« March 2003 | Main | May 2003 »
April 24, 2003
Employed Again
So, I said yes to the new job with the ol' Mr. Personality gang to return as casting coordinator for Fox's Paradise Hotel.
Even though I first heard of the show (and the job offer) on Sunday, it seems as if the show was already in the press within just a few hours.
The Guardian
Reality TV World
Zap2it
Movie Poopshoot
Kasa
E! Online
I've already begun working on some preliminary parts of the job, but the gig officially starts Monday, 17% raise and all.
Being unemployed ain't such a bad gig for this gal after all.
Oh! And there's this, from Monday:
--
Bon
The Book Is Here!
"Yup. Kids are growin' up too fast and it's all because of the Dairy Council." - Dale Gribble, King of the Hill
Posted by bonnie at 12:36 PM
April 22, 2003
Aw eff!
Back to Archive problems with Blogger. Poop.
Posted by bonnie at 8:15 PM
Oooh... must have
It's Hello Kitty Tarot! Wow!
Posted by bonnie at 8:12 PM
April 21, 2003
Netscape is the fix!
So, here's the magic trick.
OSX + Haloscan + Blogger + Archives + Internet Explorer = bad bad bad
OSX + Upsaid + BlogSnob + Internet Explorer = good good good
OSX + Haloscan + Blogger + Archives + Netscape 7 = shiny and happy and the feeling of *phew* that comes with debugging and unbugging and bugging out in general.
BonBlogs, v. 1.1, is back.
Now...to add the BlogSnob thingy to the dang thing.
I'll save that for another day of needing procrastination material.
Meanwhile, I have NO idea what to wear tonight! Eeeeek. Such a girl, suddenly!
Posted by bonnie at 8:51 AM
Wow
Well, holy crap, I think I fixed it. And now, I must actually do the work that I've been using, "My Blog's messed up," as an excuse not to do.
Lucky, lucky me! Tee hee.
Posted by bonnie at 4:37 AM
Tweaking
Hm. I seem to have blown out my whole 2003 archive list.
Okay.
I guess my big cool discovery (so far) is that OSX really likes Netscape 7 a whole bunch better than 9.2.2 seemed to.
Oh, and can you believe I actually *bought* Microsoft Office the other day? I got a check for my participation in the Acuvue class action suit and it was the exact amount required for the OSX Microsoft Office upgrade.
Isn't that like that episode of Seinfeld where everything comes out even for him?
Posted by bonnie at 3:34 AM
Debugging
Okay. Netscape seems to have cured the Archiving issue.
Now... on to checking out the Template settings to see if I can figure out what BlogSnob did to my links to HaloScan, the Blogger button, and the whole "show three days' posts" thing. Still intact in my settings, so I must've blown something out of the template when I tweaked BlogSnob code (prior to moving it over to the UpSaid version of my Blog).
Don't mind me. Nerd, dweeb, goob...all pseudonmys for PROCRASTINATOR.
Posted by bonnie at 3:26 AM
Trying Netscape
Okay, so I'm trying out Blogger's interface with Netscape 7 on OSX. What else is a girl to do while procrastinating a major site upgrade for Roxbury and watching Kris on ShopNBC?
Let's see how this goes!
Posted by bonnie at 3:24 AM
April 20, 2003
Another job in reality casting?
Just got an email about another casting coordinator job in reality show-land. I'm going to meet with the casting directors. We'll see.
Posted by bonnie at 9:45 PM
Oooh, Mr. Personality drama today!
Scandal! Yep, one of our "also-ran" guys has decided to parlay his "I got flown to LA and interviewed" status into Minnesota-level fame.
I believe, at this point, Fox will step in with a lawsuit. Hee heeeeeeeeeee.
Posted by bonnie at 6:46 PM
Yeah...
'Til I figure out the glitch with OSX, Blogger, Haloscan, and archiving, I'm updating over at UpSaid.
Not sure whether I'm staying, but hey... it's the one that's working, for now.
Posted by bonnie at 4:31 AM
Getting excited!
On Monday, we'll attend the wrap-slash-premiere party for Mr. Personality. I am very excited to think that the cast will be there (tight-lipped though they must be, for another few weeks). It's going to be wonderful to see everyone again and to finally see how this thing turns out, on screen.
Fox spared no expense in promoting the dang thing, that's for sure. I'm having so much fun trying to figure out which set of lips belong to which of my favorite guys (yes, I do have favorites, but I'm not disclosing that info, just yet).
Ah... Hollywood.
