I was itching for some more Photographs for my website and came across the talented Scott Witter. My Husband decided to shoot with him first and they came out incredibly well, so I couldn't resist to do another shoot shortly after.
We went out to the peculiar, yet peaceful land of Joshua Tree. Where the trees are wild and the land is dry, the population scarce and the animal kingdom silent. The skies at night are pure and unobstructed, littered with beautiful stars. It really is an incredible place. Other than freezing my arse off, the weather was beautiful, as can be seen in the photographs. At one point it got so cold I just had to wrap myself in a stunning multicoloured blanket. But I though it brought some fun to my otherwise fairly serious wardrobe. I hope you enjoy these! #AlexCartana #AlexCartañá #ScottWitter #MarlaineReiner #Photo #Artist #Photography #Shoot #Makeup I wanted to congratulate my friend, the super talented Juan Pablo Di Pace for his most recent work in "Fuller House" the new Netflix original series and spinoff of "Full House". He's had one hell of a year, with his lead role of Jesus in A.D. The Bible Continues and now a series regular in an old time favourite of mine. Sifting through some old images I found this one of us together, which I thought I'd share with you as I think it is a really genuine shot, sweet and fun. We had a blast working together - the two of us laughing at different Spanish accents and voices (something I rarely got to do in England). This was taken in London, back in 2004 by GettyImages when I was focussing on Music and the multi-talented young man was helping me bring my video to life with some great acting and serious dance moves. So JPDP, here is to plenty more success in the future!
#alexcartana #JuanPabloDiPace #alex #Cartana #fullhouse #fullerhouse #netflix These photos were taken using Strobe Photography, which from what I understand was with a Flash and this white Panel thingy, which softens the reflecting light. I wanted to share these Non-retouched photographs, because I find it incredible, how Strobe can make the skin look so flawless.
Again as mentioned in my prior post - Photographer: Chris Fortuna, Makeup: Marlaine Reiner, Cheerleaders: Beau Black and Leela Buns. White Dress: Adam Selman (Purchased at Intermix) Panther Swimwear & Kaftan: We Are Handsome #AlexCartana #ChrisFortuna #MarlaineReiner #Strobe #Photography #WeAreHandsom #Intermix #AdamSelman It has been quite a few year since I did a "Press/Fashion" style photo shoot. So when I finally got the courage to do one, I chose the incredibly gifted Chris Fortuna to be my Photographer. The whole shoot was a breeze, and I surprisingly felt very comfortable, despite being very much out of my comfort zone and the fact that we got to a late start because of traffic. The über talented Marlaine Reiner beautified me like not many artists can do. I have to give credit to Beau Black for encouraging the sexier outfits... (I'm one for baggy, comfy clothes, so persuasion was much needed), who would have thought he could also serve as a Stylist. :) Anyway, here are a couple of pics. More to come! A. x
#AlexCartana #ChrisFortuna #MarlaineReiner Where to start... It took me a year and a half to get into the workshop in the first place, but I was determined I was going to work with this man, no matter what it took. He is a legend, a Stella Adler pupil himself, and I know she changed many lives with her teachings, but Larry Moss, to me has got to be up there with the top five best best Acting Coaches that ever existed. (at least in my books, and to be honest, that's what matters to me!).
Catie LeOrisa (his assistant and Co-Captain of the ship), after some harassment from my part (bless her!), emailed me to say someone had dropped out last minute and asked me if I wanted to step in. Not for a second did I have a doubt. YES!!! Of course I want in!!! So I was paired up with the lovely Luciana Carro (Battlestar Galactica, Helix among other shows). I loved that I was being partnered with a fellow student, that had the same level of passion as I. We were given three plays to choose from. We chose "Boston Marriage" by David Mamet as our challenge. And boy was it a challenge, but a really good one. Four weeks of preparation, (Luciana was right, I thought it was six, I like to exaggerate). Daily rehearsals, play analysis, vocabulary searching, costume finding, accent researching, all kinds of searches, the kind that are required and expected of you when you are working on something important to you, and you want to do your very best. People in Larry's class don't mess around. None of that; I don't know my lines, I don't know what I'm doing, I didn't have time, and other excuses... this is the kind of preparation every serious actor should be doing. It reminds you how exciting THEATRE really is. And then came the Workshop, located at The Electric Lodge, a lovely Theatre in Venice. This is where I find it so hard to express what we all went through and experienced during our four day intensive. There were so many emotions in that room. There were tears (everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, Females, Males, audience members) cried at some point. Larry (due to his many years of teaching - no less than 44 years at this point - and he will admit countless Therapy sessions) has a way of knowing exactly what is going on with you, and can tell you within minutes of you standing on stage, what your childhood blockages are doing to you. He analyses you, and points things out you know, but sometimes don't want to face or admit. He understands your core and your struggles, like only a good Psychologist can. He points them out, not to ridicule you, but because he wants you to work on it/them, to become comfortable in your own skin, to be a better person and to not be stifled by what he calls "Our Stories" (we all have one!), when it comes to giving ourselves fully to bring out our best performances. There were laughs too, so many laughs, hysterical giggles, so much humour, we