Showing posts with label Elliot Loves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elliot Loves. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
I LOVE ELLIOT LOVES & ELLIOT LOVES ME!!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Lights, Camera...wait, wait more...no wait one more minute! ACTION Part 2
Lunch was a pretty nice time to chat with one another. Waseem, cast for my video as my boyfriend, was ironically cast to be my husband in Elliot Loves. The ongoing joke was that he went from boyfriend to husband in a matter of weeks! LOL...if only it were that way in real life...but then again, that's just fine. Usually people who marry too soon break up just as fast too. We had a great conversation about religion. I have always found it fascinating to discuss spiritual matters...I am a Christian; he is Muslim. And it doesn't bother me one bit! There are two things we are taught in life to never discuss: politics and religion. I don't have a problem discussing either, and that's because I made a promise to myself a long time ago that I would NEVER force my beliefs onto someone else in the same fashion that I'd hate someone doing that to me. I respect other people's spiritual beliefs, and when I don't understand, I don't accuse them of being crazy - I don't proclaim there is only one right way, I simply choose to respect it, and ask as many questions as I can. And I can tell that, in spite of Waseem being raised to believe differently, he treated me the same way, and we had a very enlightening conversation. And Dalia, who plays Aunt Denise, was so great to me as well, asking me, "Judy, why aren't you on Broadway?" When I explained to her that I didn't have a casting agent and was not a member of the Equity union, she replied, "So! You're Judy Torres! Stick around me, honey, I"ll help you." Everyone was just so good to me!! But I've digressed....
So after lunch we returned to hair and makeup for touch up before we continued on with the dinner scene. It would be a long scene and simulatneously one of the most emotional ones. I was looking forward to it, and I was also nervous about it. In this scene I had three lines...and I was PROUD of those three lines!!! I confess to wishing it was more, but the same way I "paid my dues" in my music career, and did over 150 free shows before even getting paid, I had no problem paying my dues here...Truth is I am BLESSED to even be cast at all!
Javier was applying make up and then...Ouch. Ooh. Damn...What IS that?! Hair and make up were being applied in the backyard to make necessary room for the indoor scenes. But the sun was going down, and we were very close to water...and that could only mean one thing: (insert scary music here with a scream). Dah, dah dah!!! AAAAHHH!!! - MOSQUITOES out having a buffet on me. I was under attack. The owner of the house told us he was growing basil, and we were welcome to rub it on our skin, as it acts as a natural bug repellent. So now I was all done up, looking fabulous with 5 mosquito bites, including one very close to the bottom of my foot, and I was ready to do my thing, lol.
All the actors were ready. We were all on set. The woman who was playing the Abuela (grandmother) had a look on her face that said, "Oh, honey, you think this is taking long? You ain't seen nothing yet!" LOL. She reminds me of that one woman in your family that speaks with her eyes...she need not say one word, but she has that one look that can bring a person to her knees with fear. Marking the lighting to get it just so, was SO time consuming. I don't know how long we waited there, but I can tell you this much: we were all hot, we were all tired, but we were all determined to get it done, and get it done well. Finally, we were all at the dining table, and we took our spots. We ran through the scene a couple of times, and the director warned us that it would be long; there would be many takes, and there would be extra takes in order to get certain actors' expesssions, and to capture certain angles. All in all I can say, I was humbled, and I will NEVER watch a movie in the same way ever again.
"And.....pause....pause...ACTION!
The scene began. It was so much fun watching all of us feed off each others' reactions and body language. For a moment, I had a sort of out of body expience, and I was mesmerized watching Elaine Del Valle (Aunt Carmen) and Elena Goode (Ma) act...the scene is very tense as one sister is basically embarrassing the other, not out of spite, but out of love. Either way it was seriously compelling to watch how honestly their tears hung from the eyes, and it made me remember what filming the Stay video felt like on day two. I looked around the table, and I was just proud to be part of it...and I was freaking HOT!! I was sweating, lol. In the scene, the family is celebrating Abuela's brithday and we all had a piece of cake at the beginning of the scene. All I can say is that we filmed over and over again so many times for so many different reasons, that when we were done, there was barely any cake left on anyone's plate. And then we finally heard "And that's a wrap!!!"" There was applause and then there was relief, and then there was sadness. I was immediately brought back to memories in high school and college on the closing night of a show. We all cried because it was over...the late night rehearsals, the laughter shared with fellow cast members...the hectic schedule. And although it is always promised that you'll all keep in touch, it is exremely rare. So for a moment, I felt sort of what-do-I-do-now-with myself???
