tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5217927659743099562026-09-11T03:37:33.180-04:00Musings, comments, thoughts, and how to's from an actress, writer, and general creative type.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-6814626293083223062014-04-20T12:37:00.000-04:002014-04-20T12:37:17.608-04:00

I would like to say that "as you know, I've been in LA" but since this writing slacker hasn't updated since last year, there's really no way you could know that.  But hey, guess what?  I finally went to LA!  And to say that it was life changing would be an understatement.  And no, I didn't get "discovered" by some shady producer promising to make me a star. What did happen

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-32000777816495119232013-07-08T14:43:00.001-04:002013-07-08T18:27:38.164-04:00

And really who doesn't every now and then?  Luckily, when I found myself in need of something more thought provoking and visceral than the usual entertainment that abounds at this time of year (tent-pole productions, anyone?), I had You Won't Be Here (Tomorrow) to turn to.  Produced by young theatre company Theater in Spite Of, this play is approximately sixty minutes of an

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-61496240374983759682013-06-14T16:51:00.000-04:002013-06-14T16:51:25.377-04:00

All right, full disclosure: I've been silent since my last blog post.  And I mean silent.  Right after that long ago post in March, I woke up sans voice.  First thought, laryngitis.  But then it didn't go away after a week, two weeks, a month.  So off I went to the specialist who diagnosed me with a paralyzed left vocal cord. And while the kind doctor assured me that it

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-29309687910542395472013-03-03T16:32:00.000-05:002013-03-03T16:32:00.201-05:00

OK, I'm going to put out my broad definition of web series.  For the purposes of things I post, when I refer to "web series", I'm referring to serialized shows that are intended to be watched via a device that connects to the interwebz.  So this very broad definition includes (for me) not only your YouTube friendly shows, but those shown on channels such as Kold Cast , Blip, 

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-78156253857509188402013-02-25T13:41:00.000-05:002013-02-25T13:41:59.798-05:00

Recently, I went out for coffee with a friend I haven't seen in fifteen years.  While even just the fact I can say that I have friends that I haven't seen in over a decade is mind-boggling (aren't I still sixteen?), it came to light during our discussion that one of my biggest regrets in life could have been a huge opportunity.  Let me set the stage: I'm fifteen and accompanying my

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-6156125272639483432013-02-19T12:33:00.000-05:002013-02-19T12:33:34.120-05:00

It's time for a little bit of sharing!  I did this short film at the end of 2011, against the very lovely backdrop of High Park.  I love this film for a number of reasons: 1) it was the first time I worked with Jay Clarke, the writer, director and producer.  Jay is fan of all things horror and thriller and is a practical institution on the horror scene here; 2) I got to work with

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-27440289534925085802013-01-22T09:30:00.000-05:002013-01-22T09:30:01.149-05:00

The commercials are playing, people are commenting on fashion choices, and die-hard fans are getting into online arguments over what should win what.  It can only mean one thing: award season!   The Globes are done (ummm, just sign up Tina Fey and Amy Poehler for everything, OK?), Sundance is under way (not technically an award show but winning at Sundance is a pretty good indicator of

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-33976422670517622152012-08-06T14:29:00.000-04:002012-08-06T14:29:15.954-04:00

You know those moments that just inspire you?  From watching almost instant photos arrive from Mars to crying over this kid's greatness, life can just rock.  For those of you who have been following along either here on the blog or on Facebook or Twitter, you know I'm a pretty positive person.  That's how I choose to live my life.  The key word there is "choose". Now why is

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-34168773742711863462012-07-20T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-20T09:00:20.409-04:00

Yeah, baby.  It's music to an actor's ears when that phone rings or email pings with booking news.  I'm so excited to be working on two projects before July ends.  Both will be a different challenge for me as I've never worked in these formats.  Am I being vague?  Yes, sorry but until everything is OK for release, I can't spoil anything! And all of this to be followed up

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-42819528711281678392012-07-05T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-05T12:26:44.621-04:00

I read this awesome post in Backstage and loved it.  Secret Agent Man is pretty straightforward.  Read why  Your Agent Doesn't Hate You . In fact, they probably like you quite a lot.  What they don't like, is what is known in this industry as flakiness. And yes, everyone experiences it in every walk of life but actors are a special brand.  You would think that

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-14645354652671683622012-07-04T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-04T09:00:13.432-04:00

It doesn't take a lot to see that TV has evolved.  Drastically, I might add.  And with A-list films stars flocking to the tube (should that still even be a nickname for TV?), our weekly addictions are only going to get better.  At least, on cable channels.  Now, this isn't to say there aren't great shows on network TV anymore (Revenge, Community, Big Bang Theory to name a few)

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-11484917596827697182012-06-27T09:00:00.000-04:002012-06-27T09:00:05.383-04:00

With the passing of Nora Ephron, one of the greats left us this week.  Of course, as a woman in the film industry, I am mourning the loss of one of trailblazers, one of the few women who helmed studio pictures, who successfully navigated the world of Hollywood with a capital "H"; but more than that, I mourn the loss of a great storyteller.  Ms. Ephron could capture people and write the

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-76542226370297277192012-05-14T09:00:00.000-04:002012-05-14T09:00:01.549-04:00

