Hi Loyal Readers!
Just a heads up that my blog has had a little change of scenery. It's now featured directly on my website:
http://www.gillimesser.com/new-blog
So please come visit it in its new home! And thank you to Blogspot for the lovely years of hosting:)
- Gilli
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Watching TV with Me is...
...annoying, to say the least. Not because I chew loudly or hog the remote, but because when I watch TV, I feel like I KNOW everyone. And I feel the need to share that information with whomever is watching with me. That car commercial? That girl in it is my friend from acting class. I also worked with the dude playing her husband on another commercial earlier this year! Small world! Oh, that phone commercial? I was on avail for it...wait...THAT'S who they cast? Interesting they went that way - I understand why I didn't book it now. Hold up: there's a commercial with a short haired girl in it that I DIDN'T audition for? How? Why? What? On whatever episodic we might be watching, I'll exclaim that the guest star is my friend from acting class' roommate! And I'll probably say it right at a dramatic moment and really ruin your viewing experience. Oh, and I did a showcase two years ago with the costar with one line! Good for him! And so forth. You get the picture. On occasion, I get to say that the person I'm watching is yours truly. And that's the coolest. But seriously, watching TV has become like watching all of my friends and acquaintances interact with each other.
What I find significant about this, beyond it interrupting your viewing pleasure, is that it creates a feeling of camaraderie and that somehow, I've finally arrived, as dramatic as that may sound. I've now been working professionally long enough to have made progress alongside other actors and creatives on their own journeys in the business. And it's exciting to watch and be a part of others' success. It also dispels the myth that the people creating and acting in stories onscreen are somehow larger than life. It's kind of like when as a kid, I realized that doctors were not, in fact, superhuman wizards with magical healing powers (a terrifying realization for a young hypochondriac), or when I came to the conclusion, also as a kid, that my parents were actually human beings who had lives and feelings of their own that had nothing to do with me (what a concept).
I used to sit in audition waiting rooms quietly as a lot of the other actors greeted each other. I'd wonder how the eff all of these people knew each other, and if I missed some kind of memo or Facebook event invitation to meet up today (because who even pays attention to Facebook events? It could have been an honest mistake on my part). Now, I'm the one bumping into old friends at every casting, callback, or set I'm on. It's reassuring - I find comfort in seeing people that I know. Maybe it means that I'm supposed to be there, right where I am. A familiar face at an audition doesn't need to imply competition - it should be a means of support. Because if I don't book the role, it'd be awesome if my friend does! Just a thought...
In any case, there's a slight chance that maybe some of you have seen ME on TV lately and been annoying to whomever you were watching with when you saw this Dunkin' Donuts spot...
...or not. Side note: I'm still waiting for the lines outside the Santa Monica Dunkies to calm down that I can get a sip of that New England charm. In other news, I updated my reel, so you may as well check that out too:
And I mean, while you're indulging me, I'll just plug myself shamelessly and say that maybe you should follow me on twitter (@gillishir). I used to be really bad at fitting my witty into so few characters, but slowly I'm getting better. I just can't seem to understand Snapchat...
In any case, follow me/hang out with me on whatever social media outlets you choose, so that we can continue to participate in each others' careers and celebrate one another's success. I'll be blogging again soon with an exciting treat (pun intended) for Halloween.
Talk soon!
- Gilli
What I find significant about this, beyond it interrupting your viewing pleasure, is that it creates a feeling of camaraderie and that somehow, I've finally arrived, as dramatic as that may sound. I've now been working professionally long enough to have made progress alongside other actors and creatives on their own journeys in the business. And it's exciting to watch and be a part of others' success. It also dispels the myth that the people creating and acting in stories onscreen are somehow larger than life. It's kind of like when as a kid, I realized that doctors were not, in fact, superhuman wizards with magical healing powers (a terrifying realization for a young hypochondriac), or when I came to the conclusion, also as a kid, that my parents were actually human beings who had lives and feelings of their own that had nothing to do with me (what a concept).
I used to sit in audition waiting rooms quietly as a lot of the other actors greeted each other. I'd wonder how the eff all of these people knew each other, and if I missed some kind of memo or Facebook event invitation to meet up today (because who even pays attention to Facebook events? It could have been an honest mistake on my part). Now, I'm the one bumping into old friends at every casting, callback, or set I'm on. It's reassuring - I find comfort in seeing people that I know. Maybe it means that I'm supposed to be there, right where I am. A familiar face at an audition doesn't need to imply competition - it should be a means of support. Because if I don't book the role, it'd be awesome if my friend does! Just a thought...
