#How to record a self-taped audition

[measureyourlifeincake]

was gonna record a video but got too frustrated with how shitty the camera on my (new!!) phone is :( i s2g it's even worse than my old phone (which wasnt great in the first place) even though i think its the same series (not sure if its exactly the same bc the motos are named weirdly)

it doesnt even let me zoom on the selfie cam??? i downloaded a 3rd party camera app that had digital zoom but it looks even worse than just filming un-zoomed and cropping it (which, to be clear, looks pretty bad)

well that's what i get for insisting on getting a phone with a headphone jack i guess

[dumbbitchenergy17]

BTS: Where the Wild Things Are

Plot: An audition leads to unforgettable moments on a hit show.

Word Count: 6.3K

Pairing: Paul Mescal x Reader

Warnings: fake fight scene, protective Paul and Pedro, fluff, potential spoilers to Where the Wild Things Are [read here]

—————

The cityscape was something you welcomed, honking traffic, people shouting in the streets, and the chaos and beauty that came from living in New York. Your partner on the other hand was still adjusting, having moved in about 4 months ago. In that time so much has occurred, hosting SNL, attending premieres for films you both starred in as well as attending award shows that you had the honor of presenting an award at one. The most recent event that passed was the Met Gala and your birthday was now on the latest agenda. You hear the front door unlock over the light music and traffic from outside before clicking shut.

“I got bagels for the birthday girl,” Paul calls out coming from the entryway to find you curled up on the couch watching Hannibal the last show on your binge list. He comes from behind the sofa and you pause to lean back and look at him upside down as he gives a charming smile.

“How was your run babe?” You ask accepting the sweet kiss he gives before coming around easily sinking into the couch. His headphones around his neck, he’s dressed in a cap, a sleeveless t-shirt, and those shorts he loves.

“I found this runner’s route about 3 miles and got to see some of the sights around here before I got hungry for food,” He says while pulling out the two sandwiches, “Made sure it was an everything bagel before I left.” He passes yours over you smile quickly feasting on the treat.

“Wow my order is finally right, it’s a birthday miracle.” You tease and he rolls his eyes eating his sandwich.

“Ran into these two nice girls as I was leaving and got a picture they also said happy birthday. I was surprised they even recognized me.” He comments and you poke with your free hand his bare sweaty thigh.

“It’s those damn shorts, they’re a magnet to any Paul Mescal fan in a 20-mile radius.” Since he moved into your cozy apartment in Greenwich Village those shorts have become a staple in his New York City lifestyle. You’ve never seen more paparazzi photos of him in shorts since he moved here.

He smirks leaning close to you, “Are these shorts a magnet to you?” He flirts as he raises a brow only making you snort. The moment is cut off by your phone ringing seeing it is a call from your agent. Paul groans at the name, “Don’t they know it’s your birthday that means no work.”

“Oh hush, they’re probably calling to say happy birthday,” You say getting up to enter the home office. You knew most likely it was that but also something you’ve been sorta keeping from Paul and also Pedro and Bella. So during that interview, the year prior involving a certain video game that had a book it was mentioned of a potential fan-casting involving you. You joked about being involved just to appease the fans of the hit show. It was only after the Emmys with your win that news came out of the hit video game book Where the Wild Things Are was being adapted into a spin-off series from The Last of Us. Immediately the world blew up, with fan-casting and speculations of when what, and who. You were excited to see a novel you enjoyed being adapted but it was only when you got an email sent from your agent and told to record a self-tape that you recognized the scene and what was being asked of you. That was a month ago when you sent in the tape and it was only this week you heard back that you got the job. Luckily Paul was busy with his projects and promotions so it was easy to be at virtual meetings or having to fly out to LA for negotiations with The Last of Us team and your team under the guise of negotiation for the latest Star Wars film you were meant to start in.

“Hey Cathy,” You answer while closing the office door behind you.

“Happy birthday Y/n I hope you’re enjoying your day,” She greets you.

“It’s been good relaxing, definitely mentally preparing myself for whatever Paul and Pedro have planned for tonight.” That makes her laugh. It was good with everyone in the city for the Met Gala they planned to remain for your birthday. It was all planned out with spending the day with your childhood friends the day before as a pre-celebration. You weren’t sure what they had planned but with Pedro involved it could only be as crazy as your twenty-first.

“Well be safe tonight, but I just got off the phone with Jeanine. She says Craig and Neil are all good on their end with the paperwork. We’ll send you an email in regards to obtaining your script and any upcoming schedule. News of your casting will be drafted up soon to be published,” She says and you smile, “But tonight enjoy your night with your friends and family.”

“Thank you so much, Cathy. Guess now is a better time than ever to tell them I auditioned and got it.” You hear her gasp on the other line.

“You haven’t told them you auditioned?!” You shrink pacing the office looking over the collage you have on the wall at your desk. Photos of your friends and family, but also photos on sets, from your earliest projects to even now. Your favorite is of you and Paul in Malta exploring the city together. You had tried getting a nice photo of the two of you until a kind couple offered to take it for you. You guys weren’t even looking at the camera as it's taken mid-laughter, your head thrown back mid-laugh while Paul has a cheesy grin having just told a joke to get you to smile.

“I was gonna tell them when I knew I got a callback, then it just felt right to surprise them. So now here we are, I’m gonna see them all tonight so best time to tell them.” You say with a laugh and you hear her sigh on the other end.

“Well enjoy your night and congrats again!”

When your friends and family let your boyfriend and second father-figure to plan your birthday you had to know they had something crazy planned. When you first got with Paul your birthday was only shortly after you made it official so you didn’t do anything insane with him. You guys had a nice dinner with live music together and he got you a gift card to one of your favorite stores. But with you know a year together and knowing each other you’re not sure what he has in mind.

It was immediately swept away by your glam team who completely pampered you with your favorite rituals, cocktails, and Frank Ocean. Elvira keeps your hair in its natural style leaving it down, René creates this sultry look with accents of pink glitter across your lids.

“Guys what hell,” You gasp when Juliano reveals a gorgeous pink set from Brielle that you’ve been dying to wear, from the lace leggings, the asymmetrical mini skirt, the off-the-shoulder gloved top with squared jewels as the button of the opening at your wrists and on the skirt, to the scarf with a large gem buckle. Even down to a new pair of shoes that match perfectly.

“Don’t look at us, this is all your lovely boyfriend’s doing we just made sure it was in your measurements,” Juliano says and your eyes start watering up about to cry.

“No! None of that I just did a sickening eyeliner just for you to ruin it!” René scolds you fanning your tears away and you force yourself to suck them back.

“I’m sorry okay,” You take a deep breath before giving a big smile, “I’m all good I swear no tears I promise.”

The three of them pull you into a hug, “Alright go get dressed, enjoy tonight!” Juliano says pressing kisses to your cheeks.

You give them all looks, “You have any idea what those two have planned?” They all give devilish smiles completely aware.

“We have been sworn to secrecy for this,” Elvira locks her mouth before throwing away the key. You groan making the three laugh before they all head out to let you get dressed. Deciding to add a pair of square diamonds to match the whole ensemble when you hear a knock on the door.

“Come in,” You call out seeing from the reflection Paul enters freshly showered and dressed in a casual black suit the first few buttons undone. You can see him drinking up your appearance as he slowly stalks over as you put in one of your earrings.

“Hi, handsome.” You smile as his hands rest your hips pressing featherlight kisses across your shoulder slowly creeping up to your neck. “Thank you for the outfit.” He just hums continuing his path of kisses you hear him inhale slightly the scent of your perfume as you put your other earring in.

“I kinda regret planning this whole elaborate birthday night,” He mutters into your skin and you can feel his body heat against your back fully pressing up against you wrapping you up in his arms, “Just wanna rip these clothes off and give your birthday gift.” He bites at the crook of your neck drawing a gasp mixed with a laugh from you.

“Down boy,” You spin in his arms leaning against your dresser letting your fingers twirl the curls at the base of his neck, “As much as I would enjoy your gift. I intend to take this pretty outfit out at least once to celebrate my birthday with our friends and family before you quote ‘rip these clothes off’ end quote.” That makes Paul chuckle pressing a kiss to your lips before sighing and resting his forehead on your shoulder.

“Fine let’s go see all our friends and make you happy,” He grabs your hand and guides you out of your apartment.

You laugh as you follow after your sulking boyfriend, “Don’t act like you’re not gonna enjoy whatever crazy shit you and Pedro planned.” You're unsure whether to be excited or scared about what they have planned.

It started with a nice dinner just between the two of you. Nothing too crazy a simple romantic dinner with a drink or two. You were getting nervous as the night continued letting Paul lead you through the streets constantly glancing at his watch for the time.

“You’re making me nervous, Paul, " you say as you cross the street, your heels clacking against the pavement. You hold his arm, guiding him out of the way of other people walking, his gaze glued to his phone.

“We’re here!” He stops abruptly in front of a building that looks very pretty. He leans you inside before speaking briefly to the receptionist who scans you in before entering an elevator and pressing the roof floor.

“Paul, what do you have planned?” You give him a questioning look as the floor number increases and he only gives a bright smile.

“Don’t worry,” He presses a kiss to your temple as you reach the top floor exiting and are immediately bombarded by loud confetti cannons go off as you both turn the corner.

“Surprise!” A chorus of people shocked to see so many people there, your family, college friends, coworkers, actor friends, and people from all aspects of your life. The entire place is decked out in decorations, an open bar, and a DJ playing your favorite songs. There’s a cheesy grin on your face spotting Pedro beside Oscar Issac with party blowers in their mouths. A good portion is reuniting with people you haven’t seen over music and drinks, finally making your way to your core group. Bella practically tackles you with a hug most definitely a few drinks.

“Happy birthday gorgeous,” They cheese and you return an exactly as bright one.

Pedro quickly gives a bear hug pressing a kiss to your temple. “Happy birthday chiquita.”

Bella claps their hands, “Wait picture!” they pull their phone out and you roll your eyes striking a peace sign while Pedro gives a kissy face. Paul stands beside Bella laughing at your antics. The beginning of ‘Thinkin' Bout You’ by Frank Ocean comes on and you grin.

“I love this song,” You start dancing but Bella shakes their head.

“No hold still the last one was blurry,” Holding up their phone you return to your pose with Pedro, how you didn’t spot the mischievous looks on their faces until it was too late.

