanese tea house which had been flooded... complete with green fog rising off the water --- magical!!!

Congratulations to Alex Weltlinger and his team who worked LONG hours on this series.

All of the models are actually the STAFF from CAFE LOUNGE.

Alex's vision was to bring out the unique characteristics of each of the portraits, placing them in their element and highlighting the shocking, the funny or the irreverent inside each of them.

EVERYTHING was shot at the Cafe Lounge! Amazing use of space, lighting and context to transport you in each photograph to a whole new world.

Congratulations to everyone involved once again - and to the Cafe Lounge for partnering such a visionary project!

It's called:
Lougin'

It's on from:
19th May - 9th of June

Where:
Cafe Lounge, 277 Gouldburn St, Surry Hills

Find out more about it:
http://18on9.com.au/loungin/
(PS check out the awesome feature on the bottom of the screen - hint, it's a rollover so swipe the mouse across the figurines - be prepared for image overload!!!)

or on this blog:
http://innercityarts.blogspot.com/2009/04/loungin.html


He also has a funky profile on Model Mahem:
http://www.modelmayhem.com/556683

This is a photo of Alex's, but not from the exhibition. Just an example of his extraordinary talent to get the juices flowing so you hop on down to the CAFE LOUNGE to experience it for yourself!!!



To see more of Alex's photos and some sneak previews from the LOUNGIN' exhibition, check out:


http://18on9.com.au/

Synchonicity... at the Opera Bar

Having been lately participating in a great discussion on the importance of music in films, that can be found at:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=8320&post=42299&uid=20231346082#/topic.php?uid=20231346082&topic=8320

Here's a story of Synchronicity that occurred last night while out on an "Artist's Date" (see Julia Cameron and her fabulous books in The Artist's Way series, if you don't know what I'm talking about)

I was at the Opera Bar soaking up atmosphere of the romantic imagery of the opera house & Sydney harbour and the sounds of a singer/pianist with a cheeky glass of champas before returning home... and the musician and I get to chatting in his breaks. Of course we share a bit about ourselves, what we do... and he tells me he wants to get into writing soundtracks for films. His name is Gerard Masters.

Gerard Masters... Gerard Masters... The name was familiar. I felt a bit sheepish that I couldn't place it. It was clear from our convi that he knew some cool people and did a lot of touring and recording with his two bands (one pop, one jazz)...

Anyway, we had a great chat - about all things creative, favourite movies, travelling spots, vacation plans - and it comes out that he's a kiwi too (my goodness, us kiwi's are a talented bunch!!!) We exchange details, he invited me to a gig (It's on tonight at the Basement, unfortunately I can't go, but you should catch it if you're around!) and we agreed to catch up when he gets back from touring for the new CD launches.

Of course when I got home, I googled him. Turns out he's pretty well known!

Gerard Masters is one of Sydney's most in demand keyboard players. As well as leading his own groups, he performs and records with top jazz, funk and rock artists from around Australia and New Zealand.

Source:
http://www.cvibes.com/gerardmasters.php

Double the sheepishness - I have to admit, I got pretty excited to learn that he toured with Missy Higgins (one of my all-time fav. AU singer-songwriters). His bands have done a bunch of recordings and live gigs at various international locations and festivals. But that still didn't give me how I knew him...

It wasn't til I loaded up good ol' iTunes that I realised why his name was so familiar to me --- The Gerard Masters Trio (the jazz band) was a favourite of Chrissie Koltai, my old movement & dance teacher from the Actor's Centre! I had a copy of their CD "Palindrome" at home and had even used it in the soundtrack to a piece I directed for stage while studying at The Actor's Centre...



How is that for synchronicity! Pretty awesome huh?

I was really just there to lap up the gorgeous sounds & atmosphere! -- but it's great to have met him. I could tell he was talented. Was great to hear he was also being recognised and in demand for his skills!

Needless to say, am looking forward to exploring possible future collaborations :)

Loving it up!
Miri
from Lunar Wolf Productions

PS For a further note on the synchronicity of that - just last weekend I saw an Italian film called "QUIET CHAOS" and they were talking about Palindromes in the first few minutes of having walked into the cinema... freaky!!! lol.

PPS Gerard if you are reading this, the song I mentioned covered by the Whitlams (but I think originally written by Bob Dylan) was "Tangled Up and Blue." And I loved your rendition of "Fire & Rain" - you may have noticed that it had me singing along in my chair. he he. Great song. Next time, play more of yours!

FOR THOSE WANTING TO CATCH GERARD AT THE OPERA BAR:

My info from a little birdie who works there (thanks for the water, Ben!) says that:

GERARD PLAYS AT THE OPERA BAR EVERY SECOND MONDAY.

And Gerard mentioned that through winter they often get a little baby grand down there to help warm the winter-nights. Make sure you pop down to hear him play, it's food for the soul :)

Related links:

Gerard Masters Trio MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/thegerardmasterstrio

Gerard Masters MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/gerardmastersmusic

Samson & Delilah - a film Australians can rave about!!!

So for those of you who haven't seen this film yet, get your butts to the cinema and SEE THIS FILM!!! And STOP Reading This blog because I am about to rave and I don't want to spoil it for you!!!! Honestly do yourself a favour, grab a friend and go to the movies - you will be moved by your time with this story!



For those of you that have seen this movie...

WOW, huh? I have not been so confronted and so riveted/engaged in a cinema experience in YEARS!!! Incredible. I kept wanting to fill up that silence with inane chatter. I was hyper-aware of how used to the convention of dialogue and chatter I was. I was itching for someone to say something, anything. I wanted to scream at the characters to look around, to open their eyes, to wake up to what was happening. It was like being 5 yo in a pantomime and yelling at the hero "look, look, he's behind you!!" Fantastic.

What I also found inspiring was how shocked and repulsed I felt at the same time as being riveted to the screen. I both wanted to get away, whilst forcing myself to stay, desperate to see what happened next. And I came out the other end of the movie not only knowing that this situation was NOT ok with me, as a fellow Australian and global citizen, and also feeling compelled to explore what I could actively do to make a difference to this poverty. So often I find I've come out of a powerful movie about social issues, shaking my head and thinking "god, that's awful" and yet actually not compelled to act. But Samson & Delilah left me with "What could I do?" "Would this work?" "What if I started an awareness campaign" "What skills/resources do I have that could make a difference to these kids?" Quality questions flowing from a world-class film. I'm sure it will rock the audiences at Cannes.

I am immensely proud to be an Australasian filmmaker when I see films like this come out of our community.

Congratulations to the Director/Writer, Warwick Thornton, the Producer, Kath Shelper, & the whole team who brought us such a deep & moving film.

And congratulations must go to all of those - the local and national government agencies, industry professionals and independent financiers who invested time/money/faith in this project - YOU MADE IT HAPPEN!

Inspired Fellow filmmaker,
Miri
www.lunarwolfproductions.com

PS

The official blog & website:
http://samsonanddelilah.com.au/

Here's an article in the Times about Samson & Delilah going to Cannes, published 11/05/09:
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/cannes/article6239726.ece


Samson and Delilah quite literally took my breath away!!!

making things makes a difference!