As I was leaving I thanked everyone, and got all my stuff together...Gary Terracino, the director, cried, "Good work, Judy..you're a natural." "Thank you!!' I replied...and I have to be honest. Here is where I fail myself: I wondered if he really meant it...not because I thought he was lying to me, but because I wasn't too sure or myself as an actress - I never have been - and it was hard to hear. "Abuela" asked me for a ride into the city and I obliged. It gave me a chance to speak with her...I have no idea how old she is, but I'd guess 50's, perhaps even 60's, but this woman has her act together, honey! She looks great, has a body of a woman in her 30s, and just exudes extreme confidence. I had to pick her brain. I found out she's NEVER married - no children either.I asked her if she ever thought she'd marry, and she said with that look in her eye, lol: "No! Never!" She explained ot me that she is an extremely busy actress and believes it would be unfair to anyone to be involved with her. She told me she, to this day, relishes her independence, and I could see she felt no loss and no regret. Hm, I wondered...will that be me in another 10-20 years?
Before leaving, she encouraged me to get on Broadway. She encouraged me to get my butt out and audition for everything and anything.I think perhaps that will be my next endeavor - hopefully I am not too late. Call time to be on set was 11:15am...I got home at 2:45 am. I had five mosquito bites, my feet ached so bad I almost couldn't walk! And I would gladly do it all over again!!!
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fkck.st%2FdlX9PA&h=163ff
So after lunch we returned to hair and makeup for touch up before we continued on with the dinner scene. It would be a long scene and simulatneously one of the most emotional ones. I was looking forward to it, and I was also nervous about it. In this scene I had three lines...and I was PROUD of those three lines!!! I confess to wishing it was more, but the same way I "paid my dues" in my music career, and did over 150 free shows before even getting paid, I had no problem paying my dues here...Truth is I am BLESSED to even be cast at all!
Javier was applying make up and then...Ouch. Ooh. Damn...What IS that?! Hair and make up were being applied in the backyard to make necessary room for the indoor scenes. But the sun was going down, and we were very close to water...and that could only mean one thing: (insert scary music here with a scream). Dah, dah dah!!! AAAAHHH!!! - MOSQUITOES out having a buffet on me. I was under attack. The owner of the house told us he was growing basil, and we were welcome to rub it on our skin, as it acts as a natural bug repellent. So now I was all done up, looking fabulous with 5 mosquito bites, including one very close to the bottom of my foot, and I was ready to do my thing, lol.
All the actors were ready. We were all on set. The woman who was playing the Abuela (grandmother) had a look on her face that said, "Oh, honey, you think this is taking long? You ain't seen nothing yet!" LOL. She reminds me of that one woman in your family that speaks with her eyes...she need not say one word, but she has that one look that can bring a person to her knees with fear. Marking the lighting to get it just so, was SO time consuming. I don't know how long we waited there, but I can tell you this much: we were all hot, we were all tired, but we were all determined to get it done, and get it done well. Finally, we were all at the dining table, and we took our spots. We ran through the scene a couple of times, and the director warned us that it would be long; there would be many takes, and there would be extra takes in order to get certain actors' expesssions, and to capture certain angles. All in all I can say, I was humbled, and I will NEVER watch a movie in the same way ever again.
"And.....pause....pause...ACTION!
The scene began. It was so much fun watching all of us feed off each others' reactions and body language. For a moment, I had a sort of out of body expience, and I was mesmerized watching Elaine Del Valle (Aunt Carmen) and Elena Goode (Ma) act...the scene is very tense as one sister is basically embarrassing the other, not out of spite, but out of love. Either way it was seriously compelling to watch how honestly their tears hung from the eyes, and it made me remember what filming the Stay video felt like on day two. I looked around the table, and I was just proud to be part of it...and I was freaking HOT!! I was sweating, lol. In the scene, the family is celebrating Abuela's brithday and we all had a piece of cake at the beginning of the scene. All I can say is that we filmed over and over again so many times for so many different reasons, that when we were done, there was barely any cake left on anyone's plate. And then we finally heard "And that's a wrap!!!"" There was applause and then there was relief, and then there was sadness. I was immediately brought back to memories in high school and college on the closing night of a show. We all cried because it was over...the late night rehearsals, the laughter shared with fellow cast members...the hectic schedule. And although it is always promised that you'll all keep in touch, it is exremely rare. So for a moment, I felt sort of what-do-I-do-now-with myself???
As I was leaving I thanked everyone, and got all my stuff together...Gary Terracino, the director, cried, "Good work, Judy..you're a natural." "Thank you!!' I replied...and I have to be honest. Here is where I fail myself: I wondered if he really meant it...not because I thought he was lying to me, but because I wasn't too sure or myself as an actress - I never have been - and it was hard to hear. "Abuela" asked me for a ride into the city and I obliged. It gave me a chance to speak with her...I have no idea how old she is, but I'd guess 50's, perhaps even 60's, but this woman has her act together, honey! She looks great, has a body of a woman in her 30s, and just exudes extreme confidence. I had to pick her brain. I found out she's NEVER married - no children either.I asked her if she ever thought she'd marry, and she said with that look in her eye, lol: "No! Never!" She explained ot me that she is an extremely busy actress and believes it would be unfair to anyone to be involved with her. She told me she, to this day, relishes her independence, and I could see she felt no loss and no regret. Hm, I wondered...will that be me in another 10-20 years?