“A tornado flew around my room before you came,” Frank Ocean's live voice comes through the speakers and your jaw drops. Immediate laughter from them and cheers from those around you as you whip around to see the DJ booth behind you. “Excuse the mess it made, it usually doesn't rain in South California.” There he was in all his glory Frank fucking Ocean singing at you.

“Holy Shit!” You scream fangirling at this point. You cover your face with your hands in shock, feeling someone come from behind pulling your hands down.

“Happy birthday,” Paul whispers in your ear, pressing a kiss. You’re glad he held you as you sang along, or you probably would’ve collapsed. You’re practically floating once he finishes, wishing you a happy birthday, hugging you, and taking a picture! Fourteen-year-old you can die happily now.

“How the fuck did you do that,” You ask still in awe cradling the custom birthday cocktail made for you. They had pulled out all the stops.

“Pedro cashed in a favor to Omar who’s friends with him,” Paul says and you spot Pedro over with his singer friend Omar Apollo who is speaking to Frank.

“Paul this is insane…like this has to be the best birthday ever.” You say.

Oscar comments in passing, “Better than your twenty-first?” That makes you burst out laughing. The infamous 21st birthday was one in the history books even if you have zero memory of it, only videos and photos serve as it.

“Seriously this is ridiculous. I love you so much.” You kiss him and he doesn’t reject answering it in kindness.

With more music and drinking the party was well celebrated but soon winded down with your core group and family there. You were sorting through the gifts received as music plays.

“Shut up P, the fuck is this?” You laugh holding what looks like a bouquet but instead of flowers, it is gift cards taped onto sticks.

“A bouquet of gift cards duh,” He says while sipping his beer, “All your favorite places from father number 2.” That makes your parents laugh and your father claps Pedro’s shoulder.

You put the gift off to the side, “Thank you, Pedro these will be gone in the week.” Paul rubs circles on your shoulder as you lean into him.

“I have something for you as well,” You look at him surprised.

“Paul you're kidding, right? You’ve already done so much tonight.” He shakes his head getting up.

“You’re my girlfriend. You think I’m not going to get you a gift. Now close your eyes” he says before heading off behind you. Bella and your sister make gagging noises and your mother shushes them.

“Paul if it’s a dog or something like that. I am not ready to be a mother,” your comments make the others laugh. Paul's chuckle comes close again and you hear the clunk of something resting on the outdoor coffee table.

“Okay open.” Opening your eyes you see a case immediately recognizing the familiar shape.

“Shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything.” Paul teases as you frantically fumble to open the latches with your gloves revealing a gorgeous caramel acoustic guitar. Pulling the guitar out of the case someone moves it to the side looking over how beautiful it is.

“This is exactly what I wanted.” You look over at Paul with teary eyes and he swipes a stray one before it falls, “Thank you.” You pull him into a hug and you hear your mother coo to your father at the two of you.

“That's so sweet of you Paul.” She smiles as you pluck at the strings already in tune.

“Funny enough, I have something to tell you all,” you say resting the guitar to the side. A bit of nervousness crosses your face being around your closest people.

“You're pregnant.” Your sister blurts out making your parents gasp, Bella’s eyes widen, Pedro half spits out his drink and Paul chokes on his.

“No!” You see those all around you sag in relief, “I am very much not pregnant you just saw me drink all night.”

“Oh yeah.” Your sister nods forgetting that key detail.

“Like I was saying,” You give her a look before continuing, “I’ve been holding onto this news for a bit waiting for the right moment and if it was all confirmed. I auditioned for a television series and they hired me as the lead.”

“Oh sweetie that’s great.” Your mother squeezes your hand and your father nods in agreement.

“That’s amazing kid,” Pedro says and Bella nods excitedly.

Paul squeezes your arm a wide grin on his face. “That’s incredible babe.”

“What show is it?” Your sister asks those around you nodding in wonder. You try to suppress a grin as you speak.

“It’s an HBO series…called The Last of Us: Where the Wild Things Are.”

There’s a beat of silence before absolute chaos.

“We’re gonna be working together?!” Bella jumps up and down shaking a shell-shocked Pedro’s arm.

“You’re gonna be a part of The Last of Us. Oh my god, my friends are gonna freak,” Your sister screeches. Your father tries calming her down.

Your mother cries, “Oh my god honey that’s wonderful,”

Paul is just staring at you who has a sly grin across your face. “It worked out getting the guitar. I was gonna buy one to start practicing.” You shrug smugly and he just laughs shaking his head.

Your family’s reaction to the news was well-received; once it was revealed to the public, it was an explosion in media. The other projects worked on leading up to the shooting were filled with questions about this spin-off show from such a hit series. It was stressful once you got to shooting balancing being in Calgary and then flying down to California for The Mandalorian and Grogu but your team made it all possible. While you already knew some of the cast through Pedro and Bella, working on it was a completely different experience. The crew and cast were all so welcoming having these new components added to their production.

“This is weird,” Pedro says when he sees your new hair for the first time. You flash him a look. “I’m not going to be able to recognize you with your new hair.” You laugh alongside your hairstylist as she tweaks some flyaways.

“I hope you can recognize me I’m meant to be your daughter,” Craig and Neil had reached out on your opinion about dying your hair to make Pedro minus the grey aging and you had been completely on board. You weren’t concerned about getting your hair to that dark brown that would match your co-star and were honestly excited about the transformation.

“How has Paul reacted to this change? " he asks as you head to the wardrobe together.

“He likes it, definitely pushed the allegations of me being your long-lost child,” You say with a laugh and Pedro gives a concerned look.

“I don’t think I could’ve handled a child at twenty-five I could barely handle myself.” He has the most concerned look on his face just imagining being a father and you laugh.

You see two men before you one you recognize as the man you let go, Trevor or whatever the fuck his name was. The other next to him you’ve never seen but the two did look like similar brothers maybe. The revolver is aimed at the Travis guy you do know and you see the older man raise his rifle at you while the man with the gun pointed at him makes no move with his own. “I fucking told you I would kill you if I saw you again.” You hiss trying to shift your weight letting a hiss from the burning pain in your side. Thomas looks down at your side and sees your hand pressed against its blood soaking the fabric.

“You’re hurt.” He takes a step forward and your finger rests on the trigger while the other man has a clear shot at you, “Drop the gun girl.” The older man hisses and you barely glance at him as you speak.

“You’re in my fucking house dickwad don’t tell me shit.” You say before you open the chamber showing there are no bullets left, “If you’re here to get your shit back, it’s all gone or used to kill this fuckers.” You wave the empty gun to show the damaged room and the two bodies that are with you.

“Like I said before, get the fuck out of here and let me die in peace. Better yet toss me a bullet and let me finish the job.” You spat leaning your head back against the wall, waiting to hear them leave or maybe give you a way to bite the bullet.

At that moment you shift, acting as if you were bleeding out when your back seizes and you’re unable to hide the true pain.

“Holy fuck my back is seizing,” You yelp, and Pedro and Gabriel break and you can hear the laughter from the crew and camera team. “Y’all this isn’t fucking funny I’m literally dying.” You hear Craig yell cut and Pedro comes over to your hand desperately grabbing a section of your lower back.

“Jesus kid way to make us feel old as hell,” Pedro says before helping you lay down fully on the ground instead of propped up in the corner.

“You guys need to kill me I can’t deal with this,” You’re left at the mercy of Pedro who doesn’t hesitate taking embarrassing photos of you stuck on the ground that ended up as a y/n on the floor meet and greet. The internet found it very hilarious to see a picture of Pedro, Craig, and Neil all posed above you as you give a double middle finger from the floor.

With Paul working on his projects it was a bummer not having him around, especially with the time differences it was either staying late up at night to be able to talk with him briefly before you crashed or the other way around. So when he had breaks between productions he had flown to Calgary to visit you and see you in action on set. When he first saw you on set was during the fight sequence between Derek and the other boys. There were lots of pauses given this fight ends pretty bloody in the end. The SFX team dabs a bit of blood from the cut on your temple and makes sure the blood looks fresh on your knuckles.

“Awww aren’t you so pretty,” Bella coos standing beside Isabela who plays Dina while in the scene but not as active just witnessing the fight break out. Pedro and Paul stand more off to the side since he is needed in the scene. You smile at them with your split lip as they finish up your makeup letting you pop in a capsule as the actor playing Derek finishes up.

“Alright camera and sound roll,” Craig calls out from video village as you shake out your hands hoping to get the blood rushing as your scene partner smirks, “Action!”

Seeing Derek with blood pouring down his nose fire in his eyes as he holds his fists up.

“You fucking bitch!” He hisses and blood coats your teeth as you grin more sliding down your temple and you bring your fists up waving at him to come at you. With a roar, he swings a fist and you dodge landing a shot right at his kidney. A sharp gasp from the sudden pain as his hands go to grab his side not able to block his face as you drive your fist forward. The punch brings him to the ground as you pin him down your fists slamming into his face and beating the crap out of him.

He lands on the crash mat while you land behind camera taking a knee while he’s fully on his back. “Cut!” Craig calls out as the crew gets to switching things around for the new setup as you pull your scene partner to his feet. Sauntering over to Paul and Pedro off to the side as your assistant helps pull your parka at least around your shoulders keeping you warmer than the thinner coat your character wears.

“I don’t know how you like all that stunt works,” Pedro complains from his chair with Paul sitting beside him in your seat, “Makes me want to kill myself.” That draws a chuckle from you and Paul.

“I find it fun. It’s like my personal stress reliever,” You say unaware of the mildly concerned looks from Paul and Pedro.

“That sounds mildly concerning…” Paul says from beneath his scarf. Compared to most on the crew he was bundled up the most from a thick parka, gloves, a heavy-duty scarf, beanie, and probably layered up underneath.

“You all cozied up babe?” You tease and you can see his eyes roll his nose a flush to it from the cold.

“I don’t know how all of you aren’t fucking freezing,” Paul shudders as the wind blows onto the set.

“Well honestly I’m sweating from this scene so I’m protected,” You comment.

“How are you handling the New York cold,” Pedro questions.

You laugh loudly, “He hasn’t experienced it yet, currently, his attire is t-shirts and shorts. I’m surprised you even wanted to come up when it’s so much nicer back home.”

“I wanted to see you, of course, I’d deal with this cold for you,” He says, pressing a kiss gently so as not to touch the blood. You give a big smile and both Paul and Pedro grimace, “I completely forgot your mouth was bloody that was frightening.”

