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		<title>The Biz Interview: Esther Cohen</title>
		<link>https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-esther-cohen</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Biz Books]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:00:07 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bizbooks.net/?p=1539</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Our conversation with talent agent Esther Cohen.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-esther-cohen">The Biz Interview: Esther Cohen</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Multi-faceted Vancouver talent agent <strong>Esther Cohen </strong>has lived and breathed entertainment for most of her adult life, first in music &#8211; highlighted by performing as an interpretive dancer alongside <strong>Christopher Guest</strong>, <strong>Harry Shearer</strong>, and <strong>Michael McKean</strong> on the <em>Spinal Tap &amp; A Mighty Wind: Unwigged &amp; Unplugged Tour</em> &#8211; and now as a talent agent for film and television.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A graduate in acting and producing from <strong>Langara&#8217;s Film Arts</strong> program, <strong>Esther Cohen</strong> works with some of Vancouver&#8217;s brightest stars as part of the <strong>Carrier Talent</strong> family.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We spoke to <strong>Esther Cohen</strong> about her journey into the talent agency realm and some of the dynamics that go into the actor and talent agent relationship.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">________________________________</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Why don’t you start by telling us a little bit about you and what you’re up to these days?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’m Vancouver born, and I grew up in a very artistic family. I’m trained in music, theatre, dance, the whole lot. These days, I’m spending my time riding my bike on the sea wall; in ballet classes; playing guitar and singing in Rock &amp; Roll bands; competing in karaoke competitions; watching live music; painting abstracts on canvas; learning how to cook; doing photography; picking and eating berries; and watching a lot of sunsets. Aside from all that, I am a Talent Agent at Carrier Talent Management. Do I have to talk about work?! Work consumes 90% of my life, though as you can see, I make time for plenty of other interests.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What is a typical day like for you as an agent?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I arrive at the office, tea in hand. I open the blinds to sunshine pouring in through my windows and spilling all over my desk. Sounds nice, doesn&#8217;t it? Just wait.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then I turn on my computer, where I am promptly bombarded with a hundred or so emails from clients, casting directors, breakdown notifications, actor submissions, etc. I spend the day responding to said emails, and the hundreds more that come in throughout the day. I answer phone calls, from all of the above mentioned. I submit my clients on breakdowns, and make my pushes to get them auditions. I phone &amp; email out said auditions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then my associate and I have a pow-wow, where we discuss whatever the heck we want&#8230; work, or non-work related. Let’s call these ‘therapy sessions’. And I drink some more tea. I update my client resumes &amp; sort through their new headshots. And I take meetings with new potential clients. But my day doesn’t end there.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After work, I’m usually out scouting talent at showcases, or at theatre shows. Or I’m out meeting industry folks (Directors, Producers, Actors and such) at events like <strong>Tuesday Night Live</strong>, <strong>Celluloid Social Club</strong>, <strong>Cold Reading Series</strong>, <strong>Raindance Vancouver</strong>, and going to Canadian film premieres hosted by the <strong>First Weekend Club</strong>. It’s all non-stop really. But I love it. It’s fun.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>For actors who are seeking representation, what are the three most important things that they should look for in an agent?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Someone who they can trust enough to communicate openly and honestly with.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Someone who can share their vision &amp; be on the same page with in regards to their career.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Someone who is excited about working with them… enough that they take the time to go out and see all their shows!! (I go to see all my clients whenever they’re performing anywhere!).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What do you look for in a potential client?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I look for all sorts of things.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I look at every submission that comes in. I’ll look at their resume to see what sort of credits and training they have. For me, someone who is continuously training in acting classes is my favorite. Because I know they are working hard, investing in themselves, and they’re constantly learning and improving their craft.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Other things I take in to consideration is what type of ‘look’ they have, and can I ‘sell’ them? And do they conflict with any of my current clients on my roster?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’ll also take on people that have special skills. I’ve got a magician. As well as several musicians, who I’ve managed to get some really exciting roles on some major productions. This year I’ve gotten a couple musicians working with <strong>George Clooney</strong>, <strong>Leonardo DiCaprio</strong> and <strong>Cameron Crowe</strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What’s the most rewarding thing about being an agent?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Helping actors achieve their dreams. When I was training as an actor, I remember thinking “If only someone would just give me a chance, I know I could do it!” It can be tough for some people to find an agent who believes in them. But I might see something special in someone that nobody else sees, or that nobody else is willing to take a chance on. And now I am that person who is giving these people those chances. It feels good. I get just as excited as they do when they book a movie or TV show. It’s team work. It’s a win for both of us.