I've started a wee project, just for myself. I'm writing a novel. Don't know what it'll come to or whether I'll ever publish it or perhaps make a movie of it... but for now the pleasure's all in the writing and playing in the world!!!

So it was 12:30 AM when I managed to tear myself away from the 'work' computer last night having been lost in a silly spiral of online time wasting and got into bed to grab my laptop and start writing.

For me, climbing into my warm bed with the duck duvee and getting out my laptop to open final draft is more like rubbing my hands together when sitting at the kitchen table just before thrusting them into a big bowl of playdough...

Now there's a thought, when did I get too old for playdough or lego for that matter?! And who says I have to wait to have kids before I can play with it again?!

Ha, perhaps I'll look up a recipe for it online. I'm sure there's a million out there by mum's, dad's & fellow rebellious artists who are getting back in touch with their making/playing/doing side.

Speaking of which, here's an amazing video I watched that gave me inspiration today...



Hope you get as much from it as I did!!!

Take care,
Miri from Lunar Wolf Productions

Loud & Proud... Standing up for where you come from!

If there's one thing pretty much everyone seems to agree on - world leaders, trend setters, artists, filmmakers, spiritual leaders and personal development coaches - you can't have a future without first dreaming about it and then TAKING ACTION towards it.

Well, here's a story that I hope will inspire you.

A couple of years ago, my friend and I decided to make a film for Tropfest. We had never made a film before. We had no idea what you had to do to make a film. But we had watched PLENTY of films and seen Tropfest for many years running, so we figured, what the hell, let's just make one.

And we did.

From the point where we committed and decided to make a film, we wrote, directed and shot it ALL within TWO WEEKS!

Now, this was no filmmaking feat. I'm not claiming brilliance of any kind. But what we did do, is we got in there and had a go, from exactly where we were at and with what we already had - Passion and a Love of StoryTelling!

Actually, the film we produced was very much a first film. A student film. A first encounter with the magic of the black screen.

To tell you the truth, by the time we had finished editing it and I sent it off festivals, I had already starting judging the work. My tail was already between my legs. The stinky part was that I felt embarrassed. I'd already started comparing what we had produced to all those amazing directors and films that I loved so much and I had become painfully aware that THIS film, was not a match. For my dreams or for the kind of product I could be proud of.

Not surprising then, with that kind of energy behind it, it did not find a place in the festivals I sent it off to. I had spent hundreds of dollars on entry fees to festivals that I thought weren't aiming for the holy grail but a realistic place for our film and I became even more embarrassed and disheartened... So I put it away in a drawer and tried to forget about it. Whenever anyone asked me about it, I tried to fob it off as quickly as possible and move onto other things, probably making a joke out of it.

Thank god I didn't let that cynicism and resignation actually stop me from pursuing my career as a filmmaker! If I'd listened to that snarky little voice and let it poison me completely, I would never have been able to continue taking steps towards my dreams. Luckily, my friend and I had already started Lunar Wolf Productions and we moved our focus onto new projects.

But the other day, I found the quicktime version of my film and I watched it again. In some parts I still cringed, in other parts I found myself nodding my head and thinking - Actually, for a first time director, this sequence really worked, I'm actually feeling the tension here - or - oo, that's not so good, what would I do now to cover that scene - or - oh yeah, I remember that moment on set. I was frustrated and I let that get in the way of communicating with the actor. I wonder what I could've said to help them find a fresh moment...

And by the end, I watched it through again. With less of the cringing and more of a growing sense of pride. Sure, it was definitely a first film and I had made PLENTY of mistakes. But in amongst it, was some gold, some space for true reflection, and a sense of gratitude for this first record of our baby steps into filmmaking.

So I decided to take action. In stead of leaving the film to rot in the drawer, I decided to make it into a new exercise. Seeing as I had never cut a trailer for my films, I thought, what the hell! This is a first film - what better material to cut a first trailer from?! Can I make it exciting? Can I show the tension? Can I hint at the story? Can I create the impression of the film I meant to tell?

Here is the result. It's the trailer I loaded onto our youtube channel for Lunar Wolf Productions. The channel URL is www.youtube.com/lunarwolfproductions.

The short film is called UNEXPECTED HAPPENINGS.

I am proud to have this up as an example of where we've come from. I'm proud because I hope it will encourage other beginning filmmakers to get out there - LOUD AND PROUD - show their work, gather the feedback and enjoy the process of making films. Because filmmaking is a practical art. You have to be in the game to win it. You win be telling stories, learning on the job and finding bigger and better solutions every time - always chasing that illusive image that is haunting the moments just before/after sleep...

Enjoy!



Love Miri
From Lunar Wolf Productions

PS as you can probably tell - this film was made on $0, for the love of the thing. All the talented people that came together to help us make our first film are all legends - especially Jemore our DOP and editor, Irma our art director, Katey our producer and all the others that spent a weekend with us, often late into the night, to capture this story on tape. You guys are all legends and I hope your work is blossoming out in the industry! Big thanks must also go to Mario Leonti & Michelle Scullion from New Zealand who created a kick ass soundtrack to the film.

Girl w the courage of a lion, who silenced the UN for 6 minutes

watch this girl speak - full of passion, conviction and grace.
incredible. inspiring. i cried, yes, while watching it. but more importantly, i started thinking: what could i do? what can i do to make a difference, right now? perhaps i could donate some things. perhaps i could give some clothes to the salvos for those that lost in the fires or live on the streets, perhaps i could donate to an environmental action group, perhaps i could plant a tree... perhaps i could buy one less latte a day and save the planet that takeaway cup. perhaps.
lets see tomorrow what i do.
actions speak louder than words. this girl action = courage and taking a stand to say No, No More.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=63865811753&ref=nf

The Oscars are a compass...

For me, the Oscars are a compass

There was a great discussion going on ACTING INSPIRATIONS:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=7257&post=29482&uid=20231346082#/topic.php?uid=20231346082&topic=7257

It was started by Paul Barry asking for what we thought of the OSCARS.

It got me going, reading everybodies thoughts and I wanted to share my response with you.

