day 2 day in LA

Film Thoughts

2011-03-25T17:33:00.001-07:00

As promised I will give you a run down of what I thought of the movies I watched this week. I watched Julie & Julia, RED, and The Fighter.

Julie & Julia has two of my favorite actresses, Meryl Streep and Amy Adams...so a definite good bet, right? Well I wasn't terribly disappointed by the film, just mildly irritated. I think that the two actresses were amazing at truly losing themselves in the character, but the script was a bit lacking for me. I felt like the whole movie was leading to a climax of the two meeting, and when that didn't happen I felt robbed and like the movie had no purpose of telling the two stories parallel to one another. I also feel because there were two stories being told I didn't get enough character development out of either story. The actors did what they could...I mean come on they are Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, but the movie didn't pull me in completely.

RED...let me start by saying that I am not a huge fan of action movies. I always feel like there is little to no character development, and let's just be honest character development is what interests me most. This movie was no exception to my normal feeling on action films. I didn't know what the point or plot of the movie was until at least 45 mins in. I didn't feel like Mary Louise Parker had a believable character, not because of acting choices, but again because of script. I am sorry but even if I did want to travel the world, if some guy kidnapped me and people were trying to kill me I think I would have more of a crawl up into a little ball on the floor and cry reaction than a "hey let's join in on the game" mentality...that might be just be my reaction, but it wasn't working for me. It was somewhat amusing at parts, but not enough to make up for the fact that I really didn't care if the characters died...which is sort of a problem.

Last but not least is The Fighter. I heard amazing things about this movie. I actually really enjoyed this film. This is a character driven story...my favorite, and I think the plot as well as the characters were very intriguing. Christian Bale...OMG amazing fantastic job. I really thought he was a crack addict. Amy Adams...I love you, and admire how beautifully you became so raw. Wonderful character development here. The plot kept me interested, I at no point wondered how much longer the movie was going to be. This would have to be my favorite out of the three.

I am by no means a film critique...but I do enjoy watching films and studying them. I feel it is important as an artist to study my craft, the good and the bad. So, here is my humble opinion on these films...hope not to offend anyone!

Grettings!

2011-03-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

Well folks there is not much to update you with currently...but I figured I still might as well tell you what is new!

Let's start with the most exciting news, which is that I have my first official IMDb credit up!!! This makes me very happy. It gives me just a touch more credibility as an actress. So now with my IMDb credit, SAG-e status, and reel in tow I am set and on the quest to find an agent! Wish me luck:)

I am still working both jobs and making a lot of money!! Gabe and I are planning to buy a camera in the next few weeks to take our own headshots with, and so we can film some smaller projects ourselves. This is excitement.

Lastly, I am planning to start analyzing the work of the actresses I most admire. I am planning to watch at least 2 movies a week and go through them here on my blog. I will tell you all what I thought was great or not so great about the movies, and the performances. I hope to get some participation with these new blogs!!

Expect my first review within the week!

Have a great day.

Prayers are with Japan.

Update!!

2011-02-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

Let me first apologize that I have not blogged for so long. I have a been a busy busy bee lately!

As most of you know from reading Gabriel's blogs we have taken a short hiatus from acting in order to get our personal lives situated. In December Gabe moved back up to San Jose to work, and I stayed in the valley and started my new 9am-5pm job. It was a really rough patch that was necessary for our future.

Happily two weeks ago Gabe moved back down, and we moved into our beautiful new apartment. (A blog about our apartment to come soon)

I also recently got a job hostessing at Vivian's Millenium Cafe in Studio City on the weekends. Yes, this means I am currently working 6 to 7 days a week...and yes, it is exhausting. But the plan is to make as much money as humanly possible until I get an agent. Once I have an agent I am hoping to only work my data entry job for 30 hours a week and hostess on Sat morning! This would allow me freedom in the afternoons to still act and audition.

The hunt for an agent will continue once pilot season is over. I am more determined than ever to make progress in my career. I have devised a slightly new tactic to approach getting an agent and I will fill you in on it once I see how it goes.

As most of you know I am also a singer. I have had the dream since the age of 12 to have my own original music. Between the ages of 13-16 I actually stopped acting as much and pursued singing as a career. I realized that acting is my first and foremost passion, which is why I returned to it. I have met an extremely talented musician who I am working with now to create some original songs. I write the lyrics and tell him the style and then he writes the music to match!

I am actually recording my first song this weekend!! I can't wait to hear it all put together professionally. I also can't wait for you all to hear it!

That is all for now! I will be blogging again soon...trust me, once my song is done you won't be able to get away from my blogs and posts ;)

Late night musings

2010-11-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

Never has there been a better time in my life to remember the power of positive thought. We create our reality, so why not create a great one? Obstacles are merely that...something that is intended to be overcome. Usually an obstacle contains a lesson that leads us to a fuller and more present life experience. There is always something negative to bring you down, but there is always something positive on the other side of that. If I can train myself to tilt my glass until appearing fuller, maybe there will come a day when it is no longer an illusion and my cup will actually be fuller. By letting life control me I am choosing not to take an active part in my existence, therefore if I regain power and tell the universe what I want and expect those things will become part of me and my experience. The world is so full of opportunity!

The tale of a hernia repair

2010-11-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

This last month has been a roller coaster ride for sure. I have been through a lot and figured I would share some of that with you. I will try to do a readers digest version, as to not have a 10 page long blog.

To begin this tale we start with the problem...I got a hernia (a tear in the tendons in the stomach) right above my belly button about a month and a half ago. It was bulging out, hurt, and was making me constantly feel nauseated. Before the diagnosis was positively made I went to the ER to see what I could find out. The doctor at the ER was something else. Her response was that "maybe it is a part of your anatomy that you have never noticed before." She only gave me numbers to hernia specialists because I insisted I thought it was a hernia.

Next step, I went to see the hernia specialist. The specialist took a look, felt it and the diagnosis was officially made...hernia repair surgery was in order.

Here is where it gets tricky. I have insurance through my work, but have never been told much about or used insurance. Needless to say I was a little clueless...and will forever do research in the future before anything that requires insurance.

