#201: Actin' Out (Friday, November 5)

I know some people aren't that big on Facebook, but sometimes it serves its purpose. That was the case with me; this week I reconnected with someone I'd worked with while doing the magazine who had been such an inspiration...but after 4 moves in as many years, I'd lost touch.

Winsome Sinclair created one of the top casting/artist management/production firms in the industry. If you've seen Precious, The Best Man, Brown Sugar, Belly, Cadillac Records, Malcolm X, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Dead Presidents, Crooklyn or Higher Learning, then you've seen the work of her company, Winsome Sinclair & Associates. Actually, chances are you've seen her work even if you haven't seen any of her movies.

But when I met her, her accomplishments took a back seat to her personality. She was very down-to-earth and approachable, and speaking candidly about her success and what it took to get there. Sometimes you see the glitz and glamor and many don't realize the hard work it took to get there. But what else would you expect from a fellow Jamaican? (y'know I had to get that in there, right?)

If you've taken acting classes and think you're ready for the big time, or if you have modeling chops, then WSA has some guidelines on the company's Facebook page that may be helpful. They announce all their film castings via Backstage and commercials and music video castings via casting sites as well as their Facebook page.

Be excellent!