I think awards like the oscars are a good measure of where we are at, what we accept inside of 'mainstream' and a way, as community, to celebrate and publicly acknowledge extra-ordinary work.

i love watching - it is like a meter towards the sort of high calibre work i strive for - but also because it never fails to remind me of how human those that are our mentors, our role models and above all, ARE our fellow artists.

i feel connected to the source of storytelling when i watch. that it is not so much the individual as the WORK that we are celebrating. the strive for excellence. the striving to touch move and inspire others.

i was moved by watching merryl streep's bemusement, almost embarrassment at being so publicly acknowledged by all present for her extraordinary lifetime achievements - there was a look on her face that seemed to say

"but this is work. I do what I love. I show up, I work hard. you are all as great as me - what you see in me, i see in you."

that's the kind of artist I want to be. one who is busy doing the work. if the work works for others and they love it, great. if it flops - well, i hope i've learnt something and the next step will be to get up off the mat and focus on the next step.

to tell stories is who i am. sometimes they catch the eye & ear of my community, sometimes they won't... but i'd be dead before i stop sharing them!!!

now that i am committed to a lifetime career as a director/writer, i sat there terrified. I have no idea if i can do it (all the bravado of puppy enthusiasm has dried up) and they terrify me! I use to love them, admire them, look up to them. Now I look at the body of work of people who have been nominated and those that never were, yet have created brilliant work - and i realise, i'm in it for the long haul. no matter the result. awards or no, my heart is committed.

i enjoyed them immensely, for this moment. And I got to whoop and holler for some of my favourite filmmakers - actresses, directors, actors & writers - hooray for Kate, hooray for Sean (bravo to those passionate words for the rights of all) and to the writer of Milk...

it's also just a bloody good show all round :)

Miri
www.lunarwolfproductions.com

ps if you haven't already heard of this book, find it - THE WAR OF ART - check it out! it's brilliant :)

Making a difference...

here is an awesome update I just received from NRDC - wildlife action fund.

Less than a week into office, President Obama announced monumental decisions this morning that show America and the world that he will lead our country in a bold new direction to protect the environment and fight global warming.

The President directed his EPA to immediately review the Bush Administration's denial of the right of California and other states to set global warming pollution standards for new cars. He also directed the Department of Transportation to set higher national fuel efficiency standards.

What will that mean in the real world? If Obama's EPA, as expected, approves the California program, new cars sold in that state and at least 13 others will have to reduce their global warming pollution by 30 percent between 2009 and 2016. And the Department of Transportation will require more efficient new cars to be on the road starting in 2010, and set a course for the average new car to achieve maximum feasible fuel efficiency by 2020.

Simply put, President Obama is not just stepping up to the threat of climate chaos. His call for a fleet of cleaner cars will help reduce our dangerous dependence on oil and push automakers to make the cars that the world wants and needs in the 21st century.

NRDC's climate attorneys were present at the White House this morning, and you can imagine their elation at this historic breakthrough. Thanks to your support, NRDC led the fight in 2002 for California's Clean Cars Law -- the very first law to cut global warming pollution from automobiles.

And when the Bush Administration and the automakers threw up roadblocks to that law, NRDC and our partners took the legal fight all the way to the Supreme Court -- and won. But the Bush EPA persisted in its unlawful obstructionism until the bitter end.

This morning, President Obama took America's foot off the brake and put cleaner cars into high gear. The automakers should be lining up to thank him. This is just the kind of turbo-charged policy they need to start producing cars that are better for the planet, better for consumers, and better for the economy.

What a difference a new President makes! But I also want to recognize your generous support and online activism that kept NRDC's clean car campaign in drive through eight tough years and countless courtrooms.

We were in the White House this morning representing you. And I truly believe this is just the beginning. If we seize this rare opportunity for environmental change, there's no telling what we can do in 2009. Congratulations!

Sincerely,

Frances Beinecke
President
Natural Resources Defense Council

I love it when what you believe & what you act on makes a difference, don't you?!
Miri

The Green Life - kick the plastic... or paper bag habit - go reuseable: carry Canvas bags!

Check out this great article from NRDC blog called "THIS IS THE GREEN LIFE"

"November 2008
END OF THE AFFAIR
Plastic bags lose their luster


Nearly 75 years ago, soft plastic ranked up there with the Mona Lisa and Tower of Pisa as one of civilization's masterpieces, at least according to Cole Porter in his masterpiece, "You're the Top." Feelings have changed a bit since then.

Glamorous no longer While plastic remains the ne plus ultra as far as convenience is concerned, people are not so thrilled with its nasty habit of never, ever going away. Plastic bags, in particular, have come in for a lashing because of the way they litter the streets, get tangled in treetops, choke sea turtles and other animals who mistake them for food, clog municipal sewage systems and, once in landfills, refuse to decompose.

What we have here is yet another love-hate relationship that we do not have the strength to end. As a result, governments at all levels around the world have found it necessary to step into the breach to save us from ourselves."

http://www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/0811.asp

365 Flicks - THE TENNIS MATCH - not a movie, but the AU OPEN - the Underdog vs the Champion!!!

Now, some of you might be thinking I'm going to talk about Match Point by Woody Allen... but I'm not and I haven't seen that one yet!

Nope, I'm going to talk about last night's Australian Open, Round Two match between Venus Williams & Carla Suarez Navarro.

Now, I love the AU open... so it's rather taken over my movie watching time... but I gotta tell you... LAST NIGHT WAS ONE HECK OF A STORY!!!

I was watching this nail biting match and all I could think was of BLAKE SNYDER'S STORY STRUCTURE from SAVE THE CAT and all the other screen writing books I've been reading over the past year of Michael Hauge, Syd Field, Karel Sagers blog from the Story Department... This match went like clockwork.

Ok, so picture this:
you start with a relative unknown. You're typical underdog. She young (only 20) ranked like 46th in the world, playing her first Grand Slam tour... and she's up against Venus Williams - a woman who's like a goddess of the tennis court. She has OWNED the grand slam SEVEN TIMES already in her career. This set up was like a no-brainer. Young gun will be shown the back of Queen's racket. Should be a nice quick match to warm us up for the men's game.

And that's what happened in Act I. Venus dominated. Carla Suarez Navarro was hanging in there, but pretty much didn't look like she had a shot. But you couldn't help but feel for her... she was up against insurmountable odds...... This set ended up 6-2 to Williams.

BRING ON: ACT TWO!!!

There was a gear change in Carla... it was visible. She had been making some nice shots in Set 1, but here in the second set, something had shifted and she was just GOING FOR IT. She had some fantastic winners from the base line, she would trade with Venus power for power until she had the slightest advantage and then, without hesitation, she would take it home. There were even a few games where they were battling it out at deuce for who could bring it home.

It was clear to us as spectators and audience of this match, that Carla found something deep down and said "You may be big. You may be mean. But I will not go quietly into that good night." and she fought back to take the set 6-3. This plucky, gutsy young girl moved from underdog without a chance to our 'hero' who was willing to do the impossible.

MID POINT. Carla, by now well and truly our hero, wins set two.

Ok, set 3 and Venus comes out with the charge. They trade games with serve until Venus broke and held her next serve (had to hold hard coz carla wasn't backing down) to get to 4-1. Both Carla & Venus hold their serves and suddenly it's 5-2. SURELY, ALL IS LOST??? This is the point where any young rising star must break, surely? Surely they could not have the experience and game fitness to pull back from such a lead to one of the worlds greatest players???

But Carla will not say die! She holds her serve to 3-5 and then BREAKS VENUS to bring it to 5-4.

BREAK INTO THREE!!!

So here we are, in the final games of the match. And Venus starts to crack. You see it in a double fault here, in a missed line there... But Carla, even as she gets closer and closer to the finish line... does not tense up. She stays fluid, alert... focused... She is, ladies and gentlemen, IN THE FLOW!!!

She breaks Venus, holds her serve in a deuce battle (as in saving match point on her own serve) and takes it to 5-5. At the end of each game she looks like she is about to cry, but by the start of the next, she is clear, calm and focused.

