Auditons Finally!

This week brought two different auditions! Yay...opportunity finally! On Wednesday I auditioned for a national airing Keystone Light ad, and today I auditioned for a Missouri Lotto commercial. Both went well I think, so fingers are crossed. The odd part is that I had to shave for the audition today...clean shaven is a weird feeling! It's been over a year and a half since I was last without facial hair. 

I'll keep everyone posted as to if I get either gig!

Restless

Once again things have gone quiet...
While my personal life is having a roller coaster of ups and downs: my ambitions are sitting dormant. I've realized that I was taking a break of sorts. There's been a lot of hope on my behalf that my agent would pull something for me while I adjust to the responsibilities of my new roommate as well as the other changes happening around me. I watch as my Jo becomes a woman of the world and chases her happiness, and I realize that somehow I've taken a back seat on my own chase.
It's been a little over a year since I started this path, and I've done a movie, a cable pilot, and a commercial. It's not a bad start! I truely belive that, but it's time for it to progress to the next level. It's time I pull on the few connections I have made, and start making my own path again! I'll move Heaven and Earth to help those I love,and now I just need to learn how to move them for myself!

Goals: Name on the silver screen

First off I would like to say thank you to everyone who came out to support us on Thursday at the premier of Paragon! It was an awesome night, and I felt that it was also a mile stone in my pursuit. Not only did I make it up on that big silver screen, but I got to see my name "Davis Michels" roll through the credits (talk about exhilarating!). Though it wasn't the highest quality film; for a zero budget independent film, it was great!
Second; for those who could not make it there will be a second screening. We're not sure when, but I will keep everyone posted as to when that will be.

First Paying GIG!!!

Filmed a commercial with PlattForm Advertising today for one of their Physical Trainer schools! Yay for paid work XD

In other news: I auditioned for a commercial with Missouri Lotto, fingers crossed.

And as another shameless self promotion, don't forget the premier of Paragon! My first movie. It shows on Thursday August, 26th at the Noland Center in Independence. Tickets are $7, all proceeds go to support local Independent Film. I don't have  a large roll, but I'm in a few scenes with a couple lines! See our Facebook Event Page for more details!

Paragon Movie Premiere!

Finally the Premier of Paragon is coming to a Theater near...Kansas City! Anyone is welcome to come, tickets are $7, and procedes go to support Independent Film making. For more details please visit: Paragon Movie Premiere Facebook Page

Yep...that's how it's done!

http://www.xkcd.com/759/

Back in the Gym

I've finally made a point to start making it back into the gym! Sad news, I was back up to 160lbs. Good news, just a couple weeks of being good and it is dropping back off (158lbs as of an hour ago)! I've also decided that it is now time to start working on building muscle! The goal is to do this without adding too much weight, and with a little research I think I've developed a workout that will do that. Only time will tell!

As for everything else, I have a meeting tomorrow for the cable pilot to finalize contracts and meet everybody. Also, I did not end up auditioning for "Mercy House Split". The reason is that it does not start filming till November, and here I've been talking about moving out west before that. It may not be set in stone, but I don't need to make excuses to stay.The good part is that I am still involved with the film. I'm helping Scott find locations for all the scenes, so if you get an email asking if I can use your apartment/house, that's why! Just kidding...or am I?

One last note: The premier of Paragon will be sometime late September/ October, as soon as I know I'll invite everyone!

Hello Opportunity

I met with a man today who has offered me a role in a Cable Pilot! The double bonus of this is that it is for a show on how actors are trained. He is going to have 14 actors (being themselves) who will be recorded during this Masters Class! If the pilot does not get picked up, no pay. However, we still get the training! I don't see much of a down side here.

On top of that, I have an Audition for "Mercy House Split", a murder mystery film being done by the same director as "Paragon". Again, no pay, but still experience.

*BTW if you would like to audition for "Mercy House Split", auditions are Sunday the 30th of May at the Plaza Branch Library from 2-6. Email Scott Kessler at CreativeThreatFilms@hotmail.com!

