Week 183: Quake It Up Baby Now

Weekly Written Review

I'm proud to say I experienced my first earth quake this week. I've been in Cali for over 3 1/2 years and this was my first experience. At least it was the first one that I actually felt one. I was sleeping, the shake woke me up. My first reaction was to spread my arms and pause. After a few seconds of being in a flying position, I went back to sleep. The only thing I could think about was my computer stuff. Yet the shake wasn't enough to even get me out of the bed. I wasn't even sure it was a real quake until I read about it on Facebook and confirmed with one of my housemates.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

* For the second time I played basketball with no food in my system. I brought some crackers with me thinking I can snack on a few while I play and that didn't work. Last time I do that. It was a terrible lost.

*  The G Blok meeting. Its the best meeting yet. Green light. Fall 2014.

The G Blok coming to a television near you fall 2014. 

Monday, March 17, 2014

* Early hours in the morning I experienced my first earth quake. It was a registered a 4.4.

* Audition for Jacks Links (Agent Sent).

* Mosaic Improv level 301 with Michael. Lets just say I'm not doing my best improv right now. That tends to happen when I have a lot on my mind.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

* Internet issues. Made a Boba Cafe run.

* QWF email.

* I called a girl today and the conversation went well. Its the girl number from last Friday.

* Special Delivery rehearsal.

* Mosaic comedy improv level 301 with Nathan.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

* I caved in. I can't rely on the magical internet signal anymore. I paid my house mate $10.00 to use his internet for the month. It's still practically free.

* Xbox Kinect body movement audition. I got a good reaction. Kind of thought I probably booked it but no call back.

* Played basketball and lost.

* Called the girl for the second time and had an amazing conversation. We laughed and even argued  little bit. I thought the conversation was a success.

* Improv at Micheal's house.

Imiprov at Michael J. Sielaff's house. 

Chilling with my home Gromit the Rabbit. 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

* Played ball again (2-2). Note to self. No more back to back days of playing basketball.

* Called a girl and left a message. No call back.

* Audition notice.

Friday, March 21, 2014

* Vitamin Water audition (Agent sent). I thought I did pretty well. This audition was all about the laugh. I auditioned with two other people and as we were leaving one person told me, "You have an amazing laugh." Who knows if I'll get it or not but I know I gave my best laugh. I've been smiling ever since.

* Random phone call from a guy who saw my late night show on Youtube, found my number online and called for advice. Advice on how to be the next Johnny Carson. I advised him the best that I could. I gave him the truth and the truth ain't what most people want to hear. I gave him a bit a courage for calling me but his fears are evident. More power to him.

* Casting director mail out part 2. I recall a surge of auditions following part 1. There probably wasn't a connection but lets keep the strategy moving.

In my hand I hold a message for the gate keepers. Gate keepers let me in.  

* Sent in a silly audition video for an Open Your Eyes music video. It was inspired by my Vitamin Water audition aka Kevin Hart.


* The girl I've been calling at least text-ed me back today. My attempt to take her to the movies in the  morning failed. Game over.

* DOS show at Neon Venus.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

* Basketball in the gym. I even wrote my good Nikes. Did well in my 3 on 3 games, 2-1. But I can't say the same for full court. We were 1-3. Terrible.

Final Thoughts

I woke up on Wednesday and said enough is enough with this inconsistent internet. I was holding out from paying my housemate $10.00 a month because I wasn't fond of how he cut off his free internet access without a heads up. Nonetheless, I gave in. I have to often remind myself, humans don't communicate. His offer is still a great blessing and he's been great a blessing. My life became more convenient the day he and his mom moved in (June 2013). Before even knowing my name the offered me a printer that changed everything for me. Now I have consistent and reliable internet. My metro hot spot sucked and the magical internet signal wasn't always magical. Now I come home with no internet worries. Thanks David.

As the quest continues...

The Future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 182: What Goes Up Must Come Down to Basketball

Weekly Written Review 

After a week of booking and auditioning immortality, my invincibility powers were finally taken away from me. This is the week when all the high died down. The week when I became not so attractive. The week when I became no longer wanted. No body wants to get use to this. I tried to control it but sometimes you lose control. One moment your hot and another moment your not. I been here before plenty of times. Its the transition part I hate. Nonetheless, I figured my out antidote (See final thoughts).

Sunday, March 9, 2014

* Zip Lining shoot

Backyard Zip Lining. Motown Maurice and Santa/J. Claus. This was a weird but fun shoot. 

* Straight Outta Compton audition/NWA open casting call. Lets get real. I had no business coming to this casting call. In my mind I thought I could play a young Dr. Dre. I flattened my hair. I brought a little swag but they certainly didn't think so. After hours upon hours of waiting in line. One person looked at me and circled an N on my paper. Which means either: I look like none of them or NO. I should of invested my time doing something else but oh well. I had my X-Factor opening call experience and now I have my feature film open call experience. No more. I've already got an agent. I shouldn't have to do this.

Straight Outta Compton feature film open casting call.

Motown Maurice aka Dr. Dre. Kevin Cardenas aka Ice Cube. On line at the Straight Outta Compton
open casting call. NWA. 

Straight Outta Compton feature film open casting call.

Monday, March 10, 2014

* Dull Monday

* Fitting for the Live Health Online shoot

* Mosaic Comedy improv level 301 with Michael

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

* Dull start to a day

* QWF stuff/phone calls

* Mosaic Comedy improv level 301 with Nathan

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

* Low energy day. Internet down again

* Woke up and went back to sleep. Then woke up at 3:15pm

* Played a necessary game of basketball. Lost a game of 21 but my team stayed undefeated

Thursday, March 13, 2014

* Live Health Online shoot

Collage students don't know how to take care of themselves. Live Health Online shoot. 

* Pre-Festival Mixer. Fully successful

* See photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.777615738930143.1073741853.577545992270453&type=3

Friday, March 14, 2014

* DOS Rehearsal/Show

* Audition notice for Monday

* Mosaic Comedy show. (I got a girls number. Yeahhh!)

* Later in the night I started an Okay Cupid account but I'm mostly likely going to close it soon. That stuff isn't for me.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

* Quarterly Wrap Festival promo video shoot witih Jaseena Ali

Mo-Diddy aka Motown Maurice & MC Seena aka Jaseena Alio are Wrappers. 

* Promo # 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo1s4aBsdPQ

* Audition: Role - 17 year-old basketball player for Lily spec commercial.

Final Thoughts

One would think I would be excited about a shoot I booked this week. Nope. The shoot isn't exciting because its not challenging enough for me. I never imagined I would be thinking this but I prefer the audition. The audition is where the challenge is. Nothing about the shoot excites me. I had no lines and I did exactly what they told me to do. The pay will keep me afloat for two months or less but that's it. It doesn't motivate me. I'm sure future bookings will challenge me but not as of yet. I now prefer the audition. I've realized if they called me in, I have a undisclosed possibility of earning the role. I love the challenge of figuring it out and I currently desire it all the time.

Then came basketball. For a while now I've been playing at least once a week on the weekends. That's been a very healthy edition to my schedule but who says I only have to play once a week. I was ill spirited most of this week the only solution I could think of was basketball and it gave me the fix I needed. It doesn't matter where I get the challenge from. It could be in the audition or on the basketball court, I'm going to get my challenge fix. .

As the quest continues...

The Future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 181: Jamming with Legends on a Booking Streak

Weekly Written Review

At the time of this post, I am unable to reveal the names for the artists I worked with on Wednesday. I had to sign a non-closure agreement. I doubt my blogs exposure will reach the masses but its worth being safe for these names. For now, until I update my blog they will be known as P.M and J.D. 

On Friday, I had an audition and here is part of the description: 

Looking for 2 Hero teen boys - african american. Aged 18 to play 16 years old....These kids should be able to play guitar - doesn't have to be expert guitar player, but should just be comfortable with the instrument, can play some basic chords and has rhythm... IF YOU SING, WE WILL ASK YOU TO SING A CAPELLA A LITTLE BIT - BLUES or "OLDIE" FROM 50s, 60s, or 70s (or older), AND IF YOU DANCE, WE'LL BE ASKING YOU TO DANCE A LITTLE BIT, ANYTHING OF YOUR CHOICE. 

I showed up for the audition and there was a lot of musically inclined young men. Some had guitars others had a voice so strong you could hear through the room. Prior to, I memorized a few lines from a BB King song, The Thrill is Gone. I don't recall anything super great about the audition. The casting director did like the fact that I mentioned specifics. I said nothing more than a couple types of foods I liked. I sang the my lines and left. I was confident someone else got it. They play instruments, I don't. All this was last week (180) Friday. 

On Tuesday of this week, I received the call from my agent and she told me I booked it. I was pretty surprised but not as surprised as I became on the day of. I arrived on Wednesday and I realized I'm the only young African American male in the room. There is a young Caucasian guy and about 7 older African American males in their 60's-70's years of age. In addition to that, I'm the only person who isn't a real musician. All of them are the real deal. I'm the only actor. Remember I wrote that, now lets add the actual artist to the equation. (Sorry I'll have to reveal the names another time) I looked at photo cast sheet and noticed its P.M. That's big. I quickly realized all the fuss about and reason to sign the NDA for the now known British artist. I look a little deeper on the list and notice D.P. This person is not known for his musicianship but he's a mega movie star. 

Time passes and before you  know it I'm shooting a music video with two of the biggest names on the planet. We're not only shooting a music video but we're also having multiple blues jam sessions. It's was a sincere honor to be apart of this. Its a story that will never get old. 

I shouldn't be trying to figure out why and how I booked the audition but I always speculate. Nonetheless, the only logical reason of this booking. Considering the fact that I can't play a lick of any instrument. I can only guess my personality booked it for me. 

Sunday, March 2, 2014

* Oscar Sunday

* QWF Planning 

Monday, March 3, 2014

* Call back from last Thursday's audition. 

* I'm done with Sardines. Something wasn't right with the last can I ate. I'm sticking to tuna and crackers now. 

* Special Deliver Improv meeting and Mosaic Comedy improv show in North Hollywood. 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

* Back to back awesome phone calls. First my agent called and told me I booked last Friday's music video audition and I got another from yesterdays callback and was put and avail. I later also booked it. 

* Once I booked the gig with my agent I had to blame on another music video gig (Absurdist Ultra Violent) that I booked for myself. I hate I had to do it but my agent has priority. 

* Spent a portion of the day at the library and made the final selects for the Quarterly Wrap Festival's host. 

* Attended Mosaic Comedy level 301 class. 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

* Woke up under the weather voice stricken. Its the only thing I dislike about my garage situation. There's no instillation and there's a cool draft that gets me at night.   

* Music video show with P M and J D. Amazing story started above.

Jamming with one of the greatest musical legends of all time and I don't even know how to play the guitar. 

* I was super tired but still made it to improv at Michael's. 

Thursday, March 6, 2014

* Two back to back audition notices. One from my agent. 

* Regions bank audition. 

* Voice is getting better. 

* Shout outs to Kevin Cardenas for helping me prepare for my upcoming audition. 

Friday, March 7, 2014

* Zenni Optical audition. I left unsatisfied. I memorized an indicated portion of their script and my audition had nothing to do with it. When I was told what to say, I wasn't loose enough. I was too stuck to those lines. I could of sealed the deal but I doubt I did. 

* My auditions notices from yesterday had the same address which was ironic. I waited around. Dosed off on the bus stop. Bought some fries from McDonalds and then I realized the 2nd audition is schedule for the next day at the same place. 

* DOS Rehearsal and show. This was our best show yet. I stepped it up and we all represented. It was just the 3 of us but we showed out. 

* Got a booking for Zip ling on Sunday. 

Saturday, March 8, 2014

* Went to bed with the desire to play basketball in the morning. I missed playing last week and I'm trying to play at least once a week. Its healthy. The past previous weeks I was on a winning streak. Today I was one for one. I blame myself for my 3 man teams lost. Earlier on during a game of 21, I realized I left the house with out eating a thing. That was a bad move. Not having any food in my stomach affected me more and more as I played. Preparation is key. Food is a necessity. 

* Pilot presentation audition (agent sent): The casting director noticed my name on the list and greeted me with a big smile. "Motown?!" "Yes," "I'll be right with you." Later, when walking to the room she told me she looked me up online and really liked my reel. She said I had a lot of good stuff. After the audition, she asked about my show. I told her about my web series and where she could find it. I gave her a couple cards and she took it with open arms. Unique things tend to happen during my auditions but this is among the top five. I don't recall a casting directing telling me she looked me up like that before. Besides that, this was an audition with lines. I'm proud to say I didn't flop. I nailed the lines and nailed an impression. As for if I nailed the character...? Hmmmm, that's another subject. I was playing the role for a cop. I know. Interesting. Its a dark comedy. 

Final Thought

All week long I had no magical free internet. Its been a better bad year for that mysterious signal. Thanks for the Metro Hot spot service. Its been decent. Sometimes its great. Other times its wack. I recently realized it works better when its not plugged in. Funny enough, late Saturday night into the next morning the signal started working again. Unfortunately, it went down about two days afterwards.

I also want to note that for the first time in my life I'm making serious effort to become a flexible person. Any chance I get I'm stretching. I still have a long way before I can touch my toes.

As the quest continues...

The Future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 180: Its's Raining & Auditions are Pouring

Weekly Written Review 

Auditions have certainly been slow all of January, through February until this week. This last rainy week of February 2014 was different. The week ended with lots of rain and with the rain came showers of auditions and notices.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Music video with with the Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover. Hopefully, I'll be seen in this one. 

Monday, February 24, 2014

* Special Delivery rehearsal.

* Mayme A. Clayton phone call of great news. :-)

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

* Mosaic Comedy Two Buck Butler Show

Matt Tate's level 201 class performs at the Two Buck Butler. 

Motown & Jordan

* Two unexpected pop up auditions that I ended up booking. I remember struggling to get the second call from the shower while fighting back soap in my eyes.

* Agent audition for an Arsenio type of Comedy Bang Bang. I had that in the bucket.

* The second audition was less of an audition but I went in and took a photo for Tattoos Nightmares and got a booking text.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

* Comedy bang bang booking notice.

* Last min hair cut. My main barber wasn't available. grrrrrr

* Improv at Michael's

Thursday, February 27, 2014

* Rained last night and I woke up sickish. After my shoot and audition I stayed in bed until the next day. I woke up better.

* Comedy Bang Bang shoot Reggie Watts. Reggie was super cool, he asked me general questions about myself most big named Hollywood types wouldn't ask. Later he asked to took a photo of me. I had no clue of his intentions with the photo. Not to long afterwards, my friend Trent Bruce called and texted, "Dude Reggie Watts just posted a picture of you on Instagram." How awesome is that? I probably would of never known I was on instagram if it wasn't for Trent. Before we departed from each other Reggie said, "Maybe I'll be on your show one day."

Reggie Watts & Motown Maurice 

* Audition: Live Health Online at OYM. I got a call back the next day. Yeahhh!

* Internet was lost and came back. It was gone again by the next day.

Friday, February 28, 2014

* Agent sent audition: Model17-Top10 British RocknRoll Hall of Fame Icon

* New DOS improv schedule. 5pm rehearsal and 7pm show time.

* Special Delivery Monkey Butler debut.

Special Delivery premiere 

Special Delivery makes its debut. 

* Moe Heat Magazine red carpet event. I got there for the last half hour, basically it was already over but it was worth supporting Moe Heat and I got a pick with Brain Hooks.

* Activated my Casting About account.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

* Rainy day. Might as well mail out to 34 different casting directors, wash clothes and of course blog.

34 castings won't know what hit them. 

34 stamps sure hit my pockets. 

Ain't no stopping me now. 34 ways to plant a seed. 

* After laboring myself at the laundry mat, I decided to treat myself to an 8 piece KFC family meal. My landlord has been blessing me with newspaper coupons so why not. I walked over there and made some phone calls. Still on the phone with my cousin, I've been pacing myself in front of KFC because I didn't go in still talking on the phone. Only a few minutes in front of KFC a man approaches me with something in his hand. Its a 5 dollar bill, "Go inside and get yourself something to eat." "Thank you sir. Thank you very much." I don't know where that blessing came from. I could only wonder if he thought I was talking to myself. I had a gray hoodie on covering my ear piece headset. He could of thought I was a crazy homeless guy. Probably not but I am surely grateful. One forth of of that chicken tasted so much better than the rest. Thank you sir whom ever you are.

Final Thoughts

People respect Seth Myers. I can't be a hater. The premiere of his show about what I expected, or less. No innovation. No experiment. Its SNL 5 nights a week. Same thing goes for Arsenio as far as respect. People love him. People love them both. Congratulations to everyone in late night. They're there for a reason and I'm not there yet for a reason. Jay Leno surprised Arsenio with a visit and a season 2 renewal letter this week. Things are looking up for everyone. Seth Myers started strong with good ratings and my auditions are starting to pick up, so are my bookings. Its raining in Los Angeles California. That's got to mean something right? More bookings are on the horizon!!! Thank you February but March is here we have taken over your momentum.

As the quest continues...

The Future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Week 179: Celebrity Snubbed, Kicked Out, Bombed It - Congratulations Jimmy Fallon

Written Weekly Review 

The past two weeks have been huge for late night television. Less than two weeks ago Jay Leno signed off with a heartfelt goodbye and this week Jimmy Fallon officially stepped in to begin his reign. I've been reading up and doing my sincere best to follow up with the stories. 2-3 years ago, in the earlier stages of my quest, I would of invested much of my time and energy into a literary perspective. I don't have time for that now. I wasn't even able to watch a full episode of late night television this week. I'm doing improv almost every night and there also important events to attend. With that, I say congratulations Jimmy Fallon and much blessing to late night television. Yes, my eyes flicker when I see Jimmy's face on a billboard and bus banner. My desire to go head to head with him hasn't changed. It never will. Thus, I've been doing this long enough to know its not my time yet. Mostly importantly, Jimmy Fallon's tonight show ticket is well deserved. The man is a superb talent. I honestly don't understand why some people think he's not talented. He's certainly not an actor, that in which he knows. As for late night, he's made for it. Its his calling. Soon enough the late night god's will grant my long awaited opportunity. Late night is doing good right now. I'm still skeptical about Seth Myers but I'm not hating. I don't think its his calling but he certainly paid his dues and people respect him. He does deserve the right if he desire it. More about Seth next week.  All in all, I have to author my own legacy. If I just watched the programs all the time that would just make me a late night enthusiast. I'm a late night crusader, fighting to...I think we all know who I am by now.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

* Attended a Mosaic Church morning service

* Continued my winning basketball streak at the park.

* Attended Ivana Chubbuck's Christmas in February with Kevin Cardenas. He invited me. After awhile, I noticed Robert Townsent there. It was my second time at the same event with him since I arrived in LA. The first time was March of 2012. I originally met him June of 2009 in Miami Florida. I later approached him and he basically snubbed me off. I had not intentions to approach him that night but I saw an opportunity and took it. We had an authentic meeting at the American Black Festival 5 years ago and I figured he would remember me. When I got his attention he was by himself and his facial expression didn't even flinch. I asked him to guess where he was June of 2009, the weekend Michael Jackson died. He remembered that. I then proceeded to tell our amazing story of when he pulled my name of out a bag and... Subsequently, without much care he throbbed his shoulders, said and indicated he didn't remember. Then he gave me a very generic hand shake and said, "I wish you continued success." Who said anything about success? I said nothing about the status of my career or nothing like that. He obviously was far from interested in speaking to me. I sure figured wrong.

Okay, many up and comers, complementary house hold names have had past situations which celebrities that have dis them. I'm not not calling this a dis. It is what it is. Since my first interactions with celebrities and The Motown Maurice show, I got 101 lessons needed about interacting with them. The most diplomatic term I can use is "lousy." What I valued as significant in 2009 between Robert Townsent and is no longer significant to me. What was he suppose to do you asked? He was suppose to be himself. Always be yourself. Myself would of responded differently to another young man. I'm confident about that but to each his own. Maybe he didn't like the fact that I made him guess. Or maybe, I wasn't as pretty as the young ladies he took the time to talk before. It doesn't matter. More power to him. This reminds me of Michael Baisden (I won't get into it now but I'm sure it will resurface in the future).  

Monday, February 17, 2014

* Internet problems, fixed with I love Boba.

*  Had a Mosaic meeting with my improv teacher Matt Tate mainly about leadership and volunteering for Mosaic.

* Attended improv class at The Next Stage. Its the first time in a while. And I got kicked out for leaving early. The director Chris B of The Next Stage is an idiot. He's not even worth my time writing about.

* Formally known as Swipe, Special Delivery improv rehearsed today.

Special Delivery rehearses for its soon debut. 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

My decrepit chair finally gave in. RIP chair! 

* Sent QWF email.

* Formally known as Monkey Butler. Mosaic Comedy has a new day for improv class.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

* I recently booked some type of Superman dating skit today but it later got canceled. As far as I'm concerned, I'm cool with it.

* Improv at Michael's

Thursday, February 20, 2014

* DOS Improv Rehearsal.

* An actual music video audition. I decided to try something new during the audition that had something to do with the weather and mango's. It worked. The next day I got the call and booked it.

* Attended NYTVF's Format Frenzy: An Indie Guide to TV's Fastest-Growing Phenomenon at Busby's East. The general manager of the venue greeting me with open arms and office me a free drink. That's first class. Mostly importantly this event inspired the reinvention of an idea that will soon become a pilot.

* Did a lot of walking to day. Basically from Melrose and La Brea to home.

Friday, February 21, 2014

* Hit It audition and BOMBED it. I totally went blank but I can explain. I memorized the last verse from this old school hop hop song "SLAM" by Onyx. I had it down but not when it counted. The reason I bombed so well is because I wasn't being myself. While waiting they told us to be ourselves, that I wasn't.

DJ and Motown Maurice post my horrible audition. 

* Damn Katy Perry music video Dark Horse came out and I my epic scene was completely cut out. Bummer!!! My head can be seen a little bit in the back ground but its really not notable.

* Neon Venus improv show with DOS.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

* Basketball win streak continues with one indoor basketball game. The second game never ended because one of my teammates left without telling anyone. We noticed he was gone mid game and we ended it.

* My gracious landlord let me borrow $5.00 because she was concerned I didn't have any money for food. She also gave me 3 one dollar coins and some can foods. I went most of this week with $1.00 in pocket with access to my $25.00 cash in my debit card. I later in their office and fix it.

Teen Wolf epiphany. I'm on a Teen Wolf binge by the way. I loved the first season then came Vampire  Diaries. It took me a while to get back into Teen Wolf. The start of season 2 was kind of wack but I'm looking it now. I'm checking up and seeing myself in season 3 episode 8 was priceless. Moreover, I want in on Fantasy Comedy Drama. It makes sense based on how much I love watching it. I would be great in a supernatural drama program. With my upcoming new strategy, I'm going to do my best to fit myself into that equation.

Final Thoughts

Two random people came up to me and said, "I'm sorry about your lost." I was like what are you talking about? Their response, "The Tonight Show and Jimmy Fallon..." It certainly makes me smile and once again Jimmy Fallon deserves it. I want my stake in late night. Jimmy can have The Tonight show. I'll get mine. I'm just grateful people think of me when they think about late night.

As the quest continues...

The Future of Late Night

Motown Maurice