September 17, 2004
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Easy come… easy go.
Well… as I was going up to Vancouver 2 days ago to shoot some more episodes of “Tru Calling” word was that ”North Shore” replaced us and we were being pushed as a mid-season replacement show. We were up against the heavy hitters ”CSI” and “The Apprentice” in that time slot, so it made some sense.
Then as I got off the plane and headed towards immigration to extend my work permit until December when Lizzy, my co-star, tells me not to bother. She just got off the phone with her manager and was informed that the show was ending production after this current episode.
Sigh. That all lasted but a month. Back to the auditioning grind.
There really is no precedent for what happened. We got an order of 13 episodes but the network decided to reduce it to 6. There’s some talk of it being shopped around to another network or airing on DVD’s or being slotted in later in the year. Who knows? But the bummer was that the producer revealed all the cool stuff our characters were supposed to go throughout the season that probably won’t wind up ever being unveiled to the fans.
It was strange doing the table read for the potentially very last episode ever. And even stranger shooting it right now as we speak because it’s like, “Is this even going to air?” And that really sucks because there was some decent stuff goin’ on.
But if you’re a steady reader of this journal AND an actor starting out, I’m kinda glad you’re getting to see a lesson of the cycle — the lows (my C. Thomas Howell musings), the highs (booking the show) and the lows again (what just happened). I mean, that was the main purpose of this journal in the first place. To demystify it and show unglamorous it all really is. How you really need to love doing it or stuff like this will drive you insane. This is how the cycle goes – forever.
You either have to get used to it, get out of it or adapt by protecting yourself mentally and financially by always having other things ready to go in the fire. Because even though this iron went cold, I’ll just continue with the comedy sketches, polishing my action screenplay for the 2005 shoot, touring colleges, shooting the “BLT” follow up — all in between auditions. And when I get another job, all those other projects will either go on hold or squeezed in between my schedule. That way you never skip a beat in a business contingent upon so many factors outside of your control.
It also is a great example of why money management is so important. Because one day you may be making money hand over fist, but the next day it can be pulled away from you just like — that.
Golly, what an educational month that was, huh? Stay tuned this month to see what else we can learn at the expense of my career!
Btw, this site just surpassed 100,000 visitors since Feb 2004 – thanks so much for reading everybody!
Comments (38)
haha….funny how you say “at the expense of my career”
bummer about the show though….it’s cool that you’re keeping your head up.
Looking at your situation from the perspective of a struggling college student, I feel for ya. Same situation, just different levels.
I have no interest in acting but it’s interesting to read about. Thanks for the insight. Good luck in your future projects.
good luck~!
AWWW Parry ! I was so looking forward to checking it out ! I’ll keep my fingers crossed. In the meantime, I’ll wish you the best of luck in your other gigs and auditions ! Keep on my brotha !
well, that’s life… just gotta suck it up and move on. Good luck to you, and happy 100k hits
that’s funny that you put a circle with a ? throught the middle of the picture.
sorry for the bad news.. but like you said things like this always happen in show biz. but with talent and a drive like yours, something better wont be too far in the future
Obviously it wasn’t your true calling. Ba-dum-bhamp. (I am phonetically approximating a rim shot).
You’ll be fine. You can’t have ups without the downs.
geez.
this is a great post. the same advice (or story) applies to consultants. one day you’re on the job, and then the next day, the client doesn’t have money in the budget and you’re the first to go – this just happened to me the other day! (maybe i shld start a consultant’s blog to help others? hmmm…)
One of my favorite quotes–>Life is like topography, Hobbes, there are summits of happiness and success…flat stretches of boring routine…and valleys of frustration and failure
North Shore!? That show sucks.
hey parry, its great to hear that there will be a blt sequel. although that movie made me kind of depressed for some reason, it left a good impression. it was one of those movies that after its finished and the credits have already ran, youre still sitting there like WHOA.
btw, do you ever respond to your comments? just curious, haha
Guess that’s how the business goes, huh? Keep on truckin’.
that sucks but hey new chapter to ur career is about to begin ^.^!
i just want to say WOW you are good looking! Sorry i just had to get that out there.
this journal is extremely helpful in understanding the business you are in (i.e.sauditions,college tours, money management etc) thanks. as cliche as this may sound you can’t appreciate the ups without the downs. that being said, i’m sure your big up swing is soon. good luck.