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What’s the biggest misconception about being an agent?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That we’re all old stuffed shirts. Well, maybe some of them actually are &#8211; I don’t know! But it’s funny, when people ask me what I do, and I tell them I’m a Talent Agent, I always get the funniest reactions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">People are like “Really?! But you look so young, and you seem so cool! I always thought agents were like stuffy office people!”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Whenever I meet with new potential clients they always tell me I’m so down-to-earth and easy to talk to. And I am! I’m just a regular person like everybody else. I like going out and doing fun things. Just because I’m an agent, doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to have fun too!! But I work my ass off at everything I do. Including work.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What made you decide to get involved with the agency side of the entertainment industry?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Oh man, I get asked this question all the time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Long story short, I was working part time in an agent’s office as an assistant, because I figured, as an actor (I had just graduated from theatre &amp; film school), it’d be beneficial to learn what goes on behind the scenes with agents &amp; casting directors etc.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So I did that for a year, at which point the company I was working for at that time (a different one than the one I’m with now), asked me if I’d be interested in working full time as an agent with my own roster. By then, I had seen enough behind the scenes to know how tough it can really be to make a living as an actor. And I’m not talking about having to work hard –I’m ok with working hard. I’m just talking about the nature of the industry. It can be done, but the industry is different now than it was 20 years ago. I was seeing people who had been at it for 15 years still struggling to make a steady living at it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So at that point I decided to take the other route and become an agent. I have no regrets. I love my job. Ask me for the long version of the story when you see me in person. It’s much more interesting! Hahaha.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In your opinion, what is the current state of the Canadian Film &amp; Television Industry? And where do you see it going in the future?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Well, we’ve got some pretty big productions in town right now. A lot of Hollywood A-listers are bringing their projects here. It’s pretty wild. That said, I wish we didn’t lose so many roles to U.S. actors. There’s plenty of great talent in this city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As for the future, I hope I only see it grow. I feel like everything in this biz is somewhat unpredictable. It’s like gambling, really. But that’s what makes it exciting, I think. It’s always changing. But yes, I hope our industry here in Canada continues to grow. We have such a hard-working, passionate community of people in this industry. We have a lot to offer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What books have been influential to you in your career thus far?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thewarofart.aspx" target="_blank">The War of Art</a></em> by <strong>Steven Pressfield</strong>. It’s about resistance, and breaking through those blocks that a lot of artists and creative people face.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/theartistsway.aspx" target="_blank">The Artist’s Way</a></em> by <strong>Julia Cameron</strong> is another good one. It’s more of a workbook.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And then, all the plays I’ve read&#8230; there have been hundreds! <strong><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/search.aspx?find=shakespeare">Shakespeare</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/search.aspx?find=neil+simon">Neil Simon</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/search.aspx?find=samuel+beckett">Samuel Beckett</a></strong>. I love reading plays and scripts.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I’ve also done a lot of reading from <strong>Deepak Chopra</strong> <strong>&amp; Eckhart Tolle</strong>, which helps with finding balance, calm, and peace, (amongst so many other things) which is so important, especially amongst the craziness that this industry can bring.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Where can people find out more about you?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.carriertalent.com">Carrier Talent</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/AgentStar99">Twitter</a>. <a href="http://pro.imdb.com/name/nm5753935/">IMDB</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/esther.cohen.3158">Facebook</a>. <a href="http://www.instagram.com/throughthelooking.glass">Instagram</a>. <a href="http://myspace.com/maxineband">MySpace</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">________________</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Our thanks to <strong>Esther Cohen</strong> for speaking with us!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">________________</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Recommended Reading</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">[bscolumns class=&#8221;one_third&#8221;]</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/waitingforgodot.aspx"><img decoding="async" class="" title="" src="http://store.bizbooks.net/images/products/display/WaitingforGodot.jpg" alt="" width="110" height="166" border="0" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/waitingforgodot.aspx"><b>Waiting for Godot</b></a><br />
</b><span class="product-attribute-value attribute-author-value">Samuel Beckett</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">[/bscolumns]</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">[bscolumns class=&#8221;one_third&#8221;]</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/theoddcouple.aspx"><img decoding="async" class="" title="" src="http://store.bizbooks.net/images/products/display/OddCouple.jpg" alt="" width="110" height="175" border="0" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/theoddcouple.aspx"><b>The Odd Couple</b></a><br />
