Booking out

BOOKING OUT

So, here’s the thing with booking out. You have your life to live, but to be considered for the part, you must be available. If you’re not here to work the job, how do you expect to audition or be called in for the job? But, they always say, if you want a job, you better book a trip out of town. Boy is that true. 

I’ll never forget when my agent (whom I love and adore and is one of my biggest supporters!) said, “Aw, honey, it’s okay when you book out, but I like it better when you’re here.” I laughed it off, she’s my sweet agent after all who is giving me her honest opinion. Then I started to really think about it. She is a great agent and believes in me so much, that she and all the other agents are working so hard for me, trying to get me in for a job that they think I’m right for, but how do I expect to work, or how do my agents expect me to make them money if I’m not in town to work? They show up for me so I gotta show up, too!

I wish I could travel more. I wish I could just whisk myself off to London or travel for three weeks in Asia or a quick Thursday-Sunday to San Francisco. I really want to do that! Who doesn’t?! But for every book out, even for a three day weekend, I have to realize, I am taking myself out of the equation. Some productions work on weekends, yeah. Not many, but some. It's a full Monday-Friday job, and sometimes Saturdays. It makes me, you (the actor), unavailable. And a lot will argue, you have to experience and travel and see the world, and I want to, so bad! But I also realize what I have sacrificed to be here, how far I have come and I’ve had to pick and choose when I do go out of town. I'm just more thoughtful of what I want to go do, like, weddings! Or sister trips!

When I am booked to go out of town, I can’t complain that I’m not auditioning. For starters, a role has to be available for me to be called in (re: last week’s post), but I can’t be mad if there is a job I’m right for and I’m not being submitted or called in because I am not going to here. I mean, call me crazy… but I’ve found it nearly impossible to be two places at once. That’s when you literally become a flight risk for your agent the moment you start typing the words “booking out”. I cringe and close my eyes every time I start typing that email. I’m not an agent, but I can only imagine it’s an agents worst nightmare. I could ask, but don’t want to stir that pot. ;) It’s like, you’re ghosting. You’re kinda-sorta there, but not. 

Now, that’s not to say you can’t do both. I have learned the hard way that I should ALWAYS buy trip insurance. I have made the decision to tell my agent when I’m booking out, but also let them know, “hey, if an opportunity does arise that works for both of us, I am willing to re-schedule my trip or fly days if I book it.” I am definitely open (and it’s worked for me) to be available to change my trip for a booking, not necessarily an audition. For instance, this example: I just went to Vegas with my sisters for the first time during episodic season, which to some sounds crazy (I was very anxious about this). I booked out a Thursday-Sunday and let my agent know I got trip insurance, if anything happened, I was willing to reschedule. 

So, of course, I book the trip and I get all the appointments all at the same time, (book a trip book a job!) THANK YOU, BABY JESUS! I auditioned for two shows, got two pins in a day, booked one the next day, then was on hold for the other for over a week. YES. A PIN. FOR OVER A WEEK. No stress. Just going about my everyday normal life… not stressed at all…  I knew that the role worked that Thursday I was flying, so the day I auditioned, I pushed my flight to Friday one I got the pin. And I was okay with that, my sisters understood. They thought I was being dramatic, yes, but it’s business. I’m not going to say sadly or unfortunately, but I ended up being released from the pin for a great part on an amazing show. I was so giddy beyond belief, but they went in a different direction, and that’s awesome. I know I booked that room. I booked that casting office, I made an impression on the creators, and they simply said, “we love her but the role is going in a different direction.” FABULOUS! I’m so happy for whoever booked it because she made more sense for their story. (I just saw the episode and they definitely went in a totally different direction that made so much sense for the show.) It just means it was her time! You probably think I’m crazy to be taking such a gamble, but if you want to be a player, you gotta show up. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Did it work out how I hoped? Nope. And that’s okay! It’s just made me available for something else, because there will always be something else!

As far as the holidays right now, things are a bit tricky. I was anticipating things, based on my experience over the past few years, for the week of Thanksgiving to be “slow” and the week of Christmas to be “slow.” Meaning, production shuts down for the week…. well, no, no. Not the case. There seem to be tons of productions that are shooting up until the Wednesday of Thanksgiving week, which makes sense. “We’re loosing light people!”

