Shelli's Short Takes

Practice Makes Perfect!

2011-07-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

I know it has been FOREVER since I have been on here. But I am back - BETTER THAN EVER! I've got a new attitude and a bunch of fresh ideas. I have been doing a lot of hustlin' and a little soul searchin' and I am ready to share insight, inspiration and information with you. Sorry I have been away, I promise not to leave you again...

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Practice makes perfect!

When we first start a new project or learning a new skill, the task can seem gigantic! We make mistakes, we fail, we can really suck. But after a time, we get better. Practicing, learning, improving is what separates the experts from the amateurs. Do you think MJ came out the womb dunking basketballs? No! It took thousands of hours of practice to get to the level he achieved. Do you think the other MJ came out moonwalkin' in diapers? Ok, well maybe he did (smile). But the point is, it may be tedious, it may get boring, it may seem like it's going to be forever before we reach where we want to be...but keep going!! The reward is just around the corner. I have to keep telling myself this everyday.

Right now, I am working on my accents and my singing on my own time. I have to motivate myself to practice everyday. You never know what the next role might require and I want to be ready!

Stay focused and hopeful!

-- Shelli

Putting Your Life on Hold?

2010-05-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been off the blog for a while folks...so much going on...

This is a picture of one of my good friends, Charles Porter. He is also a working actor in Los Angeles - hustling to auditions, schmoozing at parties, taking classes, working out, reading - doing everything that a rising artist does to "make it". A couple of weeks ago, Charles found out that he has stage 4 lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the lymph nodes. He has 12 tumors throughout his body. He is now undergoing chemotherapy to send the cancer into remission. His life is forever changed.

This got me thinking to how many things we put on hold in our struggle for success. Vacations, having kids, buying homes, even changing our hair color - we wait and wait until "the right time" or until "we make it" or "What if my agent calls with that one audition that is going to catapult me to the top?" I know, I know. It all seems laughable when put like that, but these are the neurotic things that we do.

I am using my friend to inspire me not to wait. To live my life to the fullest now, regardless of what roles I book. To seize business opportunities, but to relish personal experiences. To spend more time with loved ones.

And by Charles' motto, to "Never Quit!"

Visit www.fight4cp.com to support my bro in his treatment. Thanks yall!

What Are We Watching?

2010-01-31T22:20:00.000-08:00

Last night, a friend and I had a long conversation about the state of

America's young people. We talked about how it just seems like today's youth want instant success without the hard work that goes into it. They see Diddy and Lil' Wayne on TV and think that they can get in the studio, make a hit record and be instant millionaires. They neglect to consider the years and years of hard work that have gone into making that millionaire. Diddy started out as an intern and Lil' Wayne has been rapping since he was 12! That is some hard work put into making their careers.

Yes, I know, I know, I sound like an old woman - probably how my parents talked about my generation and my grandma talked about my parents. The cycle continues I suppose...

But then we started to talk about media and television and the things that inspired us when we were kids. We watched shows like "A Different World" and "The Cosby Show". These episodics depicted young people of color going to college, becoming professionals - and that inspired us to do so! I wanted to be just like Denice Huxtable at Hillman - partying, falling in love, going to step shows, but also studying and doing good things in my community. We began to think about what television has to offer now in terms of inspiring young people. And the sad truth is - not much.

With reality shows taking over the airwaves and getting so many viewers - things like "Jersey Shore" and "Bad Girls Club" - it's no wonder that young people think that the fast track to success is to get drunk, make a sex tape and curse their way into being a celebrity. Don't get me wrong - I watch reality television - it's a guilty pleasure. I just think that by not having an equal balance of inspiring shows with the more raunchy ones, we are sending the wrong message to our next generation.

That's why as artists we have a responsibility to write, produce and create programming, films, books and theatre that don't just entertain but actually create change and growth in society. I recently attended a screening where the original Uhura on "Star Trek", actress Nichelle Nichols, spoke about her first onscreen kiss with Spok. She didn't realize it at the time but that show was changing the way America looked at interracial relationships. I believe we have to do that for our young people - create things that inspire them to be more, do more, and pass it on to their kids. Just a thought...

Don't Forget to Take Time Out!