Before leaving, she encouraged me to get on Broadway. She encouraged me to get my butt out and audition for everything and anything.I think perhaps that will be my next endeavor - hopefully I am not too late. Call time to be on set was 11:15am...I got home at 2:45 am. I had five mosquito bites, my feet ached so bad I almost couldn't walk! And I would gladly do it all over again!!!
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fkck.st%2FdlX9PA&h=163ff
Sunday, August 15, 2010
LIGHTS, CAMERA, wait, wait, wait...wait...ACTION!!! Part 1
Woke up incredibly excited about filming for Elliot Loves today. I'd be playing Aunt Nani. Not the role I had auditioned for, but I was cast and I was excited!! I can finally say, yes, I was in a movie; not just any movie, but a GREAT, award winning one with a great cast! We were shooting in Queens, NY, and I had no idea what to expect, therefore I expected nothing. I had decided early on that I would show up and do whatever it took to do well and to be part of this production.
My call was 11:15am, and I was happy to arrive on time. The first person I met was Elaine Del Valle...she would be playing Aunt Carmen, the role I had originally auditioned for. I could tell immediatedly that she had that "thing" that people look for in a star - a confidence, an aura, a presence...it cannot be explained in words, but you see it, feel it immediately. So I couldn't wait to see how the shoot would go. There was an excitement in the air, and we all possessed a bit of it. More and more of the cast arrived and we all introduced ourselves...it was refreshing! Breakfast was served, and there was a relaxed feeling. There was absolutely NO ego in the room...it was as if everyone knew their own power, their own talent, but there were no assumptions that one was better than the other...and I couldn't help but think if the planet worked that way, how much could humankind accomplish?? Deep I know, lol, but it's there.
It was time for hair, make-up and wardrobe! Enter, Javier Rosa, make-up man extraordinaire! His presence was comforting to my slight anxiety because I'd already worked with him for the Stay video, and I knew we would not only look great but that the atmosphere would be a happy one! Elena Goode, playing Ma, showed up...God, she's gorgeous!! Truly. She's one of those few people in the world who just look flawless without make up! That ain't me...I need lots! Gary Terracino, the director to whom I am grateful for casting me, reminded me of my character. "Remember, Aunt Nani is a blue collar worker, she's married with two children...she knows what it's like to be intimidated by Carmen...she's always believing in people...she's the only one who's happy for Ma." Sure. Got it...no problem.
"All actors on set...I need everyone in this scene onset," Terracino exclaimed. This is it. I was nervous, but confident it would all be fine. I didn't realize that because we were filming on location inside a house in Queens that everytime we shot, the air conditioner would need to be turned off. Middle of August, just about, lol...thank God it wasn't humid. But wearing a small jacket would prove to be challenging enough. We were seated at the table, doing the kitchen scene. It was a lot of fun, I have to admit, my character reminds me of Chrissy Snow from Three's Company, not quite as ditsy, but naive. I did a lot of smiling, and I had more fun acting while being silent than doing my actual lines. Lesson #1: Acting seems to take place more so when you are silent than when you are actually speaking.
Off to prepare for the next scene. Next scene, also in the kitchen, but I like to call it "the cooking scene" because that's where the character of Carmen gets cooking. I could tell immediately that I was in the presence of well-seasoned actors. Elaine was on FIRE!! Elaine played Aunt Carmen so fantastically well, that I was in awe of her...she was real, she was funny, she was a ball of fire and I was so happy that she was cast to play her. Terracino chose PERFECTLY well!! The cast's professionalism, demeanor and just great acting was evident, and I was honored AND very humbled to be in their presence. After all, this was all new to me, movie making and whatnot. In fact, there was a moment when I was almost intimidated...who was I to be here amongst these professionals? If I had been cast 10 years ago, I doubt I would've made it through. But thanks to the experience life has thrown me in the music business, I believed in myself just enough to get me through it. You can do it, Judy, or you wouldn't have been cast in the first place! And it was at that moment, that I believed that I could do it, and although I didn't have one line in the scene, I loved it!! Every single moment, every single look, every single smile meant something...and God, just to be there - it really was a dream come true!
