Blair the Model? / Motions Casting

So I got a call from my agency to go to a "go-see" for Motions hair care line....(sigh). First off I'm really funny about doing anything for hair products because the last time I did it the woman died my hair Gene Grey-red and it fell out. Ok. That's reason one. Reason two is that...well there is no reason two that's the bloody reason and it's good enough! :) But, we all know by now that I am an actor that models. Not the other way around. So when I walk into a go-see and I see these girls get all primpy  and hear fake ass giggling from the audition room, it's a personal nightmare. Don't me get wrong I like modeling. It's playing dress up for crying out loud! And what girl doesn't like to play dress up?! It's just the go-sees. You know you take two or three pictures and they say goodbye, you run into same annoying girl every go-see (and she can't stay out of the mirror btw), you hear girls blab about what photographers they hated and blah, blah,blah, then the worst happens.....you hear the model that says "I'm trying to get into acting"...(sigh). Listen, there's been a few that crossed over successfully and have my respect (Uma Thurman) but lets face it...... I'd rather you finish the sentence. I'm sorry to ruffle feathers but I feel that it makes more sense for an actor to model than the other way around. When you watch America's Next Top Model" Tyra usually takes these girls to some sort of acting class. You won't see an acting coach take their students to modeling class. Listen, all modeling is, is a still form of acting and since stills came before motion don't you think it's easier for a motion to become a still than a still to become motion? If you don't believe me just pause your DVD....there's your still. Now try to make your picture move......exactly.

PS: I'm such a hater today! I know it. I like everyone, but I love my art form. Please respect it. Please.

Long live the actor!! God Bless.

Applaud the Artist!

I suppose this is one of those times where the struggle gets a little hard. One of those times where you ask yourself "how am I going to make it?" Note I said "how" not "when". When is of no consequence to me. Things happen when they are supposed to. But how? How am I going to climb out of the well when I can't fly? How am I going to deal with the pressure of loved ones who don't understand who I am and what I do?...After all...are'nt they the the ones that are supposed to be there for me at times like this? Tell me. Where is the applause when you're struggling? Where is the pat on the back when things get hard? Where? I'll tell you where it is. Its on the other side. The side of "when". They only want to applaud when you make it! Never mind how you got there because the "how" was to much for them to bear with you. So, like the old saying goes, if you want something done you got to do it yourself. Just don't expect me to appreciate the conditional admiration when I make it.

PS: Above is one of the most honest photos of myself. Whoever loves this. Loves me.

Keep your head up artist! Have faith and God Bless.

My Jenny!

There is a soft spot in my heart for Jennifer Connelly. I must have watched the Labyrinth about 100 times as a kid....and as an adult. But little did I know that it was more than just the puppets and singing that captivated me...It was Jennifer herself. She is one of my favorite actresses because her eyes and body language tell the story. I was watching a behind the scenes segment on the Dark Water dvd. The director (Walter Salles) said something that described her perfectly. He said "Jennifer is a great silent film actress".  I think it's important for all actors to be great silent film actors. After all, in life you don't always have to say something to communicate or show how you feel. Think about it. When you are alone and you're sad. Do you stand there and talk to yourself? Or do you cry? Is your posture at it's worst? Do you stare off at nothing, replaying the moment in your mind? Where are your hands? Are they on your face? In your hair? Or crunched up wishing that they could hold something? These are things that most of us don't pay attention to, and you know what?...The last thing I want actors to do is to study these things. Yes that's what I said. Actors! Stop studying! Stop acting! Be it! Be it! Read your script. Know your character. Get help where you need it. Then put the script down and be it! In kindergarten when the teacher asked you to pretend to be a monkey no one asked for motivation! You just did it! Can you believe that I was on set for this film as an extra and this guy who was playing a preacher asked the director "So, what's my motivation?" If I were the director I would have answered by saying "Your motivation is to keep your job by not asking me dumb ass questions like that.!" So in conclusion, be like Jennifer and just do your damn job!

God Bless :)

Illeana Douglas Rocks!!!

When I was researching the people who eventually wrote me a check (SXM...Thank You!!), I ran into this really cool web show called Illeanarama starring Illeana Douglas . It's hilarious and brilliantly written! And as an extra perk Jane Lynch is in this show!!! She is so funny. I love her from all the Christopher Guest movies. By the way. Illeana Douglas created these webisodes, which is real inspiration for me because I am currently writing a screenplay and a couple of shorts for my reel. Goes to show you, if you want something done you have to do it yourself.

Enjoy Illeanarama!!!! There are 4 episodes, check them out!

I GOT IT!!!!!!!

So I'm laying in my bed fighting a flu, when I get a call from SXM telling me that I got the part!!! I was so excited! The day of the shoot was nerve wrecking. I almost ran late because I was running around packing wardrobe, shaving, blow drying, etc. But I ended up being early...Guys, I kid you not when I say that this was a dream come true for me. For the first time I was the one being miked and in front of the lights! We did run throughs and laughed and joked. It was great. Everyone was great. This experience has made me consider television. Blair Robinson on Gray's Anatomy? What do you think?

