Hi Jill. I'm not an actor, but I always look forward to my Sunday's with Jill. You're a great storyteller and those graphics are a nice touch. I love how only doctors, actors and drug dealers had pagers!🤣I used to watch all the soaps back in the day. I never could get into 'Edge of Night'. The way it was filmed was so different from the others. No soap is anything like real life, but that show just looked so phony. Oh, listen to me, the none actor critiquing acting!!! I'll go now. Have a fabulous week Jill.🤗
Glen, if I'm honest, I never watched THE EDGE OF NIGHT. I wanted to be on a soap and didn't care which one. LOL. Was it as fake as DARK SHADOWS, which I loved and ran home from school to watch.
You are so funny! I certainly had those experiences of YES! I'VE MADE IT! Oops, no I didn't. It has to be consistently "making it". That's success. Love these videos, Jill. Keep them coming!
Yes, I was called by a contractor/director, near the end of my days in NYC, to join in the Bronx Arts Ensemble. I told him I would do whatever he needed me for, whenever, and make it great. A few days later, he called and canceled. I asked why, there was a heavy silence that rang a bell. "Did someone in the group say they would refuse to play if I was there." Again, silence. And I dared say, "And is that person so important that you have to acquiesce to their pressure, YOU, the director?? He apologized, and I knew who it was, someone who was blackballing me whenever she had the chance.
LOL!!! Oh, Julie,, if you knew how long it takes me to make these videos, you'd laugh. I do all the editing, find all the music and sound effects, and write the script. It's a lot. Maybe one day I'll be so good at it that it won't take me as long. I usually spend at least 3-4 days on each video. But I'm so glad you like my stories. Thanks for being here.
Love your videos.. As someone who went to tons of auditions in the 70's early 80's and some in the early 90's, i certainty understand where you are coming from.
I'm so glad you can relate to the insanity of it all, which, at the time, seems somewhat normal. Sort of like being in an abusive relationship with a bad boyfriend and wondering if you should stay or leave, or is this love? LOL
Jill you brought back a flood of memories. I was right there with you in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I called the casting director of As The World Turns everyday at promptly 430pm for eight months trying to be seen. My persistence paid off and they finally agreed to see me. I got there thinking “this could be the one”. We had a brief conversation and then the guy tried to sell me a workshop for an exorbitant amount of money. Those were the days (not)
@ I was very devious too. I got a job in Security at a major network midnight to eight. I worked alone on the same floor as the casting office. I would periodically go into the room where the thousands of headshots were kept and find mine and move it to the second one in the pile. Did this a few times and finally got called to come in. Nothing happened but I finally wormed my way into Guiding Light and Another World. Soooo exhausting!
LOLOL!!! Yes, Alice took one of those 'Soap Opera' workshops---with her actor friend, Richard--but no she was not a soap type--nor was her friend. But she told me some hysterical stories about the classes and the people---and those wild and crazy auditions! High drama!! LOL! ❤
Love your great stories, Jill! I applied to work at a private college in San Francisco in the 90's. Some weeks later, I received a phone call from a faculty member who liked my resume and wanted to talk to me about a possible job opportunity she thought would be a good match! I was excited, but a little perplexed when she wanted to meet me at my house, rather than talking about the job on the phone. But, I said fine and we met. When I asked about the job opportunity she talked around it but never specifically told me what the actual job was. I kept interrupting, but she blithely talked on. Finally, after some time, I became so frustrated, I asked her if she was trying to recruit me to be in Amway sales. It was as if I had cursed or passed gas. She didn't speak until I asked her again and after a bit of mumbling, she admitted it! I was really upset! She was using her position at the college to present herself as someone trustworthy and I told her that I was offended that she would do such a thing! Not an acting story, but somewhat relatable....
Jill. I know nothing of the acting world but you make it so interesting and fun! I also have this vicarious curiosity with the fashion world. Thank you for your stories!👌
I love your storytelling. I used to work film crews, so most of my friends are actors. I've been passing the links to your stories to them, and they're loving them! They find them relatable!