“Would you still like me if I looked like this?” You question.

“I think I’d be concerned why you’re beaten but yes I would still date you,” Paul confirms and you’re called back onto the set.

Whenever Paul was able to visit your spirits and energy on set were doubled. Even the day before he would arrive you’d have a skip in your step the only thing on your lips, “Did you guys know Paul is coming?” “Paul’s flight gets here in about 4 hours.” “I’m so excited to see Paul.”

It was so nice filming and not worrying about the snow as the majority of the show takes place during the winter. You had the absolute joy of meeting and working alongside the two young actresses performing the younger version of your character and Lila your half-sister. The two girls were sisters so it was plenty of fun meeting them during the read-throughs and them coming on set the first time. Your younger counterpart Haley, and your half-sister Deliah were absolute gems and the three of you grew quite attached. Even when you didn’t have shoot days coming in to see Haley, only twelve destroyed her performances and kept her occupied during breaks much to her parent’s delight. With Deliah, it was such an easy bond with this young eight-year-old playing on sets, and having lunches together. Pedro with his father figure magnet quickly pulled the two girls under his wing and his welcoming personality those kids ate it up. There was one picture you treasured during a rehearsal for the playground scene where she sees Joel again after joining her parents. Deliah has taken the rehearsal as an opportunity to play given the context of the scene. Haley had been on set that day for a costume fitting and to see her little sister, so when the crew found you, Haley, Pedro, and Deliah on a couch in a greenroom all passed out the teasing and photos pursued. Your head rested on Pedro’s shoulder with his head on top of yours, Delilah on your lap curled up into your chest, and Haley on Pedro’s side tucked under his arm asleep against him.

Some set days were better than others, especially given the topic and character development she goes through. You thought it was a skill to be able to deeply dive into these characters to create an authentic performance but sometimes it felt like a curse how it had started to take its toll against you.

“Kids go,” Joel says and Jesse and Dina nod, starting to trail away he sees Ellie look at him hesitant before she too leaves. Joel takes a step into the clearing, the crunch of snow makes you whip to face him and he raises his hands like taming a wild beast. Your chest heaves as you eye him with sharp panicked eyes. Tears stream down your flushed cheeks as you continue making that pained noise.

“I’m not gonna do anything kid,” Joel says calmly as one of your hands that grips your hair moves to your flannel clutching your collar as if it’s choking you. Joel rushes as you drop to your knees with an unhuman cry like this tidal wave of emotions finally takes over. He pries your blood hand from your hair to stop harming yourself allowing you to death grip his sleeve as you scream this gut-wrenching sound. Joel squeezes you close to his chest as your screams muffle in his coat soon it turns into a heartbreaking whimper. He has to look up to the sky to blink back the burn in his eyes holding you close to him, his hand stroking your hair to soothe you.

“It’s okay…I got you,” He says as you tremble in his hold, weak sobs and hiccups as you break down.

“Cut!” Craig calls out and Pedro pulls back and is a bit surprised seeing you’re still crying this time with your head in your hands.

“Kiddo….Chiquita,” Pedro calls out to you softly, his hand stroking your back before flashing a concerned look to Craig who quickly understands the situation.

“Let’s take ten!” He yells to the crew who look in concern at you crying with Pedro trying to soothe you but their instruction from their boss offering semi-privacy.

“Y/n you’re okay,” He whispers, “Breathe.” He forces you to notice your erratic breathing pattern borderline a panic attack. A PA rushes over with a foldout chair and some water which Pedro quickly takes. He helps guide you to sit instead of being in the cold snow, your breaths shaky but follow his calming voice. It didn’t take long for Paul who happened to be on set that day to come running over with your assistant hot on his heels. Practically skidding to his knees Paul replaces Pedro who stays by your side rubbing a strong hand up and down your back.

“Baby, what happened?” Concern in his eyes as he holds your face wiping away the tears that slide down your face. “You’re alright, you’re safe with all of us.”

“I’m sorry,” You hiccup, swiping at your face and smearing some of the fake blood on your face. Your breathing had significantly calmed still a stutter with each inhale, “Oh my god this is fucking embarrassing,” You curl up into the chair and the three people around you immediately disagree with your comment.

“Stop it you just got in your head a bit, you’re alright,” Paul reassures you, cracking open the water bottle for you, helping you take a sip until you take over drinking to hydrate yourself. Paul nods to your assistant and they head over to speak to Craig and the team. “You’re okay baby, take your time.”

“I thought you were crying because my acting was that bad,” Pedro comments and that makes a smile cross your face and a light giggle. His hand squeezes your shoulder, “Take your time kid until you’re ready. You nod grateful for them and the crew. After a minute or so of drinking enough water that you don’t feel dehydrated, you nod letting them know you were good.

Craig comes over, “Are you good to go? We can give you more time.” You are grateful for his concern and you shake your head.

“Thank you but I’m good to go, I’m so sorry for that I just got so far in my head for the scene,” You apologize and Paul shush you while Craig gives you a look.

“Don’t apologize, we wanna make sure you’re good. It’s a complex role I can understand getting that deep in that headspace.” He says before heading to the crew as they prepare.

“Are you sure you’re good,” Paul looks you over, swiping away stray tears at your waterline.

“I’m good I’m sure thank you,” You promise him and he nods, pressing a quick kiss letting you know he was there for you.

“I love you,” He says and you respond in kind. Paul heads off camera though staying near in case you needed him. Both you and Pedro return to the ground and he squeezes your shoulder as a reassurance before you two hop back into the emotional scene.

You and Paul sit at one of the lunch tables watching Haley and Deliah being chased around by Pedro. The two young girls squeal as they weave through tables too fast for him as he takes breaks to catch his breath.

“Jesus Christ they’re fast,” Pedro hunches over his hands on his knees as Bella laughs from their seat. Delilah rushes over to you and Paul.

“Hide me!” She yells and you let the two girls crawl underneath the table hidden behind your knees as Pedro comes over with a playful look.

“Hmmm, I wonder where Haley and Deliah are..” He stalks by your table and you can hear the muffled giggles from underneath.

“I guess I have to take Y/n hostage!” He grabs you and you play into the bit getting up from the table.

“No! Someone help me!” You fight against Pedro as he laughs like an evil villain and you hear a faux gasp from Paul as the girls pop up from under the table.

“Y/n!” They cry out rushing over to save you. Haley jumps onto Pedro’s back and he acts like it wounded him deeply while Deliah pulls you away.

“Oh no you defeated me,” Pedro closes his eyes and Haley rushes over to you.

“We saved you!” The two cheer and you smile dropping to your knees letting the two girls hug you.

“Oh my heroes what would I’ve done without you!” You praise them and the two girls are already thinking up a new game when their mother calls for them to lunch. They groan that the fun is over but listen rushing over to their mother yelling goodbyes to you all. Returning to your table Paul has a very gentle look though his mind is a bit elsewhere.

“All good?” You ask leaning against him and returning to your food and he nods, pressing a kiss to your temple.

“Yeah, you’re just good with kids.” He says and you smile up at him. You were always good with everyone but seeing you, especially around children or younger fans you have such a light to you. Speaking at their level instead of above them willing to talk about what runs through their active minds. Any other person wouldn’t sit and have an hour-long discussion with an eight-year-old about what crayons would look best for their picture but you would.

“I always liked kids. Even as a kid I also wanted a younger sibling to look at so I always loved spending time with my younger cousins or my friends’ young siblings.” You hum taking a sip of your water, “I’d want them someday, they would be so cute as babies then growing up I would spoil them rotten.”

When you talked about children he pictured you as an amazing mother, teaching your kids to respect others but also themselves, nurturing and loving them with everything in your being. As he pictured these kids running around they shared a mixture of features from both you and himself. Would they have his eyes and your hair, maybe your smile but his humor?

“You’d be a good mom to them.” He says and that makes your insides all warm as you press a kiss to his cheek.

“You’d be a good dad to them too.” He looks at you in a bit of shock, surprised that you imagine that life. With the kids and raising them but with him as their father. A smile grows on his face and you laugh at the flush that crosses his face.

“I think we should have two.” He says with all seriousness and you laugh out loud in shock but he keeps pushing, “Keep it even so one is too lonely and three is an uneven number for everything.” He had thought this all out for your imaginary family together.

“Christ Paul I’d need a ring first before even thinking about a kid.” You chuckle keeping the air light but he just nods at you, his face sincere but certain.

“I can do that.”

[evandorkin]

Hello Mr. Dorkin! I have a question thats been on my mind for quite a while now. How did you and Sarah go about picking the voice actors for the pilot?

Did you watch the actors in a different media and knew you wanted them to voice the characters? Was there an audition process? Any and all information would be greatly appreciated because I absolutely adore the voice acting in the pilot, and would love to know more about the process of picking voices for these awful nerds.

Have a great day!

All but two of the voice cast were picked from audition tapes we listened to at home. Some of the tapes were actors reading dialogue from the pilot script, I feel like we also heard some general actor voice tapes, as well. It's been a while. If I remember correctly MC Chris started rapping on his tape and was very funny, he was up for Bill but we chose him for Ward.

We auditioned two deejays from a show on WFMU, an independent freeform, self-owned radio station in New Jersey, which I have been a fan of for decades. They were Glenn Jones and the late X-Ray Burns. Both often went into crazy rants on the radio, although as an actor Jonesy was way more restrained and we had to work to get him to get worked up as Joe. I think we would have managed to get him louder and more towards rant mode more easily after some practice if the series went ahead. From the start I had Jonesy in mind for Joe and X-Ray for Gary the Dirtbag, a characters in the bible that didn't appear in the pilot.

I ended up doing Ironjaw's voice mainly because I knew how he should sound, he was based on someone from my comic shop days. Because every actor could do up to three voices, I spoke a few other lines that needed to be covered, the Major Violence alarm clock and, iirc, one of the movie theater employees. Like Glenn Jones, I didn't have voice actor experience. Unlike him, I was terrified. We recorded my lines last, I had to clear the recording room of the other actors before I could do them. I got into the booth with a cup of water and a batch of Japanese Super Lemon candies to keep my "juices of life" going. I shook throughout the recording and kept my back to the engineers and everyone. I didn't enjoy it. maybe if the series happened I would have passed the role off or gotten more comfortable doing it.

