Charlie Sheen...punishment fits crime? Aborted plea deal...

Charlie toughens up for the slammer!

Legendary Katharine Hepburn!

Actor Charlie Sheen originally copped a sweet plea deal with the court that has some critics shaking their heads.

“That’s not punishment,” one disgusted reporter lamented.

Charlie was prepared to plead no contest to a charge of felony menacing, and subsequently, receive a thirty day jail sentence to be served in the Picton County Jail (Colorado).

Background Info

Post:  06/03/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/06/charlie-sheenexpected-to-plea-bargain.html

But last minute, the deal was aborted.

Legal eagles were predicting that Charlie would actually end up in the slammer for a fraction of the sentence (17 days) based on time served and good behavior.

But what was getting the goat of some, was a stint of community service, that stipulated that Charlie appear daily at a local theatre and provide acting classes for aspiring young actors residing in the upscale skiing resort.

To some, it appeared to make a mockery of the court, when you consider that Charlie was being asked to perform a task (as punishment) that involved activities he warms up to (and makes a living at).

Others snidely remarked that Charlie wasn’t qualified for the role as coach for budding performers pursuing a career in live theatre productions.

“Sheen isn’t known for being a stage actor,” one reporter astutely noted.

True.

But, to be fair - under the circumstances - the Judge’s considered directive isn't too far off the mark.

There are many instances in the past where celebrity defendants (Michael Phelps?) were ordered to offer up advice in community service situations as part ‘n parcel of their sentence.

As to the issue of Charlie’s lack of stage experience?

Yes.

Stage acting and film acting are quite different in approach.

Film acting tends to be more internal due to the intimate nature of film.

On the other hand, stage actors are required to turn up their performance - play bigger - in a theatrical environment geared to a live audience.

Unlike film - where a director may abort a scene in the bud that is going awry - in the stage scenario actors are required to build and sustain a performance without the luxury of being able to stop and go until they get it right.

There is only one instance in the history of the theatre where that golden rule was broken.

The legendary Katharine Hepburn was starring in a stage production on Broadway at the height of her theatrical career.

Shortly after the play began, things went awry - so much so - that Ms. Hepburn was inclined to halt the production dead in its tracks.

After a quick apology to the startled audience - this was definitely a first, folks - Hepburn instructed the stage hands to bring down the curtain so that the production could start up on stronger legs after a breather for a moment or two.

Although the troubled actor may not be able to focus on skills specific to stage acting because of his lack of experience on the boards - because Sheen is a competent actor (and recognized as such in the business) with hands-on acting experience under his belt - he does possess vital worthwhile information about the acting business in general.

And, thus, Mr. Sheen is capable of passing on tips to actors that they would not otherwise be able to glean from school texts.

Charlie’s take on the business and his thoughts on acting (even how he prepares for a role he is undertaking) are intriguing aspects of the business - that from a practical point of view - may prove to be invaluable to a student interesting in pursuing a career as an actor.

So, whether Charlie breaks a leg or not, remains to be seen in July when a hearing is slated to firm up the details.

God willing!

News Update
The prosecution discovered that Sheen does not qualify for work release because he is not a local resident 
Also, public service requires stricter rules, which Sheen allegededly nixed.
Back to the drawing board to hammer out a new deal!
Sheen is due back in Court July 12th.

 

DUI rustles up community service!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Paris Hilton (Premiere Video)...Paris dazzles in silk & diamonds! Fans & paparazzi frenzy...

Paris Hilton wowed! fans and paparazzi alike in a silk designer gown & jewels that sparkled and caught the light sending a million little rainbows scattering like stardust here and there on the red carpet.

A darling, Paris stopped and chatted, and allowed a multitude of photo ops for the excited film-goers there to catch her new documentary!

HD Video captured by Julian Ayrs @ the Tattler.

Exclusive Video of Paris Hilton @ Julian Ayrs YouTube site:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ijulian9

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Barack Obama…brown paper bag test! McLaughlin controversy…

The cast of intriguing characters on McLaughlin Group…

In the wake of the initial brouhaha over race issues in the current presidential race - and the subsequent feeding frenzy on the part of the media and pundits thereafter - the McLaughlin Group invited two well-known ”Black” personalities to appear on air to discuss the African American “elite” class from their unique perspectives.