This was a sad story. I was really rooting for you! Yes, I did have a 'this is my moment' moment. I am a visual artist and after years of showing in small galleries and doing art fairs I sent images to a gallery that was hosting a themed show and had sent out a notification. I had answered calls like this many times so I knew the ropes. AND this was LA and not a small gallery! They contacted me. I was in. I was so excited...until another artist already at the gallery threatened to sue me because my work looked similar to theirs. Long story much abbreviated I lost the opportunity to send/exhibit work.
I'm so sorry that happened to you. Life can be so unfair and disappointing. One of the reasons I tell my stories is to work through and make light of all the insanity. Like Richard Pryor said, Tragedy plus timing = humor.
Your channel is a blessing, an awesome gift, so helpful (and appreciated!), to those like me seeking connection and community, a rare commodity I feel these days ... in these times.
Elizabeth, I'm so glad you feel that way. One of my intentions when starting this channel was to create a sense of community, so this makes me very happy. Thanks for being here.
Oh, Jill-- How I remember!! Tried for Guiding Light-- Oh, well. The same day I went to a job for a wait person on Lex, I think, and the line was LONGER for the waitron position than I had seen at Guiding Light that morning!!! I didn't get either!!!
Thanks, Jake. I actually love creating the effects. It's time-consuming but fun and creative. I'm so glad you like them. One of my friends told me she thought they were too much. I. toned them down to what I think is a good mix.
Thank you. Magpie, bless her heart, is hanging in. I'm not sure for how much longer, but she's got such a strong little spirit. I am blessed to have her. Thanks for asking.
Hi Jill...dreams are like Halloween candy in a bowl, make sure you have enough you never know who will knock on the door. Better yet, make that two bowls.
Another great story, Jill. Though I'm sad about the ending. It's really odd too. Casting director calls YOU ( not the other way around) with seemingly the obvious and specific intention of telling you that the director likes you and that they want to put you in a specific new role they have to cast. There's a bit of a pause in the conversation and in the middle of the phone call the casting director suddenly changes their mind? Only things I can think of ( outside of the possibility that the casting director has a personality disorder) is that they realized they actually had some other actress in mind for the part and made a mistake calling you, or someone in their office put a note in front of them while they were talking. Maybe a call came in that some "name" was suddenly available and interested in that part, or reminded them that they owed a favor to the rep of some other actress and they called in that favor. Apart from that, there's no logical reason for their behaviour.
I agree. Those are all real possibilities. I remember working on a film and I was told I'd be the jury Forman, which meant I had a line plus two weeks work. Turned out the director's daughter decided to fly in from LA and he gave her the part. I still sat on the jury for two weeks but that's showbiz. Nothing is fair in love, war, and showbiz.
I've been enjoying your videos. We seem to have arrived in NYC around the same time with the same dream and have had similar experiences. My ears perked up when I heard you mention the Actor's Information Project. I was a member for about a year in the mid-80's. A little later I took a "workshop" at the office of a commercial casting director. She said to us that commercials were the way to make money while we pursued our artistic careers. To my delight, by the end of the course I signed with a commercial agent and was being sent around everywhere. Casting directors were delighted to meet me they said. "Where have you been?" one of them said to me with a straight face. I quickly booked a few national and regional spots. I thought I was set. Then all of a sudden the phone stopped ringing. Suddenly all the interest and buzz from my agent and the casting directors died down. I wasn't new anymore and thus less interesting to them I suppose. I booked a couple more spots over the next year or so but the casting directors didn't seem so delighted to see me now. Then my agent suddenly dropped me. I couldn't figure out what I had done or not done. I got jobs, I made a decent amount of money, but I just wasn't useful to them anymore. And that promise of making money from commercials to pursue my artistic dreams never really came true for me. I spent all my time pursuing commercials and less time auditioning for theatre and film. Once I stopped looking to be the next Mr. Whipple or Josephine the Plumber, I began getting parts in regional theatre, Off Broadway and eventually Broadway. It was an interesting time though and I have lots of stories to tell from the experience. That's why I love watching your videos. Keep 'em comin'!
