TERESA SEALE
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What can I say?

11/14/2019

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I continue to be terrible at blogging. Maybe I should archive this soon. But I guess I do have some updates to provide, so here goes.

Within the last year I've had the pleasure of working with a wonderful group of filmmakers in Austin. I've worked on several narrative features or episodic series as 1st AD, 2nd AD, or Scripty. I can't overstate how wonderful its been to work on these projects and with these people.

I began a film collaborative called Seale Team Flicks, and are our efforts there are about finding people with whom we collaborate well and being very intentional with our creative choices as well as our operational choices. We workshop scripts very carefully and ensure that everyone has a voice so as as to build the collaboration without drowning the screenwriter in ideas. We're in pre-production for our first short under this format, a short I'll be directing, and I'm excited to work with so many talented people. Seale Team Flicks is all about taking the ego out and respecting what everyone brings to the table while keeping people's roles and responsibilities clear. It's a fantastic group and I look forward to building it into something bigger and, fingers crossed, profitable.

Within the last year, I became the Head of Content for ProCliq, a production software company. Basically I'm writing blogs and developing additional content for marketing purposes for this company. The software is amazing and easy for me to get behind. The work requires knowledge of the industry (check), the ability to write well (check), and the creative vision and know-how to develop marketing videos (check). So this was a perfect fit and I'm glad to be part of building this company. The software is incredible. It streamlines production so when you update the script, it updates the call sheet. It goes all the way down the line so you're not duplicating your work all the time. And that's just the main offering that sold me.  Basically, ProCliq is awesome, and I can't wait for it to be out of its beta phase.

So the founder of ProCliq is also one of the founders of Rocksauce Studios, a digital innovation agency (in the world of tech, software, apps), and he brought me on to do some marketing work.  Honestly this was a perfect job for me for right now. They're incredibly flexible so if I get a film gig, I can take off to do that work. Plus its utilizing my skills as a project manager, a writer, and a strategist. And gaining additional marketing knowledge is helpful for all of the other elements of my career. And it fills in the times when I don't have a film gig, so I'm grateful. 

Women in Film and Television finally has a chapter in Austin, and I'm so glad to say that I have been part of the board from the get go. I am a Programs Co-Chair. This is a volunteer positions based on bringing speakers and educational opportunities for our members. Encouraging and empowering women in film and tv in the Austin area is a joy. Not to say anything against working with men, but, man (woman?), is it it refreshing to spend some time with women in the field. Its a nice change.  One of the narrative projects I worked on, Two Sides, was predominately women and it changed the dynamic on set. I loved it. 

Acting has been a yo-yo. Some months I seem to have a lot of auditions and shoots and others its virtually nothing. Its frustrating and I'm not sure how to move forward. I know I need to do a better job at targeting and selling myself as an actor, but I'm not entirely sure how. I think the marketing skills I'm picking up at Rocksauce will prove helpful. I am being intentional with fitness, specifically muay thai (kickboxing) and weight training. The more I can look like a leading lady, the more likely I'll be to get leading lady roles. Its tough to push myself in this arena sometimes, not just fitness but the confidence and focus required to be a successful actor. Those things are key and those things (real honesty here) are things I've been struggling with lately. But, I'm a work in progress; I'm trying. And I love acting so much, so I'll keep working, keep pushing.

I'm sure there has been more I've done. There always is. I find myself a true Jane of all Trades, often forgetting certain jobs I've had because there is so much variety. Its a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I have a combo left brain/right brain and I'm happy to have opportunities to fulfill both (the AD but also the actor; the writer but also the project manager). But it can be a curse when I literally forget to bring up a job because its one of many. I do find that all of these jobs I do lend themselves to each other, but it is often a challenge to convince people that having a wide variety of experiences and skills is a positive thing: I'm adaptable and knowledgeable in a various skills and sectors of the industry.  Sounds like a good thing to me.

Still next time (next year? haha). 
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Blog on hold

9/10/2018

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Clearly my blog has been on hold for...a while. But just so no one thinks I'm not updating my website or that it has become defunct in anyway, I just wanted to post something random so you all know I'm still here ha :P I'm just really bad at blogging. 
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Catholic film Party - 8 Beats

9/6/2017

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Friends, for the last four months, I have been working on this wonderful Catholic collaborative filmmaking project called 8 Beats and we are having a launch party on Sep 16 from 4:00-7:00pm at Apanas Coffee & Beer in the Domain.

