BREAKDOWN: UNTITLED GOSSIP NEWS SHOW

UNITITLED URBAN GOSSIP NEWS SHOW Breakdown

UNITITLED URBAN GOSSIP NEWS SHOWWeb Series Bunim Murray Productions Non-Union     Casting Director:   Amber Bickham Interview Date(s):   May 2012 Callback Date(s):   Shoot/Start Date:   June 1, 2012 Location:   Los Angeles, CA Pay Rate:   Additional Personnel and Production Info: Executive Producer: Daylan Williams Urban based gossip news show. Think ''Politically Incorrect'' meets ESPN’s ''Pardon The Interruption'' geared towards a multicultural 13-34 fan base. The show will cover a wide variety of entertainment; music, sports, TV/Movies, etc. This show aims to innovate, engage and get fans talking! Character Descriptions and Notes  HOST (Female): Mid 20s. All Ethnicities.  Looking for a pop culture/gossip video blogger, blogger or an individual with a strong personality with a large to moderate fan following (i.e comedians, recording artists, public figures)  Funny and personable, with a strong point of view, 'right or wrong' and bold enough to ask tough or uncomfortable questions.  **Must have a built in audience. HOST (Male): Mid 20s. All Ethnicities.  Looking for a pop culture/gossip video blogger, blogger or an individual with a strong personality with a large to moderate fan following (i.e comedians, recording artists, public figures)  Funny and personable, with a strong point of view, 'right or wrong' and bold enough to ask tough or uncomfortable questions.  **Must have a built in audience. PRODUCER/HOST (Female):  Mid 20s. All ethnicities.  Looking for someone who can wear three hats.  A host that can also research and write their news segments daily.  Must be funny & personable, with a strong point of view, 'right or wrong' and bold enough to ask tough or uncomfortable questions. MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE AS A PRODUCER. PRODUCER/HOST (Male):  Mid 20s. All ethnicities.  Looking for someone who can wear three hats.  A host that can also research and write their news segments daily.  Must be funny & personable, with a strong point of view, 'right or wrong' and bold enough to ask tough or uncomfortable questions. MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE AS A PRODUCER.

**SUBMITTING VIA BREAKDOWNS OR ACTORS ACCESS IS PREFERRED.  IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ACCOUNT, YOU CAN EMAIL YOUR PHOTO AND RESUME TO BickhamCasting@gmail.com   

YOU MUST FIT THE REQUIREMENTS ABOVE.  NO EXCEPTIONS.                                         

NO CALLS PLEASE

AN OPEN LETTER TO CHRIS TUCKER

AN OPEN LETTER TO:

CHRIS TUCKER

Dearest Christopher,

I remember watching you on Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam back in 1992 and thinking, at the age of 13, this guy is going to be a star. And you did. You have, arguably, two of the best sets in the history of Def Comedy Jam. It's been 16 years since I was first introduced to you and 13 years since you became a household name. So why do I only have ten Chris Tucker movies on my shelf?

And only six of them are starring or co-starring roles....three of which are Rush Hour movies.

So what gives? I remember hearing a rumor years ago that you stopped making movies because you made a decision to no longer curse. Okay, I can respect that, I braced myself to never see 'Smokey' again.

But in the past ten years, you've done nothing but Rush Hour movies. Why? Is 'Detective James Carter' the only character that's come across your desk that doesn't use profanity?

Listen, don't get me wrong. I'm grateful for the few times you've graced me with your presence. But I need more. You were my favorite comedian (before I discovered Dave Chappelle in 98'). Where are you? What are you doing? Come back!!

Now I know beggars can't be choosers, but I still have a few stipulations:

REQUEST #1:

NO MORE SEQUELS!!

I love you, but I can not watch another Rush Hour movie. I just can't. I only saw the last two because I needed a Tucker fix and you hadn't done anything non-Rush Hour since 97' (Jackie Brown), and you were only in one scene.

And while we're on the subject of sequels, I don't want to read in Variety that you're doing a Money Talks 2 and PLEASE GOD not a Friday 4. I will disown you, if you sign on to do Friday 4.

REQUEST #2:

GIMME MORE STAND-UP!!!

I miss seeing you on stage Chris. You're hilarious! Can I get an HBO special? I'll even settle for an anonymous tip that you're going up at the Laugh Factory on a Sunday night. Just something. If you need a reminder of how great you can be, look at these:

REQUEST #3:

DO SOME DRAMA TOO!!