Posted by bonnie at 4:28 AM
April 19, 2003
Photographic Evidence
New photos available from our March 6th and April 3rd Hollywood Happy Hour events over at the Yahoo Group, if you're so inclined. Good fun.
Okay, time for a nap.
Posted by bonnie at 8:05 AM
In with the new?
Looks like there may be something buggy about my use of Blogger and/or Haloscan and the whole archiving process with OSX. That's not fun.
So, just in case I'm about to have to make some changes in the way I Blog, I started up a little thing called an UpSaid account. Any opinions on such a thing? Love to hear 'em.
Also, if you have been craving photographic evidence of Hollywood Happy Hour and the fun we have, you may now visit our HHH Yahoo Group and see the little photo albums from the March 6th and April 3rd events.
So much fun!
Okay, it must be time for bed somewhere. Later,
Posted by bonnie at 8:01 AM
April 17, 2003
Very very very exciting
Keith and I are up at this hour--well, I'm always up at this hour--because 1-Host sucks. Tech support assures us that we have email addresses, but for over 24 hours now, we've received nothing at our Cricket Feet, Hollywood Happy Hour, Casting Qs, or Faith Salie email accounts. And, anyone who has sent anything has also not received back a bounce notice of any kind, alerting them that email did not reach us. Nice.
But here's what's exciting:
There was just a felony stop (Keith says that's the standard lingo) outside our apartment. The cop got over the loudspeaker and ordered the guy to toss his keys out of the car, keep his hands out the window while opening his own car door and then getting out of the car, walking backwards five steps with his hands up and shirt pulled up over his chest, etc.
VERY exciting to hear all of the stuff that we only ever hear on COPS and realize that's all by the book lingo. Tee hee.
Of course, I want to run outside and see. Keith assures me that would be unwise, as this kind of stop often turns into one in which guns are used, since, hey, they're already drawn and such.
But I really really really want to run outside and see!!
No. I stay in and listen, reporting back to Keith, who tells me he's smarter by being farther away from the window than I am--justified of course, by me, in that a bullet couldn't penetrate the window (duh). I tell him, "Ooh! They just had the guy cross his ankles!"
I am so easily amused.
Yes, this is the kind of post, were my mother still alive, I could never make. She'd make me move. Tomorrow.
Posted by bonnie at 2:09 AM
April 15, 2003
Taxed
For the first time in my life, I have not filed taxes yet.
I understand that my tax lady has filed an extension on my behalf--and man, do I hope she did it not just for my company, but also for me personally.
Eesh. It's very strange for me to ease up on the controls of something so important and trust that it's all being taken care of and that I'm not going to be in some big trouble or something.
Yes, I fear the IRS. Yes, I usually have everything filed, signed, paid, or collected and cashed by February 28th. No time for that, this year.
Is this what growing up is like?
Don't answer that.
Posted by bonnie at 4:54 AM
April 14, 2003
TiVo. My New Best Friend
As a reward for surviving the long hours, long days, long weeks required of any reality show casting coordinator, I bought myself a TiVo. It arrived four days after my job ended. I couldn't wait to get it set up!
The deal, in buying it, was that it would have to cost less than $200 to buy, and, based on Keith's research, it was only going to be $5.95/mo. for the service. I figured we at least deserved such an indulgence. I mean, c'mon! We don't even own a microwave and my car is closing in on the ripe old age of 14!
Okay, so, it turns out that the monthly price Keith found was based on having a TiVo/DirecTV satellite receiver combo thingy. We don't have that. So, we pay $13.95/mo.
I'll try not to mind.
Then I learn that we get, for the privilege of subscribing, with no ability to opt-out or anything, the added bonus of an ad masquerading as a service message. When we called the TiVo people, they said, "Oh, that's a part of your service."
My service?
Ugh.
It's been an interesting week in which I've become a little like Norma Rae and quit my job.
And then I turned down another casting coordinator job for NBC's Who Wants To Marry My Dad?.
I also realized that I haven't once journaled about the war going on. It's like, when I show up at the pages of my journal, all I want to talk about is the stress I feel over money or career paths or time management. Or the joy of TiVo.
Or not.
Posted by bonnie at 1:08 AM
April 11, 2003
Effin' Verizon, Effin' Bill Gates
Okay, so, I maintain this site for a small textbook publishing company. I had a cool FormMail script running from the Exam Copy Request page (plus one from the Mailing List page, in addition to scripts on the Search Titles page and the kick-ass shopping cart from the Purchase Titles page).
Well, in-house decides they need more email addresses. Someone contacts Verizon, finds out that email addresses, under our current plan, are $5/mo., per each new address. "But if you upgrade to this fabulous ASP server..."