The specialist I had chosen to go with was out of network and had told me over the phone that the total cost would be $2800, and that I had to pay the $1500 deductible before I could get the surgery. I called the county hospital to see if they could work something out that was a little more money friendly, and they told me that normally I would qualify for low income help, but because I have insurance I have to use that and they don't accept my insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield).

Quick note, I thought the difference between in network and out of network meant just a slight difference between the amount I was responsible for...and I had a specific referral to this doctor and trusted his work so I figured it was worth paying a little more.

I somehow magically came up with the deductible and scheduled the surgery.

The surgery was outpatient and lasted only an hour. They basically went in and pushed the intestines back into place, sewed up the tendon, and put a piece of mesh over it for strength. When I woke up I felt ok, but standing up to get in the wheelchair was massively painful. They didn't want to give me a pain killer before I left because it increases nausea and since I just had surgery on my stomach vomiting would be extremely painful and bad for the stitches.

So I just had to deal with the pain until I got home where I basically passed out in a drug coma for two straight days. After that I slowly started feeling better and was completely off pain killers within 2 weeks. I started walking around as much as possible to keep the blood flowing.

Everything is going great until I get the bill from the surgery stating that the total cost was $13000...a little more than $2800. After some reserach I found that to be a reasonable price for the surgery but was just a little upset I wasn't made aware of this price when I originally asked. I also found out at a later point that had I gone in network I would have been responsible for nothing after the deductible, but now I am responsible for 30% of the $13000...ouch. Not to mention I had to take a full month off work for recovery.

I will admit this whole thing really got me down for a while and that the recovery process has been hard. But in the end, now coming out on the other side, I can say that life is great. Things always work themselves out, and as long as you learn the lessons that come along with hardships that is the best you can do. Not to mention how great Gabriel DeVine was throughout the whole process, helping me, staying by my side to make sure I always had what I needed, watching endless amounts of movies with me, teaching me chess, and helping me to remember the good things in life. It is appreciating the small things that makes your whole life great...every moment.

Finding a Balance

2010-10-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

All my life I have heard the phrase "everything in moderation." And I have always thought that it makes perfect sense. It seems the way to a happy and full life is to have and do a little bit of everything but none to the extreme. But over the years I have found the practice of this little phrase to be a lot harder than it sounds.

In most areas of my life it is not a problem...eat in moderation, sleep in moderation, work in moderation, exercise in moderation....etc. But there are a couple of areas that I struggle with in regards to this word I have been repeating over and over thus far in my blog...and those areas are in ambition and patience.

Let's start with ambition. I understand why it is not favorable to be less than lack luster with ambition and why it is not recommended to be overly ambitious...but I tend toward the latter. I can't help it. My whole life I have always known that I wanted more than what I had...I know that I want to be financially set forever, that I want to be well educated, I want to make a name for myself in acting and music, and I am willing to push myself to get these things. Some of you may be thinking this is great...and it is, but it can also be a curse because I am willing to sacrifice my health and other areas of my life in order to pursue my ambitious thoughts.

Next we have patience. Unlike ambition the problem is not that I have too much patience it is the that I have no patience. This leads to many problems when my ambitions are so high and require so much time and effort. So not only do I want all of these great things but I want them right away...leads to a lot of stress folks.

Although these first two areas can cause me to get easily irritated or stressed out they are also the reasons I have and will make it so far. I am appreciative that I have the internal grit to keep at my dreams no matter what. The key now is to find a balance with them...to come to a place where I can accept that it is my perseverance that, in a way, defines my character.

Balance is the key to a happy life, as we have all heard, so my goal is aiming to find that balance in all areas...it shall be a journey, but isn't that what life is...a journey?

Crazy Marie

2010-09-20T15:12:00.001-07:00

As an actor I go back and forth on method acting...there are some parts of the technique that I love and some that I am not sure about.

I have been acting for the last 17 years of my life. In that time I have probably only done method techniques a handful of times. I am not sure if this is out of choice or necessity. Method acting can be a very difficult thing to do when you have to live a normal everyday life at the same time. I can't wait for the day when I have a month or two to dedicate entirely to becoming my character.

An example of this was my character preparation for The Harmony Theory. I play Marie who is an incarnation of Edward and is also, for lack of better description, a crack whore who ends up in an insane asylum. Wel,l I envisioned her being very confused and weak in the insane asylum, and in my ideal world I would have been able to eat 800 calories a day for the 2 weeks leading up to filming and lock myself in my room to sleep and listen to music that makes me feel crazy. But because I still have my day job working at Starbucks and because I have a social life plus 2 other projects I am filming I could not do these things. So I did the most I could within my conditions.

There are many things that method acting can do for a character that nothing else can, it helps to pull the emotions in a more real and raw fashion, and it puts you into the mindset of the character. But it can also be hard to come out of character once you delve completely in. For instance, this last couple weeks in preparation for Marie I cut my calories dramatically and the day of filming I ate very little and all of it was sugar, because I know how my body feels when I do that...I feel jittery and my mind can't focus and I feel weak. But now, today, one day later I am having a difficult time coming back out of the depressed and crazy Marie. I am struggling to stay positive and I find myself thinking of things the way Marie would.

I also feel sometimes that a great actor should be able to pull the emotions from themselves without taking drastic measures to get there..which is what method acting is. I have heard coaches tell me before that a great actor should be able to differentiate themselves from the character and should be able to switch back and forth freely.

But there are plenty of great actors from both sides of the tracks on this one.

So as of now, the jury is still out on how I feel about method acting.

Hope this gave you a bit more insight into my most recent character development.

All I wanted was a library card

2010-09-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

So this blog will be short and is slightly a rant...just warning you. I recently broke the charger to my computer, and my boyfriend has been graciously letting me use his. Well, he was going out of town and wanted to bring his computer with him, so I decided that this would be a good time to get a library card. I have also been wanting to start working on a book that I am gong to write.

So here I am, I get home from work at 9am ready to spend the day at the library. I still have Gabe's computer at my disposal so I look up the library information. And what do I find? The library is not even open 8 hours a day...and when I called they said that I have to have a California address on my license (which I still don't) or I have to pay $50 to get an out of state card. Absurd!

