The new new thing?

I'm not super current on the latest tech trends, but if two straight auditions this week are any indicator, then we may be on the cusp of something.

Point-of-sale computer kiosks, in which actors like me interact with customers right on the retail floor. I've done a lot of this for DVDs and websites -- "Welcome! If you're interested in x, click here, if you're interested in y, click here," etc. I guess this is a way of getting closer to the consumer, closer to where he/she is making the purchasing decision.

According to one of the guys I was talking to, this kind of stuff presents all kinds of opportunities for more work for everyone. Something like this can be shot and edited and produced pretty quickly and inexpensively.

The two auditions represented a range of applications, too. One was pretty straightforward spokesperson-type stuff. The other I was playing a character and doing wacky, attention-getting antics and things.

They actually just put me on hold for the second one, so that's cool. They were a fun bunch. One of the top ad agencies. Being there reminded me of my old agency days. Lately I've been thinking that my next step should be a small, boutique firm. I've always been more about making a difference than banking on the prestige of working for a big-name company.

On the other hand, this visit reminded me of the pros of that scene -- bountiful resources, equipment, talent. Not to mention dogs. Each floor has an adopted dog! I think these will be some good people to meet ...