She breaks the champion to take it to 6-5 and then she serves it home for 7-5!

What a match, what a victory, what a story!!!

I was up and on my feet at many points in that match, hollering and cheering from my home...

Now THAT's what i call SOLID STORY STRUCTURE!!!

Wickid,
Miri
xxx

365 flicks - The Yes Man

Well - on Sunday night I celebrated my birthday in my favourite way - a picnic on the beach in the late afternoon overlooking balmoral and sydney harbour... With good swimming, fun games, good food, good wine (moscato) & great friends - Priceless.
After dinner, which we had on the balcony back home, we went to a movie The Yes Man.

Sooooooo much fun!

Now jim carry is an actor I fall in and put of love with (Eternal sunshine of a spotless mind is one of my all time favourite flicks). But this one I knew I wanted to see from the trailer. Good silly fun. I've done a fair bit of personal development in my time (Nlp, Landmark education, The Artists Way - great home course for getting back into creative flow) and I've both gotten HEAPS out of it And found myself frustrated by the organisation or the extreeme that it is taken to by some members... so I knew that I was going to love this film from all directions as long as it was done well.

What I learnt:
That u can take the joke to the ends of the earth, further than ur average audience member is comfortable with IF;
- u have 150% set up that chracters NEED to change
- those actors are willing to go ALL THE WAY for the truth of that moment in a completely ridiculous world

Also that u can fully show all the flaws in a way of life/argument AND still leave people with a subtle tale home which, if said yes to, will have a positive impact on their lives


I loved the kiwi actor from flight of conchords as the boss & the female lead was fantastic too - she is a really interesting actress to keep an eye on...

365 flicks - the Holiday - dir. by nancy meyers

 wow!!!
firstly I want to say - how cool is today's modern tech savvy world! I am typingthis blog straight from my iPhone to the net where u will read it some 100,000 of km away! That is indeed awesome and inspiring!

Now on sat night I needed some tlc - plus one of my best friends was staying over & she admitted she'd never seen this film. It's one of my all time favourite rom-com's and in my personal top five fav flicks! So I insisted we watch it!!!

What inspires me about this film:
The acting/writing/directing combo - these guys have created a film that really takes u ok the ride. The performances are fresh - they really listen and affect each other.

Jude Law was not my fav actor prior to this film - but esp for jude - he delivers a beautiful performance. Kate winslet has long been a favorite so no surprises that she is brilliant here too and jack black is always good value :)

What I learnt - nancy effortlessly takes u through a great story w fantastic dialogue. Sometimes those scenes are actually quite long - but she proves that length does not equal boring & huge budget action sequences/locations are not necessary to deliver a satisfying journey.

Love it - watch it, if u have't already!
Miri

365 - DAY TWO - INTERIORS by Woody Allen

Wow...

Now that was a stark contrast to Vicky Christina Barcelona. I had some warning from my inlaws....
What isolation.

There was this soundbite from the first few moments of the film about the central character, EVE, that said she had built an ice palace for all the characters to live in - and that is exactly what Woody and his team did, with the set, with the atmos sound, with the lighting, with the camera angles... everything seemed to be saying "No. You can't come close. You will never get close to me. This is MY story..."

Impressions: I don't think he had a single external shot in the entire first and second act! It was almost a shock when in the third act, a character walked out onto the beach and you saw fresh air on her skin.

It really demonstrated how much you could tell an audience from the 'interior', the landscape you had them inhabit. It was like the walls, the places they inhabited had become a character itself.

Favourite bit:
There was this gorgeous high angle shot through the banisters of the stairs, like a child looking on a couple in the eye of a storm, when they stop a fight for just a moment, to try to really listen to one another. Beautiful.

Another piece that really stuck with me was that gorgeous tracking shot where the sisters are talking as they walk along the beach and you see it all through a rickety, broken fence line along the sand dunes. So much character in that fence - I found it hard to focus on what the women were saying.

Also, the opening images were so powerful. They really set up the whole tone of the film. And a great monologue from the husband too.

What's it left me with:
Emptiness.

Interesting...

Thank you Allen. Fun to see a young Diane Keaton, among others. Love your work Di!
Miri

365 - DAY ONE - VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA

I'm starting with this movie because it was so... bizarre, quirky and unexpected.

I have a confession to make. I haven't watched a lot of Woody Allen in the past. I know, I know, you're probably saying " What? You call yourself a director and you haven't watched Woody Allen?" and you know what... this blog is probably going to be full such embarrassing little secrets get out... but hey - that's what 365 is all about!

So back to VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA:

First impressions: I have to say, I was NOT attracted to the story or the characters by the trailer. In fact, I had written it off as a story I would not like. And do you know why? Because I wasn't interested in some story about a guy who gets it off with three gorgeous women at once who each and every one of them could (clearly!) find someone better. That was my first reaction. And it was strong, I know!

But the fascinating thing about this movie was that although I continued to have that opinion, as the movie progressed I found myself able to simultaneously NOT like the choices that the character's made - nor the glib way in which woody approached it through his narration - and yet, little by little, despite myself, I found myself identifying with the characters. I felt empathy and sympathy for them. I didn't get LOST in them, as I have in the past - moved by their passions, tears and laughter etc etc - but I did grow to like them. To admire them. To feel for them.

And more importantly (for a comedy) I had a lot of fun watching it! In fact, I definitely think it's worth watching and a great, fun, quirky comedy. I recommend seeing it. I came out of the cinema and the first thing I did was call my best friend and tell her she Definitely had to see it.

It never left me in stitches - but almost every time he did a reveal or went for a comedic moment - I chuckled or laughed out right - sometimes more than those around me (again, something I'm rather notorious for - that and telling the characters off when they are clearly sabbotaging their chances of happiness/a good life etc etc) and once or twice, I groaned!

So all in all, a great movie.

What did I learn from Allen, the cast and the movie?
I learnt that you don't HAVE to loose yourself completely in a cimematic experience in order to enjoy it. I learnt that you could have a completely satisfying experience from a rolling chuckle. I learnt that sometimes, the comedy is in anticipating exactly what is going to happen next - even if you feel like there is a big magic marker arrow pointing to the trap/embarrassing moment/reversal the character is about to walk into.

I also noticed the performances from the three women were fluid and warmed to by all - if not rock your world deep and meaningful - but really solid. And enjoyable. Thoroughly enjoyable.

I also learnt that a director/writer can stamp their style, their voice into a piece so fully that even if you didn't know their work previously at all, you will come away, inexplicably thinking to yourself... geeez, that was SO Woody Allen.

I also came away thinking: I must see more of his body of work.

Pretty good result when I had a no-way-not-ever-just-not-my-type-of-story kind of reaction to the premise, huh?!

So DAY ONE was a success. I wonder what's next.

Miri
x

365 movies - the concept

Ok, firstly, let me introduce the concept.

I was talking to a photographer friend of mine and he said a phrase which I'm sure I've heard before, but for some reason, it stuck with me and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind since...