2010-01-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

Since the beginning of 2010, I have been on the go! Trying to keep several projects moving forward simultaneously, while also doing housework, laundry, and paying the bills (ugh). Needless to say, my schedule is hectic. I am always saying that I wish there were more hours in the day.

Well, a couple days ago a friend came to me and said that she missed me. I laughed it off, and probably said something like "Girl, I'm right here!" But then that same day, my mom called from Florida and said that she hadn't heard from me in a few days and that she missed me too. It got me to thinking...

How many of us are neglecting our loved ones because we are caught up in the daily "grind"? As performers, we try to pencil in so many meetings, seminars, classes and other things that we sometimes forget to live our "normal" lives - having fun, bowling, going to the movies, going to the park, or just hanging out. After all, we are working so hard to succeed so that we can spoil our families, right? We have to remind ourselves to appreciate them now, to spend time with them now...not just when we reach our ultimate goal and have time to "relax". Because, let's face it, if you're anything like me, you are never going to just "relax"...you are always going to be striving for the next big thing.

So on Saturday, I stopped. I did nothing. No phone calls. No emails. No worrying about anything related to my career. Instead, I hung out with friends and had dinner with family. And it was great! Let us all not forget that we need time off, to enjoy life and the most important thing in it...people.

"Out West" Is Now Touring!

2010-01-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Great news! My one-woman show "Out West:Women of Plains" has been picked up by a couple of great theatres. First, I will be performing on January 30th at The Actor's Repetory Theatre in Burbank as part of their Solo Festival (Jan. 15 - Feb. 6). There are a lot of fantatic one-person shows in the festival and the audience gets to vote on the best ones. So if you haven't seen my show, please come out to vote for me! You can find ticket information at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93945 or visit http://www.theactorsrepetory.com/

Then, on February 5th I will be traveling back East to Suffolk, Virginia to perform the show. I am very excited about this one, because my dad served as producer and lots of my family and friends will be there. The theatre holds over 300 people so I am moving up in the world folks! Ha! Ha! For information on this performance, you can go to http://www.suffolkcenter.org/

On February 7th I will be doing a special Black History Month performance of the show at Burns Middle School in Tampa, Florida. I am curious about the youth reaction to this material - racism, slavery, historical references. I hope they enjoy the performance, but I also hope it inspires them to learn more about lesser known heroes. Especially women.

So there you have it folks...I am literally taking the show on the road! :-)

Question: Who are your heroes?

New Feature Film Coming Soon!

2010-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

The trailer for my upcoming movie "Out The Gate" is up!

The urban action feature film stars Paul Campbell, Oliver Samuels, Jamaican musical artist E-Dee, and of course, yours truly! The trailer is up on the internet at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehaOBGczdjs. The buzz and excitement over the movie is growing as Far I Films announced their plans to premiere the film Spring 2010 in Jamaica, with showings in New York and the east coast to follow the Jamaican premiere.The film also boasts appearances from Dancehall/Reggae artists Mr. Lexx, Lady G, and Ms. Triniti. The film, shot on location in Jamaica and Los Angeles, follows E-Dee as he leave a bad situation in Jamaica to come to America to pursue his dreams in music and finds out the music game is just as wicked as the streets he is trying to leave behind. I play his love interest.

I had a great time making this film - the producers and director were fantastic. It just goes to show that indie films can come out great and reach many audiences. This is a lesson to actors to never ignore niche audiences. There are so many countries out there that buy films that are in limited release in the US, or sometimes never released here at all. Musicians go overseas to build their fan base and so should we.

Hope I get to go to Jamaica for the premiere (wink wink)!

2010 - New Lives and Fresh Beginnings for All!

2010-01-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everybody! I hope that everyone brought in the New Year in a positive and upbeat spirit like I did! My December was wonderful - took a 2 week trip to Europe and Africa - learned so much about the history of Egypt and the Pyramids, the Roman Empire, Barcelona nightlife - just had a blast! It made me realize how young America is and just how much we all need to explore our entire world, not just our little corner of the Earth. Definitely going to be doing more traveling! I will share pics from the trip in future entries...

...because I had to share these photos first! Isn't she just adorable? This is my girl Chantel's new baby, Lotus, born on Dec. 26th. Looks just like her mommy. My cousin John's girlfriend also had a New Year's baby - little Gina - born on the 1st! And I just found out that another close friend of mine is expecting!

