“Phillip Phillips,

“Can you forgive me man?”

And even though he doesn’t know how I felt or that he would even care….but the best thing to do here is apologize.

Maybe not so much for him, but for me…

When I’m wrong I know it and I don’t have a problem admitting it. It’s embarrassing nonetheless, but what matters to me most is that the person I’ve wronged in any sort of way, knows… I’m sorry.

So here’s a fumbled, slightly mediocre, message attempting to apologize to Phillip Phillips for my initial reaction to his victory on American Idol last year.

No other American Idol victor has had this affect on me. Now, I want to use Phillip Phillips’ music for my family home videos!! His music would play beautifully as a soundtrack to a montage that chronicles our children growing up.

So Phillip, keep doing your thing man. You’re making some great music. Hope life is good and you continue to Shine On.

As a small token of appreciation for your work I am sharing your videos here:

Ladies and Gentlemen, Phillip Phillips!

with Gone, Gone, Gone

…and Home

Shine on. MaJeLiV.

- Jose Miguel Vasquez

PS. If you would like to learn how to make up to $1,000/day with a blog like this one just click here for more info.

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So Glad you made it here! Here’s a humble and yet delighted hello from yours truly. Subscribe and stay tuned for more updates.

“What’s MaJeliv” you say?

I wrote about MaJeLiv on my empower network blog as well.

But you can also get a glimpse of what it means on my JMV blog.

Make the most of your time here. Read on. Comment and Share. Let me hear your story.

And for those that want to know, I am reading The “Valkyries” by Paulo Coelho.

Happy blogging…

Shine On. MaJeLiv at Godspeed

- Jose Miguel Vasquez

PS. If you would like to learn how to make up to $1,000/day with a blog like this one just click here for more info.

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Superman, Man of Steel

This one’s for the boys trying to be men.

According to this trailer, Superman, or rather “Kal-El” explains how “S” stands for Hope on his home planet.

Sure there are plenty of real life role models and heroes that men can look to in order to better themselves for their families and their communities.

But as the hype for this film rises and I’m just so pumped about it, I wonder…why?

What makes Superman so appealing?

Why was I so devoted as a boy of 5 to wear my cape well after Halloween?

Well for me…Superman reminds me of Jesus Christ. The messianic figure from a divine dimension that came to change our world by changing our hearts.

One reason Superman appeals to even the non-christian population is because of the messianic-type story. After all, all of us, whether we want to admit or not, actively seek a savior. Sometimes not in the healthiest of places…but we all have our story…

But that’s not why us guys dig Superman.

We wish we could be like him!!

How cool would it be to fly and move at the speed of light, to evade and repel bullets and carry buildings with our bare hands!! AHH!!! Oh YEAH!

And yet…its more than that.

Most of us fans of Superman feel that tug at the base of our bellies to be better, to impact more…

To be better men, husbands and fathers. To have super human abilities to change the little world around us…

but how can we, if we certainly don’t have Super human abilities?

So when you watch the film, sure you’ll watch it to appease the inner little kid in you. Some people may call us nerds, but we don’t care right? Then…

watch it again and this time consider this:

4 things us men can learn from Superman

1.  Selflessness can save lives.  We see and hear of it everyday with our troops and police officers. but as civilians and regular working men, we too can seek out every opportunity to live selflessly. It means opening doors for others and spending time with your kids, your wife. Helping a friend before they ask you for help. Putting other first? too tall an order? Not for Superman.

2. Love in action is contagious.  You can be the spark that starts the flame.  You are fully equipped to make a lasting difference. Break the mundane routine and seek out how to love, how to live selflessly. This subtle sacrifice will draw attention, some will hate with envy, most will admire and potentially do the same for others.

3.  Live out your Divine Design. If you dare believe you were made in God’s Divine image, your closer to super powers than you thought. In the trailer Superman is called, Guardian Angel, ghost. Which will you be? Sure we suck at times!! We fail and we let people down…and yet we have the gift to mend, to create, minds to build ideas into reality. Hands and feet to do the impossible. Souls to inspire people to follow our cause. Hearts to help us reveal our inner strength. We’re more than humans, our awareness of those around us, and how our gifts can uplift them, can make us Superhuman.

