Columbus Actress Appearing in 'IDES OF MARCH' by Richard Mason

MAYA SAYRE

I recently interviewed Columbus based actress, Maya Sayre, who is currently appearing the George Clooney's latest film, 'THE IDES OF MARCH' which was filmed in Ohio and opened last weekend.  Maya is represented by the CAM Talent Agency and was cast by POUND AND MOONEY CASTING out of Detroit.  Maya was hired to work on the film for five weeks but says she actually only worked three in the role of SUE an aide to Presidential Candidate, Governor Mike Morris (Clooney).


Maya and I worked together on a film a few years ago, THE COURIER, and we're lucky to have such a talented actress working in this region.  Here's the interview:


Would you take this opportunity to introduce yourself, and tell us a little bit about your history and experience?

I'm an actress based out of Columbus, Ohio.  I attended Otterbein College (now Otterbein University) and earned a BFA in Musical Theatre.  I have worked professionally on the stage, behind the mic, and in front of the camera, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities I've been given.

DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE in the Ides of March

The film centers around a democratic primary in Ohio, and it follows Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) through the campaign process, and into some pretty sticky situations.   I played a staffer in the Morris campaign, and I was one of three main staffers who worked closely with press secretary Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling.)  

HOW MUCH REHEARSAL did you have BETWEEN GETTING SCRIPT AND ACTUALLY SHOOTING?

Pretty much none.  There were a few times we had some private blocking rehearsals with the principal actors, but other than blocking, there wasn't a rehearsal on the set.  (At least not one that I was a part of.)  I have heard that especially for smaller roles, a director might cast someone who already embodies the character, so not much direction would be needed.  

MOST INTERESTING MOMENT ON SET

I had MANY surreal experiences on the set, but I think some of my favorite moments were simply watching the other actors work.  Seeing the subtle nuances they brought to their characters, and how effortlessly they made adjustments was inspiring.  You know you're watching true professionals when they make it look easy.  

WHAT SURPRIZED YOU THE MOST ON SET

I had been a part of a number of independent films, and few larger ones as well, so I pretty much knew what to expect as far as the environment.  However, I was constantly blown away by the crew.  With minimal discussion, they made the scene changes and lighting set ups happen like clockwork.  Again, those pesky professionals making things seem so simple! 


IDES OF MARCH is currently playing at a theater near you.  Check it out and see other local talent in principal and featured extra roles.

G&G Productions is holding auditions for “Tarnished Medal,” a short film about a war hero to be shot in the Dayton area, and targeted for the GI Film Festival in Washington D.C.

Auditions will be held Saturday, October 29
9 am – 3 pm at The Phillips Sand and Gravel conference room
620 Phillips Drive, Beavercreek, OH 45434

Available Roles:
Male(s) – 25-30
Female(s) – 22-30
Males -- 40’s
Male – 50ish

Brief readings from the script will be used for audition material.
Production is scheduled the weekend of November 11-13.
No pay, but you will be credited.

Contact Joe at JLGribble@gmail.com to reserve a time slot.

JAMES DREUSSI - THE TALENT GROUP

Acting in Columbus alumni James Drusse is currently appearing the film WARRIOR.  WARRIOR was shot earlier this year in Pittsburgh. James was cast by Donna Belajac Casting and is represented by The Talent Group in Cleveland.


Rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton command the screen as two estranged brothers facing the fight of a lifetime in Lionsgate’s WARRIOR, a moving, inspirational action drama from acclaimed director Gavin O’Connor (Miracle).

Acting for TV Commercials - Introduction to Acting for the Camera

PHOTO: Eric James Sarich currently appearing in a
CINCINNATI BELL Commercial. (See below)

PHOTO: You are going to be seeing a lot more of Acting in Columbus student Eric Sarich (Heyman Talent). Check out his Cincinnati Bell commercial posted below.


Sunday, November 6, 2011 1:00pm - 8:00pm $175 


Learn how to audition for and break into the local commercial and industrial industry. You will learn how to make the first contact with the agents. By taking this class you have the opportunity to show the agents that you are serious about pursuing this type of work.This workshop will give you experience with the actual audition process:

You'll work on-camera all day doing both prepared and cold readings, and receive plenty of feedback from instructor Richard Mason.

Script analysis skills: We have written our own textbook that breaks this process down and makes it simple.

Comfort in front of the camera: How do you stand? How do you hold the script? How do you deal with your partner and the camera at the same time? What is a slate? What do you do with your hands?

Practice at doing all types of commercials: Scene work, improv, one-liners, bite and smiles, handling products, etc. You'll also learn how to market to the casting directors, all about pictures and resumes, how the unions work, etc.

BRITTANY BELLAND - HEYMAN TALENT

BRITTANY BELLAND came to Acting in Columbus with a pretty solid foundation of acting skills but she wanted to kick her career up a notch and that's exactly what happen.

Brittany currently has a commercial online for Zeno Hot Spot, an acne product. You can view it at www.myzeno.com, it's the video directly on the home page!

