Goodbye Yellow Brick Road & 2014
December 30, 2014
MY YEAR IN REVIEW
2015 is almost upon us!
I could feign ignorance and ask "Where the did 2014 go?" but that's easier said than done. The past year is right here in front of me, ever present, in the smile on my face.
It may have taken 32 years but I finally feel like I am where I am supposed to be doing what I am supposed to be doing. It's no wonder my high school superlative was Most Likely To Take A Fucking Long Time To Figure Out What To Do With His Life.
2014 was a pretty amazing year.
Yes. Amazing. In every sense of the word.
AMAZING.
I look back at the past year I still can't believe most it actually happened. I achieved more professionally this past year than any other year before, confirming I am on the right track, or at the very least running along side the track tripping on the ties that jut out a little too far and which are usually hidden by tall grass.
This past year was an experiment and luckily things didn't go BOOM! in my face.
Okay. Maybe that was the wrong analogy.
Let me explain what I mean when I say experiment. I mean pursuing a career as a non-union film and television actor without an agent. I wanted to see how far I could go without joining SAG-AFTRA. I also wanted to see how much work I could get on my own.
Being a full time actor is a full time job. Taking time away from the work to find the work can be a distraction. As in any other other business it comes down to time management.
This past year has been an eye-opening experience for me. I've learned a lot about the business. I realize now, at the dawn of the new year, I may have gone as far as I can go without union affiliation and an agent.
I am union now but I still don't have an agent.
That fact usually surprises people who say incredulously, "You don't have an agent?"
I answer "No. No I don't."
Their response is usually "Oh. You're doing this all by yourself then."
"No. No I'm not."
Nobody does anything in this business by themselves.
I have a tremendous support system. I know it and I appreciate it. I am truly blessed with the support I receive every day. Every. Day.
What a year it's been!
I've worked with a list of actors that still leaves me in awe and as professional as I try to be, it's hard sometimes to not think to myself "Holy Shit! That's _____!"
I'm not going to sit here and tell you I don't get starstruck every now and then. How can you not when Kevin Spacey is standing six inches to your right? When Robin Wright is directing you? When Jamie Bell comes up to you, shakes your hand and asks 'How are you doing?'
Being starstruck is okay. It's a normal response to an anything-but-normal situation. The thing is not to stand there with your mouth hanging opening looking like a carp and just do the work.
That's what I have tried to do this year-just do the work
...and boy!
Did I ever do the work!
In 2014 I found myself once again working on several major television shows for several major networks, including the second season of TURN, now called c, and Netflix's mega-hit House of Cards.
I worked on mini-series and docu-series. I'll let you figure out the difference.
I've participated in the Richmond 48 Hour Film Project. Once again I was privileged to work in front of and behind the camera with final.revised. Our film a d r i f t garnered several awards and critical praise.
I did finally become a member of SAG-AFTRA. I am Union, which has to be said carefully when you live in The Capital of The Confederacy.
I got a TWITTER account. I tweet and on any given day I have either 3 or 211 followers. To be honest, the whole follower thing is a little creepy, isn't it? It's too late to change things now but maybe we could have come up with a better word than follower. Every time I talked about TWITTER and my followers my father thinks I started a cult for bird watchers.
This year, in addition to working as a background artist, I worked as a stand-in for the first time for Point of Honor, a civil-war era based drama for ABC Signature Films. I was a stand-in for actor Brett Cullen.
In addition to my continued work as a background artist on AMC'S TURN: Washington's Spies, I had the opportunity to portray real-life Revolutionary War figure Sam Adams for a mini-series for The American Heroes Channel.
I've lived every little boy's fantasy and played a cowboy this last year. I even got to ride horses, both real and mechanical. I also played a fireman. All that's left now to complete my childhood career wish list is astronaut and Tyrannosaurus Rex. I'm thinking that the first will happen before the latter, but you never know. Never discount the possibility of voice-over work!
