Martini - A Strange Opportunity ...

The other day I received a heads up from my agent telling me about a strange opportunity. Martini, it seems, are running a campaign to find a model  willing to kiss 10 stunning ladies for a cool £100,000 buy-out fee, cast exclusively through facebook. You may have seen a Martini advert in ‘The Shortlist’ about this the other week and like me, assumed that they would get everybody to ‘like’ their page and then pick the person they intended all along. Who knows, maybe that is the case but when there’s £100,000 at stake, it’s got to be worth a punt!

So I’ve recorded my 30 second clip and would love it if you would vote for it so that the right people see it. All you have to do is click RIGHT HERE, click 'like' at the top fof the page, type in your d.o.b and click vote next to the picture of me (super easy).

My first attempt at this, which was funny (even if i say so myself) was rejected as "inappropriate".

And, If I get more than 20 votes I’ll post it on here for you to judge for yourselves.

In other news, I’m doing some more voiceover this week, I have another hand modelling gig coming up for Thunder Cats – Hope I get to keep the toys! & some more filming on a spectacular film called ‘Chasing Dreams’ (of which I’ll speak more later) as well as having had some phenomenal castings for stuff I would love to do: So all good lately.

Here’s the link again HERE for those of you with short attention spans!

'Cosmo Magazine Feature'

Since most of you have uncovered the feature yourselves, and others have nagged hard enough, I have decided to post the interview & photo shoot that my girlfriend and I recently did for Cosmo Magazine. So rush down to your local newsagents and grab a copy before they're all gone, to see it up close, in real time.


Walking down Oxford Street last month, we were stopped by a girl at the bleeding-edge of fashion, who told us she worked for 'Cosmo Magazine'. I started closing her down - expecting a request for '£2 a month' to clothe a St. Martin's Art student for a day - but No, she was offering a photoshoot and a feature in the magazine - which even I have heard of. Still a little skeptical, we agreed, and not long after were selected as the couple.

When the day came, the car was sent for us at ridiculous O'Clock so after bundling in (with a compulsory detour to Costa for a cheeky 'eye opener') we were taken to a trendy studio across town and introduced to the editor of the magazine, the photographer and the interviewer. It was freezing cold but that quickly changed when the lighting rig was switched on. We were taken to our changing rooms and presented with a rack of clothes each (which we got to keep) to try on for size and style. Hair and make-up etc. were as you'd expect and we were on to the shoot.

Antonio Petronzio has an impressive portfolio - as you'd expect from a Cosmo Photographer - and his easy laid back style rubbed off on us I suppose too. At the end, he even asked if he might take some headshots of me?!! hmm .... let me think about that one ... and furnished me with the high-res shots from the photo shoot a few days later (shown in the post below this one).

The interview consisted of background about our relationship, what we argue about - the usual stuff you expect these things to be filled with, plus a 'Mr and Mrs questionnaire' which apparently everyone in the World has heard of except me.

Anyway, here is the feature in all its glory for you to squint at if you can't get down to a news stand in time. There's only a few more days before the next edition - so I may have timed this just right.

Photo Shoot

Here are some pics from a shoot I did for 'Cosmopolitan Magazine' with the incredibly talented photographer Antonio Petronzio: (http://www.antonionpetronzio.com/). A genius with an impressively high-profile client list.

Watched in sequence they make me look like a guy who can't undo his shirt but hopefully if I crop them down I can get a decent headshot out of them.

U.S.A. 01-VISAs: 'Aliens of Extraordinary Talent'

Having been over in LA for Pilot Season this year I saw enough of the industry and how it works to realise that competing without a VISA isn't exactly a numbers game. You can of course be submitted for the very best roles (where getting a visa pushed through by the studio in no time at all is a given) but unless you are plucked from obscurity as being perfect for the role, you can't realistically compete: You need an 01 Visa.

There are plenty of immigration lawyers out there happy to file a case for you and they will gladly have you part with as much cash as they think they can squeeze you for, so negotiate. I was recommended a guy and his price seemed reasonable. I made sure that the price I was quoted ($3,800) included EVERYTHING, transferred half that amount (International transfer fee (£28)) then compiled all the necessities:

Any promotional materials; screen grabs from all productions; programmes; interviews; press clippings; a power point presentation of your CV detailing who broadcast it/ directed it/ was in it; letters of recommendation from established industry folk; proof of exceptional earnings, awards and or achievements in your field (acting); cerificates to prove training, qualifications, skills; headshots...it goes on!!

With my 'pack' ready I transferred the balance I owed, filled out a load of forms and waited. I didn't however have an offer of employment and this is a deal-breaker. My immigration lawyer was under the impression that my manager could 'provide/vouch' for an offer of employment for me. They're reputable and don't have a film production arm so couldn't play ball (which would've been illegal ... so fair enough). Since this was all a mix up I was transferred back my funds.

There are companies willing to 'create' an offer of employment for you and take care of everything down to finding you a place to stay however they often cost the earth. I wasn't willing to part with the $8-10,000 for the privilege.

I have since been fortunate enough to receive an offer of employment so I submitted my pack through a Brit I'd consulted out in LA during Pilot Season. I managed to haggle him down as I'd done most of the preparation for the previous one. He even said I was incredibly organised! my case was approved almost a month ago but I had to get a few things in order (police check (£75) before booking my interview ($150) at the U.S Embassy (that building in London with all the flags)

Today I went for my meeting at the US embassy, had my fingerprints taken and handed over the countless forms as well as a  2" x 2" photo required ($15 from Snappy Snaps (which I REALLY resented paying -  my headshots were denied for not having a plain background when I tried to upload one for free). There were two very short interviews at glass screen booths and it was very much a case of 'Good Cop/ Bad Cop'; a chat then an interrogation. Anyway I told them what I was over there for and I was approved. Over the moon that it's all gone through now and they are mailing it out to me in the next 3-5 working days (£14.50 for the cheapest option courier)

In other news, the Embassy operates an Airport security policy and it turns out they won't even let you in with a fork to eat your lunch. Apparently chop sticks are fine though.  Any electrical devices are also banned - so no mobile phones which is a real pain as you either have to leave it at home or pay to put it in a locker. I was invited to pay and store the fork in a locker down the road but I stashed it in a bush and got it later SUMMERS-1 - US EMBASSY-0 hahaha SCREW YOU GUYS!!