All these visits from the stork got me thinking...looking at these little tiny things with their whole lives ahead of them. That was us once. The world was our oyster - anything was possible. As the years pass, we sometimes forget that. Life happens. Responsibilities, setbacks, obstacles, trials and tribulations make us forget that we can STILL have anything we want from this life. It's never too late to live our dreams!

So for my 2010, I'm not making any formal New Year's resolutions like losing 10 pounds or cleaning out the garage. Instead, I'm making a broad commitment to remain positive, to keep living my dream, and to never give up! The world is my oyster - whether I'm 25 or 75. I hope you are all empowered to manifest your destinies, too! Blessings!

Stay tuned to this blog for information on all things to do with performing - please pass on to young women especially, I want to hear from them - teens, pre-teens, all the ladies! We are in this together and we need to support each other...

"This Is It!"

2009-10-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson's legacy film "This Is It" opened today. Everyone from Oprah to Ryan Seacrest has been talking about it, and what an inspiration it is! It just got me thinking about what a great artist Michael was - not singer, or performer, or dancer per se, but an artist. Just like Van Gogh weilding his brush, Michael painted beautiful pictures on the stage, that touched our hearts and minds. He could make us shout out in happiness, jump for joy and bring us to tears. He was a perfectionist, rehearsing every move over and over until he literally passed out. Even the slightest pinky move or head nod had to be perfect! It was this relentless pursuit to be better that made him the greatest.

How many of us are like this is our own lives? How much attention to detail do we really pay? How much do we really prepare? How much do we really study? No matter what craft you practice, let the life of Michael Jackson inspire you to be the best at it. I know it definitely gives me the push I need to keep on grinding and growing, even when obstacles present themselves.

We all question why he died. It was definitely a case of "gone too soon". But at least his memory can serve to guide us, enlighten us, and refresh us when we feel like giving up. Love you Michael!

Guest Starring on New Webisode!

2009-10-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to guest star on a hilarious new webisode called "Simply Simon". Check out all the pre-production news at http://www.watchsimplysimon.com/.

The series was executive produced by Maxwell Glick (from Lonelygirl15 fame) and stars Ben Ryan as Simon, a guy who finds himself in all types of crazy situations. It's a dark comedy that will have you laughing your ass off.

In the episode I shot, I played the host of a speed dating event. Lots of wacky characters! I truly enjoyed working with the director, Tom Ptasinski and the actor David Landry who play Lester.

The series launches in January so be on the lookout!

Upcoming Feature Film - "Where's Henry?"

2009-10-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

Yo! You have to check out the trailer for an upcoming feature that I am starring in. It's called "Where's Henry?", directed by Bles Aaron. It started out as a short, but we got so much good footage that it turned into a feature. I can't wait for the screening, but here's the trailer. Stay tuned...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lUQPQrBbl0

Performing this Weekend as Dorothy Dandridge

2009-10-05T09:42:00.001-07:00

This weekend the Playhouse Theatre Players is presenting a Sammy Davis Jr. review starring David Williams, who really shines as Sammy. I will be singing "Porgy and Bess" as Dorothy Dandridge - been rehearsing it all weekend. Should be fun so come out and support! October 9th and 10th at 8pm.

http://www.kslgplayhousetheatre.com/

(323) 227-5410

Target Commercial Pictures

2009-09-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the Target commercial I starred in for Back to School. I was lucky enough to work with my friend Skiter Jones (the dad) and a beautiful little actress named Samantha from New York. Doesn't she look a lot like me? We had lots of fun!

You can see the commercial here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtLQsC6UUKk

"A New Tomorrow" now available on DVD and Online!

2009-09-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

A wonderful mockumentary comedy that I worked on a couple years ago is finally available for your viewing pleasure. It stars Victor Williams (Deacon from "The King of Queens") and the whole thing pokes fun at how America votes. I play an irate political campaigner with a white husband. The whole thing is lots of fun and lots of laughs! :-)

You can check it out at Indieflix.com or Amazon Video on Demand. The official site is http://www.anewtomorrowmovie.com/.

New Show This Saturday!

2009-09-14T11:31:00.001-07:00

I have the honor of sharing the stage with all of these wondeful actors this weekend. I put together a group of committed and talented artists who are going to share their comedy, drama, song, and dance skills. It's going to be a fun evening! And party afterwards! Can't wait! :-)

Go Pick Up "See Dick Run" on DVD!

