The Studio C Blog » Institute

Success Stories – Fall 2009

michaeljsonntag — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:42:34 +0000

From time to time, we like to post a blurb about some of the successes our students and coaching clients have had in the past months. They work really hard at their careers, and it’s important that they receive the kudos due to them for all of their efforts. Our men have been on fire lately – so let’s hear it for the boys! Congratulations to everyone for your recent accomplishments!

CHRISTOPHER FOLEY

Chris just guest starred on CBS’s new Sunday night drama, Three Rivers, as Daniel in the episode titled “Tick-Tock”.

EVAN MCNAMARA

Evan just shot a Bud Lite national commercial playing an office worker alongside a giant Bud Lite bottle with dress shoes. The production company was Anonymous Content, the director was Justin Reardon, and the casting director was Michael Sanford. As Evan excitedly told us, “During a year so slow that my first commercial audition wasn’t until September, I nailed it & booked a national commercial! Keeping my craft honed in class made all the difference.”

JORDAN JAMES SMITH

Jordan just booked and shot a national commercial for Honda, and signed with new theatrical agents at KSR.

STEPHEN BLACKWELL

Stephen just shot a non-union TV show called Unusual Suspects produced by LMNO Productions, which is launching on Discovery ID this January. He plays the role of a real-life detective Tim Quinn, who is investigating a kidnapping.

ALEX NICHOLAS

Alex just started acting not too long ago. We thought it would be interesting to get his perspective on working as an actor new to L.A., so we asked him if he had any thoughts. He was kind enough to give us quite a decent write-up (and he had some very nice things to say about Studio C – which we were most appreciative of). I thought it was important to include what he wrote because we keep hearing so much about how bad things are going in the business – and yet, here’s someone who’s new at it, who is defying the odds. Here’s what Alex had to say:

“I moved to Los Angeles two years ago from Wyoming. A lawyer by training, I wanted to build a new career in the entertainment industry, focusing on acting. Because I was getting a late start in acting, I was eager to jump in and start getting training and experience as soon as possible.

Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, I found Studio C and it was the perfect match for the training and experience I was looking to gain. Since that time, John Coppola and Michael Sonntag have been instrumental in my quest to learn acting and get involved in as many aspects of the creative side of the entertainment industry as possible. Starting with no acting experience whatsoever was challenging for me, but both John and Michael are excellent instructors and I have quickly gained experience and skill in improv, stage and on-camera acting. In a short amount of time I have progressed greatly and have been able to present several scenes and monologues to the public at various theaters in Los Angeles, including being cast in the Los Angles run of a production running off-Broadway in New York, I have co-starred and played the lead in several student films from various film schools in the Los Angeles area including USC, CSUN, and Chapman University, and I have done background work on the television shows ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Private Practice’.

In addition to the acting experience I have gained through Studio C, I have also been fortunate to work an internship with Studio C on the casting and production side of the group. Assisting in casting commercials and films with Studio C has been invaluable to me in terms of understanding how the industry works and how to better approach auditions as an actor. Working behind the scenes has really helped me to have a clear vision of how commercials, television shows and movies are created. In all, I would say that my experience with Studio C, John Coppola and Michael Sonntag has been incredible and I would highly recommend Studio C to any aspiring actors.”

Bringing It Into Focus

michaeljsonntag — Fri, 15 May 2009 22:24:03 +0000

This post is another in our new series which highlights the major discussions from each week’s acting classes.

You could say the buzzword in class this week was focus.

To start off, we are continuing our classwork on the Matrix throughout the month of May. Last week, we discussed what the Matrix did – and how it applied to film/television acting. In this week’s Wednesday night class, the goal was learning to use the Matrix to ground the actors’ work, bring in an even greater level of depth, and get the actor out of his or her head. I think the students were surprised to see it in action. The funny thing about the Matrix is that in theory, it can seem like it’s very heady. Lots of students get stuck on exactly what it means to connect to an “energy point” – they try to think their way through it, rather than feel it. What makes the Matrix interesting, however, is that in practice – the exact opposite happens. Once a student jumps in – and just applies the concept – they are pulled out their heads, and are able to just deal with the talking and listening necessary in the scene. What I always love about the Matrix is that it is like tying off a boat to the dock – once it is secured, the waters can get choppy, but the boat can just go with the flow – because it’s not going anywhere. What our students discovered this week – is that the Matrix can provide the same structure – the same sense of groundedness – that no matter where the scene goes, they will not become lost at sea.