There are 8 teams around the US and Canada making 8 different short films, each of them inspired by a different Beatitude.  These films are films that go to the heart of the person, that deal with people's struggles: struggles of faith, of persecution, of seeing their own beauty.  And the people involved in making these films have heart, passion, skill, and drive.  We aren't even to pre-production yet and the process has already been so rewarding and fulfilling.
I am line producer/production manager for the South Region, or Team Texas, as we affectionately call it.  Our short film, "2AM Lullaby", written by David Kang and directed by Sean Schiavolin, is based on the Beatitude, "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."  (Dave and Sean are the men behind the Humanum series)

Please come to our launch party, support our film, and have a great time meeting some really passionate, really faithful Catholic artists!  Facebook event here and Indiegogo Page here

2AM Lullaby Synopsis
"At an old theatre in Austin, TX, a burlesque performer sings a nightly lullaby to herself after the glitter has faded and the makeup has been wiped off.  A night janitor from far away secretly hears her song as he works alone.  A chance encounter between them will forever change how they see their lives."
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Acting takes guts, guys

8/3/2017

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This is a rather sad post to write.  I was all set to perform in a A Streetcar Named Desire like my last post stated. I was really, truly very excited about it.  Its an amazing part and an amazing screenplay.  The characters are very broken and complex, and their stories are important to tell.

After a couple of months of rehearsals, the director and I spoke and it became clear that I was not going to be able to provide him with what he needed to achieve his vision.  It was his decision, but we both agreed it was better that he recast the part.   I don't particularly want to go into details; I don't think it would be appropriate and I don't want anyone misunderstanding the situation.

I misunderstood what he was going to need from me for some of the scenes, and when we realized this, we had a couple of really respectful conversations.  He told me exactly what he wanted from me on stage and gave me the time to think about whether that was something I could provide.  He didn't have to do that; he could have recast me without explanation.  But he didn't.  He respected me as an actress and as a person.

Dealing with all of this for the show made me realize to a deeper degree than I had before how much vulnerability and emotional intelligence it takes to be an actor.  When I realized I couldn't give him what he needed, at first I thought that meant I couldn't be a successful actress, because I couldn't be as vulnerable as he needed me to be. But, fortunately, he gave me the time and space to process it, and I realized its not that I can't go to those places of emotional vulnerability and emotional intelligence; its simply that I have certain lines I can't cross.  I think we all do.

Its really very unfortunate that we didn't realize the miscommunication when he cast me in the part, that we didn't realize his vision would cross some personal lines for me.  I definitely learned a few lessons in all of this, and I came to respect the director for how he handled the situation.  He saw me as a person, not a thing, not a robot.  He saw how hard I was working on my craft and how hard I was working to meet his vision.  I'm really grateful to him for that.  

The situation didn't stymie my passion for acting; if anything it gave me more confidence in it.

If anyone wants to go see the show, you can find tickets here.  Showing Sep 8-30 at Sam Bass Theatre in Round Rock, TX.  The cast and crew are pretty great people and talented, too, and they're going to put on a good show.
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Stelllaaaahhhh - I'm in Streetcar!

7/19/2017

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Here I've been blogging for months about all this acting I've been doing and you,  my poor friends (and dare I say it - true fans?), have hardly been able to see me in a darn thing.  Well, wait no more! I will be playing Stella in a production of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. Performances will be in September at Sam Bass Theatre in Round Rock, TX. 

We have rehearsals during almost every weeknight and we commit about 10-15 hours per week in preparation!  I've been exploring my character during my acting classes and it is exhausting but also exciting and so interesting.  As wonderful as Kim Hunter was as Stella in the film version of Streetcar, I am excited to bring my own style to the character.

