Week of March 30th

On Monday, 03/30, Brandon had an audition for a reoccuring role on GENERAL HOSPITAL. Unfortunately, he did not get a call-back ALL BECAUSE OF HIS BLUE EYES (the producers wanted brown....natural brown). So.....what a bummer!! The casting director loved Brandon and said that he had "soap opera looks" and his read was "spot on target" and his acting was "brillant and fantastic." But, producers ONLY wanted kids at call-backs with naturally brown eyes and brown hair. UGHHHHH The good thing is....he is on the casting director's "radar" for future roles. So, a guess a thumbs up on that!! On Tuesday, 03/31, Brandon had a voice-over audition for a US CELLULAR radio commercial. Which is a quick turn-around, so I am guessing he did not book. AWWW man!! But, on Wednesday, 04/01, Brandon shot his national ad campaign for JOHNSONVILLE SAUSAGES. This is a print job and is entitled: VACATIONVILLE. The ad will feature kids jumping into the lake. It was a really fun shoot up in Agoura Hills, CA. Brandon had a BLAST!! Lastly, we went on a hike through Griffith Park and saw the movie MONSTERS VS. ALIENS....what a cute movie!!

YOUNG ARTIST AWARDS

On Sunday, March 29th, Brandon walked the red carpet at the Globe Theater for the 30th Annual Young Artist Awards. Brandon was nominated for BEST ACTOR in a SHORT FILM category. Although he did not win, he was happy to be nominated with his fellow acting peers and received a plaque for his nomination. He got to meet Corey Feldman (who won a Lifetime Achievement Award) and had fun in the park afterwards with his manager and some other friends.

Week of March 23rd

Well, Monday and Tuesday we were filming TRANSCENDENCE in Palmdale. Upon our return home, Brandon had an audition on 03/25 for ODYSSEY. This is a faith based book series that is narrated on tape. Brandon had to read a lot of dialogue for the audition and is not sure about the audition....so we will see. On 03/26, Brandon had a call-back for the USC Grad Film "Swish." We felt like the audition went well, but filming starts this weekend--so I guess he did not book it. Initially Brandon did not like the script and overall-we felt he was too old for the part (so we were suprised by the call-back). On 03/27, Brandon had an audition for a reoccuring role on ICARLY. Again....a role that they were looking for 14-15, but Brandon went in anyways. His agent and manager are trying to get him in front of the casting directors as much as possible so that he stays fresh in their mind. He had good audition, but will not go any further because he is too young. But, that's ok-casting really likes him. :-) We also had the chance to go to Disneyland/California Adventure on the 27th! WOW! That was a fun day! My favorite ride is California Screamin' and Space Mountain. We stayed till the park closed (well even after....cause we were in line at Space Mountain). I had blisters the next day, too. Brandon had LOADS of fun with Kayleebeth.

TRANSCENDENCE

On March 21st, Brandon started filming the independent short film, TRANSCENDENCE. We filmed in Palmdale, CA at 3,400 ft. elevation. Boy was it cold. Soooo cold that I got laryngitis from it (I am FINALLY recovering now). Thank goodness Brandon did not get sick. The shoot was cancelled on the 22nd, as they got some snow up in the mountains, but we filmed again on the 23rd and the 24th. Brandon had a lot of fun working in the role of Kyle. We can't wait to see the final film and hope that it turns out well and gives him some footage for his demo reel.

Week of March 16th

Well, we started off the week with a print casting for JOHNSONVILLE SAUSAGES (which Brandon ended up booking). YEAH!! On March 17th, we had our St. Patty's Day Party at the apartment complex---that was LOTS of fun!!! Friday, March 20th, Brandon audition for an episode of Batman (voice-over role). He said it went ok....those voice-over animation gigs are HARD to book!! Brandon also officially started his spring break on the 20th and we drove up to Palmdale to stay with some friends. Thanks Nancy, Shannon & Joseph for your hospitality!! On March 21st, Brandon started filming TRANSCENDENCE. And boy was it cold....so cold, they cancelled the Sunday shoot day. So, we hung out with the Castanon's and went to the JJPZ Talent Showcase on Sunday, March 22nd. Boy, was that a GOOD talent show!! Congrats to all of our talented friends: Joseph, Kayleebeth, Joey, Aaron, and Jackson.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

I know I am late in posting this, but I wanted to post some pictures from the St. Patty's Day Karoake Party at our apartment complex. Hope you all had a FUN day!!

