Mike: So how long do I wait to call?
Trent: A day.
Mike: Tomorrow.
Sue: Tomorrow, then a day.
Trent: Yeah.
Mike: So two days?
Trent: Yeah, I guess you could call it that, two days.
Sue: Definitely, two days is like industry standard.
Trent: You know I used to wait two days to call anybody, but now it’s like everyone in town waits two days. So I think three days is kind of money. What do you think?
Sue: Yeah, but two’s enough not to look anxious.-Swingers
The audtion yesterday was fantastic. I thought I’d be there for thirty minutes or so, but I ended up working with them for almost three hours (and making it home too late for my Tuesday night poker game.) I read with six different women who are all in the running to co-host the show, and I was shocked at how much fun I had. If I book the job, I’d be the geek, she’d be the babe, and everyone in the audience would have something to enjoy.
In fact, when I got home, I told Ryan, "Dude. I had the best afternoon: I got to sit with beautiful women and talk about Sci-Fi! Three of them were former Miss USA contestants, and one of them was Playmate of the Year for 2005."
"Dude." He said. "You are my hero."
I have this post-audition ritual: after I leave, I find the first trashcan and dump my sides in it. It’s how I let go of the whole thing, because I’ve already done everything I can do, you know? I’ve pushed my chips into the pot with the best of it, and now I have to wait for five cards to come out and hope that I win when it’s all over.
This time, I did dump the sides and my note cards (I have the notes on my Powerbook for easy re-printing, should I get called back) and I’ve tried to get on with my life . . . but holy shit is it hard. I had so much fun while I was there, and the prospect of getting a weekly gig where I get to geek out about Sci-Fi stuff — and get paid to do it! — is just too much. I’ve already called my manager twice today to see if we’d gotten any feedback.
"I haven’t heard anything, yet," he said, the second time I called. "Normally, I’ll call the next day, but if they don’t call . . ."
"It’s like you just met a girl in a bar, and you don’t want to screw it up by calling too soon, isn’t it?" I said.
He laughed. "Yeah, it’s exactly like that."
"So . . . are we calling today?"
"I think it’s best to wait until tomorrow, because they have to take your tapes to executives, get approvals, and all sorts of things."
"So, what, two days?" I said.
"Yeah, there’s a lot of things that have to happen before they give us any feedback, so we’ll just have to wait until we hear from them." He said. "Then there’s the whole negotiation thing, too."
"You’ll call me, right?"
"I’ll call you right away." He said.
I hung up the phone and looked at the calendar. I thought about drawing a circle around the 17th. I may have done it.
I’m sure I’m going to feel like a real jerk if this doesn’t happen, but
I love this feeling of excitement and optimism that I have right now. It’s much nicer than the usual alternative.
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I hope you get it Wil. I’d *totally* TIVO you! Hopefully they’d put you on as a follow-up to Sci-Fi Friday. Then it’d be the fourplay: SGA, SG1, BSG, and WWDN!
Sounds great Wil, I really hope you get the gig. Sounds like my sort of show, though I don’t suppose it will ever get shown in Britain.
Way to go Wil! That sounds like a totally Hawesome concept and you’d be a great fit. I know I’d tune my DVR in, heck, I might even watch it *gasp* live!
For several seconds, I thought “dump my sides” was a euphamism for throwing up.
Good luck, homie.
Good luck, Wil. I hope you get it! And, from your description of it, I’d probably even watch it! I’ll admit it I’m not much for Sci-fi, but I’ve been reading you long enough that it’s starting to grow on me!
I feverently hope you get it since as a fan it’d give me a chance to see you put on your funny about geek stuff.
I can tell you’re way built up on it, kinda like my step-kids get when they think they’re dad is going to make some baseball game or other related activity. The crash if it doesn’t happen is horrible though…prepare yourself and then hope it goes well.
That sounds amazing!!! Almost like my dream job… except I’d be the babe… 😛
Any clue who you’re competing against?
And what channel will it air on?
