Unfake It Till You Make It

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Danny Meyer - Creating Gigs and Lubricating the Scene Apr 16, 2018

Show notes

Danny Meyer is a working bandleader, jazz, blues and soul singer, guitarist, bassist, and teacher who not only performs live as a bandleader all over Los Angeles but also creates music for Film & TV. He is a major contributor to the art community with such endeavors like creating affordable music lockouts as well as artist complexes. In this episode, we talk about creating your own gig, various ways to earn money as a musician, and unique confidence strategies. Please enjoy!

Show Notes:

[2:03] Interview Starts - Danny's quick bio
[5:53] What's new in the music industry - streaming music and live music
[9:23] Danny's day is amazing whenever he plays music and exercises
[12:23] Singing and music in schools
[15:00] Danny's first paid music gig!
[17:00] Being on stage - conquering stage fright
[20:37] What brings you your most desired results - skill and business
[24:43] Creating your own gigs! Add to the community!
[27:23] Music demos that are most effective
[29:00] What gets Danny the gig every time and booking strategies
[34:43] On band leading; charts, formula, and band members
[40:53] Staying creative and process
[46:30] When music is not paying the bills; meeting people
[50:23] Growing by getting uncomfortable; more stage presence tips
[53:43] Pushing through tuff financial times and balancing your energy
[58:37] Staying musically sharp, protecting your voice, and the ten-minute rule
[102:22] Zooming out of it all for recharge time
[105:55] The BOOK Rich Dad Poor Dad https://amzn.to/2GTA5UZ inspired Danny to raise and invest money into commercial properties geared for musicians and artists. See them here: CreativeMusicRooms.com and HawthorneArtsComplex.com
[114:23] Raising children as a musician/artist
[116:30] You can make a living with music in a variety of ways; teaching, licensing (www.audiojungle.com, www.jinglepunks.com, www.soundstripe.com), sight reading for schools, jazz music is always desired
[126:20] Danny keeps his live gear set ups simple; the more gear you have the more problems that can come up.
[127:45] Danny's thoughts on "Groove"
[130:00] Find Danny at DannyMeyerMusic.com, see one of their demo videos (shot and edited by yours truly some years back) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWcD529KhFY, LA Love Band is on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/LALoveBand/
[131:50] Danny's last words about being in the music industry

Gina Ann - Child-ability, creativity, and vulnerability Apr 15, 2018

Show notes

My guest today is a young woman who wears many hats, some include her as an Author of three beautiful children's books (she reads them to kids across the nation), a teacher for over 16 years, an actress, a spiritual psychologist, and probably the most difficult job of all, a Mom. We had a lotta fun and got into how to get out of depression within creativity as well as how to get vulnerable. I am proud to have her on the show! please enjoy my interview with Miss Gina Ann. Show Notes:

[1:15] interview Starts. Gina's recent acting gig
[2:15] Charlie the Alligator
[4:15] How Gina came to wrote and published three children's books. Check them out here Oh No Jojo https://amzn.to/2HdpB7h Jojo Meets Cristo https://amzn.to/2HetXuy and Jojo and Bayou Billyfrog https://amzn.to/2JZFtHW
[8:30] Mom adventures!
[10:30] The secrets of giving up hope
[12:00] Being a kid and losing track of time.
[17:45] Asking yourself what resonates with your heart and creativity will find you
[19:45] When shit really hits the fan; Gina's process
[24:00] Clowns and throwing out clowns
[26:45] MOVIE Magic is a great Anthony Hopkins. Check it out here https://amzn.to/2GOWs1V
[27:00] Gina's experience with Clint Eastwood onset and the wonderful world of acting
[30:45] Pen to Paper solidifies good thoughts and gets rid of bad ones
[33:25] Gina's process for auditions. Her acting teacher is Billy Gallo
[36:00] Tony gets on a tangent about boiling cats!
[37:45] Robin Williams: A big inspiration for Gina
[39:45] When people think they are not creative. Tony's working on a Book about creativity.
[44:30] When you feel like giving up...
[46:45] When you ARE stubborn that is when you need to implement
[50:15] When we are in a great mood THAT is the time to add reminders that inspire you in your life. You will thank yourself later when you are in "give up" mode.
[56:30] BOOKS; Play by Stuart Brown get it here https://amzn.to/2GSHDLO How to Stop Time by Matt Haig get it here https://amzn.to/2qmjH8s, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz https://amzn.to/2qsRrBh
[58:00] Gina's key principals to writing a book
[59:30] Procrastination, perspective, and love
[106:45] Gina's favorite resources are people and crystals
[112:00] Find Gina on instagram @jojobygigi, Facebook (Gina Ann) and her websites: www.ginaann.actor www.ginaannauthor.com
[114:45] Gina's thoughts on following through