Anyways I hope this has been helpful. If you have any Qs, or for immigration lawyer details, get in touch and I'll try and help (just follow me on twitter by clicking this link @tristamsummers). If you want to be notified about my next industry blog, or what I'm up to, make sure you put your email in the box on the top left margin. Finally to see my latest blog post click here.

A Week In The Life Of A Hand Model

The Big Day

So I started my first week for the 6 latest Power Rangers Commercials with an early morning phone call. The 1st AD (Assistant Director) had decided to pull the call-time forward at the last minute & could I be there in an hour? I wanted to impress with my professionalism and eagerness - first day and all- so...

"Of course" I lied, in what I hoped was a convincing voice and kick-bollock-scrambled out of bed! made myself presentable and shot out the front door. I had a few things to do that morning - not least of all, veeting my hands up to the wrists for the shoot!!! The things we do for our art/rent!! Seeing as how I was fresh out of Veet at the flat, I bought some at Sainsbo's and holed up in a Starbucks toilet & read the instructions:

"Leave on for 10 minutes." Typical, I was going to be late; but I figure better late and ready than on time and under-prepared ... Sadly I was neither on time nor ready. So eager was I to get going that I didn't leave the cream on the requisite time and did half a job that needed re-doing when I arrived. We live and learn! Thankfully It turned out fine and there was loads of time. I met all the crew from Origami Films and they were an uncommonly nice bunch.

The Job

Most of the action involved moving a hand into shot, removing the limb of an action figure and exiting shot. (Most sequences are filmed this way then reversed to show a very neat assembly (tricks of the trade here first.)) Bill the director works with actors rather than hand models as they get more into the action - adding sounds & movements to give the figures character - & I was happy to oblige; re-casting most of the figures as Japanese Sumo Wrestlers hell-bent on destruction.

Bill Encourages DoP (Director of Photography) to vamp up a "Whip Pan":

Disaster Strikes

It's hard to appreciate how delicate a hand-model's digits are - you just don't realise how often you paper-cut yourself or scald or burn your fingers until you need them to look pristine. One evening after a hard day's hand modelling, I was playing a 'friend' at squash - which admittedly probably wasn't a great idea as it's more of a contact sport the way we play - when he absolutely belted my left hand with his racket. Apparently it was in his way! The odds on it happening this week must be tantamount to winning the lottery but sure enough my pinky finger balloons up and turns from pink, to red, to a deep shade of blue.

Thankfully most of my action required tucking my fingers out of the way to make a neater shot and so we managed to mask it with make-up and keep it out the way. Worse things happen at sea for sure but I didn't want to miss out on a day's work. You can see how detailed the background and set was. I'll try and get my hands on a copy of the finished product to upload when it's cut together.

Nothing's For Nothing

It came up in conversation that I do voice-over work and it just so happens that they were looking (or listening) for a voice to go over the top of another set of commercials for a similar product. Would I forward my voice-reel for their consideration?

"Err, Hell Yeah"

I've since been to the lovely 'Silk Sounds' studio in Soho and re-recorded an old ad for them to put to the client. It turns out they have 4 ads coming up; and now I may be in with a shot as the voice. I did four straight reads of the commercial (typical American over-excited quick-paced spiel) and was asked to speed it up and dial up the enthusiasm. I couldn't believe the last note but obliged anyway. Again please and take it up another gear halfway through. At the last read I had to step it up until I was practically out of my seat, blaring at the mic at a hundred miles an hour, over playing it with every fibre of my being - but they loved it - & hearing it back it didn't sound like me - it sounded great, like a crazed American!

So, long story long, I posted a short clip for a hand modelling gig as a bit of fun and I've been presented with an incredible opportunity! I don't know if anything will come of it, and at the end of the day that's not really the point - I got a shot for nothing - the rest is on me. Sure, the hair growing back on my wrists itches like hell but it's all been completely worth it!

So I've turned my hand to modelling

Most actors will tell you they don't really do anything other than acting - perhaps just the odd bit of this or that during down times but the way I see it, we need to be as versatile as possible to stay on top of things, especially with cuts in funding, less being made and the increase in bollocks tv shows such as 'The Only Way is Essex' or 'What Peter André Did After Breakfast.' If I've offended you, then I urge you to stop reading immediately, consult an anaesthesiolgist and beg them for an overdose.

Anyway the more we can do that adds to our employability -whether it be honing a skill, keeping fit, training further - we ought to do it - and if it brings in the Benjamen's in the mean time - great!

Now I'm not going to kid myself that this next casting of mine is going to set the world on fire - but a smart man from our industry once told me that "Nothing in this industry is for nothing," by which he meant that you get something out of even the smallest venture - be that a contact, some money, an appreciation for another artform or simply life experience.

I have a friend who is an extremely talented casting assistant/director Leanne Flinn who often casts music videos and films, adverts and also finds time to sing in the kickass Blues Brothers Banned as well as having her own films shown at Cannes. She recently asked me if I would like to put myself forward for a hand modelling project and whether I had any experience? I answered the only way an actor can, when a casting director asks such a thing:

Casting Director

"Oh, and how are you at ...... {the Mongolian Anal Flute}?"

Actor

"{Mongolian Anal Flute} you say? Oh Grade 8 ... Yeah ... My parents wanted me to go pro actually ...
I won the School's National Championship in 2007."

Thankfully she only required a couple of photos of my hands rather than a rendition of the above so instead of sending in the boring photos I thought I'd put together a short clip of my skills in action, to show that I really can point at stuff all by myself.

The following montage, and many of you will find this hard to believe, was produced entirely in-house (literally) ... all the way from the creation of the concept, through to scripting, story-boarding, casting, direction, lighting, sound (including ADR), manicuring and shooting to everything else in post such as grading, editing, foley and special effects, all within 15 minutes.

