I don't necessarily MIND the holidays. In fact, I think they're a generally good idea. If you remove the rampant commercialism and the holier than thou religious centrism (along with all the ridiculous "Holiday" vs "Christmas" debate) it's a good idea. Once a year, why don't we put all our normal bull#$%^ aside and just be nice to each other for a change? I actually like doing nice things for people, especially the people I care about. I don't always have the sense to get my head out of my own ass all the time, but a nice wreath reminds me to buy that book I know my dad's got his eye on.
It's the shopping I can't stand. The parking, the bumping into people, the clawing for the last item on the shelf, these things make me murderous relatively quickly. I try to do as much as I can online, but this year even THAT managed to piss me off. A major bookseller who isn't Amazon.com has earned my eternal wrath at their stupidity. While I don't hate the U.S. Postal Service, I hate the other people who use them. Generally I like to buy myself a little something as I go along, reward myself for engaging the hordes. Now that it's all over, I can relax.
There is one story that I just had to write down, though. This one's for the books. My family is relatively scattered this year. My parents are at my older sister's place in CA this year. My younger sister was hosting her fiancee's family for Christmas. I opted to spend the morning with my wonderful grandparents who continue to amaze me. I know I won't have half that energy at half their age. For the afternoon I would go to my sister's, I haven't met this group of people that are going to be family soon, and what better time than Christmas?
This is where it gets good.
I get to the house, walk in the side door heading towards the kitchen. Directly in front of me is a crate.
In the crate is a duck.
Yep, a duck. A big white duck that looks ready to sell me insurance. Staring at me. I stopped, cause I was stuck. I was stuck because exactly one thousand and three increasingly hilarious things to say popped into my mind all at once and I realized I could say exactly none of them because there was a house full of people who might be very attached to this duck.
So we looked at each other. It was then I noticed a woman kneeling next to the duck and staring at me as if the sight of a new person in the house was stranger than, say, a duck hanging out in a kitchen. Turns out it's her duck. See, she's something of a bird lady. Bunch of parrots, cockatoos and the like. And, of course, the duck.
She was an absolutely delightful woman and completely understood my duck consternation. The rest of the family was very nice and I had a great time meeting them all.
But every time I turn around, there's the duck, staring at me as if to say, "Well, used to me now?"
From what I learned ducks make very good pets. They have great personalities and don't chew the furniture. this duck also had a jacket. It was actually a dog's jacket witht the sleeves sewn in. To me it looked like a smoking jacket. All it needed was a long stem pipe, a wing-backed chair, and a British accent.
I know this had nothing to do with acting, but I have to remember this shit.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
A Much Needed Kick in the Bottom
Oh, so lazy.
The past couple weeks have felt very stale. I know, I did have the longest work/class week ever, auditioned and won a part in an exceedingly good play, filmed one short movie and auditioned well for another, and then was sick for another week, but I don't really felt like I DID anything. No other auditions in the works. Gotta stay in the game.
Today I forced myself to work on my script. I keep making minor fixes, knowing there's holes but not really seeing any of them. Maybe I should let someone *gasp* read it. Then I can force myself to start on the next one.
I've spent a lot of time reading first timers scripts. You can have a lot of fun reading them here. Some are incredibly good. Some need a little good feedback and they'll be incredibly good. A lot are examples of what not to do. Those are the ones I learn best from. Like a lot of the bad no-budget movies I've ordered off the internet. I love them for their balls, hate their execution, and know deep in my soul that I could make something a million times better with less money. That's what Vince and I are setting out to do.
Whoa, digress. Basically I don't want to be that guy who thinks just because he put something out there he should be rewarded. I'm aiming for something more than passable, which is why I'm so hard on myself. It's also a reason why I DON'T do it more. It seems like such a high point to aim for, sometimes I wonder if I have any business at all trying. (Stupid, I'm aware.)
I still don't know much more about my friend's production, other than that he was cast in a VERY good role. The group has been around for at least the last four or five years, and are non-profit. I've seen several of their productions. Uh, that's all I'll say here. My friend is an excellent performer, and neither desperate for parts nor a moron. Listening to the plans for the production, I can see why he's excited. I thought it odd myself that all these stipulations were being added. I wouldn't agree to it myself, so I think I must have heard it wrong, or heard a wrong interpretation. I'll let you know, blogwatchers.
Oh yeah, Jonathan, thanks for coming. I AM reading your blog, but it's taking a while. Reading through five years of postings is taking longer than a week. Welcome to my blogroll.
This was supposed to be a short post.
The past couple weeks have felt very stale. I know, I did have the longest work/class week ever, auditioned and won a part in an exceedingly good play, filmed one short movie and auditioned well for another, and then was sick for another week, but I don't really felt like I DID anything. No other auditions in the works. Gotta stay in the game.
Today I forced myself to work on my script. I keep making minor fixes, knowing there's holes but not really seeing any of them. Maybe I should let someone *gasp* read it. Then I can force myself to start on the next one.
I've spent a lot of time reading first timers scripts. You can have a lot of fun reading them here. Some are incredibly good. Some need a little good feedback and they'll be incredibly good. A lot are examples of what not to do. Those are the ones I learn best from. Like a lot of the bad no-budget movies I've ordered off the internet. I love them for their balls, hate their execution, and know deep in my soul that I could make something a million times better with less money. That's what Vince and I are setting out to do.
Whoa, digress. Basically I don't want to be that guy who thinks just because he put something out there he should be rewarded. I'm aiming for something more than passable, which is why I'm so hard on myself. It's also a reason why I DON'T do it more. It seems like such a high point to aim for, sometimes I wonder if I have any business at all trying. (Stupid, I'm aware.)
I still don't know much more about my friend's production, other than that he was cast in a VERY good role. The group has been around for at least the last four or five years, and are non-profit. I've seen several of their productions. Uh, that's all I'll say here. My friend is an excellent performer, and neither desperate for parts nor a moron. Listening to the plans for the production, I can see why he's excited. I thought it odd myself that all these stipulations were being added. I wouldn't agree to it myself, so I think I must have heard it wrong, or heard a wrong interpretation. I'll let you know, blogwatchers.
Oh yeah, Jonathan, thanks for coming. I AM reading your blog, but it's taking a while. Reading through five years of postings is taking longer than a week. Welcome to my blogroll.
This was supposed to be a short post.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
The Verdict is In
I got the call yesterday morning about The Crucible. I've been cast as Reverend Hale, the inquisitor sent to Salem to investigate the charges of witchcraft. While I was gunning for John Proctor, the part I've been offered is mighty tasty unto itself. The gentleman cast as the lead looked as if he'll do a fine job in that role. I look forward to working with him.
Still haven't heard anything about last week's film audition. Generally, when a week goes by with no word I consider that my answer, but man, they seemed so positive. I know, I know, that was probably a sure sign I wouldn't get it.
My head cold finally settled into my chest, now I have the most fantastic stuff coming out of me. Lung butter. This is annoying. I could have been out painting the town red. Or out doing something that doesn't suck as much as staying in because you're sick.
I had an interesting conversation with a friend recently, who auditioned for a local musical with a group I have not worked with. He had to sign a contract saying he would be responsible for $300 in ads, or pay it himself, 15 tickets sold by him, and a monetary fine for every rehearsal he was late to. Now, as far as I know, there is no pay involved with this show. I may have been in some shows where they pushed us to sell tickets/ads, but this seems a little overboard. Anyone else ever hear of this?
Still haven't heard anything about last week's film audition. Generally, when a week goes by with no word I consider that my answer, but man, they seemed so positive. I know, I know, that was probably a sure sign I wouldn't get it.
My head cold finally settled into my chest, now I have the most fantastic stuff coming out of me. Lung butter. This is annoying. I could have been out painting the town red. Or out doing something that doesn't suck as much as staying in because you're sick.
I had an interesting conversation with a friend recently, who auditioned for a local musical with a group I have not worked with. He had to sign a contract saying he would be responsible for $300 in ads, or pay it himself, 15 tickets sold by him, and a monetary fine for every rehearsal he was late to. Now, as far as I know, there is no pay involved with this show. I may have been in some shows where they pushed us to sell tickets/ads, but this seems a little overboard. Anyone else ever hear of this?
Friday, December 15, 2006
Someday I'll Breathe Again
I'm never sick this long. Never. I picture my immune system as a 6'4" ripped dude carrying a baseball bat with nails sticking out of it. Named Diesel. I've never bothered to ask if Diesel is his name or the bat's name. Wouldn't be polite. Or safe. (BTW, Diesel came along way before Vin Diesel, so he's got dibs.)
Yesterday I dragged my best friend out to Boston for the premiere of Razor Man, a movie by Keto Shimizu. She directed Threads after this movie. Last night they held a screening at the AMC Loews on the Boston Common. I was really excited to see it. The trailer on the site was what initally convinced me to audition for Threads in the the first place. I also wanted to see what they were able to do with all that 16mm techno-gadgetry they have. I'm more than glad to say it was a success on nearly every level. I never asked about the story or any particulars so I could see it with a fresh eye. The shots were beautiful, the framing was amazing, the story really worked for a short. Not too complex, but not too simple either. It leaves you room to make a lot of your own answers. The actors did a great job. It makes me super excited to see the next batch of flicks, cause I'm in 'em.
Speaking of which, there is a teaser trailer online! The movie I did last week, Cillian, was shot on Canon XL2's with 35mm adapters. You can find it here, under "Selected Works." That's me in the suit.
Other than that, nothing of note has happened. Haven't heard about the film audition I did last week. Won't hear about The Crucible til at least tomorrow.
Yesterday I dragged my best friend out to Boston for the premiere of Razor Man, a movie by Keto Shimizu. She directed Threads after this movie. Last night they held a screening at the AMC Loews on the Boston Common. I was really excited to see it. The trailer on the site was what initally convinced me to audition for Threads in the the first place. I also wanted to see what they were able to do with all that 16mm techno-gadgetry they have. I'm more than glad to say it was a success on nearly every level. I never asked about the story or any particulars so I could see it with a fresh eye. The shots were beautiful, the framing was amazing, the story really worked for a short. Not too complex, but not too simple either. It leaves you room to make a lot of your own answers. The actors did a great job. It makes me super excited to see the next batch of flicks, cause I'm in 'em.
Speaking of which, there is a teaser trailer online! The movie I did last week, Cillian, was shot on Canon XL2's with 35mm adapters. You can find it here, under "Selected Works." That's me in the suit.