"What better way to get better at making movies than by watching them"

he was referring to also watching the Special Features and especially any interviews with the filmmakers themselves - be they the writers/directors or producers.

Now I've always had a bit of a love affair with watching movies.

I wouldn't say so far it's been an addiction... but I have the sneaking suspicion that that is only because I haven't fully given myself over to it (as opposed to coffee which I can't stop drinking since I came back from my recent italian viaggio)

And then a couple of days ago I had this idea.... I am committed to making movies. Like, I have given my life to it as surely as I have given my life to my partner and fiancee who I am about to marry in, oh, about 7 weeks! AND I know that in some areas I have a natural talent, a flair and a passion and that is starting to get out and about to people in the industry... but I still feel that I have A LOT to learn. No, correct that, I KNOW I've got EVERYTHING to learn!

And I had this idea.... what if I watched ONE movie EVERY DAY for a YEAR???
How much more would I know by a year's time?
How many more works by directors I love and director's I've as yet not heard of would I have been able to see? Worlds I would have encountered? Characters would I have discovered that titilated, disgusted, intrigued, made me fall in love with...

And ever since that nasty little possibility slid into my brain in the shower... I have not been able to throw it out. I forget about it, I think about other things, become absorbed in my writing, watch a movie on tv... and then, out of nowhere, it comes BAM.
How good would that be???

But I didn't jump on it straight away because I was scared. I was nervous of declaring this crazy intention to the world. Beginning a blog, doing it for a while and then life coming along and all my good intentions might get submerged by the benal, the important, the other things...

and today, on cheap tuesday while my partner was playing ultimate frisbee, I went to VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA and I couldn't help thinking... that would be a great movie to start this experiment on. Coz it was so... unexpected. Bizarre. Quirky....

So let's start.
Today is DAY ONE of 365. The movie is Vicky Christina Barcelona, directed and written by Woody Allen.

Inspiration and tinklings of movie magic coming your way,
Miri

www.lunarwolfproductions.com

Plugging into Source during the pre-holiday madness!

Wow, the holidays are really coming up fast, aren't they?

I've been blown away by how busy I am this year in the lead up to the holidays. I've also had the realisation that filmmakers don't really do 'holidays' - that just becomes time to really get stuck in to your film projects while everything else lies low!
lol

Having been experiencing an amazing sense of abundance, it's also been coupled with an increasing experience of stress... I don't know about you, but the 'to-do-list' this year seems to be a drop down menu stretching to infinity!

So, in lieu of the fact, that yes - life is fast; yes, there is no time like the present; and yes, we should get on top of everything while we can.... I have also been mindful to take TIME OUT to bring myself back to Source.

I don't know what Source is for you. Now, I don't mean christmas pudding sauce - but the Source where your job is only to plug in. But for me it is:
Walks on the Beach,
Walks on the Headland,
Walks in the Bush...

It is also:
Swimming in the Ocean,
Diving off the pier at Balmoral Beach,
Snorkling around the Foreshore,
and getting Tumbled in the Sydney Surf...

It is Travelling to Exotic Lands - by imagination or in reality...
(having grown up in NZ and living in Sydney, my dream is of a white christmas! for you it might be stretched out on tropical beaches)
It is Dreaming of future projects and then living inside the skin of the characters, stretching out into the tendons and thoughts and dreams of a whole new person...
It is watching Movies - new films, old films, films I've seen a million times...
Scrapbooks and Dreamwalls, Colouring pencils and scissors, Playing at the beach with my neices and nephews, Writing in a diary, Writing a blog, getting out into my community with a Stills Camera or even getting in the car and driving to someone elses community to see theirs...

But whatever it is for you... at the busiest time in life, there is always time to get back to Source.

Source fills up the well. Source opens the synapses to intuition and creative impulse.... I don't know about you, but for me, Source keeps me Sane.

So, instead of getting fully tumbled by the stress of pre-holiday madness, work deadlines and shopping lists... Why not take a few minutes out of your day for YOU and PLUG IN TO YOUR SOURCE :)

Love Miri
from Lunar Wolf Productions...


Here's a picture of a sand sculpture made by a guy who was preparing for corporate team building event he runs...




My partner and I caught sight of it in the early stages while we went for a swim... I was lucky enough to catch this shot of the final product when I was taking a TIME OUT later that day, treating myself to a walk along the beach. Magical, isn't it?! I don't know about you, but it makes me want to get out a bucket and trowel and start building!!!

10 Hot Tips on Headshots for Actors

Mirina Leonti
Actress
Headshot Example 1
This is a general Headshot I use a lot - it's great coz it's multi-purpose. I look relaxed, happy - and real. This IS what I look like when I laugh! So it's a really nice 'Casual Me' shot.
It's what that producer or casting director will get when I walk through the door.

In this blog I've included some of my recent headshots. Needless to say, I love these pics! I'd love you to tell me which are your favourites too and don't forget to say why!!

To all the Actor's out there:

Headshots are very important.

An essential part of the Actor's Professional ToolKit.

They are your first port of call for casting directors, directors and producers who are interested in casting you in a production.

In my time, I have had some brilliant headshots done and some not-so-brilliant headshots. In fact, ones that quite frankly, made me cringe! I've also experienced disagreements with my agent as to which headshots to use and which headshots not to use. I've paid $1000s of dollars on headshots only to be dissappointed because none of them turned out the way I wanted them to or I looked uncomfortable and not myself. The worst is when you see some great shots of your acting friends that have had their headshots done by an amateur (but brilliant) friend-photographer. They look relaxed, happy and in that moment it seems like the essence of your friend - whether it's impish, sexy innocent, loving, dominant, strong, jock-ish, old and wise - has been captured in that one shot... It's so unfair!!

But the truth is - any one can get great shots done. You have to find the right photographer, you have to be realistic and work WITHIN your means (I mean financially) and you have to have a vision that you are comfortable and an environment to take them in that you feel relaxed, playful and creative (after all - you are an actor - and your best work is when your creative self is at play!)

So, whether you are getting your shots done by a professional or if you are getting them done by a helpful, talented friend with a digital camera, there are some very basic and simple steps that you should do EVERY TIME to ensure you have a successful shoot and you get the Headshots that YOU want.

I know, I've learnt the hard way and spent a lot of money on shots that I couldn't use or cringed every time I saw...and I don't need to tell you that there is nothing worse as an actor than feeling you have to apologise or make excuses for your stuff - and, having been on the other side of the equation as a casting director and director, I can ensure you there is nothing worse or more tedious for the person you are talking to either! Death to the cringe-factor I say! Get your toolkit right so you can be PROUD of WHO YOU ARE and YOUR WORK!

Mirina Leonti

Actress
Headshot Example 2
This is a specific headshot - I don't use it very much, unless I'm going for a minxy-role. It shows I can do sexy, but as that's not my fortee - (it's not my usual ARCHETYPE CASTING) - it's not appropriate to use this one as my standard headshot. Even though it's a great shot. It's fun. But for the most part, this one doesn't look like 'ME' when I walk through the door. That's a really important part of a Headshot. You are selling you. So you'd better look the 'you' you sold them in the Headshot when you do walk into the casting room!