See where this is going?
So, now I have to redesign the scripts in use so that they work on the ASP server... and I'm guessing that's going to have all sorts of Non-Mac-Friendly and Non-Netscape-Friendly elements to it. Considering the fact that I compose on a Mac, using Netscape (and BB Edit for straight HTML), I am not pleased.
Any geeks in the house want to give me a bouncing-ball narration that would make my weekend a little more pleasant? Much appreciated, in advance.
Ugh.
Posted by bonnie at 12:11 PM
April 9, 2003
TiVo gripe:
"It's part of your service."
Okay, so, I have this TiVo, right?
Well, lookee here... day ten or so I start receiving ads on my message/menu screen.
Ignore it and it will go away?
Nope.
Check some box to opt out?
Nope.
Click through the message, view the ad, then have the option to delete (as with viewed messages regarding customer service or lineup changes)?
Nope.
Call the 800 number to say, "Um, if we're paying you $13/mo. for this service, why are you throwing ads at us?"
Ready?
"Oh, it's part of your service."
"I want to opt out. I'm paying you for a service and you're including something I never agreed to receive, something I have no power to delete, and something I cannot keep from coming to my TV message/menu screen."
"It's a part of your service."
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.
BAD service, TiVo. Not liking this.
In other news, I did vote to save and dump some shows (thanks Chip), and really I chose to save shows I either like (very few of those) or that cast friends of mine in roles this season, and therefore should be rewarded.
Oh! Congratulations Shelley and Trevor, for getting un-screwed by the landlord. Excellent news!
In other, other news... ugh... the job stuff. So very very very hard.
Okay, so... casting directors have been called and have received a letter from my former boss (distancing from me in true corporately-owned entity fashion) and, lo and behold, they're repairing relationships and deciding to move away from the stand they took with me last week... and do the panel after all. Of course, they say something really nice like, "But only if Bonnie comes back and moderates," and then, when they're told that there is no way that will happen, they go ahead and agree to do the panel just the same.
Politics. Ugh.
Of course it's the casting community that really matters to the publication. I'm a writer. They get 20 resumés a week from people who want my job. I'm totally and completely dispensable, and there is no reason they'd need to patch things up with me in order to have the panel go on.
Honestly--I don't mind not working for the paper anymore. Will I miss the money? Sure. Will I find something else that pays better quickly and not really notice the difference? Most likely.
I forced my boss' hand by making my resignation letter public. I get that. I made that choice and it got me out of what others are calling an "abusive relationship" so that I can now do the work I'm really supposed to do with this notoriety.
I had no other choice. None. I know that. Well, I'm told I did have another choice, but not one that would ever mesh with who I truly am.
I cried last night about all of this. My tears were not tears of regret. Just sadness over the end of a long-term relationship.
---
Bon
The Book... buy now more than ever!
NEW! Cricket Feet Calendar Lemmeknow if you love it.
"In one of my more condescending voices I said, 'It's the Beets. From Doug.' He said, 'Wow, Mr. Woods. You're not as old as I thought you were.' I assured him that I am certainly that old, I just watch a LOT of TV." -- Chip, on SpyNotebook, October 2002
Posted by bonnie at 3:38 PM
April 2, 2003
Le Sigh
A day of transition, of change, of a little bit of fear, and a whole lot of drama.
I truly believe that something bigger and better is on the horizon and that I've made the right choice in this situation.
integrity
\In*teg"ri*ty\, n. [L. integritas: cf. F. int['e]grit['e]. See Integer, and cf. Entirety.] 1. The state or quality of being entire or complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state; as, the integrity of an empire or territory. --Sir T. More.
2. Moral soundness; honesty; freedom from corrupting influence or motive; -- used especially with reference to the fulfillment of contracts, the discharge of agencies, trusts, and the like; uprightness; rectitude.
I believe the definition of integrity should also include this bit: when your actions match your words.
I feel good. Considering.
Say a little prayer, friends. Thank you.
Posted by bonnie at 11:33 PM
Bonnie Gillespie's Resignation Letter to Back Stage West
Bonnie Gillespie
Cricket Feet, Inc.
P.O. Box 1417
Hollywood, CA 90028
2 April 2003
Steve Elish, Publisher
Back Stage/Back Stage West
770 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
Re: Resignation
Dear Mr. Elish:
Regretfully, I am writing to tender my resignation as casting columnist for Back Stage West. What follows is a detailed chronological accounting of the events leading up to this decision, thus ending my affiliation with Back Stage West—a publication I have been proud to work for since October of 1999.