</b>Neil Simon</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> [/bscolumns]</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">[bscolumns class=&#8221;one_third_last&#8221;]</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/hamletillustrated.aspx"><img decoding="async" class="" title="" src="http://store.bizbooks.net/images/products/display/Hamlet.jpg" alt="" width="110" height="143" border="0" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thedemon-hauntedworld.aspx"><b>Hamlet (Illustrated)</b></a></b><br />
William Shakespeare<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">[bscolumns class=&#8221;clear&#8221;][/bscolumns]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-esther-cohen">The Biz Interview: Esther Cohen</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Biz Interview: Rebecca Coleman</title>
		<link>https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-rebecca-coleman</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Biz Books]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bizbooks.net/?p=1388</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Read our new interview with social media guru Rebecca Coleman.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-rebecca-coleman">The Biz Interview: Rebecca Coleman</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">In Canadian artistic circles, <strong>Rebecca Coleman</strong> is well-known and respected for her achievements and expertise in the areas of social media and publicity.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With social media being a continually relevant and evolving necessity for entertainment professionals, we wanted to tap into <strong>Rebecca Coleman&#8217;s</strong> well-versed industry knowledge to gain a clearer understanding of how the social media machine works.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">________________</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Can you start by telling us a little bit about you and what you&#8217;re up to these days?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I am an instructor at BCIT, I teach 4 courses there (social media and blogging), and I am also teaching acting students at Douglas College and School Creative (Vancouver Acting Studio) PR and Social Media Skills. I am a consultant; working with businesses to help them to market themselves via social media. I am a blogger, I currently run 3 blogs and write for a few others, as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Why is social media important for people in the film, television, and theatre industry?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There was a time, when, to be an actor or a writer or a director, there was a prescribed path: go to school, get your degree. Get an agent. Get out there, hopefully land small roles, leading to larger roles, and eventually, stardom. Much of your career was placed in the hands of someone else. Those days are gone. Today, through social media, you can create your own marketing, create your own career. Having a following in social media will make a difference when you go to audition. 9 times out of 10, the casting directors are going to choose someone with a bigger twitter following, all other things being equal. You can help them market the production&#8211;that is leverage.  Social media is allowing artists, in a way, to choose their own adventure, carve out their own careers.</p>
<p><strong>What are the three things that every blog post needs to be effective?</strong></p>
<p>Voice and story. A unique voice or point of view is incredibly important, and being able to tell a story that draws people in.</p>
<p>A compelling image. Our brains process images way faster than they can process words. Plus, a screen full of words is a bit of a turn-off&#8211;it&#8217;s important to break up the text with graphic or images, which help to draw the reader in. Thirdly, with the rising of new image-based social media like Pinterest, having an image in your blog post helps to market it, and gets it found in searches easier.</p>
<p>Keywords. Okay, gonna get a bit technical. From a marketing standpoint, if you want your blog to be found, you need to think backwards. For this particular post, what are the keyword strings people would put into Google that would make them end up on your blog post? Integrate those into your tags and also into the body of your blog post&#8211;but do it in a way that flows. People can tell when you&#8217;re faking for SEO.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Among the various social media networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn), which ones are most important (and least important) for entertainment personalities to be using?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Facebook, because it&#8217;s the biggest. With nearly 1.5 Billion accounts worldwide, FB is still the first thing people look into every morning when they wake up. The algorithm, however, makes it tricky.  Twitter is an amazing tool for artists to find others like them, and forge connections with other artists all over the world. I love it for that. I adore Instagram, personally, because I love the pretty pictures. Instagram is a great tool for artists to show what I call &#8220;a slice of life:&#8221; going to auditions, the gym, costume fittings, backstage on opening night. What&#8217;s your story? You can show it through Instagram. LinkedIn is important for connecting with agents and casting directors, or finding job-jobs. YouTube is very visual, so for such a visual medium as ours is, video is incredibly important.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In your opinion, should actors learn social media from a professional and then handle it themselves or are they better off with someone who can manage and create their social media content with their approval?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It really depends on how busy you are, and what your finances can handle, but I recommend you learn enough about it so that you know what&#8217;s good practices and what&#8217;s not. It&#8217;s very easy to get fleeced by unscrupulous individuals. You should treat social media the same way you treat your finances; sure, hire an accountant, but know enough about bookkeeping and taxes to know if you are being ripped off.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Having said all of that, I think the best path is to handle your own. It&#8217;s more authentic. But I would get some training and advice first, and if your following gets out of control and you need to hire someone, that&#8217;s cool, too.