Decisions, Decision!

September 5, 2014- Decisions, Decisions!

Quick! I just got offered a gig and I need to take two days in a row off from work and we are in the middle of a financial deadline that is due on the final day of shooting…what should I do?? Oh, did I forget to mention that this role is for a featured walk-on you have been auditioning and trying to get for about 4 or 5 months!?

This happens to me all the time. Not in the dire sense of an extremely overwhelming deadline at work but having to decide between my duality of my job and craft. It is exhausting and stressful, no doubt about it. I mean in the general you have to ask yourself if a two -day gig is worth you possibly losing your job with your decent salary. Or sometimes we are plagued with having to choose between one gig over the other. In the end, you have to decide what is best for you. I always tell myself that if I was given this one opportunity, then another will come. And that applies to both jobs and your craft. And hey! On a personal note, it applies to the people you cherish as well. You may have to make decisions that in the end doesn't benefit the both of you, but is what it is for the best, in general.

One of the hardest talks I have ever had was the “Where is My Life is Going” talk.  And for someone like me who is so goal-oriented, it was different. It was with my mother and she has always stressed the importance of having a “Plan B”. And while I am sitting there… practically getting reamed by her harsh approach, I am holding in my hands my professional resume. I have a skill set that is out of this world: I am highly technology- savvy, a people person, years of sales experience, and development experience, I can go on and on…and as I am looking down at my resume, I see my tears splash unto the paper. Here—in my hands were ALL of my attempts of a Plan B. And I was tired of feeling guilty about them. I am proud of all the experience I have gathered and gained, but that is what Life is about. You live and you learn. You learn that when one door closes, another one always opens. You just have to be ready when the knock comes.

And for the first time in years, I let her know how important my craft is to me and now I am sharing that with you.

Brit

Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

My Experience: FILMING FOR COMMERCIALS

September 4, 2014- Filming Commercials

You know "commercials"…those catchy-little things that you sometimes glance over because they cut in between your favorite show! lol… But seriously, in this industry I love getting commercial gigs. They are usually fun and short and have a handsome pay off in the end. 

As you delve into the biz of the business, one will learn how to negotiate and review the terms of a commercial contract. Words like payout, web usage only, stipulations apply to other brands, etc. should be second nature to you. Don't leave it ALL in the hands of your agent…know yourself.

Brit

Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

Sacrificing.

September 3, 2014- Sacrificing.

Ask yourself this: How many things have you sacrificed for the sake of others?  Or How many things have you sacrificed for your past? Truly think about it.

This is a hard entry for me to write because I am facing a demon that has been plaguing me for years. My past. Things that I thought was let go of and then…something triggers them back to the surface. As an Actor, some may argue that it is not a healthy approach to performing when one substitutes their own life experiences for character development. I am on the fence about that approach. Personally, I have used the technique introduced by Ivana Chubbuck of ‘substitution’.  Substitution is endowing the other actor in the scene with a person from your real life. Hmmm….not too safe if you are playing a victim of sexual or domestic abuse right? Or someone faced with the bouts of parental abandonment and extreme heartache? Hmm?

So nevertheless, this goes to the point of this entry about taking care of yourself. To others, they may not understand why you made the choices that you did or the sacrifices you made but as long as YOU know…that is what matters.  I always say that you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. But sometimes they don’t know how to let people help them. Funny, for me to be such an outgoing, high-spirited individual, I am actually very private. I keep my friends and my family very close to me and I have a very small circle of people that I trust.

When I am dealing with my past, I mean things that I see haunting my adult life I try my best to eradicate any and everything dealing with it from my life. Why? Because it is easier to handle.  But with that comes a sacrifice. A sacrifice from peace and love…because I have allowed myself to be so consumed with the pain that…the good can’t get in. And sure I am a helluva an actor so I can mask it all day but the truth remains…I take it on alone.

For those who live that way… we have to stop. I am able to hide and submerge myself within my craft but for those who corrode away because they choose to self-implode…stop sacrificing the good because you are use to the bad. Either way is not good I know and I am learning to “let it go”. It is in the past…because you have endured, took it on straight on, you are a SURVIVOR. 

I AM A SURVIVOR.

Phew…this was some shit off my back! (smiles) Sorry for the language but that is the truth. My craft and my heart have led me to be harder on myself than anyone I ever crossed paths with. But I am tired of sacrificing my happiest for things I can’t control from the past. Fuck not getting into grad schools on the first try, screw not landing 1, 2, or 20 auditions in a row, forget not “choosing a traditional career path” Fuck it! Screw it! Because when you know you have the ability and the passion inside THERE IS NOTHING that can stop you. Nothing in this universe or beyond can place a stop to what is aligned in your future and destiny. You have a hand in everything. And I am learning to get mine back.

