Edward: Tell us...how do you describe yourself?

Joe: I would describe myself as, very outgoing, fun, cheerful, inspiring at times, positive about most  everything, adventures, spontaneous, cheerful, and most importantly caring/loving.

Edward: You started in show  business industry in a early age, uh? How long have u been into entertainment  business? How does this industry work?  Do you have any unusual, funny backstage  story to share with Connex readers?

Joe: It was at the age of 9 really when it in fact hit me that I wanted to be an actor. After watching  commercials with kids in them and other soaps of my moms when I realized that  acting was something I wanted to pursue. It was this warm funny feeling inside  when I thought about being on the big screen or on a commercial. To simplify my  life into just a few words I worked very hard throughout the past ten years at  progressing my career in every way possible.

One short story of  something I did on my own in 2003 was this. There was an e-mail sent to me stating that they loved my look and wanted me to come and audition in front of  hundreds of agents, casting directors, produces and industry professionals for this event. I was stoked, and completely excited for this opportunity. As I grew up with a family that doesn't have very much money I had to come up with the up  front fee to enter the competition. It was similar the IMTA convention which is basically a place to showcase your talents in hopes to get signed with an agent or get cast for a major role in a movie etc…

The entry fee was $2,400.00 to fly both me and my grandma to Orlando Florida staying at a five star resort. The go getter I am I instantly came up with a plan to cover all of the expenses. I  figured that athletes get sponsors to cover all of there expenses why cant I.  I wrote up flyers, wrote personal letters to hundreds of companies and included my picture. I personally met with local business owners to contribute to my fund.  After searching and pursuing it I came up with $2,400.00.  The selling phrase for all of the owners was that they would get featured on my sponsorship list which would be shown to whoever I come in contact with at the event. They would be known for their contribution. So I completed my goal.

I got four call  backs from major agents in the industry and a very known producer which I am still in contact with. I thank god for every fortunate thing that has happened in my life.  This completely opened my eyes to believing that anything was possible if you believe in  yourself. I knew that if I could do this I could do anything.

There are definitely no simple ways to explain the way this industry works but  can say this. “It’s a very cut throat industry” as Frederick Levy Manager/producer explained in his LA  based management firm to me in 2003.  He saidthere is a lot of competition and alot of really good actors.  But if you truly want this and you cant imagine yourself doing anything else then this is for you.

It’s very complicated on how it works but simply you need an agent to submit you for work, that agent then  receives a response if indeed the production company or whoever shows interest  in you and wants to see you for an audition.  Then you go through the audition  process, going to either a (closed Audition) which is private or a (Open Call Audition) which is for everyone. After auditioning if your lucky you’ll get a  (Call Back) which basically they like your look and skill.

They want to see more of you. This is good if you get the call back your chances just went from 5% to  about 80%. After auditioning the second time and they decide to book you then voila. Your agent books you for the gig, and you’re hired by that production company. That’s the basic break down of how it works.

Edward: What are your actual and future plans concerning acting?

Joe: As it stands now I  have two movies that I will be in, in the Fall in NY. I have also been in a couple  of commercials including AOL (America Online – National commercial), Money tree  National commercial (Featured Extra), MTV High School stories (Season Three) Actor and Featured  Extra. I’ve also done some stock shoots for Getty Images. I have auditions every couple of days for other possible jobs constantly.

I plan to eventually  make it to the big screen starring in a movie, that’s my ultimate future goal.  Once I complete that goal I will have made my dream come true. After that goal is completed I will only set bigger and better ones.  I plan to only build my resume  up with small gigs here and there. After making it to the big screen its only  down hill from there. I will be in the spotlight and have the time of my life.  Living life to the fullest!!!