Other than that, nothing of note has happened. Haven't heard about the film audition I did last week. Won't hear about The Crucible til at least tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Ladies and gentlemen, just before the finish line...
...he collapses. I woke up this morning sick. Throat lined with sandpaper, head filled with cement. I knew I should have been taking more vitamins this week. I realize I'm so exhausted that my body has decided it's siesta time, but all I needed was one more *&^%ing day.
Grr.
I pumped myself full of cold medicine and made it to callbacks. I felt like I was underwater. Had to force my audition, hate it, but waddayagunnado? According to some folks they never even noticed, so I'm either a very talented actor or I always look like I'm juiced on NyQuil. I suspect the real answer is somewhere between the two.
Canceled my dentist appointment and actually called out of work for tomorrow. I never, ever call out sick.
Meh.
Grr.
I pumped myself full of cold medicine and made it to callbacks. I felt like I was underwater. Had to force my audition, hate it, but waddayagunnado? According to some folks they never even noticed, so I'm either a very talented actor or I always look like I'm juiced on NyQuil. I suspect the real answer is somewhere between the two.
Canceled my dentist appointment and actually called out of work for tomorrow. I never, ever call out sick.
Meh.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Nine out of eleven done
Two more days and I get some laziness in. After I clean my house, which is completely destroyed at this point. I've tracked dirt from both my basement and that warehouse all over the first floor. Piles of unfolded laundry have taken over my living room. Dishes rule my sink, and mail and assorted crap from my car have set up camp on my kitchen table. I do get a bunch of time tomorrow, it's almost like a day off, just a dentist appointment (hate the dentist) and Crucible callbacks tomorrow night. Maybe I should prepare for it but frankly I like winging it as much as I can in auditions.
The last of the weekend shoot went faster than any shoot I've done so far. There were only two shots to get, skeleton crew, so things went incredibly smooth. So smooth, in fact, that I had about six hours off before my next audition. See, Boston's an hour and a half away, so six hours off means I don't go home. Had I known I was going to have that much time off, I might have prepared an exciting day discovering things in Boston I have yet to see, or haven't seen in a while. However, I had no pre-plan for such events, and really didn't have the energy to traipse around town. So I went to breakfast with a few guys from the crew, then went to see Apocalypto. It was...interesting. It certainly wasn't bad. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll be hunting out the DVD.
Hit my audition and it went really well. Apparently my Boston accent is convincing. It looked to me like I was hitting points that jived with the director's vision, which is what we all hope for. Who knows, you can never really tell what they're thinking, right? At least I know I smoked that audition.
Cross your fingers for The Crucible.
I missed seeing The Pick of Destiny in the theaters. I nearly wept. I already have the soundtrack and wanted to see it SO BAD. Curse the gods of movie theaters that are still showing Turistas and turning their backs on the greatest rock gods of all time.
Oh, and personally I have nothin against the use of 'y'all.' I've spent some time in the South, and personally love it. It's beautiful, the food kicks ass, and the farther down you go the friendlier people get, until you hit Florida and the displaced New Englanders. I actually use it in conversation once in a while, just to spice things up. But it really didn't seem to fit here. I'm more of a 'dude' guy.
Later, dudes.
The last of the weekend shoot went faster than any shoot I've done so far. There were only two shots to get, skeleton crew, so things went incredibly smooth. So smooth, in fact, that I had about six hours off before my next audition. See, Boston's an hour and a half away, so six hours off means I don't go home. Had I known I was going to have that much time off, I might have prepared an exciting day discovering things in Boston I have yet to see, or haven't seen in a while. However, I had no pre-plan for such events, and really didn't have the energy to traipse around town. So I went to breakfast with a few guys from the crew, then went to see Apocalypto. It was...interesting. It certainly wasn't bad. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll be hunting out the DVD.
Hit my audition and it went really well. Apparently my Boston accent is convincing. It looked to me like I was hitting points that jived with the director's vision, which is what we all hope for. Who knows, you can never really tell what they're thinking, right? At least I know I smoked that audition.
Cross your fingers for The Crucible.
I missed seeing The Pick of Destiny in the theaters. I nearly wept. I already have the soundtrack and wanted to see it SO BAD. Curse the gods of movie theaters that are still showing Turistas and turning their backs on the greatest rock gods of all time.
Oh, and personally I have nothin against the use of 'y'all.' I've spent some time in the South, and personally love it. It's beautiful, the food kicks ass, and the farther down you go the friendlier people get, until you hit Florida and the displaced New Englanders. I actually use it in conversation once in a while, just to spice things up. But it really didn't seem to fit here. I'm more of a 'dude' guy.
Later, dudes.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Oy
Tired. So tired.
Seven days into hell week and I'm fairly cooked. I survived the 105 hour fiasco to come home to no heat. Said loss of heat made me late for Crucible auditions. At least those went fairly well. I feel like I gave a fairly strong audition and met some really nice folks. I was pleasantly surprised at the caliber of my fellow actors, especially the teenagers. Fingers crossed for callbacks.
Now, it might be a good idea, if you get home at 10:30 and have class at 8:00 in the morning, to NOT have more beer than you think would be wise. I, however, usually fly in the face of all good ideas pertaining to me doing anything smart/sensible. Friday morning was r-o-u-g-h. But I found out I didn't need to be on set Friday night, so I had a glorious evening of watching the last eight episodes of 24:Season 2.
Finished my damn class this morning and made it out to set. In a warehouse. And the wares of this house apparently is dirt. Dirt that gets everywhere. On your cuffs, under your collar. Dirt that gives you those nasty black boog...
Ahem.
Apparently my fuses are so blown from this week I've become dumber than I thought. I could not figure out what we were doing. I looked at the script. I looked at the other actors. I looked at the script. I looked at the director. I thought to myself, "You know these lines, bro. Why are you being so stupid?"
I answered, "Dude, I'm trying. Help me out here."
So I said, "Okay. What can I do?"
"Thanks, man. I love you."
"I love you, too."
It would have been less embarassing if I did that all in my head instead of out loud. Fortunately such behavior is apparently commonplace with this crew.
So I pulled it together and we managed to get a nice shoot done, in a surprisingly short amount of time. I was even able to grab a bite to eat with the rest of the cast. Now I just have to get up at 5am to get back out there.
Night y'all.
(I will never say y'all again in this blog.)
Seven days into hell week and I'm fairly cooked. I survived the 105 hour fiasco to come home to no heat. Said loss of heat made me late for Crucible auditions. At least those went fairly well. I feel like I gave a fairly strong audition and met some really nice folks. I was pleasantly surprised at the caliber of my fellow actors, especially the teenagers. Fingers crossed for callbacks.
Now, it might be a good idea, if you get home at 10:30 and have class at 8:00 in the morning, to NOT have more beer than you think would be wise. I, however, usually fly in the face of all good ideas pertaining to me doing anything smart/sensible. Friday morning was r-o-u-g-h. But I found out I didn't need to be on set Friday night, so I had a glorious evening of watching the last eight episodes of 24:Season 2.
Finished my damn class this morning and made it out to set. In a warehouse. And the wares of this house apparently is dirt. Dirt that gets everywhere. On your cuffs, under your collar. Dirt that gives you those nasty black boog...
Ahem.
Apparently my fuses are so blown from this week I've become dumber than I thought. I could not figure out what we were doing. I looked at the script. I looked at the other actors. I looked at the script. I looked at the director. I thought to myself, "You know these lines, bro. Why are you being so stupid?"
I answered, "Dude, I'm trying. Help me out here."
So I said, "Okay. What can I do?"
"Thanks, man. I love you."
"I love you, too."
It would have been less embarassing if I did that all in my head instead of out loud. Fortunately such behavior is apparently commonplace with this crew.
So I pulled it together and we managed to get a nice shoot done, in a surprisingly short amount of time. I was even able to grab a bite to eat with the rest of the cast. Now I just have to get up at 5am to get back out there.
Night y'all.
(I will never say y'all again in this blog.)
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Sixty hours in...
...about forty-five left to go.
It actually hasn't been too bad. Sunday was uneventful, last night I got to sleep the night through. Tonight looks like it might be the same, but I don't want to say it too much, because then I'll get no sleep at all. Class is hell, way overbooked and uncomfortable. It's already a necessary evil, having to be dealt with every two years, but this is insane. Only four days to go, I guess.
Trying to gear up for two auditions. Need to find funny a comic/dramatic monologue in the vein of Mean Streets. Not my favorite Scorsese. Any hints? Anyone?
In blog news, I came across a link to a website that I thought was really cool. It's a great idea. Power to the people.
http://www.adoptthismovie.com/index.php
I wanted to do more than just post it. What's twenty bucks to me? More important, what's twenty bucks to them? It's no big shakes for me, but if everyone does it, it could be a life changing moment for someone else.
Oh, and if you're in the fast lane, and you're only doing the speed limit, and another car comes up behind you, why wouldn't you move over? I've driven in a lot of areas in this country, and seen a lot of bad driving, but it seems my New Englanders take perverse pleasure in NOT making way for the guy in a hurry.
It actually hasn't been too bad. Sunday was uneventful, last night I got to sleep the night through. Tonight looks like it might be the same, but I don't want to say it too much, because then I'll get no sleep at all. Class is hell, way overbooked and uncomfortable. It's already a necessary evil, having to be dealt with every two years, but this is insane. Only four days to go, I guess.
Trying to gear up for two auditions. Need to find funny a comic/dramatic monologue in the vein of Mean Streets. Not my favorite Scorsese. Any hints? Anyone?
In blog news, I came across a link to a website that I thought was really cool. It's a great idea. Power to the people.
http://www.adoptthismovie.com/index.php
I wanted to do more than just post it. What's twenty bucks to me? More important, what's twenty bucks to them? It's no big shakes for me, but if everyone does it, it could be a life changing moment for someone else.
Oh, and if you're in the fast lane, and you're only doing the speed limit, and another car comes up behind you, why wouldn't you move over? I've driven in a lot of areas in this country, and seen a lot of bad driving, but it seems my New Englanders take perverse pleasure in NOT making way for the guy in a hurry.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Longest week ever
Well, I've managed to not have to post every waking thought for the last couple days. It helps that they had nothing to do with acting.
It looks like next weekend is a go for both filming and audition. I'll be heading out to Boston for Friday and Saturday night followed by what looks to be a very long Sunday. Sometime next Wednesday I'll be able to sleep in my bed for more than four hours. Times like this, I don't even look for the light at the end of the tunnel. I just put my head down and get from one thing to the next.