Here are some useful tips for when you are getting your headshots done:

1) BE IMAGINITIVE. RESEARCH and BE PREPARED. So when you are there at the shoot - you have done all the planning you need to do and your job is only to RELAX and HAVE FUN!

DESIGN, DESCRIBE and PLAN your perfect headshots in your mind - on paper - BEFORE you have your headshots done. LOOK at other actors headshots - preferably ones you admire and look up to. Ask Industry Members (your agent, casting directors, acting teacher, acting friends etc) WHAT DO THEY LOOK FOR IN A HEADSHOT? WHAT MAKES ONE STAND OUT?

Make a vision board or scrap book - cut out looks that are similar to what you are going for and stick it in beside the designs you have made to further feed your imagination and to further clarify what you want from the professionals who are going to PARTNER YOU to produce the result you are happy with.

Once you have your design and vision board/scrapbook:
Talk it over with your photographer (if you know who that is yet), your agent, your acting friends, any casting directors or professionals you know. Communicate your vision, express how you see yourself and what you want to present to the industry and take on the feedback you get when it feels right.

Now this is the preliminary stage - so, there is no room for self sabbotage here! - make sure you use only the people you trust and value the opinion of in the industry - PLEASE NO BLUDGEONING yourself over the head by asking those people who are negative or believe the industry gone to hell or think that if they can't make it you won't make it. You don't need to go there! You probably have enough doubts in your head without adding theirs!

In other words, CHOOSE your mentors and friends carefully - those that you can acknowledge when they are giving valuable feedback or criticism - and ALWAYS ALWAYS check in with yourself to sense if it feels right or sounds right, that you can understand the value of what they are saying or if you can see that what they are saying MAKES SENSE to YOU.
You are the only one you have to answer to when you are lying in bed at night.

And try to let go of that old defensiveness that comes up automatically when you do get a good piece of challenging feedback... Try it on for a bit. Test it out. You'll know soon enough if it was good advice or not. Trust yourself to try on new ways of thinking. It'll only make your sense of what you want for yourself more robust.

Get savvy. You are an actor. You are selling Yourself. This is a business. It's about putting forward the strongest, most fabulous, most accessible, most SELL-able YOU!

Mirina Leonti

Actress
Headshot Example 3
This is a great headshot and one I use a lot. I am a character actor. I often work in Drama, or if in comedy, I'm the straight-guy in the buddy combo that the whacky comedian-type actor plays off. I look serious. I look present. I am up for something. There's a lot going on in my backstory. It's great as as alternative to eg 1 as a multi-purpose but again, it's ME and it's the ME that is ready to play and go to the serious/dark places.
(you know, it's quite weird talking this out with you - but I'm learning a lot from it too!
And if you don't agree, then I definitely want to hear your take on it too!)

Now this next one was a real kicker when I first heard it - and unfortunately, no I did not come up with this idea - but as soon as I heard it it was like someone had smacked me in the head, it was so obvious!

2) INTERVIEW your photographer BEFORE you do your shoot.

Hey guys, I don't know if this is a news flash for you, but it certainly was for me! YOU (the actor) are EMPLOYING the photographer (no matter how famous or how fabulous they are) to do YOUR PROFESSIONAL SHOTS. You are spending your hard earned cash on a professional arrangement. So get professional.

These photos are going to be YOUR calling card in the Industry. You wanna walk out of that shoot with Headshots tucked under your arm that you feel you can march into the industry battleground with "Yea. This is who I am. This is what I got. You want some of this?!"
In other words, I want you to LOVE what these headshot show and say about you, who you really are, the kind of work you are up for and how you know, you are a hot, SELL-ABLE product that that casting director/producer/director WANTS to snatch off the shelf as fast as possible!

Mirina Leonti

Actress
Headshot Example 4
Again, good, shows the serious actress. It's a 'strong' image. I call this my 'Regal Shot'. It's good if I'm going to a strong female character - maybe a career woman or a willful daughter or student who is going to break out from what's expected or the status quo... Someone who is a bit fiesty, independent, educated (probably higher social economic background), intelligent, ready to fight or stand up to people for what she believes... See how fun this is?! Always think with your casting hat on - put yourself in their shoes.
How do you OCCUR to people in this headshot?
What kind of character immediately springs to mind?
What type of movie or role could you do from this character?
What type of movie would not be suitable?
There is no way I'd put this in for a "SPOOF Comedy" type film, is there? Unless there was a character that was on a very high horse and the comedy or character arc was going to be about seeing her fall off her perch! I am also reminded by this headshot that I have to be careful not to put forward the image of taking myself too seriously!

3) PLAN YOUR OUTFIT --- DAYS in ADVANCE!!!
You remember those trusted few that are your very special inner circle. Set up a date with one or two friends who you feel most get your vision for your headshots and do a WARDROBE CHECK.
There is nothing worse that that old self-sabbotage mechanism, after all that hard work of planning your shots, interviewing your photographers and finding your perfect professional to work with etc etc - than the last minute panick on the morning of the shoot when you scream in desperation to the gods "BUT I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO WEAR!!!"
Don't fall into this trap. Make a date at least a few days - preferrably a WEEK in advance - and PLAN your outfit.
Also, when you are showing your plan to your photographer, before you do the shoot, ask them for advice. They often know what sort of thing will look great in photos. And yes, it matters about what type of photos you are doing. Some outfits look great in black and white, others will look great in colour and some will work for both.

and when you do go to your shoot - BRING MANY CHOICES. Plan your outfits (PLURAL) and make sure you have lots of interchangeable things - as you may find that on the day, you need to change the look and you want to have plenty there to choose from.

Mirina Leonti
Actress
Headshot Example 5
This one is sweet. But again, I wouldn't use it as the main photo. Could be in my complimentary photos. But the main thing about this photo that DOESN'T work as a HEADSHOT, is that you CAN'T SEE MY EYES.
And as you know, an actor's eyes are their life. Especially on camera.
Especially in a Headshot - when the Casting Director or Producer is trying to get a feel for WHO YOU ARE and WHAT YOU CAN DO
or
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THIS STORY/CHARACTER.

4) THINK ABOUT HAIR AND MAKEUP.

Now, you may be able to afford to have a personal stylist at your headshot shoot who will take care of everything. You may choose to go to your hairdresser that morning and have your hair cut and styled. You may want to just have it blowdryed. You may be planning to do it at home.

If you are doing it at home - PRACTISE. Make sure you've done once or twice already in the style you want to have it. Call your hairdresser and ask for advice (eg how many days before should I wash, is there a particular product I can use to reduce the 'frizz' etc) Call a professional you know who is a trained beauty stylist or just an actor that is really good at doing their own makeup that you know. If it's someone you know (and TRUST!), ask them to come over and help you design the look and teach you how to do it. In this case, if it's a look you are just learning, DEFINITELY make sure you have PRACTISED doing it before the day. You know how it is when you have nerves. The more automatic it is, the better!