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>As someone who has a long and successful association with the arts, what books would you recommend to people who want to pursue a career in the arts?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some books that really inspired and focused me include:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/trueandfalseheresyandcommonsensefortheactor.aspx"><em>True and False</em></a> by <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/search.aspx?find=David+Mamet">David Mamet</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thewarofart.aspx">The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles</a></em> by <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/search.aspx?find=steven+pressfield">Steven Pressfield </a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/awholenewmind.aspx"><em>A Whole New Mind</em></a> by <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/search.aspx?find=daniel+pink">Daniel Pink</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/theartistsway.aspx">The Artist&#8217;s Way</a></em> by <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/search.aspx?find=julia+cameron">Julia Cameron</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">And if I may do a shameless plug for my own book:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/gettingstartedwithsocialnetworkingforartistsandartsorganization.aspx"><img decoding="async" title="" src="http://store.bizbooks.net/images/products/display/RColemanEBookPrintSize.1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/gettingstartedwithsocialnetworkingforartistsandartsorganization.aspx">Getting Started With Social Media for Artists and Arts Organizations</a></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What is it that got you interested in the social media side of things to begin with?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Almost 8 years ago, i went through a big career change. I&#8217;d been doing freelance arts publicity, mostly as a hobby (on the side), for a few years, and then I lost my job-job. I wondered, &#8220;could I make a living doing this full time? Self-employed?&#8221; I was a newly single parent, and needed work that allowed me a flexible schedule so I could still drop off and pick up my son from school every day. So, I launched my business in December of 2007. I started writing a blog as a means to market my new business, and quickly fell into Facebook and Twitter soon after. I started to wonder, &#8220;could I make this work for my clients?&#8221; and began experimenting with it. I quickly became the go-to gal in Vancouver if you wanted to use social media to market your theatre production.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Why did you choose the arts as your area of focus?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Because I couldn&#8217;t possibly choose anything else. I&#8217;ve only ever wanted to be in the arts. It is my heart. When I was 18, I went to university, and discovered the theatre, and it was a complete revelation to me. I had always been a writer, but in the theatre I found the people that were like me. I found my tribe. And that was incredibly powerful. I&#8217;d never want to work anywhere else. It would feel too much like work.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>You have a long history in publicity as well. What are some of your project highlights and memorable moments in that area?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I have worked with some amazing artists&#8211;including the incredible <strong>Robert Shields</strong> and<strong> Robert Lepage</strong>. I interviewed <strong>David French</strong>, one of my writing heroes, and more recently, <strong>Alan Doyle</strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I have worked with almost all the independent theatre companies in Vancouver; The Electric Company, Shameless Hussies, Touchstone. A few standout projects include <em>The Beast of Bottomless Lake</em>, a film I was part of, and very proud of, about the Ogopogo. I also really love doing site-specific stuff, like some of the show Itsazoo does&#8211;in parks and parking lots, and this really cool production called Metamorphoses, which takes place in a swimming pool. Oh&#8211;and a production of <em>Five Women Wearing the Same Dress</em> I produced and also acted in.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Where can people find out more about you and what you&#8217;re up to?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Through my website: <a href="http://rebeccacoleman.ca">RebeccaColeman.ca</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Also on all the social medias! @RebeccaColeman (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebeccacoleman" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://www.twitter.com/rebeccacoleman" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="http://www.instagram.com/rebeccacoleman" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/rebeccacoleman" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">________________</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Our thanks to <strong>Rebecca Coleman</strong> for speaking with us!</p>
<p>________________</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Recommended Reading</h3>
<p>[bscolumns class=&#8221;one_third&#8221;]</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="" title="" src="http://store.bizbooks.net/images/products/display/9781594481710.jpg" alt="" width="110" height="166" border="0" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/awholenewmind.aspx"><b>A Whole New Mind</b></a><br />
</b>Daniel Pink</p>
<p>[/bscolumns]</p>
<p>[bscolumns class=&#8221;one_third&#8221;]</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/theartistsway.aspx"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="" title="" src="http://store.bizbooks.net/images/products/display/9781585421466.jpg" alt="" width="110" height="132" border="0" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/theartistsway.aspx"><b>The Artist&#8217;s Way</b></a><br />
</b>Julia Cameron</p>
<p> [/bscolumns]</p>
<p>[bscolumns class=&#8221;one_third_last&#8221;]</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thewarofart.aspx"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="" title="" src="http://store.bizbooks.net/images/products/display/KidStaysinthePicture.jpg" alt="" width="110" height="165" border="0" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thewarofart.aspx"><b>The War of Art</b></a></b><br />
