Project Jyn Trailer

Please take a look.

Things I accomplished this year

•      Got Texas agents.
•      Became SAG eligible.
•      Did a web series.
•      Principal in a short film.
•      Auditioned for two SAG commercials.
•      Got a callback for a SAG commercial.
•      Booked a well-paying industrial.
•      Participated in an acting workshop/took acting classes.
•      Went to a red carpet premiere for a feature film.
•      Connected with some Houston industry people. 

My "Loving" Review

I went into the theater not expecting to be wowed by the movie “Loving,” but to my surprise it really was as the critics have been saying one of the best movies this year. The acting by the main stars Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton was flawless and believable. The cinematography was amazing. I felt as though I was transported back in time.

Though I am not in an interracial union, there were a lot of things that were relatable. I immediately picked up on the fact that Mildred Loving was shy. Negga portrayed her perfectly – soft, demure, and feminine. Even though Loving was quiet in nature, she was instrumental in getting the ball rolling and changing history. She wrote the letter that resulted in the Lovings getting an ACLU lawyer, and she also contacted the media several times. I could also relate to the rural setting, being from a small, farming North Carolina town.

As I was watching the movie, I remembered that I was supposed to audition for the Laura character. I had to decline though because I was in the process of moving to Houston. But it was interesting to see who got it and how she approached the role. The actress who got it, Ardrene Ward-Hammond did an excellent job. I even spotted a North Carolina actor who had several prominent scenes named Will Dalton.

If you get a chance, you should definitely go check out the movie. You will be inspired and glad you did.

Update

Yesterday, I filmed more scenes for "Project Jyn." I did two emotional scenes that still have me sore and tired. I love doing this movie! I'm naturally shy in real life, but Jynx, my character, is the total opposite. The writers/producers were initially apprehensive of giving me the role because in their words, "I'm so nice." But I have left them and myself pleasantly surprised. Jynx is fierce and intimidating. I can't wait until we film again next month.

                                         


I also did another film called "The Longest Ride Ever." I play a very annoying Uber customer named Rasheeke. This was another fun character that is the opposite of me. Taking on projects like "The Longest Ride Ever" and "Project Jyn" allow me to come out of my shell if only for a little while. This film is still in production.

I got my SAG-AFTRA letter!

I recently received my letter allowing me to join SAG-AFTRA. I am so thankful and proud that I was a part of the hilarious, award-winning "Actors Anonymous." Look out for the web series to premiere soon on YouTube. We will film additional episodes next year.

Project Jyn Teaser

Take a look.

Project Jyn

I am excited about my upcoming movie "Project Jyn." It's a lead role! I already filmed two scenes.

Actors Anonymous

I am still on cloud nine after filming my first web series “Actors Anonymous.” We completed 28 pages in two days! The cast and crew are so talented. I truly enjoyed working with them. More to come...

                                          Cast/Crew Photo for Day 1

Day 2

Waiting to film my scene

                                                                I loved my makeup!

I’m not being punished, I’m being protected

I got the call right as I was going over my lines for a scene I was struggling to memorize.  “We’ve decided to go with another actress for the lead role.” The role I had been working on and developing for six months.  Six months! The role I thought was mine after several starts and stops, dizzying cast changes, and several directors.

I’m still processing it. But as I think back, I see a lot of red flags. To be honest, I wasn’t having fun.  I was starting to dread it.  I felt…uneasy. Sometimes spending time with my husband or just being in front of the TV sounded better. And I didn’t realize how much time I devoted to this role. With so much free time now, I’ve been doing so much.

I should have listened to that voice that was telling me “Something isn’t right about this.”  I ignored it, and now I’m resentful, my confidence is shaken, and I feel as if I wasted my time. Over and over, my instincts told me to get out, give up, throw in the towel, but I didn’t.  I didn’t want to appear as a quitter or that I wasn’t up for the job.  I kept telling myself, “It’s almost over, just hang in there.”

So though I’m a little hurt, I remind myself that I wasn’t punished but instead protected.  Whatever happens with the project is no longer any of my concern.  I’m just glad that big weight has been lifted. 