I am incredibly proud of how the finished product turned out - at times I never dreamed it would ever be finished, and I couldn't have done it without my girlfriend who stood beside me the whole time (again, literally) without whom none of it would have been possible (I couldn't hold the camera and point all at once). I hope you enjoy it. N.B you will need the sound up to appreciate the oevre to its full effect. Those without flash player (iPhone and iPad users) view here.

Well there you have it folks, I gave a little more than was asked of me and (for whatever reason) I got the job. I film for a week (an entire Week!!) for this commercial and it sure as hell beats working for a living. I can't think of many other professions that allow you to do the sheer variety of things I get to ... It just goes to show that 'nothing is for nothing.'

LA on a shoe-string during pilot season!

Hi guys. These are my top tips for tackling LA during the pilot season, or any time, on a shoe-string,

Accommodation
Well you're gonna need a place to hang your hat of an evening and you can end up paying a fortune if you don't box clever. There are more than a few complexes that will offer you everything you could need - self-contained with gyms, pools, printing facilities, maid service, shop etc but as far as I can tell, they all cost a small fortune.
I can recommend craigslist for finding a place if you don't mind sharing, or even for furnished/ unfurnished apts. There are plenty of hostels to stop for a week or two while you're looking for a place that suits and fits your budget. I wanted to be near the beach so immediately set my heart on Santa Monica (now of 'Battle LA' fame or Venice Beach as I blogged earlier. I managed to bag a Californian king-sized ensuite bathroom with 2 other house mates (that were never in) for $700 a month inlcuding bills!

Car
No question: you need a car in LA. It can't really be done unless you don't mind walking for hours after taking the pathetic attempt at public transport. Apparently all plans to develop the current system are opposed vehemently at every stage for fear of bringing more hobos and lower socio-Eco class to the coast!! There are plenty of rental places that you've already heard of. If you want a good-as-new car, this is obviously the way to go but be sure NOT to pick it up from the airport as you'll get stung with an extra tax for no reason other than - because they've got you by the balls!
If you're going to be staying a while then it might be worth buying a car; and obviously all the caveats for 2nd hand dealing apply. So make sure you test-run the shit out of it - checking absolutely everything -because the last thing you want on a shoe-string budget is a money-pit-mobile that leaks 3 months later when you hit the rainy season and the guy you bought it off has moved to TJ!!!
As I posted earlier I cannot fault "rent-wreck" they let you walk off with a heap-of-shit-mobile but at least it's honest- and all of the risk is in them. If it breaks down they'll come and sort you out for free. If you're stupid enough leave the lights on they will come and charge it back up for free, if you lock your keys in they will bail you out there too (but be sure to expect some chastising for your troubles) all for free instead of added extras that you'll find at a standard rental place.
They throw in a free GPS. And if you opt for a real beat-up one they either won't be able to discern any fresh damage from the old - or they'll waive it like they did for me.
They're not like any other car rental company:
"You'll notice son, we don't carry clip-boards and we don't wear ties"

Petrol/Gas
Shop around a bit but really...life's too short. Oh and be sure to point out to your fellow American how much it is in the UK when he's spitting with rage over the latest 2 cent increase!

Gym
Your right to work-out in LA is comparable to your right to vote or to not be discriminated against. There are about as many gyms as there are people and they all offer a FREE WEEKLY trial to entice your custom - and because they can guarantee you'll be driving there, they can put them anywhere rather than shoe-horning them into some dingy basement like we're used to.
Obviously you can pay a fortune and have a health-spa attached to your gym but I was content to jump from free-trial to free-trial simply printing off a different voucher every week. That is at least until I went to Bally's which was about half the price again. I ended up paying $50 for my remaining 7 weeks!! Apparently it gets super busy in the peak times but being an actor I never had to contend with the masses and could rock up to an empty studio at 11.00 every day. If you're in for the long haul however, and want a chain with frills, you should budget about half of what you would pay in London.

Printing
Don't waste your time driving to an Internet café to print off a script or spend your evening squinting at your laptop screen to get it read. Buy a printer as soon as, and get toner online at half the price. You can get a ream of paper for $5 as well as a scanner/ copier/ printer for $60 at your local Office Depot. This will save you a fortune in the long run.

Headshots etc
American casting directors like a colour 10" x 8" for starters and you should also have a colour body-shot to boot. Again if you're gonna be there a while it might be worth getting new ones done rather than taking a colour version of your current spotlight pic. There is arguably a differnce in style and lighting to our rather staid English counterparts and it's generally accepted that your headshot should be the best you could POSSIBLY look, so be sure to get it air-brushed (out there). If you need new ones you should be looking to spend between $100 and $500: Outside of this and you're wasting either your time or your money.

    

Groceries

Get a loyalty card to one of the larger chains. My rent-wreck key-chain came with one of these already on for 'Ralphs' which saved me what must have been hundreds of dollars by the end of my stay. Rather than discount coupons that you never use, they charge a different price to 'valued customers' for virtually everything, you simply have to make peace with the irritating greeting at the checkout when you swipe it.

Phones
Your best bet is to take an unlocked tri-band phone out there (so you don't have to buy one) and get a pay as you go sim. If you have it, turn data-roaming off or pay the consequences, and just use it for wi-fi. Failing that you can buy a very crude model out there that just about makes calls, for $15. There are deals such that you only have to pay $2 a day if you text abroad or call domestic which is ideal for a pilot-season length stay. Longer and you may as well take out a tarrif with a monthly plan.

Acting classes
There are loads of websites touting sessions with casting directors from 'Lost' or from the latest hit series, to feature films. Inevitably they're not cheap and usually concern a room full of hopefuls listening to a casting ASSISTANT who is supplementing their insufficient income off the back of a tenuous association with something successful - with your hard-earned cash. There are however worthwhile classes to be found with talented acting coaches. If you are over for pilot season I recommend you do your research ahead of time as you often have to attend a minimum of a month's worth of sessions in order to get your money's worth. Some promise genuine castings through links the tutor has to casting directors, which may materialise (I can't say either way) or may not, but isn't this effectively paying to audition?!

