Audition on tape for the producers of The Mentalist on CBS

Friends,

I'm beyond myself right now! I just had an audition for The Mentalist on CBS! :) So exciting!

Its my first audition for network television. It was really cool. I'm still smiling about it. I met the casting director at a workshop and two days after the workshop he called me into go on tape for the producers! The casting director was super sweet and I was too excited to be nervous.  Ha! I was like a pro. ;)

I got the call for the audition the same day I needed to go in to meet with the CD. I left work early, ran home, went over my lines, character intentions, environment and went off to my audition. I could not be happier sitting in that casting office! I saw some friends who were auditioning for other parts, I was cordial but kept to myself and did my work. 

I'm super proud of myself. My goal this year is to book a couple network TV roles! And four weeks into the new year I'm already auditioning for a big network show! I truly feel blessed and fortunate to do what I love. I'm going to keep working hard and do everything I can to get in front of the right people and book! :)

I can remember two years ago when I decided to focus primarily on acting, it was a hard decision to make but I knew it was time. So much has happened since that day. Twenty-eleven was a really hard year with lots of ups and downs. But, 6 months ago I made the necessary changes to create a more consistent and supportive environment for myself. And, for the last month, I've had this feeling inside...that this year is going to be the best year yet. I feel so much more comfortable in my skin and more honest with myself.  I really know what I want now. And I don't believe, until this year, that I've been this clear. Honestly, doors keep opening for me. So I know there is different energy around me . I'm 100% sure that god is creating opportunities for me. All I can do is continue to work hard and grow. Everything else will fall into place in its due time.

I'm definitely excited for the rest of this year to unfold. I'll keep everyone posted.

Until next time, Besitos!


Giovanni

New year, New Intentions and Old lessons finally learned

In early December, I got the wonderful opportunity to attend the first annual Coca-Cola tour: Adelante. "The tour is a movement that informs, mentors and inspires Latinas by providing them with the right tools to make their dreams come true."The event was an invite only affair organized by Executive Producer and Celebrity Apprentice alum, Nely Galan.

The Event was attended by Latinas in all areas of the creative world, including the award winning writer and keynote speaker Sandra Cisneros. It was such an inspiring day. Getting an opportunity to be in the same room as some of the best Latina talents from the world of film, television, hosting, literature, screen writing and producing, was fantastic. I could not be more grateful for being invited to such a important event.The day was long but the workshops, keynote speakers and attendees were so awesome. I learned many lessons and felt this amazing rejuvenation inside. I just felt inside that 2012 was going to be an amazing year.

Among the many messages and lessons that resonated with me that day was the message of failure. Nely Galan, during her keynote speech said "There will be many failures in your life because without it you can never succeed. Ladies, you have to make fear and failure your best friend if you want to succeed and grow."

Oh god! This is probably the one lesson I've had the hardest time accepting in my life! Because my failures are the parts of my life I feel the most discontent with. I've definitely never thought about making my failures my best friends. I always run from them. Or hide them like unattractive scars. Who wants to fail? Or celebrate failure? Or become so intimate with it that you become best friends! Difficult stuff, right? Well watching Nely celebrate her failures as major accomplishments made me think about my uncomfortable relationship with my accomplishments, failures and fears. I knew this was the lesson and message I came to the event to learn. This was what God and the universe needed me to hear. (I know, I sound kinda like a hippie! But its true.) 

I went home that night and thought about my day. A lot! I spent nearly all my holiday break drifting off and thinking about the topic. I couldn't help but wonder if it was time to make fear and failure my best friends. Or more importantly, have I missed out on success because of my fear? Or because of my fear of failure? Or our lack of friendship? This just doesn't sit well with me.

So this year I intend on being more open, accepting and willing to face my fears and failures. I'm not sure if I can make them my best friends. But, I think I owe it to myself to at least make room to become buddies with them. :)

This is going to be a good year.


 Besitos,


Giovanni

 

She knows you...

The craziest thing happened a couple months ago. I was at my day job checking my email and I got a message directly from a casting director who I've been trying to develop a solid relationship with for months. It was an email through LA casting to audition for a Hispanic market national commercial. Now I was a little taken a back. I don't self submit on commercials and if my agent submitted me on the audition they would have sent me a message with the audition notification themselves.  

So I jumped on the phone and called my agents. I mentioned to them what happened and they knew the commercial I was talking about instantly. My agents let me know they didn't submit me on the commercial because they didn't think I would be right for it. They explained why...which made total sense. In the breakdown the actress needed to look like she could have two teenage sons. And clearly, I don't look like that. Good call on their behalf! 

But, I felt I still needed to go to the audition. And I told my agent..."I the CD to know who I am. so, I'm going to go to the audition and make sure she knows me. I just want her to know who I am." And my agent stopped me and kindly reminded me...."she already knows you. She's calling you in. This breakdown was just listed. She probably remembered you and thats why she sent you a message. What you need to do is go there and do your best. That is what she will remember." I felt like an idiot....of course he was right! It instantly changed my perspective on auditions. I know now, if I want them to "know me" I just need to do my best work. And all else will follow.


I've been auditioning for two years and each time I audition, each day, month and year that passes I can say I'm still learning. And this was a valuable lesson to learn. 


Here's to a great new year! 


Giovanni

Once a K-mart Checkout girl...

I have a call back for a national Kmart spot tomorrow. Kinda crazy for me. Four years ago when I moved to LA I began working a second job as a checkout girl for a 24hr Kmart. I really needed the job to pay off my first car, which I had purchased only a couple months earlier. And, I really needed some extra money so that I could finally move to the Hollywood area and be closer to acting jobs! Boy have things changed. I don't even have that first car anymore. And I no longer live in that Hollywood broom closet I wanted so badly to move to back then.

