Script, Contact Sheets for Cast and Crew, Shooting Schedule and a welcome letter from the Executive Producer were emailed to everyone working on the project.
A mandatory pre-production meeting was scheduled at a community college near Detroit. I almost didn't make it because the exact location had been pending. I ended up calling one of the lead actors for the info.
Morning traffic and road construction slowed my commute. I arrived with less than ten minutes to spare. The Producer saw me walk in. He called me over and directed me to the meeting.
Almost everyone was there and we began almost on time. Contracts were passed out for everyone to fill out, sign and turn in. The Executive Producer was the first to speak.
Paul Mentier of Sparkling Frog Media LLC came across as a man driven by his work in film. He had many good things to say about the Director and Producer. More importantly he was as excited about making this movie as I was.
Next was Gary Bosek the Director/Co-Director. Gary is probably the most optimistic guy I've ever met. He is very genuine and friendly. He introduced everyone at the meeting and had a good word to say about all who were in attendance.
When he got to me a few giggles broke out when he described the fight scene. Jeff Priskorn, the actor I'm supposed to fight. Is sitting across the room with his wife and co-star, Jacquie Floyd. In character I looked over and nodded to Jeff. Now I didn't catch exactly what she said but the jist of it was to go easy on her man. The giggles turned into laughter and I couldn't help but to smile.
Then Producer and Co-Director Jon Janosko had his turn to speak about the plot of the film. Now Jon is a person that when he speaks you can actually hear the gears of creativity turning in his head. He is methodical, precise and when he's not thinking and talking at the same time. He's approachable and laid back.
The meeting concluded and I had some words with Gary and Jon about the script. They assured me everything would work out on the day of filming and it "Was going to be fun".
I left feeling a little apprehensive about the whole "fun" thing. I'm an actor who has mostly studied drama. I can be funny, don't get me wrong. My one-liners leave my friends, family and co-workers busting a gut.
My feeling from reading the script was that this was going to be a psychological thriller. How do you have fun with this genre?
Little did I know how fun it was going to be.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
My First Movie - The Audition
Following a lead from another actor. I scanned the website Mandy.com for any films being shot here in Michigan. Our governor had recently signed a large tax break package to lure production companies to our great state. So I felt that the timing was perfect.
It was on that website that I found a listing for the Independent Film "Harmless Thoughts".
Reading a short description of the film I was excited at the prospect. I researched the directors working on the project. Everything looked to me like something I would like to be a part of.
Not really expecting a response. I sent in a headshot and a brief note expressing my desire to work on this project. The next day the director sent me an email. They needed someone to play the role of "Male Homeowner". This character was required to do a fight scene and carry some dialogue.
Ok.... this I can do without a problem. Then he asked the cursory questions. No problem I thought, piece of cake.
Then came the question that brought me back down to reality. "Do you have any experience in film?"
I was floored... Could it be possible that I would be rejected because I didn't have any experience in front of the camera? I pondered this for a few hours. I recalled a quote from Bruce Campbell where he basically said. If you really want to be an actor just go out and do it. Thanks Bruce!!
So I answered the cursory questions first. Saving the best for last. I was honest and explained how I approached my training to become an actor. After I sent out the email I sat on pins and needles almost the whole time.
I looked at that email response sitting in my inbox for an awkward moment. Taking a big sigh I thought to myself this was the moment of truth. I was relieved when the director said that every actor has to start somewhere. I was still being considered for the part. What a relief!!
It was on that website that I found a listing for the Independent Film "Harmless Thoughts".
Reading a short description of the film I was excited at the prospect. I researched the directors working on the project. Everything looked to me like something I would like to be a part of.
Not really expecting a response. I sent in a headshot and a brief note expressing my desire to work on this project. The next day the director sent me an email. They needed someone to play the role of "Male Homeowner". This character was required to do a fight scene and carry some dialogue.
Ok.... this I can do without a problem. Then he asked the cursory questions. No problem I thought, piece of cake.
Then came the question that brought me back down to reality. "Do you have any experience in film?"
I was floored... Could it be possible that I would be rejected because I didn't have any experience in front of the camera? I pondered this for a few hours. I recalled a quote from Bruce Campbell where he basically said. If you really want to be an actor just go out and do it. Thanks Bruce!!