[neutron-stars-collision]

As much as I want huge success for Luke, like you say he seems happy where he is. It suits him, that is fine by me. Also, there is very real chance that he sees what Jonathan’s hectic schedule is like and that does’t appeal to him.

That’s what I think. I believe I once talked to someone about this and we came to the conclusion that Luke works to live, rather than lives to work. And because that’s what I do too, k get him. I think he’s content with how things are going and he doesn’t really want mad hustling 366 days a year because that wouldn’t be feasible for him.

Plus he also said it takes him longer to record a self-tape for auditions and learn the lines due to neurodivergence so it all makes sense. I would rather he’s happy than to have him on every billboard but close to a burnout.

I think he knows best what he can afford and how to manage his finances to be efficient. Definitely not the haters on here.

[seriouslycromulent]

The Surprising Reason John Larroquette Took His Career-Defining Role on 'Night Court'

The comedy ninja reveals all this week's 'Parade' cover story.

MARA REINSTEIN

UPDATED:JAN 19, 2023

Get in a car and drive about 30 miles north of Portland, Oregon, into southwest Washington. That’s where you’ll find actor John Larroquette.

He and his wife, Elizabeth, have lived on a piece of rural property for about five years. He collects books and likes to narrate plays in his home recording studio. Sometimes the couple head into the city to try new restaurants and go to the theater and concerts. “It’s really beautiful,” he says. “And at my age, it’s time to slow down and be out somewhere.”

In fact, Larroquette is so fond of his far-from-Hollywood lifestyle that not too long ago, he considered himself retired from the business with a fulfilling career and a room full of trophies to show for it. Never did he think he’d return to grueling TV work, let alone reprise the very role that made him a household name.

Guess what happened next?

Yup, Larroquette, 75, is suiting back up as wise-cracking, endearingly smarmy lawyer Dan Fielding in a new version of the irreverent sitcom Night Court (premiering Jan. 17 on NBC). Set decades after the 1984-92 original, it still chronicles the colorful cast of characters passing through the New York City after-hours courtroom. But now, the Honorable Abby Stone (Melissa Rauch), the daughter of Judge Harry T. Stone (Harry Anderson), bangs the gavel.

Fielding starts the series as a process server, though not for long. “As an actor, I thought it would be an interesting idea to revisit a character 35 years later in his life and see what happened to him,” Larroquette says. “I can’t do the physical comedy and jump over chairs anymore, so my conversations with the producers were about how to find the funny.”

Call it the latest unexpected turn for a seasoned star who began his professional journey as a DJ for “underground” radio in the 1960s, moved from his native New Orleans to Los Angeles to jumpstart his career, once took a gig in exchange for marijuana, played a Klingon in the third Star Trek movie and completed rehab to kick his heavy drinking—all before his very first audition for Night Court in 1983. After the sitcom’s last episode, he won his fifth Emmy (for the drama The Practice) and a 2011 Tony for the Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He and Elizabeth, wed for 47 years, have three grown children.

“I honestly wish I had a tape recorder going at all times because he’s led such an interesting life and has such wonderful stories,” marvels Rauch, his co-star and a Night Court executive producer. “He’s super-quick, funny and definitely tells it like it is.”

Exhibit A? His interview with Parade, in which he discusses life and death, and everything in between.

Did you sign on to the series right away or was it a tough sell?

When Melissa [Rauch] presented the idea to me, I immediately said, “No thank you.” I didn’t like the idea of being compared to my 35-year-old, younger self. These conversations went on for a year. Then, one day, she told me that she wanted to be on-camera as well, so I decided to try and do it. We ended up pitching the show together, and it got picked up. You know, in New Orleans, there’s a French word called “lagniappe,” which means “a little bonus.” That’s what I consider myself. She’s the heart of the show.

Sadly, a few of your co-stars—including Harry Anderson and Markie Post—have died in recent years. What was it like being on the set without them?

Very emotional. Harry passed away in 2018, but it’s still a tender spot in my heart because he and I were together for a long time even outside of work. Markie and I were very close, and we had exchanged a few emails about the show before she died [in 2021]. She was a big cheerleader for it. And Charlie [Robinson, who played the clerk “Mac”] died when we were shooting the pilot last year. I saw him a lot because we both love the theater. Being on the set—I don’t say this glibly—but it was like seeing dead people. I’d always remember how I had this bizarre and completely sincere family for nine years.

Going back to the 1980s, why did you originally take the Dan Fielding role?

It was a paycheck. This was 1983, and I was still a journeyman actor going from job to job. I was a regular on a series in the ‘70s [Baa Baa Black Sheep], but then I took a few years off to do some extremely heavy drinking. After I got sober and realized I wasn’t going to die, I thought, “What am I going to do?” I had been in a pretty big [1981] movie called Stripes with Bill Murray. I read for Ted Danson’s role in Cheers.

Wait, how far did you get in the Sam Malone casting process?

Oh, I just walked in and did a cold reading along with every other 32-year-old actor at the time. But then I auditioned for the judge in Night Court. The producers asked me to read for this other role of Dan Fielding and I said, “Sure.” Even if I hated the role, I would have taken it because I needed to make money to help pay the rent and support my family and be a responsible member of society. It was luck that I really liked it. Then I got lucky again when NBC picked up the show as a mid-season replacement.

During the height of the show’s popularity, you earned four consecutive Emmys for your performance. That must have felt beyond validating.

Obviously, being acknowledged by your contemporaries was an incredible honor. I don’t say that blithely. It was a remarkable, remarkable feeling. And I was up against some formidable talent—mainly all those guys from Cheers.

Why do you think the character was and is so appealing?

I think because he allowed the audience to know that he wasn’t a bad guy. He was more like a feckless buffoon. He also really wanted to be loved. As a matter of fact, in our pitch, we screened an old scene of Fielding in a hospital bed telling Harry, “I don’t have a life; I have a lifestyle. Nobody has ever said, ‘I love you.’” So when we find Fielding again, he’s loved and lost. And Harry’s daughter forces him out of his cave. It’s a real full-circle moment.

Let’s go back to your own start. Did you have any music skills coming out of New Orleans?

Well, I started playing clarinet in third grade, then I moved to the saxophone in the 1960s. But I euphemistically say that I could talk better than I could blow. So, I took that sax out of my mouth and became a DJ and started using my voice as much as I could. I’ve always loved the analog aspect of audio. I still have some reel-to-reel tape recordings and old microphones.

Is that how you ended up narrating the opening prologue for [the 1974 horror classic] The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?

No, no, that wasn’t through any kind of past work. In the summer of ‘69, I was working as a bartender at a small Colorado resort in a little town called Grand Lake because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. [Director] Tobe Hooper happened to be in town and we became friendly. Flash forward four years, and I found myself in L.A. collecting unemployment checks and trying to decide if I wanted to be an actor. Tobe heard I was in town and asked for an hour of my time to narrate something for this movie he just did. I said, “Fine!” It was a favor.

Per the Internet, he gave you a joint in lieu of payment. True?

Totally true. He gave me some marijuana or a matchbox or whatever you called it in those days. I walked out of the studio and patted him on his back side and said, “Good luck to you!” Now, I have also narrated the consequential films and did get paid. You do something for free in the 1970s and get a little money in the ‘90s. I’m not a big horror movie fan, so I’ve never seen it. But it’s certainly the one credit that’s stuck strongly to my resume.

But you’ve appeared on the big screen plenty of times. Did you have movie-star aspirations following all your TV success?

The movies I’ve done are mostly forgettable. Blind Date [from 1987] is an exception, but that’s because of Bruce Willis and Kim Basinger. And Blake Edwards directed it. It was funny. But my face is not made for a really big screen. It’s a broad, clown-like face. It’s good for a TV two-shot. And you ride the horse in the direction that it’s going and television was always right there and offering me stuff, so I kept doing that.

You also performed in a musical for the first time in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 2010. How was that change of pace?

I was hesitant to do it because I had never sung and danced on stage. I was convinced I was going to be fired in the first two or three weeks. I’d keep going in my head, “five, six, seven, eight!” just trying to get the steps down. But I loved the lifestyle of being a stage actor in New York. I loved working with Daniel Radcliffe, and we became fast friends. It got to a point where I couldn’t wait to get to the theater and try it again that night. If you’re given the opportunity to do something that may be a stretch, I think it’s important to try and see if you can pull it off.

Can you talk a bit about your personal life? You seem a little reclusive.

Reclusive isn’t accurate, but I’m definitely an introvert. Elizabeth and I met doing the play Enter Laughing and got married in 1975. She puts up with me, and you can’t ask for much more than that. Our kids are grown. My daughter Lisa is a graphic designer and my son Jonathan has had a podcast for the past 17 years called Uhh Yeah Dude. And my youngest son, Ben, is a musician who graduated from the Berklee School of Music. He actually composed the new theme music for Night Court. They’re all lovely, and I love them dearly.

That’s quite a professional and personal success story, no?

You know, considering where I’m from and the kind of culture I grew up in, yes. I’ve been very successful in my chosen field. And I’m grateful for having done that because there were times when I thought I would not live, much less have a career. It’s nothing to be taken for granted. But I’m very old now. Three quarters of a century. I’m sort of playing with house money from now on, regardless of what happens.

Sorry, but 75 isn’t very old!

Yes, it’s old. It’s old. Please. It’s old. There are certainly people who live longer, but I can go down the list of wonderful friends and coworkers who are now deceased. One being Kirstie Alley, my costar in [the 1990 comedy] Madhouse, who was younger than I am. She was a lovely person, and so funny. There are only a few more exits on the freeway and you’ve got to choose one. But I’m not afraid of the hereafter and I don’t bemoan it. It’s been an interesting ride, and all rides eventually end.

Do you have any sort of words to live by?

As corny as it sounds, take things one day at a time. You know, I learned when I stopped drinking at age 32 that all you have is right now. Use the present in your life as much as you can.

Source: https://parade.com/celebrities/john-larroquette-night-court-cover-story

-----

My thoughts (please feel free to ignore):

I'm sure someone in the fandom has already posted this interview John did last year with Parade magazine when the new Night Court premiered. But I can say that it's new to me, so I'm sharing it in case it's new to someone else too.

I apologize for the highlighted purple sections above. That's just me marking the parts of the interview that resonated with me the most.