The rest of the world doesn’t get the day off until Thursday or maybe Wednesday and maybe Friday off. Why would our industry be any different? People are so lucky if they get two weeks off during the year in any line of work! They are meeting their deadlines and getting things squared away before the season ends and they need every hour they can get.

I did get trip insurance but have already had to cancel an opportunity after mulling it over. I don’t regret it. It’s a little deflating because you’re trying to do both and you have to choose one or the other. One of my best friends said, “Aly, you can’t live in fear of missing an audition.” Absolutely. You have to go about, and if worse comes to worse, you can always self tape. (More on taping later.)

You might think I’m selfish, one track minded, missing out, sure. I do miss out on a lot being so far away from home, and that’s the sacrifice I’ve made. It’s not easy.  I approach this as business. As fun as it is, it's work. A lot of jobs are on the line and a lot of time and coordination goes into making a show or movie, so you always gotta stay up on top of your game. 

So, after all of this little big picture lesson (hehe), if you do go out of town, be sure to bring all your equipment with you! I also learned the hard way. I promise you— go out of town, and there will be a self-tape for you. My sister always makes fun of me when I say, “oh, I can just travel with only a carry-on!” Then I think, “no, I have to bring my camera, my mic, this, that, my tripod…” it’s a whole thing. And she rolls her eyes at me thinking I’m being dramatic and I probably am, but I swear, every trip I’ve taken, I’ve had a self tape and voiceover submission to get to.

It’s always going to be a gamble. Nothing is certain in this industry, there are about 239,582,985 different variables that are out of your control, and then sometimes, just sometimes, the most perfect variables line up in your favor. You just have to be available to accept the opportunity. 

Book a trip, book a job. It’s my way of tricking the universe. I’m like, I’m going to go live my life and do all these really fun awesome things, and the universe is like, no no! You got work to do. I ain’t mad at it. I call it Princess Problems (thanks LJ!). 

I hope this helped you with a little insight as far as booking out for the holidays and booking out during the year. I think it’s an important discussion. Once I tried booking out from Thanksgiving to the New Year, because it’s slow during the end of the year. My rep was like, “…………” I was like, “okay, I wont…” Looking back I realize I was insane and I’m glad (and I’m sure they are, too) that I made myself available a lot more during last holiday season. (I did get a lot of amazing opportunities for pilots that short time I came back.) I want to live my life and I want you to live your life to the fullest of your heart’s content, but you do have to weigh both sides and really evaluate the big picture. This year, I got my flight until early January and am already thinking I might have to change that. Thank goodness for trip insurance! We shall see. Happy Turkey Day week!!! Keep dreaming. Keep scheming. And keep eating that pumpkin pie.

Complexion Perfection! My Go-To Audition Complexion Faves

COMPLEXION PERFECTION: My Go-To Audition Complexion Faves

Obviously, different face and cheek products have different purposes. Some are going to give you very sheer coverage with a glowing finish or more of a full coverage, natural-matte finish. Whatever your preference is, it’s provably a combination of these. It’s probably my favorite from past clients, “I want a really sheer and lightweight full coverage matte-finish foundation with a little glow.” Yes. You read that right. It makes no sense and no truer words have been spoken. 

So, here are a few of my favorite go-to face and cheek products, depending on the occasion. I tend to use these products for auditions, going out, everyday, etc. If I’m not going out, I don’t wear much makeup. I prefer to let my skin breathe. If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, you know I am obsessed with face masks and skincare! More on that later.

You might think I’m biased and am in love with Hourglass based on the amount of it taking up the collage…. and you’re right. It’s just so good! 