I've heard from friends, but I don't know firsthand that that's the deal with commercials. They love you. They book you. This could last 1-10 years, and then you're done. What's the joke? Get me Al Pachino. Get me a young Al Pachino. Who's Al Pachino? Such a crazy business. It's just a game, really. Not to be taken too seriously. I'm glad you found other employment in the theatre. Thanks for being here and enjoying my stories.
You videos are really funny, informative, and engaging. For someone who loves stories, especially stories of the past and fame, they're really interesting. You're a great storyteller too, which enhances them greatly. I have a question: during your years living in New York City, did you ever meet or encounter musician Lou Reed, dubbed "The King of New York"? If so, I would love to hear that story
Love your stories and how you tell them. But wait did I not hear you say you were in a play with Steve Buscemi. Surely there is a story there? He's one of my favourite actors.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 it was good times. Just another way to get my face out. Didn’t learn anything new to be honest. Keep up the good work with your channel.
@jilldaltonnyc7545 yeah, it's a pure money grab. Also you don't have to have any sort of training to attend, you just pay your money and do your audition and that's it. Most of the time the casting directors are not even paying attention. They just want to collect their money and line their pockets.
@@independentfilmandhealing In NYC, they make you audition for the workshops to ensure you're a real actor. At least it was like that before covid, but I'm not sure it's the same now.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 it was NEVER like that here in LA. My impression is that you have to be a genuine actor with training in NY for any sort of workshop, audition, etc. Here in LA, you literally can just arrive and call yourself an 'actor' with absolutely no training, and as long as you pay, you can do all the paid auditions ('workshops') you want. It's a complete scam. I made several short independent films and I also went through the audition process just to see what actors go through and it's all about money and nothing to do with talent. They collect your money, keep your hopes up so you can keep paying them, and you never get anywhere. They just prey on people's hopes and dreams. Over the last few years, the latest thing is if you're up for a part, they base it on how many social media followers you have so you can promote for them for free if you get a small role. Glad I'm not an actor. Do you still go out on auditions? What's it like?
Paying to audition for casting directors, etc. is illegal, but if it's labeled a "workshop," then it's considered you're taking an acting class. Or something like that.
Hi Jill. I'm not an actor, but I always look forward to my Sunday's with Jill. You're a great storyteller and those graphics are a nice touch. I love how only doctors, actors and drug dealers had pagers!🤣I used to watch all the soaps back in the day. I never could get into 'Edge of Night'. The way it was filmed was so different from the others. No soap is anything like real life, but that show just looked so phony. Oh, listen to me, the none actor critiquing acting!!! I'll go now. Have a fabulous week Jill.🤗
Glen, if I'm honest, I never watched THE EDGE OF NIGHT. I wanted to be on a soap and didn't care which one. LOL. Was it as fake as DARK SHADOWS, which I loved and ran home from school to watch.
You are so funny! I certainly had those experiences of YES! I'VE MADE IT! Oops, no I didn't. It has to be consistently "making it". That's success. Love these videos, Jill. Keep them coming!
Thanks, Sally. Like Emmerson said, Life is a journey, not a destination. I'm going to use that in my next video.
Cool!
Yes, I was called by a contractor/director, near the end of my days in NYC, to join in the Bronx Arts Ensemble. I told him I would do whatever he needed me for, whenever, and make it great. A few days later, he called and canceled. I asked why, there was a heavy silence that rang a bell. "Did someone in the group say they would refuse to play if I was there." Again, silence. And I dared say, "And is that person so important that you have to acquiesce to their pressure, YOU, the director?? He apologized, and I knew who it was, someone who was blackballing me whenever she had the chance.