In the week of February 17, 2003, while covering for Casting Assistant Cassie Carpenter in-house at Back Stage West, I was asked by Rob Kendt (Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher), Marjorie Broder (Marketing/Advertising Director), and Suzy Starling (Marketing/Sales Assistant) to create and moderate a panel of casting directors for the 2003 ActorFest, taking place Saturday, April 26th.
By this time, I had conducted several highly successful free casting director panels in conjunction with Back Stage West at Take One Film Books in West Los Angeles. Each of these panels (taking place about once every six weeks since November 2002) had well over 100 actors in attendance, filling the aisles and sitting on the floor to be a part of it.
My reputation for being an excellent moderator was beginning to become known. I realized that moderating a panel of very different people with sometimes totally contradictory opinions on subjects relevant to the acting community was a skill and that I should be pleased that I am always able to bring out the best in these panelists and get useful advice to actors who so crave this information.
When Rob, Marjorie, and Suzy invited me to construct a panel for ActorFest, I was thrilled. I knew that would mean an audience of up to 500 actors and the opportunity to bring back some of the top casting directors I've had serve on panels before—as well as a few people who I'd only interviewed and not yet had appear on panels. I was told, in repayment for my services, I would receive a $115 discount on the cost of a booth on the trade show floor, meaning Cricket Feet, Inc., could get a booth for $450 to sell Casting Qs: A Collection of Casting Director Interviews as well as other Cricket Feet titles, and my actor consulting services.
I immediately began booking casting directors for this panel with the one guideline, "Someone from television, someone from film, someone from commercials, someone from theatre, someone from reality. We want the top people from each type of casting." That directive came from Marjorie and was the only limit put upon my ability to contact and book casting directors for the ActorFest panel. My panelists would not be paid, nor would I—which is also standard practice for my free casting director panels. We all donate our time.
By the end of the day on which I was asked to do the panel, I had already booked three casting directors: Michelle Foumberg, Twinkie Byrd, and Michael Donovan. I also handed Suzy Michelle and Michael, who were willing to do Focus Sessions that were, as of that time, unfilled by casting directors. It was my pleasure to help Suzy with the task of filling those slots, as I knew, when I called in favors to get these casting directors to agree to the panel in the first place, I could also ask them to come for one extra hour to help Suzy for a $100 honorarium.
By the end of the week in which I was asked to do the panel, I had secured two more casting directors: Bob Morones and Kimberly Hardin. All five of the casting directors I had contacted at this time were eager to be a part of ActorFest and sit on a panel I would moderate. We began discussing plans for the questions I would ask, the types of questions that would likely come from the audience, and what to expect from the experience as a whole.
In that same week of February 17th, I was contacted by casting director Katy Wallin regarding a new show for Fox she had been hired to cast. She needed some out-of-town recruiting done and wanted to know if I knew of casting directors who would be willing to do such work. I made some calls and connected a few people to one another, as this is a very typical "side-effect" of my work with casting directors. It is known by all that I know casting directors—as a community—more than anyone else. I also refer people to one another on a regular basis for jobs and projects, CSA recommendation letters, etc. I love connecting good people to one another. It is a passion!
After helping Katy with a few leads for out-of-town recruiters, I was again contacted by her—this time because she needed a casting coordinator for four weeks. I explained that I am not looking for full time work, nor do I want to parlay such a job into a career, but that I would like to meet with her and her partner, Sheila Conlin, for an interview. That interview took place on February 24th and I was hired that day.
During the four week assignment, I got to see two amazing casting directors—one who has spent 15 years growing her production company, casting company, and acting studio; the other with major reality TV credits—navigating the casting process for a lightning fast assignment for Fox. I realized that either of these women would be an asset to the ActorFest panel. Since I already had booked a casting director with reality TV show credits (Michelle Foumberg), I looked to Katy to fill the sixth slot in the panel.
I let Rob know that Katy was my pick for the sixth panel slot and his response, via email dated March 18th, was, "Just make sure Katy doesn't say a word about AIA." I assured him that her acting school was quite a separate venture from her casting company and production company. I told him that I'd seen, first hand, how separate those companies are, in day-to-day operation, and I also mentioned to Katy the need to keep AIA out of the panel discussion. "Of course!" She responded, adding that she thought the panel was about casting, not acting schools. We were all on the same page.