If you decide to use a professional - MAKE SURE you have communicated your vision. Show them your vision board / scrapbook (this is something you can continue adding to right up to your shoot, so you can include any images or looks and styles that they suggest too). If you can afford to, it would be a good idea to do a practise BEFORE the day. So you can look at what they do and offer any further suggestions or changes that you would like.

Mirina Leonti

Actress
Headshot Example 6
It's funny. I could use this one. It's quite good. But somehow, I just don't like it. It's a bit flat somehow.
It's a solid shot. I look pretty. Whimsical...
Maybe it's just that I don't see myself as a particularly pretty or whimsical person! But it's a good example of where I should get feedback from others. Perhaps they will see something that I don't...

5) ON THE NIGHT BEFORE: PLAN A RELAXED EVENING!

Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT have a big party or work social gathering the night before your headshots. If you get tense at certain things - DEFEND your night - do not let other people add something in that will make you tense (eg family gathering at the in-laws, meeting important clients of you boss at work - you know what it is for you, just don't do it. Defend your space for a night that's right for you)

PLAN a night for you. Whatever makes you feel relaxed, comfortable and happy. It may be, buying a bunch of cheap candels from the $2 shop, some perfumed bath salt and having a nice long bath listening to your favourite CD. It may be hiring a bunch of favourite funny or inspiring movies (inspiring in an uplifting way, not heavy or make-you-cry type - you don't want to have red rings around your eyes or blood shot eyes the next day, no matter how moved you felt at the time!). It may be having a quiet dinner with your boyfriend at your local favourite restaurant or meeting a girls for a couple of quiet drinks. But WHATEVER it is, make sure it's FOR YOU. And that you set yourself up for a nice, comforting, relaxing evening of self-love.
You wanna feel good about yourself going into the next day, ok? Set yourself up for a win. I know you can.
And one last vital ingredient in the night before: GO TO BED EARLY! Even if you don't feel tired, go to bed and listen to some relaxing music or read for a bit. Believe me when I say - YOU NEED A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP!

Mirina Leonti
Actress
Headshot Example 7
This is a good solid multi-purpose shot. I've used it quite a lot actually.
I look natural. Relaxed. I even look a bit daggy - which is also very me.
I like Example 1 better though. I think it's because of the lighting and tone colour of my skin. I've got Italian origins, so my skin is quite naturally olive.
But it's just a personal preference. Both of these do nicely for multi-purpose Headshot.

6) ON THE DAY: GET UP EARLY.

That's right. Set your alarm clock and when it goes off, be strong, swing your legs over the side of the bed, sit up, drink some water and go put on the kettle! The best way to be relaxed and calm in the shoot is to have everything prepared and so get up with plenty of time - so you can sail through what you have left to do before the shoot.

Mirina Leonti
Actress
Headshot Example 8
Here's an example of one I DON'T use. I just don't feel comfortable putting this out there as the 'me'. I look like I'm apologising for myself. Cringe-factor. Now I've had people tell me it's a nice shot.
But in terms of castability and who walks through the door, I know that using this Headshot would NOT be a match for who walks through the door. I've got more gumption than that - as you've seen in the other shots!

7) GET TO THERE 1/2 hour BEFORE the SHOOT.

Just like getting up early, this is you PLANNING and setting yourself up for a WIN. So no matter what happens, if (god forbid) something goes wrong with the car on the way there and you have to get a taxi etc etc YOU HAVE TIME UP YOUR SLEEVE to deal with whatevers come up and STILL GET THERE ON TIME.

These next 3 are OLD headshots. A couple of years old. I thought I'd put them up for a comparison.

Mirina Leonti
Actress
Headshot Example 9

Mirina Leonti
Actress
Headshot Example 10

Mirina Leonti
Actress
Headshot Example 11
The first two are ok. They are what I used for a long time in the industry. So it just goes to show, you can get good shots, even if you don't use the steps I'm laying out here.
But you will not have had the experience of CREATING yourself that is one of the rich and special things that you get to do as an Actor! So why waste the opportunity to get in there and mould the career you want?!
Now back to the shots - the 3rd is a YIKES. As I said. Old shots. I was nervous. I didn't have a plan. I didn't communicate what I wanted to the photographer. And...I used to take myself VERY seriously - as you can tell - and it shows in that third shot.
But does that look like a person you'd want to work with? No!!! I wouldn't have wanted to work with the me that is in that headshot either!
I've changed. People change.
This is why it's important that you change your headshots too! When I did these, I was pretty new out of Drama School and I have to tell you - this was an example of NOT feeling completely comfortable and leaving the job to someone else (my agent and the professional photographer - after all, THEY were the professionals right?! WRONG!)
Me. I am the actor.
I am the one out there selling ME.
Even my agent can only sell ME.
So I'd better know which ME or have a vision for the ME that I want to put out there, the kind of roles I want to get and WORK WITH the professionals who are on my team.
Not leave the job up to them and hope for the best!

BTW This strategy works perfectly if blaming others for the lack of success when you fail is what you are going for. This is the perfect road to go down. It works.
You will be able to say it's not your fault, they weren't what you wanted anyway, your agent just doesn't understand you, the photographer was really cold, your hairdresser didn't get it right, your boyfriends' a bastard coz he wouldn't let you buy that top that you KNOW would have looked so much better... etc

But ultimately, you're only going to be cheating yourself. Cheating yourself of the opportunity to act in productions that challenge and inspire you. Your an actor right? So ACT!!!

8) LET IT ALL GO and PLAY!

Once your are in the shoot, you got to put all that planning aside, all the whizzing brain ideas, all the judgements and self consciousness, you have to bundle up in a ball and throw out the window. Or pack it into a suitcase and leave all that baggage AT THE DOOR as you enter the studio. It'll still be there if you need it. You can pick it up on your way out. But for now, now that you are in the shoot, LET IT ALL GO. Be Presnt. Focused. Relax and Play. Try things out. Experiment. Be Playful. It a great game - it's called "You do the photos and I'll be the model" - you probably played it when you were a kid with your first disposable camera! It's your game - if you don't like how it's going, don't be afraid to speak up. Ask for a break. Tell the photographer what you think, or what you want to go for next. Talk to him or her - they are there to help you. They want you to walk out of that studio with exciting, hot headshots too. So you tell all your friends so lots of people come to them too. They want to do a good job for you. So be in communication and give them feedback.


9) WHEN YOU GET YOUR SHOTS BACK... SPEND SOME TIME CHOOSING THE PICK OF THE LOT
Headshots are changing these days - like everything else - with the invention of these new technologies like Digital SLRs. Many professional photographers use them - but some still work on film. If they do work with digital, then you may already have been able to see the raw work at the shoot. But regardless, once you get the proof sheet or when you get the CD to look through of the first cut of the photos from your photographer, you now need to take a deep breath and SLOW DOWN. The photographer can wait. They will probably like you to make a decision as quickly as possible as they will want to print/work on enhancing (if digital) the photos that you want as soon as possible. But YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT to TAKE YOUR TIME to make the right decision for you.

Spend some time looking at them and choosing your favourites. Then take it to you trusted inner circle and ask for their opinions. Once your are happy with that selection, take it to the professionals that you work with (they are your partners after all) eg Talent Agent, Director/Teacher and get their opinion.