2009-09-14T11:25:00.001-07:00

This is a movie that I shot last year with a wonderful director named Dwayne Alexander Smith. The cast was great! I play an around the way chick with a crazy ass brother (shout out to Brooklyn McLinn) that just got out of jail and is willing to defend my honor against a dude that played me out (Kel Mitchell). You can find it on Netflix, Amazon, or at your local video spot. Laugh and Enjoy!

Synopsis:

Richard (Kel Mitchell) is a fast-talking ladies man whose life takes a hilarious turn when a voodoo priestess casts a spell that takes away his manhood. His manhood will be lost forever unless he can reverse the spell before midnight. Now, in a race against time, this notoriously deceitful womanizer must revisit all the women in his life he has wronged and apologize for his lowdown ways. Starring Kel Mitchell ("All That", "Kenan & Kel") and Page Kennedy ("Weeds").

Staged Reading - "No Chance In Hell" - with Towne Street Theatre!

2009-07-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

This upcoming Monday, August 3rd, I will be performing with my theatre company - Towne Street - in a staged reading of Tony Robinson's "No Chance In Hell". It's a film noir murder mystery and should be lots of fun. 7pm at the Egyptian Theatre - 1625 N. Las Palmas Ave. in Hollywood.

I love working with these dedicated actors! Towne Street is the premiere African American company in Los Angeles. For more info visit www.townestreet.org.

I'm keepin' the faith and staying determined...blessings abound!

NEW WEBISODE COMING SOON!

2009-07-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to team up again with Director Freeman White for a new webisode call "Closer to Crazy". It is based on a novel of the same name written by the fabulous Nina Foxx. Freeman and I worked together on "The Seventh Commandment" and he is definitely one to watch. He knows his stuff!

The series also stars Mailon Rivera, who plays my fiance, and Heidi Marie, his baby mama. It follows her life and our interaction as a new blended family of sorts. It has drama, action, suspense and a mean showdown between me and Heidi at the church. (smile) Be on the lookout for the webisode and hopefully the feature in the future! Peace!

"Out The Gate" Jamaican Flick Coming Soon!

2009-05-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

I just finished shooting on the Jamaican indie feature "Out The Gate" - a suspenseful follow your dreams flick. It stars the popular reggae MC E-Dee and features some great musical acts like Ms. Triniti. If you aren't familiar - get in the know! Go to itunes and download their songs because they are fantastic.

In the movie, E-Dee moves from Jamaica to the states to pursue musical stardom and I play his love interest. He gets caught up with a host of unsavory characters and mayhem ensues. It's going to be a great film. I also had the privilege of working with Paul Campbell ("Shottas", "First Sunday"), Jamaica's most popular actor. It was amazing to witness his portrayal of the evil and sinister character Badz. I was learning on set everyday - about acting, the culture, the music, the food! What a great time with a great team of producers and directors!

Be on the lookout for the movie! It will premiere in 5 cities in the fall!

NEW MOVIE IN STORES NOW!

2009-04-29T00:48:00.000-07:00

Guess what!! Everyone's favorite super indie movie HE WHO FINDS A WIFE, written and directed by yours truly Danielle L. Ross and produced by Stephanie Cunningham and Anika C. McFall has finally made its way to the video stores (those that aren't extinct). Don't worry though its also available on Netflix, Blockbuster Online, Amazon.com, I even bet your cousin Tee Tee has the bootleg already. Either way get out there and check it out and let me know what you think!!! If you love it, hate it, I don't care, let me know...

Everyone can identify with at least one character in the movie. HE WHO FINDS A WIFE is a movie about the temptation one couple faces on their way to the alter and stars a excellent cast of talented actors Kyum Dunbar ("Zane Sex Chronicles"), yours truly - Shelli Boone ("Southland", "House") , Liris Crosse ("The Jim Jones Project"), Kareem Grimes ("Jarhead, The Shield"), Marston David Fobbs ("Bones"), and Anika C. McFall ("Diary of A Tired Black Man", "American Dream") .
If you missed HE WHO FINDS A WIFE in the Pan African Film Festival, I'm probably not your friend anymore, but here's a way to get back in my good graces. Pass the word on.
CHECK OUT THE TRAILER
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8uuRPsQr_0
OTHER LINKS
www.maverickentertainment.com
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Finds-Wife-Anika-McFall/dp/B001QT6DAK

Come See Shelli Boone in her One-Woman Show - "Out West"!

