Category: News

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Another Episode on Bosch Legacy

Bosch Legacy - castI had an amazing month. Bosch Legacy productions gave me another opportunity to be on their show, which will air in the fall of 2024. Being on their set is always a wonderful experience for me. This time, I have a recurring role as Det. Reina Vasquez’s mother Jane, and it’s a slightly bigger role than last time. As soon as I know the exact air dates, I’ll share them. Here’s a sweet photo of me and two of the cast members.

On the podcasts front:

Jack Remick - AuthorWe are thrilled to announce that Jack Remick will join us as our guest for this month’s episode on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast. He’s a poet and a writer and he recites his poems, Dying Dreams, Secret Disease and Lovdeth, from his poetry collection entitled Satori. They’re beautiful poems. I love this section from Dying Dreams: “Despite the cult of youth, we know this: flowers fade, we come to the closing of doors where we lie down naked for the dying of dreams.” Not only is he a talented poet and writer, but he also imparts his knowledge by offering a writing masterclass. Take the time to listen in to this episode, which promises to be both enjoyable and educational.

Mark PearsonThis month’s special guest on Overheard at Chica’s Café is entertainment lawyer Mark Pearson. Although this episode may be longer than others, it is packed with fascinating discussions. We delve into the legalities and requirements for success in the music, film, and entertainment industries. AI and its impact on creative property also takes center stage in our conversation. If you’re interested in learning about thriving in the constantly evolving entertainment world, this episode is a must-listen. And as a bonus, we go into further depth on the topic of AI due to the extended length of this episode in a separate episode.

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Voiceover Auditions – A Month in Review

Voiceover home boothThis past month has been quite eventful. I’ve had a few auditions, mostly for voiceover work which I enjoy recording. These auditions are quick and fun, although I do take the time to study the character and come up with a unique voice. Some scripts require more thought than others, so I pause to think before performing. Thanks to my agency, DDO LA, I’ve been receiving good audition opportunities.

To improve the sound quality of my recordings in my apartment near a busy freeway, I turned my office closet into a  recording booth by adding soundproof materials and using my Scarlett interface. For my podcast, I continue to record in my office as noise is less of an issue compared to voiceovers.

On the acting front, I’ve had multiple auditions and am awaiting news on a potential booking.

Ruben Rodriguez - Book EditorMy podcasts have been well-received. This season on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast, we focus on Literary Fiction, featuring publishers, editors, poets, and writers who will discuss all aspects of getting this genre to readers. This month we have Ruben Rodriguez, book editor. Ruben Rodriguez, our guest for this month’s episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast, is a highly accomplished editor and English teacher. He shares with us the intriguing story of how he first ventured into the world of editing and teaching.

J Alexander Greenwood - AuthorOn the Overheard at Chica’s Café podcast we welcomed my good friend and fellow podcaster J Alexander Greenwood. Alex and I meet on his podcast Mysterious Goings On and quickly became friends. So much so, that we ended up doing a podcast together called Chica and the Man. In this episode, Alex discusses his writing and his experience with a producer who wanted him to write a treatment. Listen in to this interesting story. As always, we laugh throughout the episode.

Stay tuned for the next time when I can hopefully share about an exciting booking opportunity.

In the meantime check out the rest of the my website.

Until then, stay blessed and find joy in each day.

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2023 A Roller Coaster Year

A Challenging YearTo say that 2023 was a roller coaster of a year would be an understatement. There were highs and lows, but a few stand out in particular. As many of my followers on Poetic Resurrection and this website know, I lost my mother, Martina, and a close friend, Gary Coppola, in 2023. Grieving has been a painful process for me. Every day, I think about them and miss them deeply. The pain may lessen over time, but the memory never fades. Listen to my poem “Bound,” from the Poetic Resurrection Podcast which will be featured in my upcoming book “Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams.”

But there were also some positive moments. I landed an amazing commercial for American Family Insurance, which is still being broadcasted. This is every actor’s dream. Although I’ve been in other commercials before, they either had short runs or were cancelled after filming. To have one that has been airing for over six months is truly a blessing. I am grateful to my commercial agency DDO LA.

As mentioned in my previous blog, I am now represented by DDO LA for commercials, voiceovers, and print work.

In addition, I’m currently working on my next poetry book and I’m simultaneously writing some sci-fic short stories. My goal is to have two published books by 2025.

As an actor and writer, it is important to always have new projects in the works. It keeps me creative and motivated. And who knows, one of those sci-fi stories may turn into a movie or TV show that I can also act in.

I’m excited for what 2024 has in store for me. I hope to continue booking roles that challenge me and push me as an artist. And of course, I’ll always make time for my writing.