The exercise regimen is in place. I want to svelte down a little before getting to head shots. I don't consider myself a fatty, but I could stand to lose some belly before I go for them.
Heard from B. They finished shooting everything yesterday for December 31st. Apparently it went much smoother this time around. I'm glad. Hopefully it'll come together fine. Time will tell.
I thought I had something interesting to write about, but whatever it was, it isn't in my head anymore.
It looks like next weekend is a go for both filming and audition. I'll be heading out to Boston for Friday and Saturday night followed by what looks to be a very long Sunday. Sometime next Wednesday I'll be able to sleep in my bed for more than four hours. Times like this, I don't even look for the light at the end of the tunnel. I just put my head down and get from one thing to the next.
The exercise regimen is in place. I want to svelte down a little before getting to head shots. I don't consider myself a fatty, but I could stand to lose some belly before I go for them.
Heard from B. They finished shooting everything yesterday for December 31st. Apparently it went much smoother this time around. I'm glad. Hopefully it'll come together fine. Time will tell.
I thought I had something interesting to write about, but whatever it was, it isn't in my head anymore.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
You see? I AM addicted...
...but I had to put this down because it's ended up being a pretty cool day. I got an e-mail from the director of a short film I did for Emerson recently. Basically I was asked to do a part for another short. Reading the script, it's a great part, really intense, a great chance to showcase my range.
But they're filming it next weekend.
Here's basically my schedule this coming week. I go in to work Sunday morning. Between that and this class I have to take I will see my home for possibly two hours between then and Thursday night. That's about 105 hours straight. Plus classes from 8-5 Friday and Saturday as well. Which means I'd get out of class Friday (hopefully early) for the two hour drive to Boston (one and a half if traffic's good) Plus Sunday. Then go back to work on Monday and Wednesday, and then hopefully sleep sometime before 2007. I sent him what I was working with and he said he should be able to figure it out. Sweet.
Then I remembered.
I'm scheduled for an audition Sunday afternoon. Balls. Balls balls balls balls shit balls. It's in Boston, so it should be close. It shouldn't take long. But doesn't that seem a bit, ah, tight?
But I bet I could do it.
I don't want to cancel the audition. I haven't read the script but:
1) I love the story idea.
2) They seem like they have their sh#t together.
3) Although I have no idea, it seems like some money might come along the way.
4) I've been emailing back and forth with them for a month now, and they seem excited to meet me.
I don't want to refuse the short because:
1) I've worked with these people and I know they're quality.
2) It's a great part.
3) I like them.
4) They seem to like me.
5) A lot of these people will be in L.A. soon enough. (Helloooo, networking!)
So I email back telling him basically how f$cked things are but I'm willing to do it if he is, maybe we can work something out with the audition. I just heard back, he's gonna try to make it work, I'll get a call tomorrow night hopefully.
Then I realized I was planning to audition for The Crucible Sunday night, but let's call that doubtful now. Looks like I'll have to do it Thursday night. The night I was planning a coma.
I know, I know, plenty of people would LOVE to have this kind of quandary, right? I'm not actually complaining, I just don't want to see myself in the mirror on Dec 14th, the first day off I'll have.
But they're filming it next weekend.
Here's basically my schedule this coming week. I go in to work Sunday morning. Between that and this class I have to take I will see my home for possibly two hours between then and Thursday night. That's about 105 hours straight. Plus classes from 8-5 Friday and Saturday as well. Which means I'd get out of class Friday (hopefully early) for the two hour drive to Boston (one and a half if traffic's good) Plus Sunday. Then go back to work on Monday and Wednesday, and then hopefully sleep sometime before 2007. I sent him what I was working with and he said he should be able to figure it out. Sweet.
Then I remembered.
I'm scheduled for an audition Sunday afternoon. Balls. Balls balls balls balls shit balls. It's in Boston, so it should be close. It shouldn't take long. But doesn't that seem a bit, ah, tight?
But I bet I could do it.
I don't want to cancel the audition. I haven't read the script but:
1) I love the story idea.
2) They seem like they have their sh#t together.
3) Although I have no idea, it seems like some money might come along the way.
4) I've been emailing back and forth with them for a month now, and they seem excited to meet me.
I don't want to refuse the short because:
1) I've worked with these people and I know they're quality.
2) It's a great part.
3) I like them.
4) They seem to like me.
5) A lot of these people will be in L.A. soon enough. (Helloooo, networking!)
So I email back telling him basically how f$cked things are but I'm willing to do it if he is, maybe we can work something out with the audition. I just heard back, he's gonna try to make it work, I'll get a call tomorrow night hopefully.
Then I realized I was planning to audition for The Crucible Sunday night, but let's call that doubtful now. Looks like I'll have to do it Thursday night. The night I was planning a coma.
I know, I know, plenty of people would LOVE to have this kind of quandary, right? I'm not actually complaining, I just don't want to see myself in the mirror on Dec 14th, the first day off I'll have.
Now I'm addicted to you, Blogger.
I swore I wouldn't let it happen. The only blog I've stayed faithful to is my sister's because I like to keep up with her life and she's an amazing writer. (Her blog is massively popular in the "mother" blog community.) But I told myself, "Nay, I will not spend hours reading blogs, mouth slack, unshowered, unshaved, convincing myself that this is entry is the last one I will read."
Sigh.
I finished reading Chris blog last night. The good thing about dudes' blogs, they seem to be much shorter. Only took a couple hours. Great blog. Read it.
As if the addiction to reading isn't enough, I now want to blog every other thought that comes into my head. (At least, I did yesterday.) This is probably a byproduct of not having much to do and reading so many blogs I feel I need to catch up on posts. Meh.
I have noticed a common theme in some blogs lately, and I am excited that I now have people to discuss my television obsession with.
Top Chef
Can't get enough of it. Was anyone else ill when they found out there was no new episode last night? I looked it up. They're only airing two more episodes this year. I want to punch Bravo, how dare they do this to me?
I think I don't enjoy this season as much as the first. No, I definitely liked the first season better. For one, most of the contestants were actually likable and were both fairly honorable in how they approached the contest and weren't so eager to stab each other in the back. I cheered when Harold won, I might have cheered more watching Tiffany lose, then cry like the little brat she is. The whole line she gave Harold about "my back just ran into your knife" made me yell at the TV, which I don't do. It's not the TV's fault. Harold had integrity, man. I was also shamelessly heartwarmed during the reunion episode when Stephen showed personal growth and apologized to everyone he'd been an ass to.
This season? Not so much. So many of these chefs seem to want to stay in the middle of the field and not be noticed, while pointing out everyone else's failures. Marcel? Yeah, he's obviously compensating but at least he's going out on the fringe and not making something he's been doing for years. Betty? H-A-T-E her with her death's head rictus of a smile. She's won too much based on her bubbly first impression, but the last couple times watching her I want to throw holy water on her or something, see if it steams. Everybody seems more concerned about complaining about the challenge, other people, etc, and don't get into the task at hand.
I feel so dirty talking about reality television. I should go shower. And shave.
Oh yeah, I heard from Vince this morning, looks like we're on our own with our little project. I kind of prefer it that way.
Sigh.
I finished reading Chris blog last night. The good thing about dudes' blogs, they seem to be much shorter. Only took a couple hours. Great blog. Read it.
As if the addiction to reading isn't enough, I now want to blog every other thought that comes into my head. (At least, I did yesterday.) This is probably a byproduct of not having much to do and reading so many blogs I feel I need to catch up on posts. Meh.
I have noticed a common theme in some blogs lately, and I am excited that I now have people to discuss my television obsession with.
Top Chef
Can't get enough of it. Was anyone else ill when they found out there was no new episode last night? I looked it up. They're only airing two more episodes this year. I want to punch Bravo, how dare they do this to me?
I think I don't enjoy this season as much as the first. No, I definitely liked the first season better. For one, most of the contestants were actually likable and were both fairly honorable in how they approached the contest and weren't so eager to stab each other in the back. I cheered when Harold won, I might have cheered more watching Tiffany lose, then cry like the little brat she is. The whole line she gave Harold about "my back just ran into your knife" made me yell at the TV, which I don't do. It's not the TV's fault. Harold had integrity, man. I was also shamelessly heartwarmed during the reunion episode when Stephen showed personal growth and apologized to everyone he'd been an ass to.
This season? Not so much. So many of these chefs seem to want to stay in the middle of the field and not be noticed, while pointing out everyone else's failures. Marcel? Yeah, he's obviously compensating but at least he's going out on the fringe and not making something he's been doing for years. Betty? H-A-T-E her with her death's head rictus of a smile. She's won too much based on her bubbly first impression, but the last couple times watching her I want to throw holy water on her or something, see if it steams. Everybody seems more concerned about complaining about the challenge, other people, etc, and don't get into the task at hand.
I feel so dirty talking about reality television. I should go shower. And shave.
Oh yeah, I heard from Vince this morning, looks like we're on our own with our little project. I kind of prefer it that way.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
So much to type...so few fingers
So.
Filmed December 31st this weekend. So exhausted from it, physically, mentally, and psychologically that I had to wait to write about it to make sure I didn't do something that would burn bridges.
I want to finish strong with the description of this weekend, so I'll start with the general negatives.
(I just deleted ten minutes of rant 'cause it was way too negative.)
At the last minute, the other male lead canceled. I found out the last day he has a history of doing this. (Which begs the question, why cast him?) The replacement brought in, while trying very hard, had a lot of difficulty with getting his lines down. We ended up with a lot of close ups, there will be much careful editing.
I felt that with the time lost, we should have been even more ultra-efficient in the shoot. (Day one we were supposed to get seven scenes done. We got most of ONE.) Too much time spent wondering what to do next. I really almost lost my temper several times, but realized the only person it would serve was me, and I don't want to create the awkward set. I did get snippy at times, but I was told that it actually worked, 'cause people got their shit in gear after.
The positives. I think if I got one more compliment on the set I would almost start to believe the hype. With the exception of two kids who obviously wanted nothing to do with being on set, every single person gave me several compliments on what I was doing. I think even a chair I was sitting in told me I was doing a good job. I thanked the chair politely, then wondered if I was going to wake up. That's how surreal this shoot went.
The two of us who were the originals were given free reign to massage the script as we saw necessary, which was good. We were free to improv as much as we liked, and it was good. My character really didn't get too many *oomph* moments that actors looked for, so it's really nice when you can fill in your own spots and work in the moment like that.