Liberty Lane Pre-Shoot

On Saturday, 03/14, Brandon shot a scene from the film LIBERTY LANE. Brandon is being considered for the role of Tim. We had so much fun on the shoot and we hope that Brandon (and his friend, Joey) are cast in the final project. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

2009 CARE Awards

On Sunday, March 15th, Brandon walked the red carpet at the 2009 CARE Awards. This was the 5th Annual CARE Awards and was held at the Globe Theater in Universal City, CA. This was Brandon's 3rd year receiving an award and it was just as much fun as the 1st time. The CARE Awards (Child Actor Recognition Event) was created to award child actors for not only working professionally in the business, but also maintaining good grades, good citizenship, volunteering, and maintaining a positive image. Brandon received his engraved trophy, as well as a nominee gift bag worth over $400. Congrats to Brandon!!

Week of March 9th

Things are slowing down for us, but I know they will pick up again soon. You always have busy and slow periods in this business. We started off the week getting a haircut (which was needed). It turned out nice and I am happy with it. The photo in this blog post is of the new cut. On Tuesday, 03/10, Brandon had two auditions. One was for a TARGET print job and one was for a voiceover (an animated Dr. Dolittle). Target had hundreds of kids....so, tough one to book. Voice-over seemed to go well, but we have not heard anything yet. Wednesday, 03/11, Brandon had an audition for a new pilot called THE GOOD WIFE. They were casting for a 14 year old and so all the kids were older. But, we went with the hope that the casting director would see him and keep him in mind for future projects. Fingers crossed! Today, 03/13, he has an audition for an independent short film entitled: GOOFYFOOT. He totally fits the character description, so we are going to keep our fingers crossed. It shoots in April. Tomorrow, 03/14, Brandon has an audition for a USC Grad Thesis Film entitled SWISH. This role they have decided to see boys and girls...and will change the role based on who they choose. That one also films in April.

On another note....Brandon booked the lead role of Kyle in the indie short film, TRANSCENDENCE. He will be filming in Palmdale March 20-23rd. He is really looking forward to performing this challenging role & I will be sharing photos. :-)

Brandon auditioned last week for the film LIBERTY LANE. Well, we got a call that the director has some kids he is considering and he wants to see their chemistry together. So, tomorrow (03/14), Brandon will be rehearsing and filming ONE SCENE as a practice to see how things go. If the director likes it-we may be offered the role. Fingers crossed on this one....SUPER COOL!!!! Brandon is being considered for one of the lead roles: Tim. I will post photos from the shoot tomorrow. The film website is: http://www.liberty-lane.com/.

And of course, this Sunday (03/15), are the CARE Awards. We will be posting a blog from that with photos and all the exciting info....stay tuned.

Week of March 2nd

Well, our week was a little slower than last week...but we still ended up with 4 auditions. :-) As per the post below, Brandon attended Andy's birthday party at Pickwick Bowling Alley. The kids had TONS of fun!! On Wednesday, 03/04, Brandon had an audition for "Dennis & Gnasher" a spec voice-over project (which he did NOT book, as it recorded on Friday). He also auditioned for a film called "Liberty Lane." The audition for that went well and he got to stay and read with 4 different sets of partners. On Thursday, 03/05, Brandon had another voice-over audition. This one is for the K-9 Advantix dog (you know-the cute one that sings in the commercials). Well, this time-the dog is talking and NOT singing. It records next week, so we should hear something (if he books it) by TUESDAY. That same day he also auditioned for the Disney pilot "A Million Hits." While Brandon was too young for the role (they were asking for 15 and most kids were 18 to play 15)....it was GREAT to get in front of the casting director again. While at his audition, he was told that he was sooooo close to booking the feature film SNOWMEN. They said that 1/2 the people wanted Brandon and 1/2 the people wanted Bobby (the kid who booked it). The casting director, Joey, said Brandon was her 1st choice, but director had final say and went with Bobby. UGHHHHHH Who knows why? Could be because he is 2 years younger, or the fact that he is pale and small compared to Brandon, or maybe because he had some big credits behind his name? At any rate, we were thrilled to just hear he was THAT close on a MAJOR STARRING role in a feature film. The CD (casting director) said he is back in a corner now and it is only a matter of time before he books! So, we are keeping our fingers crossed......we hope everyone is right!! Yesterday, Brandon & I went to the movies with his friend, Kayleebeth and her mom. We all saw the movie TAKEN. What a powerful movie! LOOOOVED IT! This weekend--we are just relaxing. Brandon has to write a paper on "Black Death" for school and we may just hang out. We are bummed to be missing Xander's birthday party....HAPPY BIRTHDAY XANDER! His birthday was March 2nd and he is officially 6 years old. Man-time flies!

