Acting with Andy - Today's Lesson - Social Media, Love and Male Bags

Today, our acting coach, Andy Pyles tries to offer his advice about social media, plus, we are gifted with his tip about romance. Andy also dives into the mail bag to answer your questions. 

Make sure you subscribe, like and comment! Thanks for watching.

www.youtube.com/robdimension 

PokemonGo: What's the Harm?

Did you ever feel left out? Sadly, by the posts some people have been making about the worldwide phenomenon, PokemonGo, it seem's like a lot of people are feeling left out and want to rain on others happiness. I can't tell you how many posts I see on social media that just tear apart something that is so harmless. Am I naive? Am I missing something? Is the devil dressed as a little, chubby, yellow pocket monster?


First, let me share why I see the good in Pokemon as a whole. In 2000, I opened a retail store at the very beginning of the Pokemon craze. My store focused on Japanese animation and naturally, we carried the Pocket Monster cards, plush/stuffed animals and whatever else we could, because the trend was hot. Fast forward to several years later when we opened our largest retail location and became home of the east coast's largest Pokemon TCG (Trading Card Game) league. Imagine, every Sunday, having 80-100 kids weekly, in your store, battling, playing and creating new friendships. This is when I saw the good in this crazy little game.


Some of the children that came in dealt with social and mental issues. From anxiety to Asperger Syndrome to Autism to physical handicaps. Most times they never left their house except to come to our store and the parents shared the stories with us. These kids wanted to meet new kids, make friends and have some fun. Pokemon allowed this to happen. No one was looked at as different, no fights every broke out. Not even tears were shed from what I remember. This is when Kim and I realized that this game helps bring people together. We, as a couple feel in love with the good in this game.


Now, here we are again, 2016, our store is nothing but a memory but our old friend Pikachu and the

gang have once again made their way into our lives. Yet, so many on the internet hate to welcome him....trust me, it's not Team Rocket in disguise. It's harmless.

Ok, so here are the benefits to PokemonGo from my perspective:

1. Getting Active - Yes, in order to play this game, you gotta get your ass moving to catch them all. You must accumulate walking miles to hatch eggs, take small adventures to find new breeds and head to gyms and pokestops. I know, walking? Pfft. (We are clocking an average of 10,000 additional steps per day because of this app)

2. Community - I can tell you this first hand, when we walked around our neighborhood, we were met with people of all ages stopping us, sharing where other Pokemon were and just laughing and having a great time. Again...tell me how this is bad? I can't tell you the last time Kim and I walked through our town and talked, laughed and enjoyed the time. This game brings people to together.

Does it have it's draw backs? Of course, but don't worry the media will make you aware of those issues. They love creating fear and telling you the bad stuff in the world.

Here are MY tips:

1. Watch where you're going!! I recommend using the buddy system. (I know..silly). The buddy should be someone who doesn't play and can watch your surroundings like cars, trees or dog poop.

2. Respect people's property - I know you can catch a Gastly in the cemetery but, let's try our best to be respectful. The slight chance of that elusive Pokemon being on private property can and will happen, but you, being responsible will walk away or do your best to follow the law.

3. Have Fun - don't let people bully you into not playing. You can be any age and you can tell everyone about how much fun you're having. Don'y worry what others say. Have fun.

Thanks for taking the time and reading this. As you can see, we have seen Pokemon change and affect people's lives in the most positive way. Any time you can see someone who is dealing with issues, smile and laugh, it's the best feeling in the world. Please share this blog, and check out my Youtube page http://www.youtube.com/RobDimension - Now go out into the world and catch those Pokemon.

Keeping Positive & Some Advice?

Keeping Positive & Some Advice?

Trust me, before we even start, it's impossible to always be positive. Life throws some serious curve balls and sometimes you will feel abandoned, alone or betrayed. It's during those moments that we all have to mourn and move on and realize the sun does rise and shine another day. I wanted to offer some things that I do or have done to help me keep a fresh outlook:


Start eating better - Food...this can alter your mood dramatically. Eating healthy can clear your mind and help creativity. I have more energy, sleep better and notice I want to write more. Its amazing how once I cut all the processed foods and fast food garbage out of my diet, things became clear and less cloudy. Sure, you have to indulge and eat some crap sometimes but the benefits outweigh the "cravings". When eating bad, I wrote less, moved less and wanted to sleep more. Now I want to create and have fun. It works..I promise.