I feel as though my access to information is being greatly inhibited. What about the people with day jobs? The hours were 10:30am-5pm. And why does the public library system not develop a way to communicate between all the other library's across the country and send books between each other and just charge the person who is dropping them off in the wrong state for shipping?

I just don't feel like it should be this difficult to spend my day at the library where I have access to the internet and to check out books for reference.

In Utah, the library is a social place. It is a place that people are encouraged to go to and the hours are definitely more conducive than what I found here.

Sorry for the rant! The next blog will be about my process during Madame Jade's so stay tuned!

Passion

2010-08-27T00:18:00.000-07:00

Some people might wonder why I would willingly work a job that pays so little that I struggle to pay my bills every month, live off of food from the 99 cent store, reside in a two bedroom apt with 4 people, and pursue a career that has such unbelivably low success rates.

And my answer is passion. When you are meant to do something, truly meant to do something it feels right to work for it, no matter the cost. When every cell in your body is pushing you toward something the struggles are worth it.

Acting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and will always be a part of my life. It is the only thing that has remained a constant, with the exception of my family.

There was a time right after I graduated from college that I wished I could stop being so passionate about acting, that I could find another career that would make me as happy. I wished this because of how difficult a journey a career in acting can be. But nothing makes me feel the way I do when I understand a character, when I get to feel the things someone else is feeling, when I get to become another person and experience all these different things that I as Alissa would never get to feel or see. Without acting in my life I am truly miserable. These are the reasons why, in my opinion, I feel destined to be an actress.

So, yes, I could chose an easier path to ensure security and comfort in my future. But I would be settling. Why live an ordinary life when I can experience an extrodinary one? Besides life is far more fascinating when you aren't sure where the next step or minute will lead you...trust me every day can be an adventure.

On set

2010-08-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

I love being on set! Over the last 3 months I have created opportunities for myself to be on set, and it has been rare to go more than a week or two without filming something.

The latest thing I filmed was a scene for a short film called "Madame Jade's." This was a screenplay that I wrote with Gabriel DeVine. We both wanted to film characters that were completely opposite of our normal casting type, so we wrote something that could facilitate that. I am playing the lovely and evil Madame Jade...and Gabe is playing a very meek and shy man.

The footage is lovely. The set turned out amazing. I can't wait to finish filming and get this baby edited. I already know I will love this film. It has been a great experience being able to create my own projects. Everyone I am working with on these films is just as dedicated and in love with the craft as I am and because of that we all work hard and make it the best product possible.

Over the next two weeks I will be finishing filming Madame Jade's as well as Loaded Lala. After which I will be filming The Harmony Theory...which is something I am wicked excited to film...something far different from anything I have ever gotten to play. I will keep you all posted as to where you can find the films once they are up and running!!!

While you are at it take a look at www.gabrieldevine.net/production.html to get updates and more info on my projects.

Talk to you all soon!

A long time coming

2010-08-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

So, as we all know it has been a while since I last blogged. Life got really busy and hectic and I let it slide. But I am back and plan to stay.

So much has happened over the last year that I will have a hard time knowing where to start. I will focus mainly on the projects I am currently working on.

Back in December I was selected to be a part of a web series competition on how to be a lingerie model. Yesterday I did my first lingerie photo shoot. It was a lot of fun and a bit crazy to see how much my appearance can change based on hair and makeup. Being a model seems, to an outside,r to be a simple job: show up get your hair and makeup done, get some pictures taken, and bam you are done. I am here to tell you there is a lot more that goes into it than that. Try having a group of people telling you to tense your muscles and suck in so you look better, but to look completely relaxed in the face...not as easy as it seems. This was my first paid modeling gig, so I suppose now I am technically a professional model as well as actress!

Side note, I also did a fashion students runway show back in December...fun fun fun!

I have also created a web series with my friend Caitlin that will be airing in September, it is about dating in LA...which is crazy. All of the episodes are based on true stories...stayed tuned for this one, it will be awesome! We just submitted all the paper work to SAG and should be getting our Taft Hartley contracts here in the next month. Then Alissa will be SAG-e!

I am also in pre-production for three other short films. I have meaty parts in all, and they are all very different characters. I am stoked to be working on all of these projects.

I figure why wait for someone to provide me with the opportunities when I can create work for myself.

I will be keeping you updated on all projects as they move along, and hope to have your support while I climb the ranks in Hollywood!

Life:)

2009-10-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends!

Life is great. I am sooooo busy that I have had a hard time finding time to blog. Sorry. Things are awesome. I have filmed three music videos, a 24 hour film festival film, and will be doing a short film in November. So much going on, I am loving every minute of it. Things are really taking off and going in a great direction.

I joined with a print modeling agency, so hopefully that will pan out some jobs. I would love to do print work.

All in all there really is too much going on to be able to write it in a concise enough manner for this blog.

So I will leave it there. Can't wait to see what the future brings!

Quick update

2009-09-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

I promise to write more details when I get time. I just want to let you all know things are great, and in the works. I got signed with M International Modeling Agency. I have tons and tons going on and I am auditioning like crazy:) Things are good.

Good Week!

2009-09-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

Over the past week I had four auditions, three of which I felt really good about, and I also got to film another music video!

The music video is for a reggae artist named P'Ta Mon and they are doing a montage of people singing the song, so there will definitely be a close up shot of my face:) The director really liked me and told the casting director to get my information because he wants to work with me on some other projects, so hopefully it comes to fruition.

One of the auditions I had was completely out of character type for me and that was part of what made it so fun. The character was supposed to be an actress who couldn't really act but she was going to try and seduce the casting director to get the part. So the monologue she does is horrible. We were supposed to show a lot of cleavage, which let's not kid anyone here haha. So I just went in and had a good time. The director filmed the auditions and put together a pitch to try and sell the series and he used part of my audition in it!!! I am in it a lot less than some of the other girls, but considering I am compeletly wrong for the part, I am flattered.

Once I get a copy of the music video and the pitch I will put them up for you all to enjoy!