A few days later, my fiancé and business partner Keith Johnson called me at the casting office for the Fox project and told me about a phone call he'd just had with Rob about Katy's space on the panel. The basic information was, "Marjorie has vetoed you and Rob. Katy is off the panel." According to Keith, his conversation with Rob was brief and conveyed information about Marjorie's displeasure over the inclusion of Katy, as one of her companies is a major advertiser in Back Stage West and her appearance on the panel would be considered a conflict of interest. I decided to discuss this matter with Katy when we next spoke about ActorFest, after the end of our casting job, which was quickly coming to a close.
Meanwhile, Suzy had emailed me to let me know that Lila Selik had offered her services as a panelist when Suzy had contacted her about putting flyers for ActorFest in her casting office. Based on the recommendation from Suzy, I contacted Lila on March 28th and offered her Katy's spot. I also set up a "Casting Qs" interview with Lila for March 31st, at which time we would further discuss the details of ActorFest.
Also on March 31st, I called Katy to let her know she would not be on the panel. I left a message conveying my apology for having her plan to be a part of it and now canceling, but that Marjorie pulled rank and Rob had delivered the news to Keith, who delivered it to me.
Katy called me on the morning of April 1st to speak with me about other business as well as to ask about Marjorie's objection to having her on the panel. I told her that I suspected the issue was based in the fact that AIA has been a booth-holder on the ActorFest trade show floor in years past and that the upcoming AIA Career Festival has been discussed as a "competing" event to ActorFest, despite the fact that it is free.
Katy decided to call Marjorie, stating that she would like to keep relations between Back Stage West and all of Katy's companies as positive as possible. Katy also wanted to ensure that Marjorie felt welcome to attend the AIA Career Festival on April 5th in order to invite actors to ActorFest.
Marjorie called my home around 1:30pm on April 1st and left a message. I called her back around 2:30pm. She told me that she had, "no interest in talking to this person," and wanted to know why Katy had left a message for her in the first place. I speculated that Katy wanted to clear the air about the back-and-forth on the panel, but Marjorie said she did not intend to call Katy back, as the matter was closed.
I assured Marjorie that the panel was now set with six panelists—not including Katy—and that promotion was continuing forward as planned. She felt the need to explain—at length—the long-standing policy (which she attributed to Rob) of seeing panels as editorial (meaning: no advertisers or service providers allowed) and all else in ActorFest as advertising (meaning: no conflict for participation). She proceeded to yell "at" Rob through me on the phone. I calmly suggested that Marjorie leave me out of any of her issues with Rob and his enforcement of policy and let me know what I could do to soothe this situation and have the best panel possible.
Marjorie assured me that I had done everything by the book and that my panel was going to be great, that she was very grateful for my work at the paper and for ActorFest. She also continued to blame Rob for not having contacted Katy himself to cancel her for the panel. I assured her that everything was fine—that Rob had called Keith, who called me, who canceled Katy. Marjorie wanted to know exactly what Rob said. I put her on the phone with Keith, as he was the one who spoke with Rob, and I could only speculate.
Keith and Marjorie spoke for a moment about Keith's conversation with Rob and then Keith got quiet for a while. When he next spoke, it was to debate Marjorie's logic in saying that policy states that no one who makes money off of actors can appear on an ActorFest panel. Keith disagreed. He presented the fact that I make money off actors with my book and my consulting services—so how can I moderate the panel under that policy? He presented the fact that most casting directors who are not employed fulltime by a studio do some sort of supplemental work such as teaching, participating in workshops, authoring books, owning schools, partnering in production companies, producing music, acting, etc. Quickly, Marjorie changed her train of conversation over to the difference between these examples of supplemental work and one of Katy Wallin's companies, AIA. She then mentioned all of the money they were making off of selling booths to advertisers at their upcoming free Career Festival. Keith, who had recently written the check for Cricket Feet's booth space at ActorFest countered with, "Yes. For $250. You're selling them for over $500." Marjorie then hung up on Keith abruptly.
An hour later, Suzy called me to let me know that I would need to contact the casting directors on my panel to find out which ones are teachers or owners of companies that provide services to actors. I explained that I was not willing to do that. I had set this panel—with most casting directors—six weeks earlier and was not going to start making changes on a roster that had been approved by Rob and had been seen during its early development (the week of February 17th) by Suzy and Marjorie, with not a single mention of this policy to exclude panelists who earn money off actors.
I explained that I didn't want to get into a "pissing contest" with anyone about it, but that I considered the panel set, as is, and that I would not be making any changes to it. Suzy asked if I could ensure that there would be no discussion of classes or services during the panel, no distribution of literature about the casting directors' wares, etc. I was insulted. "Obviously, Suzy, that request is coming from someone who has never seen me moderate a panel. Talk to Rob. Talk to [office manager] Rosa [Fernandez]. The two of them have attended my free panels and know that they are all about helping the actors learn and nothing else," I insisted.
