I have been looking into the Public Relations Specialist position I mentioned in my last blog and it is not looking promising. It is very rare in life to have the opportunity to work in a position that you personally feel utilizes all of your abilities to the maximum of their potential and for me this was the position that would enable me to do just that. It is a little discouraging to have some corporate policy restrict someone who may be the best candidate for the job, regulated to sit on his hands and hope another opportunity presents itself down the road. If I was running a corporation, I would want the best person for the job regardless of tenure or experience within my company.

I shall keep you all posted on this very frustrating issue.

It is so funny how the entertainment industry truly shadows everyday life. Like when you are at work and you have been the best at your position with a promotion opportunity coming down the pipe. You are excited and once you finally apply, the decision comes down that the position has been bequeathed unto someone of less ability and tenure but was really good friends with John in accounting so now he gets the brass ring and you get a toilet ring to clean. Question is what do you do?

This reminds me of my blog on networking. It truly seems that in order get ahead anywhere you have to network. If you have any aspirations of moving up at your workplace, then you need to buckle down and start talking to people in the office. Remember names and faces and say hello in the morning. You don’t need to carry a conversation with everyone you meet but be cordial and polite.

Another task you might want to tackle to get ahead is doing something innovative that sets you apart from the pack and makes you noticeable. Try to figure out a way to streamline one of your corporate procedures. See if there is something that is done daily but in an inefficient manor which you can adjust or simplify to make it function better.

Most importantly I would suggest thinking out of the box. Do not accept the usual conformity which lies at the root of every corporation. It is the people who think creatively that get their ideas stolen and used. What? Oh yeah. That might happen. I would also suggest trying to ensure that your ideas remain your ideas and that credit will go where it is deserved. Be careful.

I would really love to interview a couple of Hollywood stars on what they did to get to where they are today. Stars like Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Just to try and figure out if there is something I could do to mirror their success. The way that the entertainment world mirrors the corporate world. The way life imitates art.

Words we should all abide by are, be careful, it’s a jungle out there.

I noticed a job posting at my work yesterday for a Public Relations Specialist. I have not been in my current position very long but when I read this job description, I couldn’t help but to try and apply. The job actually seems to be created specifically for my personality type. I mean if you saw a job posting and it had your name written all over it, wouldn’t you hope to get a shot at that position? Unfortunately there is a standard 6 month waiting period upon being hired before you can apply for any other position. Just have to hope I can finagle my way into an interview. Wish me luck.

This situation also got me thinking about my acting situation. Why am I very adept at networking in the workplace but when it comes to networking for acting, I am not on my “A” game? It actually really bothers me. I meet people who are in the business and they tell me what they do, and what events they attend and how they go about talking to people and it almost sounds like a lot of ass kissing and ego boosting. That might be why I am not the greatest in the field. I have problems faking it. I mean, if I don’t like someone, you’re going to know I don’t like you. I cannot bring myself to compliment and boost the ego of some random person I hardly know. The question is can I still get there, not using these tried tested and true methods for advancement? I like to think that “I walk a different path.” To quote Captain Nemo played by Naseeruddin Shah in A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. If you click on the link the quote is at 2:30. I actually really enjoy this film.

There must be other options to sucking up. I’m just not very good at it. I’m still thinking that trying to produce my own film is the way to go. I am going to start searching for some books to read on the subject and see if that can help. But seriously, the times have changed. In this age of social media you really do have to constantly promote yourself. Think about it. Can you picture Sean Connery ass kissing someone to make it as an actor? I can’t but to take a line from The Untouchables “What are you prepared to do?” Guess I have to figure that out.

I’m sure there are many people out there who are struggling to achieve their dreams. No matter what your dream is you are going to have bumps in the road. Maybe your road starts at the very bottom and you have an uphill struggle ahead of you for the duration. Regardless of your situation, I have an inspiring story to share and it is one that has kept me going all this time. This is the story of Jim Carrey.

