#100daysofselftaping

What can you do in 100 days of creating? This question was posed by a friend of mine. Well, really it was someone on the internet. But the challenge was taken up by the wonderful Charissa, a friend of mine from Seattle, now living and working in LA. She decided that for 100 days she would put something down on film. I followed her progress through instagram and other social media platforms, and I have to admit I was really impressed. And inspired. 

Why couldn't I do that?

So here I am, following in her footsteps. Thank you, Charissa, for the inspiration. I have decided that I will complete the #100daysofselftaping! Today was day three. I am going to work on it in conjunction with my daily writing goals as well. I think the two will go nicely hand in hand. 

Over these 100 days I think I will learn a ton. Mostly though, I want to become much more comfortable in front of the camera. I have been a stage actor all of my life, and I really want to branch out. I did a few short films earlier this year, and had an absolute blast. Really, I just want to make sure I am as versatile as I can possibly be. Film work pays good money. And, more and more the television being produced is smart and interesting, the sort of work that I would love to be involved with. 

Increasingly, even stage casting briefs ask for submissions from actors with show reels. I do not have one. I have been meaning to get one for a while, but it is a difficult task. It is nearly impossible to get cast in any sort of film project without having a reel already. And, while I have done a few short films, I have not amassed enough footage to create a full reel. There are companies you can pay to film one for you. However, these full service reels are incredibly expensive. To top it off there is no guarantee that the results will be any good. There are many acting on camera classes available across London. I have taken a few, and I plan on attending more. However, these also cost money. So I have been trying to figure out ways to maximize the results for the money that I will have to put in. This project, I hope, will be one way of doing that.

I have already experienced a few of the obstacles that I will face over these next 100 days. One of these is finding material, I have turned to the internet to help me with this task, but I know it will be a struggle. Another is that I don't have experience with the business - I have only been in for one commercial casting, and I have limited experience on a film set. Hopefully the classes that I take will be able to help with this. 

I know I will come across many others before my 100 days are done. For now though, I am excited. Who knows where this could lead!