Friday, July 17, 2009

Bella's Big Adventure!



If you caught the little blurb on the bottom of yesterday's post, you know that Bella had an audition last night. Thomas had heard on the radio that ProScouts were actually going to be in our area Thursday night (usually they only go to larger areas like Atlanta). We had tossed around the idea for years of seeing about getting her an agent and seeing how she did. Of course we know NOTHING about show biz, don't know anyone who does, and we don't live in NY or LA. So we just lived our lives, taking tons of pictures and videos of Bella along the way.

Now everyone thinks their kids are cute, and they're right! But something really special happens when you point a camera at The Bella. She just sparkles like Edward in the sunlight, lol!!! She has no problem performing an impromptu recital........at the grocery store, a restaurant, the backyard - whatever!! The world is her stage!!! I've said for years that she was my little actress!

There were two sessions, 5:30 & 7:30 PM. We went to the earlier one, and Thomas picked us up straight after work and didn't bother to change. The south is pretty much pro-military and I figured it might even help. Bella looked soooo adorable and was beyond excited. All I had told her was that we were going to have her audition, to see if they liked her for being in magazines or tv. All she heard was tv, and she went around all week saying that she was going to be on a "commertional"!!!! She had it firmly planted in her mind and nothing/no one was going to dissuade her otherwise!!! I had no idea how she would actually react though when we got there.

The only "coaching" I gave her was to smile, be polite and to have fun. I knew Bella was a ham and a charmer and I wanted them to see the "real" Bella, not some coached or practiced routine. I needn't have worried!!!! I'm no shrinking violet myself, so we sat right in the front row and it so happened that Bella was called first. She practically skipped right up the first audition and for a second there I was afraid she was going to sit on his lap!!! (no fear that kid!)

So he has this HUGE smile on his face and he asked her her name. "Bella!" (I also had fears that she was going to pull a Yo Gabba Gabba stunt and say..."My name is Bella! I like to DANCE! and then start dancing, lol!) But she didn't - whew! He asked her her favorite color (yellow) and what shows she liked on tv and a couple of other questions. The more he talked to her, the more animated she got. Then she started volunteering information. Like that she was ready to be on tv right now, that she was a great singer and dancer, and that she knew how to twirl like a Princess (and showed him). You see, once you get her started, you don't need to encourage her whatsoever!! He was smiling bigger and bigger, and really cracking up!!

He then got serious and asked Thomas and me if we were serious about pursuing this with her. We told him absolutely, as long it was fun for her and something she wanted to do. Because you see this isn't really OUR idea. Bella is........well, The Bella! When I take videos of her, she's already doing what you see her doing, and I'm just documenting it. I'm not trying to get her to do cutesy stuff. I despise those parents that basically pimp out their kids to make a buck!! (My name is NOT "Kate"!!!!)

So she passed round one. Then she had a second audition, with exactly the same results. Except she was a little bit more adament about being ready for tv and when were we going to get started?? LOL! She got a playing card (kinda like on American Idol and you get the gold sheet of paper!) as proof that she had made it through. It was a Sponge Bob one and was the Queen of Diamonds. I took that as a VERY good omen, lol.

After all the other auditions (remember we were first!), we watched a short video of what was next - a weekend in Charlotte, NC to meet with agents from 30+ agencies in modeling, tv and the movies. Excited? YES! Worried about expenses? YES!!! The weekend is going to cost about $1500 total. ($795 for her, $65 for Thomas - I'm free - gas, hotel and meals). And I'm not too proud to ask for help!!

Helping The Bella!
1. You can use the "Chip In" widget at the top of my blog to make a donation!
2. You can buy my cookbook for only $20!
3. You can buy or special order cards from me! My shop is now open!!
4. You can check out my ebay listings (also coming soon!) to see if there's something that interests you!
5. PRAY!!! I know the power of prayer!!

I know there's no such thing as a free ride, and I'm willing to work to make this opportunity a reality for my daughter! Any help or support you can give will just make it that much easier!! Thank you in advance for your support and prayers!!!!


23 comments:

Sandy said...

That's awesome! Good luck Bella!

Tasha said...

great!!! go bella

Intense Guy said...

There's no business like cone business
Let me tell you it's so
Traveling through the country with cones is mind blowing
Standing out in traffic on blocking lanes
Smiling as you watch the cars slowing
And see your billing in orange lightsssssssss

Jessica said...

That is so fun! Best of luck!

Unknown said...

OHHH GREAT NEWS FOR YOU GUYS! LOL gotta love an animated kid!

Grand Pooba said...

I always knew bella was a star!!!!

That is awesome! She is so adorable I just want to give her a big hug for good luck!

I'm off to check out your cards!

Deanna said...

How exciting! It was almost as if it is meant to be considering they don't usually have auditions in smaller areas. Do you know how many were put through? Are they charging you for the next auditions or is that just the cost of travel, hotel, etc? Way to go Bella!!!!

Rosee Rouge said...

Good luck Bella! Way to go!

Debbie said...

How exciting for her! I wish her tremendous success.

My Two Army Brats said...

She already has a mini fan club!

Janelle said...

How fun!! Good luck Bella!
You know I'm in for some cards!

LadyStyx said...

Good luck Bella!

Lizzie said...

how exciting!!!!!!!! can't wait to hear what comes next :)

Kori said...

Good Luck Bella!

Shan G said...

Good luck Bella. Rowan may be joining you. LOL

And Iggy? You're nutz! Cone riding squirrel lover!

Me said...

congrats to you guys! i will put in an order for some more cards very soon to help the bella out!

Alicia said...

awww YAY!! that's awesome!!! i can't wait to see where this takes her!

scrappysue said...

that's pretty exciting - all the best!

The Redhead Riter said...

Stopping by to let you know you're on my list of blogs I ♥ visiting!

Have a great Saturday!

Mimi said...

Hmm, the whole world will soon know what we have for years, that the Bellarina is one of a kind!

Megan R. said...

Jeannie this is SO cool!!! Yay for Bella! I am so excited for you guys!!

Sandra said...

Hi...

I just wanted to warn you.

99% of the time, Auditions and go see's are 100% FREE! There should be absolutely no out of pocket expense for Bella to see the casting people.

I understand that you'll be staying hotels and stuff, so that expense is on you...

I've done commercials before, when I was 6 and when I was 15, and my agent always, always warned people of the people CHARGING for go see's.

Head shots should never cost you more than $250 and should be black and white, no makeup, no frills.

Please be careful, and check these people out. It may be like the pageant circuit... lots of money and no real stuff.

Do I think Bella has what it takes? Yes, but go to reputable agencies... you don't have to live in NYC or LA, they have satellite offices everywhere... you can even send in tapes to LA or NYC.

Just my two cents.

Michelle said...

Wow Congrats! Bella really is a rising star! good luck