I've been killed. Twice. Nowhere near Sean Bean's record but I'll take it. Bean, just in case you were wondering, has been killed in almost every one of his film roles. I've even heard that if you watch the home movies from his fifth birthday he gets trampled to death by the pony.
Too soon?
I feel confident in saying I did some great character work this past year. I can say with certainty I looked very different in all the productions I worked on and had the privilege of bringing many different characters to life.
I was clean-shaven and had a full beard. I had a big, cowboy mustache and shoulder-length hair. I had a crew cut. I was chubby and not-so chubby. I think most character actors would agree that the best scenario is to be able to play many different characters, real or not, who look very different from each other. I feel as if I established myself as a character actor this past and I am very proud of my performances.
I've worked on productions set in the 1700's and the 1800's as well as contemporary times. I did more time traveling this past year than Dr. Who. Or at least that one Dr. Who who only lasted one season.
I guess what I am saying is...
this past year has been anything but boring.
Every job has been different and exciting and educational. Who could ask for anything better than that?
I would be remiss, looking back on this past year, if I didn't take a moment or two or three to thank those who helped make 2014 as memorable as it was.
MY FELLOW ACTORS
Over the course of the past year, I have met and worked with some pretty awesome people.
One of my favorite things about this business is I constantly meet new people from all over.
It's always great to see familiar faces as I walk onto set. Working primarily here in Virginia and not, let's say in bigger cities like L.A. or New York, I do see many of the same people at auditions and on set. There's a sense of community and I like that. It adds a human element to a business that can be very cold and cutthroat.
Thank you all for making those long hours on set so much more enjoyable. Thank you for the gift of your talent and passion and positive energy.
I have made friends I will keep forever.
If there is a better perk to a job, I'm not aware of one.
~~~~~
I didn't just want to list my accomplishments from this past year. I wanted to take this opportunity, as I look back fondly, to thank a few people who made a great deal of 2014 possible.
Always say thank you. Always.
We may be a generation that has forgotten to say your welcome, but I am a staunch advocate of the thank you.
~~~~~
I have had some pretty incredible opportunities this year and I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to thank one group in particular.
ARVOLD
http://arvold.com/
Erica Arvold and her incredible team in Charlottesville are more than just a casting agency. They are a passionate, dedicated group who love this business and sincerely care about the people who work in it.
Their website description says it all: "Raising the bar of filmmaking through collaboration, creativity and expertise."
It's clear. They want the people they work with to succeed.
To my knowledge, no other casting agency does more to try and better this industry than Arvold. Whether through blog or video posts, workshops or seminars, Arvold provides valuable information every professional in this business needs.
NBC Commercial Services
and final.revised
I have had the pleasure of working with this extremely talented team as both a performer and writer for several years now and I take immense pride in the work we have created together.
No matter the project there are several constants. There is always a sense of collaboration and freedom to improvise. There's no bullshit and it is that stripping away of distractions which can mire other productions down which allows us to focus on the important things, mainly the vision of what it is we want to create. Through the eyes of Director Victor Nash, every project is beautifully designed and thoughtfully shot.
Under the leadership of Producer Michael Park, both final.revised and NBC Commercial Services operate like well-oil machines, all the while balancing technical savvy and artistic visionary.
This is a team like no other and I treasure every opportunity I have to work with these talented folks.
LionHeart FilmWorks
http://www.lionheart-filmworks.com/
My good fortune to work with exceptionally talented people continues with my experiences with LionHeart FilmWorks, a production company based here in Richmond, Virginia.
Everyone remembers their first kiss, their first car and the first time they appear on national television.
First kiss? Easy. Carolyn Zonzoni. Kindergarten. In the closet.
First car? A 1975 AMC Pacer. All white. (Don't you dare judge me!)
First job as an actor for a television production? First words spoken on national television? First time my name appears on a television show's credits? Lifetime Network's Killer Kids: The Breaking Point.
I'll never forget that. Are you kidding me?