Someone gave me a copy of Jim’s autobiography The Joker is Wild in 1998. The always entertaining Carrey has definitely had some downs. When he was a teenager he had to work 8 hour shifts as a janitor as well as security at Titan Wheels Factory until they finally deserted the factory. After that he had to live in a Volkswagen camper with his family until they made enough money to move back to Toronto.  In case you didn’t know he was born in Canada. This is someone who was always a performer. He would be rewarded for being silent all day at school with a few minutes at the end of the school day to perform for his fellow students. He sent in his resume to The Carol Burnett Show when he was 10 years old. He had everything going against him and yet he never crumbled. He went through depression while struggling as a comedian but he never gave up.

He then took a leap and moved to Los Angeles in 1979. In 1983 Carrey wrote himself a check for 10 million dollars postdated 10 years from that date. He didn’t think he was going to make…..he KNEW. I won’t tell the whole story. Buy the book, it is truly inspirational.

This kid from Canada took a chance and made it happen. Never gave up, never looked back. His stand-up debut was awful. He still persevered. He had some small roles which brought him to Earth Girls are Easy where he met Damon Wayans who was very impressed and brought him to his brother Keenan to play on the sketch comedy show In Living Color. That led to his first starring role in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. He finally made it and the world was his oyster. He could make people laugh at any moment he chose. But it wasn’t enough. He made it in comedy but he wanted to be considered a serious actor as well. His first turn should have garnered an Oscar nomination but he was snubbed for his role in The Truman Show. Great movie. Was one enough? Nope. In one of his greatest performances, and one of the best portrayals of a true life personality, Carrey took on the role of Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon. Again, completely snubbed by the Academy. If you have never seen this movie, you owe it to yourself. First go research Andy Kaufman, and then see how Carrey brought him back from the grave. Incredible performance. There are many more. I would highly recommend one of my personal favorites, “Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind”.

Whenever I am having doubt or questioning myself, I think back to what Jim Carrey went through to get where he is today. He even paints now. He also has one of the coolest sites on the web http://www.jimcarrey.com . So whatever you are aiming for in your life, to be a doctor, a scientist or a marine biologist, take the lessons from those who have suffered before you to lift you up and show you that nothing is impossible. You can achieve anything with determination. Just ask Jim. By the way, by the time the 10 years past and the postdated check was valid; Jim Carrey was able to cash that check. Only he put it in his father’s coat pocket at his funeral. By that point the check had served its purpose. It was a goal to reach for. But he never thought he would be able to cash that check….he knew.

Last night I went to watch my niece play in her league soccer finals. She is 10 and it was a great game but they lost. There were also a couple of very suspect refs but I digress. It was a fun night as my brother is in from out of town and we were all together again. After the game my brother and I and some of the family went out for Dilallo Burgers. If you get the chance, you have to try one. Great burger. While we were there a conversation started which really got me thinking about how much pop culture affects our lives. My brother, who doesn’t watch a lot of television, was talking with my daughter who is fresh off of visiting Comiccon this past weekend. My daughter was talking about the people she had the opportunity to meet and she eventually said Adam West walked in front of her. My brother was very amused and said to her he was the original Batman. She replied with a very sarcastic “I know.” And then the gem of the evening, my brother stated “Isn’t he a mayor of some town in California?” I replied, “Yes….of Quahog….in Family Guy.” My brother was very embarrassed to say the least. He was also less than impressed when I told him that I have to blog about this. But look at how pop culture came spewing out of someone’s mouth who hardly watches television and even worse, hardly watches Family Guy.

I will admit I am one of the worst at pop culture references offenders. I live and breathe films and television in my everyday life. I love everything about it and also remember the most obscure entertainment trivia. I am a sponge and poster child of pop culture. Just look at where is has taken us in society. Kim Kardashian is famous. Can somebody tell me what she did to become famous? So much so that in the rag mags they are claiming her new husband is using her for fame but WHERE DID SHE GET HER FAME???????? I am not bashing Kim. In fact, I have great respect for her because she got herself to where she is without doing anything extraordinary or fame worthy in the entertainment field. She is a master of social media just like Paris Hilton. These are people who used their business acumen or stature in society to get what they want by understanding pop culture. And make no mistake, they are both much more than just a pretty face.

