DBIFF Director's Q&A

Film: "The Last Conversation" starring Elsa Martinez, Mona Mossayab. Written/directed by Amelia Zandi.

The Pain, er Beauty of new Headshots

I am a professional, union Actress.

I have worked professionally mostly in theater and commercials, with a bit of indie film and TV work.

The last 4 years I have concentrated more on modeling and my classical singing but I am excited to be pursuing more acting work again - read: E got married and wants to buy her man a Canon 5D Mark II Digital or a new Leica Camera. And, heck, I may even get myself an Arabian horse :)

I lived in LA 10 years ago and wow, how much I've grown up since then. I was so green, and I am not just meaning that I went up there as a non-union performer. I was naive in many things about life. I am excited and thankful to my new husband who is supporting my giving it another go up there. I've always known and said that dating an artist-type can be very difficult. Now I'm married to a man who knows zero of the Industry - - but I almost feel that is in our favor.

I realized I needed new headshots. My last ones are about 5 or 6 years old and in black and white - - - oh ho ho, Hollywood does it in color now.

So, a couple weeks ago I went to shoot at www.armenasadarian.com for my new Los Angeles and Orange County agents. And, yes, I am keeping my beloved San Diego Model Management agency of 11 years, meanwhile, as they love me and I work steadily here with them).

But good Lord: headshots.

I hate shooting headshots.

Headshots are your calling card. Casting directors see thousands of these and yours needs to stand out saying SOMETHING that makes them want to call you in and meet you or have you read. (And, NO - - it doesn't have to scream "look at my big boobs" or "I am the prettiest or sexiest one out there"). Que va. They can say, "I'm cool" or 'quirky' or 'intelligent' or 'mysterious' -- they just need to say SOMETHING.

Think about it. Hollywood, especially in commercials -which is what I have the best experience and personality for - - has a need for ALL types. That means not just young, pretty and plastic - although certainly it needs that, too. It also needs 'normal' folk, all ethnicities and all ages. This is great for me - as I am ethnically ambiguous and can play a large age range still.

So...pictures. Now, throughout the years I have really learned to model in front of a camera. I can say it - this big-eyed, curvy, 5'9, 37 year old who started modeling at the ancient age of 26 - can pull off editorial and commercial pictures.

BUT that is modeling.

THIS is about acting headshots.

It's a horse of a different color, my kiddies ;)

My entire career casting directors and agents have called me in and looked me in real life and commented, "Your pics are not good enough" or "They don't do you justice" or "you are stronger than your photos". Ugh. And don't even get me started on my elusive smiling-with-teeth shots or having makeup artists who don't know how to apply makeup to ethnic skin or facial features. So, yeah, I saved myself some money this time around doing my own hair and makeup (curling it and then straightening it for 2 different 'looks').

Add to that I have so many looks and ages to portray that it makes it hard (and expensive$$) to have photos for each one of those portrayals. Sigh. Sometimes it's hard being a chameleon - - although the more categories I can portray arguably will bring me more work, it feels like I have a thumb in too many pies, as the old saying goes.
Alas, here are 3 of my Top 10 photos from my recent shoot. Now with digital cameras being used, I had oh, about 300 shots to choose from. What a headache to narrow it down. I am sick of looking at myself!! ;)

The Introduction

After posting my spiffy Frappr map and seeing that there are actually strangers (how flattering!) reading my blog I decided to give a little introduction for those who don't know me already.
I am a 34-year-old (gasp!! I can clean up well heh heh heh) native San Diegan born of Hispanic origen (mostly Mexican and some Basque). I am blessed to be part of not only a big immediate family but also a huge extended family where I've learned throughout the years that God and family are more important than any job or money. I am the youngest of 6 (but not a Daddy's girl or "la consentida" - we thankfully are treated equally in my family which is great since I've yet to meet a daddy's princess whose being spoiled has done an ounce of good for her or those around her as she grows up). As you can tell I have a lot to say. I am smart, independent, nurturing, reponsible, stubborn, proud, silly, witty, young, adventurous, outdoorsy, disciplined, imaginative, a light sleeper, pensive, observing, passionate, troubled and creative. I hate to accept help and would rather risk harm or pain than give up. I am mentally and emotionally a late bloomer in life due to an extremely sheltered and protected (at times, lovely and at others: stifling) childhood and teenage years.
Music is a God-given talent of mine. My siblings and I all inherited our music gene from our naturally-gifted singing mother. But I was the only one passionate and unconventional enough to pursue it professionally (more on that some other time). Since childhood I excelled in piano and singing and am deeply moved by lyrics, composers and intruments. Another love? Horses. Specifically the Arabian breed. My sister and I grew up sharing one and although I no longer ride or compete - I will forever be in awe of a horse's beauty and grace.
I have never been married and can't wait to write a blog on the subject, but I have been seeing since May 2006, an Irishman with merry eyes with whom I am emphatically and realistically in love with...
I hate to be asked what I do but since graduating college at UC Irvine back in 1994 I have been professionally working as an actress (stage and screen), a model and a singer. I will definitely write a blog on those experiences in time. Alas, as I am getting older I am losing the necessary drive for that insane and unhealthy livelihood and find myself actually contemplating a somewhat conventional life. (This is shocking for those who know me since I have NEVER wanted or pursued normality). I also have been teaching teens the past 6 years as a job to fall back on. Someday I will write an eye-opening blog about the CA public school system and the teens of today in Southern Cal.
A true "people person", I possess the genuine talent to be able to walk alone into a room or party, not knowing a soul, and being able to talk amicably to ANYONE. I think it's because I want people to know they can feel at ease and comfortable around me (even if they are shy or do not know me). One of my greatest pleasure in life is meeting foreigners from other countries. I am poor as heck but somehow have managed to travel to Europe, Mexico and South America. I admire those who speak more than 1 language and am proud of the self-taught spanish (my parents didn't teach us) and italian that I speak. Other favorite people to be around would be gay people or dancers. (Gays probably because I somehow relate to their not fitting the "normal" mold of society and dancers because I admire that profession so much and truly regret not contiuing ballet). I love hosting get-togethers and being a social butterfly at artistic events and parties around town (even though I rarely do any of the above anymore.) Nonetheless, I value and yearn for my privacy as well. I currently live alone with my cat and piano and have been known to become broodingly dark the last 6 years due to some of Life's experiences. It is those moments that I am most creative with writing or singing at the piano. But they are those moments that I truly suffer the most...