Brandon also has another credit that has been added to IMDB for the film THE PSYCHO OF HAPPINESS. You can now check out his profile at:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2182241/

Andy's Birthday Party

Today after school, Brandon went to Andy's birthday party....Andy is repped by the same manager & they are good friends. His party was a lot of fun! It was held at Pickwick Bowling Alley with pizza, fruit, vegies, and cake!! Of course, Brandon did well bowling. A few strikes and quite a few spares. He was happy. :-)

Week of February 23rd

Well, this week was SUPER SUPER hectic. We started off Monday, 2/23 with his re-scheduled audition (from last week). This was for a Disney TV Movie called THE BOY WHO CRIED WEREWOLF. Although, casting said they LOVED Brandon...he is too young for the role. They said that they are going to keep in mind for other things and will bring him in for other projects. So, that was good. On Tuesday, 2/24, Brandon had two auditions. One was for a table read (untitled Spike Jones project) and one was for a new pilot called PARENTHOOD. Both auditions seemed to go well. On Wednesday, 2/25, Brandon had an audition for another new pilot called SONS OF TUCSON. This project is a really nice script and we are HOPING for a call-back....fingers crossed. On Thursday, 2/26, he had yet another pilot audition for the Untitled Ricky Blitt Project. This one I think he may have been too young for, but again-getting in front of casting is very important for future projects. Due to this pilot audition (on 2/26) and timing-we missed and had to cancel a commercial audition for SONY. Which was a bummer, but the pilot audition was scheduled first and couldn't be rescheduled. Today and tomorrow (2/27 and 2/28) are our FREE days...we might be going to the pool tomorrow because it's supposed to be 80 degrees, but we are just chilling out (after the busy week). Then, on Sunday, 3/1, Brandon has 2 auditions. One for a short film called TRANSCENDENCE and another one for a print ad for H&M (which does not shoot until JUNE)!!! Wish us luck...lots of auditions and things are busy here!

YAA Nomination Party

Well, today was the Young Artists Awards (YAA) Nomination Party. Brandon is nominated for Best Actor in a Short Film. This is for his role of Young Caleb in the film CALEB COULDN'T LOVE. There were a lot of really great kids there and even more will be at the awards show in March. We are looking forward to a GREAT red carpet event at Universal!! Win or lose, Brandon is thrilled to be nominated. :-)

Week of February 16th

This week was quite a week with his school accident, but we also had some other things going on....Monday, 2/16, we went to a VIP Concert at SIR Entertainment in LA. The concert featured Austin Anderson and Sweet 88. The photos above are from the concert....we attended with Brandon's friend, Noah, Kathryn Newton, and Olivia Girone. On Tuesday, 2/17, we wished my father a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and wished we could have been closer to help celebrate the day. Of course, Brandon had his accident on the 19th and we had to cancel that audition (but it has already been rescheduled and so all is well). The 19th is also the OFFICIAL day we switched over to CESD for commercial representation. Of course, we are already there for theatrical and voice-over representation and this will make things easier for us now. On Friday, 2/20, Brandon had his 1st commercial audition with CESD for Dannon Danimals followed with a voice-over audition for Lamplighter, a faith-based audio series. Brandon was also offered a role in the AFI film he auditioned for (Fragile), but we are still deciding on what to do with that.....we may not take it. Tomorrow is our YAA Nomination Luncheon.....yes, Brandon was nominated. So, I will post on that tomorrow. :-)

GET WELL SOON BRANDON!!!