Led by Kevin Herschberger, LionHeart FilmWorks is becoming a force to be reckoned with here in on The East Coast. Their productions are beautifully shot, rich and textured. Their attention to detail, especially in the historical stories they tell, is their passion. That passion is evident in everything they shoot.
Once again, I extremely fortunate to be able to work with another team where collaboration and improvisation is the norm. I am always greeted with a sincere excitement to be working together again and their trust in me is inspiring.
Actor/Teacher Richard Warner
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1721056/
I first met Richard Warner at a live discussion being sponsored by Arvold.
He is a kind, gentle, soft-spoken man who, in an industry where all too often egotistical and self-centered energies cloud the skies, stands out as a generous and ambassador of good will.
In his partnership with Erica Arvold for the LIVE: Discussion series, Richard shares valuable information and insight as both a teacher and as a working actor.
I have learned a lot from Richard and feel as if I have a treasured friend and ally in this industry.
Actor Kevin R. McNally
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0573618/
Simply put, Kevin R. McNally is an actor and a teacher and an inspiration.
I had the pleasure of meeting Kevin during the filming of Season One of TURN: Washington's Spies.
I will always remember that the very first thing Kevin McNally and I talked about was James Bond films. I don't even know how it got started. If you're assuming, though I had the idea to start talking about something undeniably British with someone who is undeniably British, then you would be wrong. Kevin started talking about James Bond. Yeah. Definitely. It was all him.
I, having seen my fair share of Bond films, decided to join in the conversation. At that moment we weren't principal and background actor freezing our asses in a plywood building. We were just two guys talking about 007, as only two fans of the film series can do, who just happened to be freezing our asses off in a plywood building.
It was one of my favorite memories from last season.
I would soon learn there is so much more to Mr. McNally.
As busy as he is, Kevin makes time to give back to this industry, to the people, and he does so graciously, passionately with a great sense of humor and honesty. He has selflessly donated his limited free time on several occasions and made himself available for workshops and panel discussions.
Simply put, aside from being a consummate professional, Kevin is a kind, generous man.
Kevin, I hear, also has a fondness for improvisation, and that is something we are going to have to talk about in greater detail if we ever have the chance.
As an actor, I approach the work differently now because of things I learned from watching and listening to Kevin R. McNally. I will take his advice with me for the rest of my life as a working actor. His words, his sage advice, will be tucked securely in my pocket and there they will remain until I need them.
Thank you, Kevin, and CHEERS to you, Good Sir!
~~~~~
You'll probably notice there is a common theme in all of the sections of this particular post.
PASSION
NOTHING turns me on, inspires me, more than people with a passion for what they are doing.
Everyone of these individuals or groups above have inspired me to be more than I am, to be a better actor and in truth, a better person.
This is a crazy business. Nothing will ever change that fact.
It's nice to know that despite the insanity, fear and insecurity there are some bright lights to see us safely along our journey.
I don't know what the future holds.
I do know what my goals are. I do have a basic outline, a sketch really, of how I would like 2015 to go but I'm smart enough to know I have limited control of my future.
I know I could get crushed by a meteor the second I publish this post and close my laptop. It would suck, but there's not one thing I can do about it.
What keeps me going is my passion.
I want this more than I have ever wanted anything. Nothing will stop me. I am a juggernaut and I say that without ego and arrogance. I say that with a good deal of confidence and a teaspoon or two of fear and self-doubt. It all goes hand in hand, though. You can't have one without the other and that's okay.
I know that I am loved and supported by my family and friends.
I have a dedicated, passionate group of people in my life who continue to teach me about myself and my craft who will pick me up when I stumble and be there for me for the good and bad times.
So come on 2015. Let's do this!
Put on some music and let's dance!
Just keeping it reel.
Copyright 2014
All Rights Reserved.
MY YEAR IN REVIEW
2015 is almost upon us!
I could feign ignorance and ask "Where the did 2014 go?" but that's easier said than done. The past year is right here in front of me, ever present, in the smile on my face.