4.  Seek the Sun, find the Father.  Superman sours high to power up from the Sun. In the Fortress of Solitude he speaks to his Father. Soon, Superman finds his heart  knows who he is and what he can do to fulfill his task. For us regular men, we too have a Father and the sun always shines to prove it. Our fortress of solitude can be any number of places where we can be ourselves and reflect/learn about who we are. I think of a Chapel, a quiet place in the woods, atop a mountain who knows?! You do! Find the place where you can find the Father and spend time. There you will find how to make your heart fly.

Here’s your first chance to be Super: if you enjoyed this post Comment, like and share it.

PS. If you would like to learn how to make up to $1,000/day or more by blogging click here for more info.

Shine on fellas. MaJeLiv at Godspeed

- Jose Miguel Vasquez

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“How do I get a Talent Agent in Central Florida?”

This article explains how to get yourself into a solid position to sign with a Central Florida agent.

It is inspired by my Q and A session with some of the High School Drama Students at Timber Creek high in Orlando, FL. I’d like to say “Thank you” to The Drama Dept. for inviting me in to share a few things I’ve learned on my journey as an Actor.

I also wrote this for my theatre friends, who’ve have asked me this question. So here it is, in hopes it helps more than just the people I know directly:

7 Things you need to do to get an agent in Central florida.

1)   SAG FRANCHISED AGENT?

Identify your target and go for it!

First of all, you want to know what agents to submit to.  So do some research. type in Florida SAG Franchised agents into google and have at it! or just use my link…

in the most basic terms SAG Franchised means recognized by SAG as a legit agency for representation.

Two well known, highly reputable agencies in this Market include the Hurt Agency and Brevard Talent Group. In Tampa you will find Level Talent Group has a solid reputation. The Diamond Agency is vastly popular for print work. You may find out others qualify for your needs as well.

With that said, SAG implies a level of professionalism and experience that must be discussed and acquired.

Quick tip: If you know an actor in the agency, reach out to a current actor/talent in your field/focus for feedback on the agency experience. More on this later…

Now to build your Agent Kit…

2)   RESUME: BEEF IT UP

If you’re starting out and your RESUME does not have enough credits to stand the test, then get set to build it up.

“how do I know my resume is ready?”

Well, you not only want to have your theatre/live performance credits on there but you’ll also need to get some film work on your resume.

3)    GET FILM WORK

Film work experience shows your potential agent, a foundation, clear evidence you have practical knowledge on auditions and on set etiquette.

“But Where Can i get Film work?”

You can go to greenroomorlando.com to look for constant updates on other production opportunities.

right now I know dajavufilms is casting their next film. Look for independent productions like these. Some won’t pay but will give reel footage and EXPERIENCE

“No shame in starting with Student Films!”

Valencia, UCF and Full Sail University offer plenty of opportunities for you to get work on set. FSU sometimes comes through here as well.

Check in with them periodically to see how/when to audition.

Orlando 48hr film festival, an annual film festival allows you to make a film in 48hrs and it gets screened. You’d be amazed how many professionals love to do this and build their networks!

The Goal:

get on set. Learn the lingo, the process and most of all NETWORK! 

by network i mean, mingle. Meet people, build a contact list, ask good questions, like where do you study? how long have you been doing this? etc.

When you go audition for these student/independent films you get to practice the whole casting process.

Having your headshot and resume handy will allow you to present yourself prepared and ready to leave a professional impression.

4)    GOT HEADSHOTS?

Some people like to try to save money by getting amateur headshots and that’s a choice, but with a higher probability of amateur results.

If you know a novice or professional photographer that will take/retouch your pics and save you money great!  But be pleasantly critical. This is “YOU” on paper! It will either grab the agent or have her toss it aside.

So get professional headshots to send out to agencies! You’re a professional right? No? You will be if you build your agent kit like one.

Many agents take email submissions, but get prepared to send out via regular mail.

