#lilianmanansala

[lilianmanansala]

Ay yo, you’re looking at the newest grad student of @nyuniversity. 🤓 I’m thrilled to announce I got accepted into the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences #NYU! I will be pursuing a Master’s in American Journalism. It’s an incredible online program designed for professionals who want to learn and engage in real journalism—and I’m so freakin’ stoked and honored to be in the 2nd cohort. 🙋🏻‍♀️ I will still be able to dance, work, and choreograph out of Los Angeles while I pursue my advance degree. 💃🏻💥👩🏻‍🎓 Thank you to Linda Bernabei-Retter of @raddance, @pattygarycox, Mr. Michael Balsley of @pacificachristian, and @angie_coyne, for your letters of recommendation. 🙏🏽 To Adam and Lydia of #NYUJournalism for the amazing opportunity to be part of this program. 🙌🏽 And a huge thanks to @johnnycortiz, Miss Cindi Sears, @momanacia, @gavinmillette, and my family, for your support. ❤️ Love you all! Let’s go! #nyujournalism @nyu_journalism #nyugsas @nyugsas #gradstudent #americanjournalism #lilianmanansala #excitedandgrateful #nyugrad #newyorkuniversity (at New York University) https://www.instagram.com/p/CC7GvRwpMwA/?igshid=12bml4bb9ux5k

[gumbi327]

It's incredibly refreshing to work with such an amazing and talented group of people! Thank you to @lilianmanansala again for this opportunity! Had so much fun and can't wait to see the final product!! . . . . . . . #dance #dancer #battma #kick #la #losangeles (at William Mulholland Memorial)

[megaleohowardfan-blog]

Lilian Manansala words: “A special #SaturdayShoutout to Leo Howard. I met him the first season of #KickinIt and have been running into him lately on the set of #GamersGuide! Congrats to his directing his third television episode in a few weeks!!“

[lilianmanansala]

Had a blast working with these two lovelies of @disneychannel’s #Bizaardvark. Check out their video in tonight’s episode! @madisonhu and @olivia.rodrigo 🎬😊♥️ #AcapellaProblems #Season3, Episode 16. #disneychannelchoreographer #lilianmanansalachoreographer #lacenterstudios #disneychannel #gtafamily #ladancers #lachoreographers #SAGAFTRA #choreographerslife #dancerslife #lilianmanansala #setlifela #setpic #madisonhu #oliviarodrigo #acapellavideos #acapella #disneystars (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvF4G_HgAtr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=4zpw18oeu3ya

[lilianmanansala]

It’s Not Always Who You Know, Hollywood Myths no. 1

As a choreographer and someone who stills auditions as a performer, I am in a really cool, if not unique, position experiencing both sides of the casting world. I have also taught audition classes for dancers, a class I have developed based on my own experiences along with a combination of ideas and techniques I have learned from Commercial Acting Coach Bill Coelius (http://theworkingactorsolution.com/) and Executive Director of TAMJAMS Tamara Squires (http://tamjams.com/). (More on auditioning in a future post.)

For today, I am addressing the myth that states that in order to (successfully) work and advance in Hollywood, you must know someone to get “in,” the premise that “who you know” is very often the vehicle that can make a career. Now I am not dismissing this idea entirely: I do believe wholeheartedly that if you are a person who is excellent at what you do, prove to be hard-working, passionate, and professional, are eager to learn, be of service, and are truly authentic--that kind of energy will enlist people to want to help and hire you again. Most of my jobs have indeed come from a positive first experience which garnered a re-hire or recommendation, or perhaps it was an associate producer, director, or 1st AD who worked on one show and remembered me for another. In fact, last year I was hired by a producer I had never met. I was curious how he knew me and only on my first day on set did I find out that he had worked in Accounting for several years. He was the one sending me paychecks for multiple shows, so when he needed a choreographer for this new TV production, my name was the one he recalled! 

Yes, it is vital to train. Work on your craft constantly to not only hone your skills and keep you engaged in your industry and community, but to continue to make yourself a better artist! Yes, it is important to have the right materials and tools. Update your headshots, resume, casting websites, personal website, social media platforms. And yes, it is absolutely necessary to build networks and make satisfying connections--without them, we as artists and performers cannot thrive. But given all of the talented, hard-working, and phenomenal people out there already--how can you ensure that you succeed?

