An Inspirational Message to My Future Self
Dear Future B,
One of my big "things" is: Celebrate Victories!
No matter how small it might seem, just because (for example) getting auditions is a normal occurrence now...doesn't mean it is not a victory that leads to the accomplishment of the goals! YES! And since you don't hear about all the terrible things (breakdowns, crying, self-doubt, working for pennies, pathetic-ness — these things only get shared with your one true LA friend who gets you, people you live with...since they see you everyday, and your sister sometimes) I go through (because I'm so busy keeping it positive) on my actor journey...it would probably put into context a little more as to why I must focus on the good in order to keep moving forward.
Exhibit A of the bad/strange:
This is just an audition location I was called in for this week on the other side of town (hour drive) deep into the hotness (temperature-wise) of LA. It ended up being fine, and there were no killings going on inside. They had just moved into the building, it seems, thus the creepy sign behind bars and a sheet of paper on the door saying, "auditions here".
Not to mention (well I am mentioning so...) as an actor you must be completely vulnerable in a room full of strangers judging your vulnerability and never hearing from them again...time after time. It's okay, I chose this path, but it isn't for everyone, and it isn't for people unwilling to work for it, every single day. I could continue on my journey of woes, but this message is about the victories not the struggle.
I have some exciting victories I wanted to share with the internet. This is mainly for me (selfish? not exactly). It will serve as a reminder and when it shows up on my timehop-abe, I can remember where I have been and how it feels right now.
1. Let me begin the great success story of this week by saying, Cinderella is my favorite princess! Being cast to play her = childhood (well adulthood really too) dream come true! Thanks be to Whitney Avalon (http://whitneyavalon.com) for creating this genius #PrincessRapBattle and letting me join in on all the fun as an original princess (OP), Cinderellie! It is the first video of my acting career to go #viral! Almost 800,000 views now (in a little over one week!)! #Victory! Happy to have played a small part in this gem of silliness and fun. It has received a lot of cool internet press including the huffingtonpost, mtvnews, perezhilton, etc, and from all of my incredible friends/family who have shared it. I heard today it was mentioned on the radio (96.3) in Kansas (where I'm from, thanks to Katie Finkeldei for telling me!). WHAT?! So rad! #MyCupRunnethOver :)
Character inspiration. I do my research<3
Here is the link to the Princess Rap Battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcrQvoCzs80
..."and it always impresses" <3
2. I was fortunate enough to audition for this company called the jubileeproject and (drum roll) I booked it! I was a little more excited about this booking then ordinary because of the incredible work they do. They create inspirational videos which raise awareness and empower a movement of change-makers. This is exactly the kind of work I want to be a part of! I can't wait to meet this awesome group of people, and help in creating effective change.
3. Two short films I starred in with these really intelligent/creative students from the nyfa were released and I really liked the work. Sometimes it is hard to see yourself in something — you never know how things will end up after the editing is said and done. I was happy to see my work and actually be proud of it. No, I am not winning any awards tomorrow, but I am thankful for the opportunity to act and enjoy my craft. It is a blast. On a side note: the director of one of these two projects only took one take of pretty much every shot we did! Which adds to my shock of it actually turning into something usable and worth watching! I am very impressed with these students, New York Film Academy, you are doing a great job! I have no doubt the students I worked with will succeed in this industry if they keep this up!
4. I am booked to film a couple projects next week too! More details to come depending on how these things go. ;)
5. My actor page: https://www.facebook.com/brittanyjogaylord reached a new milestone of over 400 likes which may not sound like much to #BradleyCooper or you, but it is pretty good for this little actor! Yay!
This week, I am victorious! I am not doing this alone, though. I have a lot of love and support which keeps me from crumbling into tiny Brittany pieces so a GIANT hug, kiss, loves, and thank yous to the people who love me, encourage me, and make me stronger! (You may be the only ones reading this so I really appreciate you for that as well ;))
I shall be staying in this for the long game. So, I will just keep swinging. (and swimming and dancing like Brad Pitt haha).
With love <3 always, Brittany Jo
This kid gets me:
"I feel, I feel, I feel happy of myself!!!!" video here —
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaIvk1cSyG8