It's been a rough week in our household.  Truth be told, it's been a bit hellish on the old Tonya front.  I once read an elegant phrase (thank you, Diana Gabaldon--and forgive me for paraphrasing...) about when you share your soul, you always have a small secret place that is yours alone-- that no matter what happens, that little haven stands to mark what sums up to be you.  You

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-7595092420381306742012-04-04T11:13:00.000-04:002012-04-04T11:13:28.195-04:00

Yeah.  I know.  Get it out now.  Nothing since February.  Sorry.  But!  I have my reasons!  One of which I've posted below.  It's a great little film adapted from a Tobias Wolf short story.  Adapted for the screen and directed by the uber talented Shane Belcourt, I hope you enjoy "Say Yes".  One of my many roles is manager of a dance company and

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-19558404774835051262012-02-02T11:04:00.000-05:002012-02-02T11:04:39.981-05:00

So I had a day of gratitude yesterday.  Yes, I know, I should have those everyday but yesterday in particular, I was especially thankful for everyone and everything I have in my life. What brought this on you may ask?  Well, partly it was because I learned that a friend from university passed away suddenly just before the holidays.  And while it's horrible when anyone dies

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-40789385144590166962012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:002012-02-01T09:00:03.418-05:00

No, this isn't going to end up with me handing out cars to anyone--Oprah already did that.  This is more of a reflection of what I enjoy so much about what I do.  It's really the people.  I love the meeting of minds, the sharing of experiences, and the reassurance that we're all going through the same thing. I met a friend of a friend recently for the first time and we had a blast

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-61487607523719529482012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-27T09:00:18.363-05:00

Yeah, I probably made that word up.  At least, most spell checkers don't recognize it.  But it's mine and it describes so much of what I've doing during this period of relative blog silence. While I can't say that Steven Spielberg finally called and offered me a fantastic part (PS: I'm waiting, Steven, FYI), I have been doing some serious work on making my dreams come true.

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-67359942702471367082011-12-28T13:55:00.001-05:002011-12-28T13:55:28.836-05:00

Get up and do it already.  No more waiting.  No more wondering "what if" or "is the time right".  Insiders tip:  it never is the right time.  There is no perfect storm of dreaming, determination, talent and luck gathering on the horizon, unless you start creating it.  January 1st is just another date. Just do it.  'Nuff said. Happy creating and go kick 2012

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-64985029165017439142011-12-22T09:00:00.000-05:002011-12-22T09:00:09.553-05:00

Well, 2011 is wrapping up and I'm looking forward to a great 2012.  This past year has seen some amazing career changes for me.  My life has evolved and my dreams have morphed into obtainable goals.  I can see those not-so- elusive goals hovering just on the horizon and I can't wait to run to catch up to them. Remember my goals from earlier in the year?  Well, they are on

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-80165342764079612692011-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:002011-10-30T12:56:29.882-04:00

So I just read this article on the state of TV in LA.  More specifically, the state of jobs in TV in LA.  According to stats, California has less dramatic (read: scripted, not "reality") TV being filmed than New York and even Canada.  Yes, our northern market is booming in comparison to La La Land in terms of dramatic television series.  We have some great tax credits here for

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-20351966229860136982011-10-24T11:52:00.000-04:002011-10-24T11:52:03.713-04:00

Ben Affleck is in talks (confirmed?) to write and direct "The Stand", one of Stephen King's best loved novels.  Rumour has it, it will be a trilogy.  Which given the length of the novel, is probably a good thing.  Now, I enjoyed reading the novel.  I did.  But hated the ending.  It just felt like it didn't know how to end so it just did.  Anyway, read about the

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-86005630466021417232011-10-07T10:15:00.000-04:002011-10-07T10:15:35.161-04:00

I've been talking a lot recently to different artists from all across the creative melieu.  I should clarify that I've been speaking to professional artists.  You know, the ones that seek to create and entertain beyond the level of a hobbyist.  Their passion may have started as an extra-curricular love but that need to tell stories, whether through film, photography, words, or

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-18711086139651957992011-09-06T09:00:00.000-04:002011-09-06T09:00:13.912-04:00

I've been saying for months that massive budget films are coming to an end.  With the global economy on the verge of a possible second meltdown (fingers crossed for a last minute save from the hero who pulls us back from the breach), investors and studios alike are rethinking their options.  Or counting their dollars and cents.  No one wants to invest hundreds of millions into a

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-88417189043235598282011-09-01T09:00:00.005-04:002011-09-01T09:00:18.275-04:00

Ahh, Katee Sackoff.  This is why you rock! Happiness is a warm gun ... carried by a girl PS: Totally agree! Happy creating!  Especially if you're in the middle of writing an awesome feature script that has a kick-ass female lead who's actually kicking some ass. 

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-521792765974309956.post-49674621274095177872011-08-26T09:00:00.007-04:002011-08-26T09:00:00.371-04:00

See my description in About Me in my Twitter profile?  Zombie preparedness is always necessary.  You never know when this might happen: Happy creating!...or clean removal of the zombie head to ensure a clean kill...whatever...

Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05308128126682978691noreply@blogger.com0