Visas
If you're going for pilot season you may want to simply go over on a visa-waiver (your basic holiday visa) for a maximum of 3 months, from late January to late April. But when they grill you at the US border it's probably best to keep your auditioning plans to yourself and play it as a long holiday funded on savings! (My God that was a tense 5 minutes). This will realistically enable you (manager or agent willing/capable) to be submitted for the very best parts on offer i.e the leads in up-coming pilots/ features. Naturally you will have to be an absolute perfect fit for the role. If you fit this criteria there will be a shiny new visa pushed through for you in record time, the cost of which can simply off-set with your significant pending pay-cheque.

If you want to open up your options to a wider number of roles (and play more of a percentage game) you will need an '01 Visa' which is for 'an alien of extraordinary talent'(that's you!!) and you will need to submit documentation to prove that you are a significantly big enough deal that nobody in the States could perform this particular role quite the way you will. This will involve letters of recommendation from anyone in the industry you have worked with (who are still willing to vouch for you); screen grabs from your performances on both Tv and film, programmes from plays you've participated in; proof of earnings; awards for performances; specialised qualification certificates- the list goes on...and on...

You will also need an immigration lawyer to submit your case. These vary astronomically with predictable differences in price. The best piece of advice I can offer is shop around and don't be afraid to haggle. I managed to get $1,000 deducted off the first attorney I consulted with and then used this as a basis to undercut a further $500 off another lawyer simply by playing one off against the other. You can pay as much as £6,000 (££££s not $$$s!!!!) if you need it in a hurry, or just as part of sorting your 'offer of employment' and this is key to the application. Even the shortest cv can be dressed up to look impressive but you need someone to say that they intend to hire you on a project filming in the U.S. Even if it doesn't transpire in the end. So if you have contacts abroad who can make this happen, great, but if not there are companies who can sort this for you ... you guessed it - at a price. I have settled on a quote from an outfit that submits through Vermont (rather than California where most are input, running a greater risk of rejection) and currently has a 100% success rate thus far, at a price of $4,500. Fingers crossed. Email me for contact details.

Subscriptions/Submitting Yourself
There is an equivalent to castingcallpro over there where you can submit yourself for projects being cast daily and there is always imdbpro and the local rags: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Empire which keep you up to speed and informed / occupied.

My final point is really about how to live out there. The people are friendly and genuinely interested in how you are and what you're up to - and I mean the average stranger you exchange pleasantries with waiting in line at the coffee shop, supermarket or simply walking down the street. I distrusted it to start with but as an Englishman in LA it's not the easiest to make friends straight off so I would say, embrace it. Next time I'm back I plan on joining a sporting club that meets regularly (Santa Monica rugby club) and plan on putting down a few roots. Whilst LA wasn't the networking frenzy I'd been led to believe I did find lots of like-minded individuals at the BritBreakfast in West LA that I went to with a couple mates as wing men. Not a bad way to spend a morning but I'm not sold on the likelihood of lasting professional partnerships as yet. Make the most of everything out there - enjoy the sunshine and the laid-back style of life, the smoothies and the trashy food too, take up a hobby and never ever ever ever give up. I hope this has been of some use and raised a few points you hadn't yet thought of. Good luck.

Bikram Yoga - A Bit Of A Stretch?

So it's getting towards the end of my time in Los Angeles and there are still quite a few things I want to get done before I make my way back to sunny England... So I thought today I better get cracking...

I'd been thinking of doing a yoga session post drama school...and I'd heard tell of a form of yoga where the room is heated to help you sweat more and flush out 'toxins' etc etc. so I thought it would be an experience. I ventured down to Santa Monica and paid my $30 - which gives me limitless access for a week, finished my smoothie (pomegranite-pick-me-up from Jamba Juice) and signed up to my first class.

Those of you familiar with drama school's movement classes - or anyone for that matter with sadistic tendencies, will know only too well, the contorted positions one can find oneself in when 'pushed into a corner in the name of self-bettering (or battering).' Now I like to think myself rather flexible and having done -ahem- over a year of yoga and pilates (or as I prefer - yogilates) I pride myself that a little bit of heat will not trouble me in the least. I have chosen the first class available which  is also the easiest - but never mind, I'm keen to show these rank amateurs how we do in ENGLAND and I'm sure I can still take something from this class nonetheless. I had already been to the gym in the morning so ought to be warmed up enough to jump right in. I considered changing my vest for a clean one - I don't want to get funny looks for smelling bad. In the end I decide to brave it out and to hell with it.

"Hot 8 Yoga

This 90 minute class is for all levels (so... it's easy), heated to 100 degrees (note to self - look up how hot this is) and features Pranayama deep breathing (i.e. lots of resting)"

I enter the room. It is hot, but I had expected this. I follow everyone else across the springy floor (which feels like the inside of a tennis ball) to an open spot, roll out my matt & beach towel. I notice that the men have removed their tops - I follow suit - and so the vest debate becomes "moo" .... it's "a moo point". I'm getting pretty hot now so I do some slow breathing  (like on the tube in rush hour) that Pranayamarayama him/herself would surely be proud of. I don't sweat much as a rule so I'm thinking the fact that I'm acclimatising now will keep me dry in the long run.

We begin.....................at what seems like break-neck-speed

"ok so starting off palms facing the side walls (do what now?) breathe the arms up to the ceiling, (breathe the...?) exhale down, head to knee, now left foot forward pushing through with the hips then feet together push back into -inhale- downward dog, rock forward feet facing upward now come through to upward-facing-dog - exhale - now left foot forward, sorry right foot forward, (Only a fool would attempt the left here) thigh parralel with the floor inhale legs together head to knee and exhale palms together stretching up to touch the ceiling."

This woman is Hitler resurrected, I'm one exercise in and beginning to sweat, and for those of you that don't know me so well - I do not like sweating...or being hot - I avoid it at all costs. This makes me laugh out loud (to the bemusement of several others) as I internally register that this is probably a strange choice of activity for someone like me. 100 degrees.... isn't that the temperature water boils at? Blood must be thicker or something - must look into this if I make it out. She is continually asking us to "try and touch the front mirror with your extended arm and the back wall with your toe tips" or "just ignore gravity" She clearly exists on some other plane, only reached by serious meditation or through The Matrix - either that, or she thinks we have somehow squeezed the 12 of us into a phone box for this class. That, at least, would explain why it's so darn hot in here. She talks without let up for the full 90 minutes in a series of body-parts, animal references and directions to be followed -and doesn't seem to have taken a breath herself since she stepped in!