Dude, I hate the whole “wait two days to call” thing. especially when it is translated to email. 🙂 Fabulous that you enjoyed the audition! I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather see doing this show than you!!! Fingers are crossed….
Ooh, did you still have the mirror-universe evil Wil goatee? That’d make it a lock, for sure!
I’m so glad you had an incredible audition. Good luck Wil and keep sane the next couple of days! 🙂
Honestly a Sci-Fi show should only be hosted by someone so intimately familiar with the genre and you are more then qualified.
Good luck, Wil. They’d be crazy not to hire you.
I removed the evil goatee for this audition. I’m not entirely comfortable with it, and I’m not sure if it makes me look better or worse. Opinions seem to be split about 50/50 on that one, so I went for the look that makes me comfortable: plain.
Before I left, I told them that, even if they don’t hire me, they should hire someone who is über passionate about Sci-Fi, because if they don’t, it’s going to piss off the Sci-Fans who will make or break this show. They totally grokked that, and I think they’re even considering making sure that both hosts are into the genre.
I’ve been checking all day for an update. Glad it went well.
Fingers crossed and hopeful. Sounds like a great fit.
Wil, dude, as someone who pondered making auditions a career, I have found myself vicariously elated for you. I can taste the excitement I felt every time I nailed an audition (admittedly, not that often).
And judging by the unconscious adrenaline coursing through me, I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be waiting either. I hate to say it, but you’re right – tomorrow won’t come soon enough! Good luck and god bless!
Good jorb on pointing out that bit about being passionate about the craft. I once stumbled upon one of the “gamer” shows on G4 (techTV?), and the hideous “passion” and excitement made me wish Golden Girls was on instead.
~Matt
PS – If they call you back you should point out to them that you already have viewers lined up. We would totally back you.
“They totally grokked that, and I think they’re even considering making sure that both hosts are into the genre.”
It should be sort of like X-Play for Sci-Fi. Then your improv comedy skills would be a tremendous asset.
~f
“Pro-evil-Wil-goatee since 2006.”
I think it’s time to call Lewis and Gilbert. If Wil gets it, Lamar will bring the snacks and Poindexter will provide the music! This will be fun! 😉
Good luck Wil, it sounds fantastic. Hope you get it, man!
No matter what happens, remember this feeling of excitement and joy. That alone is priceless. I’m pulling for you!
Rock on with your bad self Wil, my fingers are crossed for you.
Hope you get this opportunity, here’s wishing the 2 days to fly by.
Good luck to you Wil. Sounds like a gig you’d be totally suited for. Got to grok a little myself this week on this week’s Wingin’ It. 🙂 Even though my credentials are basically “random dumbass.” LOL
dude, I totally hope you get it, you massively deserve it, and I might even get cable for this 😉
keeping my fingers crossed for ya
Sounds like you had a real good time. I hope you get the job. Just don’t be upset if people start associating your voice with hot women. 😛
Me and the wifey are sending you some good mojo, Wil! Good luck!
Brian
http://candyaddict.com
I sooooooo hope you get the job – you would be great in that spot!!! I am sending good and positive thoughts your way.
BTW – I like the goatee. You looked terrific at the convention!!!
Oh jeez, I hope you get the gig. I /know/ you’ll get it, but I have to say I hope or I’ll jinx it. You know? Yeah…
And the audition (however lengthy) sounds like it was rockin’. If I were a geeky guy, then you’d be my hero, too. Aw, forget gender – you’re my hero anyway. All hot girls aside *is jealous*, I’m backing you all the way to thr 17th.
Oh jeez, I hope you get the gig. I /know/ you’ll get it, but I have to say I hope or I’ll jinx it. You know? Yeah…
And the audition (however lengthy) sounds like it was rockin’. If I were a geeky guy, then you’d be my hero, too. Aw, forget gender – you’re my hero anyway. All hot girls aside *is jealous*, I’m backing you all the way to the 17th.
Sounds like an awesome interview, and just the kind of battery recharge you’ve beeen needing! The “goat” is a definitely plus in my book, it shows a new side of you other than the clean cut Crusher everyone remembers. Not to mention it makes you look like hawtness yourself!