Jay Della Valle - Mustaches, Performing, and Action Apr 10, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, I interview an amazing performer who has the ability to light up any room he enters. He's an extremely talented songwriter, Actor, and owner of one of the best DJs companies I have ever heard in the US. He has toured all over the world promoting multiple albums, movies, and mustaches. We discuss things like crashing auditions, getting kicked out of acting class, back to the future, and specifically toward the last quarter we talk about how to create and distribute a film for the first time. Also, halfway through the in-person interview, we had to pause and pick it up over Skype so pardon the audio shift. Stick around if you want to hear trials and triumphs involving the acting and music world. Please enjoy my in-depth conversation with Mr. Jay Della Valle. Show Notes

[2:00] interview Starts
[4:30] Crashing audition
[10:25] Am I where I wanted to be? "Nothing ever is supposed to work out exactly"
[14:00] BOOK: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill http://amzn.to/2GFW56y (21st Century updated version) http://amzn.to/2FTIDKZ (Original 1937 Version)
[17:00] Being Creative. Tell your wife/husband you need an hour when creativity strikes. Hot Yoga Class
[19:10] BOOK: Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl http://amzn.to/2FSAne5
[21:24] Jay's DJ Company https://www.spinnersent.com/
[25:00] raising the stakes : Getting cast in a feature film called Mount Love Joy
[29:08] Getting Kicked out of acting class led to great things 10 years later
[36:15] Back to the Future Impersonation. If you have not seen Back to the Future Movie, please call in sick for work and watch it today http://amzn.to/2FNuBP1 You can also see the original Marty Mcfly (Erik Shouts) in a few scenes here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCx__7IDYbk
[45:00] Making money through your passion or to support your passion. www.audiojungle.com is a place to submit and earn money from high-quality music recordings you may be making.
[47:50] Finding a flexible "outside" job is imperative as an Actor. And you must bring your best self to that job just like the audition. Don't be disgruntled!
[52:00] Mike Pointer Commercial Acting www.heyisawyourcommercial.com "No one has a name tag on their head"
[108:56] Before you spend money and time really think it through…why are you doing this?
[111:50] Don't be afraid of someone stealing your ideas.
[114:21] Time Wasters
[119:57] The Glorious Mustache Challenge full movie https://vimeo.com/265036776 Password is: rockthestache The Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVEPvzA5UK
[131:53] First-time documentary advice
[139:11] Find Jay at www.jaydellavalle.com , www.spinnersent.com , owlsandlions.com , @jaydellavalle on the socials
[141:19] Jay's favorite resources: Bob Lefsetz (music film critic) blog, here http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/ , BOOKS, The Profit http://amzn.to/2GOb9z6 , The Journey with the Master http://amzn.to/2FQD5Vu , Ego is the Enemy http://amzn.to/2uaN5DZ , The Charisma Myth http://amzn.to/2G7qTPH
[144:14] Jay's epitaph/gravestone will read "Whatever It Takes"

Sacha Riviére - Broken Bones, Mindfulness, and Business Apr 07, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, I interview a mindful man with multiple businesses in the magical world of cinema. If you love the camera, film sets, and tech talk as I do, we get into all of those things. He is also a phenomenal Director of Photography in the feature film and commercial world. We also explore how breaking his leg in 5 places was a good thing, and why actively taking a pause throughout the day can save you a lot of trouble. Please enjoy a rewarding conversation with one of my dear friends and colleagues who is also one of my much-appreciated mentors, Mr. Sacha Riviére. Show Notes