Here are some great photographers I know of/worked with:

HughesFioretti

Bob Lasky

Beverly Brosious

Micheal Cairns

Each has something great to offer. you will have to see which fits you best.

When you print out your headshots, with Photoscan or reproductions.com You can purchase or make postcards with you pics to follow up with the agents after they communicate with you.

If you decide to send out headshots via regular mail I suggest you use Envelope for headshots which have a “window” on the front sleeve. Dimensions vary.

5)    EDUCATION and TRAINING

Sanford Meinser a renowned acting couch teacher said (and I paraphrase)” it takes at least 20 yrs to become an actor,”… so get started already!

Get re-educated. Do workshops/seminars.

START STUDYING AND DON’T PLAN ON STOPPING

Every master was a student first and every student invests time and money if they want to master their craft.

Acting Schools in Orlando:

You can take Film Acting technique classes at Art Sake Acting Studio with Yvonne Suhor. I started my studies at Art Sake and I absolutely loved it!!

from Art Sake I went to the studio I currently study in: Class Act Studios with Lauren O’ Quinn.

There are others you can research and consider:  CAST  Classes with Shauna Bartel, Truthful Acting Studios, Starving Artist, Lisa Maile School of Modeling, Acting with Kathy Laughlin 

For spokesperson/host work you can look to Class Act Studios, Mark Mullen Casting and Lisa Maile for potential classes.

Lauren O’ Quinn offers coaching for both spokes and hosting as well as ACTING

you may also find classes at Orlando Shakespeare Theatre

Definitely put Lori Wyman, South Florida’s go to Casting Director on your list. She holds audition workshops in Orlando and Miami. Find a way to meet her and show her you’re the real thing. It’s possible! I did it.

6)   COVER LETTER/MESSAGE

The most effective letter will find good company with a reference/recommendation of current actor/talent the agent represents. So make friends in the industry as soon as possible and find some potential “family members”

Letter content: State in 2 to 3 short paragraphs why you want to act and what you want to do: i look forward to: Commercials/film/print/spokesperson/voiceover.

Consider that these are busy people, they don’t need you memoir, just a quick : “hey there I’m John Doe and writing to express my interest in…ready to meet you and discuss potential partnership…” etc.

Quick insight on voice over: Voice over is a great market to break into but difficult, a significant less amount of work in this market. But some of my good friends make a decent living with it.

Make connections. network. become an expert at following up and staying in touch.

Quick thought: You may have asked “Should/Will an agent charge me to work with me?”

Answer: Only after you book a gig will they get PAID. Any organization charging you for starter kits of headshots and consulting or training are more like talent managing agencies. And some could be scams, be careful!

*24/7 casting

Servies like 24/7 Casting are what I call self-promotional services. they give you promoting tools for a fee. Check them out, they may be of use… 

“Should i use 24/7 casting?”

It’s a solid option and reliable resource from what some have told me. Even though I don’t use it, i’d say its a credible starting off point. Remember that every which way you go, you will have to invest money. This is after all a business you’re building. 24/7 casting works for some people as a starting point and for others it doesn’t. It will allow you to put your name out there and give you one way to network.

You have to be wise about how you spend your money. Everyone’s situation is different so choose according to your means.

If you want to know what I did when I started in South Florida 5 years ago:

First I got my headshots done with Bob Lasky in South Florida, loved working with him!! Then moved to Orlando, beefed up my resume with student/independent films, started studying as soon as possible at Art Sake, submitted to the Diamond Agency, got in. After the resume had film credits, I submitted to other agencies based on teacher/coach/classmate recommendations.

Eventually that led to signing with the Hurt Agency for on camera work and with Diamond for print work.

7)   THE KEY: Networking

Build a community of colleagues through classes and workshops you attend. Get your work noticed and hope one of your new colleagues will consider referring you to the top agencies in our market since they probably already are represented by them.

I can almost guarantee that the top agencies will prefer to get referrals from current talent they represent. So work your skills and once again network!

For the Hurt Agency, I have helped some of my colleagues meet with my agent only AFTER seeing their work,  and feeling confident they’d be an asset to my agent.