But, I sure can remember spending my Saturday's behind the cash register, day dreaming about possibly being in a Kmart ad campaign one day. I would look at the print ads all over the store, and the television commercials that played throughout the electronics department and just hope that one day those images would be of me. So, Its Kind of awesome having a call back for a national Kmart spot. I mean, how amazing to look back and say I use to work as a check out girl for Kmart and now I'm auditioning for their national commercial!

I'm not sure if I'll book the job, and frankly it doesn't even matter if I do, I'm just grateful these days for the opportunities. But I will admit that the thought of how much my life has changed in such a short period of time made me a little sentimental and I had to share. :)

As always friends, thanks for sharing in my journey.


Besitos!

Giovanni

Film Audition-awkward sexy scene-A First!

This week I had an audition for a film. The main portion of the film with my role involves very intimate dialogue, kissing and touching between myself and my male co-star. Which is a total first for me. But, when I read the script I really enjoyed it. Its z solid story line, dialogue and concept. But, my part involves really sexy moments. no nudity or sex scenes. Just really sexy touching, kissing and dialogue. Based on the directions most of the time the camera will be focused on my face, head and shoulders. so no need for awkward touching or grabbing.

But, I knew in the audition there was a good chance I'd be auditioning with another male actor and their would be an expectation that we touched and maybe even kissed. How do you decide that in a short period of time? A rhythm and movement? With someone you just met? and maybe don't have chemistry with? Oh boy. This is a total first for me! so I prepared the scene to do it alone with just a reader (which I was hoping would be the case) and decided if I was working with another actor what would I be comfortable doing. I focused on my characters intentions, state of mind and love for her man. And just hoped for the best.

On the day of the audition I drove up to the lot and gave security my ID to get my parking pass. As they checked to see if I was on there list I began to panic a little. I stuffed two breath mints in my mouth and checked my lip gloss. lol I just knew I would have to do the scene with another actor. My palms were sweaty and I was sure I would forget all my lines and all the work I did on my character. Thank god in my excitement I got to the audition super early. That gave me time to get my nerves together.

I walked in and the CD was still preparing. (I was the first audition of the day and I was super early) The CD turned to me and said: "you're early, do you want some tea?" And for some reason, with that kind gesture, I just felt calm. About 20 mins later my co-star walked in. A nice guy from the OC. We found a corner in the waiting area and we practiced for a few minutes. It was really awkward. But we did our best. Finally, it was our time to go in and we did our thing. And I totally surprised myself. As soon as the camera turned on I went for it! I just gave it my all and the nerves were not even noticeable. Any awkward moments were easy because I knew how my character felt or would feel in that moment. The audition was quick and I felt good about it. Thank god. I'll count this experience as another good "first."

Here's to getting a call back! :)

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Besitos,

Giovanni

Call Back: Total Hollywood Moment

Friends!

Oh my god. I had a call back Monday for a national Hispanic commercial promoting one of the Hispanic networks on demand services (trying to be discreet, I'm still technically up for the job). It was my first big call back and a bunch of fun. I love firsts so it was nice to accomplish that.

During the auditions, last week, we were asked to dance a little salsa before we read the copy and that was loads of fun. I had to wear a "sexy dress." so i pulled out my sexy, but tasteful, hot pink spicy number I bought for my birthday last year. And honey dancing in that thing was awesome! Well, during the call backs, this week, we were asked to *not* dance anymore...way to inflate my salsa ego...lol. Instead, we were asked to be "real" and read the copy in our own "voice" like we were chatting with a friend. so I did my thing and here is where my Hollywood moment happened...

Me: (read my copy, did my thing and added a nice funny button to the end)
Director: (honest tone and with a smile) "Giovanni, that was great, just perfect! You have the right idea, beautiful and the camera loves you, just loves you."

Hahaha...no one has ever told me "the camera loves you". I nearly died. Of course, my real first reaction was a nice peek in my ego. lol And then, I thought to myself. "Who says that...?" Now, don't get me wrong, the director was a total sweet heart and he definitely said it in a honest and sweet way. And I don't think he meant to blow smoke up my, you know what. But, it was just so funny. On my drive home, I just kept thinking..."if only the camera were a hot, single and eligible man! I'd be set!" hahaha...

Oh boy, I'm still getting use to the Hollywood moments. so I needed to share. It was a funny and fun experience. And I hope for more.  :)


Much love to you friends. I'm on my way to an audition for casting director Cathy Carlton...I have no clue what its for. I'm excited to meet Cathy. Her commercials are awesome. Its a same day audition my agent called me about. But, I'll be sure to share the details when I'm done. :)


Besitos,

G

Short Girl

Today I went to an audition for a SAG Verizon commercial. The break down my agent sent me was

"Role: Short Girl, 5'2, Pan Hispanic. Focused, energetic and very expressive."

When I arrived to the audition I saw a crowd of 5'10 or above amazonian models. Seriously, these women, many of them, could be in any of the glamorous magazines in America. I was obviously confused. But, the closer I got to the sign in sheet the more I could see a small group of tiny women, all 5'2 (& below) behind the *giant* girls. Clearly, I knew where I belonged. The casting assistant turned to me and said: "short girl?, your paired up with her." I looked up to my partner, a 5'11 giant Brazilian model. All I could do was smile.

lol. Yup, short girl, that's me. :)

Happy Spring!

Besitos,

Giovanni