"So holding on to the ouside of the feet pull back into 'Happy Baby' strengthening and straightening the legs if you can... {looks at me} some find it comforting to rock from side to side" 

(As if I'm doing it by choice).

We migrate from "King Pigeon," to "Cow Face" and even "Half Lord of the Fishes" you couldn't make these up! It was around here that she lost me. And what's more, every new set of exercises was intoned by our fúrer with a sense of finality that suggested it was the last... It never was. 

I pushed myself on at every opportunity, attempted the harder options, determined not to be the beginner of the class, and on more than one occasion I thought I was going to pass out, but no such luck. At one point, Goebbels asked: whether it was "Her imagination or had the temperature dropped?"before turning up the heat.

Thankfully I stuck it out and didn't show myself up too much. I gotta say though, some of the holds get pretty hard when you're wetter than a fish in water. I sweated more than I had previously thought possible; more than at ice-hockey games, more than an entire season of rugby or judo. it was hard to believe there was that much liquid in me! when I finished I could literally wring out my boxers, board shorts and even the beach towel. I cannot believe I was concerned my vest might not be clean enough at the start!

I 'get' yoga and 'stretching,' ... at least, I understand them if I don't often do them. I can see the benefit of a supple and trained core. I can appreciate the social side of congregating and enjoying a non-competitive past-time to "attune mind, body and spirit" and I even noticed a distinct toning effect on my body. But at the end of the day, do we really need "aligned shakras" or"deep heart openers?" Shouldn't we be leaving that to medical professions? I've always seen myself as a positively wiggly Shakra kinda guy. And why the need for the blood-boiling temperature? - If I wanted to sweat profusely and crain my neck at an impossible angle while keeping one hand above my head and the other hanging loose, I'd take the Jubilee Line at rush-hour.

That said, I've paid my thirty bucks for the week now and I'll be damned if they get one over on ME! so I'm thinking the intermediate class on Friday.... anyway how hard can "hot yoga and free weights" be?

I leave you with the tragic news, dear reader, of the unfortunate yoga practitioner in the L.A Times last week (below) who tragically de-capitated himself executing a 'Diving Kingfisher."

Venice Beach

Hi guys,

I know it's been ages since I updated this blog and I've had a kick up the backside from a few of you so thought I'd pull my finger out.

I've been pretty busy the last few weeks. I've had some great castings and met some big casting directors and made myself at home in this random and eclectic city. My girlfriend Michelle came out to see me for a week and a friend from uni flew over from Chicago to catch up and get away from the arctic cold they're having.

I don't know where to start but thought I'd write about Venice as I've spent more and more time there lately. it's sort of the Camden of the West Coast, L.A's Nimben mixed with a street performer Covent Garden vibe. I've uploaded a quick video on my youtube account (click the right hand image (above) of the concrete and bluc sky) which should give you a bit of an insight into how truly random this place is.

Has anybody seen my bye-noc-u-lars!?

And this is just the start of this trippy town.

There's so much going on in this tiny little alcove on the coast. There are literally hundreds of "pharmacies" who can all diagnose you with 'glaucoma' or 'depression' or 'athritis' and then prescribe the appropriate medicine (as long as it's marijuana) and each shack has their touts outside with banners and waving in a way that reminds you of Brick Lane.

Muscle beach is right next door, which lives up to its reputation, where scantily clad bruisers - who can no longer wipe their own asses - strut about in danger of toppling over at any moment, making the 'average-Tris-on-the-street' feel inadequate and presumably driving the rest to a dope-induced-haze.

Venice's Beach is great, and is where I first started to surf (see earlier post...or not) but it's the people and the buzz that makes this town incredible. Every shop in Abbott Kinney Blvd (the high street) is completely different from the last in virtually any way. Boutiquey shops and cool bars and restaurants with a coffee house like a page out of the Monmouth Coffee manual! The restaurant/bar G Jelina's above is always busy and gives you a feel of how arty this place is. Dont' get me wrong - some areas I'm sure are proper sketchy but only in Venice would you find a man who makes a living out of jumping over 5 non-suspecting tourists. There's a guy who stands in his underpants on a bar stool holding 3 live snakes - at least, I think they're live (i'll come back to you) and that's his whole act. There's a freak-show down the way, showing a cat with 2 heads, a dog with 5 legs and a chicken with 3 wings (don't tell the colnel or it'll be bred on mass quicker than you can say 'secret blend of spices.'

it's right on a cycle path that runs all the way to Malibu and beyond and there are more skaters, runners and more types of bike than is reasonable. i've seen penny-farthings, unicycles, low-riders, trikes, choppers, reclined bikes, electric bikes, race bikes, BMXs, scooters and even a cross-trainer bike!!! And that's not to mention the different skate-boards (massive skate park on the beach) and the segways.

I know I havn't really filled you in on what I've been up to, so i'll try and update sooner next time. I hope you're all well.

I'll leave you with the words of the great John McClane "Now I have a machine gun Ho-Ho-Ho"

T

Resumé 02.08.11.

Schachter Entertainment

TRISTAM SUMMERS

TELEVISION

Love Like Hers                                  Shaun                  Stada Films, Danny Lacey,         

Material Girl                                       Bob                       BBC/ Cilla Ware,

Dead Time                                          Jacques               Makishima Films/ Mototake Makishima,

The Bill                                                 Paul Fry              Talkback Thames/ Matt Bloom,

Broken Thread                                  Rapist                  Sacred Thread I.O.M. Ltd/ Mahesh Mathai,

Suburban Shootout                         John                    Feelgood Fiction/ Gordon Anderson,

Mixed Doubles                                  Rich                     Too Many Executives/ George Milton,

After He’s Gone                                 Alex                     CSSD/ Natalie Graham,

Thicker Than Blood                         Oscar                  JD Films/ James Dann,

Leave                                                     Sam                     Kleos Film/ Jasper Page, 

THEATRE

Studies for a Portrait                      Justin                        Good Night Out/ Adam Spreadbury,