In any case, there's a slight chance that maybe some of you have seen ME on TV lately and been annoying to whomever you were watching with when you saw this Dunkin' Donuts spot...
...or not. Side note: I'm still waiting for the lines outside the Santa Monica Dunkies to calm down that I can get a sip of that New England charm. In other news, I updated my reel, so you may as well check that out too:
And I mean, while you're indulging me, I'll just plug myself shamelessly and say that maybe you should follow me on twitter (@gillishir). I used to be really bad at fitting my witty into so few characters, but slowly I'm getting better. I just can't seem to understand Snapchat...
In any case, follow me/hang out with me on whatever social media outlets you choose, so that we can continue to participate in each others' careers and celebrate one another's success. I'll be blogging again soon with an exciting treat (pun intended) for Halloween.
Talk soon!
- Gilli
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
5 Ways You Know You...Keep Reading to Find Out
Oh hello, blogosphere! It seems I've become one of those actors guilty of only updating their blog every few months. Tisk tisk. Well, without further adieu, here is an update, presented in obnoxious listy/buzzfeed style!
5 Ways You Know You Want to Shoot New Headshots with Dana Patrick
Speaking of things being worth the wait, I'm waiting on the final versions of several different projects to come out so that I can share them with the world. My high school English teacher once told us that in a certain Native American language (I cannot recall which tribe; apologies for my ignorance), there was no word for "wait." They were just content with "being" rather than "waiting" for the next thing to happen, so there was no need to even have a word for waiting in their language.
As an actor, I find myself waiting all the time...waiting for an audition to roll in, waiting for my big break, waiting for my turn at an audition, waiting to watch footage from a project, waiting to hear feedback from an audition or meeting, and when I'm on set, I'm often "hurrying up and waiting" for my scene to come up on the schedule. This is all part of the job. But what if I could just eliminate this word from my vocabulary, too? As in, I'm just working towards my big break, actively...not waiting for it passively. Or I just am, living my life, and an audition opportunity pops up. I wasn't waiting for it. You know? That got too deep, too fast. Sorry guys.
Until next time...I won't keep you waiting this time, I promise!
Gilli
5 Ways You Know You Want to Shoot New Headshots with Dana Patrick
- All of your actor friends have shot with her and work, like, all the time
- You miss the days of shooting on film (and the way it masks imperfections)
- You want your eyes to "pop" in your picture, even in a small thumbnail version
- You want to have a difficult time choosing pictures, because there are too many good options
- You want to look at a lot of pictures of your own face
Speaking of things being worth the wait, I'm waiting on the final versions of several different projects to come out so that I can share them with the world. My high school English teacher once told us that in a certain Native American language (I cannot recall which tribe; apologies for my ignorance), there was no word for "wait." They were just content with "being" rather than "waiting" for the next thing to happen, so there was no need to even have a word for waiting in their language.
As an actor, I find myself waiting all the time...waiting for an audition to roll in, waiting for my big break, waiting for my turn at an audition, waiting to watch footage from a project, waiting to hear feedback from an audition or meeting, and when I'm on set, I'm often "hurrying up and waiting" for my scene to come up on the schedule. This is all part of the job. But what if I could just eliminate this word from my vocabulary, too? As in, I'm just working towards my big break, actively...not waiting for it passively. Or I just am, living my life, and an audition opportunity pops up. I wasn't waiting for it. You know? That got too deep, too fast. Sorry guys.
Until next time...I won't keep you waiting this time, I promise!
Gilli
Saturday, February 15, 2014
2014!
Wow, we're already nearly two months into the New Year, and I haven't updated my blog. I've been waiting for a "theme" to inspire me so that I have some framework within which I can sneak in my laundry list of what I've been up to. I usually do this to distract you into thinking this is some regular blog, although that's probably useless. I would not recommend "acting career" as a "lifestyle," so this is most certainly not one of those lifestyle blogs.
But I can't wait any longer! I try and bombard you with my happenings once a month, and I've already failed. Theme?? What theme? Valentine's Day? I did that last year. President's Day? Tax Season? Believe it or not, I did write about that last year. I guess the theme of this post is the Un-Theme. Which is very "February" if you ask me. "Un-Theme's" a much better theme than the flu, which I have right now…so, you're welcome!
