As we head into the holiday season, most people are settling in to a slow nod off until the New Year. And while I do enjoy a complete playthrough of the vanilla version of Skyrim and a complete watch of Breaking Bad for the last seven years or so around this time, I will also be working on a few things.
Not having auditions to worry about can actually be freeing. I think I did my last audition until the New Year so I am reminded of a rule one of my mentors in the Marine Corps passed along to me. Maybe it'll help you as well.
"Work when everyone else is sitting around. Educate yourself when school is out. Go to the gym when no one is around to see you do it."
Taking this to heart, I'm finishing a feature script I've been working on for a few months. I'm working on a cartoon short film I'm producing. And I'm taking a meeting with an investor for my next feature.
There's nothing wrong with taking a break. Trust me, I can be lazy with the best of them! But if you follow Captain Keeton's advice, passed along to him from an old Gunny, not only in this industry, but in life too, you will find you are where you want to be in the end.
Good luck! I'd love to hear what you're working on over the holidays.
Hey, Brandon Keeton. Hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving! I plan on working on projects (finish rewriting a feature script, finish outlining a feature script, etc.) this month, but I might take extra days off. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your feature script and short film! Hope the meeting goes great!
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The feature is based on a short film we did entitled "Calls", and the short we just finished will be out shortly.
Good to hear about your stuff as well! Keep at it!
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Thanks, Brandon Keeton. I got a lot done during Stage 32's November Write Club. I'm gonna make a post about it this weekend or Monday.
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Awesome sauce Brandon Keeton ! I just wrapped on what I think will be my final two films of the year, a Christmas Horror that I'm the lead in (it's a gas lighting story called, Forever Yours, a script winner at Darwins last fest, he was a Producer on it) followed by my very first ever Silent Film ON FILM Old school Hollywood style where I play Stefan's wife (that was in our Cannes group) I can't wait to see the finished products for both, they looked really bizarre and artistic WHICH I LOVE of course, the weirder the better ;)
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Congratulations on wrapping your final two films of the year, Brittany Christine! I'm looking forward to seeing them!
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Even though I don’t have any holidays, I am still working on a thriller movie script whenever I get some free time. For now, I am not thinking about investors. I have full confidence that whoever reads this story will definitely like it.
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Hey Brandon Keeton, this is great advice! I get fewer auditions since I am edging ever so close to the age of 82, so I work on other things related to the business. I joined Film Florida seven years ago and am on the legislative committee to work on getting film incentives for our state. This week, I have written several letters to members of the House Ways & Means Committee, urging them to move the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (HR721) out of committee for a vote. I read for another actor for his self-tapes. My wife and i love to travel and we'll be on a cruise ship this month for a week. Of course there is also spoiling my grandchildren and great grandson.
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Brandon Keeton, this is such a grounded and motivating perspective, and the Marine Corps wisdom is spot-on. There’s something powerful about using the quiet seasons to move with intention, even if the industry itself is catching its breath. I love your reminder that this season can be both restful and productive. There’s real value in taking a breath, but also real momentum to be found in working while everything is quiet. Your projects sound fantastic, and I hope your meeting with the investor goes incredibly well.
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Ray Watters THAT'S AWESOME!