I'll keep you updated on show dates, but save at least one weekend to come see me!
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Postcards of my FACE

6/30/2017

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Okay, friends, I've got these fancy shmancy new postcards of my face.  In an effort to keep my name and my look out in the great big wide world, I ordered postcards with my headshots!  If you would like to see my beautiful face on your fridge every day, just let me know, and I'll mail you one. Although there is one condition: whenever you have a guest over and they ask , "Who is that stunning woman?" please let them know that I am an incredibly talented actress and filmmaker and am often looking for new projects and collaborators. Send them to my Facebook pages and have them "like me" on social media just like you "like me" in real life!  And you can go ahead and tell them how kind, sweet, and intelligent I am while you're at it. ;) #ego 
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Thanks Kathy Whittaker for the amazing headshots!
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Extra!! Extra!!

5/23/2017

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If you've never been an extra before its pretty fun.  Well, usually.  If its a huge production, being an extra can kind of feel like being cattle: you munch and munch on grass (aka crafty) and then eventually you are slowly corralled toward the set.  

Ha - its not all bad though.  Last fall I worked as an extra on Robert Rodriguez's Alita: Battle Angel and got to walk right past Jennifer Connolly while on camera. I later watched her from afar while she performed her scene. I've always thought she looked so elegant in her films. The way she carries herself is so formal and yet soft.  I think it must be quite the advantage to her career: she gives off this aura of authority and beauty by having amazing posture and moving with grace! So, yeah, I creepily watched her from a distance to see how I can learn from her. 

Working as an extra on smaller productions offers a very different experience.  I don't get to stare - excuse me, admire - famous Hollywood types, but I do really get to hang out with some talented people and watch them work, which, for those that love to observe (like me!) that can be pretty fun!  In the last several weeks I've gotten to work as an extra on couple of different Rooster Teeth productions.  The second one in particular was a great time because it was in the comfort of the AC on a very hot day!  ​

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I honestly have no idea why I was looking at Hannah Hart at this moment. That's just what they said to do. That's how extra work goes.
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Hannah Hart and me: I'm the one drinking alone in a bar on a Saturday night and yet I'm thinking she's the one that needs to get her life together ;)

I also had the pleasure of meeting some very fun people! Shout out to Ryan Smith (Rooster Teeth junkie and Operations Manager at CBS Austin) , Shane Ramirez (actor and filmmaker), and Hannah Hart of My Drunk Kitchen. 

Two of the episodes recently came out.  The series is called "Million Dollar But..." and a few people chat about getting a million dollars but in return they have to do these terrible or disgusting things.  Would you take the money or not?  Videos are posted below. In the episode with Grace Helbig, keep an eye out for me at 1:37, 3:32, 3:56.  In the episode with Hannah Hart, keep an eye out for me at 1:00 and 4:21.


I did not realize until recently the intense following that Rooster Teeth has! Since I'm working on my own series concept, potentially to be a web series, I'd really love to pick the brains of one of the founders or perhaps a sales or marketing manager or the like: whoever focuses their attention on distribution.  Its one thing to make a film; its another to get it seen.  But that is a blog post for another time; there is so much to be said on that.

Since Rooster Teeth makes web series and since they got their foot hold into youtube before youtube was really even a thing, I am sure the founders have a great deal of insight on the subject. So, if anyone knows the distributions manager at Rooster Teeth or any of the founders and wants to introduce me so I can pick their brain and ask for advice on how to distribute my own series, let me know! (I'm serious). Thanks, y'all!
Post Script
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And since there is a Friends reference for everything:
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​Ross walks into Central Perk with a huge stack of newspapers.
Ross: Hey, you guys. I got some bad news.
​Phoebe: Well that's no way to sell newspapers.  Why don't you try, 'Extra! Extra! Read all about it!'
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Back to blogging!

4/21/2017

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It has been some time since I was blogging on my site! Shame on me.  But I am back to it, and setting myself a goal to blog a certain amount each month! I'll keep that goal to myself in case I fail so I'll be the the only one to know I messed up! ;)

I am officially back in the acting game, having recently signed with Variant Talent in Austin, TX.  I promised one of my acting professors in college that I would never stop acting.  I took a hiatus for a while to develop my writing, directing, and producing skills.  But the acting itch has always been with me.  I am going on auditions and excited for the doors this is going to open for me.  (One of my new headshots is below: Thank you Kathy Whittaker for your amazing photography!)