The set photographer was a wonderful man who understood lighting and continuity more so than I think anyone else on set and he spent plenty of time fixing some errors that would have been too glaring. He also took tons of amazing pictures, that I hope to have soon.
Absolutely the best thing on this shoot was meeting my co-actor B. She is The Shit. (There is a long list of people on my list of The Shit, and you should all be proud of it. It's a very good list to be on, in my opinion. And since the list is all about my opinion, I deem it good.) She is a wonderful, intelligent, creative, funny, gorgeous, and awesome actor, person, and friend. If she had not been there I most likely would have lost my mind. She was very easy to work with and a lot of fun to shoot with. We became "brothers-in-arms" in taking care of each other. We kept each other laughing, which was totally necessary for those three days.
So on my way home Sunday I call my best friend (I actually have four best friends but can in no way fairly determine one's Best-Friendness over another, so I refer to them all as my best friend. If future posts get confusing, sorry.) and tell him that We Need Beers. So we meet at our local watering hole and proceed to drink from 7:30 until 1:00. It was a wonderful de-stresser but made for a pretty crappy day of work the next day.
Had a long chat with my friend Vince last night. He has some great plans and I'm really incredibly psyched to have been asked to be a part of it. I don't want to talk about it too much, because it excites me so much I'm afraid talking too much will make it dry up and go away.
Considering some classes, just for the fun of it. Anyone know of any good ones?
My work life next week will completely suck. No doubt. I don't even want to think about it. I basically won't see my house for five days. I like my house. At least once it's all over I won't have to worry about it for a long time.
And we have a new entry on the blog list. Magickat. Her blog is also The Shit. I have laughed my head off reading her blog. If ever I meet her I will buy her martinis. Or whatever she drinks.
Filmed December 31st this weekend. So exhausted from it, physically, mentally, and psychologically that I had to wait to write about it to make sure I didn't do something that would burn bridges.
I want to finish strong with the description of this weekend, so I'll start with the general negatives.
(I just deleted ten minutes of rant 'cause it was way too negative.)
At the last minute, the other male lead canceled. I found out the last day he has a history of doing this. (Which begs the question, why cast him?) The replacement brought in, while trying very hard, had a lot of difficulty with getting his lines down. We ended up with a lot of close ups, there will be much careful editing.
I felt that with the time lost, we should have been even more ultra-efficient in the shoot. (Day one we were supposed to get seven scenes done. We got most of ONE.) Too much time spent wondering what to do next. I really almost lost my temper several times, but realized the only person it would serve was me, and I don't want to create the awkward set. I did get snippy at times, but I was told that it actually worked, 'cause people got their shit in gear after.
The positives. I think if I got one more compliment on the set I would almost start to believe the hype. With the exception of two kids who obviously wanted nothing to do with being on set, every single person gave me several compliments on what I was doing. I think even a chair I was sitting in told me I was doing a good job. I thanked the chair politely, then wondered if I was going to wake up. That's how surreal this shoot went.
The two of us who were the originals were given free reign to massage the script as we saw necessary, which was good. We were free to improv as much as we liked, and it was good. My character really didn't get too many *oomph* moments that actors looked for, so it's really nice when you can fill in your own spots and work in the moment like that.
The set photographer was a wonderful man who understood lighting and continuity more so than I think anyone else on set and he spent plenty of time fixing some errors that would have been too glaring. He also took tons of amazing pictures, that I hope to have soon.
Absolutely the best thing on this shoot was meeting my co-actor B. She is The Shit. (There is a long list of people on my list of The Shit, and you should all be proud of it. It's a very good list to be on, in my opinion. And since the list is all about my opinion, I deem it good.) She is a wonderful, intelligent, creative, funny, gorgeous, and awesome actor, person, and friend. If she had not been there I most likely would have lost my mind. She was very easy to work with and a lot of fun to shoot with. We became "brothers-in-arms" in taking care of each other. We kept each other laughing, which was totally necessary for those three days.
So on my way home Sunday I call my best friend (I actually have four best friends but can in no way fairly determine one's Best-Friendness over another, so I refer to them all as my best friend. If future posts get confusing, sorry.) and tell him that We Need Beers. So we meet at our local watering hole and proceed to drink from 7:30 until 1:00. It was a wonderful de-stresser but made for a pretty crappy day of work the next day.
Had a long chat with my friend Vince last night. He has some great plans and I'm really incredibly psyched to have been asked to be a part of it. I don't want to talk about it too much, because it excites me so much I'm afraid talking too much will make it dry up and go away.
Considering some classes, just for the fun of it. Anyone know of any good ones?
My work life next week will completely suck. No doubt. I don't even want to think about it. I basically won't see my house for five days. I like my house. At least once it's all over I won't have to worry about it for a long time.
And we have a new entry on the blog list. Magickat. Her blog is also The Shit. I have laughed my head off reading her blog. If ever I meet her I will buy her martinis. Or whatever she drinks.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
The hunt for readers...
...cause after all, why blog if no one reads? (If a tree falls in the forest...you get the idea.)
I must link. I've found so many freaking blogs out there that I'm trying to attack them one at a time, and I'm drowning. You see, when I find a blog I want to read, I immediately start at the beginning. I must read it from beginning to end, and some of you blog prodigiously. I have spent a week or more on some, no matter how much I try to cram them in. Also, every time I see a link to someone else's blog, I have to look at that one too, and flag it for reading.
So I will now put up the blogs as I complete reading them. Let the circle of blogs continue.
Had a great Thanksgiving. Most of my family lives about an hour and a half away, so I see them rarely. My grandparents loved hearing my recent movie tales, and my father has promised to be one of the guys for me if ever I need my own Entourage. For those of you out there who don't know my father, a statement like that would make milk shoot out your nose. If you were drinking milk.
Tomorrow I have to be up at the @ss crack to drive north of Boston for December 31st. Good to shoot again. Not so good to get up early.
Blogs completed:
Donald Foley - An Actor's Journey
My Shining Palace: An Acting Journal
I must link. I've found so many freaking blogs out there that I'm trying to attack them one at a time, and I'm drowning. You see, when I find a blog I want to read, I immediately start at the beginning. I must read it from beginning to end, and some of you blog prodigiously. I have spent a week or more on some, no matter how much I try to cram them in. Also, every time I see a link to someone else's blog, I have to look at that one too, and flag it for reading.
So I will now put up the blogs as I complete reading them. Let the circle of blogs continue.
Had a great Thanksgiving. Most of my family lives about an hour and a half away, so I see them rarely. My grandparents loved hearing my recent movie tales, and my father has promised to be one of the guys for me if ever I need my own Entourage. For those of you out there who don't know my father, a statement like that would make milk shoot out your nose. If you were drinking milk.
Tomorrow I have to be up at the @ss crack to drive north of Boston for December 31st. Good to shoot again. Not so good to get up early.
Blogs completed:
Donald Foley - An Actor's Journey
My Shining Palace: An Acting Journal
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Oh yeah...
Auditions for The Crucible are coming soon. Psyched. I read the script for the first time recently and...yeah. If you've read it, you know. Amazing. It's community theater, but I really like the director, she's always put out quality stuff, and she sounded pretty excited when I told her I was auditioning. It'll be nice to get back to the theater. (I say 'get back' when the last theater I did was in September. FEELS like it's been forever.)
I've never seen the movie, and I hesitate to. Readers? Opinions? I think it'll bring down the play I'm seeing in my head, and I don't want that. (Oh yeah, I need more readers...)
NOTE: I am NOT a purist about not seeing movies, taped performances, etc., for a show I'm about to do. Seriously, if you think that will make you unable to be creative, stifle you somehow, you're already worse off than you think. I just heard the movie of this script isn't worth the effort.
Also, the same day I'll be auditioning for this, I have to be out in Boston for another movie audition. It sounds promising, but I don't want to curse it by talking too much about it.
I've never seen the movie, and I hesitate to. Readers? Opinions? I think it'll bring down the play I'm seeing in my head, and I don't want that. (Oh yeah, I need more readers...)
NOTE: I am NOT a purist about not seeing movies, taped performances, etc., for a show I'm about to do. Seriously, if you think that will make you unable to be creative, stifle you somehow, you're already worse off than you think. I just heard the movie of this script isn't worth the effort.
Also, the same day I'll be auditioning for this, I have to be out in Boston for another movie audition. It sounds promising, but I don't want to curse it by talking too much about it.
The Apostle
Just watched The Apostle and I was...I don't know. Thunderstruck. Every time I watch Robert Duvall I realize he's an amazing performer. Watching the featurette after I was awed by his ability to transform himself. It wasn't makeup, it certainly wasn't hair.
What I kept realizing every time I had to pause the movie was that I was forgetting it was Robert Duvall. He plays the apostle with such humanity and reality that it's easy to forget it's a performance you're watching. I'm certainly no Bible-Belter, nor really religious, but this movie is a must see. (Thanks, Netflix)
Man.
The day after tomorrow I'll be on set for December 31st. Long week.
What I kept realizing every time I had to pause the movie was that I was forgetting it was Robert Duvall. He plays the apostle with such humanity and reality that it's easy to forget it's a performance you're watching. I'm certainly no Bible-Belter, nor really religious, but this movie is a must see. (Thanks, Netflix)
Man.
The day after tomorrow I'll be on set for December 31st. Long week.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Some news and pics...
I had the first read through of the new picture with BWay7 Productions on Thursday night. The film, December 31st, is a catch-the-killer suspense movie with a love triangle. The cast I've met are eager and excited to get going on it. We shoot next weekend. Also, it's going to be showing at the Boston International Film Festival. That's great news. Exposure like that you can't buy.
I heard from Keto, the director of Threads the other day. It was a really nice email she sent. This is some of what she had to say (hope this is ok, Keto)
the footage is in! the footage is in!and wow. you guys totally blow the screen away. even without the sound, just the film, my professor was like "your actors are incredible." and i agree. you guys say so much without even opening your mouths. not many actors can do that. so thank you, darling. seriously, with all that you put up with, you still gave us everything you could and it shows.
That was incredible to hear. I never really knew how it was going to come out. Not because of the crew, I never had any doubt it would be beautiful, I was worried about my performance. Not only was this script heavy with a capital H, this was my first experience shooting with such a large crew, and everything I'd heard about Emerson was about their professionalism. I didn't want to disappoint. I knew they enjoyed my presence on the set, I'm easy to get along
with. I just hoped that I was giving them what they needed.
