Every good story has its twists and turns. Its highs and lows. Last week, for our story, it was the highs of Youngest Son (and I) doing a screen test and then an audition for the ad.
Yesterday there was a momentary low as they rang me to say “You didn’t get the role” - and then things lifted instantly as they added “But you did get a Featured Extra role for [slightly less obscene amount of money for 2 days 'work'].”
So that’s cool right? I’ll be in a commercial, I’ll get my 3.45 seconds of fame, I’ll have some cash to pay off the credit card and take my family to all the cool movies coming out this month: Indi 4, Batman 2, Hulk 2, Narnia 2, etc etc…..
But.
The low.
It cometh today…
… as we realised that we got no callback for Youngest Son, who was the one who was originally going for this thing with me playing taxi driver and chaperone. And we won’t be getting that callback at this late stage.
I gotta say, I’m really really bummed. He apparently spoke a little about it with Lady Ninja on the way home and is discouraged about acting.
I’ve been out training all day and got home around bedtime. He didn’t bring it up with me and I didn’t want to bring up a sour subject right at bedtime. The thing of it is, he’s a great actor, really natural. He just doesn’t get the opportunity to let that light shine.
I’d like him to still share in this, because he’s responsible for getting me the gig!!!!!!!!!!!! And I hate seeing my little bloke’s hopes dashed. I don’t feel guilty, just sad for him.
Any suggestions on how I can make it up to him folks?
6 responses so far ↓
Jonathan // May 22, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Tough blow for youngest son. I don’t know if there is anything to do outside of reminding him that almost all actors have many, many, casting calls where they don’t receive callbacks. If it were easy, there would be a lot more actors.
And show him you believe in him, perhaps make a call to the casting agency asking for any other auditions.
And perhaps he will have to go with a stage name that isn’t so Science-fictiony. It kind of limits his roles.
Pete // May 23, 2008 at 7:59 am
Yes, Twiki may have undermined his credibility in retrospect.
Thanks J., there’s some good ideas I will follow through on there.
MadCow // May 23, 2008 at 9:00 am
Pete, is he back with an agent?? Maybe that could also show you have belief in his ability?
(and do some serious damage to your credit card :D)
Or enrol him in out of school drama classes or something, if he’s not already.
And what Jonathan said
As for you getting a role and him not, involve him where you can, ask him for tips and get him to do your makeup on the day. That should make him feel much better.
Congrats, by the way
jonathan // May 23, 2008 at 9:14 am
Twiki, would definitely limited his roles. Especially, since the big trend seems to be in Fantasy. (Seeker, The Golden Compass, LOTR, Narnia, Harry Potter, even the “Wizard” from the t-mobile commercials.) I think he should give it a new go with a more Fantastical name.
Can’t go wrong with Gandalf or Mr. Frodo
BTW… I have told my wife that from now on I will be referred to as “O’ Pippengered One”
Pete // May 23, 2008 at 10:52 am
@ Mad Cow: I’ll ask him for tips. That’s a great bit of advice! (I’m compiling a list here folks).
I don’t think we’ll go back to an agent yet. We’re gently trying to persuade him to audtion for a minor role in Oliver down here on the Peninsula. We think he will shine more in a live setting where he has audience feedback. (he has performed several times with a choir and with a kids theatre group as part of the ensemble).
@ The Pippengered One: lol!
Katy // May 24, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Are there community theaters in your area? Try out for those roles, they are generally easier to get. No money in it, but great confidence builder and a chance to exercise his gifts for the benefit of others to enjoy.
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