Stop watching the news - Ok, sure we all need the news in our life but trust me when I say this...most of the news is trash. I don't care about these other families or most of the TMZ style news reporting, I care more about my own family and whats good in my own community. Fear and controversy equal ratings...positivity does not. Its the truth. So stay away from the news, or watch what really matters. You'll be happier you did. Go for a walk, go enjoy the sunshine and live your life.


Choose better friends & limit Social Networking - Yep, coming from someone who claims to be a social networking guru, I am in fact telling you to limit social media. For many its an obsession and at times, I fall into the same trap, but I now seem to post and walk away. I post less, interact less and spend more time with my family. People don't really care what you're eating, doing or hanging with. They care if YOU care what THEY are doing. Hey, someone has to tell you the truth. I go on in the morning, maybe around lunch and then at night. Typically, unless someone messages me or posts on my wall, I don't see much anymore.

Go Outside - Go outside, go for a walk and enjoy the air. Regardless where you live, you can get yourself to a nice park. Sit outside and clear your mind, let the natural vitamins help you and refresh you. Sitting inside can lead to boredom, sleep, snacking, being lazy. Even if you're sitting on a bench, next to a nice lake, surrounded by natural surrounding, you will be happier. It's amazing what just some fresh air can do. I've started to walk around my town and taking the longest way, actually getting some sort of work out, by just being active. I've noticed I started taking pictures and learning more about our town...been here for 17 years and learning more now than ever.

Anyways, those are some tips that help me...they might not help you, but I wanted to exercise my brain by writing and doing something. Now, I'll eat a lunch and then head out for the day. Enjoy life, its the only one we get!

Pro Wrestling - Learning to Edit Your Own Promos

Pro Wrestling - Learning to Edit Your Own Promos

Hey guys, I came across a story today that WWE had brought in an acting coach into NXT (their developmental program). This speaks volumes to me as someone within the entertainment industry. WWE knows exactly what they are doing...sure..we can all complain about their lazy booking at times but let's face facts: They are always gravitating more towards entertainment and less on wrestling. Sadly, for some of us who love the sport based on what we grew up on, this pales in comparison to our memories but its the hard fact. 

I wanted to discuss something that you can do, as an performer, is learning the simple basics of filming your own promos. Without getting into the rules I tend to stick with about the actual promo itself, let's discuss some methods to make your promo better.

Often you're asked to provide a promo before appearing at a company as a fresh talent and you are basically, on your own. In today's world we have technology at our finger tips and the ability to film promos and edit primarily on our phones. For example, I used iMovie recently and it really looked great. It's less than $10 for the app and can be used easily on an iPhone. 

Having this luxury is a huge asset but is also a huge risk if not done properly. How many times have you watched a promo done on a phone and felt like "This doesn't look very professional"? I'm sure a lot. 

Here are some tips or tricks to help create some buzz:

Angle - the angle you film the promo can virtually hold the viewers attention a bit longer than a standard, static tripod shot. You can frame exactly what you want in the shot and what you don't want.  Bane looks bad ass...right?

Music - having a track that is upbeat or more or less, tells the story for your character again is a great way to hold the attention span of the viewer and help deliver the message in a positive way and look like you have quality and value, which in turn could net more cash.

Color and Filters - I'm a fan of color correcting or using a built in feature that alters the coloring of the film itself. Raw footage shows a lot of flaws and like noted earlier, the lighting might not be desired. Again, this creates a value and makes you look like a professional. 

I know these are very easy, basic tips but I think most times we feel rushed to "hurry up and get it done" instead of taking a minute and wanting the best result possible. I am in the process of writing a guide that will explain a very in-depth look at Promos from both sides of the camera and how everyone can improve, that will be taught at seminars soon. For more information, follow me on Twitter at @RobDimension. 

Rob Dimension is a multi-award winning actor, writer and filmmaker and a hired public speaker for over 20 years. Rob has also written live television and produced syndicated programing. Rob also moderates celebrity panels for Monster-Mania Con and has hosted several successful podcasts. 

Small Business Marketing found in weird spot!

Small Business Marketing found in weird spot!

Let's face it, I am a small business. I am a film maker, writer and actor. I host several podcasts, host events and take a lot of shit.... so I need a way to let people know what I'm are up too. The biggest question is - how do I do that?

I always claim to be the "Social Media Whore" or some sort of social media expert, but just like you, I am always trying to find the best way to get the message out. Social Media is the tip of the iceberg and like I've said so many times before, it's not the only way. 