We took a break to set up for the next scene. I was STARVING. Wow...the time flew...It was past 2pm already. Lesson #2: If the lighting and scenery is not PERFECT, nothing gets done. Wow...takes so long to perfect the set, the lighting...I think in many ways, we took more time for that than anything else. But it has given me a newfound respect for movie-making and lighting...so important. Did I mention I was starving?? Terracino asked us to get through this scene and we would break for lunch. I don't know how many times we shot the scene but it was many, and each time everyone delivered...so cool One of the funny moments of the day was the food that we used in the scene. We were all so hungry that we all ate the food props!! Elena, who plays Ma, was wonderful & she snatced a carrot in between scenes. I had a bowl FULL of grapes and by the time we ended the scene between myself, Dalia who plays Aunt Denise, and Quentin, who plays Elliot...we ate every single grape...best grapes I ever had. We broke for lunch, and we still had another scene to shoot...we broke for lunch at 3:45pm!
My call was 11:15am, and I was happy to arrive on time. The first person I met was Elaine Del Valle...she would be playing Aunt Carmen, the role I had originally auditioned for. I could tell immediatedly that she had that "thing" that people look for in a star - a confidence, an aura, a presence...it cannot be explained in words, but you see it, feel it immediately. So I couldn't wait to see how the shoot would go. There was an excitement in the air, and we all possessed a bit of it. More and more of the cast arrived and we all introduced ourselves...it was refreshing! Breakfast was served, and there was a relaxed feeling. There was absolutely NO ego in the room...it was as if everyone knew their own power, their own talent, but there were no assumptions that one was better than the other...and I couldn't help but think if the planet worked that way, how much could humankind accomplish?? Deep I know, lol, but it's there.
It was time for hair, make-up and wardrobe! Enter, Javier Rosa, make-up man extraordinaire! His presence was comforting to my slight anxiety because I'd already worked with him for the Stay video, and I knew we would not only look great but that the atmosphere would be a happy one! Elena Goode, playing Ma, showed up...God, she's gorgeous!! Truly. She's one of those few people in the world who just look flawless without make up! That ain't me...I need lots! Gary Terracino, the director to whom I am grateful for casting me, reminded me of my character. "Remember, Aunt Nani is a blue collar worker, she's married with two children...she knows what it's like to be intimidated by Carmen...she's always believing in people...she's the only one who's happy for Ma." Sure. Got it...no problem.
"All actors on set...I need everyone in this scene onset," Terracino exclaimed. This is it. I was nervous, but confident it would all be fine. I didn't realize that because we were filming on location inside a house in Queens that everytime we shot, the air conditioner would need to be turned off. Middle of August, just about, lol...thank God it wasn't humid. But wearing a small jacket would prove to be challenging enough. We were seated at the table, doing the kitchen scene. It was a lot of fun, I have to admit, my character reminds me of Chrissy Snow from Three's Company, not quite as ditsy, but naive. I did a lot of smiling, and I had more fun acting while being silent than doing my actual lines. Lesson #1: Acting seems to take place more so when you are silent than when you are actually speaking.
Off to prepare for the next scene. Next scene, also in the kitchen, but I like to call it "the cooking scene" because that's where the character of Carmen gets cooking. I could tell immediately that I was in the presence of well-seasoned actors. Elaine was on FIRE!! Elaine played Aunt Carmen so fantastically well, that I was in awe of her...she was real, she was funny, she was a ball of fire and I was so happy that she was cast to play her. Terracino chose PERFECTLY well!! The cast's professionalism, demeanor and just great acting was evident, and I was honored AND very humbled to be in their presence. After all, this was all new to me, movie making and whatnot. In fact, there was a moment when I was almost intimidated...who was I to be here amongst these professionals? If I had been cast 10 years ago, I doubt I would've made it through. But thanks to the experience life has thrown me in the music business, I believed in myself just enough to get me through it. You can do it, Judy, or you wouldn't have been cast in the first place! And it was at that moment, that I believed that I could do it, and although I didn't have one line in the scene, I loved it!! Every single moment, every single look, every single smile meant something...and God, just to be there - it really was a dream come true!
We took a break to set up for the next scene. I was STARVING. Wow...the time flew...It was past 2pm already. Lesson #2: If the lighting and scenery is not PERFECT, nothing gets done. Wow...takes so long to perfect the set, the lighting...I think in many ways, we took more time for that than anything else. But it has given me a newfound respect for movie-making and lighting...so important. Did I mention I was starving?? Terracino asked us to get through this scene and we would break for lunch. I don't know how many times we shot the scene but it was many, and each time everyone delivered...so cool One of the funny moments of the day was the food that we used in the scene. We were all so hungry that we all ate the food props!! Elena, who plays Ma, was wonderful & she snatced a carrot in between scenes. I had a bowl FULL of grapes and by the time we ended the scene between myself, Dalia who plays Aunt Denise, and Quentin, who plays Elliot...we ate every single grape...best grapes I ever had. We broke for lunch, and we still had another scene to shoot...we broke for lunch at 3:45pm!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
UNWANTED GUILT- MUCH NEEDED CELEBRATION
July 20th...
