JEANNE HARTMAN WORKSHOPS TAKE 4
in HONG KONG May June 2010.
Be sure to sign up early and come learn in 2 day intensive workshops in Hong Kong.
Other workshops available go to the above link to get all the information.
Private Workshops coming soon.
Private Coachings and Coaching by Skype available.
Leave your information here for Jeanne. (link to leaving a message)
To sign up, email actingweekend@alivenotdead.com.
Interview with Actor/Director Jason Tobin
How did you get your first break in acting?
The first break I got was in a movie called 'Yellow', it was an independent film with an Asian American cast. I had been cast in a lot of student films at UCLA and USC but this was my first feature length film. I still remember the audition because the director gave me one of the best pieces of direction I've ever had. I did the scene once and it was fine but he looked at me for a moment and said, "He's not that smart." That really clicked with me and I realized then that to play characters that aren't 'smart' you have to work harder. It's like the motors in your head churn faster but you just can't seem to get what everyone else around you gets without trying. It was a great lesson. I booked the job and the film opened up a lot of doors for me. A few years later, Justin Lin saw the film and called me when he was casting for Better Luck Tomorrow.
If you're naturally talented, how important are acting lessons?
Talent is only one part of the equation. Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Daniel Day-Lewis, they all studied acting. It's like being a talented athlete. You still need a trainer to focus and hone your natural ability.
What was your first experience with Jeanne Hartman?
"The first film I was in was called Yellow. I hadn't had much training at that point and I basically used whatever raw talent I could muster and flew by the seat of my pants. When the movie was made I got some good reviews and I thought to myself - that wasn't too hard.
Then I got a call for an audition for another film. Having come off of Yellow I was feeling a little cocky. I went into to the audition proceeded to bomb. Badly. It was horrible. As I was speaking my lines I heard myself say to myself, "Jeez, Jase, you're really sucking bad." And no matter what I did I couldn't rescue the situation.
I walked out of the audition, livid. I got in my car and drove straight down to Samuel French bookstore on Sunset Blvd. I walked to the back where all the guides to acting teachers in LA were, picked up a copy and read the introduction. It said "..first and foremost amongst acting coaches, Jeanne Hartman.." That's it. I want the best. I don't need the book. I scribbled down Jeanne's number covertly and walked out the door.
I called Jeanne that afternoon and booked my very next job - my first co-starring role on a primetime, network TV show. What Jeanne did was help me become consistent. She helped me become a professional. Never forcing a technique on me but showing me the tools that could work and letting me be the judge. Thanks, Jeanne."
What's your advice for young actors in Hong Kong trying to make it in the industry?
This is a really tough question to answer. I would say my best advice is to stay grounded and not to get carried away with expectations. If you love acting, then be the best actor you can be. Get involved in other aspects of filmmaking, too. These days anyone can make a film for very little money so if someone's not giving you a break, you'll have to make your own. Chris Nolan the director of the Batman films made his first feature film for US$6,000. If you want to be a movie star, I don't really have any advice. There are so many factors involved. But the actors that I've, personally, seen go from nobodies to huge stars have always been dedicated actors, committed to their craft. A bit of luck wouldn't hurt either.
What can we look forward to from you?
I'm currently preparing for a role in a film set in the world of illegal street fighting, to be shot in LA in August. I play a promoter who shows the ropes, or corrupts, depending on your perspective, a young fighter. I'm also preparing to direct a film about 2 actors who go on a road trip from LA to Seattle. It's an homage to 'Withnail and I' and Bruce Lee.
http://www.alivenotdead.com/jeannehartman/event.html?view_all_selection_requests
The site does require membership but it is free.
Sign up for The Hartman Report e-mail newsletter!
Get the News that You Won't Find from Anyone Else!
Tips and Techniques for Actors and Public Speakers