This year's been kind to me so far! I made it to the top 20 contestants of ABC's "Make Me A Star" competition, which was unexpected and cool. Would've been cooler to win (I know, I know), but still cool to be acknowledged and know that my tapes were watched and appreciated. It was an open contest with submissions from all over the country, and it was definitely exciting to chat with ABC's lawyers and shoot another scene within a tight timeframe for the next round! In similar news, a short film script that I wrote and am hoping to produce (and act in, obviously!) made it to the top 10% of submissions to an (actually legit/reputable) screenplay competition. They haven't announced the next round yet, but like the other contest, it's just nice to know that my script was read and acknowledged. Again, it would be cool to win. A gal can dream...
I've booked and shot two different commercials, which should be airing soon (fingers crossed)! I actually auditioned for both spots on the same day. Something good was going on that day for me, that's for sure. Here are some snaps from the shoots:
Other than that, I'm proud to report that I'm back ON the wagon. The acting class wagon, that is. I fell off quite a few months ago, and I'm oh-so-glad to be back. Just makes me feel like an actor…you know? That's important.
Wow, not having a theme makes this kind of sound braggy and weird. I'm sorry. Wait - my New Year's Resolution was to apologize less. So…better luck next month? Maybe a St. Patrick's Day theme?
Maybe my mom will leave a comment with a suggestion for next month's theme!!
Themeless,
Gilli
But I can't wait any longer! I try and bombard you with my happenings once a month, and I've already failed. Theme?? What theme? Valentine's Day? I did that last year. President's Day? Tax Season? Believe it or not, I did write about that last year. I guess the theme of this post is the Un-Theme. Which is very "February" if you ask me. "Un-Theme's" a much better theme than the flu, which I have right now…so, you're welcome!
This year's been kind to me so far! I made it to the top 20 contestants of ABC's "Make Me A Star" competition, which was unexpected and cool. Would've been cooler to win (I know, I know), but still cool to be acknowledged and know that my tapes were watched and appreciated. It was an open contest with submissions from all over the country, and it was definitely exciting to chat with ABC's lawyers and shoot another scene within a tight timeframe for the next round! In similar news, a short film script that I wrote and am hoping to produce (and act in, obviously!) made it to the top 10% of submissions to an (actually legit/reputable) screenplay competition. They haven't announced the next round yet, but like the other contest, it's just nice to know that my script was read and acknowledged. Again, it would be cool to win. A gal can dream...
I've booked and shot two different commercials, which should be airing soon (fingers crossed)! I actually auditioned for both spots on the same day. Something good was going on that day for me, that's for sure. Here are some snaps from the shoots:
Other than that, I'm proud to report that I'm back ON the wagon. The acting class wagon, that is. I fell off quite a few months ago, and I'm oh-so-glad to be back. Just makes me feel like an actor…you know? That's important.
Wow, not having a theme makes this kind of sound braggy and weird. I'm sorry. Wait - my New Year's Resolution was to apologize less. So…better luck next month? Maybe a St. Patrick's Day theme?
Maybe my mom will leave a comment with a suggestion for next month's theme!!
Themeless,
Gilli
Monday, December 23, 2013
Santa Slayer
Last December, I performed a scene I wrote for the Actor's Key Holiday Showcase. It marked my first experience performing something I had written, and it was a pretty good time…you can take a trip down memory-blog-lane and revisit my post about it from last year HERE. My talented-actress-friend Jenny Robinson acted in the scene with me, and the amazing Carmen Aiello directed us. 'Twas an all-around success.
A year later comes another milestone - the first time I've put something I've written on tape, like, professionally. I met director Joab Carlos on set for a commercial early last year, and he told me about a production company he's launching called JJ Film & Photography. He was looking for content to shoot, and I had a lot of content without anyone to shoot it. So, the stars were aligned that day, or at the very least, Mercury wasn't in retrograde. We kept in touch all year, and the first result of our chance encounter is the scene from last year's showcase, on tape, right in time for Christmas. That's right: I'm gifting you with five minutes and nine seconds of holiday joy, right here, right now. You're welcome!
Thanks for watching that just now! I hope you liked it. Or, at least finished watching it so that we could garner some more views. We're ready to go viral.