Lane Bryant GENEROUSLY decided to furnish my wardrobe for the video shoot for Stay on the 27th & 28th. That is unbelieveable and FREAKING GREAT!!! Myself, the director for the video and the stylist went to Lane Bryant on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. It's like stepping into plus sized Mecca heaven! Two floors of plus sized everything! Just great! Spent 5 1/2 hours trying on clothes. At first it seems fun and easy, but it does get quite exhausting, but a blessing nonetheless.
I call my father to wish him Happy Birthday. "Hi, Papi! Happy Birthday I'm sorry I won't be able to see you today but I sent you a package express. Did you get iit?"
Silence.
"What's wrong, papi? You're not happy."
"No...I'm not."
"Why what's wrong?"
Insert guilt-inducing comment here - here it comes:
"Well, I'm a year older and my daughter isn't coming to see me because she's got so many things to do."
Ding, ding...you are correct...tell her what she's won, Bob!
Ugh...why do I get the guilt trip? Sometimes nothing pleases him - as bad as I try, I never succeed.
"Sorry, papi...as soon as I get the chance, I'll take you out. I love you. Gotta go. I had mentioned the audition and he didn't even wish me luck. Oh, well.
Went to a production meeting, and exhausted.
Then went to a party for Elliot Loves hosted by Hennessy. I had been invited the day I auditioned. It was in a stylish and chic lounge, and the entire cast was there. Terracino, the director, was so excited to see me, and introduced me to everyone, and told me, I need to speak with you before you leave. Great - there's hope yet!! I mingled. There I saw Javier, the make up artist for the movie who had initially suggested me for the role. I thanked him, hugged him and had a great time. As I was bidding goodbye, Terracino simply said, "Thank you for coming...I'll send you an email tomorrow. Drats - more waiting.
July 21st:
Voice is almost gone.
Received a phone call last minute about a show that SAME evening! OMG, how the heck am I going to pull it off?
Get a phone call from Terracino, explaining to me that because our schedules conflict and he needs a LOT of rehearsasl time with whomever plays Aunt Carmen - he could not offer me the part.
By then, I had already pretty much figured I didn't get the part. Disappointed, but I was at peace with it. But then, to my surprise, he said, "Judy, we want you on this movie, and we think you would do a GREAT job playing Aunt Nani!" What???? Oh, wow! I got the part in a movie? A real movie?
"Oh, my God! Thank you so much! This is GREAT!!"
"We just felt it when you walked in....star quality..." I know he was saying great things, but my ears had gone deaf from the sheer joy I was feeling. I'm going to be in a movie!! I can now die and say, "yes, I was in a movie once!"
He told me he'd send me revisions of the script and welcomed me. I called my mom and told her the news and she was ecstatic for me. Then, because of my voice being so fragile, I thougth it would be a good idea to post it on facebook to avoid having to call 25 people. Um, boy was I wrong. I won't go into the gory details, but I think I lost a very good friend from this decision...she was angry that I had not opted to call her. In this moment where I was so exhilarated, my joy was almost killed by one person's reacton...but take it from me...I deserve to be happy and at that moment, I did what I thought I needed to do to save my voice.
I cannot wait for the day to come (in August), when I hear, "Lights. Camera. Action...take one!!!" Yeah, baby!!!
Lane Bryant GENEROUSLY decided to furnish my wardrobe for the video shoot for Stay on the 27th & 28th. That is unbelieveable and FREAKING GREAT!!! Myself, the director for the video and the stylist went to Lane Bryant on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. It's like stepping into plus sized Mecca heaven! Two floors of plus sized everything! Just great! Spent 5 1/2 hours trying on clothes. At first it seems fun and easy, but it does get quite exhausting, but a blessing nonetheless.
I call my father to wish him Happy Birthday. "Hi, Papi! Happy Birthday I'm sorry I won't be able to see you today but I sent you a package express. Did you get iit?"
Silence.
"What's wrong, papi? You're not happy."
"No...I'm not."
"Why what's wrong?"
Insert guilt-inducing comment here - here it comes:
"Well, I'm a year older and my daughter isn't coming to see me because she's got so many things to do."
Ding, ding...you are correct...tell her what she's won, Bob!
Ugh...why do I get the guilt trip? Sometimes nothing pleases him - as bad as I try, I never succeed.
"Sorry, papi...as soon as I get the chance, I'll take you out. I love you. Gotta go. I had mentioned the audition and he didn't even wish me luck. Oh, well.
Went to a production meeting, and exhausted.
Then went to a party for Elliot Loves hosted by Hennessy. I had been invited the day I auditioned. It was in a stylish and chic lounge, and the entire cast was there. Terracino, the director, was so excited to see me, and introduced me to everyone, and told me, I need to speak with you before you leave. Great - there's hope yet!! I mingled. There I saw Javier, the make up artist for the movie who had initially suggested me for the role. I thanked him, hugged him and had a great time. As I was bidding goodbye, Terracino simply said, "Thank you for coming...I'll send you an email tomorrow. Drats - more waiting.