Brittany also auditioned for Paramount's film 'FUN SIZE' starring Victoria Justice which shot in Cleveland last summer.  Brittany was originally cast in a principle role but later lost the role due to last minute changes.  But we now know she can book feature films and has a very promising career ahead of her.

BRENT HAMPSON - CAM TALENT

BRENT HAMPSON'S future looks very bright. His first major booking was a BIG LOTS industrial and currently has a SPEEDWAY commercial airing.  Brent has done two shows at MADLAB and was invited to audition for the ABC Family film 'ELIXIR' at Donna Belajac Casting in Pittsburgh.  Not bad for his first year!

CHRISTINE MEER - CAM TALENT

CHRISTINE MEER wanted to increase her booking rate and took the ACTING FOR TV COMMERCIAL class last summer.  Since taking the class, Christine has booked a Wendy's International Industrial Film, Capital University(commercial and VO) and COSI (voice over for Dora and Diego project coming to town! ). She also worked on the Batelle project and a Genie (garage doors) industrial/commercial for a tradeshow.

WEEKEND ACTING BOOT CAMP

WEEKEND ACTING BOOT CAMP

Friday/Saturday/Sunday November 18-20, 2011 $350

Weekend Acting Boot Camp is designed for the beginner who want intensive training over a short period of time or the rusty actor who needs to get back on top of their game. Boot Camp will give you a strong foundation in acting techniques as well as a firm grasp of the nuts and bolts of scene work and audition skills.

Your Boot Camp will consist of no more than eight students who will discover together that acting is probably the most challenging and thrilling thing they have ever done. You will learn that if indeed this is for you and you stick with it, you will not only acquire a skill, but you will do something quite extraordinary with your life.

FRIDAY 7-9:30pm: Orientation Students will learn how to actively pursue objectives, creating character, and making choices based on the Super-Objective of the character.

SATURDAY 10am-6pm: Acting for Film/Scene Study
Begin work on subtext and objectives, gaining an understanding of the basic mechanics of playing a scene truthfully.

Audition/Cold Reading Techniques - Learn audition techniques that will help you get the part. Understand the audition process and learn what a casting director is looking for in an audition.

Getting a scene "cold", making powerful acting choices, listening and answering in the moment as you fully commit to your acting partner and your objective in the scene. Your auditions will be filmed and you'll receive feedback from the instructor.

SUNDAY 12-8pm: Acting for TV Commercials - Learn how to audition for and break into the local commercial and industrial industry. Experience with the actual audition process: You'll work on-camera all day doing both prepared and cold readings, and receive plenty of feedback from your instructor.

This class is limited to eight (8) students.

ELLA PALARDI - HEYMAN TALENT

ELLA PALARDI gave a strong performance as Juror # 7 in our film production of 'TO STAND ALONE' based on '12 Angry Men'

Ella was just cast as Becca in Rabbit Hole at Capital University. She also had a supporting role, Hannah, in a student film called Business As Usual over the summer. 

MAGEE S. - CAM TALENT

Magee S. is one hard working young performer with performances in several independent films and THE NUTCRACKER at BalletMet.  Magee is represented by CAM TALENT and here is a clip from her most recent booking: a COAST GUARD 'Family Ready Plan' training film.

OREL DE LA MOTA - CAM TALENT AGENCY

OREL DE LA MOTA started taking classes at Acting in Columbus last year and quickly was signed on by CAM TALENT.  After a slow start and several more classes, Orel step up his game and is now a force to be reckoned with.  Orel just finished a production of TITUS ANDRONICUS at MADLAB and recently shot a print campaign for SMUCKERS. Orel has also appearing in several industrial films.

JUSTIN COVERT - CAM TALENT AGENCY

JUSTIN COVERT just burst onto the scene - seemingly from nowhere.  Having had no previous acting training or experience Justin took the ACTING FOR TV COMMERCIALS class in August 2011.  Justin immediately was picked up by the CAM TALENT AGENCY and started booking right away.  Jason is currently appearing in a SAFE AUTO Commercial and the ABC TV Show 'FINAL WITNESS'. 

“Final Witness” — a blend of drama and documentary — portrays murders from the victims’ point of view and includes interview footage with real people involved in the case. Filming took place in Dayton, Ohio the last two weeks in September 2011.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

An Actor's Guide -Your First Year in Hollywood By Michael St. Nicolas

Nicholas has penned a pep talk and warning for the novice actor intent on finding employment in the performing-arts mecca of the world. An actor himself, he provides personal tips and insight, including a questionable chapter on how to stay mentally, emotionally, and physically fit. On firmer ground, he includes advice from casting directors, photographers, agents, other actors, and a writer/producer, a publicist, a manager, and an acting coach. He coaches how to become an extra, what are the requirements for membership in the Screen Actors Guild (a sample SAG contract is included), and how to audition. Nicholas emphasizes the importance of photographs, resumes, and, most of all, perseverance. Addresses for soap operas, game shows, and talent agencies are included. Encouraging but mostly realistic, Nicholas's book could be helpful to those who will not be disuaded from moving to the coast in search of glamor.