Emmy Inspiration

I endured the lengthy telecast last night looking for inspiration;
I found laughter in a few off-the-cuff jokes that Jimmy Kimmel made,
But more importantly, I found hope while watching so many first time nominees receive praise––in the form of a golden statue––for their achievements.
It’s promising to witness so many “unknown” talents, whom have been hustling for auditions and opportunities to work on television, earn recognition among so many well-know and established actors.
I was motivated in a new way watching the awards this year. I was reminded that no matter how old you are, what your race or sexual orientation––if you focus on the content, work hard, and stay relentless––everyone has an opportunity to succeed in the business of show!

On With The Show

On my worst day in this business––I still feel alive with passion;
The darkness and doubt is not match for the energy that rushes to my soul when I get to share my story.
Rejection is part of the larger pictures;
The success in in the journey.
Connecting with an audience,
Collaborating with other artists;
A magnificent body of work develops over time.
A moment of recognition;
No failure will overshadow the triumph of accomplishing a dream.

That's ShowBiz

A charlatan always reveals their true character eventually;

Deceit hides in a bright smile with empty promises.

Lies laid like land mines in the Middle East.

Early To Rise

When you wake up early you have more time in your day...
To work?
The hustle is real.
#EntertainmentIndustry

Hustle, It's Your Day Off!

Today is my day off;
Which means I only have three conference calls,
Two classes,
15 emails,
and 4 social media posts to finish before I get to spend some time with friends at the pool.
Hustle, the life of an artist in the entertainment industry.

Friday, Finally!

As an independent contractor, my work is never done.
Expanding my career opportunities involves a nonstop hustle,
That does not consist of punching a time-clock.
Instead, I'm punching keys on my laptop; day in and day out.
Regardless of the hour, I keep on working.
Thankfully, I make the rules- and today, I'm taking an early lunch!
AKA I'm leaving the office early, and may not come back until after the holiday!
...or at least that's the goal.

Six Word Essay on School

Time to drink, the project's done!

Happy Halloween

I loved Halloween as a child.

Candy aside, I was obsessed with decorating and designing the perfect costume! 

Can you say #gay?!

It makes perfect sense that I chose a career in the entertainment industry-

It's like Halloween everyday. Freaks included.

Reminder on "Making It" in the Entertainment Industry

The ability to work, be creative and sustain a life for sixteen years in an industry that fights to crush your spirit on a daily basis, is a huge success.
That is the very definition of "making it" in my book!

Life on Tour

Bloated and tired,
I lack sleep.
Trying to catch up on "life" at home,
While working and living out of a bag.
It's fun for a day in every new city...
Then it just becomes another hotel room that IS NOT your home.
Friends are near to keep you smiling,
Even if your laughing at the conditions.
Grateful for the opportunities,
Just wish I could go to the bathroom...

Life on Tour

Eat, sleep, work, travel-
Pause: to return home for my gram's funeral-
Back on the road;
Eat, sleep, work, travel-
Pause: to get married! An event that we planned in half a day (while catching connecting flights at two different airports.
One night at home as a married man-
Then;
Travel, eat, sleep, work...
Life on tour never gets dull.
I work twice as hard to stay focused, active, creative, outgoing and happy while I'm out of LA.
Otherwise, I'd just be a cranky biathc!

Meetings, Production, PR... Oh My!

Up at the crack of dawn,

Ready for a full day.

Morning meetings, 

Creatively peeking the interest of “suits.”

Wrap up meeting with manager,

Followed by pre-production work,

With enough time for a “power PR” lunch meeting.

It’s not even 3 PM and I’m ready to go to sleep!

All in an LA days work…

A Meeting of the Minds!

Last night I hosted an evening of creativity, laughter and networking for
my manager and her clients.
It's cliché to say, but the only true ingredient to success in any industry is
the people you're connected to!
I'm honored to be among a small, elite group of talented artist all guided
by our wonderful; manager, colleague and friend, Michelle Zeitlin.
It was encouraging to be in a room full of artist that write, act, sing, dance and produce-
all of them ready to collaborate on new projects and continue building bonds.

Michelle Zeitlin w/ clients Matthew Shaffer, Jeff Payton & Adam Bay (L to R)

"Deal" With It...

Trying hard not to rage;
People only care about helping themselves.
It's so frustrating to rely on people who call themselves professionals-
Then behave like amateurs.
I'm paying you for this?
Just another enormous detour along the road;
No wonder it takes twenty years to become an overnight success!
RAGE.

I Hate Negotiating...

Just because I happen to be good at something,
doesn't mean I necessarily enjoy it!
Of course I'm so elated that I'm at a point in my
career where negotiation is necessary-
Nevertheless, it's uncomfortable.
Even with the best lawyers playing the "bad guy."
I mean, I hired them to act on my behalf, so what does that make me?
Ugh!
I just can't wait for this step to be finalized so I can move back into my happily creative corner of the universe.

Eavesdropping. Namedropping. And joining the Gay Mafia!

Nothing good ever comes from eavesdropping...

Namedropping is a completely different story!

I'm sitting at Starbucks in West Hollywood listening to all of the conversations around me.

It's remarkable how casually people name drop in this town!

It's a small world, and an even smaller industry...

You'd think that people would be a little more discrete when bashing a famous diva.

Nevertheless, the Who's Who of the Gay Mafia sit here day in and day out writing their scripts, dropping their resumes and networking...

So naturally I'm working my ASS off to become a member!  I guess I'm going to have to exploit my Lance Bass story!

If you can't beat them... Join them!

Behind The Curtain!

Today I went on a wild adventure.

I saw behind the velvet curtain and it wasn't pretty;

You always want what you don't have-

Until you get a glimpse of it...

And realize they can keep it!

I have my path,

They have theirs.

It may seem like they've conquered the world,

But I see the rat in a cage.

The Artists' Way...

The driving passion,

The burning desire no matter how many time you've been rejected.

The thrill once you finally get a chance to shine-

The disappointment when that goes away and you're back in the same darkness.

The hope of a new opportunity in the distance.

The faith that you're meant to do "this" and nothing else.

The frustration of a disastrous day.

The exhilaration of a day that feels like heaven on earth.

The insane highs and low.

The realization that no matter how accomplished, you will always have to fight.

The discovery of learning how to survive as an artist and still eat or pay rent.

The acceptance that the artist is in me, and will never go away.

Jaded...

J ust
A nother
D ay
E nduring
D rama

Searching For Talent...

Waking up too early for a crappy flight.
Landing in a city you know you've been before,
taking the ground transportation to a hotel you know you've slept at before.
Meeting at the theatre to hear things you know you've heard before.
Sitting behind a judges table watching contestant after contestant perform for twelve hours or more-
Getting back to the hotel just in time for last call; order a glass of wine.
Sleep for five hours wake up and do it all again...
Not as glamorous as outsiders think.
It's not bad getting paid to watch talented people perform-
It just hurts the soul a little when they're not so talented...
This is my path-
I'm sure they'll find theirs too!