Fellow Dreamers

I have been blessed with such amazing people in my life. Thank you to all you dreamers out there who have reached out to support Ben and I along this whirlwind journey. It’s been humbling to see how many people are rooting for us to succeed. I’ve always heard that you are who you associate with. I always feel better around hopeful, optimistic, faith-filled, cliff jumpers. I think I found what I need. I need to hang out with more dreamers.

We are the music makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams; —
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems.

Arthur O’Shaughnessy

Speaking of people who believe in us… we have some great news.

Ben has been trying for two years now to get representation (AKA an agent or manager) in Los Angeles. It’s not as easy as it sounds. He needed to have a decent demo reel (which has taken a while to make), expensive headshots (which are now out of date because of Ben’s new bearded look… I’ll go into that in a bit), and connections to refer him to a great agency. That’s all been a constant work-in-progress the last two years.

Well, have you ever heard of the “it factor”? Basically the “it factor” is the magic or the umph or the sparkle that gets noticed. It’s often what people say about an actor when they are the life of the party, the one everyone wants to be around, the one that naturally seems to be able to do it all. I mean, I know I’m a bit biased, but Ben has it.

He knows how to talk to people. He knows how to befriend anyone. He knows how to step out of his assigned place and look perfectly natural in a more elevated one. Here’s a real life example of what I’m talking about.

Me: How did work go today?

Ben: Great. I met the producers of the show.

Me: Wait… weren’t you working background? Did they upgrade you to featured extra or something? You know you’re not supposed to approach those guys right?

Ben: Oh I know. They were background.

Me: Really?! And you figured out they were the producers… how?

Ben: I talk to everyone.

Not even joking. Stuff like that happens on a pretty frequent basis. Then what happens is that Ben gets crazy opportunities because he’s an amazing guy that everyone wants to be around (again my bias coming through, indulge me). One particular instance Ben was placed next to one of the supporting actors on a TV show. He struck up a conversation (which I have no idea how he does because technically you’re not supposed to talk to the talent unless spoken to first, like in Austen times) with a couple of the actors. After chatting for a bit the actress asked Ben if he had representation. Ben stated in a casual way that he was between agents at the moment. The actress then proceeded to give him her info and the info for her agent. Not even joking. He is friends with her on instagram now and she called her agent to recommend Ben.

That was a while ago. Like… months and months ago. So one day, Ben gets a call from the agent (or he called, like I said, I have NO IDEA how he does what he does) asking to meet with him. He goes in for an interview and comes out of it with an AGENT!!! Crazy right?!

What’s even more amazing… earlier that week he also went to meet with a manager that contacted him through Actor’s Access, a casting site. That manager also wants to represent Ben! So in the course of a week, Ben has both an agent and a manager. We’re still looking for a voice over agent, but he’s represented now for theatrical and commercial. We are so excited! Do you know what this means?! It means that Ben is now not the only one looking for work for himself. He has two other people working hard to get him jobs! Two more people who believe that Ben has amazing talent and are making their living believing in him. And they have access to many more jobs than Ben does.

That being said… we have quite a lot of work on our end as well. Ben needs to get proper gear and equipment to be able to make a decent voice over reel. He needs to start actively looking for a voice over agent. He also needs new headshots to reflect his new look.

Right… so… Ben is growing out his hair and facial hair for a major role. Not even joking. Ben auditioned for a part in a series this past July. He’s since had follow up auditions. Many follow up auditions. This past week he had his (I think) fifth audition for this company. It’s been an amazing experience. When we are allowed to tell you all about it… we will. Meanwhile, all I can tell you is that he has flown out for an audition, met producers and directors, been paid to fly out for a screen test, been filmed in costume, and is still in the audition process. The role has been narrowed down to three candidates, whom Ben got to meet last week. We’re not holding our breath for this role… but it would be one of the most memorable and amazing experiences of our lives. Yes our. I get to live vicariously for this one. 🙂

So there’s good things happening. There always are. We just need to continue to have the patience to wait on the Lord’s timing.