Oh, dear, you were blackballed. That's awful but it happens and we have no control over it.
You NEED to be on EVERY DAY, Jill!!!!!
LOL!!! Oh, Julie,, if you knew how long it takes me to make these videos, you'd laugh. I do all the editing, find all the music and sound effects, and write the script. It's a lot. Maybe one day I'll be so good at it that it won't take me as long. I usually spend at least 3-4 days on each video. But I'm so glad you like my stories. Thanks for being here.
Love your videos.. As someone who went to tons of auditions in the 70's early 80's and some in the early 90's, i certainty understand where you are coming from.
I'm so glad you can relate to the insanity of it all, which, at the time, seems somewhat normal. Sort of like being in an abusive relationship with a bad boyfriend and wondering if you should stay or leave, or is this love? LOL
Jill you brought back a flood of memories. I was right there with you in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I called the casting director of As The World Turns everyday at promptly 430pm for eight months trying to be seen. My persistence paid off and they finally agreed to see me. I got there thinking “this could be the one”. We had a brief conversation and then the guy tried to sell me a workshop for an exorbitant amount of money. Those were the days (not)
I think it's called "The hustle." I remember how desperate I felt at times. But you were persistent and that's a lot of what an actor needs.
@ I was very devious too. I got a job in Security at a major network midnight to eight. I worked alone on the same floor as the casting office. I would periodically go into the room where the thousands of headshots were kept and find mine and move it to the second one in the pile. Did this a few times and finally got called to come in. Nothing happened but I finally wormed my way into Guiding Light and Another World. Soooo exhausting!
Wow, that was another wonderful one and a surprise Sunday night treat! Thank you Jill!❤
Thanks for watching. I'm so glad you're here and enjoying my stories.
LOLOL!!! Yes, Alice took one of those 'Soap Opera' workshops---with her actor friend, Richard--but no she was not a soap type--nor was her friend. But she told me some hysterical stories about the classes and the people---and those wild and crazy auditions! High drama!! LOL! ❤
Love your great stories, Jill! I applied to work at a private college in San Francisco in the 90's. Some weeks later, I received a phone call from a faculty member who liked my resume and wanted to talk to me about a possible job opportunity she thought would be a good match! I was excited, but a little perplexed when she wanted to meet me at my house, rather than talking about the job on the phone. But, I said fine and we met. When I asked about the job opportunity she talked around it but never specifically told me what the actual job was. I kept interrupting, but she blithely talked on. Finally, after some time, I became so frustrated, I asked her if she was trying to recruit me to be in Amway sales. It was as if I had cursed or passed gas. She didn't speak until I asked her again and after a bit of mumbling, she admitted it! I was really upset! She was using her position at the college to present herself as someone trustworthy and I told her that I was offended that she would do such a thing! Not an acting story, but somewhat relatable....
Jill. I know nothing of the acting world but you make it so interesting and fun! I also have this vicarious curiosity with the fashion world. Thank you for your stories!👌
Cool. I worked in the fashion world as well. I'll be doing some of those stories here. So glad you're enjoying my videos.
I love your storytelling. I used to work film crews, so most of my friends are actors. I've been passing the links to your stories to them, and they're loving them! They find them relatable!
Thank you so much for doing that. I so appreciate it. I'm pretty new to UA-cam and appreciate any help I can get. So glad you enjoy my stories.
This was a sad story. I was really rooting for you!
Yes, I did have a 'this is my moment' moment. I am a visual artist and after years of showing in small galleries and doing art fairs I sent images to a gallery that was hosting a themed show and had sent out a notification. I had answered calls like this many times so I knew the ropes. AND this was LA and not a small gallery! They contacted me. I was in. I was so excited...until another artist already at the gallery threatened to sue me because my work looked similar to theirs. Long story much abbreviated I lost the opportunity to send/exhibit work.
I'm so sorry that happened to you. Life can be so unfair and disappointing. One of the reasons I tell my stories is to work through and make light of all the insanity. Like Richard Pryor said, Tragedy plus timing = humor.
