27 May 2008

We got good news today - Red 71 will have a limited theatrical run at the Pioneer Theater in New York City. It will at least be shown on Friday and Saturday, 25 and 26 July, and may even be run for a week. While that is good enough news, we hope it will generate momentum for other such theatricals runs in art house theaters across the country. We should also get reviews from New York press, which will help for DVD sales. We are pretty jazzed.

More good news. Craig Huston, who was first assistant director on First Blood and many other big movies over the last three decades, offered to 1AD Good Boy for us next month. That is awesome, and a great honor.

Also, Tiffany Shepis, our name actor, reconfirmed that she will be in the film, which was a big relief for Patrick. I wasn’t worried about it. I knew we could count on her.

Finally, my good friend Sarah Sher finished my acting and comedy reels and gave them to me on a DVD, which also includes my acting monologue. It was incredibly awesome of her to do that for me. And, because she is such an amazing editor, it all turned out beautifully. Sarah rocks! I will be posting the two reels on my web site as quickly as I can.

20 May 2008

There was a cast and crew screening of Jackrabbit Sky at The Loft tonight, but I didn’t make it. Jeremy worked a lot on it, so I would have liked to see it for him. I was an extra in it for part of a day. That’s where a met Stan Babola, who was in Red 71. I also got to know Brooke Murray better than day. Maybe I’ll get another chance to see it. Clint was also in it, as was Jon Proudstar, Greg Sweet, Bill Killian, and comic Robin Reiser. Other friends worked crew, including Nathan Ginn, Mina Alley, Charity Bidegain, and Scott Christensen. It was a good film for Tucson and I hope good things come of it.

19 May 2008

Over the last several days, I missed screenings of five student films I was in, because I was out of town for my niece, Brittany’s, college graduation in D.C. I had a great time with my family, though. Already just today several people commented that they saw me in a bunch of films. All the feedback about the films seemed fairly positive. And, at least people are noticing me enough to mention it later.

13 May 2008

Helen McCready is doing some of the casting for Sam Mendes next film. Sam directed American Pie, among other films. Helen had told me before that she was considering me for a featured, day player, or stand-in role in the film, which would have been excellent. Today, she asked me to be an extra. Not as excellent, but I would still do it. However, it turns out that I will be in Ukraine at that time. Oh well. My buddy from Red 71 and stand-up, JaMarlin Fowler, will be in the film. Excellent for him. My friend Sarah will be working on the crew. So, it’s another good film for Arizona.

11 May 2008

I got a surprise e-mail from Allison Vanore. She is producing a short film to be shot north of L.A. and wants me to play one of the three roles. Allison directed me in my first principle role in a film, her senior student film, Laughter Once Heard, about five years ago. I was very honored that she thought of me again. (We have kept in occasional touch.) The director and writer was the sound guy on LOH, Mike Skvarla, so he knows me also. Mike has been working as an editor of TV shows. I think Allison has been editing, producing, and second assistant directing. This film will be another first for me with Allison, my first film outside of Arizona. The “bad” news is that I will be playing a child molester. But, it could be a powerful film and could get me good exposure un L.A. Plus, I’m flattered to be offered the role, so I can’t turn it down. I am sure it will be a good experience.

Also, the trailer for the Pima Community College film I am in, Yes Is Better Than No, went live on YouTube today. I am not in the trailer, but my buddy Jon Proudstar got some nice screen time.

8 May 2008

Two people, Dominique and Julie, told me they saw the old Visale’s European Hairstyles TV ad running again. Jack shot it a few years ago, starring Clint, with me playing a wordless cameraman. Calvin was in it, too. I forget who else. I think Jack hated it. I thought it was fine. It’s good to see that it still has some life in it.

7 May 2008

The SonZoo music video I acted in, directed by Mike Shahin, went live on YouTube today. I think it turned out pretty well.

6 May 2008

The 4th Annual “Spotlight on Tucson Filmmaking” mixer was another big success. There were probably 150 people there. I had a great time, as always, and had some good talks about future projects. I love my job!

2 May 2008

Chelsea and Justin needed a few pick-up shots for their student film. That went quickly and smoothly. The only complication was that they couldn’t find fake tears, so they substituted K-Y oil. This provided fodder for a few jokes. So, that was good.

Oh, the other complication was that I had to shave my day-old mustache, for continuity from the last time I worked on this film (not that anyone would have noticed the microscopic bristles on my lip). I’ll start growing it again tomorrow.

1 May 2008

Patrick Roddy and I met today to talk about his film this summer in which I will play a sheriff’s deputy. He asked me to grow a mustache for the role. I have never worn facial hair! I have no idea how long it will take me to grow a respectable mustache. We start shooting in six weeks. I better start growing it now! Last year, he had me grow hair on my head for the role of Nick in Red 71. That took two months. I hope six weeks is enough.