SLEEP DEPRIVED ACTORS

Marketing my script lately, I've run across a lot of actors. Ironically enough, when you look at the film industry and the entire process -- to get a film from an idea, to screenplay, to greenlight, filming, post, and then distribution -- it all has very little to do with actors.

In the "pre" process, the only attention an actor will get is if they are tagged as an "element", meaning they are slated to be in the film, passionate about the script, owe a production company or writer a favor. Getting an actor as an element is one way to set the wheels in motion, and a surefire way for a screenwriter to have better hopes at being produced.

But back to the poor actors. Yes, I said "poor actors". They get no attention, when they do, it's in the form of an unpaid audition that surely eats up their day. Should they be one of the lucky few, they arrive early on set, often in a foreign land, desert, whatever location is essential to the shoot. They often work long hours in terribly hot or cold conditions, relegated to the situation by an often crabby director, who might care less about acting and more about a shooting schedule.

It seems actors don't get much sleep. If they have a name it's not uncommon that they shoot all day or night, only to get off work and buzz off to a charity event or obligatory social situation. Ever hear of a big-name actor not showing for an event?

FADE IN:

EXT. HOLLYWOOD - RED CARPET - NIGHT

JOHN TESH strokes the airwaves as an announcer for this televised event. MARY HART keeps her vaseline-toothed smile locked on John as he introduces guests.

JOHN TESH
And what a lovely night for such a gala.

MARY HART
Lovely night!

JOHN TESH
Aww, and who's this? None other than Angelina Jolie, in a lovely Marchesa gown, at that!

MARY HART
Angelina, lovely, Marchesa--

JOHN TESH
And I'm sure we'll see Brad Pitt bring up the rear--

John stops mid-sentence. Cupping his ear monitor, he wrinkles his forehead.

JOHN TESH
What's that? Folks, we regret to inform you that Brad Pitt has taken the night off... okay, yes... seems he had a long day at the studio, and... "Noxzema", their latest adopted child, has an earache... yes, he's taking a personal day off.

MARY HART
Oh, that Noxzema, such a sweet child! Best wishes Brad, if you're watching!

FADE OUT

Wouldn't make sense, would it? Well, this holiday, here's a shout out to actors, I hope you're getting plenty of sleep!

GEORGE CLOONEY

I mentioned the film "Up in the Air" in THIS POST. Set for a December release, they just started airing the T.V. ads for it this weekend. It was either reviewed or mentioned in my copy of "TIME" magazine, as well as Lovely Wife's "Elle."

Of course the coverage is standard for any upcoming film, whether it's good or not. The difference is this time I'm really taking notice, chomping at the bit to see this movie.

There's Oscar buzz for Clooney, many coming out of the woodwork to say it's his best acting ever. I was never a fan, probably put off by the "E.R." craze that made his name common in every household. I guess I first started taking to him with the "Ocean's" series, then I read a magazine interview with him that made me realize he's quite an "okay" guy -- never condescending to those around him and honestly tries to be his best.

Having watched him in a few more films, he might be great in "Up in the Air" because the writing is so damn good. Face it, if the writing is not moving then the actor's hands are tied.

I'm not taking away from George, nor glorifying the writers, but it's ashame he hasn't been offered better-written roles throughout his career. Sure, he has a long resume, but it will take even more to put his name in with Newman, Brando, and the bunch.

In any case, I'm dying to see it and hoping for a box office smash. If you believe there two kinds of bags for flying: carry-on, and lost, then this film might be for you.