I will discuss in a future post what it takes to be “re-hireable.” Yes, it is AWESOME when you book your “first”--whatever it is--TV job, film gig, live performance, industrial, commercial, music video, tour, etc., but how can you make sure that the choreographer and producers want to hire you again? How can you develop sincere relationships so that people simply want to be around you for a second time?

For this post, however, I want to debunk that you “need” to know someone to make something happen. I believe that in order to get that coveted gig, don’t worry about finding the “connect,” getting the “in,” or “building your network”--these are absolutely important, of course--but instead of focusing on what YOU can GET from WHOM, based on your WANTS, focus your energy on how you can GIVE and contribute. Instead of coming from a place of want (which connotes lack) focus on what would make you very happy to share. What do you offer to the world? What makes you unique in your art and expression? What delights you endlessly? 

The more you know what your gifts are, the greater awareness you will have and be able to share it--with openness and generosity. After all, a gift is something that is given with no strings attached, no expectation of reciprocity. When you give of yourself, it doesn’t deplete or harm you. You have enough to give because it is limitless.

If you are constantly waiting (done this) and hoping (been there),wondering why people aren’t responding to you the way you want (raise your hand if you’ve thought, The world just doesn’t appreciate what I have to offer!), your energy can easily get stuck in waiting/wanting mode. And when you’re in this very icky space, the message you’re sending out to the Universe/world/networks/community is that you are missing something, you’re needing something to make you feel more complete, validated, and of course, more financially stable. 

I have heard this advice from casting directors and acting coaches many times: when you go in with “I need this job, please hire me!” energy, you give off repelling whiffs of desperation and fear. It’s like someone who is desperate for a date. You know how you react to that guy/girl/creeper who is crossing boundaries and not respecting your space? Your gut reaction is to get away because their energy is needy and vampiric. 

I realize that in my down/slow times, it takes great diligence to not steep in that desperate/fear-based energy. It sneakily comes around if I am not aware of where my intent and focus are going. Am I waiting for the next job or am I building my craft/body of work? Am I being envious of others for their success or am I inspired by their work ethic and determination? Am I checking my social media feedback or focused on building on a body of work and creating real experiences? Am I wondering if I will ever work again or am I trusting in my path, and remembering to be grateful for what I have already been given and accomplished?

So great, how does this help me when it comes to moving ahead in my industry? Everything. Mindset, energy, perspective--if they are in the healthy range of the spectrum of outlook on life and are then “married to action” (watch Mel Robbin’s 5 second rule https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrZAGVq25zw), you will position yourself to be ready. 

I am very proud of the fact that out of the ten dancers we recently hired for a Nickelodeon show, 6 of them submitted to me directly, 2 did not have agents, 5 were non-Union, and 3 I had not met before. As it worked out, it was four of the dancers’ first television gig. And this was not an audition call, but a direct booking. Five professional Los Angeles-based dance agencies submitted their selections based on my breakdown and, overall, with the dancers who submitted to me directly, I looked at over 200 people and whittled it down to about 40 “top selects” to show the producers. “But Lilian, isn’t it risky to hire people you’ve never met before?” “Couldn’t you have just hired people you knew?” Yes and yes.

But here’s the thing: my job as a choreographer for this show was to provide the best cast of dancers. For this time period, this episode, this scene. I wanted to make sure that we found the right people with the right skills and the right energy to suit this cast and crew, and I also wanted to open up the opportunity to people who would not have otherwise been given the chance. It is a common complaint that choreographers only hire their friends and people they know--and I do understand that: of course we want to help the people closest to us, of course we want to hire talent that have already proven themselves and on whom we can trust to deliver professionally.

Perhaps I always vie for the underdog. Or it’s in my nature to be as fair as possible. It’s very likely that because I have experienced my own struggles when it comes to auditioning and booking, I just want to contribute in some small way to making these opportunities more open and fair to as many as possible. I really do love opening doors and providing opportunities. 