Steven Pressfield<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">[bscolumns class=&#8221;clear&#8221;][/bscolumns]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-rebecca-coleman">The Biz Interview: Rebecca Coleman</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Biz Interview: Jeff Seymour</title>
		<link>https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-jeff-seymour</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Biz Books]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2015 01:22:22 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://bizbooks.net/?p=1420</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Read our interview with Jeff Seymour, author of The Real Life Actor.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-jeff-seymour">The Biz Interview: Jeff Seymour</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thereallifeactor.aspx" target="_blank">The Real Life Actor</a></em> is the new book by <strong>Jeff Seymour</strong>, a Gemini-award winning actor, coach, and writer with a history of appearances and projects ranging from <em>Knots Landing </em>and <em>Bosom Buddies</em> all the way to <em>Being Erica</em> and <em>Jeff Ltd.</em> A Vancouverite for over a decade, <strong>Jeff Seymour</strong> is now an acting teacher based in Burbank, California.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the middle of his busy international book tour, <strong>Jeff Seymour </strong>spoke with us about <em>The Real Life Actor</em>, his history in the entertainment business, and his advice for new actors.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">________________</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Can you start by telling us a bit more about you and the projects that you are involved with at the moment?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Currently I’m on a book / seminar tour. I was at Second City in Chicago on June 16th. I’ll be at The Triad Theatre in NYC on June 30th. Then I’m off to the UK, Austria and France. I’m looking forward to seeing how they respond to my book and approach across the pond.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>How did you first become interested in acting and what steps did you take to get there?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I was a latch key kid so I was always alone in front of a TV.  I loved television. I’m sure it was something I always wanted but I didn’t say it out loud till I was 18 years old. I left Virginia, where I grew up and headed to a theatre school in L.A.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Who were your greatest influences when you were starting out?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Believe it or not, <strong>Al Pacino</strong> and <strong>Dick Van Dyke</strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What have been some of the most memorable moments in your career thus far? </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Running my own theatre for 10 years in LA. Working on The <em>Eleventh Hour</em> in Canada. Creating my own TV series, <em>JeffLtd</em> and getting to do whatever I wanted for 2 seasons. Winning a Gemini and receiving multiple nominations is always lovely. Going to Morocco to shoot an episode of<em> Homeland </em>and work opposite <strong>Claire Danes</strong>. Doing <em>Speed the Plow b</em>y <strong>David Mamet</strong> in a small theatre in LA and having <strong>Quentin Tarantino</strong> show up.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thereallifeactor.aspx"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone" src="http://store.bizbooks.net/images/products/display/RealLifeActor.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="450" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Let&#8217;s talk about your book, &#8220;The Real Life Actor&#8221;. What inspired you to write this?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">35 years of teaching and in that time developing an approach to acting that I feel is as unique as it is highly effective. It was something I wanted to do after 15 years of teaching. It took me another 20 years before I finally got around to doing it. When I finished the last words of the final chapter and knew that my 20 quest was complete, I started blubbering like a baby. I was so relieved I had finally finished it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What can actors expect to gain from reading the book?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hopefully the clearest explanation of what great acting is and the most straightforward, effective way to attain it. It also outlines and shares the winning professional attitude needed to persevere and succeed in the business. The book is also meant to inspire.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>From your standpoint, is it easier or more difficult for new actors to &#8220;break out&#8221; in the industry today than it used to be?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It’s probably a wash. Whereas it might be harder to get to agents and be seen because of the overwhelming amount of actors vying for a chance, there is now electronic media. Nowadays with a good idea and some initiative, actors can leap frog ahead and make some serious noise on their own.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Overall, what is the most rewarding aspect of your work?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">All of it. Any of it. In the thirty six years since my first professional job, I’ve never had to make a living doing anything else.  It never feels like work. Like the saying goes, <em>“Find something you love doing and you’ll never work a day in your life.”<br />
</em><strong><br />