It may have taken 32 years but I finally feel like I am where I am supposed to be doing what I am supposed to be doing. It's no wonder my high school superlative was Most Likely To Take A Fucking Long Time To Figure Out What To Do With His Life.
2014 was a pretty amazing year.
Yes. Amazing. In every sense of the word.
AMAZING.
I look back at the past year I still can't believe most it actually happened. I achieved more professionally this past year than any other year before, confirming I am on the right track, or at the very least running along side the track tripping on the ties that jut out a little too far and which are usually hidden by tall grass.
This past year was an experiment and luckily things didn't go BOOM! in my face.
Okay. Maybe that was the wrong analogy.
Let me explain what I mean when I say experiment. I mean pursuing a career as a non-union film and television actor without an agent. I wanted to see how far I could go without joining SAG-AFTRA. I also wanted to see how much work I could get on my own.
Being a full time actor is a full time job. Taking time away from the work to find the work can be a distraction. As in any other other business it comes down to time management.
This past year has been an eye-opening experience for me. I've learned a lot about the business. I realize now, at the dawn of the new year, I may have gone as far as I can go without union affiliation and an agent.
I am union now but I still don't have an agent.
That fact usually surprises people who say incredulously, "You don't have an agent?"
I answer "No. No I don't."
Their response is usually "Oh. You're doing this all by yourself then."
"No. No I'm not."
Nobody does anything in this business by themselves.
I have a tremendous support system. I know it and I appreciate it. I am truly blessed with the support I receive every day. Every. Day.
What a year it's been!
I've worked with a list of actors that still leaves me in awe and as professional as I try to be, it's hard sometimes to not think to myself "Holy Shit! That's _____!"
I'm not going to sit here and tell you I don't get starstruck every now and then. How can you not when Kevin Spacey is standing six inches to your right? When Robin Wright is directing you? When Jamie Bell comes up to you, shakes your hand and asks 'How are you doing?'
Being starstruck is okay. It's a normal response to an anything-but-normal situation. The thing is not to stand there with your mouth hanging opening looking like a carp and just do the work.
That's what I have tried to do this year-just do the work
...and boy!
Did I ever do the work!
In 2014 I found myself once again working on several major television shows for several major networks, including the second season of TURN, now called c, and Netflix's mega-hit House of Cards.
I worked on mini-series and docu-series. I'll let you figure out the difference.
I've participated in the Richmond 48 Hour Film Project. Once again I was privileged to work in front of and behind the camera with final.revised. Our film a d r i f t garnered several awards and critical praise.
I did finally become a member of SAG-AFTRA. I am Union, which has to be said carefully when you live in The Capital of The Confederacy.
I got a TWITTER account. I tweet and on any given day I have either 3 or 211 followers. To be honest, the whole follower thing is a little creepy, isn't it? It's too late to change things now but maybe we could have come up with a better word than follower. Every time I talked about TWITTER and my followers my father thinks I started a cult for bird watchers.
This year, in addition to working as a background artist, I worked as a stand-in for the first time for Point of Honor, a civil-war era based drama for ABC Signature Films. I was a stand-in for actor Brett Cullen.
In addition to my continued work as a background artist on AMC'S TURN: Washington's Spies, I had the opportunity to portray real-life Revolutionary War figure Sam Adams for a mini-series for The American Heroes Channel.
I've lived every little boy's fantasy and played a cowboy this last year. I even got to ride horses, both real and mechanical. I also played a fireman. All that's left now to complete my childhood career wish list is astronaut and Tyrannosaurus Rex. I'm thinking that the first will happen before the latter, but you never know. Never discount the possibility of voice-over work!
I've been killed. Twice. Nowhere near Sean Bean's record but I'll take it. Bean, just in case you were wondering, has been killed in almost every one of his film roles. I've even heard that if you watch the home movies from his fifth birthday he gets trampled to death by the pony.
Too soon?
I feel confident in saying I did some great character work this past year. I can say with certainty I looked very different in all the productions I worked on and had the privilege of bringing many different characters to life.