[2:00] Interview begins
[3:10] Set Stories - laughing gets you kicked off set. Step back and remember making films is a serious playground
[7:30] How Sacha got involved in the film industry
If you get in as a Production Assistant, always ask ask ask to work in the department you're interested in.
[12:35] As a 1st AC (Assistant Cameraman) and working at Panavision. "Less about networking and more about relationships"
[16:00] Shooting on film. Challenges and inner sense. Tech stuff.
[19:30] Blocking - Moving Camera and Actors. Cast and crew should know how the scenes are blocked because everyone can do there best and keep good time.
[20:28] Going with your gut and SPEAKING UP. People may not like your mistakes but you'll get respect by admitting them. They will find out soon enough anyway, might as well be the one tell them.
[21:55] Transition from AC to Cameraman and declining gigs.
[24:00] Morning Routine. Preparing and reminding yourself to pause. Look out for the cues! Mindfulness in Filmmaking.
[30:30] The Director Of Photography and how he captures visual images. Key Principles as a Director of Photography
[32:00] Sacha's process of shooting a film, start to finish.
[38:20] Working with the Director and understand their vision.
[40:30] From broken legs to working computers to a successful rental business in the film industry called The DIT House. www.theDITHOUSE.com
[47:00] Dealing with Giving up mentality. Look at different choices and count how many things you have tried.
[49:00] Sacha also started Mindfulness Studios, a socially responsible production company that tells stories that are honest and good for the soul. Check more out here MindfulnessStudios
[50:45] What type of person is fit for the film industry?
[53:15] ZOOMING out and getting a GRIP. Under pressure and high expectations, remember what you're doing is not life and death.
[56:00] Mistakes and oversleeping! It happens, but be aware that being late could be a subconscious way of trying taking control because something in your life is out of control.
[58:55] Difficulties in Free Lancing. "Don't place your self-esteem on when you are working or not."
[1:00:30] Must have tool for Cameramen! Know where the sun is going to be and track it! Sacha uses the appSun Surveyor http://www.sunsurveyor.com
[1:01:30] Sacha's Epitaph ideas, "Do what you Love"
See Sacha's work at www.sachariviere.com and follow him @vitafilm on instagram https://www.instagram.com/vitafilm/
[1:02:30] One step Sacha recommends is to take chances and be willing to ask for help.

If you found some gold in this episode, please subscribe and share!

Joey Chu - Documenting, Listening, and Learning Apr 05, 2018

Show notes

In today's episode, I interview a new friend of mine I met on an Airplane ride from New York to Los Angeles. She is an award-winning film Director & Producer for her recent Documentary film, $30 Dollars to Antartica. We discuss how traveling the world can inspire filmmaking and vice-versa, along with how listening & learning go hand & hand. I'm really excited to present this completely impromptu episode. Literally, a few hours after getting to know one another on the plane, we recorded this interview with only 45 minutes until landing. Please pardon the Airplane sound quality and enjoy my conversation with Miss Joey Chu. @__joeychu Show Notes:

[00:50] Tony talks about Martin Scorsese's The Irishman Wrap Party in New York.
[6:43] Interview starts
[8:56] Joey's quick bio - how she found documentary filmmaking and was inspired by locals from Kenya Africa
[15:00] Writing/journaling for reference. Looking back to see what we've been through
[17:20] Traveling
[19:20] Joeys Award Winning Documentary $30 Dollars to Antartica
[22:05] Antartica dreams, learnings and silence
[26:11] Seeing her mother open up
[27:45] Travel supports her film career and vice-versa. "It [Traveling] makes me care a lot less about petty things."
You can't judge why people do what they do and if you remember that, it's a great help when shooting documentaries. When you make peace with how people are as individuals, it makes everything more of a pleasurable environment.
[32:56] Mentors - Mother - "who cares, why do you care what other people think? Does it really matter?"
[35:25] Non Lecturing
[36:30] Favorite Documentary recommendations; Wasteland (Garbage Collections into art), Cutie and a Boxer (two struggling artists in New York developing relationships along the way)
[39:19] In one word what are you trying to improve on the most?
[40:38] Find out more about Joey's documentary $30 To Antartica here www.joeychu.com
Joey's Instagram @__joeychu
[42:00] What one step can people take to further their career in the entertainment industry?
[43:35] The beginner's mind and the book, How to Think Like Einstein

Citizen Shane - Acting, Suffering and Traveling Apr 03, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, I interview a working actor and entrepreneur in Los Angeles who has created over 170 side Vlogs involving absurd skits filmed in locations throughout California. He is also one of the top Cyclists in Los Angeles and we get into a little bit about how that plays a meditational role in his life. We talk about acting in the film industry, the benefits of suffering, and how labeling one's self as sole "this" or "that" can be damaging. We have some laughs, Shane makes fun of me, and I hope you enjoy my conversation with one of my best mates, Mr. Citizen Shane.

Please share and subscribe!

