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June 17, 2007
The Actors Voice, 6/18/07
Hi Everyone!
Here's how tomorrow's The Actors Voice starts out.
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We're All Fans
Let's talk about Paul Potts. In just under a week, he went from shy sales rep at Carphone Warehouse to opera-singing superstar winner of Britain's Got Talent. On message boards and in blog entries worldwide, this inspiring underdog story has brought people to tears and created opera-lovers out of previously Top 40-only types. Even when the news hit that this "non pro" had actually spent years performing with the Bath Opera and had even studied under Luciano Pavarotti, Paul Potts still had our hearts, as everyone loves a success story.
When I first saw Paul's audition footage, I cried. Having worked in reality TV casting, though, I also wondered how much of the timing (this clear winner of a candidate being brought into the mix in the absolute last possible slot prior to finals) had to do with the producers' need to create buzz (check: at the international level, even), to form a feel-good story (check: Average Joe has a voice like an angel), or to prevent the "real" story from hitting before votes could be counted (check: he won the show, and the story hit). I got mad at myself for being such a cynic. "Just enjoy the performance, Bon," I said to myself. And enjoy, I did, as Paul continued to advance through the process.
Funny thing is, even after learning more about his professional training and experience, my enjoyment of his story--my enjoyment of his performances--did NOT diminish. Sure, I was disappointed in the reality show culture for its seemingly insatiable need to dupe its fans (even when authenticity is often good enough material to score viewers), but I still really enjoyed listening to Paul Potts sing. And that's what makes this issue a good column for actors: When it comes right down to it, we are all fans. We all love a good show. And that simple truth should empower you to nail every audition you get!
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Continue reading this column in the morning, along with a Your Turn about billing at Showfax.com.
Woo hoo!
Also, if you haven't already done so this weekend, be sure to visit The Actors Voice: POV for an amazing POV from indie film producer Brendan Davis.
As always, THANK YOU for reading!
Cheers,
-Bon.
Live your dreams! If you don't, someone else will.
Posted by bonnie at June 17, 2007 9:58 PM
Comments
Hey Bon! My favorite Cancer
I've been out of the loop lately and have to catch up on your entries and actors voice within the week.
I missed you and your posts.
Awesome news about Keith being so busy he has to turn down jobs............ROCK ON DUDE!!!! WHOOT WHOO!
Posted by: Mary Carlisle at June 18, 2007 3:57 PM
From the killing fields in Cambodia to Britain's Got Talent.
Now that's a story!
Posted by: Hal at June 19, 2007 12:09 AM
I watched the opening rounds, and one of the semis (the one with Paul in), and was glad he won - it's a shame he wasn't a true amateur, but even so, his singing gave me goosebumps.
Posted by: Helen at June 22, 2007 11:15 AM