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

New Commercial shots (Pocket Girl Photo)

Nurturing

Easy Going

Straight from the heart every single time

New Representation

Yay! I just signed with Pantheon Talent for commercial and print representation. I'm so excited!

After many months of meetings with, and various inquiries from, top commercial agencies I've finally found a place I'm excited and proud to call home (for commercials, at least!). I'll tell you, it pays to be selective and patient. I'm really happy and looking forward to get to work. :)

I also just began taking meetings with managers, so I'll keep everyone posted when I make a decision.

After the holiday I'll write a post on the comedy short I shot in July. It was so much fun so i'm excited to share.

Juicy Fruit "Sweet Talk" a buzz in Hawaii!

 Check out this video from KITV in Hawaii.

The news program profiles "sweet talk." And the anchor woman even shows off "mamacita's"different one liners.

super fun! I'm so happy people are loving it! ;)


http://www.kitv.com/video/24622692/

Besitos!!!

Giovanni