I See Strength, I See Power...

I See a Bad Ass Mother, That Won't Take Nothing From No Body! 

Well... I almost got it right.

This post recaps Wednesday, May 25, 2011.

My agent got me an audition for a Coke Zero commercial today and little did I know it would be with a familiar face. 

Prior to the audition I must mention how enthusiastic my agent was about me reciving this audition. She looked back on her records and it showed this was at least my 3rd time auditioning for this casting company. Kathy Knowles Casting to exact. I've auditioned for them at least two times before and each time I got a call back. Although, I didn't book neither of the gigs I've learned that call backs are big deals and something to be proud of.

My first ever call back was on Day 110 = Friday, January 7, 2011 for the a McDonald's commercial. How can I forget that Auto Amazing Vehicle with a Stranger Story. 

My second call back was for a part on TNT show or movie.  Day 201 Friday, April 8, 2011 


Now since my agent noticed the patterns of call backs with this company, its obvious to her that they are noticing me. Our conversation prior to the audition was very empowering. Paraphrasing her own words she said that she really has a good feel about this and knows that my time is near and I should book this one. As always she says to go out and have fun with it.

The more and more I learn about the lethargic relationships between most talent and their agents I become sincerely humbled and appreciative about mine. First Class Talent Agent Agency truly believes in me. I've met a couple people they represent over time and it doesn't take much for me to realize how special our relationship is.

That conversation was an energy booster and also a pressure insinuator. Its a pressure insinuator because I know they believe in me and have invested much time in me but I haven't made them any money yet. In a period of 8 months I've made them about $10 from that one Tosh.0 commercial.

Of course 8 months isn't a long period of time in this industry but I passionately want to give them a return for not only investing in me but for believing me. I won't even begin to write about all the wonderful people that have blessed me over the last 8-10 years. The main reason I won't begin to write about them is because I have yet been able to bless them as I compassionately as I desire.

With the love & positivity my agents send me, I'm going to take their belief and multiply it. My time is coming. Unfortunately, it wasn't with this particular Coke Zero commercial because I didn't book it (not even a call back this time) but I am confident there is something out their with my name on it already.


First Class Talent Agency, thank you very much and trust me I will not let you down. I sense a significant celebration in the very near future.

Okay now back to the initial heading of this post. "I See Strength, I See Power, I See a Bad Ass Mother, That Won't Take Nothing From No Body!"

Those are the words I told the casting director of the Coke Zero commercial. At the time I thought I had the quote right but I just realized I was off a few words.

As I waiting for my name to be called, for the first time I noticed the casting was being conducted by a African American guy and the moment I saw his face it instantly became familiar to me. It kept thinking to myself, "I recognize his face but from where?" First the show Living Single came to mind but I knew that wasn't it. In another few seconds I got it. I recognized the guys face from the 1993 Disney movie Cool Runnings. His name is Rawle D. Lewis, he played the part of Junior Bevill in the movie.

When it was my turn he gave a group a small a demonstration then I got a few moments to talk one on one with him because the guy that was suppose to pair with went to put money in his car meter.

The moment the room was clear, I told him, "You know when I look at you I See Strength, I See Power, I See a Bad Ass Mother, That Won't Take Nothing From No Body!"


At first he responded by playing dumb and acted like he didn't know what I was talking about. He said, "are your referring to the commercial." I stood there with a smile yet blank face but then he said he was just joking. He said, he likes to play with people specially with white people by making them think, he thinks they think we all look alike.

We had great small talk. He mentioned how much he loved my named and asked me how I got it. He then said, that name is gangster. He said, that's a name that some body should mention if they they get beat up or something. He said, the victom should say, "I'm telling Motown." Then he said, the abuser would respond like, "You know Motown! Mybad. I didn't know. I'm sorry."  Basically he was trying to say how powerful my name is. I told him my name isn't completely at that point yet but its getting their.

I was auditioning for the role of an Ice Cream Man. No words just a few actions. I wasn't moved by my performance nor impressed personally. I left with the sense that the votes wouldn't lean in my direction. Part of me was jokingly thinking, "maybe the brother might look out (lol)." I was the only African American there and the white guys their had a pretty cool Ice Cream man look.

Furthermore, I connected really good with Rawle D. Lewis. I even gave him one of my fliers and I never give any one  in casting my fliers.

Rawle D. Lewis from Disney's Cool Runnings Meets Motown Maurice

Disney's 1993 movie Cool Runnings

The actual movie quote that I told him really goes like this.

Yul Brenner: Look in the mirror, and tell me what you see!


Junior Bevill: I see Junior.

Yul Brenner: You see Junior? Well, let me tell you what I see. I see pride! I see power! I see a bad-ass mother who don't take no crap off of nobody! 

Final Thoughts

I've been definitely connecting with the casting department lately. Last than a week before I had a great connection with the guy in casting for the Moblity 1 audition on Day 244 Saturday, May 21, 2011. 


But of course the casting department don't make the decisions. They cast a few people who look like the fit the part and the producers have the final word. Who are the producers, in mostly all castings situations we never ever know. 


Its a patience game now. My booking already has my name on it.


As the quest continues...



The Future of Late Night


Motown Maurice