Baytown's Finest Full Movie

Please take a look at my latest movie. I had so much fun playing Malia Miller.

A Harry Situation

This movie is a few years old but was a lot of fun!

I have a callback

I have a callback for a commercial.  What a milestone! I go out for commercials regularly and literally have to move on because I don't receive any feedback on my auditions. Whatever happens I'm happy because sometimes I wonder "Am I wasting my time?" This makes me want to keep going and not give up.

April Update

Lately, I've been feeling stressed. I have rehearsals two days a week for "That's the Way of the World" in addition to working and squeezing in auditions. Today, I had a first (two commercial auditions in one day). But I welcome being this busy!

At least they were in the same city -- Austin, which is a little over a two-and-a-half-hour drive for me. The first one was in the morning, then I had to wait around for several hours for the next one.  The second one lasted all of two minutes.  Then I was on the road again to go back to Houston.  By the time I got home, I was exhausted. For the most part, I feel good about both of them.  If I don't book either one of them, I'm still blessed and thankful for getting more auditions than I did in North Carolina. So I guess my new head shot is working.

Since I joined my new agency, Tory Christopher Group, I have been asked to audition consistently -- which is an improvement from every two or three months.  I must have a commercial look, because all of my auditions so far have been for TV commercials and print ads.  I can't wait until I actually book one.

I've been bummed that I had to miss a couple of auditions because of my job. But I always feel better when I get an email for auditions to replace them and seem to work out better with my schedule.  Just this week, I had to forgo one for a movie that will film in Dallas.  That one kind of hurt.  But at least familiar casting directors are inviting me back, and I am meeting new ones.

Pie for You

I really enjoyed working on this comedy.  I got to play a crazy person.

Unfriendly Actress/Model and Mr. Messy

I’ve met so many talented, sweet people in this industry. However, I can remember two times I’ve run into not-so-nice actors.  I try to steer clear of bad energy, but sometimes it is unavoidable.  The first incident was during a film.  The actress was the lead, while I played the supporting role.  She introduced herself as soon as I walked in, but after that she was very unfriendly.  Doing our formal business meeting, I introduced myself as an actress.  When it was her turn, she emphasized that she was an actress and model. 

When it was the actual filming day, the energy was off which I despise. Walking into a hostile environment makes me feel stressed and off my game.  Though I enjoyed filming, another part of me couldn’t wait for it to wrap.  Against my better judgment, I friended everyone from the film including “Unfriendly Actress/Model” on Facebook.  After three years of her ignoring my statuses despite me liking hers, I unfriended her.  My news feed instantly felt more positive. 

The second time was when I was cast in a play.  I don’t know what this guy’s problem was, but “Mr. Messy” had it out for me the first time he laid eyes on me.  He also doubled as director and two times he tried to recast my part.  That’s right – he tried to get rid of me on two occasions.  If it wasn’t for the writer being in my corner and getting involved, I wouldn’t have been a part of the play.  I don’t know if he didn’t think I was up for the job, didn’t think I fit the role, or wanted one of his friends to be a part of the play.  I guess I’ll never know. 

To my surprise, things worked themselves out perfectly.  He ended up leaving the production.  The ordeal stressed me out so badly that my stomach would be in knots during our weekly rehearsals.  I would leave covered in sweat only able to let out a sigh of relief once I got in my car.  All that dysfunction, and he probably didn’t know or care that he put me through all of that. 

At least I haven’t had too many of those experiences. I have many more happy memories.  It really makes performing a breeze when everyone is working together and not being competitive. 

Houston Acting Group

I enjoy getting together with these talented actors every month to do acting exercises and to film scenes/monologues.

Baytown's Finest Movie Promo 2016

Baytown's Finest

I am filming an independent film in the Houston area called "Baytown's Finest."  I play Malia, the older, bossy sister of Hakeem, a high school basketball player who doesn't want to focus on the future. I continue filming in February.  The film comes out later this year.  

Here is "Unnatural"

Here is "Unnatural," a project I worked on with the Houston Acting Group.  Enjoy!