Coming to a Wrap

Today we will begin the final day of filming for Cull. After what seems like a lifetime of being on the set (only 3 weeks really), we will finally be able to move on to the Editing process. As is the case for all productions, it is a bittersweet feeling. While I will be happy to return to my normal life, see my friends (whom I've neglected so much!), and start working once again, I will sorely miss these days of being on set. After having the chance to work on a movie of this caliber, I can say with a certainty that this is what I want to do with my life! Though I fear the strain that this lifestyle will put on my friends, family, and loved ones, I hope and pray that they will stick by me, and accept this as a part of me. I don't think I ever fully realized what a life in movies really entailed; the amount of time spent away, the work, sweat, and tears, and not to mention the long hours. But I don't think I can give it up.

I can live my dream.
I will live my dream.

When Dreams Come True

It's an amazing thing when you realize that your Dreams are beginning to come true. This month has brought it's own wonderful surprise. I am currently working on a film Cull, not only as an actor, but as the Assistant Director! No, I'm not starring in this one, but I do have a couple scenes and a few lines, and I'm AD! I never realized quite how awesome that could be! Thanks once again to Don Baldwin, Director of Master's Class, for giving me the opportunity to move forward with my life dream and goal!

The Movie is a dark comedy about 2 female serial killers, Victoria and Claudette. I play Jack, one of Victoria's coworkers at the post office. This has been quite a process. I've taken 3 weeks off work from Eden Alley to completely dedicate my time to the Movie. We have completed one week of filming, and have two more to go. The fun really is just starting. We have a wonderful cast and crew who work really well together, and we have incredible talent! Susan Traylor is playing Victoria, and Alex Farnham is playing Dell, Claudette's Love interest.

I'm so happy right now because this is happening. Even with all the stress and last minute changes, I'm doing whtat I love, and that is all that matters. I will keep everyone updated on the process, but no promises as to when because I am strapped for time!

Start off the New Year

Well this year's not exactly off to a slow start. Eille and I shot a music video for an up and coming artist, AJ, via Lucky Moon Productions! Now I also start stage managing for Chicago the Musical at Union Station! We have a celebrity guest star playing Mama Morton, but I'm not sure if I can disclose who yet! So AWESOME!

There's also rumor that we will be filming Paragon 2, and I've been asked to come back for my role as Stivviq. Other than that there's not too much going on. Thanks to the snow I've gotten a few vacation days, but I'm ready to be back at work making money.

One last thing...Miss you Jo, and I hope you enjoy the sunny and 50 weather you're getting, cause we're freezing back here.

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!

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

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!

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. 

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.

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!!*

I Get It Now!

It finally clicked for me tonight, I have to stop trying to direct the shows I'm in! Arrgghh! After more than a year of the Maestro telling me this, my instructor Brian finally said it in a way that clicked. (Luckily it wasn't directed at me! You'd be so proud of me Maestro!)

Tonight was the last night of my acting class for this cycle. We once again performed the two person pieces that we have been working on for a couple of weeks. Tonight's performance = not so great, but growing. It definitely wasn't the experience of last week (to see what I'm talking about, scroll down!), but I had some growth. One of the hardest challenges of this exercise is that when our scenes are filmed, each person has their own camera, and it is an extreme close up! This means, that every little detail is seen by the viewer, Brian constantly tells us to view this as if we had a 52' head. The challenge with this is to remain still... yes, you read that correctly, still, also known as "as little movement as possible". Anyone who knows me, knows this is a challenge, and that is what showed through tonight. Brian made the comment of "at times you could tell you were really and truly listening, and then you start moving again", I told him that was because I stopped focusing on holding still, and focused on my partner (just say focus with a Germanic accent one time, it'll make you laugh). I was going to ask for advice on how to just hold still without thinking about it, but then I thought back to the book Mastery by George Leonard, and had my answer. There is no short cut to mastering a skill, people who look for them are not on the path to mastery. The solution is to just keep practicing it, do the same practice hundreds of thousands of times, and then do it another hundred thousand times. Eventually you will no longer think about it. That is my solution.

Back to the first part of my Blog, after we all perform our scenes, we then get to watch them on the television. It was in this review that Brian said something that just made all my "directing" frustrations clear up. I don't remember exactly what he said, but it made me realize that Actors don't direct, Directors do. What this means is that no matter how well meaning and good intentioned a piece of advice is, actors do not give advice or criticism to other actors. It's not our place, we are not the director. What always bothered me was what you were supposed to do when someone asked for your advice, and what finally clicked is that we shouldn't be asking other actors for advice and feedback, we need to ask the... DIRECTOR! Thus it is not rude to say: It is not my place to give advice, if you truly want feedback, ask the Director.