I don't know about anyone else, but some parts of his answers to the questions made me feel kind of sad. Partially because he's clearly experiencing grief at the loss of his friends. And partially because John himself may not be with us for much longer (although I hope I'm wrong and he beats Betty White to 100).

But I was talking to my mother about some of his answers, and she said that as someone who has reached an age milestone herself, she understands his perspective. And I guess I do too.

It's important to remember that in any other profession, John would likely be retired by now. So we should really be grateful for any roles he takes or public appearances he makes, and hope that his days ahead are filled with the calm, joy and laughter that he so rightly deserves.

[back-and-totheleft]

He Communicated with Forces that Were Not in the Norm: Oliver Stone on Directing Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer died last week of pneumonia after a long struggle against the cancer that took his voice. He left behind an extraordinary body of work and a reputation for being a difficult, sometimes volatile performer. Kilmer attempted to address both facets of the legend in “Val,” a documentary-apologia that sanded off a few of the actor’s rough edges but shone a spotlight on others.

Writer-director Oliver Stone might have been the director who was most on Kilmer’s wavelength. Their first pairing was 1991’s “The Doors,” in which Kilmer acted and sometimes sang the role of Doors frontman Jim Morrison, opposite Meg Ryan as Morrison’s wife Pamela. Thirteen years later came “Alexander,” Stone’s biopic of the Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great; Kilmer played King Philip opposite Colin Farrell as his son Alexander and Angelina Jolie as Olympias, Alexander’s mom (and the ex who hates Philip’s guts). Both Kilmer performances are raw, earthy, emotional, audacious, and to some viewers’ eyes, a bit too much to take (though others think them brilliantly in tune with the films).

I spoke to Stone about the qualities in Kilmer that led to his being cast in both roles, as well as Kilmer’s unconventional, sometimes antisocial, occasionally worse-than-that approach to building a character, which belatedly came to light a few years ago when an actress who had auditioned for “The Doors” in 1990 accused Kilmer of injuring her during an audition. “His personality was not easy to get along with,” Stone told me. “Creative people are often self-involved, and there was a fair amount of stuff you’d expect to see from an eccentric young actor in Hollywood—although, even by those standards, Val was pretty out there.”

How did your paths cross?

He was a very eccentric individual, and I had a very eccentric introduction to him. He did a strange audition for [the role of Sgt. Elias in “Platoon]”, taped it himself and sent it in, and it was pretty wacko—all kinds of strange postures and poses and dialogue of his own invention. I can’t really remember too much about it, but I would have watched it in probably 1984, right before the movie was made.

Did you follow his career prior to hiring him for “The Doors”?

Oh, yeah. I very much liked “Top Secret!” and he was great in it. And I loved the other one he made that was so funny: “Real Genius,” was that the title?

You saw “Real Genius”?

Oh, yeah! I liked him in it. He was a very good actor. When he came in for “The Doors,” the first question was whether I could do it, meaning, whether I could handle him. Then it came down to the question of his voice. Could he play Jim Morrison as a singer? I mean, we could have used all of Morrison [for the singing portions of the movie], but with Val, we knew we wouldn’t have to. The actor playing Morrison didn’t have to have a singing voice, but really, at the end of the day, we knew it would have been a hell of a better arrangement to have someone with a voice, and Val had a very good voice. An excellent voice. I put him with Paul Rothschild, who was the real life producer of Jim Morrison, and they did some work together and came in, and we recorded a lot of the songs. Val was very impressive. I would say that in the end, he was the only choice.

Who were some other actors you were looking at?

There were a couple of others. There was a group that was around at that time—I don’t remember their name—who were the imitators. You know, they would come out to clubs and play The Doors and be The Doors, you know? The guy doing Morrison was not bad. He could sing, but he wasn’t as good an actor as Val, by far. And the other fellow was Jason Patric, who really started to hate me because I put him through a couple of [exercises]. He didn’t get the role. You know, these were all pretty young guys, they were all competitive, and there was a lot of volatility to their emotions, so I don’t think Jason took it well.

Was Val considered problematic or difficult to work with at that time?

He was considered by many people to be, I guess, an asshole, you know? But I liked him. He was rocky. He was stormy. Tumultuous.

I heard about that as well. During the making of “The Island of Dr. Moreau” in 1994, there were stories. He was said to have burned a cameraman’s sideburn with a cigarette. Did stuff like that happen during the shooting of The Doors?

No. But we got into trouble once later, years later, when these actresses were calling out [harassment and mistreatment] during #MeToo, and one of these women made accusations that were insane about us.

[This is referring to the actress Caitlin O’Heaney, who auditioned for Pamela Morrison, and told Buzzfeed that during a performance of a domestic argument scene, Kilmer punched her and then threw her to the ground. The matter was settled out of court with an NDA attached.]

I remember the casting director, Risa Bramon Garcia, completely dealt with it. [Garcia told Buzzfeed that the actress had “a very extreme reaction to a situation that to me was not extreme at all.”] But there was all this kind of nonsense about how I was the director and he was the actor and I should have controlled it. Risa dealt with it, but the accusations hung in the air. It was bullshit. Val was just annoying, he had an edge to him, and he played it in rehearsal to the edge, and that was what I needed from the role. Val was a very strange guy in the sense that he communicated with forces that were not in the norm. And he alienated [people] during the casting process. He alienated certain actresses, But we [continued to audition] because we had to find a Pamela Morrison, and then we had to find Kathleen Quinlan’s character [named Patricia Kennealy after the journalist who had an affair with Morrison and married him in a private ceremony, although Stone later said the character was a composite of several people], and there were other roles that were, you know….We had sex acts in the story!

What other delayed fallout came out of the “Doors” auditions?

I remember it was Melissa Gilbert who had the accusations about her audition, right? She was the head of the Screen Actors Guild. [Gilbert accused Stone of humiliating her during her audition as payback for a perceived social slight elsewhere.] It was all bullshit. Nothing like that happened. And the girls [who auditioned]—some of them, you know—they understood that it was a very risque movie for its time. Kathleen Quinlan, I have to say, was mature, and handled it the best of all, because she had some of the toughest scenes with him, if you remember.

Yes—she and Kilmer have a five-minute nude scene where they’re having simulated sex and doing drugs and running and dancing around.

Meg Ryan dealt with it very well. That was a challenging role for her, as Pamela. She contributed a lot, and [critically] she was very underrated compared to Val in his role.

You know, I didn’t know Val was so problematic until I started working with him. I was challenged by him. He was moody. Very moody. But the results are on film. It was an exhausting performance for him. You have to sing, really sing, for hours and be very physical on the stage. And Val put so much into his acting, too. It wasn’t like we were making any extra demands on him and being unreasonable. We weren’t doing a David Fincher and having him do fifty takes of something. But it was an extremely wearying process and he would get very tired. And he was a young man!

He’d turned thirty a little while before shooting.

He would get so tired playing Jim that he couldn’t come out of the trailer.

What was the relationship like after “The Doors”?

We finished the movie on a poor note. He did a great job, but he was not happy with me or himself, and he was very troubled in many ways. He was not grateful. He was not grateful to have [gotten] the role. And although he became allies in making the movie, at the end of the movie, he hurt me by saying things to me that were not kind. It was a bitter experience in a sense, you know: “Goodbye.” “Go to hell.” That kind of thing. He didn’t say very nice things to me because he didn’t like me in the end.

The movie did not perform as expected at the box office. It was long, and it was a dark movie. I’d written the script that way: it was going to the dark side. Remember, that was really what Jim was about.

But the years went by, and the movie was met with tremendous enthusiasm. Everyone liked Val’s performance more than they liked the movie! And he got tremendous credit for it. And he gets back in touch with me, and he just tells me how much he likes working with me. And I guess he’d had some reversals of fortune? Then I wanted Val.

For “Alexander”?

That’s right. I wanted Val to play the father, Philip. I had a hunch that he would be good for it, and he did it perfectly. He did it really well! I thought he was a very grand Philip. And it’s funny because the conventional choice would have been Liam Neeson, who was available and with whom we’d had a good meeting.

He probably would have been very comfortable in that role, having played so many fathers and mentors.

Yes! But we just saw something, I thought, only in Val that excited me. Although he was closer in age to Colin [Farrell] than to Liam, Val gave what I thought was a very strong performance. I’ll defend it! He was good for me in both of those films. He gave me what I wanted. Val died a little ahead of his time, right?

Yeah, he was 65, which is not that old for an actor now.

I saw him here and there during those later years. As you know, he got very sick, and he didn’t look good. He invited me to come see him in this and that. Then he got sicker, and he could barely talk, but we still talked here and there. He was kind to me.

I was a tough director for him, but I never really felt like I was his enemy. He was a handful. You move on and let the years go by.

-"He Communicated with Forces that Were Not in the Norm: Oliver Stone on Directing Val Kilmer," RogerEbert.com

[witheredoffherwitch]

What do you think about Alys’ magic abilities? Since she was follower of Old Gods, do you think she was greenseer or skinchanger?

I do think that Larys is indeed a skinchanger, who enters mind of rats, so he’s able to spy over Red Keep. And in leaked audition tape Alys was joking(or not) she is barn owl who was cursed to live in human body, can it be a hint she’s able to skin change into animals too?

It said that only one in thousand is born a skinchanger and only one skinchanger in a thousand is born a greenseer. And greenseers known for having greensight, so I don’t think Larys is one of them, but Alys is described to have visions in multiple sources, some kind of greensight.

And with Ewan hinting that Aemond will know day he dies, Alys potentially can be the one who predicts it:

"That was one of the first things [showrunners] Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik wanted to think about: the legend of The Cyclops in Greek mythology, and how he ultimately traded one of his eyes to Hades in order to see the day he would die,"

"What does that do to a person, to possess that extreme degree of self-certainty? To know the day you're going to go down, and feel bulletproof to a point. I'm not saying Aemond is a seer, but he's scary perceptive."

And it’s interesting if she’s indeed a greenseer, unlike Bran and Bloodraven, who both were men in power, she was just a serving bastard.

What’s your personal assumption about this?

Hello nonnie, I hope you're doing well.

I sound like a broken record now -- but once again, I apologize for the delayed response. I'm so glad you found the time to ask this question because it prompted me to go back and read all the articles I had previously overlooked.

