Day 6 and this is brief. Only one show on my schedule and that is the centerpiece: “Joshua” starring Sam Rockwell (another favorite actor) and Vera Farmiga. Evil, freaky kid outwits his parents out of their wits. Nicely done psycho-thriller. Must see.

Day 5 and I’m hanging out with my good friend Brian Weiss. We catch a rather disappointing screening of “How To Rob A Bank“. Nick Stahl does a fantastic job, but the rest falls flat (unfortunately). But luckily there is a very noisy college brewpub nearby where we lift our spirits and kick the movie around a bit. It’s loud, we let slip a few questionable “words” and this podcast could be considered quite annoying to sensitive ears. Enjoy!

Day 4 and I’m starting to feel the effects of several late night screenings, quick dinners and a wife who is rethinking my attendance of the fest that is keeping me away from home at night… But other than that, my friends, Brian and Melissa, and I catch two films back-to-back. “August Evening” - a beautiful tale, but way too long (over 136 minutes long). Could use a couple of edits here and there. And a very funny, off-the-wall film called “Great World of Sound“. Fantastic, funny and full of real moments. Sort of a mix of mocumentary/reality/dramedy.

Day 3 of the LA Film Fest. Using the power of my Discovery Pass I was able to get a stand-by tix (ie: free) for a great documentary, “War Dance“. Then after a quick bite of dinner at Ono Hawaiian BBQ I headed over to see Steve Buscemi’s “Interview“. Fantastic little film.

Day 2 of the LA Film Fest. I catch a screening of Shorts Program #4 and a late screening of the indie thriller, “The Last Winter” by Larry Fessenden. Not many parties going on after the late show. So I get my drink and then head home.

Also, Rule #1 of Film Fests: Eat First.

It’s the first day of the LA Film Festival and your personal guide, The Trained Actor (me), is here to experience it for you! The opening film is “Talk to Me” starring Don Cheadle. I take in the atmosphere, the film, the afterparty…

There are 11 days of films and festivities. I plan on attending at least one film a night with my trusty recorder to share my experiences with you.

Do you remember your first screen kiss? Well there’s a first time for everyone and I recently experienced my first on-screen lip-lock on AMC’s MAD MEN. Lucky for you I’m the type to kiss and tell.

Probably the first and last time I do a mobile recording in my car, because the sound suffers, somewhat (until maybe I get some better equipment). But this was the only time I could find this week to talk to you about something that has been weighing on my mind a lot recently. After speaking with an old high school friend and fellow actor Amro Salama, I reminisce about a day job that held me back from my dreams. And maybe it’s time for another change. And… A belt. A belt! My kingdom for a belt!!!

So please forgive the sound quality and some really poor English on my part.

And the mystery show of my first day as a background actor: The Guardian. I knew I’d remember at some point…

I’m regaining my footing, refocusing and staying in this marathon for the long haul. I also had a great headshot session with Dan Chapman (check out my agent’s picks) and a bonus photographic session with my friend Tony Donaldson. Can’t wait to see the results! Plus I’ve been busy with some auditions. Whoo hoo!

I just finished four weeks of intensive training at the Margie Haber Studios. I share my experiences and what I learned. I also open a discussion about headshots. And Chapter Two of the Crash & Burn Chronicles (Part One of Two, actually). Enjoy!

Theme music by Mark Blasco of PodcastThemes.com.