Cheers to another year of growth and success!

Until next month – many blessings.

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Acting and Life Updates

sagaftra writer strikeMy life and acting updates. It’s been a few months since my last post, mainly due to the writer’s and actor’s strike. Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP are ongoing, but I’m grateful for the updates each day. In the meantime,

I’ve been attending many commercial auditions in person and through self-tapes. Although I haven’t booked any of them yet, being put on avail several times in the last month tells me that I’m headed in the right direction. As a matter of fact, I have another call-back on Monday Oct 30th so let’s hope for the best.

There have been several changes recently as well.

DDO Sonia Iris LozadaFor one thing, I got signed by DDO Agency for voiceover, thanks to my friend Marabina Jaimes who helped me put together my voiceover demo. Last week, I had an audition for dubbing animation which was pretty exciting.

Unfortunately, Chica and the Man Podcast aired its last episode on Sept 30th of this year. Working with Alex Greenwood was great fun, but our busy schedules prevented us from continuing further. Nevertheless, we still keep in touch and remain good friends. Check out the blog.

Currently, I’m working on updating my YouTube channels as they’re overdue for new content. This year has witnessed both loss and gain, but it’s always important to be thankful for what we have regardless of life’s circumstances.

Join me in celebrating life and all its blessings.

Check out Overheard at Chica’s Café Podcast

Check out my bio

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Holds and Avails – Commercials Auditions

Sonia Iris LozadaI have been very busy this month going on commercial auditions due to the film and television strike from the SAG-AFTRA union. Being put on hold/avail for a casting decision is an exciting step, yet I was released from three of those holds in a row, and unfortunately did not book any of them. This is why many SAG-AFTRA members must find other sources of income alongside acting.

Since actors began their strike, a number of myths have circulated about the money they make and what it takes to be an actor. To find out more, tune in to my podcast Overheard at Chica’s Café where I interview Steve Walker a theatrical talent agent. He goes into great detail about the requirements for becoming an actor and the roles that agents play. There is sure to be something very insightful in this conversation. Don’t miss out.

Check out my biography 

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SAG-AFTRA STRIKE 2023

SAG-AFTRA STRIKE 2023The SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14, 2023 with much discussion and debate as to why it was occurring. It saddens me that a compromise could not be reached with the twelve-day extension. I personally voted ‘yes’ (as part of the 98% majority), because my primary issues were self-taping, residuals, and respect. Although I haven’t heard much about the last one, I’d like to share my thoughts on it.

  1. Self-taping: During the pandemic, remote auditions became the main way to audition for roles. We are often expected to have a studio in our homes, know the lines perfectly, and possess great lighting. Normally it takes around three hours to prepare and record an audition tape when requested to do so for a particular role which can be cast across the entire U.S. or even worldwide. The slate can include one’s name, height, and location; however, not all slates require these details. A reader is normally needed to take part in the audition, which can require money be paid for their services as well as a director sometimes if applicable. Travel (parking fees and gas) may also have to be funded to attend an audition should it be necessary from time to time. There is at least one silver lining that comes with self-taping- I am able to create my own content and I believe independent productions will become increasingly common going forward.

Here’s a Los Angeles Times articles for further reading.

The issue I have with self-taping is that, when you go to a casting office, there isn’t an entire studio scene set up for you. All they have is a small table and chair in the room. Whereas, if you are at home, you are encouraged to set up a full scene before auditioning.

  1. Residuals: Additionally, there appears to be some confusion about how residuals work. Residuals occur when your image is used in a TV or Film. Every time the show airs, the production company/studio gets paid from advertisers, foreign distributors, etc. This statement has been reported on several times in the media but it is worth mentioning again. In an interview with CNBC Bob Iger commented, “We managed, as an industry, to negotiate a very good deal with the Directors Guild that reflects the value that the directors contribute to this great business. We wanted to do the same thing with the writers, and we’d like to do the same thing with the actors… There’s a level of expectation that they have, that is just not realistic. And they are adding to the set of the challenges that this business is already facing that is, quite frankly, very disruptive.”  The comment that our request are unrealistic by a CEO who makes $27 Million a year?  (See clip here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGqaENsJdRU)

I’m in the majority of SAG-AFTRA members who earn less than $26,000 annually, so I pay for my own insurance since I work part-time so that I can attend auditions. This is a decision I made, and I don’t place any blame on anyone. If I worked full-time, then I’d be limited in the number of auditions I could make/attend.

  1. Respect: I’m usually given a minimum of 24 hours to prepare for an audition. However, there have been requests with not much time to prepare. I’ve received request at 8pm that needed to be completed by 10am the following morning. This was completely unrealistic.  My agents can ask for more time on my behalf when I requested it. These request are not always considered.