Here's the contraption they built on the car for the night shoot. There were three other people crammed in there. (Two in the way back. How many of you out there remember sitting in the way back?)
You can almost see me...
For some reason, the other ones I want to post won't go up.
I heard from Keto, the director of Threads the other day. It was a really nice email she sent. This is some of what she had to say (hope this is ok, Keto)
the footage is in! the footage is in!and wow. you guys totally blow the screen away. even without the sound, just the film, my professor was like "your actors are incredible." and i agree. you guys say so much without even opening your mouths. not many actors can do that. so thank you, darling. seriously, with all that you put up with, you still gave us everything you could and it shows.
That was incredible to hear. I never really knew how it was going to come out. Not because of the crew, I never had any doubt it would be beautiful, I was worried about my performance. Not only was this script heavy with a capital H, this was my first experience shooting with such a large crew, and everything I'd heard about Emerson was about their professionalism. I didn't want to disappoint. I knew they enjoyed my presence on the set, I'm easy to get along
with. I just hoped that I was giving them what they needed.
Here's the contraption they built on the car for the night shoot. There were three other people crammed in there. (Two in the way back. How many of you out there remember sitting in the way back?)
You can almost see me...
For some reason, the other ones I want to post won't go up.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
There's a bunch of things I've been pondering lately. Number one is head shots. There's no way around them really. My friend Sharon was starting to give me advice about how many looks I needed and my head started to spin. As much as I know I need them, it is pretty hilarious when I walk in to an audition and I have no head shot, no resume, hell, I didn't even bring a PEN and then I end up getting the call. Of course, sending out headshots to casting agencies is a big step in getting bigger auditions. I know I have to do it, I just hate getting pictures taken.
My friend Vince has been very busy with his company. He took me on to do some commercials locally and we've since become friends. He wants me to take more of an active role in doing some films with him, be it writing, casting, or possibly directing in some status. I think it's great that he's come as far as he has to this point, it's really motivating to see someone else's success, especially with such a great group of guys. It's also great to be asked to have that kind of involvement. I'm really excited to see what comes out of it.
I finished my first screenplay! I actually finished it about six weeks ago but it's far from DONE done. There's a ton of editing to do, and I cringe every time I read it. Oh well, it's a start right?
My friend Vince has been very busy with his company. He took me on to do some commercials locally and we've since become friends. He wants me to take more of an active role in doing some films with him, be it writing, casting, or possibly directing in some status. I think it's great that he's come as far as he has to this point, it's really motivating to see someone else's success, especially with such a great group of guys. It's also great to be asked to have that kind of involvement. I'm really excited to see what comes out of it.
I finished my first screenplay! I actually finished it about six weeks ago but it's far from DONE done. There's a ton of editing to do, and I cringe every time I read it. Oh well, it's a start right?
Threads Journal
Here it is, finally typed out. Forgive it for being long winded. I didn't know what to leave out.
10/5 Thursday
I’ve been sick basically since I got back from Boston last week. Not super sick, cold sick. It’s annoying and I know it’s really going to be a pain once we get into the shoot. I’ve been eating well and taking my vitamins and zincing myself silly, except for work I’ve barely left my house, why am I still sick?
Packed like a madman this afternoon. For this trip, I decided to use some good, sound reasoning. I am very rarely, if ever, a person who leaves in time to arrive at where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there. By normal logic, if I have a three hour drive (I do) I should have prepared my journey to begin so I leave with at least three hours allotted for driving plus pit stops. The person I am, however, will begin madly throwing crap into suitcases fifteen minutes before this time begins. Obviously, I will have forgotten stuff, and will need to return to the house at least five times. I will also forget that I need to fill my tank, and I need shampoo, making my departure time even later. Here it is in equation form:
If T(theoretical) = Departure time necessary to arrive at location on time
And p=actual time to begin packing for trip (p=T(theoretical)-15 minutes)
And p(t)= time needed to pack (p(t) = 25 minutes)
And f = forgotten item(s) necessitating mad dash back into house (f=5 minutes)
And g = gas fill time (twenty minutes including coffee, taurine drink, water, gum)
And T(actual) = actual departure time
Must arrive in Vermont by 8:30, therefore, must live at least by 5:30, so normally:
T(theoretical)= 5:30, solve for T(actual)
P+ p(t)+(fx5)+g=T(actual)
So..
5:15+:25+(:25)+:20=6:25
What I did was tell myself I had to leave by four, and was on the road by five.
Wow, is the place out there. It was dark when I got in, there was a skeleton crew there already. The first shots tonight were my characters wife noodling in her office, so I had precisely nothing to do. Now, this house is like a giant Waldo picture. Stare at any one spot and you’ll find incredibly interesting things to explore. And this house is inhabited by this wonderful woman named Suzanne, who quickly became the Magical Elf of the house. Nothing she couldn’t find, and something was always on the stove.
When the truck full of equipment arrived I found myself n the peculiar position of being told to do nothing while everyone unloads the truck. Well, I’m not that kind of guy, so I marched myself
up to the truck and began pulling stuff off, much to everyone’s apparent consternation.
Apparently they deal with a lot of difficult actors under the best of circumstances, and they were waiting for me to have my freak out. Well, I fooled them!
Much later in the evening we filmed all of the bedroom scenes. Michele, who plays my wife, was great sport for crawling into bed with me. We had a lot of fun…not that kind of fun. This was me waking up terrified and her sleeping away. I know now why actors say it’s tough to do love scenes on set. With ten different people shoved up in the room the mood is anything but sexy.
The final shot of the night was carrying my dead wife and putting her back in bed, then we were off to clean up the insanely sticky blood product we were using and finally to bed. We finally hit lights out sometime around 5:30 am.
10/6 Friday
I thought we were starting the shoot at 4:30, so waking up at 11:00 was kind of excessively early, but hey, I’m that kind of guy. Not a whole hell of a lot for me to do. We were still waiting for the rest of the crew and equipment to show up. Ashton, the production designer, spent most of the day finishing his tree. In the great room he built this insane tree out of Styrofoam and joint compound. Today he walked the woods and came back with the branches he needed to finish decorating. I had a good run, then needed to venture out to find shaving cream and a razor, which is one of the things I forgot to pack, of course. This was a bad idea. Who knew there’d be traffic IN VERMONT? Yes, folks, apparently when there’s road work to be done they shut the road down to one lane and EVERYONE IN THE AREA comes by to look.
While I was gone some of the guys were setting up for tonight’s shoot, a car scene. This particular scene has gone through about three revisions, and this was something the crew was excited for, basically to see if they could pull off what they were looking for. They spent about three hours MacGyvering this contraption to set lights up on the top of the car I’d be driving.
The basic premise being that I would be driving this car with the crew in a pickup truck right in front of me. But that’s not the tricky part. The tricky part is that we’d be connected by a power cord to the generator sitting in the back of the pickup truck. And I could only be about four feet from them. And I had to have my headlights off.
After an hour or so of all the vehicles involved (three) driving around looking for an open gas station (Montpelier, ten miles away) we went off to our location, a quiet street on some campus of a college I’ve never heard of. Final setup took about an hour, and then we…well…tried to get the shot. I’m driving an automatic with a sticky gas pedal, Pat (the other driver) is in a standard pickup truck and the whole shot has to be going uphill, so maintaining proper distance was pretty tough, if not impossible. Keto’s in the back seat, cause she’s playing Daniel, one of the demi-god figures in this flick. Oh, and Tyler and Nicholson are squished into the back in the cargo area, running the lights attached to the top of the car. Very intimate for them. This was a long shoot with a lot of setup between takes, so everyone in my car was treatd to some of my personal favorite off color jokes to keep the mood light.
Oh, by the way, it is FREEZING out this night.
Four hours go by and the crew decides that the best way to shoot this would really be stationary, so back to the house we go. On that location there were only about twelve of us, everyone was back at the house. Here’s what amazed me. The whole time I’ve been sitting in a nice warm car most of the crew has been in the back of a moving pickup. Who gets the first coffee? Yeah, you guessed it. Hey, I like getting the royal treatment but man, those guys looked cold. For the rest of the night we basically shoot until dawn with a couple pick up shots.
10/7 Saturday
I wake up knowing already today’s going to be loooooong. We have the whole opening dream sequence to be shot at a high school during the day, and a big party scene for tonight. The cast hits the high school around 1:00. It’s fairly easy for us, pretty much standing and staring at each other. This movie has very little dialogue, it’s very visual. I’ve realized that most of this movie has me breathing heavy for most of my shots. Funny. There was a shot with Gray where we’re almost completely nose to nose. It would almost have been touching, if we could have stopped giggling at each other. Still, we finished about an hour behind schedule.
(Oh yeah, for lunch Suzanne brought us these completely amazing wonderful sandwiches and baby carrots and apple slices. I wanted to bring a clone of her home.)
We get back and there’s a ton of people for the party scene, including the singers for part of the soundtrack. Most of this for me was blessedly quick. Our two other main characters played by Todd and Kristi were also on set for tonight. Once again, it was a very late night. After the party scene was wrapped for the night the crew got this huge second wind that became really infectious. There were a few outside shots that were great fun for all involved. By this time it was getting on to 3 a.m. the second wind had begun to crash, but there was still more stuff to be done. I think we finished up around 5:30.
10/8 Sunday
This is it. The last night. I’m excited to be done, but I don’t really want to go back to, like, work or anything. A lot of tonight is finishing up inserts we didn’t get last night during the party sequence. Some parts were pretty disjointed. There was a good scene in the upstairs hall that went really well. My favorite moment was a small break in the shooting when I was with the camera crew on the stairs. Out of the blue I asked, “So, you guys got anything else coming up? I’m available."
Adam, “You wanna be a demon in my movie?”
Justin, into the radio, “Nico, you wanna get Kevin a copy of Writer’s Block?”
Elie, “We got four or five things coming up I know about…”
Nice to know I’m wanted.
We were definitely pushing it to get through the night. The last few shots were definitely pushing it. The second to last shot I had to find my dead wife, pick her up from the ground and carry her off frame. The problem was there were these loose sheets of satiny stuff on the floor, which are slippery. We took it twice, and twice Michelle and I almost ate it.
The final shot was of my hand pulling out a knife from a drawer. This was totally shotgunned, only three or four of us were there to do it. The sun was starting to come up over the horizon and finally we finished. Then the massive packing. The debate was whether to stay or make the three hour drive home. I opted along with most people in bailing.