needed that too. Frequent mentions of Voice Classes, Alexander Technique Classes, Therapy and other aids were brought up. None to make anyone feel small or inadequate. He does it all with care, love and so much passion. You feel the support, without it feeling so safe, that you feel like you are never going to learn. Oh you learn, you learn about acting just as much as you do about Humanity. Watching fellow actors, break through, was equally as inspiring. It makes you want to help each other out, collaborate and support each other in whichever way we can. It makes us less selfish, more willing to give and encourage others. To be a community. This magical world that we become involved in, for those few days, become Inspiring like nothing I've ever experienced before. He makes you want to read plays, work in Theatre, find the love for it all again, which is sadly so easily lost in "show-business". This environment is addictive, because you gain more than I could ever put into words! From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Larry Moss for sharing himself with us and all his years of knowledge, wisdom and expertise. I'd also like to thank Catie LeOrisa for organising everything and getting me into the workshop. I want to thank every person that was there to help us, and last but not least, my fellow actors, whom I learned so much from and who have also inspired me beyond words, to work hard and aspire to grow. All the Auditors I met and had the opportunity to share ideas and stories with. This will go down, as one of the best experiences in my life! #LarryMoss #Acting #BostonMarriage #DavidMamet #Play #Theatre #StellaAdler #AlexCartana #LucianaCarro #TheIntentToLive I had the pleasure of being part of an amazing new show, by singing back-up vocals on the awesome Original Theme Song "WAY OUT" which was composed, produced and performed by the incredibly talented Beau Black for Disney Junior's "Miles From Tomorrowland". A brand new show created by Sascha Paladino, which follows the outer space voyages of a young adventurer called Miles and his family. Expect to learn plenty of interesting things about outer-space through their fun and exciting intergalactic adventures.
With Cullen McCarthy (voice of Miles Callisto), Olivia Munn (Phoebe Callisto), Tom Kenny (Leo Callisto), Fiona Bishop (Loretta Callisto), Dee Bradley Baker (Merc), Adrian Grenier (Captain Joe), Mark Hamill (Gadfly Garnet), Bill Nye (Professor Rubicon), Brenda Song (Aunt Frida), George Takei (Spectryx), Alton Brown (Lysander Floovox) and Wil Wheaton (Commander S’leet). The song is available for purchase on iTunes on the "Disney Junior DJ Shuffle 2" album. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/disney-junior-dj-shuffle-2/id962457402 VARIETY http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/disney-junior-miles-from-tomorrowland-science-adventure-cartoon-1201392938/ THE NEW YORK TIMES http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/06/arts/television/miles-from-tomorrowland-on-disney-junior.html #milesfromtomorrowland #disney #alexcartana #beaublack #oliviamunn #georgetakei #cullenmccarthy #saschapaladino Here's a fun collaboration with Composer Beau Black for #Samsung #Galaxy11, to be featured during the #WorldCup2014 in #Brazil. Courtesy of South Music & Sound Design. I'm singing the Lead vocals, and Beau Black and I both feature in the "choir-like-chiming" Chorus. This was tremendous fun! We even got to sing in Portuguese in honor of the country in which the games are being held in, (it was a bit of a challenge, but such a laugh!). "As the world’s sports fans turn their gaze to Brazil for the start of the World Cup on Thursday, the South Korean company has unveiled a seven-minute, computer-animated video that blurs the lines between online short and out-and-out commercial. The video, which captures the first half of a fantasy soccer match between an all-star roster of Samsung’s 11 celebrity endorsers, and an alien team called the Hurakan, overseen by a hooded figure reminiscent of Star Wars’ Emperor Palpatine, is the culmination of a month's long campaign". - The Wall Street Journal Enjoy the short Movie! Alex Cartañá xo Well, I finally got my Headshots back and I must say I'm quite pleased with them, Dana Patrick did an amazing job! She really makes those eye "Pop" which is always a bonus when that's the only feature of yours that you like! Hahaha Of course one always has something they're not completely satisfied with, naturally always something that can't be changed, like the fact that your nose is too pointy, or your face is too long, maybe if my arms were this or my hair was that, and the list goes on.... But overall, I got a nice array of pictures, hopefully good enough to help me land an Agent/Manager in good old tinsletown. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. Updates on how these were perceived will follow... Which is your favourite? Please feel free to comment as your opinion counts. Alex Cartañá xo So it was back to getting footage for the reel and admittedly just having some good old fun acting. This time around I wanted to show a more irrational, crazed and emotional character, as my prior scene was very collected and controlled. Having been highly inspired by Woody Allen's "Vicky Christina Barcelona" my scene partner Ryan García and I, hoped to explore the fiery relationship between the characters portrayed by Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. This time rather than a pure copy, we decided to write our own script. The wonderful cinematographer Justin Knodel shot us on a RED Epic Camera, and the location was a snazzy apartment at the Marriott in Downtown LA, so we felt extremely privileged. We are now waiting to see the finished product but in the meantime I'd love to thank Colin Meyer (Gaffer), Emily Castillo (AC), Jordan Sparks (Sound) and Jessie Frahm (hair & makeup) for making it all come together, and of course Justin Knodel and Ryan García for making the Magic happen. Alex Cartañá. Xx
Merry Christmas!
