Joe Altieri's Lounge Discussions

Learning the Film Business is an extension of the Acting Career.

Matthew Cornwell - I could totally see branding as a second career. I recently learned that SAG hosts a branding workshop, so it would definitely play into your wheelhouse.

Tasha Lewis - Totally, although I wonder what service you'd provide as part of that "film business" - marketing? or Development?

I've often think I'd open a spa/meditation retreat. So many spas are poorly managed and I would love to make a safe space for healing.

I would open a 'digital detox' resort and capitalize on the fact that phones don't work on my acreage.

I would use my 'fame' to Produce local, pro theatre.

I run a 501c3 Dog Rescue. So I’d just build and expand on what we’re doing already.

Well said Karen "Kay" Ross & Somit Gope

Ground it. That’s where I start. How real am I? My normal energy is pretty high, fairly intense. So often if I’m not careful, I’m too big from the start. So I try to make sure I’m always grounded and as authentically real as I can be. I remember being on a set where the Director kept saying to the actors, “you’re acting! Stop acting!”

I like to.really focus on ‘the moment before and pretend l am talking to a friend, enemy or family member so I try NOT to Act. As much as possible. I definitely learn to lines then experiment with different emotions. Until I become the character..

Ironically, you stand out by being yourself. None of us were made the same, so if we allow our true, authentic selves to shine through, then that makes a signature performance. That, and YEARS of training, of course ;)

Well said Matthew Cornwall, Sherrie Foster & Joe Altieri. Your comments will inspire & impact actors. Thank you.

I'm not sure if this helps, but I've started putting my own creative endeavors first. I write and do VO in the AM and S32 in the PM. If your hours are flexible at all, maybe try it so your day job doesn't distract from your process.

Karen "Kay" Ross , yeah I'm in total control of my schedule, since I own the taping business. But I'm an Ennegram 9, and have trouble saying no to our clients, so I end up sacrificing my auditions and my sanity (sometimes). But I like your solution

Waiting three hours at 3 am on a set up to do a scene of 15 mins, or on your colleague who requires 24 re-takes as he keeps forgetting his goddamned line is never fun...even with free coffee and munches...

You're not being selfish, Matthew, if you carve out time for yourself, to pursue your passion, and achieve your dreams. Being at our best for what we truly want in our careers will always require sacrifice, and others thinking we're selfish. If you want to be on set working, then each audition is a huge opportunity, and should never be taken lightly. We only have one life! :)

@Matthew I’m completely in tune with your thread heading albeit I’ve not been on stage for 25 years. Even before social media I walked on stage because it was fun and more so. Acting is an art and craft, even in todays “click bait” digital age where anything is up for grabs on a gadget push button, acting still requires considerable commitment.