I also have several short films/web series that I am writing.  Keeping those ideas to myself until they are more firmly established, but in the meantime, here is a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon, from which I am gaining some inspiration for one of the projects!  Thank you Bill Watterson for your inspiring and hilarious genius!  
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Hollyshorts Monthly Screening Series

6/18/2015

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"Count to a Hundred" has been accepted as part of the Hollyshorts Monthly Screening Series!  Along with several other short films, "Count to a Hundred" will be show on June 25 at TCL Chinese 6 Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

If you're in the area, it would be great to have you there! Get tickets and info here.

It would also be great to have your support on the Facebook page!
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Trip to Scotland - part 2/2

11/30/2014

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If you haven't read my previous post on my excursion to Scotland, you can read it here.  This is part 2 of a wonderful trip.

As if we hadn't gotten enough fresh air already, in the afternoon, Rob and I took a small tourist cruise.  We first took a rather expensive bus trip 20 minutes to Queensferry and then arrived on our boat.  Rob and I were one of the first to step on board, and as we did, I asked one of the employees a quick question.  He had been in the middle of counting all of the passengers and he joked that I had interrupted him.  Five minutes after I was seated, the employee came up to me and had me walk passed all the passenger, using his counter to double check the number of passengers!  I definitely appreciated his laid-back nature!

The cruise itself was wonderful. 
The River Forth has so much history and a lasting heritage.  We passed by an old Augustine monastery on an island, which if we had taken the earlier cruise, we could have explored.  We learned of WWII battles that took place there.  We passed under the famous Forth Bridge and saw the UK's new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth.  We even saw a grey seal sitting on a buoy right next to the boat!  As a 'Seale', I was ecstatic.  The commentary on the cruise was excellent, although hard to hear since we were sitting outside with the wind.

The next day was our final full day in Edinburgh and we didn't actually spend it in the city!  I was torn between two things: visit Edinburgh Castle, which would have been a great historical trip or visit the University of St. Andrew's in nearby Fife.  When I was in high school, I was accepted to the university for my bachelors but opted not to attend because they didn't have the program I was looking for.  I had long wanted to visit and here I was, so close to it. 

Rob and I took a train to St. Andrew's and explored the town. It was a nice break from city-life.  We had brunch at a great cafe, which, to be honest, felt supremely American.  In fact, sitting in a nearby table was a group of American girls who I assumed must have been university students.  Americans were everywhere.

Afterwards, we walked through the town and came to the ruined Cathedral of St. Andrew's.  I have been to many old churches, but to walk through one in complete ruins, to stand before what was once the main altar, to pass by the old graves was a truly humbling experience.

As we walked through the town, we stumbled upon the main building for English studies for the University of St. Andrews.  This is where I would have spent most of my time!  We entered, I explored, and I knew this was an experience I could have had, but as I looked up an down the list of the classes, my mouth only watered a little bit.  Ultimately, I was very happy I didn't attend; I was able to have different experiences instead.

Since we missed out on exploring Edinburgh Castle, we spent about half an hour exploring St. Andrew's Castle instead.  While much, much smaller and missing a lot of walls and a roof, it was very neat to explore.  The castle was a real battleground during the Reformation: in an attempt to take the castle, the Protestants began to dig a tunnel, but the Catholics found out and dug a counter-tunnel, meeting the Protestants underground and battling it out.  This was the coolest part of the castle: we got to crouch into the tunnel and walk through!  Very cool.

Before we had to catch our bus, Rob and I stopped by the golf courses to see where the sport began.  This was literally walking there and walking back, just so we could say we'd seen it!  We also grabbed some hot chocolate from the cafe where Prince William and Kate Middleton often went on dates, North Point cafe.  Unfortunately, the service was slow, but otherwise I loved this place because it felt so down-to-earth and because they have the most delicious salmon bagel I've ever had!  If you go, be sure to get the bagel with salmon, mango chutney, bacon, and cream cheese! Delicious.

After much needed relaxation in St. Andrews, Rob and I returned to Edinburgh and our trip was at an end.  We enjoyed scotch, shopping, a hike, a cruise, and all that St. Andrew's has to offer.  It was a jam-packed adventure.  Next time, and I do think there will be a next time, I'll explore Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles Cathedral.  Edinburgh just has too much to offer for such a short trip.
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    I am a filmmaker, actress, writer, and travel-lover from Austin, TX.  I'll use this blog to post updates about my work and reviews about films, my travels, and related topics.

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