This is one of my favourite times of the year, the decorations make me feel warm and safe and the house smells like Cinnamon & Cloves. I get most of my inspirations from my Mother and London! She has always been very into decorating at this time of year so it is no surprise that we love our Christmas trees in my family. We Knew we wouldn't be spending Christmas in L.A. but that didn't stop us from putting up a tree. [Tree #1] in line with our contemporary gray, red and white living room, the theme here was; "Our Xmas" with Red, White & Silver being the three main colours. Over in Spain (Palma de Mallorca) we have two main Christmas trees; [Tree #2] themed Silver & White, aptly called the "Winter White" tree, which blends wonderfully with the pale decor of our cosy upstairs living room. [Tree #3] in the "Christmas Room" (named that because we only ever use this room at Christmas) followed the "little Red Robin" theme, with all the decorations being a rich Red, with added white fairy lights for some twinkle and extra life! What does your tree look like? What colours did you use this year? A.C. xo Despite feeling content in my prior acting classes, I didn't feel like I was being challenged enough or that my peers were making me want to compete or better myself.
I was in need of a class that made me feel like I could grow, that I could be pushed to my very limit, that would awaken every part of me; as well as a class where I would feel like everyone was at a higher level than myself, that were extremely strong performers, with talent seeping from their every poor and that would consequently spark the fire of ambition, within me, that I seemed to have lost a long the way. I was grateful to have been positioned in a class with extremely talented actors. Our last class before the holidays, allowed each actor to perform in front of the class, not limited to just scenes (which were outstanding), but included Singing, Songwriting, Rapping, Dancing among other talents. Witnessing their talents, have not only grounded me, but humbled me and left me in complete awe. I am honored that for a short while I was able to be in class with this mesmerizing array of talent. Among these talents are, Ryan Garcia, Clayton Snyder, Sarah Saunders, Courtney Hawkins, Kelly Walker, Angie Simms, Tess Niedermeyer, Heidi Niedermeyer, Ben Whitehair, Cody Kopp, Graham Outerbridge, Jay Montepare, Jeff Pierre, Angela Sprinkle and Stephen Graybill. Despite the level of talent, I did not find myself 'at home' with the methods and teaching of this studio, so alas I am on the prowl again for another coach... Alex Cartañá xo So you gain some weight (eeehhheemm… errr yeah *gulp*) so you're like, you need to change your hair, because the blonde is getting waaaay too blonde, and your ends look like straw, and quite frankly you're just bored of long hair… so you go for a little chop, chop and you've opted for a "diiiirrrrtyy blonde colour" and then… you look nothing like you did in your headshots! CD's are starting to look at you funny… that's when you know it is time for some new pics. But…. you're strapped for cash, cause it's the holiday season and gift buying is in full force, so you opt for a "Power Hour" with the lovely Laura Burke, a couple of looks later and here we have it. I know… I need to stick to that diet, cause my Leptin Sensitivity is utterly crippling, and the weight just isn't shifting, but for now… these will do! What are your thoughts? Yay or Nay? A.C. xo
I am absolutely loving The Actors Link in LA. There is an abundance of Workshop Studio's in LA, as most actors will know. Some, which I shall not mention, are there to take your money and couldn't care less about who you are or how you are doing. You're a number and they're happy to keep it that way. The Actors Link is very different. I was fortunate enough to meet one of the owners of The Actors Link Studio, Casting Director Scott David, during a workshop at another workshop studio. I fell in love with him and his bubbly, fun personality and just general encouraging nature. He genuinely loves actors and really helps whenever possible. He really, really does. I am a witness to this, so it really isn't just hearsay. When he encouraged me to join The Actors Link, I thought; "oh! I'm sure it's just like everywhere else!". But I was pleasantly surprised... The Actors Link, is nothing like the other Studios. It is far more intimate, it does not feel clinical like a government building (as some of these studios can feel). They know you by name and remember your "story", which in turn makes you feel quite special. They also allow you to book your slot time online, so you don't have to turn up an hour early and wait forever (wasting precious time for some of those Actors, who have children and other commitments). They carefully select all their Casting Directors and Managers, to ensure the Actors are being seen by people who are really going to help, and provide the constructive criticism we all need. They also offer a FREE consultation to help those who are unfamiliar with some of the workshops or CD's, and they spend time explaining what workshop will be beneficial for the particular genre the Actor is going for. All in all, this is most definitely my favourite