Of course, the truck they used was dead. There was much hilarity (when I say much I mean NONE) when they attempted to jump the truck with my Jeep. That wasn’t working so we’re trying to find the starter, the solenoid, when finally I think, “hey, my Jeep’s had a ton of electrical issues, maybe we should switch cars.” As soon as we did, it started right up. This was the basis for my decision to get rid of that vehicle.
I made the drive in only a few hours. My bed was never more inviting.
All things considered it was an exhausting but really fun weekend. I learned a lot about working on film, and learned that a little bit of understanding and work ethic go a long way with the crew.
10/5 Thursday
I’ve been sick basically since I got back from Boston last week. Not super sick, cold sick. It’s annoying and I know it’s really going to be a pain once we get into the shoot. I’ve been eating well and taking my vitamins and zincing myself silly, except for work I’ve barely left my house, why am I still sick?
Packed like a madman this afternoon. For this trip, I decided to use some good, sound reasoning. I am very rarely, if ever, a person who leaves in time to arrive at where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there. By normal logic, if I have a three hour drive (I do) I should have prepared my journey to begin so I leave with at least three hours allotted for driving plus pit stops. The person I am, however, will begin madly throwing crap into suitcases fifteen minutes before this time begins. Obviously, I will have forgotten stuff, and will need to return to the house at least five times. I will also forget that I need to fill my tank, and I need shampoo, making my departure time even later. Here it is in equation form:
If T(theoretical) = Departure time necessary to arrive at location on time
And p=actual time to begin packing for trip (p=T(theoretical)-15 minutes)
And p(t)= time needed to pack (p(t) = 25 minutes)
And f = forgotten item(s) necessitating mad dash back into house (f=5 minutes)
And g = gas fill time (twenty minutes including coffee, taurine drink, water, gum)
And T(actual) = actual departure time
Must arrive in Vermont by 8:30, therefore, must live at least by 5:30, so normally:
T(theoretical)= 5:30, solve for T(actual)
P+ p(t)+(fx5)+g=T(actual)
So..
5:15+:25+(:25)+:20=6:25
What I did was tell myself I had to leave by four, and was on the road by five.
Wow, is the place out there. It was dark when I got in, there was a skeleton crew there already. The first shots tonight were my characters wife noodling in her office, so I had precisely nothing to do. Now, this house is like a giant Waldo picture. Stare at any one spot and you’ll find incredibly interesting things to explore. And this house is inhabited by this wonderful woman named Suzanne, who quickly became the Magical Elf of the house. Nothing she couldn’t find, and something was always on the stove.
When the truck full of equipment arrived I found myself n the peculiar position of being told to do nothing while everyone unloads the truck. Well, I’m not that kind of guy, so I marched myself
up to the truck and began pulling stuff off, much to everyone’s apparent consternation.
Apparently they deal with a lot of difficult actors under the best of circumstances, and they were waiting for me to have my freak out. Well, I fooled them!
Much later in the evening we filmed all of the bedroom scenes. Michele, who plays my wife, was great sport for crawling into bed with me. We had a lot of fun…not that kind of fun. This was me waking up terrified and her sleeping away. I know now why actors say it’s tough to do love scenes on set. With ten different people shoved up in the room the mood is anything but sexy.
The final shot of the night was carrying my dead wife and putting her back in bed, then we were off to clean up the insanely sticky blood product we were using and finally to bed. We finally hit lights out sometime around 5:30 am.
10/6 Friday
I thought we were starting the shoot at 4:30, so waking up at 11:00 was kind of excessively early, but hey, I’m that kind of guy. Not a whole hell of a lot for me to do. We were still waiting for the rest of the crew and equipment to show up. Ashton, the production designer, spent most of the day finishing his tree. In the great room he built this insane tree out of Styrofoam and joint compound. Today he walked the woods and came back with the branches he needed to finish decorating. I had a good run, then needed to venture out to find shaving cream and a razor, which is one of the things I forgot to pack, of course. This was a bad idea. Who knew there’d be traffic IN VERMONT? Yes, folks, apparently when there’s road work to be done they shut the road down to one lane and EVERYONE IN THE AREA comes by to look.
While I was gone some of the guys were setting up for tonight’s shoot, a car scene. This particular scene has gone through about three revisions, and this was something the crew was excited for, basically to see if they could pull off what they were looking for. They spent about three hours MacGyvering this contraption to set lights up on the top of the car I’d be driving.
The basic premise being that I would be driving this car with the crew in a pickup truck right in front of me. But that’s not the tricky part. The tricky part is that we’d be connected by a power cord to the generator sitting in the back of the pickup truck. And I could only be about four feet from them. And I had to have my headlights off.
After an hour or so of all the vehicles involved (three) driving around looking for an open gas station (Montpelier, ten miles away) we went off to our location, a quiet street on some campus of a college I’ve never heard of. Final setup took about an hour, and then we…well…tried to get the shot. I’m driving an automatic with a sticky gas pedal, Pat (the other driver) is in a standard pickup truck and the whole shot has to be going uphill, so maintaining proper distance was pretty tough, if not impossible. Keto’s in the back seat, cause she’s playing Daniel, one of the demi-god figures in this flick. Oh, and Tyler and Nicholson are squished into the back in the cargo area, running the lights attached to the top of the car. Very intimate for them. This was a long shoot with a lot of setup between takes, so everyone in my car was treatd to some of my personal favorite off color jokes to keep the mood light.
Oh, by the way, it is FREEZING out this night.
Four hours go by and the crew decides that the best way to shoot this would really be stationary, so back to the house we go. On that location there were only about twelve of us, everyone was back at the house. Here’s what amazed me. The whole time I’ve been sitting in a nice warm car most of the crew has been in the back of a moving pickup. Who gets the first coffee? Yeah, you guessed it. Hey, I like getting the royal treatment but man, those guys looked cold. For the rest of the night we basically shoot until dawn with a couple pick up shots.
10/7 Saturday
I wake up knowing already today’s going to be loooooong. We have the whole opening dream sequence to be shot at a high school during the day, and a big party scene for tonight. The cast hits the high school around 1:00. It’s fairly easy for us, pretty much standing and staring at each other. This movie has very little dialogue, it’s very visual. I’ve realized that most of this movie has me breathing heavy for most of my shots. Funny. There was a shot with Gray where we’re almost completely nose to nose. It would almost have been touching, if we could have stopped giggling at each other. Still, we finished about an hour behind schedule.
(Oh yeah, for lunch Suzanne brought us these completely amazing wonderful sandwiches and baby carrots and apple slices. I wanted to bring a clone of her home.)
We get back and there’s a ton of people for the party scene, including the singers for part of the soundtrack. Most of this for me was blessedly quick. Our two other main characters played by Todd and Kristi were also on set for tonight. Once again, it was a very late night. After the party scene was wrapped for the night the crew got this huge second wind that became really infectious. There were a few outside shots that were great fun for all involved. By this time it was getting on to 3 a.m. the second wind had begun to crash, but there was still more stuff to be done. I think we finished up around 5:30.
10/8 Sunday
This is it. The last night. I’m excited to be done, but I don’t really want to go back to, like, work or anything. A lot of tonight is finishing up inserts we didn’t get last night during the party sequence. Some parts were pretty disjointed. There was a good scene in the upstairs hall that went really well. My favorite moment was a small break in the shooting when I was with the camera crew on the stairs. Out of the blue I asked, “So, you guys got anything else coming up? I’m available."
Adam, “You wanna be a demon in my movie?”
Justin, into the radio, “Nico, you wanna get Kevin a copy of Writer’s Block?”
Elie, “We got four or five things coming up I know about…”
Nice to know I’m wanted.
We were definitely pushing it to get through the night. The last few shots were definitely pushing it. The second to last shot I had to find my dead wife, pick her up from the ground and carry her off frame. The problem was there were these loose sheets of satiny stuff on the floor, which are slippery. We took it twice, and twice Michelle and I almost ate it.
The final shot was of my hand pulling out a knife from a drawer. This was totally shotgunned, only three or four of us were there to do it. The sun was starting to come up over the horizon and finally we finished. Then the massive packing. The debate was whether to stay or make the three hour drive home. I opted along with most people in bailing.
Of course, the truck they used was dead. There was much hilarity (when I say much I mean NONE) when they attempted to jump the truck with my Jeep. That wasn’t working so we’re trying to find the starter, the solenoid, when finally I think, “hey, my Jeep’s had a ton of electrical issues, maybe we should switch cars.” As soon as we did, it started right up. This was the basis for my decision to get rid of that vehicle.
I made the drive in only a few hours. My bed was never more inviting.
All things considered it was an exhausting but really fun weekend. I learned a lot about working on film, and learned that a little bit of understanding and work ethic go a long way with the crew.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Holy shiitake
I almost completely forgot to blog anything in the past month. Honestly, so much has been happening that I feel I've barely had the time. Things have been moving well in the acting circle for me, it seems.
I really do plan to post my second weekend's adventures on Threads very soon. It'll help because there's a lot of details I can skip on subsequent shoots.
Speaking of subsequent shoots...
October 21
The Hop was pretty much a marathon. It's basically a Grease style high school piece, set in the 50's. My role was the comic principal. I arrived in the Cape at 4 in the afternoon, knowing it was gonna be another long night. Most of the crew had no idea I would be back, so it was nice seeing the pleasant look of surprise and getting the hugs and handshakes. Much better than getting an "oh, you again" kind of greeting. For this one we had a high school gym f0r basically twenty-four hours. And we used all of them. It was funny to watch the reactions to my stuff. Threads had been so serious, I guess they weren't expecting the rock-em-sock-em hilarity that happens when I bring the funny. Completely loopy by the end of the shoot, I got home at 10:30 the next night to close a bar with my old college roommate Neal.
November 10
This past weekend I shot a scene for Writer's Block, the last of the Emerson films I was involved in. Easily the fastest shoot I'd done with these guys (perfection takes time, folks) it was a pleasure to shoot, and great fun working with Troy, the lead of the movie. The most poignant moment for me was the end of the shoot. They have a tradition, I don't know if everyone does it. When an actor has finished his/her last shot the AD calls for attention and announces that it's a wrap for said actor, followed by a heartfelt round of applause from cast and crew. With both Threads and The Hop I was in the very last shot, when everyone is desperately packing and trying to get off location, which meant a perfunctory "hooray" and they were off to packing again. (That wasn't a complaint. We all wanted to get the hell out.) This time I finished first and they brought everyone in and the AD Lucinda (angel) announced that I was wrapped for (in her words) the semester. There was a huge, long round of applause and the rest of the night there was a lot of hugs and hand shaking. I'm gonna miss those guys, and I feel like I'm gonna be missed.
