Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Mornell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sara. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in a tiny town in Northern California. Where I was a quiet and introverted kid with a vast imagination. From early on, I knew I was different and that was hard and isolating. At thirteen I discovered acting and fell in love. After spending two summers training in England, and then going to Carnegie Mellon, I made my way to Los Angeles. Landing lead roles in pilots finally came after 3-4 years of working odd jobs and in restaurants. After several years working nonstop in both TV and film, the pressure on the way I looked, the reality of “the biz”, and the school of hard knocks started to take a toll. So, at a time when actors were often asking me how they could be working as much as I was, I decided to take a break. It was during this hiatus that I found my love for coaching. I was asked by my agency to coach another client on their roster, the client booked that job, and from there, things have grown.
For the past decade, I have been developing the Mornell Method, which is a more relevant approach for actors to use than traditional acting training that has become ineffective for today’s film and TV actor. Just over two years ago I made the move to Atlanta with a mission to train the working class actor. The talent is here along with the opportunities, and we are beginning to be known for having trained, excellent talent that rivals both the LA and NY markets.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not! First and foremost I have always been an artist, so starting and running a company was foreign to me. Working for myself was one thing, hiring staff was another. There have been many sleepless nights thinking about structure, finances, and how I was going to make it all happen. I remember being offered Working Capital and then learning what that was a few years ago. Moving to across country with no backup plan and no savings was a huge risk, but moving to Atlanta was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The opportunities for the middle-class actor are second to none.
Early on as an actress, I certainly faced my share of hurdles so much of what I have learned has been through experience. What always set me apart was my willingness to work harder than everyone else around me. In 2003 I had the extraordinary experience of working with Hugh Laurie and going through the studio/network testing process to star opposite him in a pilot for CBS. After passing through the first several rounds of auditions and being approved by the studio, I was their first choice. After the final test in the basement theater at CBS studios in front of at least 20 executives, Les Moonves had the final word. Apparently, he said he “didn’t know me” (despite the fact that I was recurring for over a year on 2 shows at CBS), and cast another actress who had a deal with CBS. It was devastating. I wrote Hugh after the experience to thank him for working with me and championing me. Here is a portion of what he wrote back.
“You are an immensely talented actor and I was proud to stand at your side in the blood-soaked area. Truth is, it was simply your bad luck to go before the Network at a time when they were in the mood to flex their muscles. Let’s face it only an idiot or psychopath could do their best in those conditions. The process has nothing to do with talent, and everything to do with luck, timing and executive paranoia, and a million things that are beyond your, and our, control…”
If you ask me now if I would have taken an easier path my answer would be no. While luck does play a part, following your purpose takes a strength and dedication that all of us are capable of.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mornell Studios story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the founder and president of Mornell Studios. We offer coaching, ongoing classes, and career counseling among other things. My specialty is changing people’s lives. I work with all performers not just actors, but also athletes, and entertainers as well. My coaching is based on taking the artistic soul and melding it with the athletic frame of mind. Actors often find my method a source of comfort because they can apply it in their work and immediately see results.
In terms of what I am most proud of, I would say the ability and opportunity to hire dynamic women for my team without whom I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. To be honest what sets me apart is that I have created a new effective method for a decades old career path. The Mornell Method is about controlling what little the actor can, our psychology. The process by which we approach auditioning and the entertainment business as a whole.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think we live in a day and age of “insta famous” and that is a dangerous, misleading road for actors and people in general.
I’ve worked with some actors who just happen to be the right type/look, at the right time and that is what launched their careers. When I work with someone whose career has skyrocketed and they are an a**hole, I believe they have forgotten how lucky they are. Personally, I would not say I have been lucky, not ever. This is an incredibly hard path to forge. People have asked what made me so successful early on and my response is “ I always worked harder then anyone else.” Nothing replaces doing the work. I hold myself, and those around me to a higher standard and always have. Those who want to rise to the challenge stick around.
Whether its an athlete looking to change their game or an actor who wants to get to the next level – it takes a willingness to look deeper, take the more difficult path, and work to create transformation.
Pricing:
- In Room Audition Coaching 30 mins $100
- In Room Audition Coaching 55 mins $200
- Self Tape Coaching 30 mins $120
- Self Tape Coaching 55 mins $220
- On Set Coaching $300/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mornellstudios.com
- Email: mornellstudios@gmail.com
- Instagram: @MornellStudios
- Twitter: @SaraMornell
Image Credit:
Tara Gulledge
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