NOW... Ewan and Ryan both hinting at Aemond being privy to his own impending death is HUGEEE! If Aemond is somehow made aware of it through Alys' visions, then that completely removes the likelihood of her orchestrating his death. If makers don't botch the narrative they've employed for his storyline till now, then Aemond's character is primed to be one of the most tragic characters in HoTD. There is very good possibility that by the end of his journey, he feels like an absolute failure who's doomed his own cause to a potential defeat. In that scenario, when all hope is lost, I can totally see his character gambling everything away for that one final triumph that will not only assure the removal of the biggest possible threat -- but also offer him the retribution for B&C. Incidentally, there is also a high likelihood that we are reading too much into these quotes which were intended as some casual, off-handed remarks on Aemond's character study... I don't know.

Moving right along, me and some of my fellow shippers have been knee-deep in some fascinating headcanons recently. We’ve all largely agreed that both Alys and Larys could be skinchangers. I am not sure if Alys will be explored beyond her role in the Dance, but the theory of her being a 'greenseer' is an interesting one. I have read so many theories on Alys - from those guessing at a connection with Asshai and Quaithe to those believing her magic is derived from necromancy or blood magic. These are all interesting theories for sure, and opens a wonderful opportunity to explore more AUs.

I am excited to see what the makers have in store for us. She's such an interesting character, with both teams vying for her fealty on these online spaces. Our girl's definitely got many intrigued -- and I have even seen some TG fans suggest that the relationship between Aemond and Alys could be strictly platonic in the show. If that is the case, her story will either conclude at the battle above God's Eye or - in rare one-off case - they might even kill her character in the middle of a war. The makers are certainly not hesitant to change character arcs in the show, so nothing's off the table.

Thanks once again for this lovely ask!

Love, Kalki 🤗

[04k96]

The Social Credit System in China is a government-led initiative aimed at promoting trustworthiness in society by scoring individuals, businesses, and government institutions based on their behavior. While it’s often portrayed in Western media as a dystopian surveillance system, the reality is more nuanced. The system is still fragmented, evolving, and complex, blending both digital surveillance and bureaucratic rating mechanisms.

Here’s a detailed look at its structure, goals, mechanisms, and implications:

⸻

1. Origins and Goals

The Social Credit System (社会信用体系) was officially proposed in 2001 and formally outlined in 2014 by the State Council. Its main objectives are:

• Strengthen trust in market and social interactions.

• Encourage law-abiding behavior among citizens, businesses, and institutions.

• Prevent fraud, tax evasion, default on loans, and production of counterfeit goods.

• Enhance governance capacity through technology and data centralization.

It’s inspired by a mix of Confucian values (trustworthiness, integrity) and modern surveillance capitalism. It’s not a single unified “score” like a credit score in the West but rather a broad framework of reward-and-punishment mechanisms operated by multiple public and private entities.

⸻

2. Key Components

A. Blacklists and Redlists

• Blacklist: If an individual or business engages in dishonest or illegal behavior (e.g., court judgments, unpaid debts, tax evasion), they may be added to a “dishonest” list.

• Redlist: Those who follow laws and contribute positively (e.g., charitable donations, volunteerism) may be rewarded or publicized positively.

Examples of punishments for being blacklisted:

• Restricted from purchasing plane/train tickets.

• Difficulty in getting loans, jobs, or business permits.

• Public exposure (like having one’s name posted in public forums or apps).

Examples of rewards for positive behavior:

• Faster access to government services.

• Preferential treatment in hiring or public procurement.

• Reduced red tape for permits.

B. Fragmented Local Systems

Rather than one central system, there are hundreds of local pilots across China, often using different criteria and technologies. For example:

• Rongcheng (in Shandong Province) implemented a points-based system where citizens start at 1,000 points and gain or lose them based on specific actions.

• Hangzhou introduced systems where jaywalking, loud behavior on buses, or failing to show up in court could affect a personal credit profile.

Some local systems are app-based, while others are more bureaucratic and paper-based.

⸻

3. Surveillance and Technology Integration

A. Data Sources:

• Public records (tax, court, education).

• Private platforms (e.g., Alibaba, Tencent’s financial and social data).

• Facial recognition and CCTV: Often integrated with public security tools to monitor individuals in real-time.

B. AI and Big Data:

While the idea of a real-time, fully integrated AI-run system is more a long-term ambition than a reality, many systems use:

• Predictive analytics to flag high-risk individuals.

• Cross-agency data sharing to consolidate behavior across different parts of life.

However, this level of integration remains partial and uneven, with some cities far more advanced than others.

⸻

4. Criticisms and Concerns

A. Lack of Transparency

• Citizens are often unaware of what data is being used, how scores are calculated, or how to appeal decisions.

• There’s minimal oversight or independent auditing of the systems.

B. Social Control

• Critics argue the system encourages conformity, discourages dissent, and suppresses individual freedoms by rewarding obedience and penalizing perceived deviance.

• It may create a culture of self-censorship, especially on social media.

C. Misuse and Arbitrary Enforcement

• Cases have emerged where individuals were blacklisted due to clerical errors or as a result of political pressure.

• There are concerns about selective enforcement, where some citizens (e.g., activists) face harsher consequences than others.

⸻

5. Comparisons to Western Systems

It’s important to note:

• Western countries have private credit scores, employment background checks, social media tracking, and predictive policing—all of which can impact someone’s life.

• China’s system differs in that it’s state-coordinated, often public, and spans beyond financial behavior into moral and social conduct.

However, similar behavioral monitoring is increasingly used in tech-based social systems globally (e.g., Uber ratings, Airbnb reviews, Facebook data profiles), though usually without state-enforced punishments.

⸻

6. Current Status and Future Trends

Evolving System

• As of the mid-2020s, China is moving toward greater standardization of the credit system, especially for businesses and institutions.

• The National Credit Information Sharing Platform is becoming more central, aiming to integrate local experiments into a coherent framework.

Smart Cities and Governance

• The social credit system is increasingly linked with smart city infrastructure, predictive policing, and AI-powered surveillance.

• This aligns with the Chinese government’s broader vision of “digital governance” and technocratic legitimacy.

⸻

7. Key Takeaways

• Not one unified “score” like in fiction; it’s more like a patchwork of overlapping systems.

• Used as a governance tool more than a financial one.

• Integrates traditional values with modern surveillance.

• Viewed domestically as a way to restore trust in a society that has undergone rapid transformation.

• Internationally, it raises serious questions about privacy, freedom, and state overreach.

Needed clarification 😅

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Thoughts on the podcast. Yes I listened. by u/iDub79

Thoughts on the podcast…. Yes I listened. The first thing that hits you in the face is how unbelievably staged…or set up… or just plain ole scripted the thing is. In the beginning, MM kinda introduces herself and her guest and the upcoming topics and she is the epitome of a “try hard”! It sounds soooo STUPID! The dramatic pauses, and the dumb attempts to sound mysterious and sexy. IT IS SO CRINGE!!! The breathy clinginess to words and phrases is so over the top – she sounds like she is trying to deep throat the mic! I am not exaggerating. This sounds like an audition tape to narrate a soft porn audio book—it is that bad. Just talk Meghan!!! Just take a drink of water and just SPEAK to your guest. When you listen to her you can just picture her not even focusing on her guest and just fully concentrating on her own self and how she sounds. She does not sound engaged.And the rest of the actual conversation is no better than turds in a litter box.She could probably get a contract from the government so they could use her recordings as psychological warfare to break people down. post link: https://ift.tt/LqvayDM author: iDub79 submitted: April 10, 2025 at 04:27PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[hologramcowboy]

While thinking about your posts on actors and the need to continually train and learn and demonstrate that to casting agents, I remembered a story from early supernatural. Jared had an acting coach to help him prepare for an emotional scene - and Jensen basically bullied him into getting rid of them. Jensen talked about this at an early con and seemed very proud of himself for it. I think this demonstrates Jensen's attitude towards learning and getting help from others to work on acting skills and craft.

Anon, do you have link for this? I'd love to read it to get more context.

Any actor peer that wants to see you grow and believes in you will always recommend private or class coaching and they will tell you which coaches are best for that. If Jensen did indeed discourage Jared then he did him an immense disservice out of spite for not being trained. Instead of choosing to grow, he chose to limit his actor peer in order to feel better about himself.

Then booking machines you see on screen all have coaches and not just for acting, they have diction,dialogue, script analysis, self tape, etc coaches as well. Depending on what they need at a certain point in their career or for a specific audition.

The number one thing that producers, agent, managers and acting coaches recommend is for an actor to always be in class or ,at least, in private coaching. This is because acting is always evolving and so is the tehnology they use to shoo t movies with so if you are not studying then you risk being an obsolotele production risk.

Jensen needs some humble pie, if only he would get a coach he would actually stand a chance to one day impress with his performances and gain the fame he feels so entilted to with no merit.

Just for the record, whether you are a green o ran advanced actor, if you are smart, you should always get coached prior to auditions and you should never, ever put work out there without first being coached on it and taking it to high level. Normal, trained actors always get coached before an audition, they may do so through in person or online session but they always do so.

I am astounded by Jensen's lack of knowledge and understanding about his own industry and how things work. Which makes me very worried for his career, arrogance will only take him so far and looks do fade.

No actor should be facing heavy scenes alone simply because they run the risk of traumatizing or retraumatizing themselves (depending on their substitutions in a scene) so Jared choosing a coach was a very smart move for his mental wellbeing and performance level. He will certainly be taken much more seriously than Jensen ever will because actors that don't do inner workand just wing their performances, as Jensen does, have way less credibility and aren't viewed very well.

.

[mile15movie]

Mile 15 is seeking actors and talents!

Ben here! We are looking for actors in south BC (Lower Mainland or Central Kootenay preferred) with availability in June 2025. These are unpaid, non-union roles (because we are a self-funded indie studio). If you see a role that appeals to you, please have a look at the sides linked at the bottom of this post, and send an audition tape via Google Drive or unlisted YouTube video via email to info@starlesssky.productions. We look forward to hearing from you!

But before that: we are also looking for a musician who can contribute some banjo recordings to the film! No location restrictions. If that sounds like you, and if you can record yourself playing (even with a smartphone would be fine) we'd love to hear from you! It would be a bonus if you're in Vancouver.