Being contacted at 8pm doesn’t give someone enough time to complete the audition if they have another job in the morning. Plus, people have lives outside of acting – families, commitments etc. that need to be taken into account. We actors need to be respected and not looked upon as just another face in a desperate herd of cattle.

My 27 years as a member of SAG-AFTRA has opened my eyes to how we all need respect within the entertainment industry and its supporting businesses. That’s why I support the Writer’s Guild and SAG-AFTRA strike, and why I encourage everyone else to do the same.

Thank you!

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Life Goes On

Teotihucan - Moon Pyramid
Teotihuacán – Moon Pyramid

Life goes on. The Writers Guild is currently on strike, with members of SAG-AFTRA supporting them. This means that movie and TV production is halted until a resolution is reached. I plan to use this downtime to finally get caught up with the skits I wrote throughout the year. On a brighter note, I recently visited a friend in Puebla, Mexico, and got to witness Teotihuacán (Aztec ruins) as well as the pyramid in Cholula where a Catholic church was built atop it. It was fun seeing such ancient structures in person.

In the meantime, check out my updated biography.

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Life This Year

Sonia Iris Lozada prayer handsLife this year has been challenging.  So much has happened and this is why I have been late in writing any blogs.

I’m just going to go down the list of what I’ve been doing. Some of it is great and other ones are sad.

Overheard at Chica’s Café was great.

My January episode featured Denise Sanchez who I had the honor of working with on Bosch Legacy. It’s a fun episode. Check it out here

Since things have been challenging (I’ll let you know why below), I forgot to get a guest for the podcast and decided to go through my resume and discuss my experiences on some of the film/TV sets. Check it out here

My March episode will feature Norma Maldonado, a fellow actor.

Chica and the Man

Alex and I are up to our usual antics where we start with one ideal and then we go all over the place. This is what happens when you get two creatives together and one thing leads to another. Listen to our scattered and funny conversations.

Poetic Resurrection

William Mackenzie-Smith an alchemist when it comes to CBD, CBDA and THC for healing purposes. He’s worked with various illness, cancer patients and pets.  Listen to episode.

Barbara Ann Briggs – A poet/writer and meditation teacher. We talk about her journey from being a dancer to writing and getting published. How meditation helped her create meaningful content.   Listen to episode.

Rachel Hanfling – an Emmy nominated producer, motivational speaker and media coach. We cover being nervous at giving speeches.   Listen to episode.

Now for my sad news. One January 3rd, 2023 my mom passed away. Even though we knew it was a matter of time, it was still an extremely difficult time. I find myself being forgetful, needing to write everything down and sometimes just not caring. I did two episodes on the Poetic Resurrection podcast, I read some of my poetry and discuss how I felt. If you have had grief for the lost of a loved one, a career, a pet it would be a relief to listen to these episodes. They include self-help tips in dealing with grief. One episode is entitled: In Loving Memory of Martina Aviles and the other is Life-A Poem & Prayer for the Grieving.   Listen to episodes.

One of the poems I read for the World Poetry Day episode which is every March 21st is Forget. Check it out here.
 Listen to episodes.

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Sonia LozadaHappy New Year! Yes, I have to admit that I haven’t been the best at posting during the holidays, but I did want to wish you all a wonderful 2023.
I know that 2022 was challenging for many; myself included, but there seems to be a joy and excitement about 2023. Unlike from the 2021 to 2022 year, where many people felt an uneasiness about the coming year (2022).
This year (2022), I broke my stream of not booking acting jobs. I had several bookings this year and met amazing people on the sets.
What I’ve learned.
1. I’m a grateful person and I learned to be more grateful for the smaller joys and lessons.
2. I’ve accepted that every challenge is an advantage. It allows me to learn who and what I want and am.
3. I’m kinder to myself.
4. I’m accepting of myself.
5. I’m finding joy in the smallest accomplishments.
6. I’m lucky to be healthy.
Find joy in your surroundings and the people in your life. Tomorrow is another day and a new year.
Many Blessings!

Gallery

Overheard at Chica’s Café Podcast

 

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Voyage LA Interview

Sonia Iris LozadaVoyage LA is an online magazine about people in Los Angeles and their stories. I was honored to have been interviewed for the  second time.  They asked about getting started, obstacles I’ve overcome, and my favorite was the role of luck. FYI, I don’t believe in luck. ” I don’t know about good or bad luck. I believe in the adage that when you are ready, the teacher will appear.”

Check out this article and the pictures. Until next week.Many blessings and enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday.

See article

http://voyagela.com/interview/conversations-with-sonia-iris-lozada/