place to go for workshops. I encourage other aspiring/working actors to go there too! The Actors Link is carefully run/managed by Scott David and Brett Weinstock and is Located in North Hollywood. I'd love to keep this all to myself, but that would just be mean… so, What are you waiting for? A.C. I hadn't been on set for a while, so shooting this scene from G.I. was such fun! Encouraged by our wonderful acting coach John Homa, we got the ball rolling and put together a small production, to film this short. I got to play an intelligent, authoritative, spiteful, strong Character. A Psychiatrist with obvious issues herself. I mean… there is really no need to be so harsh with a patient. Not that I can't be like that in the real world, you know a complete Bitch, but that is not generally my nature. So I love it when a character is unlike me, for it allows me to explore new layers and it is most certainly a form of escapism. Isn't that what acting is all about? Isn't that what most actors love about acting. We were really happy with the results and the feedback so far has been very positive. I'd like to give thanks to my scene partner Samm Wiechec, the Director: Luca Brinciotti, the D.O.P.: Justin Knodle as well as Ryan Lopez, Andrew Massersmith, Cori Elwood, Roy Sun, Denise Khumalo, Austin Gray, Trang Ada Tring, and Jordan Spark for their hard work and expertise. I hope to work together on other projects very soon. Alex Cartañá xo Being European or Spanish, which is more relevant to this particular subject, I have been accustomed to dressing my salads with Oil and Vinegar (or freshly squeezed lemon juice), and have always felt somewhat repulsed by those pre-made bottled dressings, which appear goopy and full of ingredients which in my mind, should not be included in something that should be simple.
So with that said, I must admit I sometimes go over the top with oil which I have been told by many nutritionists, that going over-board with the Oil can be 'fattening' when trying to lose weight. So I was delighted to come across this wonderfully, simple yet effective dosage control mechanism, made by Gourmè Mist™ The Fine mist controls the amount of Oil and/or vinegar you spray on your food, allowing you to use the perfect amount, which is no more than 5 calories per spray. GENIUS!! Today I received the above order which gives me a nice variety and should last me a good amount of time! I have tried them before at a friends house in New York, and thought it was wonderfully tasty and very reliable for the weight-watchers! Below are instructions on how to use them: How To Use Gourmè Mist
I'm so pleased! I have two new commercials out soon, both of which are SAG jobs, therefore I have been forced to join SAG/AFTRA. Not bad huh? I had been eligible to become a member for a little while and had been "umming and arring" about the pros and cons of joining, those in the same predicament will understand. However, these last two jobs with #hewlettpackard and #fisherprice have put me in a situation where the decision was no longer mine. Sometimes I like it when it's like that, it makes things a little easier. This new "Status" puts me in a complete new realm, which will hopefully enable me to be "seen" as a more serious performer. This is the open door, I have been longing for, for a long time! Keep your fingers crossed for me! I fell in love with the AllSaints men's 'Cargo Leather Biker' Jacket over two years ago, when I first came across it. I purchased one for my love, but wished they made one for the femmes. Well, my wish came true, because AllSaints has made a 'Cargo Leather Biker' for the ladies too, in the same style, colour (Washed Black, which is a black, grey tone) and butter-soft Lambskin leather. It really is glorious and has just the right amount of "rough" "cool" and "rock & roll". So of course, I had to get my very own! :) They really got it right with this one!!
Lithograph #1 by Robert Deyber "Bird Dog" Lithograph #2 by Robert Deyber "Bird Call" Lithograph #3 by Robert Deyber "Smoke and Mirrors" We invested in some Lithographs by one of the coolest Artists out there: Robert Deyber who is published through the Martin Lawrence Galleries. Each work of art comes with a famous saying, such as "Bad Hair Day - > Bad Hare Day" , "When pigs fly", "Rock, Paper, Scissors" and "See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil" etc. We purchased three of them for our home and hope to add to the collection as time goes by. Be sure to check him out if you want some contemporary pieces with a little humour!
I have been "obsessing" over the new Saint Laurent aka Yves Saint Laurent's women's shoes, waiting to see what else #HediSlimane came up with. I also saw #NicoleRichie (courtesy fabsugar.com) wearing a wonderful pair of Black & White lace-up flats which I desperately wanted. However, during this "decision" period I came accross these #AllSaints Spitalfields "Keiko" booties. I think they're refined, simple yet oh so Chic and very similar to the #YSL ones... so I went for these instead, which are a fraction of the price. . So thank you #AllSaints Beverly Hills for filling this bootie need and bringing me up-to-date with #a/w13 fashion.
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