Hourglass Veil Foundation 

To me is The Holy Grail of foundations. Here’s how we met: It was late on a Sunday. I was working at the MAC counter and had just clocked out. I moseyed over to the Hourglass counter at Bloomingdales and I asked the girl, “Oh, what is this? Hourglass? Never heard of it… What’s so hot about it?” “Just check it out,” she replied. I started swatching colors on my hand, and upon seeing the flawless finish and coverage, I had a fascinated head tilt in seeing the utter beauty that was appearing before my eyes. Was this magic? No. It was real. I immediately ran for a makeup wipe to try it on my skin. On it went with fingertips and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I WAS PERFECT. I WAS LITERALLY. PERFECT.  It was so hydrating, gave the most perfect coverage, didn’t look heavy. I just, I felt like it was a light coverage foundation, just enough for me to look like a Barbie Doll. It was bizarre. It was amazing without looking like anything, if that makes sense. To this day, it is my “treat” foundation. It’s instantly hydrating and soothing for dry to combination skin types. It provides more medium to full buildable coverage, though it can go very sheer depending on how you apply it. The finish? OH THE FINISH. This is what all foundations should aspire to be. It fills in fine lines and pores, gives you the most perfect texture, finish and coverage without looking like a mask. It’s probably my favorite foundation in the whole wide world. The way it makes me FEEL is gorgeous. I prefer to use a damp beauty blender, or my new favorite Morphe brush M444. And, if you’re a person who is concerned with what goes on your skin, you’ll be happy to hear that all Hourglass products are vegan, paraben-free and this foundation is anti-aging. SLAM DUNK. 

Hourglass Vanish Stick Foundation

HELLO FLAWLESS! It’s a combination foundation concealer stick. So easy to apply and incredible coverage. It’s more of a full coverage foundation with a natural-matte finish. I wouldn’t say it’s a natural skin like finish, but it isn’t super matte. It’s like. Cushiony full coverage perfection. I got this so I could have for when I’m going out and want an absolutely perfect full coverage finish. It’s not heavy at all but has a great finish. I liked blending it out with a damp beauty blender or again, with my new Morphe Brush M444.

Laura Mercier Moisture Supreme Foundation 

This one is next on my list is amazing if your’e looking for something with more coverage than a tinted moisturizer but feels like one. It claims it can go full, but I’ve never needed that much. It’s hydrating for dry to combination skin types, which is me. My skin soaks it up and is very comfortable. It honestly feels like a water based foundation on my skin. It’s very light, very fluid-like and gives a perfect radiant finish. I wouldn’t set it with a powder, simply because I’m dry but also because you’ll kill the gorgeous finish. *** SIDE NOTE*** I was trying to search it here in the U.S…. I don’t think it’s available on their site or Sephora in the U.S. Strange.

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro

Um. This foundation is absolutely gorgeous. There is a reason why this is the line’s most popular foundation. It gives me more of a medium to full coverage foundation with a natural satin like finish. It’s description on their website is very accurate. **This is probably my go-to audition time foundation.** I like that it looks natural, lightweight and fresh but with coverage with a natural finish. It doesn’t look powdery or dry and is comfortable on my typically dry skin. It is honestly one of the most perfect on-camera foundations and there is a reason that it’s used on set. It has a silicon base so it will be comfortable on the skin and creates an invisible barrier between your skin and the product to make your skin look super perfect. It also claims that it’s not necessary to wear a primer with it, as a primer is built in. I personally don’t usually use primers since I’m dry, but I’m going to look for this from now on. This is definitely something you need to have in your makeup bag if your’e an actor. 

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation 

This foundation is pretty good for when I want a natural-matte finish. From my experience it tends to be more on the matte than natural-matte finish. It provides very nice coverage and finish, but isn’t as comfortable or as hydrating on my skin like the other products. I like it and use it when I have an audition, but my skin has to be very well hydrated before I even think about using it. I wouldn’t set it with a powder, I think it would be too drying for my skin. I would definitely use a setting spray, a hydrating spray like Mario Badsescu Rosewater spray, MAC Fix Plus or First Aid Beauty Skin Finish.

Hourglass Hidden Concealer

It’s heaven. It’s super creamy, hydrating, full coverage and blends perfectly. I never feel like I’m pulling at my skin when I blend it out. It’s silky and gorgeous. It’s comfortable and I don’t feel like it creases or dries up like other concealers. Some super hydrating concealers I feel stay creamy and wet and crease. This one I feel does not. I could be biased but I feel perfect when I wear it. Must have for those late nights you’ve been up late studying your lines!

MAC Studio Finish Concealer

This was my staple go to for years. It provides me ultra full coverage for my super dark circles. It is creamy, but you have to warm it up/move it around with your spatula so it becomes more blendable. I used to have clients tell me that it didn’t give enough coverage and I would say, “FACT: IT COVERS TATTOOS.” And I would show them. And they’d be quiet. It gives great coverage, but after experiencing Hourglass, it isn’t as hydrating and after trying other products, I feel it pulls a bit on my skin. It’s generally a good concealer, especially for the price point. AND IT LASTS FOREVER.