I know you're a comedian at heart, but some of your best work was as 'Skip' in Dead Presidents.

Let's kick it into high gear Chris! If you need help picking projects, I'm here for you. (For a consulting fee and Producer credit on the films, of course). I'm not running some non-profit 'Save the Millionaire Actors Foundation'.

Call me if you need me. I miss you,

Yup, that's me. And yes, I know it's kinda creepy that I have this, but...whatever.

-Amber Bickham

GREAT PERFORMANCES - ANGELA BASSETT

GREAT PERFORMANCES - ANGELA BASSETT

Here's one of many great performances by the beautiful and talented Angela Bassett:

WHO'S BETTER: DON CHEADLE OR JEFFREY WRIGHT?

WHO'S BETTER:

DON CHEADLE OR JEFFREY WRIGHT?

Don Cheadle and Jeffrey Wright, two of the most talented character actors today...

But who's your favorite? What are some of your favorite performances?

REMEMBERING the REAL EDDIE MURPHY

REMEMBERING the REAL EDDIE MURPHY...

Ever since I posted a letter to Eddie Murphy yesterday, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the good times. I've decided to share some with you. Enjoy!

and just for fun...

I had no idea that I knew ALL the words to all three of those songs! lol. Eddie was jamming!!

AN OPEN LETTER TO EDDIE MURPHY

AN OPEN LETTER TO
EDDIE MURPHY.....

Hey Eddie,

It was really great seeing you at Chris Rock's show a few weeks ago. Chris always delivers, doesn't he?! Anyway, I'm writing you because, while it was great hanging out, there were so many things left unsaid.....

I miss you Eddie. I miss the joy you brought into my life. I guess what I'm trying to say is......I miss you making Rated R movies. It's been NINE YEARS since you shot Life....and to tell you the truth....I didn't really like it.

I've held my tongue long enough. Are you ever coming 'back'? I hear rumors every year that you're coming 'back' and you're going to start by first hitting the stage. Is this true?

This constant waiting is bringing out the worst in me. Last night while I was watching TV, I became overcome with jealousy, because I realized that not only did you leave me with no warning, you left me for CHILDREN.

Don't get me wrong, most of those movies were funny and you constantly reminded us that you're still a comedic genius, especially in The Nutty Professor.

But aren't you tired of talking to animals, children and yourself in every movie? Wouldn't you like to yell, tell dirty jokes and curse again?

Now, I know you've made a lot of money on all those PG-13 movies, but it's time to come home Eddie. I miss you. We all miss you. So come home Eddie. Come home.

I'm going to end this now, but before I go, I want to leave you with some of my fondest memories....

I will welcome you back with open arms, whenever you're ready.


Call me,

Amber

Please share your thoughts with Eddie and I in the Comments section.

ACTRESS SWAP: GABRIELLE UNION -> SIENA GOINES

ACTRESS SWAP!!!!!

GABBY UNION -> SIENA GOINES

No offense to Gabrielle Union but with 24 television appearances, 23 films and two more flicks set to release this year, I think its high time Hollywood mixed it up.

Siena Goines has had some recurring roles on several shows and even a lead in an indie film, but still hasn't gotten her big break....and I think it's high time someone gave it to her. She has the charm, fire and sex appeal that Hollywood expects from Gabby and she really digs deep into her work. Siena Goines is a dynamic leading lady waiting to happen, Hollywood. So, HIRE HER!!!!!

WHO'S BETTER: DENZEL WASHINGTON OR WILL SMITH?

WHO'S BETTER:

DENZEL WASHINGTON or WILL SMITH?

Now before you say Denzel Washington, hear me out. I had a debate with a friend yesterday (shout out to Risque) who called to say that he'd just finished debating at work as to who was a 'better' actor, Denzel Washington or Will Smith. Now I won't share his choice or reasons with you because I'm sure he'll post them in the Comments section by the end of the day.

Okay I lied, he chose Will Smith. Which at first seemed ludicrous to me. Did he not see Malcolm X?! How could he possibly think Will is better than Denzel?

Simple. Acting is an art and art is subjective. So we started debating. And I quickly realized that this debate really depends on how you define 'better'. At first, I immediately defined 'better' as who's had the best (strongest) performance.