I also fly back to Utah again this weekend for a wedding, at least this time it is a happy occasion!

I'm back:)

2009-08-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

I know, it has been a month since I last wrote. I have been very busy and all over the place. So I will now, in a few paragraphs, try to catch you all up.

Let's start with the most exciting news, I got to film twice in one week! I was part of the "Back it up dance crew" for a music video. The artists name is Collette Carr and I guess she has a deal with MTV...keep an eye out, she is really good. She sort of reminded me in looks like Taylor Swift but in style of Lady Gaga.

The shoot was awesome. We got to the warehouse at 5:30pm and were there filming until 3am. I met some great people and some extremely talented dancers:) It was sweet, they painted all the walls in this one part of the warehouse in glow in the dark paint, painted us, and then had black lights. I can't wait to see the video. I loved it.

I also got cast from my headshot and resume for a recreation show on Discovery ID called Unusual Suspects. Apparently I was a look-a-like for the real life girl, sweet and lucky. I was cast as "girl who gets in fight with boyfriend at bar." It was great. We filmed this improve scene and they said that they usually try to keep the dialogue from the scenes in the show, so I will most likely have lines:) It will air in the begining part of 2010.

After shooting my scene they told me they wanted to take a picture of me to use in the opening montage of the show for this next season. They have pics of "unusual" suspects from thier happy pic to their mug shot. So they are having me be a cheerleader...hahaha. They told me I have a cheerleader type look to me, I will take that as a compliment. I am stoked!!!!

Other than that I am just trucking along going to acting class, which I love, and auditioning as much as possible.

I am excited for Septemeber, a lot of people in the industry tell me that this next month is when things will really start to pick back up in the industry. I've been told that it is impressive that during this drought period I have still gotten work. May September bring many jobs:)

On a more depressing note, I flew back to Utah this weekend to attend and sing at my cousins funeral. It was an unexpected death and it is very tragic...may she rest in peace.

I will try to keep this updated more frequently! May god bless all of you:) Take no moment or person for granted.

Really?

2009-07-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

So, as an actor I have come to believe certain things about the craft. For me one of those things is that if I don't understand a character or I can't figure out why the director sees the character differently than I then I will use that as motivation. I will use all the engery I can muster to find an understanding. I would never run away just because I don't get it or because I don't see eye to eye with an instructor/director.

Let me give you background info to make sense of what you just read. I had my acting class on Wednesday. Let's just say that my scene did not go too well. I didn't get together with my scene partner during the week to rehearse and it showed. The instructor gave us harsh but warrented critiscm. I took it for what it was and it made me want to improve and do better. My scene partner on the other hand was not too happy. He started a running, somewhat aggresive, dialogue with the instructor. Needless to say he was not listening, kept talking over the instructor, and then ended up quiting the class the next morning.

I, as an actor, just do not understand this.

I just wanted to get it off my chest, share a little frustration, and now I will move on!

What Happen in Vegas...

2009-07-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

I know from the sounds of that title this blog should be pretty exciting...unfortunetly I have no secrets or dirty stories from Vegas haha. But I did go to Vegas this last weekend for one of my best friends bachelorette party. It was awesome!

We lounged by the pool (which got closed because it started raining, so ridiculous), we did a picture scavenger hunt...hilarious, and went out to a club called Tao in the Venetian, which was rockin! We also went and saw a Cirque de Soleil show, it was soooooo cool, the story line was a bit lacking, but the physical feats and spectacle of it all made up for it. Pics-very carefully selected from the Vegas trip will be put up soon!

I had a great time with the girls, which I have desperatly been needing. I haven't seen my girlies in three months, so it was time:)

Other than that life has been pretty good. I started a four week acting class which has been so phenomenal. I am so happy to be taking classes out here finally. The first hour of class focuses on improv and the second hour is spent on scene study. I look forward to it every week.

I have a couple of photo shoots coming up this week, so that should be fun. Also got some of my other pics back from my first photo shoot...think they turned out really well!

One Photo Shoot

2009-07-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

Interesting, people either loved these or hated them...no inbetween. What do you think?

http://www.alissachristensen.com

Taking the good and the bad

2009-07-17T14:26:00.001-07:00

This last week has been full of really good and really bad things. Let's start with the bad and end with the happy!

BAD:
1. Got my car broken into-there was nothing to take so that is lucky. However, they did break my window and I had to get it replaced.

2. I drove fourty minutes to get my new window for $75 then got home and found out it was the wrong one. Had to drive back the next day and pay $125 total for the right window.

3. A girl in my apartement complex was robbed at gun point....freaky! But I guess they were people she let in, so that makes me feel a little better than someone random breaking into the whole complex.

GOOD:
1. I still live in a beautiful spacious one bedroom:)

2. My friend Nick put my new window in for me for free.

3. I had an awesome photo shoot that got some great pics!. Those are soon to be posted, have to get the edited versions still.

4. Got more photo shoots out of that...maybe someday I will get paid to do them, that would be sweet. But for now I will take free pics that are super good.

5. I get to go to Vegas for Angie's bacholorette party next weekend!!! Can't wait to see my girlies:)

So all in all the goods outweigh the bads!

New Apartment:)

2009-07-11T15:00:00.001-07:00

Our new one bedroom apartment (not completely organized yet!).

We got all moved in this week! It is sooooo nice having space to really live and for the kitty's to play around in. We are still in the organizing putting away stages but it is coming along. We were also excited to get a couch. We found it on craigslist for a steal.

Other than that life has been pretty normal. Had two auditions today that I feel really good about. I have to close at work tonight, ugh not looking forward to being there until 11:30pm...I think my boss is trying to make it so that I will never have a reagular sleep schedule haha.

Hope all is well in your lives!

My weekend

2009-07-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

Pictures from my new media shoot this weekend.