I was clean-shaven and had a full beard. I had a big, cowboy mustache and shoulder-length hair. I had a crew cut. I was chubby and not-so chubby. I think most character actors would agree that the best scenario is to be able to play many different characters, real or not, who look very different from each other. I feel as if I established myself as a character actor this past and I am very proud of my performances.
I've worked on productions set in the 1700's and the 1800's as well as contemporary times. I did more time traveling this past year than Dr. Who. Or at least that one Dr. Who who only lasted one season.
I guess what I am saying is...
this past year has been anything but boring.
Every job has been different and exciting and educational. Who could ask for anything better than that?
I would be remiss, looking back on this past year, if I didn't take a moment or two or three to thank those who helped make 2014 as memorable as it was.
MY FELLOW ACTORS
Over the course of the past year, I have met and worked with some pretty awesome people.
One of my favorite things about this business is I constantly meet new people from all over.
It's always great to see familiar faces as I walk onto set. Working primarily here in Virginia and not, let's say in bigger cities like L.A. or New York, I do see many of the same people at auditions and on set. There's a sense of community and I like that. It adds a human element to a business that can be very cold and cutthroat.
Thank you all for making those long hours on set so much more enjoyable. Thank you for the gift of your talent and passion and positive energy.
I am thrilled for each one of you and what the future holds for you. I know it seems like it will never happen, but knowing some of you as I do, seeing how hard you are working, all I can say is get yourselves some sunglasses because your futures are bright.
I have made friends I will keep forever.
If there is a better perk to a job, I'm not aware of one.
~~~~~
I didn't just want to list my accomplishments from this past year. I wanted to take this opportunity, as I look back fondly, to thank a few people who made a great deal of 2014 possible.
Always say thank you. Always.
We may be a generation that has forgotten to say your welcome, but I am a staunch advocate of the thank you.
~~~~~
I have had some pretty incredible opportunities this year and I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to thank one group in particular.
ARVOLD
http://arvold.com/
Erica Arvold and her incredible team in Charlottesville are more than just a casting agency. They are a passionate, dedicated group who love this business and sincerely care about the people who work in it.
Their website description says it all: "Raising the bar of filmmaking through collaboration, creativity and expertise."
It's clear. They want the people they work with to succeed.
To my knowledge, no other casting agency does more to try and better this industry than Arvold. Whether through blog or video posts, workshops or seminars, Arvold provides valuable information every professional in this business needs.
I am a better actor because of the opportunities provided through Arvold. I have a better understanding of the business and my place in it. Aside from the productions I have been part of as a result of being cast by Arvold, I have learned how to raise my own bar.
I am lucky, we, as Mid-Atlantic actors, are lucky to have someone like Arvold as an advocate, as a resource for information and as a friend.
I am lucky, we, as Mid-Atlantic actors, are lucky to have someone like Arvold as an advocate, as a resource for information and as a friend.
NBC Commercial Services
and final.revised
I have had the pleasure of working with this extremely talented team as both a performer and writer for several years now and I take immense pride in the work we have created together.
No matter the project there are several constants. There is always a sense of collaboration and freedom to improvise. There's no bullshit and it is that stripping away of distractions which can mire other productions down which allows us to focus on the important things, mainly the vision of what it is we want to create. Through the eyes of Director Victor Nash, every project is beautifully designed and thoughtfully shot.
Under the leadership of Producer Michael Park, both final.revised and NBC Commercial Services operate like well-oil machines, all the while balancing technical savvy and artistic visionary.
This is a team like no other and I treasure every opportunity I have to work with these talented folks.
LionHeart FilmWorks
http://www.lionheart-filmworks.com/
My good fortune to work with exceptionally talented people continues with my experiences with LionHeart FilmWorks, a production company based here in Richmond, Virginia.
Everyone remembers their first kiss, their first car and the first time they appear on national television.
First kiss? Easy. Carolyn Zonzoni. Kindergarten. In the closet.
First car? A 1975 AMC Pacer. All white. (Don't you dare judge me!)