Show Notes

[1:28] Interview begins.
[4:15] Book: How to Become an Actor in Hollywood http://amzn.to/2IBHSIc
[5:22] Traveling the world inspired Shane's 170+ Vlog videos. Besides having too much baggage while traveling, he had many epiphanies out of his own country. Travel TIP: Checkout www.onebag.com for tips on how to travel light, effectively, and efficiently. It prepared my travels of a year in southeast Asia and all over the US. And if you're interested traveling while working remotely, see Tim Ferriss's website www.thefourhourworkweek.com or get his book, a bible to many, The Four Hour Work Week http://amzn.to/2HL9iKL He has been a major contributor to my business and personal endeavors.
[7:44] J Shanu. See Character's face - See it here @J_Shanu on instagram "ay what's good man?"
[9:50] Pro Cycling benefits! "A big part of cycling if suffering and thats my way of meditating because when you're suffering so bad you can't think of anything else. It rids your mind of thoughts." His 3 recommends for people that are getting serious with Cycling: 1. Special S Works 7 Cycling Shoes. 2. Sunglasses 100% brand http://amzn.to/2DOiFGZ 3. Grio Helmets http://amzn.to/2HX3fT7
[16:35] On Low Days in the industry - "I'm enjoying what Im doing; I like making videos simple as that. I'm gonna die soon, so who cares? I don't put any pressure on myself [anymore] because there's no point to."
[20:20] Beyond Acting - Even though Shane feels writing isn't his strong point, he says by giving writing a try more and more, he has found it to help him grow all around as a filmmaker.
[22:00] Conquering - "One Horsed warrior conquers a thousand" is a reminder from the Korean martial art, Hwa Rand Do. It means to gain control but also to overcome mental and emotional turbulence and to gain a sort of affection from those who may support you and towards what it is you are conquering. http://hwarangdohq.com/one-horsed-warrior-conquers-a-thousand/
[23:00] Who is a good fit? Be willing to learn and push your limits. There is a job in the entertainment industry for every type of person.
[26:00] Avoiding Mistakes - Giving up is always a mistake when it is something you love to do. Thinking that you can't practice Acting and do other things at the same time is a limited mind set.
The Groundlings - Shane recommends the improv acting school in the U.S. called the Groundlings http://www.groundlings.com/
Utilize Internet as an entertainer- Do what you love and do it for yourself first, then take advantage of todays possibilities—you can access 7 billion people through the internet!
[31:30] The Irishman - A Martin Scorsese film I have an acting part in coming out rumors November 2018 on Netflix.
[32:00] WATCH SHANE's content @ Citizen Shane on youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzM4IbSmrHntce2zvl6NF0g
[33:15] ONE STEP NOW - Keep doing at least one thing daily! You always can do one thing to get you a little bit closer to your goals. Start something now or else despair will kick in. Don't be left with, "what could have been if I…?"
[36:00] Staying real as an Actor "If you can't be yourself, you can't go anywhere" Be yourself to the max, it's a practice.
[37:00] Don't become become a Dolphin - South Park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJH5AR0CuRI
Sound FXs by Joao_de_Deus https://freesound.org/s/194461/ and LittleRainySeasons https://freesound.org/s/395407/

Chad Nelson - Wonder in Water, Magic, and Teaching Apr 02, 2018

Show notes

Chad Nelson (@wishwonder) is a remarkable Los Angeles Magician and Entrepreneur.

Chad has invented many magic techniques used by thousands of performers out there. Most notably, the Clip Shift https://www.artofmagic.com/products/clip-shift has been a game changer in magic. At age 12, he was accepted into the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood and has since been inventing and contributing to the magic community.

Amongst several topics in this episode, we talk about teaching--the two-way gift, Magicians in a magical world, and the concept of "not having a choice" to be an entertainer. Please Enjoy!

Show Notes

[3:25] Interview begins
[5:05] Magician Peers - Dan and Dave Buck www.dananddave.com
Chad's Surfaced Magic Tutorial: https://www.artofmagic.com/products/surfaced
[7:00] Inventing - 'Clip Shift'. A game changer move and beautiful performance invented by Chad. See it and learn it here https://www.artofmagic.com/products/clip-shift
[8:00] Competition - "Use competition as a reference point but don't use it as a fire"
[8:41] Not Giving up - "You have to want it so bad with absolute purity."
[9:40] On Teaching - "We [magicians] are basically teaching people how to learn what we want them to know, and that is wonder."
[18:50] - For many years, Chad religiously stayed up till 5am practicing magic. He kept his work secret and just showed the results.
[23:30] Mentors - find them as early as possible. Do practically anything to find and obtain the mentors that fit the lifestyle you want.
[24:38] All-Time Lows and what clicked - The Money to Entertainer ratio is not always congruent.
Struggles and Triumphs - "I couldn't stop if I wanted to, you don't become an entertainer or artist because you want to, you get in it because you have to."
[28:34] Looking at Relationships and Business - "You don't want to compartmentalize the two because this is your life."
[32:25] Unfake it - Act like you belong. Understand the power of NO and how to navigate NO.
Chad's website www.chadismagic.com
Chad's email iknowmagic@gmail.com
[37:53] Drink more water. Understand the importance of drinking water, water is so important—make it a habit.
[39:22] Our BFF morning routine - 3 days a week we go into the cold Pacific ocean before 8am, do a jog on the sand, do some cartwheels and have fun at the gym.

Please subscribe to the show and get inspired to thrive in this crazy yet rewarding industry!

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