I can’t wait to hear the good news!
Wil,
I hope you get the job! I know what it’s like. This waiting is torture! I’m waiting to hear back on a job I went out on last week!
Let’s keep our fingers, toes and anything else that might help crossed.
BTW, I’m another chick that likes the goat on you.
Honestly, if you can land a weekly show with a former Playmate, it would be fantastic. “What the hell are you watching?!?” My wife would shout. “It’s just a Wil Wheaton show, about Sci-Fi and stuff. I never even noticed that woman or whatever wearing the tube top…”
I would SO watch you every week.
I’ve seen Swingers so many times, I knew that was it after reading just the first two lines (not even paying attention to the Trent name…that’s an easy give away).
Add even one more chick that likes the goatee.
I’m a recent reader (stumbled across the LJ feed) and I must say I’m completely hooked. My other recent addiction has been Battlestar: Galactica, so you can imagine I’ve gotten quite a smile in the past few days. At any rate, I’m thrilled with the idea for this show, and I can’t think of a better host. Best of luck, and keep us posted!
And here I was thinking you were ascared of me busting you yet again in the WWdN tourney.
Fear the McDonK.
(If you weren’t there to get busted I would think the next one should still be named after me. ‘Cause it’s kind of like the 94 baseball strike. The 93 Blue Jays were still defending champs during the 95 season.)
you would be perfect for the job Wil. sending you lots of good luck!
You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you’re really excited and nervous about something? That feeling of simultaneously wanting to cheer and shout and dance about and throw up?
I am totally having that feeling on your behalf. What gods does one sacrifice to for this kind of gig?
Good on you Wil! I’m feeling your nerves/excitement all the way here in Saint Louis. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Hey, the 17th sounds good. Hopefully you’ll have 2 reasons to celebrate with a Guinness on St. Paddy’s Day. Fingers crossed…
Will,
Sending love your way man – hope you get this:)
Woot! I’m sending the good vibes your way….
That’s great, Wil. I hope you get it. And if you don’t, there’s no reason to feel like a jerk. It’s like buying a lottery ticket: if you can’t revel in the possibility of winning while you wait for the numbers, you’re missing the fun, and you’ll be less likely to keep playing. The cool thing is that your odds of booking this gig are fantastic in comparison to winning the lottery. Enjoy your wait and good luck!
Wil Good Luck, I look forward to your return to TV… Count me in on a regular viewer.
Add my good thoughts and positive vibes to the mix. Looking forward to the 17th.
Good luck, Wil & whatever happens you know you’re money. You’re so money that you don’t even know it. You’re the big winner at the casino tonight. Baby, I’m tellin’ you -you’re a winner in more ways than one.
I really hope you get this, Wil. But, um, haven’t you already blown the “wait two days” bit by blogging about it? These guys are producing a geek show — they’ve *got* to know to check WWdN for your reaction. It’s going to be tough for your agent to negotiate now that you’ve shown your hand…
That said, I still hope you get it.
Wil, man, don’t blog about this anymore! You don’t want to blow it — I can’t remember fully, but I’m fairly sure, didn’t you lose an opportunity you auditioned for because you blogged about it?
Ahh, but remember ye faint of heart, if the producers truly be of the geek-kind, then they would already know of the glory of WWDN! And as such, the audition was merely a formality, more to test the ‘co-hosts’ than the person destined to be in the spotlight!
Wil,
I know this comment isn’t original. The waiting part about if you got, the gig, is the hardest part. I know you will live. I know you auditioned great.
FG
I’m not concerned about the producers reading my blog and seeing how enthusiastic I am about the show. They already know that, because I made it clear before I left the offices yesterday afternoon.
As far as how it affects negotiations? It shouldn’t matter, and that’s all I can say about that.
Thanks for everyone’s kind words and support. I’ll update when I have any new information.
Sweet! Good luck…May the sci fi gods shine down on u 😉 haha!
Whens the next time You’ll be on Attack of the show?