Suzy assured me that nothing she was saying was coming from her decision-making process, but that the policy would be carried out. I restated, "If you're removing panelists, you're also removing your moderator." We hung up and I then emailed Suzy the following, "Please don't take it personally. I have worked very hard putting this panel together and feel very strongly that it is a good mix of people that everyone will enjoy. As I said, if you ask anyone who has ever attended a panel discussion I've moderated, you'll learn that it is never an opportunity for panelists to pitch their services as a coach, a consultant, or anything else. I'm considering the panel set, and this matter closed."
I also emailed Rob, even though he is out of the office, to let him know what had transpired and where we now stood with the issue.
An hour later, I received another call from Suzy. This time she said, "I'm just the messenger," and proceeded to inform me that the casting directors who teach are being called—by her—and removed from my panel. Also, that I was being relieved of my duties as moderator.
I let her know that I understood the decision but that, since my relationships and reputation are what got those panelists to agree to participate in ActorFest to begin with, that I would be contacting them as well, so that they would know that I was no longer moderating the panel. I do not feel it is professional to have someone these casting directors have never spoken to call and inform them there have been changes—when their last contact has been with me about the format of the panel and the questions, parking arrangements, time of arrival, etc. Suzy agreed that I had the right to call these colleagues and we hung up.
I immediately began calling my panelists. The only person who was contacted by Suzy prior to being contacted by me was Lila Selik, who called me the instant she hung up with Suzy, livid that she had been removed from the panel due to the fact that she teaches classes to agents and managers on the art of the pitch. I assured her that this issue has me upset as well and we discussed the options that Lila was considering: filing a discrimination suit, writing an open letter to the major Los Angeles publications, mobilizing members of the CCDA against Back Stage West, etc. She later faxed me a draft of a letter she is developing, as well as calling me several more times throughout the evening to get information about her fellow panelists and the personnel at Back Stage West.
While Lila's reaction was the most extreme, it was certainly not the only one of its tone. Every casting director I spoke with was very disappointed in the fact that the panel would not exist as it had been established—as long as six weeks earlier in some cases—and assured me that their favor was to me, not to Back Stage West.
We all bank on our relationships in this business, and I have—over the past three years—developed relationships that go beyond the strictly business level with many casting directors. I consider these industry professionals to be my friends. They are a selfless group of people who—for a living—work to help other people fulfill their dreams. They don't mind being in the background while others receive praise for the work that they do. I find those qualities to be the same qualities that teachers possess. They are thrilled more by their students' successes than their own.
It stands to reason that nearly half of all casting directors do some form of teaching, workshop, or guest-speaking engagements on a regular basis. These are people who enjoy sharing their knowledge. And, yes, some of them do that for a fee.
That, in itself, is not a conflict of interest that should prevent any casting director from appearing on a panel discussion. I always try to include a diverse selection of casting directors on my panels so that actors may benefit from information provided by all of the various types of people who make up the casting community. I do not discriminate against those casting directors who earn money from actors. My rule is: you get actors jobs, you qualify for my panels.
The fact that this arbitrary policy was suddenly enforced after Marjorie blew up on the phone with me—and then with Keith—about her anger at Katy Wallin for having the AIA Career Festival three weeks before ActorFest is not disputable.
Had anyone ever, in the week of February 17th or thereafter, mentioned to me that there was a policy to which my selection of casting director panelists must adhere, of course I would've followed that policy or—if I felt I could not do so—declined the offer to create, promote, and moderate a panel in the first place. This eleventh hour stunt is disrespectful of me and my panelists, as well as the actors who were sold—at $40 a pop—a ticket to ActorFest, banking on the fact that they'd be able to attend this well-advertised panel. I understand that it was the most popular of the three panels offered this year, and was already well on its way to selling out completely.
Throughout all of this, Rob is out of town and therefore unable to settle the matter. Had the call from Katy come a week later, when Rob is back, I am certain that he would've handled the call, told Katy how to deal with Marjorie's issues with AIA, and that would've been the end of it. Instead, this has become an issue over which many casting directors are up in arms. I suspect, once actors begin to learn about it, it will become an issue of demanding refunds for a panel to which they'd bought entry, since it no longer exists.