As some of you may have heard, Brandon was hurt at school today. I went to pick him up after school and he was not waiting. I immediately panicked because he had a coaching session and an audition that we had to get to. I hopped out and asked some friends-no one had seen him. Then, I went back to my car to call a girl that had been texting him (his phone was in my car) and 2 people from the school came out and asked if I was Brandon's mom. They said he had been hurt and was inside. I went inside and there sat Brandon in tears. :-( Some kid had opened a door and it swung back and hit Brandon's left knee, as well as his arm. He couldn't walk....he had a HUGE bump on his knee and his arm was swelling up. So, I took him over to the URGENT CARE across from the hospital. Doctor said that his arm took a good hit, but was just swelled and to ice it. His knee concerned him a little because of the bump. He thought his patella was dislocated or he had broken something. So, he tried moving his knee and was able to pop the patella back into place (yes it was dislocated). We still did x-rays and doc said everything looked ok, but a radiologist will double check it and we HOPE that everything is ok. His knee is swelled and bruised, as is his arm. He is now on crutches and will not be returning to PE at school until March 2nd. Thankfully, all is ok because it sure could have been worse. Now we pray for a speedy recovery....get well soon Brandon!!

Week of February 9th

Well, this has been a VERY busy week for us. We started off Monday, 2/9, with 3 auditions. One was for a voice-over (for the Gear Wars 2 video game), one was for a new TV pilot (untitled ABC crime drama), and one for a commercial (Alltel). On Tuesday, 2/10, Brandon had an audition for a co-starring role on Ghost Whisperer and later he had his 1st semi-private Hip-Hop lesson with Erica. He picked up all of the moves....just needs to loosen up and get funky. LOL After the lesson, we went to El Torito for Taco Tuesday (99 cent tacos....YUM)!! On Thursday, 2/12, Brandon had a print casting for a green screen movie promo. This morning (2/13) he had his Principal's breakfast for getting all A's and was tired (since it was at 7 AM). Tonight we are going to see Friday the 13th.....he is super excited about that!! :-) Tomorrow, 2/14, Brandon has a film audition. It is for a short film called FRAGILE. I am not sure what we are doing the rest of Valentine's Day yet, but hopefully something. On Sunday, 2/15, there is a showbiz expo here at our apartment complex. So, we will be attending that....NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK!

In other news, Brandon met Brian Stepanek (Arwin from Suite Life of Zach &Cody) at his voice-over audition. Brian and Brandon are both repped by the SAME agent for voice-overs!! He is super nice and had a conversation on the couch with Brandon. Brandon was also officially nominated for a YOUNG ARTIST AWARD in the short film category. This is for his role of Young Caleb in Caleb Couldn't Love. The nomination luncheon is next Saturday, 2/21, and the official awards show is on March 29th. For more info on YAA check out: Young Artists Awards and also it will appear on Brandon's IMDB page after the winners are announced.

Caleb Couldn't Love Film

As some of you may remember....Brandon did a short film (17 minutes) last summer called CALEB COULDN'T LOVE and he played the role of YOUNG CALEB. The film screened and is now in festival circuit. I think it is going to do well---it is such a CUTE film! We also used this film to submit for a Young Artists Award in the Short Film Category. We should find out if he is nominated soon (we will keep you updated). Anyway, I just found out that the film is now listed on IMDB and is added to Brandon's page. Check it out here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1355684/.

Principal's Breakfast

Brandon got invited to the Principal's A's Breakfast at school. This breakfast is for students that currently have all A's at the end of a 5 week grading period. He is super excited to receive this honor at school. The breakfast will be held on Friday, February 13th at 7 AM. We (Brandon & I) will celebrate his achievement by going to the movies that evening. He has chosen to see Friday the 13th!! Keep up the good work Brandon!

My New Blog

Well, I am NEW to this whole "blog" thing, but I figured it might just be easier than my newsletters. It just seemed that sending a newsletter ONCE a month was too much. I included so much information and so many photos, that I am sure it took FOREVER to load the page. LOL Not only that, but it took ME forever to write! So, I hope you find my new blog an easier way to keep "in the loop" with all of our news and adventures!!