Times are hard in Los Angeles at the moment. In the Hollywood Reporter article dated 16 October 2024, it was reported that July to September 2024 was the weakest quarter so far this year for television shows shooting in Los Angeles – dropping another 18.3% from the previous quarter. Compared to the 5 year average*, this category has now declined 53.2%.

I have had auditions but they have been for productions shooting in Atlanta, Texas, Panama and the UK. Apart from short film projects and commercials, I haven’t had any auditions for television or film shooting in Los Angeles in September and October.

I was bouyed, however, in September as I found myself auditioning for my first, West End stage production in over a decade. There is to be a West End theatre revival of the Greek tragedy, Elektra, starring Brie Larson. The role seemed perfect for me as it required singing, dance/movement and the ability to deliver formal prose. I was recalled but didn’t book the job. Alongside this disappointment was a well-paid commercial that was shooting at the same time I was in the UK for a friend’s wedding – perfect timing but it was not to be.

I have been back in the voice-over studio working on the immersive chemistry modules which has been fun to revisit and I worked on another Christmas movie – a straight offer – it’s always lovely to be invited back by a production company.

It’s that time of year when Oscar contenders are released so there are a lot of screenings. I’ve seen, Conclave, Maria, Dune: Part Two, Kinds of Kindness, so far but my favourites have been, Daughters, and, Will & Harper, which hopefully will feature in the documentary category. But for a bit of fun, in this blog, I will recommend, My Old Ass. An original take on the coming of age genre, where 18 year old, Elliot, (Maisy Stella) meets her older self (Aubrey Plaza) after eating magic mushrooms and has to decide whether the advice she is being given is worth listening to.

*Five year average excludes 2020 when production was suspended in Los Angeles County from mid-March to mid-June 2020 due to COVID-19.