Once you have taken it all on board, bring your selection back to the photographer. Discuss it with him or her too. They may also have great ways of looking at it that you hadn't seen before to. So be open whilst remaining clear on your vision and what you want.

10) WHAT TO DO IF YOU HATE EVERY ONE.

a) BE GENTLE. Do Something NICE for yourself.
You know what, I have been there. And it hurts. So first things first. Acknowledge your grief. The creative child will probably be quite upset. Do something nice for yourself. Be kind adn gentle with yourself. YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME. No one is. Most likely, there will be something to learn from this experience but for right now, just be KIND and GENTLE on yourself until you've dealth with initial disappointment.

b) SALVAGE WHAT YOU CAN.

Once you've had a fews days to get some perspective REVISIT the photos.
Is there anything you can salvage? Could you use some of the shots?
Take them to a couple of friends in your inner circle and ask their opinion. Listen to it. They may see something you don't see. That why they are good friends.

c) GET BACK ON THE HORSE.

Regardless if there is or isn't anything you can salvage and turn into a win, you need to work out what specifically you did not like about these shots, the shoot itself, the people you worked with, how you set up and prepared for the shoot etc.
i) BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.
WHAT COULD YOU DO DIFFERNTLY NEXT TIME TO GET A BETTER RESULT?

Be honest with yourself. First look at what did you do that you can change or be more effective in in the planning and set up stage or during the shoot.

ii) NOW LOOK AT WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE DONE DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME TO GET A BETTER RESULT.
Then look at what you felt the photographer or other professionals could have done differently or how you would like it to be next time to get the outcome you want.
Find a way to communicate this without blame. Blaming the other person will not help. It will cause automatic defensiveness from the other person and you will not get the outcome you want.
Remember, YOU hired THEM. If they did not produce what you want, likely the chance is that they would actually prefer to KNOW and hear how THEY COULD IMPROVE TOO.

iii) DECIDE WHAT'S NEXT?
You may want to try a different photographer.
You may need to use a different environment for you to shoot in.
You may want to play around at home with a friend for a bit to be comfortable in front of the camera.

There will be hundreds of options once you have dealt with first your upset, gotten perspective and looked objectively at the result to salvage what you can, and then communicated what didn't work for you with the other people involved. From having looked at honestly what you could have done differently to cause a new outcome, you will already have some options and new resources that you can try out and tap into. So start with those first.

THE MAIN THING IS - not matter the result - DO NOT GIVE UP.
This is you, learning about your craft. Learning about presenting yourself to others. And building the kick-ass Actor's Tool Kit that will help you sell yourself to the industry.
So GET BACK ON THE HORSE and CONTINUE TO PLAY!

Here are some examples of what you can do with a home-grown digital camera
or a nicely positioned web-cam and a comfortable you...

Mirina Leonti
Actress
Home-grown Headshot Example 12

Mirina Leonti
Actress
Home-grown Headshot Example 13

Mirina Leonti

Actress
Home-grown Headshot Example 14
Not too bad right? These are just some examples of me playing around home.

Now just in case you think I'm one of those people who always loved the camera coz I'm an actor and an extrovert and I've pranced in front of it since I was knee-high to a grasshopper... WRONG! When I was younger and wanted to be an actress I knew I was good. I knew I was talented. Who cared what I look like? People in the Industry would look past all that, they'd look at my CV, see I'd gone to Drama School and was pro-active, doing things in the industry and give me an audition, right??! WRONG again!
Think about it from the Producer or Casting Director's side...
They know HUNDREDS of actors in Sydney alone. And those are probably just their personal friends in the industry. THEN as a professional, for each and every production, they get 100s if not 1000s (if we are talking high-profile feature film) of actors submitted for each project... What makes you think they have time to look at your showreel or your CV if they don't first see something in that Headshot that makes them WANT TO SEE MORE?!
I used to be - and sometimes still am - REALLY NERVOUS in photos! Like ugly duckling. I can't tell you how many terrible shots there are floating about in cyberspace, on facebook and eternally frozen in family albums of me looking terrible!! Ask my fiancee. He knows.
When people poke a camera at me I generally freeze. I go all self-conscious and I often get this really stuck-weird-grin on my face!
But getting professional headshots done - and generally even having your photo taken one in which you end up looking natural and happy - is a SKILL. A LEARNED SKILL.
Sure there is the odd one-in-a-million person there who is so photogenic that they have never had a terrible shot taken of them in their life... but I promise you, most of those gorgeous actor friends or models you know that seem to always turn up looking beautiful in party photos have PRACTISED many MANY times. In front of a mirror, taking photos of themselves, having photos taken with others. They take 100s and 100s. And if you really sat down and looked through all the shots taken, you would find some where they don't look perfect either.
The trick is - TAKE MANY.
FOCUS ON SOMETHING - your friend pulling a funny face - the hot boy in the corner of the room that's just looked up and is sort of smiling at you...
Or if you are in a professional situation - REMEMBER something.
Think of SOMEONE.
GET INTO A CHARACTER.
Anything - to have an INNER LIFE that is rich and vibrant and ALIVE.
The camera sees it.
WE see it when we look at the shot.
In fact, we don't just see it - we LOOK for it.
And here's a NEWSFLASH FOR YOU:
We WANT you to TELL US a STORY!
I've said it before. I'll say it again. You're an actor right?! So ACT!!!

11) PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FIRST!
Know your best side!

THINK ABOUT IT LIKE YOU ARE SELLING CHOCOLATE or A FANTASTIC RANGE OF CLOTHES or a COOL NEW CAR.

YOU are your business. You are an actor. You are SELLING YOU. You are also choosing what you want to sell yourself AS. You are putting the YOU out there that you want to share with the world and that the audience (and therefore the producers, casting directors, directors etc) wants to BUY.

Now that you've got your kick ass Headshots, you gotta get them out there!

It's important that you go out and TEST and MARKET your Product. Maybe try putting them online - somewhere private, but that you can direct people to. Then send the link to your friends, family, random people, people you've just met at a party or on facebook. Communicate your vision - what purpose you want these headshots to fulfill - and ask them for feedback. Do they achieve that? What impression do they get? Which do they automatically like/dis-like? etc

Basically, you have to practise PITCHING YOURSELF to the world and take on the feedback that will help you REFINE your product so it is the most GRAB-ABLE! Getting headshots done is a process you will go through many, many times as an actor. And each time it is an opportunity to REINVENT yourself. So have fun with it. Build up the rest of your Actor's Tool Kit around your vision and how you are branding yourself.

Remember:
You want to be so hot on the shelf (or casting website) that you won't stay up there for long!

Looking forward to your feedback on my headshots,
Miri
Actor / Director / Writer
from Luanr Wolf Productions

PS Most of these fabulous Headshots were done by a very talented professional photographer MAX DIAMOND - who is now a personal friend. It just goes to show, you can find a professional that really does get who you are, what your vision is, and what you want to show.
My fiancee and I even used him for our engagement photos... but that's for another time!
You can check out his website at:
http://maxdiamond.org/