July 21st:
Voice is almost gone.
Received a phone call last minute about a show that SAME evening! OMG, how the heck am I going to pull it off?
Get a phone call from Terracino, explaining to me that because our schedules conflict and he needs a LOT of rehearsasl time with whomever plays Aunt Carmen - he could not offer me the part.
By then, I had already pretty much figured I didn't get the part. Disappointed, but I was at peace with it. But then, to my surprise, he said, "Judy, we want you on this movie, and we think you would do a GREAT job playing Aunt Nani!" What???? Oh, wow! I got the part in a movie? A real movie?
"Oh, my God! Thank you so much! This is GREAT!!"
"We just felt it when you walked in....star quality..." I know he was saying great things, but my ears had gone deaf from the sheer joy I was feeling. I'm going to be in a movie!! I can now die and say, "yes, I was in a movie once!"
He told me he'd send me revisions of the script and welcomed me. I called my mom and told her the news and she was ecstatic for me. Then, because of my voice being so fragile, I thougth it would be a good idea to post it on facebook to avoid having to call 25 people. Um, boy was I wrong. I won't go into the gory details, but I think I lost a very good friend from this decision...she was angry that I had not opted to call her. In this moment where I was so exhilarated, my joy was almost killed by one person's reacton...but take it from me...I deserve to be happy and at that moment, I did what I thought I needed to do to save my voice.
I cannot wait for the day to come (in August), when I hear, "Lights. Camera. Action...take one!!!" Yeah, baby!!!
Monday, July 26, 2010
THE AUDITION
July 19, 2010
Part 2 of 2:
I arrive at the office, bumping into the director in the elevator by accident. I was taken to the 6th floor. I was a little nervous, but I reminded myself how badly I wanted this, and it was imperative to maintain confidence, calm and show them the best "me" I could. We walk into the room -the director, Gary Terracino. the lead actor, Fabio Costabrado and me. First thing Terracino says, "You're beautiful...this is perfect, EXACTLY the look I'm looking for!!!" All I could think was, thank God...if he just knew what had been told to me. We began reading, and he was such a welcoming person with such a positive energy - he made it very calming for anyone who would be nervous. We had fun, and I thought that Aunt Carmen, the character I was reading for, was a combination of "Hilda", Ugly Betty's sister and Rosie Perez...so that's how I read her....but then Terracino said, "That's good...but Aunt Carmen is precise; she does everything with purpose.." Okay, I can do that...we read some more. Then he says, "Aunt Carmen is intimidating." Ooh, that's a toughie...we had been in there for an hour or so, and it had been years since I auditioned for anything. It was hot! I was tired. Intimidating...hm, a quality I lack. I have been intimidating in the business, but only because of the name...not because of my personality.
I was quickly brought back to my college acting class at Lehman College in the Bronx, with Professor Bill. We did scenes, workshops, and sometimes improvisation...I was good at all of it. The only area that needed improvement was, excuse my language, was when I needed to be a "bitch,." Just didn't know how...I always got stuck with that. I wasn't allowed to show anger as a kid, and spent a lot of my life intmidated by many. I was always stuck when I had to be the bad girl.
Once the director said the word, intimidating, I talked myself into thinking that I could do it. After all, I only had to recall certain relatives, who at this time shall remain nameless, lol. I did my best. The more direction he gave me, the more convinced I felt. But then I began to forget...um, who do I look at again? How did you want me to deliver the line? I was overwhelmed...Terracino shook my hand and said, "I'll send you an email tomorrow and let you know what we decide." Damn. That's where I thought I tanked. I thanked them and before closing the door I said, "By the way, if you give me this role, I will work hard, take direction and will do even better!!!" Duh, Judy, why did you do that?? Ugh, it's just like the person who audtions on American Idol and says, "Can I sing another song? I'll do better.." Oh, my God.
I got into my car and began shaking...my hands, my legs. And then they came. The dam of tears fially broke, and the flood gates were opened!! I cried, then cried some more...then pulled over and cried. But what the hell was I crying about?? I don't mind crying with reason and intention, but when I cry like this, I feel very lost. Was I so sleep deprived that I was overly sensitive? Was it that I wanted this role so bad, I was scared I'd messed up in the end, and wouldn't get it? Was it that I had suppressed the nervousness so much, it had to come out in another way? Was it that I pushed away my tears at the meeting with my manager? Was it that my brain kept hearing the echo of my manager's voice: "What are we going to do about "this?"" "Was it that I felt incredibly alone with my emotions?" So I called my best friend & I cried...I almost couldn't even speak. He listened...never interrupting me. He just listened and told me to let it all out. Then he assured me that he knows I'm talented; he was disturbed and angry about what had been said to me about my weight. The beauty of a best friend like him is that he has NEVER seen my weight; he has only seen my heart! He sees ME! He knows who I am...and without him I would've drowned in my own tears that night. "Don't worry, Judy. Go home and rest. I love you...call me if you need me."