The Truth:

all of this is probably easier said then done. Each of us has their own journey. But, just start, and ask as many questions along the way. We’re all good to help out in this market. You certainly can count on me…

hope this info helps you out.

please submit questions, comments, concerns etc. And to my more seasoned colleagues, if I left anything out, please feel free to add to this, to help the incoming acting generations…

MajeLiv at Godspeed

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• Central Florida Filmmaker Brings back Mayberry with new film “Our Town”
• Central Florida Film Festivals: The Restivals

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Final Two Headshots from event with Hughes Fioretti:

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New headshot by HughesFioretti. It tends to say:

“I’m a nice guy really. Don’t confuse my respect for you as weakness…”

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Photo from a Fundraising Event with Hughes Fioretti.  Work with Gray and Julie always brings about a genuinely joyful experience and we get some great stills too!

This event was quite special as Julie put together an event to help out other professionals in need: here’s more insight on their story:

https://www.facebook.com/events/553496888017318/?group_id=0

Here is my favorite shot from the event:

Pics by Gary Hughes:

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As the 30 for 30 film on Bo Jackson came to an end. I watched as the short lived legend sharpened one of his arrows in what he calls his “Man Cave”.

“Bo Jackson”. Goodness, if only I had been old enough and wise enough to lookout for the man, the athlete, the legend that stunned the world with his Hercules-like abilities.

That’s what I remember thinking watching this documentary:

“This guy’s the closest thing to a demigod!”

The only reason his career came to a halt…his “Achilles Tendon“:

His Power. His strength. 

When you watch footage of the tackle that dislocated his hip, you can clearly see how the power of his run caused the career ending injury.

Look at it below at minute mark 6:05…

And yet no one, could even tell!! This man was walking on a hip he dislocated, then popped back into place himself in order to get off the field!

Up until now, I was only this impressed with the likes of Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Michael Phelps.

I highly recommend this film presented by ESPN. Not only does it educate on sports history and pop culture, but it lends for some highly specific life perspective.

LONG QUOTES inspired by Bo Jackson film:

“When you go up to bat, don’t swing for the home run, swing with every bit of intention to make contact and the power of intention may drive that ball over the fence…and if it doesn’t, you will certainly make contact just the same. The ball will go past the defense and make you run for a lasting impact.” 

SHORTER QUOTES inspired by Bo Jackson:

“Run like its your last and train like you’ll run forever, that’s the stuff legends do to never die.”

“The greatest of athlete’s still carries the vulnerability of humanity and can only truly embrace his greatness if he acknowledges how temporary it all really is.”

“I now know Bo and Bo still Inspires.”

Closing thoughts…

Listen up…God gives us one life to maximize our flow, our purpose. Find it and go for it! And when you fail, because you will, NEVER GIVE UP, Bo not only overcame rehab, but returned to baseball to hit a home run at his first at bat!!  Never give up your power to your doubt and fear. We are fully equipped to overcome, to do the impossible.

JMV MaJeLiv. Peace out.

here’s some fun:

Who would you vote for: Best 2 sport-athlete? Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders? Vote in comment box…

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There is great liberty in auditioning like a kid does…no concerns of self, just ready for fun in that room full of grown up people. Then if there’s a dog involved and you get to play with the dog, pure joy prevails over all anxiety and suddenly you’re not “trying to get the next job”, you’re simply living “our now” and loving every second…

…and the miracle might occur where those grown ups will share your joy and forget for a brief second all the formalities of this “casting.”

I want to thank my boy Matthew for blessing me with the great example of true joy. Sharing the audition room with a kid can be a blessing and more so when he’s your flesh and blood.

Tonight I raise my eyes to our Lord in praise of my day with my family but most of all for the time spent with my oldest son.

So if you can take anything from me tonight, take this: Look to the fearlessness of kids as inspiration for the potential that lies within us to just be ourselves, to just live in the moment. The rest may just be necessary formalities to validate what we do as something vitally important.

It’s a fancy game we play, so if we are to play it, let’s bring the best of ourselves to it…what do you think?

Flow to MaJeLiv

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