We are a product of the things we watch and we cannot help it. We discuss it at the water cooler. We send links to friends of things we’ve seen. We quote or use catch phrases from films and shows we have watched. We have been shaped by the entertainment industry in the past 20 years. Maybe even 30 years. Many people claim this is the downfall of our time. In some ways I guess I can agree with shows like Jerry Springer and Maury. They prey on the dark side of Americana and know that people can’t help but turn to look when they pass the scene of an accident. They are vultures waiting for the latest sad trend and then they swoop in and eat all the meat off the bones until the next horror show. But there is also a very bright side to the industry. Where someone like Buddy Valastro who has a family business established 1910 through very innovative techniques and years of hard work can become famous just by being a baker. You know him better as the Cake Boss. I can tell you first hand that he is a pop culture icon. I have been to his bakery and people line up around the block for his products. Let me tell you, he stuff is delicious. If you are near New York City take a trip to Carlos Bakery in Hoboken and see for yourself.

I guess it is clearly up for debate as to what kind of long term and lasting effects pop culture will have on all of us. There will always be positives and negatives. I would like to think that it is our choices that shape our own little world and what we choose to reference. As for me, I’m blocking Jersey Shore from my satellite receiver and Buddy, two cannoli please!!

Welcome to a new week y’all. I hope your weekend was refreshing. This week you will have to bear with me as I think this will be a bit of a rant. But an amusing one I hope.

I was watching Robin Hood Prince of Thieves this past weekend. The Kevin Costner one. And it really got me thinking about some silly things that occur in films. Most important, why are you giving the role of a British person to someone who can’t do a British accent? Please don’t think it is just his inability to do the accent. When you have a large role in a film and they chose you because they really want you, they arrange for you to have coaching on whatever accent you will need to perform during said film. Look at Matt Damon in Invictus. Great job by an incredible dialect coach, Tim Monich, to prepare Damon and Morgan Freeman for their roles. What I am saying is even with his coaching; Costner was unable to maintain even a remotely believable English accent for even part of the film. So why cast him? Please don’t misinterpret what I am saying. Kevin Costner is a very good actor. Just see Mr. Brooks. I just don’t see why you have someone attempt an accent for half the film. They could have had him just speak normal the whole film and it probably would have gone unnoticed with a few quips about a lack of accent.

Needless to say Hollywood is a very strange creature and as film has evolved since this rendition in 1991 so have actors in general. I do not believe the same sort of performance would be repeated in this day and age. After I saw Robin Hood it made me think about how far Hollywood has come in general for film quality and trying to place as much realism in each and every product no matter how farfetched the story is. Look at Invictus, Sherlock Holmes. Then look at how many actors from other countries come here and do an amazing job with American accents. My favorite by far is Damian Lewis. He was so believable with his accent in Band of Brothers that his cast mates did not believe he was from England and is completely British.

In short the only thing I can think of is Kevin Costner was a big box office draw in 1991 fresh off of Dances With Wolves and they threw him in and said to hell with his accent, let’s make a movie and have some fun and of course, make some money. And regardless of the accent, the movie is very entertaining. Although any film with Alan Rickman as the villain is a going to be great.

What do you say people???? Let’s bring back the bad accent movies and cheesy action and go all retro on Hollywood!! Thanks for that Expendables.

Yesterday was the infamous audition for the role that has a number in the title. I will never get used to that because I always expect more from myself. Going to that audition made me think about typecasting. As this was my second audition in a row for Guard #1 (separate films!) and I just came off playing a cop on Blue Mountain State. Typecasting seemed to be a horrible thing in my eyes. But then I thought about all those actors who have built careers at being very good at a certain genre. Not to say that an actor who is great at one role can’t play something else but these are people who are just really good at a certain character type.

Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you Vince Vaughn! Who many people have told me I resemble in appearance, as well as doing a fairly good impression of him in Wedding Crashers. Mr. Vaughn is a very versatile actor. He played an amazing creepy bad guy in Domestic Disturbance but that’s not what he is known for is it? A lot of fans will remember him as Trent in Swingers which is where, if most of you don’t know, the whole character of Bernard “Beanie” Campbell came to life in Old School and was later refined into Jeremy Grey in the aforementioned Wedding Crashers. You see? Vince can play many different roles, but he is typecast as that womanizing, super sarcastic master of the one liner and catch phrases. Do you know that he played Wayne Westerberg in the film “Into the Wild”? I didn’t think so but you remember all the other roles I mentioned. The thing is he is just GREAT as that character type. He really is.