Well I can honestly say that this fourth of Julywas the most boring one I have ever had. I worked from 8:30am-4pm. After work I went home and watched a movie by myself since Andrew had to go to work. Luckily Andrew's work was so dead they sent him home early:) We didn't have any plans so when my friend Alicia said she was getting together with friends and invited us we were glad to go. It was an interesting experience. We had one guy who was really drunk telling us that if we pay him he will manage our careers...but with no real credibility behind him. It was flattering though becuase he said I should be doing print modeling becasuse of my complexion and bone structure. There was also another guy, who I am pretty sure was high, mumbling in the back of the room, and this little tiny woman full of energy just sitting on the couch talking to us. Needless to say Andrew and I were both glad that we had to leave early so that I could go to bed, I had work at five the next morning. And that was my full fourth of July. No family, no fireworks, and no good food:(

Sunday I worked in the morning and then shot a new media project. It is a competition piece for Amazon.com. There were about fifteen of us women at the shoot...I have never felt so short in my life. Almost all of the women were 5'11" or taller flat footed and we all had high heels on. We are the "Amazons" of Amazon. If we make it to the top 50 videos of the competition you all will be able to vote on it. Hopefully we make it that far!

We move into our new apartment tomorrow...soooooo excited. That is about it for now!

Sister's Visist/First LA acting job

2009-06-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

My sister was in town this last weekend! I picked her up from the airport on Friday night around 8pm. I was planning to try and take her to a club down in Hollywood but we decided we were too tired to go all the way back down there once we got home. So Friday night we just went to a little restaurant by my house and had dinner.

While we were at dinner we went over a list of things that my sister enjoys doing and might possibly want to do as a career. She has been feeling stuck lately in life, so we were trying to figure out ways to get her up and running. Dinner was nice, and it was so great to catch up and have girl time!

While we were at dinner I got a call from a casting director to come be a featured extra in an industrial film the next morning. That changed our plans a bit, but my sister was great and flexible. So, Saturday we headed down to the USC campus and were there filming this very small film from 10am-2pm. I loved the experience. It wasn’t paid and I was a very small part, but it gave me some experience in front of the camera, which I desperately need. I have such little face time and exposure to film sets, that I need these small parts so that I can build up to being comfortable and knowledgeable when I get bigger parts on a set. It was perfect for my first acting job here in LA to coincide with my sisters visit, she was there to enjoy it with me.

After shooting my sister and I went to the beach!!! Ah the beach. We walked over to Santa Monica Pier and then just laid in the sun and enjoyed its warmth. I even got hit on while we were at the beach, which was a huge compliment to me...i've never been hit on while wearing only a bikini before hahaha.

After the beach we drove down Rodeo drive so she could see it, and also through Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Then we headed home, and went to posh little Mexican restaurant by my house. It was an odd mixure to have Mexican food in place that looked like a night club.

Sunday morning we went to get pedicures and then I took her back to the airport.

A cheers for family and to many more acting jobs in the future!

Visit my website http://www.alissachristensen.com

What a Week!

2009-06-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

So many things going on. First off let me give my respects to Michael Jackson, Farah Fawcett, and Ed McMann. I hope they truly are in a better place now. They each gave something to this world that cannot be re-created, and they will always be remembered.

Now to my busy exciting week. Andrew and I have been living in a studio since we moved out here to Cali, but have been feeling cramped, especially with two cats. We are currently paying $925 a month. Our apartment manager contacted us about a one bedroom that came available. They were originally asking for $1200 a month, which is not feasible at this time. When we talked to him again on Tuesday we told him we would pay $1050 a month., and guess what…we got it!!!!!!! It is sooooo much bigger and has pretty hardwood floors. Plus it is only two doors down so moving will be super fast and easy. I am so excited. We are moving first of July, happened so quickly.

I had two auditions this week. The first was for a stock photo shoot for a client from Japan. I had the initial audition which consisted of a lot of posing and smiling for the camera. I found out that if they choose me I will get paid $500 a day for the shoot and it will be a two to three day shoot! That would be more than I make in a month right now. I am not holding my breath because it is all based on looks, but the fact that I even got called in to audition is a compliment. They are holding call backs on July 7th…wish me luck!

My second audition was for an industrial film for a pharmaceutical company…nothing too exciting, but still an audition!

I will be in a short contest video for an Amazon.com contest on July 5th. I don’t get paid, but it will be great to finally get some time and experience in front of the camera.

I also had a casting director from actors access, a breakdown service, contact me about my vocals. He said they were great and gave me a contact number to someone else in the industry. This other man called me today and explained what he does. He has an extremely high reputation in the industry here, so he takes artists and packages them then sends that package out to hundreds of managers, agents, and casting directors. He said he is really picky who he works with because the industry trusts his opinions and they always respond to who he submits. I have to send him some video footage tonight and he said after he sees it he will be back in contact.

Things are finally really starting to happen for me. I am so excited.

Also, my sister is coming out for the weekend, can’t wait for some girl time with her.

Randomness this week: A man who was parked next to me yesterday told me when I got out of my car that I am his dream girl and that my eyes are incredible. It was very flattering, but a little odd.

http://www.alissachristensen.com

alissa@alissachristensen.com

New Boots!

2009-06-25T18:36:00.001-07:00

The Present

2009-06-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

This is what I ended up making Andrew for his birthday. I realized after I had printed the pictures that there is actually an option to have costco make a collage out of the pictures. Apparently I just like to do things the hard way. Oh well, I think it turned out pretty well. Hope he likes it.

Andrew's Birthday and The Hangover

2009-06-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

These are the before and after pictures from our experience at The Hangover.

Life has been pretty average lately. I had an audition last weekend and one today. I would say that today has been the most interesting in a while.

I had an audition to possibly do a photo shoot modeling a Junior Drake purse. I would be super excited to get the job, I would love to do a real photo shoot, and I would get a free $500 purse!!!! I had to be in downtown LA at 10:15am, what I didn’t realize until I was stuck in traffic on the freeway was that apparently the city of LA decided it would be a good idea to have a parade for the Lakers on a Wednesday morning at 11am. Fun. Was in traffic forever. Not to mention I was sketched out a bit to go to the audition because my friend said the area I was going to isn’t that great and his gps said it was in the middle of a train yard…so strange. Well I got there and it was fine. The building was in an industrial area but it was a nice and safe building with parking in front so I didn’t have to walk far.