Your channel is a blessing, an awesome gift, so helpful (and appreciated!), to those like me seeking connection and community, a rare commodity I feel these days ... in these times.
Elizabeth, I'm so glad you feel that way. One of my intentions when starting this channel was to create a sense of community, so this makes me very happy. Thanks for being here.
Oh, Jill-- How I remember!! Tried for Guiding Light-- Oh, well. The same day I went to a job for a wait person on Lex, I think, and the line was LONGER for the waitron position than I had seen at Guiding Light that morning!!! I didn't get either!!!
This is such a crazy business. It's a wonder any of us survive with our sanity intact. Thanks for being here.
Hilarious! I liked the background special effects! 😆👍
Thanks, Jake. I actually love creating the effects. It's time-consuming but fun and creative. I'm so glad you like them. One of my friends told me she thought they were too much. I. toned them down to what I think is a good mix.
Keep putting these out! Love your wacky sense of humour!
Thanks. I think it was Richard Pryor who said Tragedy plus timing = humor. I've always used humor to survive.
I was so Happy for you!!! Then Damnit! Hahahaha! You are a great story teller!!
Thanks so much for your support and for enjoying my stories.
Thanks Jill. You are a character. Hope all is well with Magpie. 🍀
Thank you. Magpie, bless her heart, is hanging in. I'm not sure for how much longer, but she's got such a strong little spirit. I am blessed to have her. Thanks for asking.
Love your stories!!! Wow you got my total attention. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for your life’s lessons. Blessings
Thank you so much, Artie. I'm so glad you like my stories, and I appreciate you being here.
Hi Jill...dreams are like Halloween candy in a bowl, make sure you have enough you never know who will knock on the door. Better yet, make that two bowls.
And remember to keep the lights on and a broom handy for the candy-throwers! I was so hard-headed and single-minded. I was blinded by my dream.
Another great story, Jill. Though I'm sad about the ending. It's really odd too. Casting director calls YOU ( not the other way around) with seemingly the obvious and specific intention of telling you that the director likes you and that they want to put you in a specific new role they have to cast. There's a bit of a pause in the conversation and in the middle of the phone call the casting director suddenly changes their mind? Only things I can think of ( outside of the possibility that the casting director has a personality disorder) is that they realized they actually had some other actress in mind for the part and made a mistake calling you, or someone in their office put a note in front of them while they were talking. Maybe a call came in that some "name" was suddenly available and interested in that part, or reminded them that they owed a favor to the rep of some other actress and they called in that favor. Apart from that, there's no logical reason for their behaviour.
I agree. Those are all real possibilities. I remember working on a film and I was told I'd be the jury Forman, which meant I had a line plus two weeks work. Turned out the director's daughter decided to fly in from LA and he gave her the part. I still sat on the jury for two weeks but that's showbiz. Nothing is fair in love, war, and showbiz.
I've been enjoying your videos. We seem to have arrived in NYC around the same time with the same dream and have had similar experiences. My ears perked up when I heard you mention the Actor's Information Project. I was a member for about a year in the mid-80's. A little later I took a "workshop" at the office of a commercial casting director. She said to us that commercials were the way to make money while we pursued our artistic careers. To my delight, by the end of the course I signed with a commercial agent and was being sent around everywhere. Casting directors were delighted to meet me they said. "Where have you been?" one of them said to me with a straight face. I quickly booked a few national and regional spots. I thought I was set. Then all of a sudden the phone stopped ringing. Suddenly all the interest and buzz from my agent and the casting directors died down. I wasn't new anymore and thus less interesting to them I suppose. I booked a couple more spots over the next year or so but the casting directors didn't seem so delighted to see me now. Then my agent suddenly dropped me. I couldn't figure out what I had done or not done. I got jobs, I made a decent amount of money, but I just wasn't useful to them anymore. And that promise of making money from commercials to pursue my artistic dreams never really came true for me. I spent all my time pursuing commercials and less time auditioning for theatre and film.