Roles open for auditions:

MARTY (main character, mid 20's, presents as male, preferably a tenor voice)

Being named "Most likely to become a pop star" by his high school yearbook committee was perhaps Marty's greatest achievement. However, years after graduation, he hasn't come anywhere close to stardom. He might have the singing voice of an angel, but he also has the attention span of a housefly. As a result, he’s never made anything out of his talent. He's a little "behind" in the grand capitalistic scheme of all things — in his mid 20s and still living with his mother. No job, no driver’s license. His best friend Bill is miles ahead on the road of adulthood, and Marty often takes advantage of this. But somehow, despite everything, Marty is still incredibly optimistic for his future and still has a deep love for everything music-related. So when an opportunity to seek fame and fortune finally appears, Marty eagerly rises to the challenge.

RUSS (supporting character, mid-late-20's, female-presenting)

If Russ Simmons had known how utterly dreadful the professional music industry would be, she would have picked a different career path. But now she has to live with her teenage decisions as a microcelebrity in her mid-20s. Some might say that fame has gotten to her head, but Russ knows better. Even in high school when she was still performing at talent shows, she knew that she cared little for obligations or relationships. Success has only changed her attitude on life slightly; if anything, it has made her even more pessimistic about the world.

THE MANAGER (minor character, any gender or age)

The Manager has been in the music industry for many years. They've seen the best and worst sides of the musicians they represent, and they've watched stars rise and fall. They know what they're doing. They know how to wear their head on straight. Even if it requires stern talking-tos or threatening drunken musicians with their contracts, The Manager will do their best to keep everyone in line.

Link to sides: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BVrkVkR-DkAL8D_6LjY7EcQVFFtR2kB3?usp=sharing

About the production:

Join wannabe pop star Marty and pragmatic best friend Bill on a road trip through unexpected, strange occurrences. Eight years ago, Marty was voted "Most likely to become a pop-star" in his high school yearbook. But he’s yet to become anything even close. In fact, he’s unemployed and without education, still living with his mother. So he’s quick to take the opportunity when an old acquaintance asks for his help on her upcoming music album. He convinces his best friend Bill to drive him to California, and the two pick up three strange hitchhikers along the journey: A mysterious individual named Scab (who might have committed a crime?), a friendly and encouraging musician named Banjo-man Joe, and a glowing young woman who has been dead for nearly thirty years. Each character offers a new experience for Bill and Marty. And ultimately, the two best friends come to the understanding that it really is about the journey, not the destination.

About the studio:

Starless Sky Productions is Ben Macphail, Connor Nyhan, and their friends. Their films celebrate the queer, the weird, and the kick-ass. Their most recent film release, Chicken Surprise, has toured festivals in three countries and won several awards for their unique creative direction and performances with local actors. Starless Sky is based in Victoria and Vancouver, BC, Canada.

[dollarbin]

Shakey Sundays #37:

Trans, Part 2

Every artist worthy of your Dollar Bin buck has at least one wacky identity crisis record.

Joni declared God a boogie man and life one big Pork Pie Hat; a few years later she went full synth on Dog Eat Dog; Cat Stevens decided songs should be 18 minutes long and then dedicated a record to the Pythagorean Theorem; Sandy Denny tried out war-era white jazz under a thatched roof; Lou Reed strove to make an album that was entirely unlistenable; and Paul Simon dedicated years and millions of dollars to a musical about a caped Puerto Rican vampire kid...

And, of course, you've got your pick of midlife crisis Dylan records: most of his records fit that description. Prior to dedicating the equivalent of 5 albums in a row to Sinatra, he did everything from a cowboy soundtrack to 80's reggae, not to mention the still largely incomprehensible Self Portrait.

But for me, Neil Young's Trans remains, hands down, the very best identity crisis record in the dollar bin. I see I got my copy for 92 cents. And, now that I've dedicated an entire 65,000 word post to both exorcising and exercising my own personal demons associated with Trans, it's time that we settled in and talked about its actual songs.

First of all, Trans would be far better as an Eldorado length EP. Three of the album's songs have no place on the record thematically or musically; rather, Little Thing Called Love, the interminable Like An Inca and Hold On To Your Love belong on a Shakey / Joe Freakin' Lala duo record with the working title of Johnny's Island of Steaming Hot Dog Waste, or something akin to that: it's a perfectly dull set of songs which Young's new boss at that time, David Geffen, labeled as lousy.

(I'm going out on a limb with that conclusion because I have yet to hear all of the newly released tracks from those sessions that appear on Archives 3; my famous brother is probably choking on his microbrewed sourbeer in rage and swearing by Neil's yacht rock phase as we speak.)

Disappointingly, as near as I can tell Archives 3 doesn't offer any new truly Trans songs; Young apparently just recorded five core songs with his wall of machines.

(I don't consider the Mr Soul on this record a core song; Young says he jokingly recorded it as a Buffalo Springfield reunion audition tape. No wonder they never got back together.)

But forget about Mr Soul: I'm here to argue that every single one of Trans' original five songs is a winner.

Let's consider them in order.

Computer Age is a top twenty Neil Young track. If the whole record were this good we'd all talk about Trans in hushed tones and toss around descriptive words like masterpiece and mothercuddler. But Computer Age is the album's high water mark.

First of all, the song freakin' rocks: I totally dig its groove and hooks. Computer Age makes me want to cook up a six course meal made entirely out of recycled semi-conductors, all while dancing. Computer Age! Computer Age!

To my ears, Computer Age is the only piece of music on this record, or, frankly, on any of Neil's records between Re-Ac-Tor and This Notes for You, which sounds 100% finished and successful. Neil has plenty of visions; occasionally he fully nails one of them. The vocoder vocals all make sense to me here. The pacing is both stately and frantic. The bridge swoons.

We R In Control is nearly as good and twice as nuts.

The day I lose my mind entirely and start blogging here about how there was no moon landing and how Hilary Clinton is a Taiwanese super spy android, please know that I have adopted We R In Control as my personal theme song. And while you are at it, please get me some help.

There are more competing hooks in this song than in The Cure's Fascination Street - and I've counted, there are at least seven hooks in that song. Plus every one of Neil's hooks is bonkers. Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! He attempts everything in the song: he swings; he stomps; he performs a solo on an 80s-era telephone's digital keypad.

Song three, Transformer Man, should be the other fully successful track on the record. After all, it's a truly beautiful song, a fact Neil admitted 10 years later on MTV Unplugged.

I love how there's one single nerd-club-level Shakey guy in the audience who recognizes this song as it opens - you can hear him let out a shocked Yeah! while everyone else fingers their MTV-issued bowls of mixed nuts and wine coolers and wonders what's up.

The summer that this live version of Transformer Man came out I was at journalism camp (yeah, Journalism Camp). Midweek I derailed an entire class taught by the LA Reader's music critic by complimenting his citing of this song as the only redeemable moment on the live record. He looked at me dumbfounded: a 17 year old existed who enjoyed Trans. The rest of the class sighed and waited for a resumption of normalcy. It took a while.

But the song's original take makes a critical mistake: Neil occasionally shuts off the vocal altering vocoder. Every time we hear snatches of his almost normal singing voice we get distracted.

See what I mean? When Neil's computerized pinprick of a voice quivers this song is shimmies. But when we know it's him singing we're disappointed and want to hear On The Beach.

Happily, there is not a single note on Computer Cowboy that sounds like standard Shakey.

Neil has spilled a lot of ink outlining his thematic intentions with this record; I think a lot of what he was trying to say is actually really valuable, and I'll get into all of that in my eventual post for Trans, Part 3.

But, try as he might to tell his interviewers that Computer Cowboy is a deep think piece centering around a cattle rancher by day who's a hacker by night and the implications of that guy's whole deal on life as we know it, this song has no possible justification, and that's makes it wonderful. Back in 1993, long after the Dylan show I chronicled in Part 1, all 5 or 6 adolescent boys in my bedroom and I definitely fell down laughing hysterically when Neil got to his "yippee-yi-yippee-yi-ay" fade out. He may continue to take this whole project seriously, but Trans is also just ridiculously funny.

Sample and Hold stands alongside Computer Age as the record's other attempt at something vital. There's just a lot of ambition to be heard in the track. Neil thought a lot about, well, something or other while working on this song.

Young issued an extended dance remix of the song in 1982 but left that version off Archives 3. A critical mistake!

I can't think of anything insightful to say about Sample and Hold other than please, go listen to it.

We know you'll be happy.

[a-film-app]

How to Get an Acting Chance in Tamil Movies Without Any Experience

Securing an acting chance in Tamil movies or an acting chance in Tamil cinema without experience may seem daunting, but with determination, strategy, and the right tools, it’s achievable. This article outlines practical steps to land your first role in Tamil films, leveraging networking, preparation, and platforms like The Film India App. Follow these tips to turn your passion into a reality.

Understanding Tamil Cinema’s Landscape

Tamil cinema, or Kollywood, thrives on diverse genres, from action-packed blockbusters to emotional dramas. Newcomers without experience can find opportunities by understanding the industry’s needs and showcasing raw talent. Directors often seek fresh faces for authentic roles, making it possible to secure an acting chance in Tamil cinema with persistence.

Key Industry Insights - 

Diverse Roles - Tamil films require actors for lead, supporting, and character roles, offering opportunities for beginners.

Openness to New Talent - Directors like Mani Ratnam and Gautham Menon often cast newcomers who show promise.

Regional Appeal - Fluency in Tamil or a willingness to learn enhances your chances.

Building Your Skills and Confidence

Without prior experience, preparation is crucial to stand out. Focus on developing basic acting skills and confidence to impress casting directors seeking an acting chance in Tamil movies.

Steps to Prepare - 

Enroll in Acting Workshops - Join short-term courses in cities like Chennai or online platforms to learn basics like dialogue delivery and expressions.

Practice Self-Tapes - Record monologues or scenes to refine your screen presence. Share them on social media to gain visibility.

Learn Tamil Basics - Even basic Tamil phrases can make you more appealing to casting teams.

Observe Tamil Films - Study performances in movies like Kaala or Asuran to understand emotional depth and body language.

Networking in the Tamil Film Industry

Building connections is key to securing an acting chance in Tamil movies. Tamil cinema values relationships, and networking can lead to auditions or referrals.

Networking Strategies - 

Attend Film Events - Visit Chennai’s film festivals or movie premieres to meet industry insiders.

Engage on Social Media - Follow Tamil directors and producers on Instagram or Twitter. Comment thoughtfully or share creative content to get noticed.

