Earlier this month a family friend of mine asked me to give some advice to a young actor he knew who had just graduated from college and was about to move to LA. At first I thought, “What advice can I give? I’m still trying to figure this out?!” Then it occurred to me that it’s been almost ten(!) years since I was full-time student. I’ve definitely discovered a thing or two since then. So I asked myself, “What are some of the things I wish I would have known when I was making that transition from college theater student…
Author: Erin Henriques
Erin Henriques
Erin Henriques is an actor and writer. Originally from Los Angeles, she studied acting in Chicago (DePaul University) and London (LAMDA), worked as a make-up assistant on a movie in Mexico (Master and Commander), and briefly lived in New York (seemed like a serious actor thing to do). After amassing a lot of new life experiences and more than a lot of debt, she finally returned home to LA where she’s been working on film, television, web, and theater projects ever since. A fan of LA’s comedy scene, she completed the program at the Groundlings and has performed at IO West, UCB, The Steve Allen Theater, and The Hollywood Improv Lab. Currently, Erin can be seen in “Mandie and Earring”, a comedy web series about a pair of eccentric children’s singers. She is also writing her first feature-length screenplay. But not at Starbucks because that would be a cliché.
When it comes to summer traditions, watching movies is right up there for me with BBQs, obsessive sunscreen application, and a renewed interest in hair removal. Since we’re heading into the summer movie season, I decided to highlight some of the upcoming (and a few current) movie releases by female filmmakers. Tammy – After one major bummer of a day, a woman embarks on a road trip with her colorful grandma. Melissa McCarthy plays the title role in this film. She also co-wrote it (with Ben Falcone) and produced it (with Adam McKay and Will Ferrell). This is a highly…
Okay, truth be told, when our lovely Ms. In the Biz Founder/Editor-In-Chief, Helenna Santos, suggested I write about my pilot season this year, my initial thought was, “Oh crap, this is going to be a really short piece! How big of a font can I use?” But when she encouraged me to write about it, even if it was nonexistent, I realized that I did have something to say. I only went on one pilot audition this year. Quite honestly, I was fine with that. You see, at the start of pilot season I made a conscious decision. I knew…
The 2014 Sundance Film Festival is January 16-26th, and there are some great projects by women filmmakers in this year’s program. Now, I know the majority of us won’t be making it out to Park City, Utah later this month (myself included), but I encourage you to take a look at the films that will be screening. Not only is it really inspiring, but it’s also a great way to get some films on your radar that you want to follow and support. Here are just a few films I’m excited about: Laggies – Directed by Lynn Shelton, written…
My boyfriend and I have been together for four years. When we first met he was working as a music supervisor for film trailers. He was great at his job, but still felt like there was more he wanted to do in the movie industry. I had always been very specific about my drive to be an actor. He, on the other hand, was of a lover of and a dabbler in all things film related. Perhaps he lacked direction at times, but I admired his versatility and enthusiasm. I encouraged him to explore what else he might like to…
Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with two-time Academy Award winning hairstylist, Yolanda Toussieng. Her amazing list of credits includes Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Mrs. Doubtfire, Ed Wood, and Oz The Great and Powerful (just to name a few). We talked about her background, the industry, and the work that fulfills her as an artist. (Yolanda and me during our interview) Erin: I wanted to interview you because you have an incredible body of work, and I wanted to shed light on what being a hairstylist in your industry entails. Can you speak a little bit about the specialized type…
You’ve finally landed a role in a movie. You’ve received your first call sheet and excitedly spotted your name. Now…who the heck are all those other people listed on there, and what exactly do they do? While I hope this post will be useful to readers in all aspects of the film industry, I’m specifically directing it to my fellow actors. We don’t necessarily learn about the roles of a film crew in our college theater programs or ongoing scene study classes, but the truth is, production is “team sport”. Whether you’re an actor, a set costumer, a 2nd AD,…
I may be writing this post in my underwear with a fan blowing in my face in my sweltering LA apartment…..but FALL IS HERE! In an attempt to get myself inspired and geared up for the new season, I decided to take a look at some upcoming (and a few current) movie releases by women writers and directors. Here are some films I’m excited about: 1. Wadjda The story of a young girl living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia who challenges social conventions when she attempts to raise enough money to purchase a bike in order to beat a neighborhood boy…
I had finally gotten what I wanted. After a busy month of juggling my survival job and personal commitments, I finally had a “free” day where I had nothing to do but focus on my creative work! It wasn’t a day off because I had a ton of work to do: I just didn’t have to be anywhere at any specific time or meet any specific deadlines. I had a writing project that I’d been neglecting for several weeks so I told myself I would work on that – not with any particular goals in mind – I would just…
The most important lesson I’ve ever learned about acting is something that I learned from my Dad, a make-up artist. We may work in different fields, but we are both storytellers. He’s taught me that all of the people we collaborate with on a set or in a theater are storytellers, and our common goal, in whatever project we are working on, should be to serve to the story we are telling. This is something my Dad, Edouard Henriques, instilled in me before I was even old of enough to realize it. As a make-up artist for the motion picture…
No, seriously, you probably should have a hobby. I’m talking to you fellow actors and writers and creative types. I used to think that being a driven, motivated actor meant I had to spend ALL my spare time and money on things that (I thought) could directly further my career. I soon realized, however, that this is just a really great way to make yourself (and the people around you) crazy. So, I’m here to assure you that not only can you afford to spend some time doing non-industry related things, you’ll probably be better off for it. Here are…
It happened about a year ago when I was having drinks with a girlfriend I’ve known since high school. We were laughing about stories from our past over a pitcher of margaritas, when it suddenly hit me: “Holy crap, this is what I am when I grow up!” You see, in rehashing the past with my old friend, it became glaringly clear that not only was I past the high school and college phases of my life, I was also past that I-just-got-out-of-college-and-it’s-cute-that-I’m-getting-my-shit together/Girls phase. I was a full-fledged adult! In the middle of my adult life! The only problem…