Liaisons                                               Orlando                     Royal Shakespeare Co/ Laura Bodell,

Burial at Thebes                               Creon                         Lost Theatre/ Adrian Brown,

The Blue Room                                 Charles                      Article 19/ Bradley Minchin,

Romeo & Juliet                                 Romeo                      Infinity/ Sophie Rowland,

A Midsummer Night’s Dream     Oberon                      3 Bugs/ Sam Luck,

A Midsummer Night’s Dream     Theseus                    Article 19/ Sam Luck,

The Monster Opera                         Rag & Bone Man    Word of Mouth/ Christian Hayes,

Waiting for Superman                    Charlie                      Word of Mouth/ Christian Hayes,

Guys & Dolls                                       Benny                       MTS Producions/ Patrick Capel,

Saved                                                    Fred                           MTS Productions/ Time Pender,

12 Angry Men                                   Juror #11                 MTS Productions/ David Brown, 

AUDIO

Fitness First                                       Trainer                        Perfect P.T/ Richard Merrick,

Gibb & Will                                          Gibb/Will                   Passion Animations/Gary Neville,           

Cockeyed                                             Max                              I.C.A/ Kfir Yefet, 

TRAINING

Cenral School of Speech and Drama (Film)

Birmingham University

SPECIAL SKILLS

Fluent French, Snowboard Instructor. Ice-hockey, Judo, Rock Climbing, Wake-boarding, Rugby, Soccer, Tennis, Squash, Sailing, Stage Combat (Gold award), Gymnastics, Swimming, Saxophone

REPRESENTATION

US:                                            Schachter Entertainment                       (001)-310-712-3737

UK:                                           The BWH Agency/ Joe Hutton          (0044)-207-240-5299

SPOTLIGHT VIEW PIN:       0691.9054.7375

1157, South Beverley Drive, Los Angeles, California 90035

310 712 3737 office, 310 277-6602 fax, Brantley@SchachterEnt.com

Surfing USA

Hi guys,

I have to tell you about my attempt to surf today and what  I've been up to since my last mail. I can't remember where I left off last time but I've since met up with an Agent at a pretty large agency, and he's put me up for a casting and depending on how well I do at that and the feedback he gets I may be lucky enough to sneak representation. I would be very lucky! I had another casting for a pilot called "are you there vodka, it's chelsea" based on the life of a famous Chelsea who's always in the media - Michelle knows all about her (I dunno who she is) anyway the casting went well and the guy said my accent was good - I went back into English right after we did the scenes - but who knows what they're looking for (probably a long list of credits). The cool part was that I got to go to Warner Brother's Studios for the meet and I took a rather circuitous route back to my car to spy a few sets along the way and get a photo or two of the iconic water tower. All the carparking spots were reserved for 2 and a half men and more household names than you could imagine. it was a great experience and I'm glad I indulged after i'd down what I'd come for rather than before.

Today as it's the weekend I sacked off the gym in pursuit of my passion project for LA - surfing. So I got up at the crack of dawn...ok 10.00... and made some calls to some surf shacks i'd been recommended by, a surfer I started chatting to a while back, and a fat guy who was eavesdropping and wanted to throw his 10 cents in. Anyway when it came to hunting down a better bargain the fat guy had it! so i have purchased a wetsuit and i rented a board as i'm not sure I could slap a stamp on one of those and expect it to make it back to sunny blighty. I asked where was good and I decided to go to a fairly 'tame' beach as I am relatively new to this, having only done it once in Australia and once on the South Coast of England on rugby tour, where Johny Fraser bashed into me and made me bite through my lip. leaving the lower left side of my bottom lip hideously disfigured ever-since. Impossible I hear you cry, but true and a burden I shall bear until I meet my (probably watery) grave.

I suited up (still looking like an absolute pro at this point I might ad) drawing the looks from all around - I'm sure - although naturally too blasé to pay any attention, and took to the water...... and it went down-hill, both literally and figuratively, from here. Not long after I'd been paddling I was shouted the helpful advice 0f 'scoot forward on your board more' as, it's true, my efforts where encouraging the board to swim directly up into the air with little or no forward movement. 'Of course' I quipped back (as if to imply that I've never previously done it like that in all my years of experience and was merely trying something new this one time). I soon made head-way proceeded further out of my depth.

I first saw the 'wave' probably about 50 feet away from me- not much to look at - not really doing much in particular, just ambling towards me - minding its own business if you will. I remember thinking, perhaps this beach might prove worthwhile after all. I might see some actual surf here. Whooping and hollering can now be heard from those enjoying a paddle or a surf over to my right - someone is obviously making the most of this crest which, I note, is growing a little. By this time I have made signifcant distance from the beach and make a mental note to congratulate myself at the first opportunity for carring out everything so far with such aplomb. It was about this point that the idea of getting myself the other side of this wave entered my mind and I've got to tell you, I drew a complete blank because (and you'll have to take my word for this) there comes a time when all waves break; and just after the up-and-downy motion you experience further out, and just before the wishy-washy-white fun bit near the beach there is an implausibly hard, brick wall like object mocking and obliterating everything in its path... and you've guessed it. this is exactly where I found myself. Now anyone who's done this before will know that I had two options.... option a) about face, paddle and ride the wave to both safety, and the adoring, rapturous applause of the already impressed on-lookers, or b) abandon the board temporarily and dive, as it were through the wave to continue my journey to where legend and fable blur seamlessly into almost certain fame. Almost none of my intrepid readers would have considered option c) - an option so truly brilliant in its conception it shall surely be patented and marketed the world over. Option c) (when carried out correctly) sees the surfer attempt to paddle up the wall, presenting the flat of the board to the water, like a roman's shield to an advancing army....I should probably point out that I was not accompanied by a battalion of like-minded individuals ready to teach mother nature a lesson, and so....Things started to happen very slowly at this point. My board finds the beginning of the wave and rides directly up in the air. There is a feeling of weightless-ness that allows just long enough to pull a funny face (but nothing more). A slapping sound as the water hits the base of the board. A thud as the projectile comes toward you at speed. A forlorn attempt to tighten one's grip on wet fibre-glass. A swift change of direction as nature shows that you've been travelling completely the wrong way. a tumbling sensation as you are plunged under. An eternity wondering why the instinct to gasp has completely passed you by. A realisation that you are (in spite of the afore mentioned) blowing out through you're nose to stop water entering. A loss of even the concept of 'Up' and a stinging pain between the toes as the board leash tries to cheese-wire it's way length-ways through your foot. Flailing limbs, followed by (after what seems like an eternity) AIR! ...... Welcome to surfing.

