Just Do the Work

I recently saw "Flight" and Q&A with director, Robert Zemeckis, and writer, John Gatins.  It's a decent film with an amazing cast, but among all these huge names like Don Cheadle, John Goodman, and Denzel (big enough you know who I'm talking about with just his first name) there was a standout performance from a not well known character actor - James Badge Dale.  You are forgiven if you have no idea who he is.

During casting his role was "Cancer Guy" and according to IMDb he is "Gaunt Young Man."  If you've seen the film, you'll know who I am talking about because it is quite possibly the most memorable scene of the entire film.  He only had one scene, one speech, and a few lines - but, it's not one you will quickly forget.

The story of how he got the role all the way to how he prepared for it is filled with juicy tidbits every actor should know.

LESSON NUMBER ONE

James was called in for a different role - Lang, the lawyer role that ended up going to Don Cheadle.  He went in to read with Casting Director, Victoria Burrows, and asked if he could also read for "Cancer Guy."  This was a strange request - not only was Cancer Guy a smaller part, it was also written for a much younger guy.  She acquiesced and he was amazing in it. 

Lesson: Don't be afraid to make requests in the audition room.  It is your time.  Don't demand to read for another part, but it is okay to ask.  The worst that can happen is they'll say no.

LESSON NUMBER TWO

Mr. Zemeckis said as soon as he saw the tape he knew this guy had to do this part.  He said he made different choices than everyone else and made it interesting.

Lesson: Ah, back to the age old thing about making choices.  You know this, I know this, but it deserves repeating: MAKE STRONG, CLEAR CHOICES in all your auditions.

LESSON NUMBER THREE

James finds out he got the part a while before he is set to film.  It is only one scene and he is scheduled to shoot only one day.  He then begins to prepare for this role like he would any other, just like if he was the lead.  He loses weight and makes himself look like a gaunt cancer patient.  I don't know him personally, but I am willing to bet he did a lot of research and knew everything he could about his character - even though we only see him for this one brief instant of his life.

Lesson: Treat every role you are given with the respect it deserves - do the research and don't write it off as "just a small part."  You wouldn't want your surgeon to go in saying, "it's just a tonsillectomy, I'm gonna phone it in today."

In the end this is about being a PROFESSIONAL actor and doing your work every step along the way from audition to finished project.

Persistence Wins Everything

I recently saw an interview with Ray Bradbury, one of my favorite science fiction writers.  ("The Martian Chronicles" is one of my favorite books of all time.)  He spoke about how to become a writer and his advice was simple.

WRITE EVERYDAY.

He began writing when he was 12 and from that moment on, no matter what he was doing he made sure he wrote something everyday.  Does that mean he was a genius writer at the age of 12 creating masterpieces?  NO!  It took years of writing everyday: he says at least 15 years before he even considered himself a decent writer - many more years after that did he think he was a good writer.

Even in his late 20's, Ray Bradbury still was not a "successful" professional writer, although he had sold some short stories.  Being a writer was something he worked at everyday, whether he was in the mood, felt like doing it, or if he had "more important" things to do.  Even after getting rejection letters and not getting published - he kept writing.

It's about persistence.  Trust me, I know how difficult it is to work that hard at something without any guarantee of success.  But, for actors it very important to continually work on your craft - everyday do something for your craft.

Working everyday is the only way you improve as an actor - and if you aren't moving forward then you are going backwards.  There is no standing still.