As an actor, you&#8217;ve had a number of roles on television and film. Do you prefer one over the other and how does your creative process change if it&#8217;s a film or television role?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The only difference I see between the two is that they take a little more time when they make a film. My process is the same, I just have more time in between takes.<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in acting?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Take the time to acquire ability before you market yourself. Agents and casting directors have long memories. A bad first impression may be the only impression you are ever afforded. Make it count.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What books have been influential in your creative journey so far?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thewarofart.aspx">The War of Art</a></em> by <strong>Steven Pressfield</strong>. I can not recommend his book enough. It is life changing!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Where can people find out more about you and keep up with your latest projects?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You could go to my website at <a href="http://www.reallifeactor.com" target="_blank">RealLifeActor.com</a> or the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theRealLifeActor" target="_blank">Real Life Actor Facebook Page</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">________________</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Our thanks to <strong>Jeff Seymour</strong> for speaking with us! You can check out his book <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thereallifeactor.aspx">right here</a>!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-jeff-seymour">The Biz Interview: Jeff Seymour</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Biz Interview: Ben Ratner &#8211; Writer and Director of Down River</title>
		<link>https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-ben-ratner-writer-and-director-of-down-river</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Biz Books]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2014 03:16:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://novacurrent.com/bizbooks/?p=69</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Ben Ratner is the writer and director of Down River, which is now playing in Vancouver and Toronto. We spoke with Ben to find out more about the film. What themes and ideas do you want the audience to think about from watching the film?...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-ben-ratner-writer-and-director-of-down-river">The Biz Interview: Ben Ratner &#8211; Writer and Director of Down River</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ben Ratner</b> is the writer and director of <i>Down River</i>, which is now playing in Vancouver and Toronto. We spoke with Ben to find out more about the film.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What themes and ideas do you want the audience to think about from watching the film?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I want them to think about the importance of mentors and friends … about overcoming fear in order to achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life … about how hard it is to be an artist, especially, in many cases, a woman artist, and that talent isn’t enough, it takes endless perseverance … about how fleeting life can be … about embracing life despite the hardships we all face … I want artists and lonely people and sick people and broken people to know they’re not alone in their suffering … that kinda stuff! Ultimately, the film is about overcoming fear in order to live your life as fully and as fruitfully as possible. And the importance of mentors to help point us in the right direction when we are adrift.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What was the most challenging sequence for you to film?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shooting the scene with Harper singing to Molly in The Cobalt was almost the end of me. Smoke machine giving me massive headache, making me nauseous, tons of extras, not enough food or water for them, live music blasting all day, a massive shot list … I has hanging by a thread. But we got it all done and it’s one of my favorite sequences in the film. Larry Lynn, our DP did a fantastic job lighting it, and the gals’ performances were excellent. There’s a photo of me on the cover of the Reel West magazine issue that contains my director’s diary that was taken that day, and if you look closely at my eyes, it looks like I’ve been kicked in the head by a horse.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Which steps can directors take to build positive working relationships with their cast and crew during the making of a film?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Something I learned from <b>Babz Chula</b>: treat everyone the same. From PA to Executive Producer, they all deserve respect (as long as they give it to you, that is). Don’t suck up to people and don’t let anyone treat you like shit. Create a family. The film is the baby. The Producer is the Daddy. The director is the Momma. The rest of the cast and crew are big brothers and big sisters, helping to take care of the baby. As far as the cast goes, treat the actors as individuals — everyone has different needs. There’s some good basic tools, but there’s no instructions or manual. You have to use your intuition, moment to moment and learn as you go. Don’t try to come up with things to say if there’s nothing useful to be said. Some actors need space, some need a hug, figure out which kind you are dealing with, and know that these traits may change day by day or even scene by scene.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>You have also done a lot of acting. What inspires you to direct?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I like telling my own stories and I like feeling like I’m in control. As a kid I always felt loved, but I didn’t feel safe. Directing creates the illusion of control, and with that comes something that feels like safety. I once read that <b>George Clooney</b> said, “The director is the painter, the actor is the paint.” I think that’s an oversimplification in many cases, and doesn’t give the actors their due, but there’s a lot of truth to it. And I don’t like small talk. On film sets there’s a lot of small talk because things take a long time to set up. I like keeping busy. I like doing shit. The director is always busy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Are there any authors or specific books that have been influential in your development as a filmmaker and actor?