Several months ago, I took a chance on a new podcast to listen too (honestly, I listen to a lot to up my game and see what's out there). Being a comedy fan, I was aimed in the direction of "Connected Comedy". Quite frankly, I really want to be a stand up comedian and I figured this show might give me insight to get out of the shadows and do something...but upon listening...I found out more than I could ever hope for. (btw..I'm still lurking in the shadow's)

The "Connected Comedy Podcast" is really a tool for comedians that are looking for ways to promote themselves and they discuss countless avenues to take to reach what path you're looking for. From email marketing to having exactly what you should have on a business card. Better way to design a website and things to add, that really help push what you want pushed. Help with bookings, dealing with promoters and how to host your own event. Online marketing..the list goes on and on.

For instance, I'm using one of their recommendations now, taking a minute and writing more. Sure, it doesn't seem like much but if it drives one new person to follow me on twitter, possible listen to my podcasts or even buy my movie, then how great of a chance it that? Like I've said, the podcast is aimed at comedians but it's so much more than that. Each week I listen, I learn something else...seriously. Josh Spector, Jordan Cooper, Chelsie Rice and Josh Homer plus the rest of the crew often debate and question each other's methods, often bringing up more good ideas to try. 

So, for all you that ask me the best way to promote yourself...here is a FREE podcast to listen too & take advantage of. It's well worth the listen, seriously, regardless of what you do. This caters to all forms of entertainment and small business and is a valuable listen. Can't recommend enough.

www.ConnectedComedy.com

Check out there Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConnectedComedians

Their podcast is the same name on iTunes 

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! Part 1

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! 

Part 1

A lot of people have commented to me about the "Key's to Being Successful in Social Media" article, I figured I would try to shed more light on some "Do's and Do Not's" from Facebook. Starting to wonder if I need to write a book on Social Media.

If anyone remembers Myspace; the carefree basic introduction for many to the crazy online connection service, it almost seemed like an easier place to "play". Connecting with friends, meeting new people online that share the same interests and of course, being spammed by 3rd rate bands that want you to "listen to our demo". It was a simpler world. In walks Facebook and the social media explodes!

As Facebook grew...and grew...and grew into the publicly traded failure, free social media leader that people continually complain about, things have changed, and with change..comes rules. Well, at least I think there should be rules. 

Add as Friend - Oh yes, the ole' "Add as Friend" button that is the gateway to possible new friendships or rekindling of old flames. I just made it sound much more tempting and dramatic than it really is. 

Everyone wants to make friends, but when clicking "Add as Friend" button, comes responsibility. New friends can be eager, but just how "relaxed" of a friend connection is too relaxed...or how eager are you? That's why I'm here people.

It's always polite to post, after making a friendship connection, "Great to meet you" on your new found buddy's wall, yet it almost seems a little too anxious and overzealous too me. If we meet in person, a possible hand shake might occur with a "Nice too meet you" in a casual discussion, so I still feel this is acceptable. Now, after having said that, please refrain from posting some "Nice to meet you" photo that comes off as generic or is, possibly sending some "I like what you like" message. Remember, you want to be liked, not being a regret on an acceptance. 

Sending Messages -  Oh man, where do I start with this one....how about Politeness!

Let's say we have never met in person and maybe occasionally share a "like" on a photo; it's safe to say, being polite needs to be at the top of your list. 

Let me say this, before continuing; I'm not really even a fan of the private message. Connecting is always good, maybe start off the message with "I hate to bother you". With starting off that way, you're already admitting to being a bother...that scores points with me.

Being blunt is always a turn off, seriously. "Like my page. (link)". Yes, I have received those messages. My reaction is to click on that person's profile and delete them. Trying to bully someone into "liking" something is rude plus, we have all heard Pee Wee Herman give a PSA about Peer Pressure....well, and crack. 

Anyways, Who would I send a private message too? My rule of thumb is this: If we have never met in person, I don't see the reason to send a message. I will post on that person's wall instead; maybe a compliment, a casual remark or even a light-hearted pun (usually more like a smart ass comment...but you see it your way, I see it mine). Remember, the key to being successful is too be cool, not a nuisance.

I would say "Use your better judgement" but after opening my inbox, daily, I see that might not be the best option. If you have life altering news, by all means, inbox me...if you're plan is to say "Like my page"...pass and click "unfriend". 

That's part 1 for Facebook Do's and Do Not's, I hope you have a great weekend and I'll see you online!

Obviously, I don't take any of the serious or consider myself any kind of professional.