We are also celebrating Andrew’s birthday today because one of our friends is going out of town tomorrow and we wanted him to be there, and because Andrew works all day on Sunday(his actual birthday). In celebration we took him to see the movie The Hangover, which was ridiculous, I laughed a lot, but seriously?! We are going out to dinner tonight where we will give him his presents and hopefully get a free birthday dessert:)

I have an audition lined up for tomorrow in Pasadena and am looking forward to it, it is for a music video. That is really about it for now. Will keep you all updated.

Gift Ideas?

2009-06-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Alright friends, I am looking for a little bit of help. Andrew turns 25 this next week and I am completely stumped as to what to get him. I don't have a lot of money and we don't have a lot of space. Usually I like to give sentimental gifts like a blanket I made him, a collage of pictures from all the plays he did during college, and things in that realm.

What I have realized over the past three years is that he loves these gifts, but they are the type of gifts I would like to recieve not necisarrily what he would like. So I am looking for ideas. Please please comment or send me a message if you have any fun ideas!!! Anything would help at this point:)

Oh, he doesn't read this so don't worry about his seeing any of your comments. Also feel free to email me at alissa@alissachristensen.com.

Sickey-poo

2009-06-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

So, I have been massively sick with the worst cold ever for five days now. Today is the first of those five days that I actually feel like a human being again. I have had to miss two shifts at work, but I go back tomorrow. I suppose I have been asking to get really sick, not treating my body as well as I should. It is a good reminder that if I won't give my body what it needs (sleep and nutrition) that is will force me to get those things by knocking me out of commision.

My week has pretty much consisted of sleeping, waking up to eat, sleeping, waking up to eat, and then sleeping again. I'm acutally looking forward to living a normal life again. Just wanted to remind everyone to take care of your bodies, lots of sleep, vitamins, and happiness!

Vegetarian Chai

2009-06-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know the quality of the video isn't great, but I had to make this short. This is based off of a customer who came into my work the other day. It was so ridiculous. Let me know what you think!!!

Oh I also met Kevin Spacey at my work on Friday, awesome!!!!!

http://www.alissachristensen.com

Emotional Ride

2009-06-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

I have been a bundle of emotions this week. I go back and forth between feeling ecstatic about life and the opportunities that I have and feeling sad and aimless. I’m not sure why I am having such wild mood swings. Possible explanations:

Lack of sleep…waking up at four in the morning to go to work

A massive consumption of coffee…I wake up at four and work at Starbucks what do you expect?

The fact that I picked up my life and completely changed everything by moving to Cali.

Whatever the cause I am taking it the best way I know how, which is not to try and change my feelings about life but to accept them as they come and feel them fully. For instance, today I went running in the rain and cried while listening to Celine Dion…but the fact that I did this makes me laugh. I am struggling to define myself and the life I want, but I am so glad I am having these emotional responses, it shows me how much I care. I know great things will happen for me in life, but right now I need to focus on the journey and all that comes along with it.

This is the first time in a month that I don’t have any auditions lined up, and I feel a little empty without them. Granted I had twelve auditions last month which is more than a lot of actors can say, but they became an enjoyable habit. Step by step I can take what comes into my life.

Just wanted to share what was going on lately. Hope to have good news to share with you soon!!

Just a Week in the Life

2009-05-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

This week gets mixed reviews from me. Part of it was good and part a little disheartening. I finally got my feedback from the agent audition. It is as follows:

Agent 1: I look like an actor and have a good headshot, rates me at a 5 out of 10 and said “nice job, keep at it.”

Agent 2: I look like an actor and have a good headshot, gives me a 5-8 (ready to compete) and said “good scene.”

Agent 3: I look like an actor but my headshot is not expressive enough, gave me a 6 out of 10 and said “cute, bright quality.”

I do not know which agent it which. Overall I am pleased with the feedback. I was a little disappointed that they did not provide more feedback, but usually with these auditions they don’t give you any. I hope to eventually get to the 9-10 range, but will take better than average at this point, especially coming from big time agents.

Not so great part of my week: the girl I rear ended filed an insurance claim, and a part that I got called back for and was certain I got I didn’t get. It all comes with the territory.

Random part of my week: a man who always comes into my work came up to me today and said “Sometimes you are so serious it makes me want to laugh. I can’t tell where things are changing for you cause you go from really serious to really happy; I can’t figure out your creative mind.” My boss says he is a director, but can’t remember if he directs for film or stage. Anyway I thought that his observation was pretty good, I usually can’t tell myself where the change comes from.

Hope you are having a good day!!

http://www.alissachristensen.com

Poll!!!

2009-05-24T18:48:00.001-07:00

Who do I look most like? I have been compared to all three in the last month, just wondering what the general consensus is. Mary Louise Parker, Jennifer Jason Leigh, or Ally Sheedy? All the people commenting said I look like young versions of these actresses. Email me or comment and let me know!!

http://www.alissachristensen.com

alissa@alissachristensen.om

Random news

2009-05-22T17:39:00.001-07:00

Andrew and I went and signed up for the Sandie Alessi Casting Agency today. Let the extra/background work begin!!

Random info: I rear ended someone yesterday, it was scary. The traffic here is crazy, it will be going normal speed and then for no reason at all just stop. Luckily I saw the car in time to slam on my breaks and only hit her going maybe five miles and hour. It was still pretty impactful, but nothing serious. No damage to either car yay. The girl was really nice, she was my age and she took down my info said she would only use it if she had to, but that she didn't think she would. All in all if that is the worst it is going to be I will be thankful. Hopefully that gets my car incidents out of the way here in Cali.

Also want to let you know that I have been auditioning like crazy, mostly for student films. It has been great to have so many auditions

That is all.

http://www.alissachristensen.com

Agent Audition

2009-05-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

The agent audition was awesome. It was so nice to get up and act in front of people and get some real feedback.

I found out that the casting director we initially auditioned with really likes me. I guess when Andrew, Nick, and Brandon went in for their second interviews to go over the process he talked about me positively to all three of them. This is great!! I have somehow managed to catch the attention of a professional in the acting industry in less than two months of being in LA. He compared me not only to a young Ally Sheedy but also to a young Jennifer Jason Leigh and Diane Lane. I’m not complaining.

