Best Supporting Actor
Hi. A master director in Hollywood is directing his most ambitious film in his entire career. He claims that this is his life’s work. He has hired his favourite leading man — a thoughtful, charming, critically and commercially-successful Israeli actor. The actor has been training for a few years just to prepare for this physically-demanding role.
Principal filming has largely completed, but the director is now looking to shoot the last third of the footage and has casted you as an supporting actor. Look, I know you’re looking for more leading type of roles, but this is a very rare opportunity. Do you have any idea how many actors want to work with this director? Everything he has done is brilliant, and he has started so many great careers. You always talk about wanting to do meaningful art films, so this is the perfect chance.
Yes, the role is kind of dumb. You will have to play kind of a fool. It’s just a small part, and it’s not nearly as conspicuous as your buddy’s part . But the director has said that you’re perfect for this role. —-Yes! That’s what I’m saying! He has seen your work. He’s seen your work, and he wants to cast you for this. I was actually surprised by how much he knows about your films.
—No… Listen. Listen to me. You can’t. You can’t. You can’t have that role. That’s not what… No, I don’t think you can tell him that. He isn’t going to change the story like that for you. That scene doesn’t play out like that. It’s not about your character. Yeah, it’s the Israel dude.
Yeah. Yeah. That’s right. Exactly! You saw the Oscars two years ago, right? That was such a strange minor character, but she won an Oscar out of it. That’s why I think you should work with this director. He will bring out your best acting yet. You want my opinion? I think you’re right for the role. Honestly. I think it will change your career around.
…
Good. That’s what I want to hear from you. You’ve read the script, so you know how great this script is. Even if your career doesn’t get a boost, it would be a great experience just to have participated. So yeah. Go get them. I think you’ll do great.
Donald Miller: “Your Story Is Your Life”
Along similar lines to Merlin’s presentation, here is Christian writer Donald Miller’s thoughts on viewing your life as a story — a story with a character, conflict, sacrifice, desire, and transformation. The section on conflict is particularly great.
Tip: Click the “Get Free Stuff - Take Our Survey” and complete the survey. You will then get a link to download the talk for free.
Webstock Conference: “Scared Sh*tless”
Merlin Mann’s emotional, authentic presentation on confronting your fears and doing your work. They can’t eat you.
"Fear of Missing Out" and Social Media
Caterina Fake, via kottke.org.
Social media has made us even more aware of the things we are missing out on. You’re home alone, but watching your friends status updates tell of a great party happening somewhere. You are aware of more parties than ever before. And, like gym memberships, adding Bergman movies to your Netflix queue and piling up unread copies of the New Yorker, watching these feeds gives you a sense that you’re participating, not missing out, even when you are.
Are you ok with being alone? Are you afraid of missing out? We need the courage to face this fear - a courage to be outdated, uncool, different.
That is where you are called. That is where you will find your identity.