I know, I know, Denzel KILLED in The Hurricane. But other than The Hurricane vs Ali, you can't really compare Denzel and Will's bodies of work. It's apples and oranges. They don't play that same types of characters or make the same types of movies.

So I began looking at what makes an actor, what I respect most in an actor and what inspires me. I think, as an actor, you should constantly challenge and push yourself to the next level. Raise your own bar and the bar for your peers. You should consistently deliver. And that's Will Smith ALL DAY.

Movie after movie, Will Smith outperforms his last. He continues to challenge himself with every new character and every film has an original premise:

Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware of the fact that Denzel Washington is one of the greatest actors of all time. But he doesn't consistently challenge himself. Denzel was great in Training day, American Gangster and The Great Debaters.....

But Alonzo and Frank Lucas were pretty much the same dude. And in The Great Debaters, his role was so easy (for him) that he played Melvin Tolson with his eyes closed and both hands tied behind his back. He wasn't challenged. He didn't do anything in any of those films that he hasn't done before.

A Quick Open Letter to Denzel Washington:

Dear Mr. Washington,

Hope all is well. I mean no disrespect by this post. You are by far one of the most talented actors of all time. You've paved the way for others. You are brilliant and oh so fine. I have and will always respect you and your body of work.

Also please note that in addition to being a Casting Director, I am also a Super delegate and can change my vote at any given moment. So if you have a job for me....Will Smith SUCKS!

Again, I dig ya.

Love,

Amber


Damn. I just messed around and watched this scene:

and now I have to change my vote. (sigh) Okay, here's my new official statement:

Denzel Washington has proved, on more than one occasion, that he's a BEAST on-camera. I think he's the best. But, Will is my favorite. He entertains me, inspires me and should not be underestimated.

Let's continue this debate in the Comments section.

How you define 'better'?

What do you find more impressive and/or inspiring: having 5/6 Oscar worthy performances under your belt or a career that is and has been consistently rising?

Denzel Washington or Will Smith? State your case!!!!!!

How to ACT in an Acting Class

How to ACT in an Acting Class

Most actors, both new and working, take acting classes periodically to improve their abilities.

They learn new techniques, perform monologues they've prepared, pair with a partner, break down their scenes and often make beautiful and smart choices during their performance.

They do this because they are actors, it isn't just what they do, it's who they are. They've chosen this as their career. When you choose this as your career, every time to perform or 'become', whether it's in a class or a paid gig, you are professional at all times because YOU ARE WORKING.

That being said, I sit in on about 3 acting classes a week and a few days ago I sat in on one with new teachers and a host of new actors I had never seen before. I was like a kid in a candy store!...Only to find out that I wasn't in an 'Advanced Acting Class' at all, but instead had traveled back in time to 1995 and was back in my Drama 101 class, stuck in a room filled with grown men and women behaving like children with an advanced case of A.D.D.

So 'actors', let's have a refresher course on how you should behave in an acting class:

BE QUIET! If the instructor is not talking directly to you about your performance, SHUT UP. I'm not an actor, but if I was and I was paying $40 - $100 a week and had to hear you cracking jokes every five minutes for three hours, we would have a problem. So shut up and listen, you may learn something!

PREPARE AND STUDY: Breakdown your scene/monologue line by line. Know your character's backstory, their objective in the scene and what ultimately happens to your character in the end.

BE PROFESSIONAL: Steer clear of other actors that want to joke and chat with you during class. Don't listen to their meaningless chatter, in fact, don't even look in their direction! Stay focused, be quiet and learn!!!!

Remember, your acting class is not just a place you go to practice acting, it's the place you go to become a Professional Actor.

ACTOR SWAP: NICK CANNON -> DAMON JR.

In the spirit of continuing the talk about ACTOR RECYCLING, I'm going to start suggesting replacements...or swapping, if you will. So here's the first installment of what I'd like to call, ACTOR SWAP!!!!

NICK CANNON -> DAMON JR.

DISCLAIMER: First let me start by saying that I am in NO WAY saying Damon Wayans Jr. should start starring in the types of movies that Nick was getting.....

I'm not sure anyone should star in the types of movies Nick was making.

What I'm saying is I think it's time for a hot, new, young and funny star in Hollywood. And I think Damon's it....no, I know he's it. He's funny, smart, has that Wayans charm we already know and love and he's fine, fine, fine! Here's a taste of what I'm talking about: