Aaron Ikeda's Actor Blog

ABC Primetime skit with Rosario Dawson and Christian Slater

2009-05-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Peepoh,

I just completed work on a skit featuring Christian Slater and Rosario Dawson. It's for ABC Primetime "Un-Broke: What You Need to Know About Money” ... here is the scoop!

Friday, May 29th at 9/8c
Schools teach us almost everything, but not "Money 101." For the basics on finance, turn to UN-BROKE: What You Need to Know About Money. It's an unconventional look at the fundamentals of everyday finance with all the facts about credit cards, mortgages, stocks and bonds, investing and 401(k)'s, in a fresh new format combining information and humor. The one-hour special airs FRIDAY, MAY 29 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Hosted by "Good Morning America' contributor and President of Ariel Investments Mellody Hobson, the special features Will Smith, Samuel L. Jackson, the Jonas Brothers, Christian Slater, Cedric the Entertainer, Seth Green, Sesame Workshop's Oscar the Grouch, Rosario Dawson and the E*Trade Babies, among others.

Hobson said: "Financial education is critically important, and 'UN-BROKE' proves that it doesn't have to be boring. The economic crisis was a harsh wake-up call that we can't keep doing the same thing in the same way. To me, that meant taking a fresh look at my own approach to financial education. This will make people laugh while they learn."

The special's take on basic money sense includes:

" Will Smith, who gets down to basics with a boardroom full of corporate finance executives.
" Samuel L. Jackson, who appears as a bestselling author of self-help books and who is "Broke as Hell and Not Going to Take it Anymore!"
" The Jonas Brothers, who teach screaming teenage girls the mysteries of the stock market. " Seth Green, who explains the fundamentals of a smart mortgage from his "crib."
" Cedric the Entertainer, who talks back to credit cards.
" Christian Slater and Rosario Dawson, who visit an office workplace to explain the importance of investing in a 401(k) retirement plan.
" The E*Trade Babies, who meet Mellody for an online chat from their high chairs.

UN-BROKE: What You Need to Know about Money is a co-production of Lincoln Square Productions and Overbrook Entertainment. The executive producers are Mellody Hobson and Rudy Bednar. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

Our Skit is about a lonely, everyday office, similar to hit TV show "The Office". It is full of worker bees who have a 401(K) meeting scheduled today. Obviously, no one wants to go until Christian Slater and Rosario Dawson show up to do the presentation. That's when the meeting room is filled to capacity. I play the "Shlubby Worker" who asks Rosario Dawson "are you single?" should be good for a laugh or two.

Special Thanks go out to Blythe Nailling and Geralyn Flood of Flood/Nailing Casting and Director Adam Feinstein and Crew for a great shoot and wonderful experience.

Tune in to ABC Friday 5/29/09 9-10 PST, 8-9 Hawaiian!

Mahalo, Ai

here is a taste.... Seth Green from Funnie or Die!

Un-Broke: The Seth Green Cribs Edition - watch more funny videos

I just finished principal photography for a new Best Buy commercial with Will Smith!

2008-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hey My Peeps,

Guess what? Futt, thats what... kidding!

I just completed principle photography for a new Best Buy commercial with Will Smith! Yup, er... well not exactly. It’s to promote his new movie "HANCOCK"! He plays a homeless superhero... oh, never mind just watch this clip:

The Best Buy spot starts after this clip:

We are the family on the boat that the whale crashes into. To make a long story, longer... we end up being the ones responsible for filming the whale using a SONY camcorder. Why SONY... because SONY made the movie, silly. It’s a tie-in spot for Hancock-Sony-Best Buy.

Anyway, we filmed the whole thing over at Falls Lake on the Universal Lot. Falls Lake was recently used for a massive tomb set for National Treasure: Book of Secrets with Nicolas Cage. It’s also recently been used for Evan Almighty (Ark sequence) and Pirates of the Caribbean: World’s End. It was pretty sick. We had boat wreckage and water skis, and swimmers in wet suits. The Lake was heated to 75 degrees so being in water for 5 hours was like taking a super long tub bath. The Producer said that we were going to shoot it in the ocean but we wouldn’t have lasted more then an hour being that the California water temperature is about 56 degrees... Thank God!

Although our call-time was 8am, we didn’t actually get into the water until about 1pm. The great thing is that we shot right through until about 6:15 when the sun was setting. Naturally, we were pressed for time but it seemed like we got all the shots in. We were all wearing wet suits under our clothes which kept things nice and warm. It was actually warmer in the water then out of it. The only challenge was that the wet suits did leak so with the extra weight, it made getting out of the water a little more difficult. So for me do to a gazzillion takes climbing out of the water on to the boat wreckage was challenging. I was like a baby monk seal flopping onto a dock... but wearing human clothes.

For more on Falls lake at Universal go here

for more on HANCOCK go here

Special Thanks go to my Agent Hugh Leon and his assistant Dawn at Coast to Coast.
Danielle Eskinazi casting and Doug Traer session director.
The Director Sebastian, Producer Mark, 1st AD Jonathan, 2nd AD Mike, and the great Crew at RSA for a smooth shoot.
My cast mates Sue Tan (Whale Wife), Christian Fan (Whale Son),
Christian’s mom Sunny (for taking pictures while I was in the water), and Francesca (the Best Buy girl).

Anyway, you should see it, Hopefully, in about 6 weeks so keep your eyes peeled and let me know. "Hancock" opens July 4th weekend so you know it’s going to be a big deal.
Now, I’m going to Disney Land!

B Good Y’all, Ai

SCRUBS viewing party & season 6 DVD release.

2007-10-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Sportsfans (ZB actually stole that from me... kidding),

Anyhoo (I just pinched ZB with that one)... I was invited to a viewing party for the debut of SCRUBS 7th and final season. It took place about a week before the network debut and was held at the Pacific Design Center on Melrose Avenue just below West Hollywood. For those of you who live outside of LA, the PDC is a big mall like building that houses every thing you need to furnish your home. Mostly 'Shi Shi' stuff for high end homes. Although, I must admit, most of the spaces were empty. It is often used for post Oscar parties and conventions.

We arrived to a valet out front who took off with my SUV like he was late to pick-up his kids or something. Needless to say all valets in LA drrive the same way, RECKLESSLY. I am satisfied knowing I have auto insurance, a enough cash for a cab, and a good lawyer.

So we get up stairs and it's a really small, quiant, intimate space with a bunch of show rooms grouping together into a house-like atmosphere. Add a DJ, some cool sofas, hor d'eurs and drinks sponsored by Saphire Vodka... and you have yourself a very happening joint. They even had one room that had a revolving floor similar to those gaudy restaurants you find at the top of those high buildings. I guess the shindig was sponsored by Hollywood Life magazine because most of the people I did not know but I do say 'Hi' to a few who I do.

Close your eyes it's name drop time... Zach, Donald, Neil, Johnny C, Sam, Robert, Judy, Ken, Shaughn, Producer Randall and the man, Bill. It was good to see everyone relaxing and having a good time.

We were all pretty tweaked by the time they showed Episode 701 'My Own Worst Enemy' so needless to say, we were all laughing at the jokes. Bill made a little speech saying this being the last season, that we would go out with a bang. So Sportsfans, be prepared for some major wackiness, tons of cameo and guest stars from the past, and just plain old fun.

We left rather early at 11pm. I'll post some picture as soon as I get them developed... just kidding. I'll post them under party pix like McSoon.

Also, Don't forget to run out and pick up SCRUBS DVD Season 6 which drops this Tuesday. I do a short and probably boring interview on my experiences on the show. Also, Please comment back and let me know what you think. I have no idea if I'm even on it so no promises... Okie Dokie!

In the immortal words of one funny looking alien guy... Beeeee Gooooood,

XOXO, Ai

SCRUBS season 6 DVD on sale TODAY!!!

Hey Homos,

...Sapiens, that is... anyhoo, SCRUBS season 6 dropped today... I just ran down to Best Buy, Stood in a humongous line, and forked out $25 bucks to see myself on TV again... I'm a Narcissist, OKAY!!! In fact, I'm watching it right now.

Oh, by the by, I did a short interview during the summer and the funny thing is, I'm actually in it. Me talking about my evil alter-ego "Rex". To see me is really easy:

1) buy the SCRUBS season 6 DVD... I did!
2) open the package using a very sharp object.
3) be careful not to hurt yourself.
4) Open the DVD player, place disk 3 into tray, close the DVD Player and press play if you have one of those really old ones that don't start on their own.
5) goto bonus features, then goto MORE.
6) goto "The Third Tier" and sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
7) after watching it, comment back and let me know what you thought like...
Dude, you looked fat; or You're stupid funny; or I like asian... cuizine!

Also, the DVDs are loaded with bonuses like commentaries and stuff so check it out.

Catch U Latah, Ai

Ps. This is not a paid endorsement by the show... they pay me yes... but they didn't pay me to say this.

AZN Asian Excellence Awards!

2007-05-25T23:47:00.000-07:00

AZN Asian Excellence Awards!

Waddup My peeps,

It's been way too long since I wrote anything... so here I am, lying in my bed with my wife passed out next to me, two cats crashed at my feet (I have 5 and 3 kittens), watching the Dodger game... the game just tied up. Maybe I'll continue this in a sec. Also the battery on my laptop is down to 18 minutes. Ok, here we go... oh damn, Dodgers just took the lead 9-8 over the cubbies. Ok, AZN Asian Excellence Awards:

My Mom call me a few weeks back and asks me if the invite she received is anything special? I told her in a very toned down voice "Mom, it's a pretty big deal". So she tells me I'm her date and we start making plans to go. First off, it's black tie so I rent a tux. Second, It's at UCLA's Royce Hall to which there is no place to eat around. Third, Dodgers win behind closer Takshi Saito... I know it has nothing to do with the awards but he's asian, right???!

So Mom flys in on Monday and she brings some leis, my favorite flakey donuts from Napoleans bakery and a smile.

The show is on a Wednesday, May 16th and Mom and I decide to go to the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills hotel for a pre-party light dinner. On the way there, we encounter LA traffic, naturally, but this time it's a car fire on the 405 North bound. A new Audi was fully engulfed from the inside. I tell Mom, he was probably trying to light his crack pipe while texting on his blackberry all the while driving with his knee. I do that too, the driving with the knee part, not the crack-berry part. So we arrive at the Bev Hills about 15 minutes late but it's all good. Very old Hollywood. A bunch of 'Industry' types working on their laptops talking shop on the patio. We have a few appetizers and split. The bill... $80 for 2 appetizers and some bottled water.

We arrive at UCLA and park my Chevy Tahoe in the structure because I'm very low maintenence. We hit the Red Carpet at about 6:30pm and it is packed. We follow John Cho and decide to navigate our way through. I recognize a few people but don't stop. We get past the billboard wall and there is a slew of fans and students with cameras waiting to see their favorite stars. One guy says in a japanese accent, "Aloha" so Mom starts talking to him and as she leaves says "ALOHA" and about 20 people yell it back. We get to the end and I realize that we haven't taken any pictures so we go back and snap a few pics and see Sanjaya Malakar from American Idol and a few others.

We make our way to the VIP party and no one is there, naturally, because they are all stuck on the red carpet. We head to the back room for some sushi and drinks and sit down and start talking to Nobu Matsuhisa who was to be honored. We find out that he is opening a new restaurant in Hawaii so Mom gives him her business card in hopes of being invited to the opening. John Cho drops by to say Hi. I see Carrie Ann Inaba (from Dancing with the Stars) who is also from Hawaii. Quentin Taratino blows through and floors me, I am Star Struck. As we head to our seats I am complemented by Beau Sia on how beautiful my lei is. He is a very cool guy. I caught him on Def Poetry Jam. The Asian voice of our generation.

So the show starts with Far East Movement performing "Satisfied". I'm convinced, they are the new Beastie Boys, keep an eye out for them. We sit on stage right in the same row as Will Yun Lee and are near Yul Kwon from Survivor (Who I voted for as favorite reality star) and Jin (the Rapper), also Tamlyn Tomita, Kal Penn, Dat Phan and Russell Peters are all nearby.

Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park kick off the show. Grace towers over Daniel because of her heels, I'm sure they are about the same height in the real world. My favs were the comedians. Russell Peters rocks, Margaret Cho is always conscious of current events but Dat Phan killed. He had me rolling. Okay, Here are some show highlights:

Roger Fan comes out in a yellow track suit ala Kill Bill with bow tie and sunglasses.
Maggie Q looked awesome, very slim, but awesome (from Hawaii).
Rex Lee was very gracious and had a very humbling speech (that was cut in the broadcast)
Many of the featured presenters didn't show like Adam Carolla, Elisha Cuthbert, Bai Ling, Elisabeth Rohm, and few others.
John Cho grabbed Kal Penn's ass as he congratulated him on his win for best Film actor.
Mom kept telling me to go and be a seat filler so I can be on TV. I'm sure she aws joking.
There were a lot of commercial breaks that became much shorter as the program went along.
Rob Schneider (who I meet in a Chinese Restaurant bathroom in Glendale) offended a few with his brand of humor.
When they announce the nominees, a camera man stands and shoots the nominee until the acceptance speach is over. So, if you are a loser, you have to hide it and hide it well for a very long time.
The show started late at 7:45 but was over by 10p.
There was a few catagories that were NOT a part of the show like Outstanding Independent Film and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Television.
There was also a lot of MISSING Nominees. What's up with that. Represent. Unfortunate.
I didn't know Sharon Leal of "Dreamgirls" is half Filipino.
The tribute to Chow Yun Fat took the cake. He was extremely gracious and a real class act.

I had a great time. We even tried to get into the after party but didn't have tickets.
It was very empowering to see my Asian brothers and sisters all in on place to celebrate our heritage as Asians. I like what Kal Penn said "8 to 10 years ago there was no platform for Asians on I hope in 8 to 10 years there will not be a need for one". Inspiring.

I saw a number of people who I recognized but failed to place who or where. I don't consider myself a celebrity by any stretch of the imagination especially since I was not invited but was tagging along with Mom. I told Mom next year she can be my date. Hopefully, I'll have done something worth being invited and or recognized for. We shall see. 2008?

Bud Light "Japanese Restaurant" Commercial

2006-11-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Sportsfans,

As you probably know, I booked a national commercial for Bud Light. Here is just a brief run of how it went down.

The audition was held at Jessica J Casting which shares a space with Alyson Horn on Sycamore Drive in Hollywood. Incidentally, Alyson cast me in a spot by shopping.com a few years ago. So I sign in and pick up the script which is supposed to be spoken in Japanese. Although I am of Japanese decent and have studied Japanese from grade school through College does not necessarily mean I'm fluent. In fact, my japanese sucks... conversationally speaking. I'll admit, my translation sucks and my conversational skills differ dramatically from what I have learned which was very "text bookish" Japanese.

Anywho, I gave it the old college try. I was paired up with another actor named Aaron... Aaron Takahashi. We have a common friend, I discovered and were both pretty clueless with the translation. Also, Aaron T can be seen in a spot for Amped mobile rapping in a bathroom. So, back to the audition, I said "just wing it and do your best". To make a long story longer, I got the call back but I didn't see AT there... bummer.

Callbacks are located in Santa Monica at a production house called @radical.media. I am the first to go in and am paired with another actor Eiji Inouye. We exchanged greeting while waiting to be called in and I ask him what the proper translation to my one line is. He was a huge help and we rehearsed it a few times. The auditions are NOT nerve racking, it's the waiting that makes me nervous. I heard that the reason you get nervous is because you are judging yourself... that could not be more true.

So the call back goes smoothly, other then the fact that I felt totally intimidated by everyone speaking japanese in the waiting area. While waiting, I couldn't help but remember what a friend once told me... It's totally "UNCOOL" to speak another language when others who do not speak the language are present... especially those who are about to hire you like the producer, casting director and assistants. I was laughing inside and kept completely quite.

It must have worked because the next day my agent calls and tells me in on "Avail" which in laymens terms means you're on "Hold" and are one step closer to booking the job. I have been on "Avail" before and NOT booked a job so I would have to spend the entire weekend on pins and needles since it was Friday when I got the call.

So Monday comes around and because I was so burned out by the weekend, I took a nap at 10am. You see, I couldn't sleep so getting up every day at 6am does not bode well for me. Naturally, my cell phone does not receive the call from my agent to call him back... in fact I have 2 messages on my voice mail. DAMN IT! I AM FRANTICALLY TRYING TO GET A SIGNAL! IT'S 2pm and the message was left at 11am 3 HOURS AGO... ARRRGH!!!

I finally get in touch and am briefly scolded about the cell phone thing but the news is naturally good. I'm jumping for joy. You see, as a struggling actor, commercials are the livelyhood of the "Character" actor. Bit parts in film and TV are good for paying your monthly bills like rent and phone but commercial residuals will get you out of debt and help you to live comfortably for a while. It's a years salary, compared to my other job. That's why it's so important to an actors work... to an actor's life.

So the first part is the fitting. At the fitting I meet my counter part in the spot, Kenji Nakamura. Kenji and I talk a bit and I learn over the coarse of the next few days that he gets a lot of work as a Sushi Chef which is what he plays for this spot. He has been in "Fun with Dick and Jane" with Jim Carrey (a comic genious) as a... you guessed it... sushi chef. Anyway, aside from being scolded for eating the clients food (I screw up a lot), everything goes smoothly... until.

I am introduced to Mala, the producer, who approached me and asks me if I'm fluent in Japanese. At which point I do a classically, understated recollection of how my Japanese is sub par. I must have made her nervous, In fact, I'm sure I did as she called me later that evening to ask if I'm sure I can do the part in Japanese and that she did not see my audition but needed some reassurance that I fit the bill. I reassured her, my acting abilities far outweigh my ability to speak the language. An interpreter was hired anyway.

The shoot is located in Atwater Village near Glendale at a sushi restaurant called "Asia Sushi"... how appropriate... the name, that is, not the location. I mean, talk about the obvious name. I guess it's appropriate for Atwater Village. Don't get me wrong, the place is nice but it like calling a taco stand "Mexico Burritos". Anyway the call time is O-Dark-Early... 6:00am Ugggh! I get on set and as always, I'm introduced to all the crew especially Jeff Goodby the director. I find out through the magic of the internet that Jeff created the "Got Milk" campaign and has his own ad agency to which he directs most of his own ideas... an amazing guy. We get some grub, get dressed and are ready to roll by 7:30am.

The whole morning is spent with me and Kenji doing a bunch of close ups and doing the scene in English and Japanese and from every angle possible. You see, only a small bit actually ends up on screeen. There are so many different ways we do this one scene that you never know how it's going to turn out. The scene is me playing a waiter, and Kenji behind the sushi bar when something terribly wrong is discovered. The rest I will leave to the imagination until it airs. By the time we break for lunch at 12pm, I'm pretty much spent but am ready if needed. Naturally we are not needed for the rest of the day but end up staying until 4pm. It's ok, we get paid by the hour, overtime and all.

So heres the kicker, while signing out in the production trailer, I blurt out "So I heard a rumor that this spot is to run during the Superbowl". To which the production assistant says "that's the plan". Woooaaaaa, way cool. So sportsfans, tune in February 4th, 2007 and keep your fingers crossed that you actually see me.

The War at Home, Episode #203 "Super Dave"

2006-08-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

The War at Home

Hey there, so I'll start off by saying that this event in my life was completely new in that I have never auditioned, been called back, and booked a gig all in the same day. Also, I have never been on a 4 camera show on the Warner Brothers lot. New experiences are always exciting!

Needless to say, I beat out a bunch of actors all from different backgrounds because I nailed the audition. For you actors, it takes a bit of luck along with a bit of talent... not to say I'm any kind of expert in any of this. But preparation is a part of luck. I was nervous but fully prepared.

My call time on-set is 11am. Relatively late for normal working standards which is great because I get to sleep in, eat a quick breakfast consisting of a granola bar and a naked juice, and not have to worry about traffic.

I make it to the WB studio about 30 minutes early. Check in with the 2nd Assistant Director, Yohanna, and is shown my dressing room by Chris, the 2nd to the 2nd Assistant Director. My dressing room is usually a "half track", which by industry terms is half of a tailer consisting of a couch, bathroom, kitchen, and make-up/desk. However, since I only worked on the show for a day (hence the term "Day Player"), my dressing room consisted of a 4x4 box in the back alley, in between sound stages 8,9,6,& 7. Don't get me wrong, the only thing missing is the bathroom and kitchen which I could do without. It means more trip to the craft service table.

So it's a standard issue day where they are running about an hour behind schedule. They are finally ready to pre-shoot my scene at 3:30 (originally scheduled at 2:30); which means we shoot it before the live audience arrives and again later that evening with the live audience. The set is like a comic book convention with about 50 extras dressed up in various costumes from aliens to old Babylon 5 uniforms. We run through the scene and Michael Rapaport is trying to get everyone on the same page. He's yelling "hit your cues" and we need to run our lines again. He can be pretty intense and for good reason, it's his show. So we shoot it a few times and have to break early because the live audience will arrive in 45 minutes.

I break for lunch at 4:15p. I get a meal ticket and head over to the commisary and eat chicken and veggies. Luckily I manage to finish before all the extras arrive as sometimes you can get caught with a bunch of questions if you look approachable which I basically have written all over my forehead.

After lunch we have what is called a speed read. I had no idea what that was. So I show up in the make-up room and basically the entire cast is there and we read through every scene that we are shooting live. But we speed through it with the dialog coach who makes sure that everyone knows their lines word for word. This technique is very similar to theater in that on Monday the cast sits down and has a table read. Tuesday & Wednesday are spent rehearsing. Thursday is spent pre-taping all the minor scenes. Friday is D-day.

So at 6pm we start the live show. They introduce the cast and everyone cheers. They start the first scenes and everyone laugh. To give you a little background, the show is similar to "Married with Children". The wrtting is funny and the scenes are shot live as you would see it if you watched the show on Sunday night, in chronological order. They did steal a few things from [Scrubs] like fantasy sequences. So what happens is when they shoot a scene live and switch to a fantasy sequence they yell "Hold"... the TV run the fantasy sequence and then they yell "and were back". They pre-shoot all that stuff on Thursday.

Anyway, my scene is the second to the last scene, which does not bode well for everyone. This means that the audience has been there for 3 hours and the pressure to get it right has to be high. The scene is Dave-Michael Rapaport trying to get an autograph from Zoltar, a fictitious hero played by Oliver Muirhead (who by the way is the nicest guy). This occurs after the signing has ended in the men's room and spills out into the convention floor.

So we start our scene and I'm paired with a background artist named Kenneth who tells me he is a "Guest Extra". I didn't know they had a hierarchy for extras but thats cool. The one thing about extras is that sometimes they can mess with your mojo. They try to do more then is necessary or they say something that they should keep to themselves. Perfect example, just before they yell action, Kenneth tells me "we are going to do this shot more then once". Thanks Kenneth, just the positive attitude I need to stay focused. Lesson one, if your backgound, speak only if spoken to.

Naturally, the first shot was wash. I came in to early because I wasn't sure of cue and I came off real tentative which garner a half-laugh from the audience. So I finally get some real direction from the director, Andy Cadiff and even a half-scolding from the Executive Producer, Rob Lotterstein, who says "you gotta hit that line like the audition". Yah, I can do WAY better. You see how the littlest thing can mess with you mojo.

So Dave and Zoltar are wrestling and the croud is taking this in and I yell "We must help Zoltar! Hootowah! (which is the battle cry of the "Galactic Sourjourn"). Kenneth and I, along with a few more extras, run in and grab Dave. At which point he yells "let go of me you freaks! I was just trying to get his autograph for my kid! He started it!" at which point I yell " You mess with Zoltar, You mess with all of us".

Okay the scene is solid up to that point. Until Larry-Kyle Sullivan comes in with his light saber on full power and yells "get off of him, leave him alone". The snag we hit is the timing of that; he makes a late entrance everytime which makes the director go beserk.
I really felt bad for Kyle. But I figure they can always cut it together. So ends my scene after about 7 or 8 takes which, by sit-com standards is 4 too many.

They shoot one more scene to wrap up the end and we asked to stick aound for a curtain call. During the curtain call we run out as we are introduced and the crown claps, not cheers, as it's nearly 10pm and they have been there for nearly four hours. I don't blame them. I would have liked to go home sooner also. After the curtain call we say our thank yous and introduce ourselves to the other cast members who we did not directly work with like the very hot Kaylee Defer. Michael Rapaport gives us a nice job-hand shake-hug and we go our seperate ways.

The one thing I was struck by was the rich history on the Warner Brother lot. Every sound stage has a plaque with a the movies and TV series that were shot there dating back the the 1930's. That was really cool. If you get a chance, take a tour. I made the mistake of getting lost trying to find the commisary and wondered on to the back lot streets. That was way cool. Overall, I had a really good time and a very memorable experience.

Season 5 Wrap Party in Las Vegas

2006-05-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

You know your lucky when you get to party in Las Vegas, at the Palms, with the cast and crew of "Scrubs".
Ok, so wifey and I fly into Vegas, Baby, and check in to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. We hit the pool, which is a wave pool with a fake beach, kinda phony for a guy from Hawaii, but fun non the less. Check out the casino and shopping. Grab a bite to eat. Sleep. Get ready and leave for the party at about 8:30 pm.

Of course, I forgot my camera again so we buy a not so cheapie, disposable "Palms" camera for $20... what a rip ___. Anyway, we breeze by the red carpet and paparazzi and get in the club... RAIN. This place is huge. I literally thought that no one was there because they have a huge dance floor, and a huge bar on the next floor, all within plain view from the entrance. I could see a total of 20 people. I was ready to turn in early. Little did I know everyone was on the super secret VIP third level.

We grab some drinks and head up 2 flights of stairs to the back bar and a bunch of rooms that resemble a hotel room with couches, over looking the dance floor. That's where we find everyone. There were about 200+ cast and crew people jammed into this little area or group of areas abot the size of a luxury box at some sports stadium, not that I have ever been in one but you get the idea.

We first run into Christina Miles who plays "Gloria" and we kinda hung out the rest of the evening together. When you see the photos you'll understand. We ran into everyone on the show and behind the scenes. I won't bore you with the sordid details but we had an excellent time getting drunk and whooping it up. I will point out a few highlights:

The first person I ran into was Robert Maschio "The Todd' who is the sweetest guy... he paid me a complement.
I ran into Bob, he plays the colonel doctor and was the very first person I met on the set, my very first day.
Christina did an encore of her kiss with the hook handed security guard played by Producer Randal Winston... I was rolling.
I finally found my buddy Travis litteraly hiding out by the bar playing it cool. I was happy to see him.
My wife was bold enough to ask Zach and Donald for a photo op in which they we so graciously abliged.
Bill Lawrence made an announcement that he is looking forward to season 6... however nothing is for sure in Hollywood.
Zach told us the interns were only supposed to be on 2 episodes but Bill felt good about writting us in and bringing us back.
Donald told me to have fun tonight... he was feeling good and was wearing a necklace that lit up with the words "single".
Johnny Kastl booked a Reebok/NBA commercial that will air soon... we have the same commercial agent.
We saw but did not talk to Mandy Moore. Ditto with Sarah.
MIA were Ken Jenkins John C. McGinley, and Judy Reyes.
Neil Flynn was the tallest one there. Randall Winston was second.
Everyone looked so different all gussied up that I didn't recognize a bunch of crew members... I also had my beer goggles on.
We missed the after party because I was ready to throw up after smoking a cigar and drinking shots of Crown.
We got a goodie bag containing an early release of [scrubs] season 3 DVD.

I felt like a dork all night... I couldn't remember names, faces, directions, and I was constantly beating myself up instead of asking for help... see what a dork I am... damn alcohol. I think I'll quit drinking from now on.

We had a fun time and a semi memorable night, due to heavy drinking and smoking (of cuban cigars not weed).

Look for pix to posted on the website... hopefully soon.

Season 5 Finale on Scrubs

2006-04-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

WAAAASSAAAP!

I was so very fortunate to be a part of the season 5 finale of "Scrubs". This is how it went. I was actually on my way to Pittsburgh to attend a family funeral when I had this sinking feeling that something wasn't right. I get off the plane and sure enough, I have a message from my agent that Scrubs needed me for the next day. Well, obviously, I couldn't make it because it was midnight on the east coast and there were no flights leaving Pittsburgh until the morning. So, I cursed a few times and called my agent back and the casting office telling them that I was unable to be there.

Naturally, we did attend the services for my father inlaw's brother and immediately flew back to LA. Once I land, I call my agent who books me on the show for a day. I suppose one day is better then none but not as good as three, which is what it could have been. Anyway, I was just lucky enough to be there.

So, I get to the set and notice my phone has a message. It was Krista, the 2nd to the 2nd Assistant Director, who was trying to track me down. They were starting to rehearse the scene I was in... early... great! After dropping off some chocolates for the Casting office, I dash up to the 3rd floor where the production offices for "Scrubs" are located. I check in, run down to the first floor, drop my bag in my trailer and run to the Cafeteria set.

Everyone is there. Zach Braff (JD), Donald Faison (Turk), Sarah Chalke (Elliot), Judy Reyes (Carla), Ken Jenkins (Dr. Kelso), Neil Flynn (the Janitor), John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox), Travis Shuldt (Keith), Johnny Kastl (Doug), Robert Maschio (the Todd), Sam Lloyd (Ted & the Worthless Peons), Christa Miller (Jordan), Aloma Wright (Nurse Roberts), Jordan Zucker (Lisa), Christina Miles (Gloria), and about 25 background actors and 50 crewmembers. Everyones attention is on Bill Lawrence the Executive Producer/Creator/ Director of "Scrubs". They were all jammed into this little cafeteria for this walk through of the scene.

So I come walking into the middle of this rehersal, out of breath and bewildered. It's been close to 2 months since I have worked on the show. I track down Scott the First Assistant Director and exchange handshakes and try to find my way to where I'm supposed to be. I'm introduced to Pamela the 2nd Assistant Director and she whispers to me and points me in the right direction. As I make my way through the crowd, I shake hands with Randal Winston, one of the producers and a director of an episode I was in; Travis, my intern buddy; and Johnny Kastl who I know from having the same commercial agent.

I catch up to where Bill is on the scene and just enjoy being back. The scene is basically, without giving too much away, a baby shower in the cafeteria for Carla & Turk's, well, baby. Usually, these scenes are very long and very complicated, consisting of many different camera shots... taking the entire day. I figure, it would be good to get another day out of this... that's if we run over... and we did. My call time was 12 noon. I signed out at 1am. Most of the time when we hang out waiting for our scenes to come up we just hide in our rooms, sleep, watch TV, read, rehearse our lines, eat, drink, poop & pee... what have you, Not today. Since the entire cast was there, ALL the cast members who were not series regulars were hanging out by the production office "just shooting the breeze" or "hanging out".

I caught up with my boy Travis. Since we both started on the show at the same time, we have grown very close. Don't get the wrong idea. He's like a brother to me. We hang out and talk about the show and how awful pilot season was for just about everyone. We eat Pizza. Check out Franklin's cool, restored MG. I also chat it up with Jordan, another one of the intern circle. I guess there is a certain bond between all the interns because we all started on the show not knowing how far it would go, with the exception of Travis. Therefore, everytime the show brings us back, we thank the powers that be and count our blessings. We ended up being a tight knit group. Considering Shaughn Buchholz (Keith aka Cabbage) was the first intern to leave the show; any one of us could have been easily written out. I think back to when I auditioned for the part of Keith and was later offered the part as Rex and I thank my lucky stars. Everything happens for a reason. Hopefully, it will continue to the next season... knock on wood.

Because this was the very last episode of the season, Bill Lawrence will take the reigns of the show and have complete control. Bill Lawrence is a comic genious. He knows exactly what he wants and what gags will work. His Direction and attention to detail is impecable. He is also gracious and understanding. He is the reason why the show is so successful and the reason "Rex" comes back. He'll add things to the scenes that will make it even funnier. He will also shout out approval on things he likes, things that I may be doing right. Very considerate. Extremely endearing. Bill later shakes my hand and welcomes me back. I love the man.

Zach is also a comedic genious. You put the two together and it's magnificent. Sometimes they bump heads but they work it out and get on with the scene. Both these guys are extremely talented and intelligent. They work closely with the material to make it funnier. Bill gives Zach the freedon to explore other avenues within the scene and with each take, Zach makes it funnier and funnier. I had the pleasure of being directed by Zach on a few occasions and would love to work for him some day. They say comedy is the hardest to master. It is true. You have to trust yourself and be true to the material and be willing to do anything to make it work. That's how hard it is to do comedy. I believe everyone on the show is gifted and talented.

Getting back to the season finally...
because it's the last episode, all the shows stars are pretty much burned out. Naturally, the scene ran much longer then planned and everyone was litterally rushing to get this "in the can" and go home. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned and tempers get tested. Don't get me wrong, there is no screaming or yelling but the tension is, sometimes, palpable.
When your trying to do a scene at midnight, it gets tough. Fatigue sets in. I'm sure that it was a struggle for all the stars to stay focused. But they did eventually get most of it. They are all professionals. They had one more day to complete the episode.

I felt kind of bad for them because all I was doing was goofing around waiting for my next scene to come up which, by the way, never did. It was fun though, sitting around trying to figure out this virgin records screen saver puzzle with Johnny K and the guys from the singing group. Also, watching downloaded short clip from ebaum's world with the production assistants. I guess that's why the stars get paid the big bucks and are rich and famous.

I will say this. This episode is a cliff hanger and you will be dying to see what happens next season. Season 5 felt for me, the best season yet. I mean, I can't compare it to anything I have done in the past. I can only watch the season's previous episodes and say... WOW, that was cool but we have done better this season. Hopefully, season 6 will be even better... knock on wood. Anyway, Thanks for reading and stay tuned.

I was also invited to the season 5 wrap party next week so I'll be writing my next blog after the bash. I'll also post pictures on my webpage.

Be good to each other and check back soon

A week in the life...

2006-03-25T21:48:00.000-08:00

Hey There,

Ok. So I have been trying to come up with a bunch of entertaining things to write about but quite frankly, I suck. So, let's get to it. As an actor, life can be very difficult at times. When there is no work and especially, when you have nothing, and I mean NOTHING to count on. No auditions means no work. No work means no moolah. No moolah means... well you get the picture.

I am basically trying to paint a picture, with out being too harsh, as to why being an actor can be the most difficult of professions to pursue. The absolute hardest thing to do as an actor is to find representation. You can send out all the headshots and postcards you want but you will only reach about 10% of the people you are seeking. However, all it takes is that one person to believe in you.

When I first got to LA I tried everything. Using my old black and white head shots, I sent them to everyone. Most were returned, which became a huge waste of money. So I enrolled in classes and tried the old networking thing. The problem with that is mostly everyone in class is there for the same reason. So it can be a pickle to break through and believe me, I know. Thank god for persistance. I finally reached a level where I actually felt comfortable with myself and my skills. I auditioned for a few small things like student films and placement in show cases. Luckily, everything I auditioned for, I either landed the role or it led to something else. This took not a few months, but a few years.

Yes, at that time I was gainfully employed so money was not a major concern. But I did this all while balancing time for work, classes, and partying... or, err, drinking to drown my sorrows. I did numerous mailings targeting smaller agencies. Finally, finally, someone called me in to read for an agent. Guess what, they liked me. The rest is history. I signed with the agent commercially. The first thing he told me was I needed NEW pictures. That irked me since I just dropped about $200 on new shots just 6 months ago. So, begrudgingly, I took his advice and took some new shots. That was the best advice in the world.

Today, ALL headshots are in color. The reason? It makes online casting much easier. Your headshot is your calling card. Without a solid headshot, you don't get called in to audition... period. Online casting... yup welcome to the 21st century. Everything is done online. It's so fast it makes your head spin. One day your sitting around watching the morning news and sipping your cup of java. The next your shaving in your car on the way to a commercial audition, rehearsing your lines for your theatrical audition after that. It happens that fast.

Within an average week, I'll go to 3 commercial auditions and 1 theatrical audition. Naturally, sometimes I'll have 3 auditions in a day and others, nothing at all. Personally, if I'm not auditioning, it's not my agent fault... it's my fault. It's MY fault for not networking. It's my fault for not being in class, keeping my skills up. It's my fault for not reading the trade papers to find out whats happening in the biz. You see, others may blame their agents for not getting them work. I take full responsibilty for everything that happens. Thats why your agent only gets 10 percent. As an actor, you have to be at the top of your game.

Competition is tough. I went to a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) event that threw out this statistic... at any given time... there are 65,000-90,000 actors in Los Angeles alone. 1 in 90,000 is better then the lottery but you can increase your chances by working on your craft. That's why actors are always looking for an edge. That's why building your name is sooo important.

So what do I do with all the time off. Well that's for me to know and you to find out... kidding. I'll let you in on a secret... All actors have a second job. Unless your on prime time TV week after week or are with the biggest agencies in town like CAA, UTA, WM, Equinox... you have a second or third job. I have heard numerous stories of actors temping or doing catering jobs because of the flexibility. Then they hit it big and look back at all the assholes they have worked for or waited on and thrown them the finger. So be nice to everyone you meet, you never know who that person might be.

Speaking of being nice, everyone... well mostly everyone is very, very, VERY nice. It's only because of the amount of money that is involved... kidding again... well, partially. Money does play a part but it's mostly likeability. You will be surprised at how cordial everyone is. It is like an unwritten law that you must be nice in show business. WHY? Everyone in the biz, from your secretaries to your big executives have started some where and most at the very bottom. Even actors start out as backgound or atmosphere. As an actor you have to be liked where ever you go. My comedic teacher said it best. If you are going to be in this business, people MUST like you. If they don't... "click" and your gone. It's that simple. The likeability factor is HUGE. People will pay big money to see someone with talent. You can be the villian and people will still LIKE you. You can be the one who sinks the Titanic or beats up George Clooney... people will still like you.

So, for me, in any given week, I'll go to several auditions (if I'm lucky)... work around the house... read a bunch of comic books... do some odd jobs to make some side money... surf the internet... constantly read my e-mails... go to an acting class... call and talk to my family. That's about it. I can never imagine in my wildest dreams where I will end up. If I knew exactly how good or bad I am as an actor... someone or something will come along and change my mind. I have to trust myself completely. Do I ever doubt I can make as an actor. EVERY SECOND. No one will drive you... No one will help you... You must believe you can do it... and you know what... you will... hopefully! You never know... that's life.

It IS tough being an actor. No doubt about it. But the reward of performing is priceless. Whether it be theater, TV, feature films or dancing in the living room for my wife... you have to have fun with it. Acting is being able to tell stories that others have created. You color the charater with your ability and influence. Ultimately you create the character... YOU! For anyone who is paid to do what they love... they will know exactly what I'm talking about when I say... I could do this 24/7 anytime, anyplace. It's the love of the art. I know athletes performances are limited to the constraints of their bodies... with the exception of golf. With acting, you can always do it. Whether your 8 or 80... you will always be able to do it. It's never too late to start. But like golf, you have to practice, practice, PRACTICE! That's why I love it. It's challenging. It is you. It will always be you. Your drive... your determination... your ability... no matter what happens... it will always be you.

Until next time... peace and love... and what ever is bugging you... there are worse things happening... hopefully not to you.

in the immortal words of one alien.... Beeeeeeeee GOOOOOOOOOOOOD!

Life on the set of [scrubs]

2006-02-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

Greetings fellow Humans,

First off, I want to apologize for not keeping up with this blog. It's only because it's FREE that I'm slacking. If I were paying money, you know I would be writing one-word sentences every day just to get my moneys worth. Second, I am by no means, an expert on the show [scrubs]. I am just offering you a personal experience of what I do while I'm there on-set. So don't ask me for any autographs from Zach Braff or any signed photographs of Donald Faison or Sarah Chalke because I'm keeping them all for myself.

So what is it like being on the TV show [scrubs]? In one word? Fun-E!
This is how it goes. I usually get a call from my agent saying something like "Romano/Benner Casting called and want to put you on hold for the show next week. Are you available?" To which I say "Umm, let me look at my schedule... Monday... blank... Tuesday... Chiropratic Appt... Wednesday... cut the grass in the front yard... Thursday... possible shopping trip to the comic book store... Friday... Drop off wife at the airport... Yah, I'm free to do the show." I have to sound busy so they want me back.

So I get my call time the night before and sometimes it's O'dark-early (6:30am) or O'cruise-on-in-later (10:00am)... the times usually vary. I have to pack my back pack because you never know how long they might need me to be there. Checklist: Mac... check, Ipod... check, entertainment weekly... check, grooming products that I don't use because they have everything there... check, toothbrush and toothpaste... check. I have downloaded the script that the production office has e-mailed to me. I read through it and laughed my ass off at the antics they have planned for "Rex". Now, I'm ready to roll.

The set is located on Riverside drive in the valley so it usually takes me a good 45 minutes to get there from home. Needless to say, I always encounter some form of traffic going and coming. Not to mention the inconsiderate driver who cuts me off unnessarily and then goes slow as to let everyone else cut in... aaaaarrrg... some days I wish I had a high powered rifle or just a few hand-held grenades.

I finally show up at the gate. Tell the security guard I play "Rex" on the show and the check the call sheet to verify this and, after a few minutes, they tell me where to park. I used to just go to my room because it's been the same one with my name on it until one of the production assistants told me I have to check-in with the production office on the 3rd floor. When you do a few episodes on the same show, the crew knows you and you get to know them... all 200 or so of them. So, most of the crew members have been doing this since the show started in 2001. So not only is it old hat, it's rather annoying when a new actor shows up and starts asking for shit when they have one line and are a "day player" (co-star).

I, personally, try to be nice and cordial to everyone. However, it is rather intimidating to walk on to a set and act as if you been working there all year. That's why they only hire "professionals". I am a shy person by natur, but you learn to be forthcoming or you tend to be viewed as stuck-up. So after checking in with either Jeannie (the 2nd Assistant Director) or Krista (the 2nd to the 2nd AD... sounds funny but it is true), I go to my room or trailer. I change into my wardrobe which includes a tight long sleeve lycra shirt and a pair of scrubs... light blue in color to signify "Rex" as an intern.

I then check-in with the hair and make-up people who usually tell me I'm good to go. I then head downstairs for some breakfast which consists of an egg-white and ham burrito, some fruit and strawberry yogurt, and pineapple juice. Kraft service on the set has everything so I try to eat fat free because i eat and eat all day. I then go back to the room and eat, watch the news and read the sides to see where my scene is.

Sometimes I'm called to the set as soon as I get there which means a quick rehearsal and then I eat. Either way, I have to be ready to go as soon as I get there. Rehearsals are very quick. A quick "hello" to the crew members I know and the Director, Assistant Director, and fellow castmates, usually the other interns like Travis Shuldt (Keith), Shaughn Buchholtz (Jason), Jordan Zucker (Lisa), and Christina Miles (Gloria). We walk through the scene with the stars of the show and then the call in the second team to stand-in while they light the set. That's when we study our lines or hang out at the craft service table eating fruit bowls and catching up with talk of actor work, which happens a lot for me since all my lines are usually one liners.

When we shoot, it can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour of solid shooting and takes for one scene. If a scene is complicated with stunts or different camera angles, it can take a half a day. Either way, it's just fun to be there. Zach Braff is always cracking a joke or two and acting goofy. Donald Faison is usually dancing and singing. The set is light and fun, just like the show itself. Sometimes we break for lunch and everyone eats outside in a tent set up next to the catering truck. Sometimes I work a couple of hours and I'm rapped. It just depends on what scenes "Rex" is in and where they fall on the shooting schedule. One thing is for certain, we never shoot according to the layout of the script and there are always changes. That is why it is so important to read the whole script to get the big picture.

Bill Lawrence, the creator and Executive Producer is always there and is very hands-on. He'll add a line for me and other characters here and there, so it's important to be able to improvise. A lot of the dialog that ends up on the show were never in the script to begin with. All the actors, including the stars and yours truely, improvise and have strong back grounds in improvisation. Thats why It's so important to keep your so called acting "skillz" up.

At the end of the day, I go home with a sense of satisfaction hoping for that next day of work. I'll tell my wife how great the show is and how much fun it is to just be there. The stuff we say on the show is so damn clever, you have to tip your hats the writing staff and crew for keeping it together for so long. Hopefully, I'll be back. In this business, nothing is for sure.

Next Blog... A Day in the life of Aaron

Actor in Waiting

2006-01-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

Howdie All,

This post goes out to all the actors just starting out. It also goes out to all the non-actors who want to understand what actors go through.

What is an audition. Websters defines it as "an interview for a particular job consisting of a practical demonstration on one's abilities or skills". BINGO! It's a job interview.

Every actor has gone through it at one point in their career... the AUDITION. There is so much at steak, you could litteraly have a meltdown trying to over analyze it. Then when you don't get a part or a callback, you over analyze what you did wrong or what you could have done differently resulting in meltdown number two which leads to depression and drugs. A majority of the time, the decision is out of your control. So why go through it? For the love of the art... man!

So what is like waiting around to audition? One word... PAINFUL! It really does not matter what level you are at; whether it be an actor just starting out or an A-list Star... the waiting is the hardest part (I just stole that from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers).

As an actor, you hone your "craft" your entire life searching for the right combination of character, talent, and opportunity. When all three collide you get magic on screen or stage. The key is being prepared so that when opportunity knocks, you can step up and hit it out of the park. One Audition can litterally change your life. So why stress yourself out over something so out of you control? Because you just can't help but think woulda, coulda, shoulda. It's only human.

As an actor you need to take each audition as an opportunity to perform. Why not have fun with it. You never know what it might lead to. Even if you don't get a callback, the Casting Director may have you in mind for something else. Don't ruin your chances by asking questions. There are so many stories of actor destroying their chances at success because they asked the wrong question before or after an audition. Just shut up, do the work, say "Thank You" and leave. After the audition is over reflect a bit on what you did and then let it go. Get your mind off of it. It is now out of your control so why fret... right? See a movie, work on your garden, take your dog for a walk. Do anything to forget about it.

If you get a callback... Awesome. They liked something you did. Be prepared to do it again, but also, be prepared and open for an adjustment or "note" as we call it. Relaxing in an audition is the hardest part. I try breathing and focusing on what needs to be accomplished... the work. Callbacks can be intimidating because everyone is there. The Casting Director, The Director, The Producer, The Client (in commercial auditions), and little old you. Focus on the work.

Auditioning takes practice. Kobe Bryant didn't just score 81 points by talent alone; He practiced. The more you audition, the better you get. If you can't audition, take a class.

To me, auditioning is fun. I love being called in for something. It's an opportunity to perform, it's an opportunity to be seen. It's an opportunity to work. It is a challenge. I Love it. Waiting for that opportunity is life. Enjoy it and live it.

Next Blog... Life on the set of [scrubs]

Scrubs 100th Episode... and Parte'

2006-01-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

WAAAASSSSSAAAAP!

Hey, just a quick reminder that [scrubs] 100th episode airs this Tuesday at 9pm on NBC. Yah, I know, we are up against CSI "the original" and American Idol. That's why you have a VCR or, better yet, TIVO or even Ultimate TV c/o Gary who works for Microsoft.

ANYWAY, so I get this call a few weeks ago from Benner/Romano casting who, by the way, cast all the parts on [scrubs].
I figure they were calling to let me know that I'm on watch next week for the show. To my surprise, they were letting me know that I am invited to the 100th episode party and that an invitation would be sent within the week.

Then a few days latter I get a call from my agent telling me I'm on watch for [scrubs] next week. Cool. So every day I'm checking the mail for my invite to the party, right and every day it's not there. Bummer. Maybe, they forgot or maybe they decided that they didn't want a bunch of wannabe actors hanging around. Oh well.

So the next week I got to work on [scrubs] and get to do my first scene of the new year with Zach. My actual line is something like "Dr. Dorian, Mrs. Levin won't take her medication?". So I rehearse it a few times in my room, not paying too much attention to the actual line but actually just getting the flow of it. Then I am called to reheasal on the 2nd floor of the set. So the director, Adam Bernstein, goes through how the camera is to move throughout the scene and we are walking through our lines and basically it was a piece of cake, right???! Or so I thought???! After rehearsal the script girl comes up to me and tells me that she was not aware that we changed the name to Mrs. Jenkins. Too which it dawned on me that I had unconsciously changed the name in my head without me catching it to which Zach chimed in "yah I just went with it because that's how I roll". To which I replied "My Bad" and blew it off as no big deal. So while the crew lights the set I go back down to my room to try to figure out how the hell I screwed up the name. After feeling like shit and thinking what a great way to start of the new year, it dawned on me. The name came from talking to Ken Jenkins who plays Dr. Bob Kelso. You see, earlier that morning I was in the hair and makeup room waiting for the ladies to tell me "Your good Aaron" which basically means all the primping and prodding I had done before I left the house paid off. Anyway, Ken came in and introduced himself to me and we started talking about Hawaii and stuff. Well, he left such an impression on me that my pee brain decided to "write" his name into the scene. Fucking amazing how i figure this shit out. So I am called to set to shoot and we do the scene. No other big problems other then me coming in a little too early on the frist few takes. Lesson learned that day... always bring your sides to rehearsal even if you don't have any lines, of which I always do, but didn't that day thinking I got it... riiiiight.

So getting back to the invite. After the scene I came back to the room to find my invite in my room to which I immediately opened it. It was real basic... Party... 7-11pm... Address... RSVP. Cool. I called the Wifey who was hounding me about the invite more then my subconscious. I a way my wife took over the duties of my subconscious giving my brain a much needed break. So when I talked to my Wife she made sure, as wifes do, to drill me on what everyone else is wearing. So while hanging out between scenes, I candidly ask Jordan what she's wearing. Then I candidly ask Travis what he's wearing. Ok so something hip and cool. While driving home I talked to the wifey about what to wear to which she replies "I need to go shopping".

So we go shopping and o make a long story even longer she find the perfect outfit all the way down to the shoes which always happens to me but never happens to her. For some odd reason it became a bizarro universe. The next day, Saturday, I get up early and head down to the mall on my own and wouldn't you know it I find the perfect pair of pants and the perfect pair of shoes, both on sale. There is a god.

So we decide to leave a little early and grab some dinner before knowing full well there would be ho'r d'ours. I figure we could go to our favorite Grand Lux Cafe but traffic puts my timeline back by 15 minutes which would probably make us late even by hollywood standards. So i cruise by Jones which doesn't open until 7pm, 30 minutes won't cut it. So we walk across the street to Pomodorro... Perfect. Nothing too big or expensive. Quick service and a clean grade "A" restaurant.

We a rolling and it's 7:15pm... Perfect (think Ken Watanabe in The Last Samurai). We turn on N.Ivar on our way to the Cabana Club, formerly know as the Sunset Room. The red carpet is out the Papparazi are there but it's not that crowded. Were we too early??? It's fricken 7:30pm right on schedule. Anyway, we valet the car and check in at the front table and are given wrist bands and whisked in past a 10 foot line of photographers and another 7 foot line of videographers in front of one of those big boards with [scrubs] 100th episode printed all over it. No one knows me so no pictures are snapped. I mean, why waste a slot on a little digital card on a picture of an up and coming actor, right??? if only they knew.

So the party is rather cool. The club is an indoor/outdoor setting with a cool little pool on the outside surrounded by palms and cabanas. The inside is a quaint dance floor/bar set up. So the wifey and I head for the bar where the drinks are free.. well almost. You still have to tip the bartenders which is no biggie. Before we make it to the bar, we are blocked by Donald Faison being interviewed by TV guide, which last a few minutes. We say "hi" to Randall Winston the producer of the show. Everyone is there. The entire cast including all the past characters. I get a pat on the back by Bill Lawrence the Executive Producer and Creator of [scrubs]. Thats when I get a sense of family with this gang. A tight knit group that works hard and plays harder. So we kind of group up with the other interns on the show Jordan, Travis, and Shaughn and their dates. We don't too much socializing but just enjoy the scenery. After a few drinks, some make shift hob nobbing, a nice cigar and a few more drinks we decide to call it a night. Also, Randall makes an announcement saying that they are going to open the club up to the public but we can hang in the VIP room, hence the wrist bands. Nah, we are both tweeked and have had enough.

That's when we get outside to the zoo. You see it's Saturday night and there is a line to get in and all the kooks are out. Yes, it is a full moon but that has nothing to do with it. We finally find a valet to take out ticket and we wait and wait and wait. While we were, um, waiting, Bentleys and Porches are pulling up. Limos with a dozen girls dressed in nothing bounce to the club. The place is a Zoo. Finally, I spot our Chevy Tahoe and we Jet out of there with the wifey driving. Cigars make me delirious. So ends an outstanding evening. A little star watching, Zach was with Mandy Moore. A little bit of food, wifey loves the deserts. A little cocktail, Jack and Coke anyone. All topped off by a nice cigar, Macanudo No. 5.... yah!

A beautiful evening and I forgot my camera. Luckily there was a Rite Aid around the corner. As soon as I develop my instamatic I'll post the pix on my website.

Next week... what it's like to be an actor waiting for an audition.

Happy New Year

2006-01-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

ALOHA and WELCOME to the "Official" Aaron Ikeda's Actor blog.

Happy New Year Everyone. May 2006 bless you with good health and good fortune.
In case you were wondering, I had to use the word "official" because there have been recent issues regarding the validity of some of the"other" Aaron Ikeda websites. Please don't get them confused with the Aaron Ikeda "Genius" website or the Aaron Ikeda "Sexiest Man of the Year" website. As we all know, there are many copies but only one original. Luckily, you have happened upon a one of a kind offering to the public which, for a limited time, will be available only to you. As we say in the business "Moving On"!

I just finished yet another episode on the emmy award winning (for editing) comedy series [scrubs]!!!
For those of you not familiar with the show, allow me to bring you up to speed. [scrubs] is currently airing back to back, 1/2 hour episodes at 9:00pm and 9:30pm on Tuesdays on NBC. [scrubs] is set in a fictional hospital named "Sacred Heart" whose where abouts are unknown but somewhere in the United States. "Sacred Heart" hospital is run by the chief of medicine Dr. Bob Kelso (played by Ken Jenkins). The regular staff of Doctors at "Sacred Heart" are Dr. John "JD" Dorian JD (played by Zach Braff), Dr. Elliot Reid, a female (played by Sarah Chalke), Dr. Chris Turk (played by Donald Faison), Dr. Perry Cox (played by John C. McGinley), Dr. Robert Maschio (played by Todd Quinlan) and Dr. Doug Murphy (played by Johnny Kastl). Also on staff at "Sacred Heart" are Nurse Carla Espinosa (played by Judy Reyes), Nurse Laverne Roberts (played by Aloma Wright), Administrator Sam Lloyd (played by Ted Buckland), Administrator Jordan Sullivan (played by Christa Miller Lawrence) and the janitor (played by Neil Flynn).

I play "Rex", one of five featured interns on the show. The other interns are "Keith" (played by Travis Shuldt), "Jason" (played by Shaughn Buchholz), "Lisa" (played by Jordan Zucker), and "Gloria" (played by Christina Miles).

The latest episode #514 is entitled "My Own Personal Hell". Due to an actors honorable duty, I am sworn to secrecy. Besides, I wouldn't want to spoil any plot lines. All I ask is that you watch the show and laugh your asses off the couch.

I want to send a shout out to all my [scrub] homies Bill, ZB, Donald, Sarah, Ken, John C., Neil, Johnny K, Randall, Adam, Travis, Shaughn, Jordan, Christina, and the rest of the great cast and crew. Special thanks to Brett, Debby, Blythe, and Matt of Romano/Benner casting for casting me.

I am very fortunate to have landed a recurring role on a major show such as [scrubs]. Today, I did a little soul searching while driving my SUV down a very crowded 110 freeway. I was on my way to pick-up my new set of headshots for my new theatrical agent AlVARADO REY, when I noticed a bunch of billboards advertising every kind of TV show or movie. I mean, how could you not notice them. Bombarded by everything from soft drinks to Lawyers to Fast food. Not only did I start to get hungry but I started to pay close attention to which network or studio was creating the show. That's when it dawned on me how fortunate I am to have landed a role on [scrubs] and on NBC. Acting as a profession is such a tough business. Not only do you not know when your next pay check may be, you also have to deal with the fact that you will be rejected more then you will be accepted. I found that the key is in you. It starts with you and ends with you. All the other forces that come into play are really out of your control. If that is the case, why hang on to the grief. let it go and move on. If you ever wondered why actors make such interesting as people, it's not because of the fame and fortune. It's because of the countless stories of personal struggle that were fought up to that point. Every actor has searched their inner souls long and hard and asked the questions "who am I" and "what can I accomplish in my lifetime". The obstacles are too numerous to name. The perserverance is unimaginable. For me, this is a great start to a career I have always imagined.
I promise you, that I will be less serious in the future.

During my work this week, I was invited to the [scrubs] 100th episode party.... very cool! I'll keep you posted.

Please check out my website at www.aaronikeda.com

Be good everyone and keep on blogging,

Aaron