After having left a message for Rob on his home answering machine, I received a call from him (from Kentucky) late on the evening of April 1st. Rob asked what it would take to get the panel back on track. I told him that, even if I wanted to, I didn't think I could unring this bell and get the casting directors back. They are not happy with Back Stage West or this sudden policy enforcement. It would be rude of me to go back to them and even suggest that we could patch things up and go on with the show.
At this point, I am becoming aware of what this experience means, with regard to my relationship with Back Stage West as the freelance casting columnist.
I have been penning the weekly column "Casting Qs" since June of 2000 and I very much enjoy interviewing casting directors for actors. However, after having been used as a pawn in this political strategizing by Marjorie against Rob, I do not feel as though my role, my reputation, my relationships, and my readership have been respected whatsoever.
I bring a great deal of good will to Back Stage West through my regular appearances at free casting director panels, speaking engagements, book signings, my countless hours spent answering reader email and questions on the Career Chat forums, etc. I am always an advocate for Back Stage West, and my column is clearly one of the most popular features of the weekly paper.
I take all of that very seriously.
Without the respect of those people above me at Back Stage West, I do not see how I can continue forward as a weekly columnist and not feel that I am betraying my readers by staying silent about the horrific injustice that was committed all in the name of Marjorie Broder's in-office politics.
As of this time, I will not be contributing weekly "Casting Qs" to Back Stage West.
People talk all the time about the importance of loyalty and integrity in relationships in this town. I do more than talk. I live by my word. I did everything I was asked to do in this situation and I got burned. Some people I care very strongly about got burned too. That's not something that gets fixed with a band-aid.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Gillespie
cc: Rob Kendt, Editor-in-Chief/Associate Publisher
Marjorie Broder, Marketing/Advertising Director
Scott Proudfit, Managing Editor
Gary Marsh, Breakdown Services
Bob Brody, Showfax
Twinkie Byrd
Michael Donovan, CSA/CCDA
Michelle Foumberg
Kimberly Hardin
Bob Morones, CSA
Lila Selik, CCDA
Katy Wallin, CSA
April Webster, CSA
Beverly Long, CCDA
Billy DaMota, CSA
Bonnie Zane, CSA
Brett Benner, CSA
Cathy Henderson, CSA
Cathy Kalmenson
Cathy Reinking
Danny Goldman, CCDA
Debby Romano, CSA
Debra Zane, CSA
Dino Ladki
Elisa Goodman, CSA
Francene Selkirk, CCDA
Gary Zuckerbrod, CSA
Jackie Briskey, CSA
Jane Jenkins, CSA
Jenny O'Haver, CCDA
Judy Belshé
Julie Selzer, CSA
Kate Brinegar, CSA
Lawrence Parke, Acting World Books
Linda Phillips-Palo, CSA
Marc Hirschfeld, CSA
Mark Paladini, CSA
Mark Sikes
Mark Teschner, CSA
Matthew Barry, CSA
Melissa Martin, CCDA
Michelle Gertz, CSA
Mike Fenton, CSA
Patrick Baca, CSA
Paul Bennett, PB Management
Peter Golden, CSA
Phil Brock, Studio Talent Group
Robin Nassif, CSA
Steven Nash, Arts & Letters Management
Stuart Stone, CCDA
Terry Berland, CCDA
Tracy Lillienfield, CSA
Messages In This Thread
Bonnie Gillespie's Resignation Letter to Back Stage West
Bonnie Gillespie -- Wednesday, 2 April 2003, at 9:28 p.m.
XOXO I'm VERY confident that the loss of that nonsensical drama in your life ...
Sterling Wolfe -- Wednesday, 2 April 2003, at 9:40 p.m.
You were the reason to check in at BSW , You will be missed but am glad I can find you here.
shawn cowam -- Wednesday, 2 April 2003, at 10:08 p.m.
I agree! Bonnie, BSW just shot themselves in the foot! *nm*
Anna M. Kumor -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 7:32 a.m.
The Paper is not called "B.S. West" for nothing. *nm*
Sterling Wolfe -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 12:50 p.m.
If you feel that way, then please CALL BSW and Tell them so!! *nm*
Keith Johnson -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 2:36 p.m.
Bonnie, Sad News for the Real Talent in LA. Best Wishes to YOU! *nm*
Galen B. Schrick -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 12:44 p.m.
WOW. It amazes me the nonsense some people try to pull.
Corey Klemow -- Wednesday, 2 April 2003, at 10:40 p.m.
A "moral" stand at forty bucks a head, Corey. LOL *nm*
Dea Vise -- Wednesday, 2 April 2003, at 10:49 p.m.
The one who loses the most is BSW for losing the megatalents of Bonnie G. :( *nm*
Brad Slaight -- Wednesday, 2 April 2003, at 11:42 p.m.
