Who knew? Go to Tulsa to the friendliest film festival in the world and judge the indie film star panel and see some real talent.

Oscar started the program with robust laughter and superbowl clap instructions, then sat down at the panel.  It was at that moment I realized we were the OK version of American Idol, seems with my straight to the point insights, I felt like Simon, so then Randy became well, Randy.  Miss Rodeo Queen/former dancer Alana became Paula Abdul and well, that made Oscar Ryan Seacrest. 

So needless to say, there was lots of laughter all around.  Now, down to business, there were 3 female talents of various age ranges and 3 male talents of various age ranges.  Each person got up to say a little bit about themselves and that in turn showed us how they presented themselves vs. who they really are. 

It’s so important to know who you are and what you are projecting, the decision of whether you are right or not happens the moment you walk into the room, then you need to have the talent to back it up.  We discovered that some of the talent had been acting for years, some never. 

Occupations ranged from Mom to construction worker, to youth minister.  One man even boldly signed up that morning with no prep time, he got my award for boldness and stick to it ness, he gave it his all.  After the intros there were monologues of their choosing.  Did they pull from a classic theatre piece? A movie? One of those monologue books?  Then we talked about-Did they choose the right role for their type?  

There was this amazing young actor that chose to play Morgan Freeman, but he was the wrong age bracket.  Better to utilize your talents on roles that are ones you will actually be auditioning for.  After we took a cookie break and I passed out postcards asking everyone to come to the 2PM screening of Heart of The Beholder (shameless self promotion is encouraged at this festival) we got to hear them read for the roles of the film "SACRED BLOODS". 

What was nice about the actors reading  monologues from a  film that will be made by Oscar is it gave these actors room to show their range and audition at the same time.  Everyone brought their unique style and voice to the performances and it was wonderful to see such dedication to the craft of acting.  After the performances we got together as a group and decided on the winners. 

When Heather was performing, I could see her in her lair in an outfit and cold dissipated air coming from her mouth when she talked, I was there with her-now that’s acting.

Greg  delivered a performance that was compelling, angry, hurt, forlorn and strong.  I felt for him – that is one of the hardest things to do for a character that you are not supposed to like, brilliant. 

Of course, those that were there know that I am thrilled Greg honored the 10 foot rule (do not come closer than 10 feet to the judges table) I was forced to implement after I got frightened when he approached us as Hannibal Lector in his monologue.