So don’t allow yourself to succumb to stereotypes and limiting beliefs that hinder your progress. Lean into ideas that support you, buy into premises that excite and thrill you. Why not believe in the best case scenario? I do understand and know the disappointment of not getting that job; fortunately I am starting to choose the perspective that every job or opportunity that doesn’t work out--whether it’s because of availability, fit, or I am not even being considered--could actually be a form of protection. As it’s been said before, “Rejection is God’s protection.” Instead of assuming the worst (I suck, no one wants to work with me, people only hire who they know, I will never work again), I try to think the best:

1. There must be another opportunity that’s better, bigger, more fulfilling--or could lead me to other paths, opportunities, networks, key figures, wonderful relationships/connections.

2. Maybe I am being protected from a negative energy/event; I just don’t know. And I don’t need to know every conceivable outcome. My mental energy is better served elsewhere.

3. I know there will be other experiences, I trust my path and what’s best for me, if this job is right for me, I will be the right choice. 

4. This “no” is just part of the numbers game. The more I put myself out there, the greater number of opportunities available to me.

And most importantly,

5. What can I learn from this experience of not getting the job? What could I have done differently? How can I react differently that will support and enrich me down the line?

It’s so much better to feed your psyche with acceptance rather than self-abasement.

Finally, remember this: instead of focusing on finding THE right person to know, BE the right person TO know. The former is sometimes not in your control or jurisdiction. The latter is totally in your hands: you have the freedom (and the freedom to choose) to become the best person, student, artist, creator, performer YOU can be. 

“Talent alone won't make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: 'Are you ready?”

Johnny Carson

[lilianmanansala]

Wonderful time on set today for @disneychannel @bizaardvarkofficial! Love working with this #castandcrew. Stoked for tomorrow’s auditions! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thank you to all of the hard-working dance agencies and dancers! Excited to meet you all! @go2talent @msaagency @blocla @mtaagency @cleartalentgroup ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #bizaardvark #disneychannelchoreographer #lilianmanansalachoreographer #lacenterstudios #disneychannel #gtafamily #ladancers #lachoreographers #SAGAFTRA #choreographerslife #dancerslife #lilianmanansala #setlifela #setpics #starwarsshirt (at Los Angeles, California)

[lilianmanansala]

W  A  R  R  I  O  R Watch me. I will go to my own sun. And if I am burned by its fire, I will fly on scorched wings. Segovia Amil @segoviaamil Loved shooting with @mingtelo. One of my favorite shots. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #cultureinmotion #warriors #capturestreets #gf_streets #life_is_street #thinkverylittle #friendsinstreets #friendsinperson #SegoviaAmil #streetleaks #street_vision #visualambassadors #atomicmoment #onbooooooom #cc5k #theimaged #thestreetphotographyhub  #streetphotographerscommunity #urbanluminous #streetphotographyjournal #shootthestreets  #instastreet #lilianmanansala #lilianmanansaladancer #lilianmanansalaactor #ladancers #imaginarymagnitude #quotesoflife #watchme #wings (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsA-KZGH6rp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=z43itqygy5v0

[lilianmanansala]

Stills and artwork from “Otherside” shot earlier this year. Video on my YouTube. Loved working and collaborating with these talents. ⭐️♥️🙏🏽 Excited to be creating again this week! ~OTHERSIDE~ Performed by Paul Karmiryan @paulkarmiryan Lizzy Russ @lizzyruss Directors of Photography Craig Boydston @craigzilla18 Thaïs Castrale @thaiscastrale https://www.thaiscastrale.com/ Artwork by Lyla Merle Morrison @lylamerle www.lylamerle.com Location: @casitalareina Location services: Peerspace @peerspace Directed/Produced/Edited by Lilian Manansala http://www.imdb.me/lilianmanansala CLAY BUNNY PRODUCTIONS @claybunnyproductions Rehearsal studio: - M - Dance Studios @MDanceStudios Thank you to S. Grigori! #createcommune #otherside #perfumegenius #paulkarmiryan #lizzyruss #dancefilm #femalefilmmakers #conceptvideo #clybnyprd #lilianmanansaladirector #lilianmanansalachoreographer #dancecollab #ladancers #canon5dmarkiv #oftheafternoon #subjectivelyobjective #rememberme #laactors #thevisualcreator #majestic_people #makeportraitsnotwar #photographie #1stinstinct #theimaged #intercollective #photographyworld #photographysoul #pixsoulfeed #friendsinperson  #imaginarymagnitude (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrfifAHnxT1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1df6c22yft9vn