For sure, it was an intriguing, lively, and insightful discussion.

To get the ball rolling - McLaughlin probed the two speakers right off-the-bat about a curious subject - exclusive private clubs for “blacks”.

For example, he quizzed them as to whether inclusion in a “member only” club was essential to secure a place in the rarefied air of the upper-crust in America.

And - in the event that were true - from the horse’s mouth sought to determine which organizations those might be.

I was surprised to learn there are a handful of “private clubs” that cater to select African American cliques. To gain entrance - a potential candidate not only needed a personal invitation - but was required to meet strict qualifications, as well.

The “Guardsmen” and “Jack and Jill” appeared to be two exclusive clubs at the top of the wish list for any black hopeful.

According to the founders of “Jack and Jill”, the mission of their group is,

“To create a medium of contact for children which will stimulate their growth and development, provide constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational, and social and service programs for children, and aid mothers in learning more about their children by careful study. It is also the goal to seek for ALL children the same advantages we desire for our own. And, to support all national legislation aimed at bettering conditions for children.”

In sum, “Jack and Jill” seeks to raise community awareness of the needs of children, concerns within the African American community - and likewise - prompt action in respect to these and other pressing relevant issues when appropriate.

Through national incentives like health programs and collaborative partnerships with other organizations, local chapters of “Jack and Jill” allegedly make a difference in the lives of their members, as well as the communities they serve, according to insiders.

Obviously, said clubs are worth joining, if the advantages are there.

But what about the issue of “exclusivity”?

The guests noted that the clubs are not unlike those that exist in white communities or in any other ethnic group around the nation.

In addition to inclusion in prestigious organizations like those aforementioned, Blacks who seek a coveted spot in the upper reaches of the black community are required to meet other standards or “litmus tests” as well.

For starters, lineage is quite important.

For example - “Where your grandfather went to school” - is a contributing factor for “acceptance”.

No riff raff, please!

In fact - when the subject turned to the issue of skin “tone” - the conversation got touchy on occasion.

In fact, a couple of McLaughlin’s astute observations, appeared to rile the edgy guests.

For instance, when Lawrence Graham mentioned the “brown paper bag and ruler test”, the pundit was given the old run-around when he sought to determine the origins of the “test”.

Understandable - since the “test” created a “class” system within the Black community - according to critics.

Any Afro-American with skin “lighter” than a brown paper bag (and with hair as straight as a ruler) was accepted into the higher class - while those with distinctive negro features - were relegated to the lower strata.

Graham and Horton were adamant that white plantation owners created the test during a period when slavery was legal and prevalent in the south.

It was stated point-blank - as a matter-of-fact - that a light-skinned black was favored by slave owners for employment in the “main house” as service personnel to carry out menial chores.

For this reason, darker-skinned African Americans were relegated to the status of field workers - which ultimately - affected their standing in the community for decades to come.

Along with the trappings of “house” privilege - came spoils like education - for the lighter-skinned of the race.

As a result - this sector of the black community was able to “move up” - according to the scholars.

When McLaughlin suggested that the “class system” was perpetuated by the Black community itself, there was a heated debate on the issue.

At this juncture, the talk drifted to blacks who tried to “hide” their roots, to get ahead in what they perceived as a “white man’s” world.

Graham noted that he knew one young man who took his College credit off his resume because it was known as a learning institution for black students. Then, he proceeded to slip into the community-at-large to “pass” himself off as white to strive for goals he thought were out of reach as a consequence of his skin color.

It reminded me of the Hollywood Movie - “Imitation of Life” - which starred film legend, Lana Turner (1959).

A socialite employs a black woman as a maid in her home.

When the daughter of the humble African American worker comes of age - and surmises her life as a “black” will be a stumbling block to her dreams - she runs away, lands a job in a nightclub as a dancer, then turns her back on her mother and her black heritage.

When the maid passes away, the mistress (Lana Turner) honors her wish for a dignified funeral service replete with horse-drawn carriage.

When the daughter hears of her mother’s passing, she quietly stands on the edges of the gathering crowd in the street, to pay her respects as the procession passes by. Suddenly, she becomes so overcome with grief, that she spontaneously breaks through the mob and throws herself on the casket.

Whoa, what a powerful moment in the cinema!

I recall being all teary-eyed and emotional when the dramatic heart-wrenching scene sprang to life on the silver screen.