So I answered the cursory questions first. Saving the best for last. I was honest and explained how I approached my training to become an actor. After I sent out the email I sat on pins and needles almost the whole time.
I looked at that email response sitting in my inbox for an awkward moment. Taking a big sigh I thought to myself this was the moment of truth. I was relieved when the director said that every actor has to start somewhere. I was still being considered for the part. What a relief!!
A few days later assurances came that I was still being considered for the role. The next time I heard from them it would be for the time and location for the audition.
I arrived early in costume for the part. Not knowing how traffic would be down near Detroit. I sat with my wife at the coffee house until the director and producer arrived. I listened in to their first meeting with the soon-to-be sound engineer.
When the interview was over. Being recognized from the headshot I was asked over to their table. The producer had to leave so it was just myself and the director. His demeanor was pleasant and friendly. I felt relaxed and confident during the audition.
When the producer came back. I was instructed by the director to speak a line to him as he came in the door. He looked shocked for a second before coming back with some improv of his own.
Sitting down next to the director. The producer and I were introduced before the director excused himself. We talked about the film for a few minutes before the director came back.
It was at that moment I was offered the role.
Words can't describe how I felt. My hands were shaking as my wife and I left the coffeehouse. My wife had been listening in and didn't understand why I suddenly began yelling at people. "You sounded so mean and hateful", she said.
We laughed and talked about it down the road at Wendy's over a burger and baked potato. On the way home she called everyone in her address book to tell them the good news.
I arrived early in costume for the part. Not knowing how traffic would be down near Detroit. I sat with my wife at the coffee house until the director and producer arrived. I listened in to their first meeting with the soon-to-be sound engineer.
When the interview was over. Being recognized from the headshot I was asked over to their table. The producer had to leave so it was just myself and the director. His demeanor was pleasant and friendly. I felt relaxed and confident during the audition.
When the producer came back. I was instructed by the director to speak a line to him as he came in the door. He looked shocked for a second before coming back with some improv of his own.
Sitting down next to the director. The producer and I were introduced before the director excused himself. We talked about the film for a few minutes before the director came back.
It was at that moment I was offered the role.
Words can't describe how I felt. My hands were shaking as my wife and I left the coffeehouse. My wife had been listening in and didn't understand why I suddenly began yelling at people. "You sounded so mean and hateful", she said.
We laughed and talked about it down the road at Wendy's over a burger and baked potato. On the way home she called everyone in her address book to tell them the good news.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The Beginning
From a very young age I dreamed of becoming a real actor.
That dream was put on hold for a long time because of commitments and priorities. I never gave up on those aspirations. If it was meant to be, I told myself. The opportunity would present itself when I was ready.
Years turned into decades. The Internet became more sophisticated and I learned that movies weren't always filmed in Hollywood. DVDs began to include special features including behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and commentary. I began to study acting by studying the bonus materials. Friends, family and acquaintances became subjects of study. I tried to incorporate their mannerisms in perfecting various characters.
Now what I needed was experience acting in front of the camera. I was not so naive to think that a forty-something with no acting experience was going to get a paying role. What I needed to do was find Pro Bono acting jobs in Independent Film.
Unlucky for me I moved far away from the big cities. Growing up in rural Michigan, I never liked the hustle and bustle of city life. So when the opportunity to be in a movie presented itself. I jumped at the chance and endured the five hour drive to follow my dream.
That dream was put on hold for a long time because of commitments and priorities. I never gave up on those aspirations. If it was meant to be, I told myself. The opportunity would present itself when I was ready.
Years turned into decades. The Internet became more sophisticated and I learned that movies weren't always filmed in Hollywood. DVDs began to include special features including behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and commentary. I began to study acting by studying the bonus materials. Friends, family and acquaintances became subjects of study. I tried to incorporate their mannerisms in perfecting various characters.
Now what I needed was experience acting in front of the camera. I was not so naive to think that a forty-something with no acting experience was going to get a paying role. What I needed to do was find Pro Bono acting jobs in Independent Film.
Unlucky for me I moved far away from the big cities. Growing up in rural Michigan, I never liked the hustle and bustle of city life. So when the opportunity to be in a movie presented itself. I jumped at the chance and endured the five hour drive to follow my dream.
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