Support Our #creatives Meets the “Shock Nation” Cast – The Table Read, January 6, 2018. (Updated)

table read
Table Read (photo from Shock Nation)
Kimia' Workman
Kimia’ Workman (photo from author’s collection)

I have been and still am a part of many entertainment projects, predominantly films and web series. But in terms of in-person interaction working with cast and crew, just a few, and all in the Baltimore area. I am commencing such involvement in a 4th project, “Shock Nation”, as Season 2 is getting underway. Kimia’ Workman is the driving force behind this web series. The production company is TruTalent Creative Works.

Shock Nation is a webseries about a girl growing up in the streets of Baltimore City and trying to find her way, as well as escape from living in poverty and being surrounded by a neighborhood of violence and drug addiction. She gets inspired by a dance group called Shock Nation that changes her perspective on life. This series will go through the life struggles of today’s young adults living in poverty, but through their friendship and strong bond, they realize that together they can achieve anything, thrive to keep chasing after their dreams, and survive any obstacle because their love for dance helps to save their life in ways they could never imagine. –  From TruTalent Creative Works website

In 2017, I attended a screening for “Shock Nation” Season 1 and expressed interest in being a part of Season 2.


table read
Table Read (photo from author’s collection)

As of this writing, Season 2 is still in pre-production, and this post is an account of the table read. The table read is an organized activity where the actors recite their lines from the script. Often all involved in the production, such as myself, a producer, attend the meeting.

table read
Table Read (photo from author’s collection)

Attendees filled out a Talent Consent and Release form. Because of the possibility of being seen in behind the scenes footage, non-actors (including myself) also signed the form.

Kimia’ greeted the attendees. Welcome to Season 2!

Kimia’ discussed fundraising activities for Season 2, private versus public campaigns.

Introductions: Each attendee spoke briefly on their entertainment-related experience.

Kimia’ emphasized the script is bound to change. Some characters may get additional lines. Some lines may be cut.

The entire script was covered. Those present read lines standing in for those not present.

Actors got into character. The actors put their own spin on the dialog.

table read
Table Read (photo from author’s collection)

There was discussion about the challenges of filming complex scenes.

table read
Table Read (photo from author’s collection)

Kimia’ went over the Production Packet. It describes the series. It lists the cast and in which episodes each actor appears. The crew is also listed.

She mentioned possible methods of distribution and on what platforms Season 2 may be seen.

She indicated she is still casting for dancers, and extras will be needed for some episodes.

Filming will be done out of sequence/by location, not in script order. Actors must be aware of their appearance (e.g., beards) and clothing worn, for continuity purposes during the weeks of filming.

Actors should be cautious of wearing clothing that contains visible manufacturer’s information. An actor wanting to wear a particular label must let Kimia’ know so she can contact the manufacturer and get clearance.

table read
Table Read (photo from author’s collection)
table read
Table Read (photo from Shock Nation)

table read
Table Read (photo from author’s collection)

It was great watching the actors getting back together, slipping into character, and working so well together. I am looking forward to continued involvement in the production of “Shock Nation” Season 2. I learn something new each time I attend a meeting or work on-set. I will be documenting the progress of Season 2.


Originally published January 12, 2018.  Updated October 15, 2020 to adjust category assignments.

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2 thoughts on “Support Our #creatives Meets the “Shock Nation” Cast – The Table Read, January 6, 2018. (Updated)

  1. Thanks for sharing!

    On Fri, Jan 12, 2018 at 10:21 PM, Support Our #creatives wrote:

    > Alan Greenstein posted: ” I have been and still am a part of many > entertainment projects, predominantly films and web series. But in terms of > in-person interaction working with cast and crew, just a few, and all in > the Baltimore area. I am commencing such involvement in a ” >

    Like

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