Once I stopped looking to be the next Mr. Whipple or Josephine the Plumber, I began getting parts in regional theatre, Off Broadway and eventually Broadway. It was an interesting time though and I have lots of stories to tell from the experience. That's why I love watching your videos. Keep 'em comin'!
I've heard from friends, but I don't know firsthand that that's the deal with commercials. They love you. They book you. This could last 1-10 years, and then you're done. What's the joke? Get me Al Pachino. Get me a young Al Pachino. Who's Al Pachino? Such a crazy business. It's just a game, really. Not to be taken too seriously. I'm glad you found other employment in the theatre. Thanks for being here and enjoying my stories.
You videos are really funny, informative, and engaging. For someone who loves stories, especially stories of the past and fame, they're really interesting. You're a great storyteller too, which enhances them greatly. I have a question: during your years living in New York City, did you ever meet or encounter musician Lou Reed, dubbed "The King of New York"? If so, I would love to hear that story
I never encountered Lou. I wish I had, but we ran in very different circles, and I was laser-focused on my acting career.
Love your stories and how you tell them. But wait did I not hear you say you were in a play with Steve Buscemi. Surely there is a story there? He's one of my favourite actors.
It was so long ago. We were both in acting class with John Strausberg. Lee's son. I remember it was really fun working with Steve and doing the play.
Thank you;
Thank you for watching, John.
❤
Thanks for being here.
Have mercy!
Right!
Tonight I’m going to a casting directors mixer hosted by AEA hopefully this could lead to something. Love your video and channel❤
I'm so glad you're enjoying my videos. Let me know how the mixer goes. Good luck!
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 it was good times. Just another way to get my face out. Didn’t learn anything new to be honest. Keep up the good work with your channel.
@@philipfuller555 Thanks Phillip. Good for you for putting yourself out there. I always sucked at networking. Keep me posted.
@ Will do . Thanks Jill!
It's basically a paid audition and a huge scam here in LA in my opinion. I've never seen anyone get booked from these 'workshops'.
When I did those "workshops," I booked several things, but these days, I have lots of actor friends who still do them and get nothing.
@jilldaltonnyc7545 yeah, it's a pure money grab. Also you don't have to have any sort of training to attend, you just pay your money and do your audition and that's it. Most of the time the casting directors are not even paying attention. They just want to collect their money and line their pockets.
@@independentfilmandhealing In NYC, they make you audition for the workshops to ensure you're a real actor. At least it was like that before covid, but I'm not sure it's the same now.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 it was NEVER like that here in LA. My impression is that you have to be a genuine actor with training in NY for any sort of workshop, audition, etc. Here in LA, you literally can just arrive and call yourself an 'actor' with absolutely no training, and as long as you pay, you can do all the paid auditions ('workshops') you want. It's a complete scam. I made several short independent films and I also went through the audition process just to see what actors go through and it's all about money and nothing to do with talent. They collect your money, keep your hopes up so you can keep paying them, and you never get anywhere. They just prey on people's hopes and dreams. Over the last few years, the latest thing is if you're up for a part, they base it on how many social media followers you have so you can promote for them for free if you get a small role. Glad I'm not an actor. Do you still go out on auditions? What's it like?
What cruelty to give you the opportunity of a lifetime, and then snatch it away so heartlessly!
I agree. So mean and I don't think I ever worked on that show again. Strange. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise.
Tell us about Law and Order
Do you remember the casting director’s name? Was it Ruth Levine or Whitney Burnett Voss?
These stories should come with a two drink minimum.
LOL! I discovered Buy Me a Coffee and think I've installed it correctly. That way, if anyone wants to leave me a tip, they can.
I thought workshops are illegal?
Paying to audition for casting directors, etc. is illegal, but if it's labeled a "workshop," then it's considered you're taking an acting class. Or something like that.