We were told to show up an hour and a half before the actual audition so that we could get our sides, scene partners, and then rehearse. I was given a scene about a twenty two year old singer trying to get a producers attention, and the producer treats me horribly. Not a bad scene, I got to freak out at the end. I wasn’t too impressed with me scene partner he was mumbling a lot.

While I was rehearsing that scene the casting director came out and asked me if I would kill him if he gave me another scene. I was stoked, now I would get not only two chances to show the agents what I can do but I would have the opportunity to show more diversity. I was paired with an older man, who again I was terribly impressed with, he also mumbled. This scene was for a woman in her forties, I think someone may have not shown up to the audition and that is why he needed me to fill in. This scene was much more dramatic.

The agents got to the theatre and we went up one after another and did our scenes. I felt really good about my scenes. I was in the moment and excited. Andrew was awesome. His scene partner was a little stilted, but he was in it. Brandon had a great scene and really good chemistry with his partner, and Nick was also good but I felt that the scene he was given wasn’t very good for showing off his abilities.

After we were done the agents got up and did a Q&A. They mentioned that they rarely represent someone who was not already SAG eligible. So, now I have my next step. I must become SAG eligible. I am going with Andrew to sign up for a casting agency that focuses on extra work so that I can get my SAG vouchers!!! This is a wonderful journey.

Acting update

2009-05-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

Acting update: I didn’t get that student film, it sucks but it happens. Now I just move onto the next audition.

My friends Brandon and Nick have the same manager out here and she told them of an audition to go to. It was a prescreening with a casting director to get invited to audition in front of an agents from each of the three top theatrical agencies in LA (Talent Works, Diverse Talent Group, and Abrams).

Nick called Andrew and I after they audition and told us about it so we could also audition. We called in right away and got an audition time. The audition was great. I really enjoyed the casting director; he knows what a good casting director should do, make the actor comfortable the get the best performance out of them.

He kept going on and on about how he thinks I look like Ally Sheedy from The Breakfast Club. Don’t know if that is true but he certainly felt that way, he even pulled up a picture of her on the internet during the audition. He also told me I have a good fresh young clean look. He really liked my headshot. It was so nice to finally get feedback from someone who is actually successful and working daily in the acting industry. This man is a casting director who is currently casting shows. So just meeting with him and getting seen by him could turn out to be a huge networking opportunity.

Andrew, Nick, Brandon and I all made it to the audition for the agents. I was a little skeptical with all of us making it, but their manager said that other clients of hers didn’t make it and that the casting director really likes actors with theatre background.

I am super excited for the audition and the opportunity. The audition is this next Tuesday so I will definitely keep you updated. Wish me luck!

Go to my website http://www.alissachristensen.com

2009-05-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it has been a busy week and I haven’t had time to write. I will try to update briefly.

I have been working more consistent shifts at Starbucks. I am starting to get the hang of it, but still feel at times I’m letting everyone down. I just need to remember that I have only been working there for three weeks, it’s ok that I don’t know everything perfectly yet.

I also started an experiment. There is such a stereotype about girls in LA. All girls are supposed to be really thin with big boobs and blonde hair to be successful. I wanted to see if I would be treated differently based on just one of those factors. Would people treat me differently with blonde hair? So I bought a long blonde wig and wore it out. The larger breast experiment is yet to come.

Side note: I bought my wig at the same place Britney Spears bought her wigs after she shaved her head. I thought that was kind of funny.

I went out with some friends to The Grove. The experiment didn’t go as well as I had hoped. I didn’t really interact with people just walking around the mall. I thought a bar might be a better place to interact, but I was with such a large group that no one approached us. I need to find a way to go out with the wig to a place where I really interact with people to see if there is a difference in the way I am treated.

The experiment continues.

Family

2009-05-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

I got to see my sister today!!! She came to Cali with her husband and two kids for a week vacation. They started down in San Diego and came up to Universal Studios today. It was so nice to be around family.

They came to see my apartment this morning and then I took them to the Starbucks where I work. My niece really wanted to go to the psychic book store down the street so I took her there. Her reactions to it were so funny; she was slightly freaked out by the sticks with skulls on the top and the naked statues… hahaha.

After the visit to Starbucks and the book store they went to Universal Studios. I was going to go with them until I found out it cost a pretty penny to get in.

Once they were finished at Universal Studios I went to dinner with them at a 50’s restaurant named Mel’s. I was so nice having time to just sit and talk with her and the family.

I am so glad that my sister and I are starting to reconnect. We got really close about eight years ago, but then I went off to college and she got married and had a baby. We haven’t taken the time to build that relationship back up since then. The funny thing is that up until I moved here we worked at the same company for a year and a half, and we still didn’t find time.

We both decided during the visit that we want to have that close relationship again. So, starting today, we begin anew. We are even trying to plan a girls weekend where she would fly out here and we would spend two days laying by the pool and getting massages. I would love it so much.

It’s been a very good day.

Side note: I had an audition yesterday for a student film, and I am feeling really really good about it. I will find out by Wednesday. Wish me luck.

Friends:)

2009-05-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

I went out this weekend with some new friends I made at work. I’m so excited to have friends here, it isn’t nearly the same as it is with my friends at home yet, but it is a network of people who understand. We went to see Earth. I was really excited to see the movie after watching the entire Planet Earth series. I was disappointed in the movie for the simple fact that it was just segments from the series put together in a movie. Still beautiful and impressive, but the same thing I have already seen.

All four of us that went out are actors. Sean is in his sixties and extremely talkative, probably the most talkative person I have ever met., but very sweet. Sam is nineteen and moved here from Colorado last August. Amalia is twenty six and moved here four years ago from Indiana.

One of the things I love about this place is the diversity; everyone I meet is from somewhere other than here. There is so much to learn from this great melting pot; the longer I am here the more I am appreciating what LA is.

Bread

2009-05-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was my first time making bread from scratch.

It is a long laborious task, which I thouroughly enjoyed.

Plan to make much more bread in the future.

Hope future loaves will turn out better and not taste like yeast...yuck haha. It was my first try.