Oh yeah, Keto's first film Razor Man, was accepted to the NY Film and Video Festival. The trailer's on her website here. Congrats to everyone who worked on it!
Yesterday
I took the morning off from work. I knew it would be a longish night on Writer's Block and there was another audition I wanted to hit in Boston. This was for a group that organizes the Boston International Film Festival. I hoped for big things. They wanted a monologue. Blechh. I have none in my arsenal, so earlier this week I bought a couple monologue collections and assiduously avoided reading them until the last minute. I must have read two hundred before finally gettting one I felt comfortable with. Funny, it took me about half an hour to have it committed to memory. I have a talent for getting off book quickly, in fact, I think I get cast in some plays simply because they know I'll have it in my head faster, but that was just silly. Anywho, I get to the office and there's a row of chiseled, perfect looking people studying lines. (Someday soon I'll have pictures up but those of you who don't know me, I'm far from perfect.) Everyone's got a head shot (I have none yet, subject for a later post) and a resume. I don't even have a pen. I can do nothing but laugh at myself in these moments. I sit and wait, hearing monologues that are raging, wailing, heartfelt. Loud.
My turn comes.
I'm usually pretty cool when it comes to auditions. I mean, everyone's nervous, but I got a handle on it. Done it a million times, I'm used to both rejection and acceptance. Even when I'm shaking on the inside you'd never know it cause I am locked down on the outside.
Not today.
For some reason (maybe all the gorgeous people in the hall) I couldn't get the tremor out of my voice and my hands wouldn't stop shaking. Usually I use that if I can't get rid of it. Use it as an emotional tell, make it fit into my performance. The problem is the monologue I picked was pretty understated. I wanted to emote without placing a big red bow on it. I wanted it to be opaque, subtle, the insecurities of the character not easily seen. Except I was a ball of nerves. I delivered it, thanked them, and walked out thinking, "another wasted trip."
Four hours later I got the call. I'm in! While I haven't read the script yet it's apparently a key role. We'll see this week. Goes to show, you never can tell.
I really do plan to post my second weekend's adventures on Threads very soon. It'll help because there's a lot of details I can skip on subsequent shoots.
Speaking of subsequent shoots...
October 21
The Hop was pretty much a marathon. It's basically a Grease style high school piece, set in the 50's. My role was the comic principal. I arrived in the Cape at 4 in the afternoon, knowing it was gonna be another long night. Most of the crew had no idea I would be back, so it was nice seeing the pleasant look of surprise and getting the hugs and handshakes. Much better than getting an "oh, you again" kind of greeting. For this one we had a high school gym f0r basically twenty-four hours. And we used all of them. It was funny to watch the reactions to my stuff. Threads had been so serious, I guess they weren't expecting the rock-em-sock-em hilarity that happens when I bring the funny. Completely loopy by the end of the shoot, I got home at 10:30 the next night to close a bar with my old college roommate Neal.
November 10
This past weekend I shot a scene for Writer's Block, the last of the Emerson films I was involved in. Easily the fastest shoot I'd done with these guys (perfection takes time, folks) it was a pleasure to shoot, and great fun working with Troy, the lead of the movie. The most poignant moment for me was the end of the shoot. They have a tradition, I don't know if everyone does it. When an actor has finished his/her last shot the AD calls for attention and announces that it's a wrap for said actor, followed by a heartfelt round of applause from cast and crew. With both Threads and The Hop I was in the very last shot, when everyone is desperately packing and trying to get off location, which meant a perfunctory "hooray" and they were off to packing again. (That wasn't a complaint. We all wanted to get the hell out.) This time I finished first and they brought everyone in and the AD Lucinda (angel) announced that I was wrapped for (in her words) the semester. There was a huge, long round of applause and the rest of the night there was a lot of hugs and hand shaking. I'm gonna miss those guys, and I feel like I'm gonna be missed.
Oh yeah, Keto's first film Razor Man, was accepted to the NY Film and Video Festival. The trailer's on her website here. Congrats to everyone who worked on it!
Yesterday
I took the morning off from work. I knew it would be a longish night on Writer's Block and there was another audition I wanted to hit in Boston. This was for a group that organizes the Boston International Film Festival. I hoped for big things. They wanted a monologue. Blechh. I have none in my arsenal, so earlier this week I bought a couple monologue collections and assiduously avoided reading them until the last minute. I must have read two hundred before finally gettting one I felt comfortable with. Funny, it took me about half an hour to have it committed to memory. I have a talent for getting off book quickly, in fact, I think I get cast in some plays simply because they know I'll have it in my head faster, but that was just silly. Anywho, I get to the office and there's a row of chiseled, perfect looking people studying lines. (Someday soon I'll have pictures up but those of you who don't know me, I'm far from perfect.) Everyone's got a head shot (I have none yet, subject for a later post) and a resume. I don't even have a pen. I can do nothing but laugh at myself in these moments. I sit and wait, hearing monologues that are raging, wailing, heartfelt. Loud.
My turn comes.
I'm usually pretty cool when it comes to auditions. I mean, everyone's nervous, but I got a handle on it. Done it a million times, I'm used to both rejection and acceptance. Even when I'm shaking on the inside you'd never know it cause I am locked down on the outside.
Not today.
For some reason (maybe all the gorgeous people in the hall) I couldn't get the tremor out of my voice and my hands wouldn't stop shaking. Usually I use that if I can't get rid of it. Use it as an emotional tell, make it fit into my performance. The problem is the monologue I picked was pretty understated. I wanted to emote without placing a big red bow on it. I wanted it to be opaque, subtle, the insecurities of the character not easily seen. Except I was a ball of nerves. I delivered it, thanked them, and walked out thinking, "another wasted trip."
Four hours later I got the call. I'm in! While I haven't read the script yet it's apparently a key role. We'll see this week. Goes to show, you never can tell.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Updates coming
I will be putting up my experiences of last weekend soon. I'm typing them out when I get the chance (or inclination). Fairly soon it'll be up. In other good news I'll be doing another Emerson film, The Hop, this weekend. And now tht I have a reliable car to drive, it won't be such a pain in the...
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Last weekend's shoot
9/29
Well, Friday was the first day of shooting Threads, and I couldn’t have been more excited. I really liked the script from the start, and the more I got the chance to interact with Keto and learn more of the story, the more I came to love the idea. The shoot was for 5:30, and I planned a nice lazy day around the house, and wonderfully lazy it was. I finished watching V for Vendetta and lazed around doing laundry and putzing around on my computer.
So 3:30 comes, and I hop in the Jeep for the Boston drive. Now, I hate the Boston drive to start with, but when I hit rock solid traffic at Natick I REALLY began to hate traffic. Of course, I only have one contact number, and can’t get through. So I’m stuck. For an hour. Then I start getting the phone calls. I was completely pissed and there was nothing to be done about it. I kept thinking, “we should be shooting the death scene tonight, cause I am ready to KILL someone.”
I end up an hour late for the 5:30 call and of course nothing could get shot until I was there, so I was whisked through costume and makeup and plopped in front of a typewriter for the first shot. I give huge credit to this crew, they were totally prepared and didn’t blame me a bit for the time crunch.
Tonight’s shoot is an office scene. Basically, me at a typewriter, and my nemesis comes in and ruins my night.
This first shot was a very new experience for me. All of the movies I’ve been a part of up to this moment have been pretty much all DV. There was one day with film, but it was Robert Rodriguez low budget. I mean, these guys were a CREW. As soon as my butt hit that chair lights were focused, meters are hovering around my head, measurements are being taken. They actually have production and continuity shots! I found it very humbling to be that guy that everyone was focusing on. I mean, these folks are WORKING, and I can foul their whole shoot if I’m not up to par. I wouldn’t want to spend all that effort on a crappy actor, why would they?
So the first set of shots goes with minimal fuss, at least as far as I can tell. No one’s glaring at me, anyway. It seems like I always think I can do better on the next take, but Keto keeps telling me we’re okay. So in order to make myself completely silly for at least once that evening I say, “Keto, if it sucks, tell me. Don’t pretty it up for me.”
She looks me dead in the eye and says, “Don’t worry, you’d know.”
I love good directors.
Now that I’ve shaken off some of my self-doubt we trudge on. Todd (plays Lloyd) was great, which was entirely expected. The typewriter didn’t like me too much, but with some coaxing I managed to get it moving. I was assured that the camera couldn’t pick up anything I was actually typing, which was good because I was writing very awful things about Newton, the town that caused the traffic backup. There was a great “passage of time” shot that involved dolly moves and lighting changes that was really neat. The more I see how Keto and her crew are visualizing the movie the more I find myself getting into the character.
The shoot wrapped just barely on time. I wish I’d had more time in the beginning to meet everyone, but everybody was extremely cool and very nice to this mostly hapless actor. Still slightly unsure of how I really did, one of the guys made a point to say how nice it was to work with cool actors who don’t have a huge head that can really do their stuff. That felt really nice. The next shoot is the death scene. That’s gonna be heavy.
10/1
Now today’s Sunday, and since I had Saturday off from the shoot and had already taken a day off I figured why not work? So I called the other job and they said sure, come work the overnight.
Dumb.
Sunday morning I get home and I’m toast, and I really have no idea when or where I’m supposed to be but I know it’s at night, so I shouldn’t have to leave until two or three. Maybe I’ll just lay down for three or four hours.
I wake up at one and my phone is blinking. Slept right through it. Niko the AD had called about twenty minutes earlier. We lost our location, and they’re scrambling to find another, so if I’m already on the way give him a call. Already on the way? I still have bed head! A mad dash through the shower and an insanely fast packing job and I’m almost out the door. I get Keto on the phone and she says I won’t be needed til six. Phew. I sit down on the couch. I’ll leave at three-thirty, that gives me a good hour and a half.
The phone rings. Niko again. Could I be there at four? Maaaybe. It’s tight. Hop in the Jeep and roll.
Remember what I said about the traffic having me ready to kill? Ten times worse today. It takes me three and a half hours to do a ninety minute drive, but it’s ok, they’re still frantically dressing a new set.