I found myself right back where I'd started and was faced with another three waves, not unlike the last where I continued to employ (the now tried and tested) option c) to the same effect. It was only after 10 mins of gasping and paddling that I made it out past the break point to where the other surfers had only just stopped laughing. Next you have to sit on the board sideways to the waves all nonchalent-like, passing up wave after wave because (I imagine) they don't 'feel' right or 'are too wet' or something. Simple I hear you say but no no no, I was flailing around, like a fish out of water - and no, the irony wasn't lost on me. I was managing to just about stay on the board. Sure I had drifted a little further out than my new-found compadre, but I was doing it!!! I could pass myself off as regular at last. I was ready to paddle, waiting for the perfect wave....

And then I saw it!
20 ft away!
A fin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't mind telling you, dear reader, I absolutely shat my pants! I froze (for perhaps a week and a half) and turned to survey how far I was from the beach. A long way.
I would have gladly taken another 8 ft wave to the face and floundered my way to shore if I'd had a say in things. I lock eyes with another surfer, who says in rather a high pitched voice 'That's a dolphin right!?' to which I reply 'I fucking hope so' (sorry Diana please forgive me) and then proceed to paddle the most ginger doggy paddle you've ever seen toward the shore, because if any one of us looks most like a seal, splashing and larking about, it's me and I'm the furthest out of all of them. What's the old saying? 'you don't have to be faster than the dog that's chasing - just faster than your mates' I look back out to sea knowing that things couldn't get worse than they are now. And I remember now that I wasn't even suprised. I remember thinking 'a shark...well that is just TYPICAL.' Incidentally I was completely wrong by the way because what could be worse than a fin now 18 ft away me? That's right - TWO fins!

Thank God they were dolphins. Thank God.
I asked the rather chubby American (who to my mind would have made a much better meal anyway) how he knew we were safe and apparently "dolphins go sort of more up and downy" "while sharks tend to be more circle-y circle-y."

After the panic subsided it was one of those great moments you don't forget in a hurry and I spent probably another 2 hours out on the water, and it was sheer stubborn-ness that kept me there, and I'm sad to say that I am literally no better at surfing. However I'm almost certain that I can hold my breath longer than before - and this is the main positive I shall be taking in with me tomorrow, when I shall almost certainly surpass all expectations  .... and possibly see another gaggle of sharks. I can't wait...

Will mild-mannered Tristam tame the ocean waves and fulfill his destiny to become 'the wave whisperer'?
Will he wrestle hand-to-fin, ('mano-a-sharko') with another great White?
Will he EVER get the salt and throbbing sensation out of his sinuses?

Tune in next week for part 3 of our "Intrepid Traveller Tristam's Tiresome Trials & Tribulations: A Cautionary Tale" available in Hardback this February, perfect for Birthdays, Anniversaries or an early stocking-filler!
T

Tris' Travels

Hi guys,

I have a new address:

Mr. Tristam Summers (O.B.E Pending)
3, 1454 Yale Street,
Santa Monica,
California,
90404.

So I've moved on to what Michelle has taken to calling the 5th leg of my 'vacation'. But I guess I'm getting ahead of myself...

So, the beginning - We left on New Year's Day and set off for VEGAS (leg 1) where we landed and checked in to the 'Planet Hollywood' on the strip with all our snowboarding gear and plent of other suitcases to boot. We were staying in the 'Terminal Velocity' themed room with Charlie Sheen's Jumpsuit, bomber jacket and many stills and facts of the film on display. The suite was huge and right on the strip. Casinos everywhere - inside and outside of the hotel. The strip is long and there are more flashing lights than you could possibly imagine. With the Bellagio, The MGM, The Mirage, Treasure Island and a new one just opposite us, the name of which eludes me just now (Michelle?) oh no wait - was the Cosmopolitan which was very fancy and shiny-new.

We acquanted ourselves with the bars offering the cheapest beer and tried to acclimatise since the time difference threw us out of whack for a long, long time. We met the groom and his family again - not having seen him since the last trip, congratulated him and had boozey night. Day two saw the stag do - live round ammunition firing on a range with a beretta 9mm and also with a Dirty Harry .44 Magnum 'the most powerful handgun in the world'. The kickback on the Dirty Harry gun was suprising - even when you knew it was coming and I was a little more accurate with the beretta. We got handed our targets and somehow mine got lost when I gave it to someone to look after and blahblahblah. But I was a born sniper - hitting the middle with every shot (can't be proven otherwise). I managed to get the whole expensive experience for free since the lady on the counter made a counting error which I didn't feel the need to point out at the time (if they can't even count - no wonder there's so much friendly fire). Next, on to Hooters for cheap beers (a doller cheaper than the night before - RESULT) and some gambling - I managed to win $180 on black jack. Next on to a strip bar (it's Vegas after all) where we finished the evening not TOO worse for wear and packed the stag off for some beauty sleep before the big day to folllow.

The wedding was an informal affair - or at least it was for those of us who didn't pack suits - but it was an interesting service (broadcast live online for those who couldn't make it) with a vicar with a sense of humour who bandied the whole thing along at quite a clip. Bride looked beatiful etc etc flowers etc everybody said the right names yadayadadyaddaa.
Wedding reception was an impromptu event at an all you can eat world buffet with every type of cuisine imaginable. followed by ......More drinking more gambling and debauchery. By this time it became apparent that you couldn't even sit down anywhere in Vegas besides the toilet without gambling - if they read this I'm sure they'll plough some cash in to rectify this oversight immediately. We travelled to the old part of Vegas (which does exist thank you very much (Dad and Grey laughed at me when I said that)) to see the Golden Nugget which is the oldest casino in Vegas - It had a waterslide that went through the middle of shark pool!!! We didn't go on it but was good to see.