2009-04-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about my upcoming one-woman show premiere in May! It is a lot of work to create something from start to finish - writing, producing, rehearsing, staging, costuming - doing it all yourself. But I am so proud of the finished product and I hope that audiences enjoy it. So please come out and support - you will learn something and be entertained!

Call (323) 227-5410 to reserve your tickets in advance and to save money. Or log onto www.kslgplayhousetheatre.com for more info and to buy tickets there.

Again showtimes are May 1st - 8pm, May 2nd - 6pm, May 3rd - 3pm, May 7th - 8pm, May 8th - 8pm and May 9th - 9pm. Location: 600 Moulton Ave. (on the corner of Moulton and Main) in Downtown Los Angeles.

MARCH MADNESS!!!

2009-03-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! God has truly blessed me this month with work, work and more work! First, I shot a national commercial for Juicy Juice that will hopefully be hitting your airwaves soon.

Then, I booked a co-star on NBC's new show "Southland" which I just finished shooting today. It is a cop drama from the producer's of "ER" and it's going to be fantastic! Real and gritty...It premieres on April 9th and I appear in episode 2 on April 16th. Go to NBC's website to check out the trailer for the show - http://www.nbc.com/Primetime/southland/

Also, yesterday I found out that I booked a lead in a film called "The Company We Keep". We are going to be shooting for a month. Yay! The cast is great and I love the director, Roy Campanella, so it should be a fun project.

Busy, busy, busy - 2009 is starting off with a bang and it's only going to get better. I will keep you posted. Just keep dreaming big!

"Seventh and Hill" Short Picked Up For Distribution!

2009-03-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

I received a message this morning from up-and-coming director and cinematographer Ryan Postas that a short film we shot last year called "Seventh and Hill" was bought by a distributor in Toronto for worldwide distribution!

It's a supsense thriller about a jewelry heist in downtown Los Angeles. I play a sexy con woman. The film was also featured at the Cannes Film Festival last year. It's truly a fun ride and I am so happy for Ryan. We also worked together on "Holla", one of the first films of my career - now airing on BET. He was the DP on that film. So shout out to Elevated Minds Entertainment!

You can see a teaser for the film at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSCYSvmxZhw. It's also on IMDB. I will give you more info once it gets out on the market.

Hope March is putting some "spring" in your step! It's a great day! Blessings!

Hot Sluts: Rated R!

2009-02-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

I am a series regular on a new webisode being sponsored by Comedy Central that will premiere this month around Valentine's Day. It's called "Hot Sluts: Rated R!" Crazy name, huh? But it fits it perfectly! The series is hot, steamy and HILARIOUS! It's a comedic nod to the sexploitation women-in-prison films from the 70's and 80's. My character Tawny, the DJ of the club where the series takes place, is based on Tamara Dobson's character in "Chained Heat" (google it - her performance is classic).

I got the chance to work with A.D. Miles from "Reno 911" and "Dog Bites Man" and Jo Lo Truglio from "Superbad". It also stars Sandy Martin from "Napoleon Dynamite" and Alison Brie from "Mad Men" (which I love by the way). It was such a great experience! The set was fun and loose, and the whole cast and crew was so positive.

You can find the webisode at atom.com or comedycentral.com. Laugh and enjoy!

Shooting an AFI short this weekend!

2009-02-06T00:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend I have the honor of working with acclaimed director/writer Ka'Ramuu Kush. Believe me, this man is one to watch! His film is titled "As It Is", and it poses: "What would you do if you passed God on the street?" Would you recognize him? What would you say? Would you pass by in fear? In astonishment? What if he needed help? As you can see, this one topic can lead to a bevy of questions.

I play Opal, an exotic dancer who is winding down with her two girlfriends after a long night of "makin' that cash". The three women engage in lighthearted conversation about what they would do if confronted with the possibility of having sex with God. But, as religious conversations often do, the discussion quickly gets serious and tensions rise.

The rehearsal for this was amazing - very thought provoking. And I'm sure the film is going to be brilliant! I will let you know when and where to check it out...