I went home, telling myself that I have to leave it in God's hands...told myself that whatever will be will be, and I told myself that I did my very best, and as long as I walked away knowing that, that was all that matters. I told myself that there is a reason for everything, and that if I did not get the part of Aunt Carmen, Aunt Carmen taught me a valuable lesson today - I gotta learn to be a little more aggressive when necesssary. Then I prayed, "Thank you, God, for this UNBELIEVEABLE opportunity brought to me today! I am amazed at all YOU have done for me and I give you praise, honor and glory!...I know that I tend to talk to you more when I need you than when I don't, but I need You, for real!! LOL...I'm sorry...You know how much this means to me. I want this SO bad! Please, please, please, if it is Your will, please reach into their hearts and help them believe in me enough to give me that chance. I leave it in Your hands now and I thank You again!...In Jesus' name...amen." There. That should do it.
That's what you call faith. Isn't it? Believing in what you cannot see? There is a scripture in the Bible that says, "If you have faith as little as a mustard seed...it shall be given to you." Or something like that...sorry not good on the Bible quotes all the time. Have you seen a mustard seed? It is VERY, VERY tiny. So I leave it in His hands...believe you already have it, Judy. Trust.
Hm, lol...and then I couldn't sleep!! Too freaking worried and anxious...I just wanted it so bad....so much for having mustard seed faith.
Part 2 of 2:
I arrive at the office, bumping into the director in the elevator by accident. I was taken to the 6th floor. I was a little nervous, but I reminded myself how badly I wanted this, and it was imperative to maintain confidence, calm and show them the best "me" I could. We walk into the room -the director, Gary Terracino. the lead actor, Fabio Costabrado and me. First thing Terracino says, "You're beautiful...this is perfect, EXACTLY the look I'm looking for!!!" All I could think was, thank God...if he just knew what had been told to me. We began reading, and he was such a welcoming person with such a positive energy - he made it very calming for anyone who would be nervous. We had fun, and I thought that Aunt Carmen, the character I was reading for, was a combination of "Hilda", Ugly Betty's sister and Rosie Perez...so that's how I read her....but then Terracino said, "That's good...but Aunt Carmen is precise; she does everything with purpose.." Okay, I can do that...we read some more. Then he says, "Aunt Carmen is intimidating." Ooh, that's a toughie...we had been in there for an hour or so, and it had been years since I auditioned for anything. It was hot! I was tired. Intimidating...hm, a quality I lack. I have been intimidating in the business, but only because of the name...not because of my personality.
I was quickly brought back to my college acting class at Lehman College in the Bronx, with Professor Bill. We did scenes, workshops, and sometimes improvisation...I was good at all of it. The only area that needed improvement was, excuse my language, was when I needed to be a "bitch,." Just didn't know how...I always got stuck with that. I wasn't allowed to show anger as a kid, and spent a lot of my life intmidated by many. I was always stuck when I had to be the bad girl.
Once the director said the word, intimidating, I talked myself into thinking that I could do it. After all, I only had to recall certain relatives, who at this time shall remain nameless, lol. I did my best. The more direction he gave me, the more convinced I felt. But then I began to forget...um, who do I look at again? How did you want me to deliver the line? I was overwhelmed...Terracino shook my hand and said, "I'll send you an email tomorrow and let you know what we decide." Damn. That's where I thought I tanked. I thanked them and before closing the door I said, "By the way, if you give me this role, I will work hard, take direction and will do even better!!!" Duh, Judy, why did you do that?? Ugh, it's just like the person who audtions on American Idol and says, "Can I sing another song? I'll do better.." Oh, my God.
I got into my car and began shaking...my hands, my legs. And then they came. The dam of tears fially broke, and the flood gates were opened!! I cried, then cried some more...then pulled over and cried. But what the hell was I crying about?? I don't mind crying with reason and intention, but when I cry like this, I feel very lost. Was I so sleep deprived that I was overly sensitive? Was it that I wanted this role so bad, I was scared I'd messed up in the end, and wouldn't get it? Was it that I had suppressed the nervousness so much, it had to come out in another way? Was it that I pushed away my tears at the meeting with my manager? Was it that my brain kept hearing the echo of my manager's voice: "What are we going to do about "this?"" "Was it that I felt incredibly alone with my emotions?" So I called my best friend & I cried...I almost couldn't even speak. He listened...never interrupting me. He just listened and told me to let it all out. Then he assured me that he knows I'm talented; he was disturbed and angry about what had been said to me about my weight. The beauty of a best friend like him is that he has NEVER seen my weight; he has only seen my heart! He sees ME! He knows who I am...and without him I would've drowned in my own tears that night. "Don't worry, Judy. Go home and rest. I love you...call me if you need me."