Quote

"Anyone brave enough to attempt a life in the arts belongs there. Use that scary feeling to guide you to the risks that will keep you vital. Even if the scary thing is sitting for a photographer. Artists need to keep risking."

-Markus Flanagan

Getting off Track

Well as you can obviously tell by the lack of posts, I've been busy. I wish I could say that it was all with acting, but the opposite is the truth. I lost my role in "The Truth About Why", which made me very sad, but I've moved on and managed to maintain the friendships I started with that project. I'm still working 2 jobs, and I'm going to be getting a couple serving shifts at Eden Alley, which is great because I could use the money, but sad because it's not acting.

Lately I feel like I have to spend so much time just making sure I can afford to live day to day, that I don't have any left for my dream. The Acting front has gone quieter than a winter's night in the middle of Kansas, and I haven't heard of any auditions from my Agent since the Lee Jeans gig (which I also haven't heard from). People keep telling me about theater auditions, but I don't want to do theater! It is so different from film, and takes up so much time that I'm afraid I'd miss an opportunity, or already have a commitment and miss out.

I just have to keep reminding myself that everything I'm doing right now I'm doing as a means. I have this grand goal, my target. It's the size of a pea sitting miles away, and to hit it I have to remain focused. 

Turning 26

"How is it to be 26?"

"Do you feel any different?"

To answer both questions...it feels the same. I made it through 25, and it was a year of growth and change. It was at 25 that I made the decision to pursue my dreams, due what it takes to make myself happy and content with life, and live every day not only as the last day but as the best. I truly discovered the power of "I can", and have used it as much as possible. I have made leaps and bounds toward my Acting goal, and I have 25 to thank for that.

However, something tells me 26 will be more than I can even expect. I've come to a few realizations lately that are giving me a different outlook. I still want to be an actor more than anything, and I will do whatever I can to pursue that. But do I have to do it here...can I do it here? I've felt the need to travel, move, or change for some time now, it's no secret, I tell everyone. There always seems to be an excuse to stay here though; I've built my life here, all my friends and my families are here, I just got everything I own and I can't afford to move. But the truth is, I'm just afraid to do it. Fear of the unknown, of being alone. But maybe the time is coming. I can sell my possessions and make the money I need to travel. There are cheap alternatives in larger cities for people looking to build a new life. I have friends everywhere, and I built this site to keep in touch with the ones I don't see day to day.

No worries of this happening soon, I have a few obligations that will keep me around KC for a while longer, but who knows what this year will hold. 26 looks to be an adventurous year full of possibility.

Lee Jeans

So I went in for a modeling audition with Lee Jeans today. They were looking for a model for their 32x32 Fit mens jeans, and everyone who's been going in has been to big for them. So my agent called me and had me go cause I'm a 31x32, just to give it a try. Guess what...I'm too skinny! They said my seat line (butt) looked great, perfect length on the inseam, but they were too loose around my waist! However, because of the first two parts, they will call me when they shoot for their 31x32's!!! They're not sure when that will be, but being on hold is better than being shot down right!?!

Getting Older

Let me preface this by saying that I know I'm still young, but keep reading and you'll see why I say I'm getting older. I have finally made it back into the library after a week of being unable to walk here! Closing down "Evil Dead" the musical Monday night was not healthy for me; I threw my back out! What is this!?! I'm going to be 26 in a couple of weeks, how did I manage to throw my back out? I have felt more like an invalid this past week than I ever have in my life! Tuesday moring I could barely get myself out of bed (it took 5 minutes just to sit up!), and I'm still having troubles walking long distances.

On the plus side, I am no longer unemployed! I am now working Mon. Wed. Thur. from 2 to 4 at Pickerman's Soups and Sandwiches in Brookside, so come in and visit!

Adding this on Tuesday the 16th! I also just got hired on at Eden Alley as a Host! I start training tomorrow morning before I go work at Pickermans! Yay for 2 jobs!!!

Life!