Recycling

2009-05-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Let’s talk recycling. I really like recycling; I think it is something we should all try to do as part of our duty to save the planet. Where I lived in Utah we had recycling at out houses, one bin for garbage one for recycling. These bins would be picked up by the city and taken to their respective facilities.

Here in Cali we don’t have the same recycling service. What I did find was a small recycling station in the parking lot of a nearby grocery store. Here is what I noticed on my recycling trip.

Hours 8am-5pm, closed Mondays.
Must recycle one piece at a time into a little conveyer…long lines and old men
Apparently we can only recycle small glass bottles, aluminum cans (with the exception of slim fast cans), and small plastic containers, which doesn’t include yogurt containers. What happened to cardboard and paper?
A big locked garbage can, had to carry all of what we couldn’t recycle back home to throw away.
You get paid for each thing they accept, we made a total of $.35

Here is the bag full of what we had to take home and throw away, all of it being paper or cardboard.

Here is what we attempted to recycle, only a small portion of which ended up being acceptable.

Here is me…“What?”

Now the hunt continues to find a recycling place that will actually accept a broader range of items.

Things are falling into place

2009-05-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Guess where I got a job!!! Starbucks:) One 0f Forbes top 100 companies to work for. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2009/full_list

I started training this week and am really excited to have a job I won't hate. My co-workers are very nice and helpful; there are some definite characters. I’m a little overwhelmed with all of the information I have to learn, but that is the same with any new job. Once I get some good practice I will be a drink making master. I will normally be working opening shifts, which means I will have to be to work at 4:15am.

I would consider myself a morning person, but someone who wakes up at 3:45am to go to work is not a morning person, that is a middle of the night person. The nice thing is that it will give me the whole rest of the day to work on auditions or anything else I want.

I’m so excited to finally start building some stability here.

I had three auditions this week. The first of many auditions I will hopefully be going on here. I auditioned for an agent, a theatre production, and a student film.

The agency was the Colleen Cler agency http://www.colleencler.com/. Both Andrew (boyfriend) and I were asked to come in at 11am on Tuesday morning. We thought it would just be the two of us, but in reality it was about fifteen people. We all got a chance to introduce ourselves and then we had to read a 30 sec commercial. The woman we were auditioning for was giving everyone comments like "now do it as if you were a valley girl," and the like. Well, we get to me and she says "pretend you are applying for a job, but you are anxious and nervous visibally." First of all when I go in for job interviews in real life I am anxious and nervous, but I always present myself professionaly. Second, I didn't know what she was looking for, so I was a little frustrated. My main focus became just making my second read much different than my first read. Overall, I did the best I could.

Andrew did really well, he had everyone laughing. We should find out yes or no tomorrow.

The theatre audition was very interesting. The director had us get up on the stage one at a time and say whatever we wanted for two minutes, and that was our audition. It was complete improv. I went in planning to sing and ended up talking about moving to California and the different jobs I have worked. There are some really strange individuals in this world. Lets just say I heard some crazy stories at that audition.

The student film was also an odd audition. The sides they sent were a giant action scene, no dialouge. I was extremley curious to see what the audtion would consist of. I kept having this image of me trying to act out a death scene by myself, which, of course, would look ridiculous...(punching) "take that you imgainary killer."

Let me preface this next part by saying that I am not a physically aggressive person in any way. I have never hit, kicked, or even spit on anyone intentionally.

When I got to the audtion I found out that they were pairing one man and one woman and having them audition together. They would put the two individuals on either side of the room, and would then telll the woman her goal was to get to the other side of the room while the man's goal was to keep her from getting there. Needless to say I was nervous, nervous, nervous. It didn't help that everyone coming out of the room after the audition looked exhausted and upset.

I was the last person to audition and when it came to my turn there was only me and one other girl there. They brought us both into the room and said "ok, you are both the victim and you each think that the other person is the killer, so you will fight each other." This makes no logical sense. If we each thought the other person was the killer we would just run away from each other, but whatever.

So here I am at my second audition in LA and I have to get into a girl fight; it was scary. We were pushing each other and screaming. I left that audition shaking...I hope not all auditions here are crazy.

2009-04-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

Step one: Move to Los Angeles, done. Well, I suppose this step was actually a combination of multiple steps Step one was really saving money to move, finding a place to live, coming to grips that I would be living in a 500 square foot apartment with my boyfriend of three years and two cats, and then physically moving here. Step one= steps one through four. Actually, step one was proabaly the hardest of all. I was born and raised in SLC, UT and am the first in my family to move away. The longest I have been away from my family was for three and a half weeks when I went to India on a school trip. I am excited to see what growth comes from making such a big and decisive journey.

Step twp: Get a job, in process. Ok, quitting one’s job that is stable and pays really well to run off to LA in pursuit of an acting career, not the most logical of moves. But moving during a recession to a state that has an unemployment rate over 11%, dumb. There really isn’t much more I can say for myself on this one. I have a dream, a dream I have had since I was five and I felt that the time was right to move on it, so here I am looking for a job in probably the worst conditions since the Great Depression.

Graph of unemployment rates in CA http://www.google.com/publicdata?ds=usunemployment&met=unemployment_rate&idim=state:ST060000&q=unemployment+rate+in+california

Step three: Get an agent, in process. I actually have my first audition with an agent this week. Really I have no way of knowing what will happen, but I’m trying to stay positive. So here is to hoping she falls in love with me the moment we meet and wants to represent me.

Step four: Don't lose my mind while I pursue the passion of my life, continuous step. This step will be the never ending step. Not but three weeks ago I was a 22 year old woman living in SLC, UT where I had lived my whole life, and now I live in LA, uncertain of every move. This tends to irritate me. I like structure and planning, not knowing the next step is foreign to me. I am the type of person who, for some reason, feels like I have to rush through life to the next step. I’ve always been this way. I'm that girl, the one who graduated high school early and had my degree at 20. My boyfriend, on the other hand, is very laid back and relaxed, a great reminder of the fact that life is not about the end destination. Alissa, stop. Breathe. Live.

The journey continues from here. Let life be what it will.