It’s my birthday!! I spent the first half of today writing (what’s new) and the second half with my family and boyfriend. Dinner was amazing, the cheesecake was divine, and my gifts were perfection.

 

And, of course, I couldn’t help but look back on the last year, what I’ve accomplished, who I’ve met, how I’ve changed, and where I’m going. August brings my consecutive string of filming months to a grand total of 12 now. I shot a short film in Brooklyn a few weekends ago, and we’re set to shoot some pick up scenes in September. I’ll have footage from some of my recent films to add to my reel soon, so stay tuned for updates.

 

I also met with another casting director, Candice Alustiza, at the Actor’s Green Room and am going to be signing up for additional classes, workshops, and voice over intensives in September at a few different schools.

 

But right, back to the last year -

 

After my birthday last year, I told myself that I would devote the next year to films, and I did just that. It has been an incredible (and exhausting) experience. For this year? I want to continue that intense dedication, together with my agent, who I also met and signed with this past year.

 

In regards to writing, I did a lot more copywriting and ghostwriting than I had first intended, and while I am extremely pleased with the body of work that I have put out, I know that my true passion lies in my creative writing, my thesis (which will complete my master’s degree), and my magazine, The Vigilant Monkey, that had to take a hiatus because of some of the craziness that the past year also brought. So now that I’ve focused on every form of writing but the writing that really drives me, it’s time to change direction. As the summer comes to a close, I know exactly where my priorities are and what goals I have to reach. That’s something to smile about.

 

So the last year? Was a great year. And now? To an even better one.

It has been an amazingly busy few weeks!!

 

I was just cast in my third film, this time in a supporting role. It's a short being shot in January in NYC.

 

I also went back out to Boston for more shooting on a two-part film we're doing out there. And I even got to check out a rough cut of the trailer last week. After some more pick-up shots in January, the final product should be finished by February.

 

As for writing, we have been busy working on The Vigilant Monkey. I'm looking forward to creating new advertising relationships in the new year.

 

And finally, I am thrilled to announce that I am now signed with Michael Rodriguez of The Roster Agency. I first met Michael last year when he came in to speak to my on-camera acting class at the Penny Templeton Studio. By total chance, we ran into each other again at a headshot workshop at TVI Studios last month and once more at an Actors Connection seminar. Words cannot adequately describe just how happy I am to be working with him =)

 

2009 has been an amazing year, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make it such an experience. Have a Merry Christmas, enjoy the festivities these next two weeks, and I'll see you in 2010!!

 

- Melissa