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Too many to mention. I read a lot — fiction and non fiction, biographies, plays … and when I meet truly literate people, I am always a bit embarrassed by how much I have not read. There’s just not enough time to read all the great works out there. Here’s a few good reads for filmmakers: <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thesecondcircle.aspx"><i>The Second Circle</i></a> by <strong>Patsy Rodenburg</strong> is one I am reading now and getting a lot out of. <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thepoweroftheactor.aspx"><i>The Power of The Actor</i></a> by my mentor, <strong>Ivana Chubbuck</strong>. <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thewarofart.aspx"><i>The War of Art</i></a> by <strong>Steven Pressfield</strong>. <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/openuporshutup.aspx"><i>Open Up or Shut Up</i></a> by my very wise friend <strong>Barbara Deutsch</strong>. <i>Kazan</i> by <strong>Jeff Young</strong>. <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/theartofdramaticwritingitsbasisinthecreativeinterpretationofhumanmotives.aspx"><i>The Art of Dramatic Writing</i></a> by <strong>Lajos Egri</strong>. And I must sheepishly admit that <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/savethecatthelastbookonscreenwritingyoulleverneed.aspx"><i>Save The Cat</i></a> by <strong>Blake Snyder</strong> has helped me achieve clear, concise structure in several screenplays. It’s such a Hollywoodized, commercially-minded book, but the lessons are valid no matter what genre you are writing in. Certain things have always worked and always will. <strong>John Steinbeck</strong> is my favourite author of fiction. I have read everything he has written and every time I read his work, I feel like I understand what it means to be human a little more clearly.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What is the biggest obstacle facing independent filmmakers today?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are so many films being made these days, that getting noticed has become incredibly challenging. Would <i>Clerks</i> be a huge smash if it was made today? I don’t know. You have to be really, really good and really, really smart, or at least really, really unique and you must work really, really hard, or the experience of making a film can be really, really disappointing. You better care about your film a lot, and believe in it, or you’ll be living a lie for years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What advice would you give to aspiring actors and directors?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Act and direct as much as possible! Take classes and learn from people whose work you admire. Get out of the house and connect with other like-minded people as often as you can. Take chances. As the character Pearl says in <i>Down River</i>, “Fear is the enemy of Art.” I borrowed that from my teacher <b>Ivana Chubbuck</b>, who told me, “fear negates art.” Acting and directing ain’t for the weak or the meek. As <b>Elia Kazan</b> said, “You have to do something every six months that almost kills you.” That’s why I’m directing a play (White Hot) starting next month, and writing a new screenplay right now. Life is short. If you call yourself an artist, stop bragging about how much Netflix you watch and make a contribution!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.downrivermovie.com"><i>Down River</i></a> is now playing at <a href="http://www.cineplex.com/Movie/down-river">Fifth Avenue Cinemas in Vancouver and at Cineplex Yonge &amp; Dundas in Toronto</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-ben-ratner-writer-and-director-of-down-river">The Biz Interview: Ben Ratner &#8211; Writer and Director of Down River</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Biz Interview: Jennifer Spence of Down River</title>
		<link>https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-jennifer-spence-of-down-river</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Biz Books]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Sep 2013 06:50:18 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://novacurrent.com/bizbooks/?p=109</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Many of our readers will recognize Canadian actress Jennifer Spence – not only for her roles as Betty Robertson on Continuum and Dr. Lisa Park on Stargate: Universe – but for her past association with Biz Books as one of our most beloved Bizzers. These...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-jennifer-spence-of-down-river">The Biz Interview: Jennifer Spence of Down River</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Many of our readers will recognize Canadian actress <b>Jennifer Spence</b> – not only for her roles as Betty Robertson on <i>Continuum</i> and Dr. Lisa Park on <i>Stargate: Universe</i> – but for her past association with Biz Books as one of our most beloved Bizzers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">These days, she’s busy with her newest film role in <i>Down River</i>, which premieres in Vancouver at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Jennifer talked to us about the film, her growing career, and her time at Biz Books.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tell us about Down River and what audiences can look forward to.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Down River</i> is a very special project to us. It was inspired by <b>Ben Ratner’s</b> close friendship with <b>Babz Chula</b> who passed on before her time. While the film is classified as a drama, there are many comedic moments and we think folks will identify with its universal themes. Our hope is that audiences will come away feeling inspired to create value and connection and live their lives in the best way that they can.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>How did you become involved in the film and what was your creative process like throughout the production of the film?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I became involved through the very convenient situation that I’m married to the director! My creative process started out with the basic questions an actor asks themselves about their character. Then Ben, Gloria (wardrobe) and I worked together to choose what outfits felt most like “Aki”. That was hugely helpful in getting a feel for her. The glasses we ended up using belonged to Babz. We actually used a ton of Babz’s stuff for the film: much of her clothing for Helen Shaver’s character “Pearl”, items from her apartment and Gabrielle, Colleen and I each wore one of her signature bracelets. The way Ben then guided me in going deeper and telling Aki’s story was such an amazing experience for me- he’s the kind of director every actor wants to work with. I trusted him completely and not just because of our relationship. Everyone did. He’s really good at what he does. To be exceptional in one artistic discipline is admirable enough but to be exceptional in many (directing, writing, acting, teaching, painting, making music) is a very rare thing and he actually is. OK, I sound like I’m gushing but it’s all true!