The first couple hours goes fairly smooth, at least to my completely untrained eyes. I like these people. The more questions I ask the more they’re willing to educate me. I just want to make it easier on them. It seems the more I know, the more I can be out of their way.
It’s very funny, I definitely feel a sense of, inadequacy, clumsiness. This is the second film role I’ve done where I was selected to be one of the lead characters, and based on the auditions it seemed like I was the only person who showed up who fit the age bracket. Hearing that the folks who are filming are down with what I’m doing makes it a lot easier. Todd’s a good support as well. He’s part of the unions, my first experience working with a “true” professional, and he’s a heluva guy. He wants me to audition for a movie he’s casting, so I can’t suck that bad, can I?
As things progress, it’s obvious that the crew is really stressed out. Elliot, the DP, basically scrapped any kind of mounting and shot the entire scene on his shoulder. This camera is h-e-a-v-y and you could tell he was exhausted by the end of the night. My throat got increasingly sore from all the screaming, and it turns out that trying to nail a shot in one take is really difficult, and they were trying to use as little stock as possible.
There were some light moments, though. The prosthetics for my death were wonderfully done, and looked really gross. My shirt had to be smeared with blood from the beginning, and every time I walked in a room people jumped for a second when they looked at me.
My death was fantastically gross. The blood they use is a lot like syrup, and has a super sweet minty flavor. For the last few shots I got GROSS. Blood on my neck, blood in my mouth, blood in my cupped hand, it got all over the place. This was a bad thing. The pants they gave me could not get blood on them. Well, by the time the shot was over it was dripping all over the place. Sooo, I dropped trou and lost the pants. Hey, I’m a team player. One last shot that was to be done in the reflection of sunglasses, and Keto took over for this last one. I can’t wait to see the finished product, and I can tell everyone, “You won’t be able to see it, but I’m actually wearing no pants in this shot.”
All in all, we wrapped around 12:30. Late night, considering I have a two hour drive home and have to work at eight in the morning. Hey, that’s the biz. I’m really looking forward to next weekend. We’ll all be camped out in VT working the whole time.
Well, Friday was the first day of shooting Threads, and I couldn’t have been more excited. I really liked the script from the start, and the more I got the chance to interact with Keto and learn more of the story, the more I came to love the idea. The shoot was for 5:30, and I planned a nice lazy day around the house, and wonderfully lazy it was. I finished watching V for Vendetta and lazed around doing laundry and putzing around on my computer.
So 3:30 comes, and I hop in the Jeep for the Boston drive. Now, I hate the Boston drive to start with, but when I hit rock solid traffic at Natick I REALLY began to hate traffic. Of course, I only have one contact number, and can’t get through. So I’m stuck. For an hour. Then I start getting the phone calls. I was completely pissed and there was nothing to be done about it. I kept thinking, “we should be shooting the death scene tonight, cause I am ready to KILL someone.”
I end up an hour late for the 5:30 call and of course nothing could get shot until I was there, so I was whisked through costume and makeup and plopped in front of a typewriter for the first shot. I give huge credit to this crew, they were totally prepared and didn’t blame me a bit for the time crunch.
Tonight’s shoot is an office scene. Basically, me at a typewriter, and my nemesis comes in and ruins my night.
This first shot was a very new experience for me. All of the movies I’ve been a part of up to this moment have been pretty much all DV. There was one day with film, but it was Robert Rodriguez low budget. I mean, these guys were a CREW. As soon as my butt hit that chair lights were focused, meters are hovering around my head, measurements are being taken. They actually have production and continuity shots! I found it very humbling to be that guy that everyone was focusing on. I mean, these folks are WORKING, and I can foul their whole shoot if I’m not up to par. I wouldn’t want to spend all that effort on a crappy actor, why would they?
So the first set of shots goes with minimal fuss, at least as far as I can tell. No one’s glaring at me, anyway. It seems like I always think I can do better on the next take, but Keto keeps telling me we’re okay. So in order to make myself completely silly for at least once that evening I say, “Keto, if it sucks, tell me. Don’t pretty it up for me.”
She looks me dead in the eye and says, “Don’t worry, you’d know.”
I love good directors.
Now that I’ve shaken off some of my self-doubt we trudge on. Todd (plays Lloyd) was great, which was entirely expected. The typewriter didn’t like me too much, but with some coaxing I managed to get it moving. I was assured that the camera couldn’t pick up anything I was actually typing, which was good because I was writing very awful things about Newton, the town that caused the traffic backup. There was a great “passage of time” shot that involved dolly moves and lighting changes that was really neat. The more I see how Keto and her crew are visualizing the movie the more I find myself getting into the character.
The shoot wrapped just barely on time. I wish I’d had more time in the beginning to meet everyone, but everybody was extremely cool and very nice to this mostly hapless actor. Still slightly unsure of how I really did, one of the guys made a point to say how nice it was to work with cool actors who don’t have a huge head that can really do their stuff. That felt really nice. The next shoot is the death scene. That’s gonna be heavy.
10/1
Now today’s Sunday, and since I had Saturday off from the shoot and had already taken a day off I figured why not work? So I called the other job and they said sure, come work the overnight.
Dumb.
Sunday morning I get home and I’m toast, and I really have no idea when or where I’m supposed to be but I know it’s at night, so I shouldn’t have to leave until two or three. Maybe I’ll just lay down for three or four hours.
I wake up at one and my phone is blinking. Slept right through it. Niko the AD had called about twenty minutes earlier. We lost our location, and they’re scrambling to find another, so if I’m already on the way give him a call. Already on the way? I still have bed head! A mad dash through the shower and an insanely fast packing job and I’m almost out the door. I get Keto on the phone and she says I won’t be needed til six. Phew. I sit down on the couch. I’ll leave at three-thirty, that gives me a good hour and a half.
The phone rings. Niko again. Could I be there at four? Maaaybe. It’s tight. Hop in the Jeep and roll.
Remember what I said about the traffic having me ready to kill? Ten times worse today. It takes me three and a half hours to do a ninety minute drive, but it’s ok, they’re still frantically dressing a new set.
The first couple hours goes fairly smooth, at least to my completely untrained eyes. I like these people. The more questions I ask the more they’re willing to educate me. I just want to make it easier on them. It seems the more I know, the more I can be out of their way.
It’s very funny, I definitely feel a sense of, inadequacy, clumsiness. This is the second film role I’ve done where I was selected to be one of the lead characters, and based on the auditions it seemed like I was the only person who showed up who fit the age bracket. Hearing that the folks who are filming are down with what I’m doing makes it a lot easier. Todd’s a good support as well. He’s part of the unions, my first experience working with a “true” professional, and he’s a heluva guy. He wants me to audition for a movie he’s casting, so I can’t suck that bad, can I?
As things progress, it’s obvious that the crew is really stressed out. Elliot, the DP, basically scrapped any kind of mounting and shot the entire scene on his shoulder. This camera is h-e-a-v-y and you could tell he was exhausted by the end of the night. My throat got increasingly sore from all the screaming, and it turns out that trying to nail a shot in one take is really difficult, and they were trying to use as little stock as possible.
There were some light moments, though. The prosthetics for my death were wonderfully done, and looked really gross. My shirt had to be smeared with blood from the beginning, and every time I walked in a room people jumped for a second when they looked at me.
My death was fantastically gross. The blood they use is a lot like syrup, and has a super sweet minty flavor. For the last few shots I got GROSS. Blood on my neck, blood in my mouth, blood in my cupped hand, it got all over the place. This was a bad thing. The pants they gave me could not get blood on them. Well, by the time the shot was over it was dripping all over the place. Sooo, I dropped trou and lost the pants. Hey, I’m a team player. One last shot that was to be done in the reflection of sunglasses, and Keto took over for this last one. I can’t wait to see the finished product, and I can tell everyone, “You won’t be able to see it, but I’m actually wearing no pants in this shot.”
All in all, we wrapped around 12:30. Late night, considering I have a two hour drive home and have to work at eight in the morning. Hey, that’s the biz. I’m really looking forward to next weekend. We’ll all be camped out in VT working the whole time.
Ah, the beginning
Hello Future Readers,
I'm calling you future readers because at the moment I'm keeping this blog a bit in the dark. I'm not really sure where this will go and I don't want it to see the light of other monitors until I think it's worth someone else's reading.
As I've stated in my description, this blog is basically to chronicle my experiences as an actor. Why bother, you ask? Well, it seems to really be taking up a lot more of my time lately, and the more I do the more I seem to actually be...well...good at it. I've gone from doing community theater for years to being in several student and low budget films in the last year. It almost seems like I might be able to make the leap to professional acting, but I'll hold the pipe dreams down for a while. I think it might be fun to put some of these experiences down, both for me to remember and you to experience, at least vicariously.
As I write this I am gearing up for the second half of shooting the movie Threads: Valentine's Day a film by Keto Shimizu, of Theorem Films. It's a very deep script, and a very compressed shoot, and I love the challenge. I have written some about the first half of the shoot, and will post that later on. It's actually this shoot that seems to have inspired me to start this blog.
What you won't find in this blog is very much about my personal or professional life. I've seen how badly the former can go, and I've experienced how badly the latter can be when you blog without inhibitions. (That falls under one of the many "woops!" moments in my life.)
I hope you enjoy the read, I hope I enjoy the ride.
I'm calling you future readers because at the moment I'm keeping this blog a bit in the dark. I'm not really sure where this will go and I don't want it to see the light of other monitors until I think it's worth someone else's reading.
As I've stated in my description, this blog is basically to chronicle my experiences as an actor. Why bother, you ask? Well, it seems to really be taking up a lot more of my time lately, and the more I do the more I seem to actually be...well...good at it. I've gone from doing community theater for years to being in several student and low budget films in the last year. It almost seems like I might be able to make the leap to professional acting, but I'll hold the pipe dreams down for a while. I think it might be fun to put some of these experiences down, both for me to remember and you to experience, at least vicariously.
As I write this I am gearing up for the second half of shooting the movie Threads: Valentine's Day a film by Keto Shimizu, of Theorem Films. It's a very deep script, and a very compressed shoot, and I love the challenge. I have written some about the first half of the shoot, and will post that later on. It's actually this shoot that seems to have inspired me to start this blog.
What you won't find in this blog is very much about my personal or professional life. I've seen how badly the former can go, and I've experienced how badly the latter can be when you blog without inhibitions. (That falls under one of the many "woops!" moments in my life.)
I hope you enjoy the read, I hope I enjoy the ride.
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