First job as an actor for a television production? First words spoken on national television? First time my name appears on a television show's credits? Lifetime Network's Killer Kids: The Breaking Point.
I'll never forget that. Are you kidding me?
Led by Kevin Herschberger, LionHeart FilmWorks is becoming a force to be reckoned with here in on The East Coast. Their productions are beautifully shot, rich and textured. Their attention to detail, especially in the historical stories they tell, is their passion. That passion is evident in everything they shoot.
Once again, I extremely fortunate to be able to work with another team where collaboration and improvisation is the norm. I am always greeted with a sincere excitement to be working together again and their trust in me is inspiring.
Actor/Teacher Richard Warner
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1721056/
I first met Richard Warner at a live discussion being sponsored by Arvold.
He is a kind, gentle, soft-spoken man who, in an industry where all too often egotistical and self-centered energies cloud the skies, stands out as a generous and ambassador of good will.
In his partnership with Erica Arvold for the LIVE: Discussion series, Richard shares valuable information and insight as both a teacher and as a working actor.
I have learned a lot from Richard and feel as if I have a treasured friend and ally in this industry.
Actor Kevin R. McNally
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0573618/
Simply put, Kevin R. McNally is an actor and a teacher and an inspiration.
I had the pleasure of meeting Kevin during the filming of Season One of TURN: Washington's Spies.
I will always remember that the very first thing Kevin McNally and I talked about was James Bond films. I don't even know how it got started. If you're assuming, though I had the idea to start talking about something undeniably British with someone who is undeniably British, then you would be wrong. Kevin started talking about James Bond. Yeah. Definitely. It was all him.
I, having seen my fair share of Bond films, decided to join in the conversation. At that moment we weren't principal and background actor freezing our asses in a plywood building. We were just two guys talking about 007, as only two fans of the film series can do, who just happened to be freezing our asses off in a plywood building.
It was one of my favorite memories from last season.
I would soon learn there is so much more to Mr. McNally.
As busy as he is, Kevin makes time to give back to this industry, to the people, and he does so graciously, passionately with a great sense of humor and honesty. He has selflessly donated his limited free time on several occasions and made himself available for workshops and panel discussions.
Simply put, aside from being a consummate professional, Kevin is a kind, generous man.
Kevin, I hear, also has a fondness for improvisation, and that is something we are going to have to talk about in greater detail if we ever have the chance.
As an actor, I approach the work differently now because of things I learned from watching and listening to Kevin R. McNally. I will take his advice with me for the rest of my life as a working actor. His words, his sage advice, will be tucked securely in my pocket and there they will remain until I need them.
Thank you, Kevin, and CHEERS to you, Good Sir!
~~~~~
You'll probably notice there is a common theme in all of the sections of this particular post.
PASSION
NOTHING turns me on, inspires me, more than people with a passion for what they are doing.
Everyone of these individuals or groups above have inspired me to be more than I am, to be a better actor and in truth, a better person.
This is a crazy business. Nothing will ever change that fact.
It's nice to know that despite the insanity, fear and insecurity there are some bright lights to see us safely along our journey.
I don't know what the future holds.
I do know what my goals are. I do have a basic outline, a sketch really, of how I would like 2015 to go but I'm smart enough to know I have limited control of my future.
I know I could get crushed by a meteor the second I publish this post and close my laptop. It would suck, but there's not one thing I can do about it.
What keeps me going is my passion.
I want this more than I have ever wanted anything. Nothing will stop me. I am a juggernaut and I say that without ego and arrogance. I say that with a good deal of confidence and a teaspoon or two of fear and self-doubt. It all goes hand in hand, though. You can't have one without the other and that's okay.
I know that I am loved and supported by my family and friends.
I have a dedicated, passionate group of people in my life who continue to teach me about myself and my craft who will pick me up when I stumble and be there for me for the good and bad times.
So come on 2015. Let's do this!
Put on some music and let's dance!
Just keeping it reel.
Copyright 2014
All Rights Reserved.
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