I'd like to open up the floor...

I think I may have mentioned that I did a stint out in LA. Doing everything from short films to background extra work. A friend of mine does acting, stand in work, background work, short film work, editing, etc. etc. And if you are thinking about moving there, there is no better time than now. I would advise you do save up some money though. I check out backstage.com alot to see whats going on in the industry. But if you ever had any questions about what its like to be out there, doing the whole acting thing, please ask. I would be glad to share any information I have with you. I would try to answer "aloud" on this blog so everyone can read it, I can anonymize your names if you like. I don't have all the advice in the world, but I do have some. I will be brutally honest with you and not sugar coat LA at all. Its a great place to live, and expensive to boot. Please forward all questions to lee@rleemiller.com. Look forward to hearing from you.
Peace!

Skinny People were never FAT

With all the buzz about being skinny, which is the way it has ALWAYS been in hollywood, there is a new trend I have seen in commercials. Its using genetically skinny people to show how losing weight is easy. The one commerical that comes to mind is Special K. They have some girl on there that is probably a size 1, looking at her bathing suit, everyday, eating special K until she can fit back into it again. The thing is, she was never fat, or thick to begin with. And this is the way she looks on camera, in real life she must be a rail, twig, stick-like figure.
I have seen in person some people, who on film have been criticized for being a little thick. In person they look what I would consider a normal healthy weight. Just like magazines, the movies and film industry are putting out this impossible image for people to mimic. A normal person will not have a makeup crew, lighting crew, trainer, soft focus, etc. etc, to follow them around at all times. Yet people everyday continue to try and look like these photoshopped head shots of celebrities. I say be yourself, and as long as that isn't endangering your health, that should be good enough.
Thank you!

The Philanthropist vs. the Actor

While I was doing my short stint as an actor in LA, and continuing now in Texas, I always wondered about the whole dream of acting and why people choose it. First of all, if you are thinking of acting, by all means there is no better time to do it than NOW. I would save up about 10k dollars before you leave because living in LA is expensive, and that will give you some time to get ready for the whole experience.
I saw a preview for the show "the Philanthropist" which of course is not a reality show. Its a show about some billionaire that has a change of direction and decides to start helping people in his life. The funny thing about it, is that while the show is entertaining, how is it actually helping people in the world? Well besides keeping them at home for an hour at a time while they could be volunteering at their local shelter. Please let me know if they are part of some kind of program where 50% of their advertisement proceeds go to charity or something.
Also, while some actors enjoy some of the highest pay rates of anyone in the world, how many of them give their money to good causes? It doesn't matter how much you give, like they say "it all adds up." Actors aren't the only ones living it up while their fellow man lives under a bridge. Look at your parking lot outside where you live, work, etc. How many SUV's are out there? How many of those people ever take those Range Rover/Land Rovers anywhere besides the local car wash to get detailed? People are selfish. Its just a fact. And while I believe whole heartedly that some people LIVE to act. There are others in it for the wrong reasons, and they would be much better suited doing something for the world rather than being set dressing for the rest of their lives. There are famous actors in this category as well.
I guess all I am trying to say is: Make sure you are doing something you like that is actually "rewarding" to you and not just a quick way to a buck. All that emotional baggage will catch up to you someday if you are in a crap job.
Even acting can be NON selfish if you are making a movie about a subject or cause that isn't well known, thereby bringing more public attention to this cause. Comedies bring people laughter in this time of people losing their jobs. I don't know where I stand on this issue anymore:)

Bid on my stuff PULEESSEEE

For the love of god, someone just at least put my headshots on your watchlist in ebay, that way I know people are actually looking at them. I have them for 20.00, witch will barely cover the shipping. I know I sound like Sally Strothers, but give this poor boy a chance!

MY FAILED ACTING DREAM CAN BE HAD FOR A SONG...

Thanksgiving Facial Men (Part 2 of the "I'm a Man!" Series) - watch more funny videos

Getting rid of some stuff from a past life :)

I have for sale on ebay, 151 Headshots that I don't need anymore. As some of you may know I was a extra in some movies, and a principal actor in some short films while I was out in LA for 1.5 years. I still love to do it, but it doesn't really pay the bills. So I have put up a "kit" of sorts on Ebay. Its 151 headshots, a receipt from the place where I got them, a proof before it was touched up, and a card from the place I got them, with some instructions on it. ebay link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%3A80%2F230344328985%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm38%26_nkw%3D230344328985%26_naf%3D1%26_fvi%3D1&item=230344328985&_rdc=1&viewitem=&salenotsupported


And if any of you doubt the validity of my acting prose, here you go: Me in the Pickerell Kids:

http://www.kcet.org/local/shows/fine_cut/2009/04/the-pickerell-kids-1.html

PEACE