Another example and a less well known one at that, is Crispin Glover. This guy is a phenomenal actor and most of you don’t know who he is. He is the guy who will always play the really weird or creepy character. And in my opinion, he is the best in the business. Don’t remember him yet? How about George McFly in Back to the Future? Ringing some bells? He also played the bell hop with one arm in Hot Tub Time Machine. Those are his more comedic roles. But let me recommend a film for you. Willard. What a great performance and the perfect example of Crispin Glover’s infamous style for the characters he brings to life. He will never be cast in a role as the hero. He will never be the life of the party Ferris Bueller type. But he is the master of his corner of the universe.

My problem is I haven’t found that one character I could get in the door with and have people consider typecasting me. I love creating multiple characters and give life too many different films and/or television shows. But I would live with being typecast. It’s funny how just reflecting on what other people have done can change your whole perspective on an issue. I thought being typecast was something to avoid and pray not to happen but now I think….maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

I’m sure that those of you who are reading these posts realize that I am struggling to find a way to make my way to being a professional actor. I will admit that there are times when you can’t help but wonder why chase this dream? What am I thinking? Funny enough this morning I went on Twitter where you can follow @WestonMcCready (shameless plug, but it is my blog), and Alyssa Milano, who is a new mother so a very huge congratulations and all the best and who you can also follow @Alyssa-Milano, posted a link to this website and 6 Tips To Never Give Up On Your Dream. Just click on the title and it will bring you there. This is a great site. You can really find anything to help you in what is happening in your life. The founder Amit Verma can be followed on Twitter @AmitV-Tweets.

The internet is a powerful tool. It is also something that I am sure we all take for granted. Think about what a friend the internet is. It sounds really corny but when you are down and need something to make you laugh, you can go to YouTube and watch something like The Song of the Count. When you are having a crisis of faith in your career you can go to the site that I mentioned above (Modern Life). If there is a question, it almost always has the answer, the internet will never judge you and what about the some of the things you watch on the internet? The internet will not tell anyone about your strange fetishes. It is always there for you to escape. You can reach friends and family in a multitude of ways. Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Skype, MSN Messenger or the dinosaur which is still on the horizon ICQ…yes I wrote ICQ.

I know that this morning I came into work thinking about my audition for another role without a name and with a number in the title and was asking myself why. And then my friend the internet showed me some love. Thanks Alyssa.

Well here we are again with another audition for another character with no name. Why does every character I audition for either have a number after his title, IE: Guard # 1 or “the” in the middle of his name IE: Frank the Plumber? You would think that after 9 years I would have earned a shot at an audition for a character with an actual name. I cannot deny it is very disheartening. I also cannot blame my agent for he may submit me but casting may not choose me. The big question is what am I doing wrong? What do I have to do?

I know I am stuck in Montreal currently. The city is not that busy right now. Hasn’t been very busy for a long time. I also know the competition here is crazy because the known actors in this city are willing to take smaller roles due to the slow nature of the business around here. There must be something I can do to break out of this rut.

You ever want something so bad that when you see someone else with it, it actually physically hurts your heart? I would even go so far as to compare it to seeing an ex-girlfriend you’re not over yet moving on with someone you know. That’s how much it kills me to see people acting when they sometimes have no right. When they are awful but right in front of my face. When I channel hop and see an actor on a television show who is disgraceful to the profession. I sit in my chair and see this and it burns me. I get bitter. I really do. I have said out loud “How can you possibly have landed that role?” and there is obviously no reply.

This passion is one of the reasons I know I am going to make it. Either that or I will end up in a mental hospital thinking I am a big movie star and signing bedpans of my fellow patients. Standing amidst the psychiatric ward staff doing Shakespeare in my underwear while eating chocolate pudding with a plastic spoon that has Garfield on it that I stole from the cat lover in the next room who is on lockdown for trying to pet the nurses.