Hourglass Diffused Light 

I was sold when the girl told me it was like a real life Instagram filter. The End. It’s the most perfect powder, not powdery or flaky, it just perfects any foundation with a glow to have a soft low level pearl finish. It’s stunning. This is the type of powder you want to use if you want to set your foundation, but don’t want to kill your glowing finish. This is my setting powder for when I don’t want a radiant glow, just a subtle one. You can also pat on a bit more under the eyes and on top of the cheekbone for a subtle brightening highlighter. Must have for a night out or auditions!

Hourglass Dim Light 

This is a perfect setting powder. For my fair skin, it tends to look like a bronzer, so I use it on my cheekbones to sculpt my face. I like it doesn’t get too dark or too orange on my skin, which most bronzers tend to do. Must have if you need a little color! 

Hourglass Incandescent Strobing Powder

Um. This is. I was. I can’t. Speechless. It’s one of the most flawless and subtle highlighters on the market. It has a high impact that isn’t obvious. I love highlighters just like the next girl but I much as I want to be “extra”…. I need something that won’t blind people when they look at me. I let my dazzling smile and personality do that. Teehee! KIDDING. But seriously. All the strobing powders are fantastic. *Proof it’s perfect; a boy stopped me when I was out in WeHo and he said, “Girl! What highlighter are you wearing? You look perfect!” That compliment was worth every penny. Whoever your are boy from WeHo, you have a special place in my heart. MUST HAVE FOR GOING OUT! 

MAC Ladyblush Creamblush 

For the love of blush!  I have been wearing this for years! It has the perfect rose/mauve finish with a hint of peach. It looks like a natural flush on the skin and is so buildable. I love having a soft cheek when I do something stronger on my eyes or lips. This looks great on-camera, very natural and doesn’t look wet. They dry down to a natural satin matte finish. You can always set it with a soft blush for more longevity. This is a must have if you want your blush to look like you created it naturally underneath your skin, not like it’s sitting on top.

MAC Have a Lovely Day! Comfortable Cheek and Lip Color 

I love this! It’s a bit more blue than the Ladyblush and has a completely different texture. It’s a bit more sheer and more gel-like, more watery than creamy if that makes sense. I don’t usually wear this when I’m going on camera as it looks too wet, but do use it on my lips. This is a great staple to have in your makeup bag for an instant flush like you just got out of the gym.

Youngblood Mineral Cream Blush LUXE

I just discovered this line at Nigel’s the other day! It’s a mineral line that was created for skin that’s in recovery, like if you suffer from acne or intensive laser treatments that leave your skin raw or inflamed. So, it’s essentially a product that lets your skin breathe that allows you to wear makeup while your skin heals. That sounds great in my book. I was drawn to the color LUXE. It’s the most beautiful raspberry colored cream blush. It looks intimidating because it’s such a deep color but when it hits the skin, it’s this gorgeous, wind-burned kind of look. I know it sounds crazy, but trust me. It gives the perfect amount of color to the cheek. It’s so sheer but can be built up. You could use your finger, but a fluffier brush works best since it is such an intensive cream product. A finger could apply a bit too much. I know this from experience. A casting director was like, “Oh, am I embarrassing you?” It was rough. So, moral of the story, I would apply this one with a brush for sure. This shade is perfect for a range of skintones, from fair, to caramel to deep. It has the perfect amount of cool raspberry color that gives a natural winter glow.

Well I hope you found this post helpful and entertaining. These are just things that I keep on my vanity for my quick go to’s! Let me know if you have any questions or if you have any suggestions for great on-camera and everyday face and cheek products!

May all of you have a magnificent episodic season! 

Cheers!

Xox Alyssa 

Alyssa Gabrielle Rodriguez

Hiiiii! Welcome to my blog page!  I would post personal blogs here, but they would mostly consist of: "He didn't call me back! -- or, nailed it! -- or... why didn't they pick me?" Which is great and okay! But, I want my blogs to be meaningful (not that my personal life isn't meaningful)... At the moment, I'm focusing blogs on being constructive and honest for actors' potential, so please check out my blog at www.lastlooksimaging.com for image consulting/booking info/actor tips and for beauty tips, please check out my website and growing blog at www.makingitwithmakeup.com. Happy episodic season! :D GO BE AWESOME. I'LL SEE YOU ON SET!