All kidding aside, pulling this project together quickly and effectively was quite a feat and learning experience for me. I had never been in charge of so much on a shoot and I just want to give all of the producers I've ever met, especially ones on low/no-budget little passion/silly projects like this one, virtual snaps. You guys are amazing. I don't know how you do it (seriously though, I don't, as evidenced by how I kind of had no idea what I was doing while I was doing it yet still did it somehow). I was pretty floored by the generosity of the crew for showing up and working so hard, by the Actor's Key West for trusting me and renting us their space, by my parents who decorated our set using the childhood objects and artwork we picked out to use together and who of course provided craft service, by my synagogue's preschool for lending me little toddler chairs, and of course by Jenny and Joab and his wife Jessica for making this all possible! It's pretty insane how much work goes into even just a small, fun, little holiday sketch like this one.
Now that I've made my Oscar speech, check out some pictures from the shoot. Oh, and Happy Holidays!!!
A year later comes another milestone - the first time I've put something I've written on tape, like, professionally. I met director Joab Carlos on set for a commercial early last year, and he told me about a production company he's launching called JJ Film & Photography. He was looking for content to shoot, and I had a lot of content without anyone to shoot it. So, the stars were aligned that day, or at the very least, Mercury wasn't in retrograde. We kept in touch all year, and the first result of our chance encounter is the scene from last year's showcase, on tape, right in time for Christmas. That's right: I'm gifting you with five minutes and nine seconds of holiday joy, right here, right now. You're welcome!
Thanks for watching that just now! I hope you liked it. Or, at least finished watching it so that we could garner some more views. We're ready to go viral.
All kidding aside, pulling this project together quickly and effectively was quite a feat and learning experience for me. I had never been in charge of so much on a shoot and I just want to give all of the producers I've ever met, especially ones on low/no-budget little passion/silly projects like this one, virtual snaps. You guys are amazing. I don't know how you do it (seriously though, I don't, as evidenced by how I kind of had no idea what I was doing while I was doing it yet still did it somehow). I was pretty floored by the generosity of the crew for showing up and working so hard, by the Actor's Key West for trusting me and renting us their space, by my parents who decorated our set using the childhood objects and artwork we picked out to use together and who of course provided craft service, by my synagogue's preschool for lending me little toddler chairs, and of course by Jenny and Joab and his wife Jessica for making this all possible! It's pretty insane how much work goes into even just a small, fun, little holiday sketch like this one.
Now that I've made my Oscar speech, check out some pictures from the shoot. Oh, and Happy Holidays!!!
Friday, December 13, 2013
Story Magic
Sometimes you need a reminder of why are doing what you are doing. Feel me? Sometimes when you've been doing more "business" than "show," you forget what you loved about show business in the first place. I got a more than healthy dose of reminder yesterday at my school's "Big Show." But let me backtrack so you understand what a Big Show is.
Since October, I've been mentoring with the The Young Storytellers Foundation. Long story short, this amazing program connects 5th graders with mentors (actors, writers, executives) in the industry who help them learn the art of storytelling and writing. Each student creates a 5 to 7 page screenplay by the end of the program, culminating in a Big Show. Professional actors donate their time to first "audition" for the kids (i.e. hilariously present their talents to them in the hopes that they will be "cast" in one of the screenplays) and then perform the screenplays for a live audience of elementary school students.
YSF rolls out a red carpet for the kids where they can take a bow in front of their peers and teachers, gives them VIP passes to wear around their necks, and has each student and their mentor sit up front while their show is being performed. The result is nothing short of magical. If you know me, you know my aversion to schmaltzy actor feelings. To constantly hash tagging about how amazing everything is, even when it's not the reality of the situation or just a guise for a #humblebrag. But yesterday, during the Big Show, I was actually feeling these amazing feelings; they just weren't for me or my own performance. I was feeling them for my 5th grade mentee and all of her buddies whom we had been working with over the semester. I just loved watching my mentee witness her own words that she had written come to life. It was magic. See for yourself:
A friend of mine is on the board of YSF and invited me to several events over the past couple years. I loved hearing what the program was all about and meeting other people who were involved and watching famous, hilarious actors perform some of the best screenplays that students have written, but I didn't make the leap into mentoring until this year. I had this weird idea that because I don't make that much money, I couldn't possibly spare my time to volunteer. Looking back, I really don't get why/how I could rationally think that. As an actor, writer, and tutor, I have the luxury of a flexible schedule. So yes, I am available to spend an hour and a half once a week playing with stories. And guess what, Gilli: rich people volunteer, sure, but not-rich people can volunteer too! What a concept. I'm glad I clued myself in. And did I mention that a couple of my talented actor friends showed up in the middle of the day and donated their time to perform for the kids? Well, they did, and my mentee chose one of them to play the lead role in her screenplay!