Agreed!! *nm*
Laura Lock -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 12:19 a.m.
:( I'm shocked at BS's stupidity! Better things ahead for you...but you know that! XOXO *nm*
Kathryn Johnston -- often lurks, sometimes posts -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:46 a.m.
Bon, you have my love, my respect, and my total support. Godspeed, baby sister. thumbs up *nm*
Debra McCarthy -- Wednesday, 2 April 2003, at 11:56 p.m.
clap, clap, clap Ditto - and Tritto!!! clap, clap, clap *nm*
Eric Halasz -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 7:49 a.m.
...and the kiddo makes a sexto (& if you've ever had toes... nah, fergit it). *nm*
- N. Barry Carver • FlickeringImage.com • -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 8:10 a.m.
Bonnie, your integrity has always been impressive. What a sad, stupid ordeal for you. Love & Support *nm*
cindy koellisch -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 8:35 a.m.
Oddly, under "integrity" you'll find a picture of BSW chiefs!
- N. Barry Carver • FlickeringImage.com • -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 9:48 a.m.
Miss you already! *nm*
Christopher Behrens -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 9:58 a.m.
Huh. I thought it was under the word "waffle." Maybe both words, I guess. *nm*
Sterling Wolfe -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 12:18 p.m.
I prefer the term "tergiversational" but I like 'em big.....er, words, that is. *nm*
Kyle \/ogt -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:58 p.m.
Cool. I had to look that puppy up! LOL *nm*
Bonnie Gillespie -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 2:06 p.m.
oh, Kyle... Eschew obfuscation. ;) *nm*
shelley delayne -- Friday, 4 April 2003, at 11:12 a.m.
But... but obfuscation is Kyle's hobby! LOL *nm*
Elizabeth Tindal -- Friday, 4 April 2003, at 2:51 p.m.
Ahh, but the guerdons of it.... *nm*
Kyle \/ogt -- Friday, 4 April 2003, at 5:07 p.m.
you guys should be using your way with words at googlewhack.com! *nm*
Billy DaMota -- Friday, 4 April 2003, at 7:13 p.m.
Wow! That's some messed up stuff!
Melanie Dale -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 10:21 a.m.
I'm a bit confused with Foumberg's participation in the "focus session."
Sterling Wolfe -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 12:17 p.m.
Just asked her to come post for herself, but...
Bonnie Gillespie -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:05 p.m.
I LOVE Michelle! Welcome, girlie! *VBG*
Dea Vise -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:16 p.m.
Hi DEA!!! You're so sweet! :) *nm*
Michelle Foumberg -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:46 p.m.
thumbs up thumbs up for Michelle, and thumbs up thumbs up for us behaving badly, LOL *nm*
Sterling Wolfe -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:19 p.m.
I have removed myself from the Panel!
Michelle Foumberg -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:25 p.m.
Fantatistic, plus congrats on CSA. thumbs up thumbs up *nm*
Sterling Wolfe -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:33 p.m.
Thanks, doll. See you at AIA's Career Festival Saturday. Big hug! *nm*
Bonnie Gillespie -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 1:40 p.m.
I call Bonnie the matchmaker! LOL
Dea Vise -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 3:04 p.m.
Hi, Michelle! Welcome! *nm*
Billy DaMota -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 4:57 p.m.
HI Billy!! My fabulous sponsor!! :) *nm*
Michelle Foumberg -- Friday, 4 April 2003, at 11:12 a.m.
So proud of you getting your first chip. LOL
Billy DaMota -- Friday, 4 April 2003, at 12:14 p.m.
Michelle's name is still being used to sell tickets geez
Sterling Wolfe -- Friday, 4 April 2003, at 1:22 p.m.
Don't throw your new Tivo up against the wall... That's all I ask :) Sorry for your situation :( *nm*
Jim Brownfield -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 12:37 p.m.
Your column was the 1st thing I looked for!
Laura Graul "marylousmom" -- Thursday, 3 April 2003, at 7:38 p.m.
Bonnie ," cream rises to the top". ; ) *nm*
Fred Dresch -- Friday, 4 April 2003, at 9:06 a.m.
Congrats Bonnie for standing up to your convictions: pedal to the metal and bury the speedometer! *nm*
Ho-Kwan Tse -- Friday, 4 April 2003, at 3:39 p.m.
Too bad they didn't appreciate you.
Jennifer Bishton -- Saturday, 5 April 2003, at 8:25 a.m.
Posted by bonnie at 9:28 PM | Comments (0)