… maybe you should audtion or make a suggestion for The OC. … after all, the real OC has Asians.
hi i just saw your movie..quite interesting how my asian friends aren’t lke your movie asian friends in that movie..being redundant but who cares..kk bye bye..
p.s. that movie made me think a lot about teenagers these days…
sorry to hear about the tru calling fallout. the lows make the highs that much more rad. better luck tomorrow
Hey Parry; The Violent One checking in again! That sucks that “Tru Calling” isn’t turning out as hoped… but yes, that’s the life of the actor. Hell, at least you made good contacts and worked with new (and old) people! ya never know… Besides, at least you have other projects going on… comedy sketches are great! Cuz there’s *nothing* like performing in front of a live audience. I’ve just come back from my show’s opening night… standing ovations are always a great reminder about why I’m in the business (even if I’m still in the beginning stages… ) Cheers and keep up the work!
i loved C. Thomas Howell all throughout my teens. i don’t know what it was about him….(its funny, now that i think about it.) but i even loved him when he played ‘black’, through films and marriage….sigh, oh…ponyboy. haha.
where is he now? that would be a great, E! True Hollywood Story. =p
There are three things important in life: honesty, which means living free of the cunning of the mind, compassion, because if we have no concern for others, we are monsters; curiosity, for if the mind is not searching, it is dull and unresponsive — it’s our affections that drive us. move us. change us. kill us. make us live. what quickens your heart?
So take care and just
Everyone wants to know what the next chapter in their lives have after a cliffhanger. But there is only One who knows … and that’s the One who’s already written the last chapter of your life … the life of Parry Shen. I doubt if you’re reading this since you have a super hectic schedule. But, I know your probably a little frustrated with spending time and money and having high hopes in Tru Calling. But have you ever thought about the coincidence and meaning behind True Calling? Is it just a sign or is Someone trying to catch your attention?
Most people have a plan for almost every aspect of their lives for growth. ie; intellectual (mba, phd), social (nhs, betagamma, fellowship, marriage), physical (exercise, dieting), and 401k retirement planning. But what about spiritual? I’m not encouraging a compartmentalization of our lives as we have a tendency to do in our culture nor am i encouraging a “do” mentality. Rather let our doing flow from our being. prayer, meditation, and fellowship are merely things we do and we can so often get caught up in doing. These are things one does as a disciple of Christ but it does not make one Christian. The journey is everyday and CALLS for all to live increasingly like Him. By grace we must make everyday decisions to live our life to the very end with one purpose, to truly live. This is the remix. So if you tuned out … that’s your choice.
Joy and pain. Like sunshine and rain.
So, I hope the best in your pursuits. If you had a terrible day yesterday, you always have a second chance today.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line.
awww… no more Vancouver, eh? =)
Oh wells. Don’t be a stranger to Canada, eh? ^^
That sucks, i really wanted to watch it! poooooo….. well i know you’ll find something else! Asians are the “in thing now…”
You’ll get something big! I know you will,maybe you should try the show “Hawaii”,I heard on my local news that they are still looking for extra’s and actors!So far I seen 2 actors from the show roaming around in waikiki so you should audition so I can run into you next!!!
I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you, I was excited to see what type of role you’d play on the show. I’m sure an even better opportunity is just around the corner!
gosh darn it…sorry man. but the consolation for me is that you always land on your feet…
Aw, I’m so sorry.
OMG that suxxxxx
GODD LUCK ill make an autobiography n u can star as moi!
I really loved “Better Luck Tomorrow” –just saw it yesterday. The direction is very awesome, very unconventional. The “death scene” is probably my favorite because of how it’s directed. I aspire to become a director, so that’s why I’m commenting on it so much, if you’re wondering.
It was weird because I had visited your xanga a few times before having seen the film, so throughout the experience I was wondering “Is that the same guy with the xanga?”. I’m glad I saw your movie, I don’t think I would’ve remembered to see it if it weren’t for my AP Gov’t teacher… I think you know him. Mr. Price, with the xanga handle “ncp”.
Take care.
Vancouver, The City of Rain, and strange weather .. ah yes.. you have to love it …. think ill go enjoy the 5 mins of sunshine i have right now. .before it starts to pour.
Your life is just like any other self-employed persons’. The work and paychecks aren’t always steady so it takes a certain kind of personality to be able to accept this kind of lifestyle. The good is that you can be on a really good high, but the bad is that things can get really bad too. You are a bigger risk taker than me!
I really loved Tru Calling and was looking forward to seeing your role on it.