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="620" height="414" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-112" src="http://novacurrent.com/bizbooks/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/jennifer-spence-and-ben-ratner.jpg" alt="jennifer-spence-and-ben-ratner" srcset="https://www.bizbooks.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/jennifer-spence-and-ben-ratner.jpg 620w, https://www.bizbooks.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/jennifer-spence-and-ben-ratner-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What are the key similarities and differences between you and your character, Aki? How did you address those as an actor?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I think we’re similar in that we’re both pretty nerdy, introverted and weird. Maybe I’m not quite as cripplingly shy in real life so I guess I had to “turn up” that part of myself that is.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What was the biggest challenge for you in this film?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There’s a scene where I had to dance drunkenly and bizarrely and sexually in front of a crowd so yeah I’d say there was some major fear involved in that.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What were your reasons for getting involved with acting to begin with?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to do it primarily because I really wanted to affect people- make them feel something, change them in some small way. And to me, stories and art were the way to do that. That’s what’s always affected me the most and helped me to understand what it means to be human. I wanted to help other people understand that too.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>You’ve had a successful mix between television and film roles. As an actor, what do you enjoy about each medium?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I love the intimacy of both. For the actors and the audience. With film, it’s almost even more intimate than TV because the screen is so huge so the audience is really getting <span class="caps">EVERYTHING</span>. But with TV, more can happen in a way. There are more possibilities of how characters can develop as you evolve them through episodes and often, seasons.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Who are the performers, writers, or directors that have been influential to you?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Oh man- where to start? <b>Gary Oldman</b>, <b>Philip Seymour Hoffman</b>, <b>Bryan Cranston</b>, <b>Meryl Streep</b>, <b>Catherine Keener</b>, <b>Julianne Moore</b>, <b>Judd Apatow</b>, <b>Charlie Kaufman</b>, <b>John Hughes</b>, the list goes on!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Are there any books or specific authors that have been influential to you so far in your creative journey?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Many! When I first started out I remember finding <i>The Actor’s Survival Kit</i> which is written specifically for Canadian actors. That helped demystify the business for me. It seems like I’m always in various stages of re-reading <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/theintenttolive.aspx"><i>The Intent to Live</i></a> especially when I need help deepening a character. <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/writingdownthebones.aspx"><i>Writing Down the Bones</i></a> is an amazing book on writing and the creative process and really made me realize just how important practice is to bettering oneself as an artist. Other ones that resonated with me are: <i>The Actor’s Audition Checklist</i>, <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/thewarofart.aspx"><i>The War of Art</i></a> and I just finished reading <b>Judi Dench’s</b> <a href="http://store.bizbooks.net/andfurthermore.aspx" target="_blank"><i>And Furthermore</i></a> which I devoured in three sittings.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Speaking of books, you were part of the Biz Books team at our old Vancouver location. How did your experience at Biz Books influence your career?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Honestly if it weren’t for <b>Catherine Lough Haggquist</b>, I probably wouldn’t still be in the business. Her wisdom and insight into the industry and her belief in me made me believe I could do it. I was/am lucky to have a mentor and friend like her. It’s way too easy to go crazy in this business unless you have someone you trust who has a lot of experience in it and can help point you in the right direction. When I worked at Biz, it was like we had a built-in support system. We were all like-minded friends who ran lines with each other and covered each other’s shifts when we had an audition or gig. I was <i>very</i> fortunate to “find my tribe”. Not to mention being surrounded by every book and resource I could possibly need to help me on my actor’s journey!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What is the most important advice you could offer to aspiring actors in Canada?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Make sure you’re always working on your craft in some way. Work hard at it. Class is usually the best way to do that. You need to be ready for when opportunities come and it keeps you engaged and reminded of why you do it. Surround yourself with like-minded, genuine people. It can be a lonely, bewildering profession so find your tribe. Don’t be an actor unless you absolutely have to and are willing to be persistent through the ups and downs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What can you share about any future projects that are in development?</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We start shooting the third season of <i>Continuum</i> in November so can’t wait for that! Also I found myself really fascinated with the post-production process of making <i>Down River</i> so would like to learn more about editing and setting up shots- maybe get involved in the technical aspects of filmmaking as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Watch for <i>Down River</i> at the Vancouver International Film Festival and visit the official site for the film at <a href="http://www.downrivermovie.com">DownRiverMovie.com</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net/blog/the-biz-interview-jennifer-spence-of-down-river">The Biz Interview: Jennifer Spence of Down River</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.bizbooks.net">Biz Books</a>.</p>
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