I think I get why people who volunteer do it all the time. It's addicting. It's magic.
Since October, I've been mentoring with the The Young Storytellers Foundation. Long story short, this amazing program connects 5th graders with mentors (actors, writers, executives) in the industry who help them learn the art of storytelling and writing. Each student creates a 5 to 7 page screenplay by the end of the program, culminating in a Big Show. Professional actors donate their time to first "audition" for the kids (i.e. hilariously present their talents to them in the hopes that they will be "cast" in one of the screenplays) and then perform the screenplays for a live audience of elementary school students.
YSF rolls out a red carpet for the kids where they can take a bow in front of their peers and teachers, gives them VIP passes to wear around their necks, and has each student and their mentor sit up front while their show is being performed. The result is nothing short of magical. If you know me, you know my aversion to schmaltzy actor feelings. To constantly hash tagging about how amazing everything is, even when it's not the reality of the situation or just a guise for a #humblebrag. But yesterday, during the Big Show, I was actually feeling these amazing feelings; they just weren't for me or my own performance. I was feeling them for my 5th grade mentee and all of her buddies whom we had been working with over the semester. I just loved watching my mentee witness her own words that she had written come to life. It was magic. See for yourself:
A friend of mine is on the board of YSF and invited me to several events over the past couple years. I loved hearing what the program was all about and meeting other people who were involved and watching famous, hilarious actors perform some of the best screenplays that students have written, but I didn't make the leap into mentoring until this year. I had this weird idea that because I don't make that much money, I couldn't possibly spare my time to volunteer. Looking back, I really don't get why/how I could rationally think that. As an actor, writer, and tutor, I have the luxury of a flexible schedule. So yes, I am available to spend an hour and a half once a week playing with stories. And guess what, Gilli: rich people volunteer, sure, but not-rich people can volunteer too! What a concept. I'm glad I clued myself in. And did I mention that a couple of my talented actor friends showed up in the middle of the day and donated their time to perform for the kids? Well, they did, and my mentee chose one of them to play the lead role in her screenplay!
I think I get why people who volunteer do it all the time. It's addicting. It's magic.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Five-Seven-Five
James Franco just wrote a semi-fictional book about acting, and in it, he has a cycle of poems dedicated to River Phoenix. In honor of this, here are some ridiculous actress Haikus for you to enjoy on this gray day.
Time frames and windows
Too early, late, or in-between
Made it just in time!
In the waiting room
Not nervous, no, not at all
Stop comparing yourself
It's pilot season
It's episodic season
Where did the year go?
Watching TV
All the time, all the time
What? It's my homework
Just book something, please
Credits and tape and reels
Make it all worth it
#Blessed, #lucky, #grateful
Maybe you just earned it
It's hard work, not luck
Opportunity
Meets preparedness is all
Luck is only that
Smoke bump, wardrobe bump
Overtime is golden time
Dues dues dues dues dues
Inconsequential
Just talking about myself
Selfish but needed
Hit your mark and slate
Here we go, off to pretend
For a nice moment
Where is my book deal
For real, when's it happening
I'm ready to go
Time frames and windows
Too early, late, or in-between
Made it just in time!
In the waiting room
Not nervous, no, not at all
Stop comparing yourself
It's pilot season
It's episodic season
Where did the year go?
Watching TV
All the time, all the time
What? It's my homework
Just book something, please
Credits and tape and reels
Make it all worth it
#Blessed, #lucky, #grateful
Maybe you just earned it
It's hard work, not luck
Opportunity
Meets preparedness is all
Luck is only that
Smoke bump, wardrobe bump
Overtime is golden time
Dues dues dues dues dues
Inconsequential
Just talking about myself
Selfish but needed
Hit your mark and slate
Here we go, off to pretend
For a nice moment
Where is my book deal
For real, when's it happening
I'm ready to go
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