Pic: Above is me being an absolute cornball! I asked my Mom to take a picture of me holding my first non-extra voucher from NBC...I hope they green light the show. Cross your fingers everyone!

Bikram Yoga! Yes!!!

Attention all actors! Do Bikram yoga! It works wonders, and it's great for us New Yorkers that want to calm our minds yet be challenged at the same time. Check out Bikram Yoga NYC! I do it like 3 times a week, I love it!

Audition for SXM/NBC!!!

YAY!! i got an audition with SXM/NBC as a yoga instructor for a pilot! When I got that phone call I could not have been happier! I immediately did my research and practiced any yoga pose I could do without tumbling over.  I was a nervous wreck. But through it all I came into the audition room with a smile and did my best. The people were really nice, so that helped.  Above is a picture of me standing at the bus stop with bags under my eyes and a cup of Starbucks. Gotta love Starbucks.

Question: Which makes more money per year? Starbucks or cocaine? My vote is for Starbucks. I'm sure that even the coke heads are cutting down due to the recession. But Starbucks nuts like me are still spending 5 bucks for coffee! Recession? What recession? COFFEE!!!!

If I Could be Like Audrey.

One of my favorite actors is Audrey Hepburn. Her natural charm and grace is something that enchanted my heart very early in my life and has never left. Her humble yet regal demeanor is something that I feel is almost non-existent yet very much needed in today's Hollywood. I do not mention this to say that I am a complete clone to the late great Audrey.But I strive to learn how to have a fraction of her charm and a lifetime of her grace on screen and off.  She was a wonderful woman who spent here early years surviving Hitler's atrocities, and through it all became the person who we all learned to love. Her life has inspired my own as a human being and as an actress.

Read Enchantment, The Life of Audrey Hepburn by Donald Spoto. Wonderful book!

My First Press!! Woo Hoo!!

This is a picture of myself, Benedict Hadley, and Caroline Lieberman at the film maker/financiers party at the Hamptons film festival! I was sooo tired but I had a great time! I'm starting to learn that when you are trying to make it in this business sleep is a luxury that has to be scheduled. No kidding! :) 

You can find this picture and more on Hamptons.com

The Producer!

I produced this promo for the president elect Barack Obama about a month before election day. It was a joy to meet and work with all of the people involved. This is the type of experience you remember for the rest of your life and I will never forget the love and dedication that everyone put in this project.

Directed by Benedict Hadley and written by Betty Birnbaum....Enjoy!

Can You Say Cannes?

So I went to the Cannes Film Festival in May....That one sentence should be enough. :) The Cannes film festival is the Mecca of the film industry and being there was like refueling my acting tank! Everyone was there. Even Mike Tyson for crying out loud!! It's funny, no matter where you go, you can't escape Brooklyn! LOL! Anyway, Benedict and I went out there to push "The National Anthem" to some people at Canal Plus. The meetings went great! They loved our film! The experience was amazing!

PS: I smoked my first Cuban cigar that night!...Tee Hee Hee! (cute evil laugh)

The National Anthem

It was the winter of 2004. I was attending Stony Brook University when I received a call from my high school buddy Benedict Hadley asking me to play the lead role in his film. Stuck in the monotony of formal education I was more than happy to break free. I knew that I was going to be a part of something really cool but I had no idea that I was about to be a part of something great.

I remember how I felt that morning as I watched the world pass by my window aboard the LIRR...tired, scared, unsure. I asked myself. "Will I be everything he needs as an actress?", "How will it be acting in front the camera?","What is this film about?".....Yes, I had a vague idea what the film was about. After all he did explain. But how do you fully explain this film? I'd imagine I had the same feeling Will Smith did when he had some film called "The Matrix" in his hand. Only difference is I didn't turn it down.

I arrived at set to see the familiar faces of high school classmates and my Macbeth, Mr. Benedict Hadley. We played Lord and Lady Macbeth in school and now he was my director! He gave me the update and escorted me to the lovely "dressing room"....also known as the van. Hey! I'm not complaining! All I cared about was doing a great job....and that I did. The National Anthem became our calling card, our work of art, and my stepping stone. It reminds me of who I am and who I always will be...an artist.

Here is the one minute version of "The National Anthem" directed by Benedict Hadley. He filmed an interview with me talking about it. I'll post it as soon as I can. Enjoy!

Introducing Blair Robinson!

Hi everyone! Nice to meet you! So where do we start?...Well, there was no big audience and no stage Moms. Not in my life. Just stuffed animals and parents who cared enough to love me, shelter me, and send me to school...and watch the occasional kid performance in the living room (front row seats of course). Yup. I suppose that's how it all began...the parental units, Cabbage Patch, and me Blair Robinson.

Since my living room debut there has been Shakespeare, neighborhood theatre, college shows, and modeling in between. But one project till this day, stands alone as my pride and joy..."The National Anthem".