Join Local Theatre Groups - Chennai’s theatre scene, like Koothu-P-Pattarai, offers exposure and connections to filmmakers.

Collaborate with Peers - Work with aspiring directors or students from film schools like LV Prasad Film Institute for short films.

Crafting a Compelling Audition

A strong audition can compensate for lack of experience if you showcase passion and authenticity.

Audition Tips - 

Prepare a Monologue - Choose a Tamil or bilingual scene to demonstrate versatility.

Dress Appropriately - Wear simple attire that suits the role you’re auditioning for.

Be Punctual and Professional -  Arrive early, memorize lines, and follow directors’ instructions.

Showcase Confidence - Even without experience, confidence and enthusiasm leave a lasting impression.

Exploring Alternative Entry Points

If direct auditions are hard to secure, consider alternative roles to enter Tamil cinema. These roles can lead to an acting chance in Tamil movies over time.

Alternative Pathways - 

Background Roles - Start as an extra in crowd scenes to gain set experience and network with crews.

Short Films and Ads - Act in student films or local commercials to build a portfolio.

Social Media Content - Create Tamil-themed skits or reels to showcase talent and attract casting agents.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Aspiring actors must stay cautious to avoid scams and maintain professionalism while seeking an acting chance in Tamil cinema.

Red Flags to Watch - 

Payment Scams - Avoid agencies demanding upfront fees for auditions.

Unverified Sources - Stick to trusted platforms like The Film India App for casting calls.

Overpromising Offers - Be wary of claims guaranteeing instant roles.

Staying Persistent and Positive

Breaking into Tamil cinema takes time, especially without experience. Stay motivated, keep learning, and treat rejections as stepping stones to your acting chance in Tamil movies.

Motivation Tips - 

Set Small Goals - Aim for one audition or connection per month.

Seek Feedback - Ask directors for constructive criticism to improve.

Celebrate Progress - Every audition or short film role is a step closer to your goal.

Conclusion

Landing an acting chance in Tamil movies without experience is challenging but possible with preparation, networking, and the right resources. Use The Film India App to access auditions, build skills through workshops, and network with industry professionals. By staying persistent, professional, and authentic, you can break into Tamil cinema and shine as a new talent in Kollywood’s vibrant world.

[sathcreation]

Online Acting Classes in India: Learn Acting from Home with Gritty Tech

Why Online Acting Classes Are Changing the Game in India

You don't need to live in Mumbai anymore to become an actor. Online acting classes are opening doors for students from every corner of India. Whether you're sitting in a small town or a busy city, you can now train with professionals from the comfort of your home.

Gritty Tech is one of the few platforms in India offering real, high-quality online acting classes. Not just recorded videos — real classes with live mentorship, practical feedback, and career support. If you’re serious about acting, this is where you start For More…

What Makes Gritty Tech Stand Out?

Most online classes are just a bunch of pre-recorded videos. Gritty Tech is different. Here's how:

Live Classes: You learn directly from working actors and directors in real time. Ask questions, perform, get immediate feedback.

One-on-One Attention: You’re not just another face in the crowd. Mentors work closely with you, spotting your strengths and helping you fix your weak spots.

Flexible Batches: Classes are scheduled to fit around your school, college, or job.

Career Help: From how to audition to building a portfolio — you get full support to enter the industry.

Gritty Tech doesn’t just teach you how to act. They teach you how to survive and grow in the acting world.

Who Can Join Gritty Tech’s Acting Classes?

The simple answer: anyone who’s serious about acting.

Absolute Beginners: No background? No problem. You’ll start with basics like body language, voice work, and building characters.

Intermediate Actors: If you’ve done a few plays or workshops before, these classes help you polish your skills.

Professionals: Even if you’re already working, the advanced workshops will push you to the next level.

There’s no age limit. Whether you’re 16 or 60, if you have the passion, you’re welcome.

What You Will Learn at Gritty Tech

Here’s what the course covers in simple terms.

1. Acting Basics

The foundation every actor needs.

Body Language: Master your movement, gestures, and posture.

Voice Training: Exercises for better breathing, clearer speech, and stronger voice projection.

Improvisation: Learn to think fast and stay natural on stage or in front of the camera.

Emotional Access: How to tap into real feelings and show them authentically.

2. Script and Character Work

Break down scripts. Build believable characters.

Script Reading: Understand the hidden emotions and intentions behind every line.

Character Building: Create complete characters — from their history to how they walk.

Scene Practice: Perform real scenes and get detailed feedback.

3. Acting for Camera

Stage acting and camera acting are very different. You’ll learn how to:

Understand the Frame: How to move and express within the camera’s frame.

Express Subtly: Deliver strong performances with small, natural gestures.

Shoot Professional Self-Tapes: Essential skills for online auditions.

4. Audition Techniques

Auditions are tough. Gritty Tech teaches you how to nail them.

Choose the Right Monologue: Pick pieces that show your range.

Cold Reading: Perform a script you’ve just seen like a pro.

Handling Rejection: Build resilience so you can keep moving forward.

5. Career and Industry Knowledge

You’ll also learn how the entertainment world works.

Understanding Contracts: Know what you’re signing before you sign it.

Networking: Meet the right people the right way.

Portfolio and Showreel Creation: Present yourself in a way that gets you noticed.

6. Specialised Workshops

To sharpen your edge, Gritty Tech offers extra workshops like:

Method Acting

Comedy and Timing

Fight Scenes and Choreography

Voice Acting

These extras help you stand out from the crowd.

Course Duration, Fees, and Certification

Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about enrolling:

Duration: Choose from 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month programs.

Sessions: 2 to 4 classes per week, depending on the batch you pick.

Fees: Courses start at ₹25,000 for 3 months. Easy EMI options available.

Certification: You’ll get an industry-recognised certificate when you complete the course.

Talented students can even get scholarships based on their performance.

How to Join Gritty Tech’s Online Acting Classes

Getting started is simple:

Apply Online: Fill out a short form on Gritty Tech’s website.

Submit an Introduction Video: Just a quick video about who you are and why you love acting.

Attend an Orientation: Get a feel for the course and meet the team.

Confirm Your Spot: Pay your fees and you’re ready to start.

No auditions, no complicated processes. Just you, your passion, and your commitment.

Success Stories from Gritty Tech Students

Real people. Real success.

Niharika Sharma from Jaipur went from stage fear to starring in a web series.

Rohit Banerjee left his banking job in Kolkata and found himself in national ad campaigns.

Aarav Pillai couldn’t move to Mumbai, but thanks to online training, he got cast in a regional film.

If they can do it, so can you.

Why You Should Start Now

The Indian entertainment industry is growing fast. Web series, independent films, YouTube channels, regional cinema — there’s more demand for new actors than ever before.

Casting directors today are not looking for perfect faces. They’re looking for people who are real, relatable, and skilled. That’s exactly what Gritty Tech helps you become.

If you wait, you’re only delaying your dream. Start now, get trained, and be ready for when the opportunity comes.

Final Words: Is Gritty Tech Right for You?

If you’re ready to learn, work hard, and treat acting like a real career, Gritty Tech is perfect for you. If you’re looking for shortcuts and overnight fame, you’re better off somewhere else.

Gritty Tech gives you the training, support, and knowledge you need — but you have to bring the passion. If you’re willing to show up and do the work, this could be the start of something amazing.

[imcynthiali]

In-person vs Recording at Home

As someone that typically scores over 90% for introversion on those MBTI tests, I think it wouldn't surprise anyone if I said that I don't like doing things in-person. If an online option exists, I will always take it over in-person, all except for voiceover.

In this year, I've taken a few voiceover classes and workshops, some online and some in-person, and every time, without fail, I always love doing it in-person so much more than online.

For a while, I wondered why this would be. I experienced something similar when I was in school and doing choir. Practicing by myself never felt right, the way I sounded, the way it felt in body, it was always off. But as soon as we all gathered on the risers in that rehearsal room, everything just felt right. It felt easier to sing, it all sounded so easy and right.

And I feel pretty similarly about voice acting. I could never pinpoint an exact explanation for this phenomenon and just chalked it up to it being that I find it easier to perform in front of an audience. And I don't doubt that this is true. But I think I have another explanation for why I feel this way.

It seems silly and obvious to say this out loud, but you can't perform, you can't sing, you can't act, when you're scared to speak. Yeah, no shit Sherlock. But this wasn't immediately obvious to me. I really thought that I would somehow be able to get around the fact that I would have to speak out loud all the time and still be successful. After all, I did it with choir. In high school, I never practiced and I still did just fine. I only started practicing in uni, and I only did so for fun (and away from home, which you will soon see is a big component in this).

But it's astonishing the difference that feeling like I am not only allowed to speak and act out loud, but encouraged to do so, makes. When I am in the studio with the instructors and my peers that are all here for the same reason, I feel free to explore and safe to act. But at home, I don't feel this way. At home, I feel like I am a little pest, having to sneak around and be silent all the time, otherwise I would get noticed and squashed. It's no wonder I struggle with auditions when they're all self tapes. How can I record myself when I'm scared to speak?

It's not going to be easy to get myself away from this kind of environment and this type of thinking, but knowing is the first step in making change.

[anotheruserwithnoname]

In this Screen Rant article from today one of the "secrets" from the legal series Suits is Jenna Coleman tried out for the role of Rachel Zane.

It may not have been a formal audition (more a self-taped reading) but it is still interesting to imagine Jenna having played a role on Suits, which would have prevented her from playing Clara as Suits became a long-running series (I've only seen a couple episodes but it basically gave me the impression of being very similar to the 1980s series LA Law or another Canadian-filmed legal drama, Street Legal - Suits was also filmed in Toronto).

How the recording - one of several dating back to Jenna's brief sojourn in the US after her stint on Waterloo Road around 2010 - got online remains a mystery, but for those who don't know, among others was a tape where she apparently tried out for the sitcom Two Broke Girls (the character later played by Kat Dennings), and another for the period drama Magic City. Magic City was only around for a couple of years, while 2BG, like Suits, ran for pretty much a decade so Jenna would never have done Doctor Who or Victoria had she won roles on either.

The Screen Rant article also points out the coincidence of Jenna trying out for the character ultimately played by Meghan Markle given the later (long-debunked) Daily Mail rumour (later repeated by the likes of Vanity Fair) that Jenna had a fling with Prince Harry before Megan entered the picture. All apparently based on one candid photo of Harry and Jenna chatting at a charity event.