In spite of these Hollywood-style exceptions, the speakers were mindful of the fact that those who achieved elevated status and recognition in the black community were inclined to “give back” to the community with the express purpose of nurturing the culture along.

For this reason, Clarence Thomas (Supreme Court Justice) was chastised for not making any significant effort to “belong” to the Black Community or taking it upon himself to help others less-fortunate in his race.

Although the subject turned to those who “met” or “did not meet” the long-standing “brown paper bag and ruler test” - for some inexplicable reason (and in spite of the fact it was an obvious question) - no one chose to discuss Barack Obama’s status in that regard.

Did the parties make a pact not to discuss the issue on-air prior to taping to avoid any controversy or bad press in the wake of such a pronouncement?

Curious, indeed.

In recent years, I’ve noticed that children playing in school yards and on busses around the nation - of all racial persuasion - appear to be comfortable in their skin.

Now that interracial marriages are accepted (and more the norm) I expect that somewhere down the rocky racially-charged-road - as the races intermix - there will be one distinct “skin color” on the planet.

As a result, racial conflicts will end.

I have a dream!

Child Actors...publicity stills, agents, et al. You outta be in pictures, kid!

I listened in amusement as a woman next to me gushed about how cute a man's kids were.

"They should be doin' commercials," she insisted.

In response, the fellow grinned and noted that he stopped into an Agent's office one day to discuss representation, but decided to forgo on the idea when the woman in charge of the children's division informed him they would need photographs - which could conceivably cost about $200.00 - or more.

The woman reacted angrily,

"That's not true. It's just a rip-off. All you need is a snapshot or two."

Wrong!

I was a theatrical agent representing child actors several years ago.

True, if you're interested in having your kids schlep around as slave labor doing extra work here and there, one or two of the local casting offices will only ask for a Polaroid (oftentimes for a small processing fee, which I disagree with) to insert into their casting files where clients peruse for nameless "bodies".

But, landing bona fide acting assignments for the young ones is much more specific than that, and the process requires the investment of at least one standard 8 X 10 glossy photograph.

This is the industry norm - for children and adults - alike.

In fact, a quality still of the "talent" amounts to a calling card. And, based on its strengths or weaknesses, the aspiring thespian may or may not get in the door.

When I was submitting performers for consideration, I was constantly amazed by the fact that one particular photo of a client would always land them an audition, while other struggling hopefuls continued to be "passed" over. So, choosing the right photographer is also a key factor in the equation.

For those of you who are not familiar with the process, it goes something like this.

Each day, ad agencies and casting directors send out casting notices with a "breakdown service", announcing parts that are auditioning by appointment only.

Agents - usually franchised by the Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA - then sift through the casting notices and select clients they deem appropriate for the assignment - based on their actual "training", "experience", and "look".

Feature roles may require more extensive credits - but - the criteria varies from director to director. It's a general consensus that stage work is a big plus, especially when Film and/or TV credits are few and far between.

Commercial casting offices are often seeking an "image" to represent a particular product, so experience may not always be a prerequisite in that arena.

A list of the names of the talent, and their overall personal stats (Height, Weight, skills, etc.) - and the accompanying photographs - are packaged up in the morning, and then sent out in the afternoon mail by special courier.

Calls for auditions may trickle in later that day or bright and early the next morning.

So, without a photograph - and especially a quality one to catch the eye of the casting director - the talent may be left out in the cold.

True, some disreputable agents may be associated with an acting school, or a photographer. In that event, stay away from them like the plague, and seek representation elsewhere.

If you hotfoot it over to SAG or AFTRA (both are situated in the same building on Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax and La Brea) you can obtain an Agent's list. Generally, those listed on the union sheets are professional, legitimate, and above-board - unlike other scam outfits hapless parents and their kids may encounter around Tinsel town in the pursuit of fame and fortune.

In the event your child is able to secure an agent, then be sure you can be reached on short notice; after all, that is also the nature of the beast...things may be slow one minute, then move at lightning speed the next.

And, a word of advice...

Make sure your tot is actively engaged in honing their acting skills and other talents by way of vocal lessons, and acting workshops and/or classes with reputable teachers and coaches on a regular basis.

That way - when the big break comes - they'll be ready for the opportunity and won't blow it!

Break a leg!





No business like show business!