In reverse order:
RODRIGO GARCIA WORKSHOP
On Thursday of this week I will be performing in a workshop at CalArts with Rodrigo Garcia, famed director of the Glenn Close vehicle Albert Nobbs. He is doing a guest artist lecture for the Film Directing Program that includes scene study work with myself (and others) on material he's written. It's an amazing opportunity to work one-on-one with a director I really admire. I thought Albert Nobbs was an exceptionally smart film filled with fully dimensional performances from everyone in it. (Glenn Close and Janet McTeer, of course, in contention for Oscars.)
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| That's not Janet McTeer. |
MASTER CLASS
Last week I took an incredibly informative Master Class with commercial casting director Chris Game. I am still figuring out how to maximize my performance within a frame on film, and I was able to get some exciting tips from him that have already changed my approach for the better. He was fast, smart, energetic, and gave it to us straight, which I appreciated. It's always good to hear what life is like on the other side of the table in auditions; he pulled the curtain back on that mystique a lot.
ACTORS KEY
This dovetailed nicely with another commercial workshop I took with Stuart Stone at Actors Key in Burbank. Super nice, very informative and right on with the re-direct.
THESIS IN FEBRUARY
After the holidays I met with CalArts film director Will Orellana who cast me as the lead in his (untitled) thesis film. Will is someone who's work I've been watching develop for three years and I'm excited by his vision. Getting to work with Kate's peers has been invaluable. Shooting begins in Mid-February, but a lot of background research on my part has begun already.
WEB PRESENCE
Before that I created a personal YouTube Channel where I can consolidate clips of my work that have been floating the internet. You can check it out at the link above; it includes Jon Hoche's Rehearsal Journals for the Vampire Cowboys shows we did together, some class projects Kate did with me for Film School as well as drafts of my acting reel.
HONEY BADGER COMMERCIAL
Also on the YouTube Channel is the commercial I did with director Harold Hyde for internet voiceover sensation Randall and his new Honey Badger App for the iPhone. "Randall" is the genius comic entrepreneur who's made serious dividends from his viral video and the tag line, "Honey Badger don't give a shit." An absolute blast to shoot and the app itself is a lot of fun, too.
The biggest news for last:
In January, right at the top of the new year, I shot my first national commercial!
That's actually all I can say about it until it airs, but it's been one of the best, most agonizing secrets to keep. I can now join SAG and start setting the world on fire like a pro. I will be a made man.
