actor

Perception of Curly Hair in Movies and on TV

January 10, 2017 By Ruth Kaufman

I’ve been blessed (or cursed) with curly hair. It’s easy to maintain in a curly style, if a bit frizzy or unruly on occasion. Yet there’ve been many times when I’ve felt the need to or been told to straighten it to be considered for on-camera work.

At one point, an agent would only accept me if I straightened my hair. When I used to do extra work (aka background), hairstylists on more than one major motion picture and a network TV show spent at least a half hour straightening my hair…after I’d already spent the hour or so and multiple products and processes it takes me to do it. [Read more…] about Perception of Curly Hair in Movies and on TV

Prioritizing when your schedule isn’t in your control

August 4, 2016 By Ruth Kaufman

In addition to writing romance novels, I’m an actor. Because I usually don’t get more than 24-hour notice of auditions or sometimes even VO and OC bookings, I don’t always have control over my schedule.

I might set aside an afternoon for my work-in-progress only to learn I have an audition for, say, a national TV commercial, at 2:55 the next day, and may have lines and/or specific wardrobe and/or hair to prepare. Often the specs and storyboard or copy don’t arrive until the end of the day. Of course I’m thrilled for every opportunity to practice my craft. [Read more…] about Prioritizing when your schedule isn’t in your control