Brittney

Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

Supporting Others.

August 31, 2014- Supporting Others.

I wanted to take this blog and speak on how the soul benefits more from giving than receiving. Well at least to me. The past couple of days I have had the honor and pleasure to be the midst of some of the most realest, honest people who just so happen to be artists as well.  I thank God everyday for the people that come into my life---be it that they are there for a season or not. They are/were there for a reason. I have spent more time listening than I have in the longest and I must say I feel so full. Like completely satisfied because I was able to be there. Granted, just because someone confides in you doesn't mean you have to be there when things are bad…sometimes it is for a good cause or anything. One of my good actor friends is about to take a huge step forward in advancing her acting career and as I sat in the company of her friends and family at a gathering she planned, I felt so honored and blessed.

Not everything is about competition, some times people are put in your lives to make you stronger and better. And that is exactly why I cherish our friendship. Not only is she an amazing person, she is now someone I can admire and I wholeheartedly support and believe in.  We gotta start being there for one another. We are not meant to live and be a part of this world alone--- develop those relationships. Surround yourself with like-minded people.

Brit

Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

Personal Accomplishment.

August 28th, 2014- Personal Accomplishment.

Personal Accomplishment.

Create Yourself a 'Goal Wall'

Sometimes you just have to give yourself a "pat on back". After you get out of grade school, the gold stars stop! Yeah you will hear "good job" or "well done" or whatever but soon that recognition will have to be something you give to yourself. And there is nothing wrong with that! I created a prayer wall or a goal wall with all the aspirations I desire to accomplish within the next year or so. As you see in the center is my faith. My rock, the foundation in which all things are possible. And around it are my goals. Some pertain to weight loss, personal marketing goals, actor status improvements, etc… but at least things are visual. And what is really great is that some of them are already marked off! I put a date on them when I complete a task or goal. Another fellow artist, LaKia Gordon, inspired me to create the wall. 

Do this for yourself. Don't just think about your goals, SEE your goals. Envision you reaching that finish line. I was talking with someone the other evening about being an "over-visionary" . An over-visionary is someone that sees so far in the future that they forget to live in the moment. Don't let moments escape your hours…you need them. They build memories and strength. So rather than wanting to rush to accomplish these goals, take time on the journey. 


Brit

Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

Write.

August 27th, 2014- Write. 

Writing.

Sometimes don't you just want to get something out of your system, but it may not be the right thing to say "out loud" or to someone? Yes, I am sure we have all been to that point. That is why you must invest in a journal. A tape recorder or whatever…someway to vent and let out all of the negative or even positive energy you exude. In this particular instance, I am talking about writing. It is interesting how taking the time to write something out can allow for you to filter through your thoughts. It can help deescalate a situation or help you put things into perspective.I have seen people jot down ideas and the next thing you know they are full-blown novels or songs talking about the human experience or anything about social relevance. 

"Don't limit your creativity to the confines of your mind. "- Brittney S. Harris

Let it out. Even though I am a performer, one of the first lessons I was taught was to write. As artists, we have over 100 thoughts that can pass through our minds during any given day-- ideas, goals, etc. Write them down. Reflect. The best thing is going back to read what you wrote a year from now or even months from now and see that you have accomplished a goal that you set out there. Or to see that you have survived a particular situation. 

Try writing. If you ever feel blocked or trapped or lost…write about it. You don't necessarily have to share it with anyone but let that be a private moment for yourself.

Brit

Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

My Experience: PRECINCT 757

August 26, 2014- My Experience: Precinct 757

So no blog today…I decided to reflect on my experience working on Precinct 757. 

Precinct 757

Created from the minds of FulCamp Productions, Precinct 757 is about a special unit of detectives and street cops are tasked with chasing down Hampton Roads worst criminals. They face challenges from the streets and each other while getting the job done. 

"When I first heard about this new cop drama pilot being filmed in Hampton Roads, I was elated. I thought to myself, it is about time that something daring it coming to the area. Ofc. Britton is the type of character that I wish I could be in real life. Witty, sharp, tough…but has a lot of spirit and fire. Her character arc will really show through during season 2 and I am looking forward to the push."

Actress Brittney S. Harris (Britton)
and  Actor Lamonte Mills (Boston)

After auditioning and casting,  I was selected to play the edgy, smart-aleck  Officer LaTia Britton. Who is a bad ass, in her own mind, but just seen as a loud mouth rookie cop to everyone else. Along with other very talented actors such as Robert Shepard and LaMonte Mills, Precinct is a strong ensemble piece of entertainment. 

Check out Precinct 757 Episode 104- Boxed IN

See and learn more about Precinct 757

Official Website: http://www.precinct757.com

IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3269246/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Precinct757

Brit