I went home, telling myself that I have to leave it in God's hands...told myself that whatever will be will be, and I told myself that I did my very best, and as long as I walked away knowing that, that was all that matters. I told myself that there is a reason for everything, and that if I did not get the part of Aunt Carmen, Aunt Carmen taught me a valuable lesson today - I gotta learn to be a little more aggressive when necesssary. Then I prayed, "Thank you, God, for this UNBELIEVEABLE opportunity brought to me today! I am amazed at all YOU have done for me and I give you praise, honor and glory!...I know that I tend to talk to you more when I need you than when I don't, but I need You, for real!! LOL...I'm sorry...You know how much this means to me. I want this SO bad! Please, please, please, if it is Your will, please reach into their hearts and help them believe in me enough to give me that chance. I leave it in Your hands now and I thank You again!...In Jesus' name...amen." There. That should do it.
That's what you call faith. Isn't it? Believing in what you cannot see? There is a scripture in the Bible that says, "If you have faith as little as a mustard seed...it shall be given to you." Or something like that...sorry not good on the Bible quotes all the time. Have you seen a mustard seed? It is VERY, VERY tiny. So I leave it in His hands...believe you already have it, Judy. Trust.
Hm, lol...and then I couldn't sleep!! Too freaking worried and anxious...I just wanted it so bad....so much for having mustard seed faith.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
A NEW DOOR - UNEXPECTED EMAIL
I was really anticipating the day because it was the day we auditioned the actors for the Stay Video. You already know we chose a woman to play the wife, and a man to play the husband...remember I called hmi "Best Guy?" LOL. It was shortly after the auditioning, that I was asked for my email address by the director of the Stay Video. It was an exhausting day because we auditioned everyone; did a screen test, had dinner and debated for almost 3 hours who would be best to play the boyfriend. I got home late. It was close to 1am. I cleaned up a little around the house, and was going to bed...but I checked my email on a whim. Here is an excerpt:
Dear Judy Torres
My good friend Javier Rosa just passed your info on to me. Javier is working on my feature, "Elliot Loves" and suggested you to us for the role of "Aunt Carmen."
The script for "Elliot Loves" has won several awards. The film stars Elena Goode ("As the World Turns") and two-time Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesus ("In the Heights" and "La Cage Aux Folles"). Kerry Barden -- who cast "Pineapple Express", "Boys Don't Cry" and the TV series "Sex and the City" -- is our casting director. We are now half-done with the movie....to recast the role of "Aunt Carmen." When Javier suggested you, we all thought it was a great idea - and would love to meet with you to discuss. Please look through the script above. "Aunt Carmen" first appears on page 34. If you are interested, you can come in and meet with me informally at our offices...Terracino.
OH, MY GOD! All that exhaustion I had felt went on immediate vacation. I read the 97 pages of script and when I read Aunt Carmen, her character was GREAT!! She was funny, strong, vibrant, reminding me of so many latina relatives and friends I've come across in life. I HAD to have that part!! I emailed back around 2:30 in the morning, expressing my joy & interest. The writer/director. Gary Terracino, emailed me immediately and a date for a reading/audition was made for Monday, July 19th. Less than a week away...less than a week to read, and re-read, to study her character, to decide who she is, etc...all while still preparing for the video, answering fan mail, working at KTU AND performing. No problem, I can do this...I HAVE to do this. I used a quote on Facebook not too long ago, stating that it's not just about the opportunity that shows up, but more about whether or not you're ready. I thought, I will be ready.
In high school, I was in all the musicals - I LOVE musical theater, and in college, I studied acting for 2 1/2 years...begain auditioning and always got called back, but never quite landed the parts I wanted. So, here I am now, probably almost 15 years since I've auditioned for anything. Thank God I was kind to all the people who auditioned that day, because karma does show up when you least expect it.
Wow...I could be in a movie; a REAL movie - with accomplished actors and award winning script! This could be the beginning of GREAT things to come! I might even get a SAG card, allowing me to audition for lots of other projects!! Yes!! Oh, yes, I emailed Javier Rosa, the make up artist, to thank him profusely for even mentioning my name - he only met me one time! That is, pardon my french, so freaking sweet of him!!! I am so honored by his kindness! Be good to people you meet the first time, you never know...lol. That is just amazing! God is so good!!!
If you'd like info on the movie and/or would like to find out how to help fund the completion of the film, dn even get credit as a producer, please click this link. Muah! http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1360637681/elliot-loves-keep-it-cutepapi-a-feature-film-in-pr
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