What to do? What to do? Any suggestions….thought not. Well if you think of any…

Well I’m back. Happy to be blogging for all of you out there and I’m proud to say I did not witness anyone getting hit by any form of motorized vehicle. This past weekend was the provincial touch football tournament. Nice weather but I was under the weather so it was not the best weekend. I had the opportunity to watch the beginning of the film Due Date with one of my favorite actors Robert Downey JR. It made me reflect on my favorite aspect of acting. It is easy to judge a good actor once you have watched a big scene with powerful dialogue moving situations but for me to judge a good actor is to watch for the subtle nuances in the performance. The slight turn of the head or how little the actor can do with body language to make you feel what he is feeling. To just tense up the right way to make you know he is stressed. To watch their faces as they try to control the emotion bubbling underneath in the scene.

I have been trying to master this art. I like to say I’m pretty good. It is so much more difficult than anyone would ever believe. The camera picks up everything and your movements have to be so small otherwise you will look like you are making clown faces. Look at Morgan Freeman in any film. Or look at Phillip Seymour Hoffman. These are actors who can say so much, without saying a word. Robert Downey JR has been doing this from a very young age and has always been ahead of his time.

The next time you watch a movie, I invite you to watch for all the little things. See what you can read without hearing a word.

Well the NFL season kicked off last night and they were in fine form with two very high powered offences. There was one of the most spectacular kickoff returns for a touchdown that I have ever seen. For results of the game you can click here.

So I left in the middle of the third quarter and missed a great finish. But that was not the end of my excitement on that night. I was driving home from my friend’s house and listening to music when up ahead I saw a girl crossing the street on her bike. Naturally I slow down to let her cross as she was crossing on a pedestrian crosswalk. Apparently, not everyone thinks the same way I do. The gentleman on my right and behind me was confused about why I was stopping but then put on his brakes. But the guy in the third lane, closest to the sidewalk, had no interest at all in why we stopped and just continued…..straight into the girl on the bike. I immediately put on my four way flashers and jumped out of the car. A guy in a minivan who was behind me, immediately pulled in the lane to pass me, paused, gave me a really stupid “Well wadda ya know.” Look and he drove away!! I had problems getting the girl’s bike out of the street because no one was stopping to help or show concern!

Have any of you seen the movie Unbreakable? Well I met the female of the movie last night. This girl was hit by an 80 year old man in a Benz, rolled all the way to the roof of the car, then flipped off and landed on her back and rolled. I thought for sure she was in big trouble. But before I even got out of my car she was sitting and cursing at the guy in the car. She was definitely in shock but I couldn’t even see a scrape on her at all! She got up and walked to the sidewalk and was checking herself. I called the police and I let her speak to the 911 attendant to see if an ambulance was warranted. I said it must be unless she is a trapeze artist and all those acrobatics were intended. Needless to say the ambulance and police came. I hope the 80 year old man was just in shock because he just stood there saying nothing and watching. I talked to the police officer, gave my name and then I was asked to leave, which I did.

Time for a little rant but a well-deserved one. I would like to think that any of my friends would stop and get out and see how the girl was but I can’t be sure now. I saw 6 cars who witnessed the accident drive away with nothing more than a “did you see that dear?” It was very disappointing. I don’t want to be corny but where has our concern for our fellow human gone??? This blog is documenting my path to becoming an actor. But it is more than that to me and some things just make you stand back and put things in perspective. This girl could have very easily died. She was hit very hard and thanks to some miracle walked away without a scratch although I can’t be sure because I was not at the hospital after. This old guy in the Benz honestly gave me the impression that he was trying to remember if he left the stove on. When I told him he might lose his license he showed a flicker of concern…for his license. I’m at a loss this morning. I truly am. I can’t imagine walking through life with blinders on and only concerned with what is happening to me and my friends and family only. I don’t mean watching the news. I mean walking into a store and making sure there is no one behind you when you let go of the door. I mean giving someone a hand with a bag or whatever you see them struggling with. Just paying attention to world around you. It’s not that hard and I guarantee after you help someone and they smile at you or say thank you you’ll feel good about it. It doesn’t take much. If everyone just took a moment to consider those around you, we would all be better off.

As for the acrobat, I doubt you will ever read this but I hope you’re okay. And to the driver….I hope you didn’t leave the stove on.