Acting

New E-Book Releases–Goodreads Giveaway for Paperback Launches

What’s it take to make it as a singer in Hollywood–read what Chante Moore had to say about it in my book. Trying to be comedian? Read what a standup comedian and writer for Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Bernie Mac says. Want to be a producer? See what the Emmy-winning producer has to say. Want a directing/screenwriting/development deal at HBO? My interviewee had one. Want to be an actor? Find out what a star who makes $250,000 a week says about how to become one. Want to do make-up? Find out what the head make-up artist for one of Fox’s hit dramas says you should do. Want to rap or make beats? Find out what Dr. Dre and Ice Cube’s go to guy says.

Rihanna and Chris Brown to play Ike and Tina in New “What’s Love?”

It seems lately that celebrities resort to the most ridiculous tactics to promote their new films and albums. With competition for news being what it is, the more sensational and outrageous a story hook, the more likely it will find its place on national news shows and in national magazines.

Lessons from DVD Extras–Getting Past the Cut

One of the great places to learn lessons about Hollywood is the commentary section of DVDs. It’s amazing the insights you can gain from filmmakers talking quite innocently about the process of getting the movie made.

American Idol—Hollywood in Microcosm

While I was watching American Idol last week, it suddenly hit me—so much of what we see happening on that show serves as a perfect metaphor for Hollywood.

How to Get an Agent Part 2

In this article, we will take a look at how actors, models, directors, singers and musicians can find an agent to represent them to Hollywood or New York.

What to Expect at Film Festivals

I have to admit that my initial answer to this question was less than favorable. I’ve attended about 20 film festivals in my life—only four of them intentionally.

Q&A: “Will Hollywood Reject Me for my Political Views?”

I received a question on my blog from a filmmaker and reader of my book. I’d like to answer his question in this post. For those who don’t know, in my book, I refer to the things I Wish I Knew before I moved to Hollywood as “WIKs”. The question is as follows: Mr. Locke, […]

I’m an ACTOR… Should I Move to New York or Hollywood?

If you’re an actor and you’re wondering whether it’s time to move to New York (the home of live theater and a decent amount of film production) or Hollywood (the home of most film and television production), you might want to consider a few things.

8 Essential Keys to Acting Success!!!—What One Star Says Actors Need to Know

Here are some statistics you may not know—there are 120,000 SAG (Screen Actor’s Guild) actors in Hollywood. At any given time 85% of them are out of work. The average salary of a SAG actor is less than $10,000 a year. Most of them are just trying to earn the required $7,500 a year to keep their health benefits. 18-20% of them fall into star roles and make serious money. But less than 1% are the ones you read about and know, the real stars, the actors who make million dollar and double digit million dollar salaries.

Michael Jackson and the Dark Side of Hollywood–The King in Hologram

Now that Hollywood has figured out a way to resurrect Michael Jackson in Hologram form (see 2014 Billboard Music Awards Video here) and make him perform at their will, I thought it might be a good time to revisit one of the first post on this blog (from 2009) about the Dark Side […]