The other area of focus we discussed this week had to do with pinpointing your focus, while things in the industry seem so crazy right now. There are a lot of doomsayers out there about the status of the entertainment business – and actors often feel the brunt of it. So, you basically have two choice… you can either go stick your head in the sand, and where for it to get better… or you can take advantage of this time, and use it to your advantage. Obviously, I suggest the latter. So take advantage of this slower time – get those things done that you’ve been putting off. What better time to put together your reel, get those headshots in order, contact people on your target list – and above everything else – GET CREATIVE. Everyone’s contacting casting directors – maybe you want to focus on contacting writers. Everyone’s sending out postcards – maybe you want to come up with something that stands out more. Don’t let the state of the economy stop you from doing the next thing in front of you. Trust me… you’ll kick yourself afterward if you do. Challenge yourself. Push yourself. Remember, you’re in the actor olympics – if you’re not ready to compete against the top 1% in your field, then you might as well pack your bags and go home. So, focus – on what it is your really want – and it’ll push you through the down times.

All About The Matrix

michaeljsonntag — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:06:45 +0000

When it comes to auditioning... are the you "The One"?

Last Wednesday night’s class was a continuation of our month-long dip into the world of acting technique. Now a lot of you hear the word “Matrix” and think of the film(s), but the Matrix is also a technique used by actors, which originated at Yale. It’s based on the principal of connecting to energy points (much like an extension cord to an outlet), which allow the actor to create their world, and to have something outside of themselves to connect to (rather than going inside – in their head). I know the description of it sounds somewhat ethereal – but in practice, the technique is incredibly grounding, and helps the actor focus and live in the moment in a scene – and that, my friends, is the ultimate goal of any actor. By giving an actor a structure in which to play and be free, attention can be given to just talking and listening, knowing that the access to their world, and by extension, their emotional life, is right there. It truly allows an actor the chance to bring themselves to the role – because every Matrix point is specific, and based on the unique qualities of the actor.

The beauty is in seeing the work in action. The Matrix really shines when it comes to auditioning or working in film/TV, because so much needs to be created these days by the actor (often with green screen, it’s all imagination). I always explain to people that the Matrix is not “a way” to act or some kind of new method, it’s just technique – much in the way that sense memory or creating the fourth wall, is just an acting technique. It should be used as part of the actors toolbox – not the only tool, but one of many to be called on when needed. There are times when you’ll need it more than others – but when put into service, it can help an actor to really stand out as “The One”.

A Is For Apple

michaeljsonntag — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:42:21 +0000

BBoppin‘ is a new kid’s show that’s part of B-TV, and our newest teacher, Kris Kelly, is one of the show’s producers. Kris will be teaching our upcoming kid’s session, Pilot Prep – Audition Technique Intensive For Children & Teens, which runs for 6-weeks, starting on Saturdays in February. The first episode of BBoppin’ has just been released – check it out:

Click here for more information on the Open House for our upcoming kid’s acting class on Saturday, February 21st.

Only Three Days Left

michaeljsonntag — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:54:26 +0000

Jim Curtan

No, this is not a mistake. Yes, there are only FOUR days left before the big election this year. But there are only THREE days left to register early (at a discount) for our upcoming weekend seminar The Filmmakers Guide To Archetypes – with Jim Curtan. This 2-day workshop is being offered November 15th & 16th, and if you sign up by Monday, November 3rd, you can save $50 off the price of admission. So, don’t delay – go to our website before Tuesday to register for this workshop. And yes, then please GO OUT AND VOTE!

Read on for more details about The Filmmakers Guide To Archetypes…

Feeling a Little Lost in the Entertainment Industry Lately?

STUDIO C ARTISTS – ACTING & FILMMAKING INSTITUTE
The Filmmakers Guide to Archetypes – with Jim Curtan
A Weekend Workshop Essential For Anyone In the Business of Making Movies
November 15th & 16th, 2008
Hollywood, California

What can films like “Castaway”, “Titanic”, “Erin Brockovich”, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, and “The Wizard of Oz” teach you about your career? Check out our upcoming weekend seminar with JIM CURTAN to find out!

The Filmmakers Guide To Archetypes is a 2-day interactive seminar designed for those working in the entertainment industry, on either the creative or the business side. Using film clips and other real-world examples, instructor JIM CURTAN will show you how to interpret your characters, your clients, and yourself using basic archetypes — and how applying these techniques can help you improve your business and your career, while communicating more successfully with others in the industry.

Who Is This Seminar For?

ACTORS • CASTING DIRECTORS • AGENTS • MANAGERS • PUBLICISTS • DIRECTORS • PRODUCERS • SCREENWRITERS

Click here for more information – or phone (323) 988-1175.