Well things are still moving along. I am now helping as a stage hand for Evil Dead the musical being done by Padgett Productions at Union Station. I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into when Fran asked if I could fill in for a couple of nights, but I have now agreed to help with the run of the show. I also got to help finish building set and figuring out really awesome effects (this ended up being multiple nights of working till 6am)! It's a great show and I suggest everyone come see it! The cast and crew worked really hard to get it up and running, and the highlight so far has been oversold audiences and the attendance of Tech N9ne; who I helped get seats, talked to, and didn't even recognize until later!

I have also been hanging out with the cast of "The Truth About Why", which is the film I'm doing. After re-editing the script, we now have a feature length film as opposed to the original 40 min short! I can't wait to actually get to start filming! We've had a couple of recasting issues, but I think it's all going to be just fine. In correspondence to this, I also attended the KC IFC (Independent Filmmaker's Coalition) meeting last night, and I think I'll start going on a regular basis.

Acting Needs: An Agent

Though I have not been posting much on my acting career, I am slowly but surely working towards my goal. On Thursday I had an interview with The Agency to be considered for representation! The interview ended with me being told they would love to represent me, and I have a contract in my hand waiting for my signature. One signing of my name is all it will take...my hesitation, this changes everything. Really it kind of scares me, and I'm a little intimidated by the thought.

I've been thinking a lot about it, and I didn't quite realize the things I might have to give up to pursue this dream of mine. Thinking ahead, can I justify auditioning for things like Renaissance Festival and community theatre when it would limit my availability for paying gigs (which will be my primary source of income)? If this is the career I want to follow, then it will be a part of my job to make myself ready for an audition at the drop of a hat. I see now the separation this will put between my acting friends and I. While they are all getting ready for a number of auditions (Renaissance Festival, musicals, plays), I stand by kind of saddened by the fact that I'm not going to be joining some of my best friends

At the start of this blog my main concern had been in having a corporate job and the strictures of that lifestyle as well as leaving it behind with the benefits it offered. Being laid-off made that decision for me, and I am a little thankful for that. However, this time the decision to change another part of my life for this dream is completely in my hands.

Once again I find myself standing on the precipice of an infinite plane of possibilities. All I need to do is to pick a direction and take a step. All things are possible from here.

Check this out!!

Hey guys, Jess found this on stumble... totally check it out!

http://sleeptalkinman.blogspot.com

"You can't be a pirate if you don't have beard. I said so. MY boat, MY rules"

Gonna Be a Good Year!

Third day of the year, 2nd post, I think it's going to be a good year. I just had to get on and update everyone. Back on December 5th, 2009, I auditioned for a short film and after not hearing from anyone for the whole month I was convinced that I just wasn't what they were looking for. Then on New Year's Eve I get a text message from the director asking if I could do a call back reading. Of course I was stoked! We met at the West Port Coffee House yesterday, and I read for the Lead Male role "Derrick" with Mandy who is the Lead Female "Eiley". The call back lasted for 2 and a half hours (most of this was us just talking and laughing our butts off) and at the end I was told that I would be getting a phone call to let me know what they decide.

The news...

I got the Part!!!!!

I've already read the entire script, and I love it. The movie is titled "The Truth about Why" and it is kind of a self growth, self disscovery type film.

Also, I am calling The Agency on the 5th to set up an interview because they are possibly interested in representing me! So I might have an Agent soon! I'll keep everyone updated! This is looking like a great year!

*Also, I'd still like to know what everyone's New Year's Resolutions are, or why you didn't make one!!*

Happy New Year!

A few years ago I made a New Year's resolution to never have to make another New Years resolution. Most people take this to mean that I just don't want to make them, but that's not what it is. What I decided at that time was that I no longer wanted to live a life style that involved things that would need a New Years resolution to get rid of. I wanted to live a life where everyday I try to be better, to improve something, to constantly be making positive changes in my life.

I think I've done a rather good job of it so far. I've made quite a few very significant changes and some minor ones as well. It has come to the First of January, 2010, and everyone is making their New Year's resolutions, and happily, I do not feel the need to make one. This is not to say that I do not approve of resolutions, but that I have stuck to one that I made a number of years ago. In fact, I would really like to know what your New Years Resolution for 2010 is, or, if you didn't make one, then why?