Before we knew it, twas time to head to colder climbs and we picked up our rental cars and made for LAKE TAHOE (leg 2). Vegas had already been much colder than we were expecting - forcing us to wear jackets before we were ready but it was colder still in Tahoe. We stayed at the quant Best Western. We had a wonderful little broom cupboard which made the suite in Vegas seem like a Sheik's palace...so from riches to rags but it was more than fine as the holiday is on the mountain not in the room. It was hot for skiing believe it or not with jackets off for the first couple of days for some people. we bought mountain passes for a host of areas and made it to most of them over the 10 days. Contrary to tradition though there were no serious injuries (although Phil did jarr a finger but soon tucked his skirt in and got on with it). We did get monumentally lost at one point. We'd bumped into our tour rep who decided to join us for a couple of runs (wow - was he to regret this) and suggested we do Olympic and then, when he'd guaged our ability presumably, the same run again but through the trees just to the side of it. well the snow through these particular trees was incredible and i had heard him say we were going to cut back on the run in a bit. Well I managed to get separated and then the walkie-talkie died so I followed the tracks of many another skier until I came to a road. Knocked on a few deserted chalets (psycho) and got chased by a dog/ wolf and was given direcions back to the ski lift although I realised I'd come quite a bit wrong as no matter how far to the right I beared I couldn't find the piste again. anywho I followed the directions and after I was beginning to get tired a snowboard instructor took pity on me and offered me a lift back - which turned out to be a 15 min drive so I don't know quite how the old man had expected me to walk it. Meanwhile (and completely unbeknownst to me) the tour rep was desperately trying to keep the others together who were still off piste and hadn't made it back to the piste as i had assumed. On top of myself a couple of others strayed away and got lost too. Long story short he had to help the others down some trickier terrain with the help of Luke and Dave to the very bottom - which we'd been told by our hotelier couldn't be done. We all met back up at the bar at the bottom miraculously unharmed with stories a'plenty. The best bar in Heavenly resort by far is fire and Ice where they cook your self-made buffet on a grill in front of you - pricey but all you can eat. There's a theatricality in the way they cook it and throw the bowls about and I'll show you some videos when i'm back.

Before I knew it, it was time to move on to Los Angeles so after making our horrible goodbyes at SanFrancisco Airport, Laura, Matt and I drove to LA which took ALOT longer than the 4 hours we'd anticipated. I couldn't get hold of the people I was staying with in KOREA TOWN (LEG 3) so just turned up on their doorstep at half 10 at night. thankfully i'd reminded them a couple days earlier that I would be coming on the 15th not the 16. They had completely forgotten until then. Amy and Nabojsa made me completely at home and put me up on their couch and helped me in every way imaginable within a completely alien city. They didn't have a spare room so I virtually monopolised their living room which I felt a bit guilty for. Koreatown is odd, there are people selling junk at the side of the road outside their houses and I can't see how anybody can make any money from what they've got on offer but hey. I was virtually the only white man in a sea of Asian at the gym and about town - which I negotiated using solely my legs and public transport. This is near enough impossible in LA. Everything is so spaced out and the trains don't go many places useful. so I did my research and decided to rent my vehicle from 'rentawreck' and saved myself $600 off the next cheapest quote. Admittedly I'm driving a beat up old lexus but it's got more mod cons than my peugeot 'Liz' back home in Michelle's garage. electric adjustable seats, leather interior, sunroof. anyway 'Martha' and I have bonded and are inseperable now. There was a small battery incident but they sorted it and she runs as good as new. ok she makes a few strange noises but I say, if you can hear 'em there must be something wrong with the radio!

Having discovered 'The Coffee Bean's' Ice blended treats and the peanut butter mood at 'Jamba Juice' I felt it time to give amy, Nabojsa and their two dogs (Aero & Peeve) back their place so I moved in with Matt and Lau and made a contriubution to the rent - all the while travelling and viewing places all over. They were staying at a lush complex in the valley in an area called BURBANK (LEG 4) which is pretty central but still a traffic hot spot. It was great as I could spend time by the pool and relax when we weren't prepping for a few things and when I wasn't viewing places. There was everything there including a gym and printing facilities etc but the price tag was not an option for this intrepid traveller who was thinking of the slightly longer term. They leave in a couple days while I am stayin until April 1st. I had a great birthday and it was nice that Matt and Lau were there with me to celebrate and have a few drinks at an out of the way restaurant and a few bars in downtown.

I decided I wanted a place in SANTA MONICA (LEG 5) as the feel of it is pretty laid back and cool but has a plethora of shops and bars and restaurants and it's near the beach. I'm staying in a house-share quite a ways from the beach but I'm saving a fair bit on rent staying in a 3 bed. Funnily enough the room I viewed isn't available yet until March 1st so the landlady who is hardly ever there anyway has said she won't come back and that I can have her room until it is available. So somehow i've managed to bag a kingsized room with an ensuite bathroom for $700 for the month bills included in San Mon which if you've done your looking around (and i'll mercifully save you the bother) is unheard of. I moved in today and have just about unpacked. I've now got to find a gym nearby and get another few chores done so I feel like I can really focus on doing my best at the opportunities I have. But if you mail me you'll find me here at YALE (st)!!!!!!! So there to all nay-sayers who said I wasn't meant for Ivy League! just in case you havn't made a note of my cell number (get me being all american) is...

310.717.9322 (they asked if i wanted "a specific pre-fix e.g 310 is Beverley Hills, 312 is..." "I'll have that one please!"

Work wise I've had a couple of castings so far which both went well, although one was due to be filmed too soon for me to have got my visa through even though it went well. I've also got an agency meeting on Wednesday so keep your fingers crossed all, as their help would really make a difference in this industry where a manager can only do so much. anyways I'm gonna get going. My voice-over peeps had said I could do more work from Santa Mon but I havn't heard anything since - they're still trying to get scripts approved I'm told. I've only got another few weeks before Michelle comes out which is more than welcome news and gives me something  to look forward to.

Hope everyone back home is good, and be sure to let me know what you're all up to...
T