November

Is it just me, or does it seem like November just flew by? It really does seem like this month didn't really happen. Of course I've been really busy, yet it seems like I never have anything to do, but I always have somewhere I need to be. What an odd sensation for an entire month.

Anyway, acting classes have continued apace, and I am still really enjoying them. Last week we performed the pieces that we had cold read the week prior. This time through, my scene is with a talented lady named Monica, and it has been a pleasure getting to perform with her. Last week I had a first when it came to a "rehearsal" type performance (it was performed for the class, but not for an audience). For the first time ever, I completely forgot everything that was happening outside of our scene. My world narrowed to Monica and myself. I forgot the cameras that were right on us, the dozen or so classmates, and our director/ instructor Brian. I wasn't worried about getting my lines right, or even if I was portraying the character correctly. I didn't care if the director was taking notes, and I didn't try to decipher every little sound and reaction from the "audience". In fact, I didn't even notice if Brian, who was sitting four feet away, took notes on our scene at all! What made me happier was that Monica said the same thing, so it made me feel like our characters had a true connection, which is good because our characters are in lust! Next week we will do it again, only this time we have to "change it up", we have to find something to do different...hmmm the challenge.

Let's see, what else...oh, I updated my Resume, check that out over in the right side column. I also have to decide if I am going to do the next set of courses. The problem is that I have to purchase a car, and don't know if the expense of the classes is justifiable when I need a car. Right now I've been getting around because my sister Traci is a truly wonderful person, and has been letting me borrow her Neon, but as soon as it starts snowing she needs it back (she has a mustang that doesn't do so well in the snow). There is my dilemma, to take classes or to not take classes, that is the new question.

Oh, and always a shameless self promotion, if you get the chance, check out some of the Fitness and Exercise blog posts I've been doing for www.selfgrowthengine.com!

Started Classes!

Last night I returned to the CAS classroom to once again start taking classes! It was Commercial night! I had to do 2 Burger King commercials, and let me tell you, they’re harder than you think. One was a simple one liner, and it’s hard to not be robotic for a simple one line pitch. I came to the realization that I’m really good at doing something, and then doing the exact same thing over and over again. It’s not really a bad thing, but it can be hard when you’re expected to make each shoot a little different, and then on top of it all, to not think about it and just do it. One way or the other, it felt good to get back into the classroom again.

Oh, and before I forget, so you can see the new look, here’s head shot of the new do!

(no I wasn't supposed to smile, it was for a Modeling Gig!)

One thing that really stuck with me from last night was from the gift one of the other students gave to our teacher Brian Cutler. Apparently one of Brian’s favorite sayings is a quote from Laurence Olivier said to Dustin Hoffman (and apparently, after a Google search, from a lot of other people to other actors too!):

“Don’t act. Just be.”

What's In a Name

I need everyone's help! In my last class of my first 4 class series, my instructors Jill and Brian talked with me about head shots, resume, and the things I need to start looking at to attract an agent. One of the things I had not yet considered is how I am going to Brand myself, in other words, what name am I going to use. I would love nothing more than to be known as Mike Davis, it's me, it's who I am, but I'm not alone. There are over 15,000 Mike Davis in the United States, about 2,500 of them have the middle name Robert. Even worse, there are hundreds of them listed in IMDB for acting and acting related careers. What does this mean, it means branding myself as Mike Davis is a BAD IDEA! So here is my challenge, what name do I want to go by? Do I want something similar to my real name, or do I want to create a whole new identity? I've also thought of using versions of my Ancestry names: Jones, Hancock, Strauss, Lowery.
This is where I need your help! I need ideas and votes. Below is a list of names that have been suggested, one of them is the name I'm leaning towards, but I'm not telling you which one it is. Currently the only way I can get this is if you respond in a comment below, so PLEASE leave your vote. If you don't like any of these, vote for other, and leave a suggestion so others can see it! Please leave any feedback you wish to share.

Names:

1. Jonsi Michels
2. Davis Hancock
3. Laurence 'Laurie' Michels
4. Mike Davesse
5. Davis Michels
6. Other ___________
   

Acting Needs: Head Shots

(The One that gets Sent Out)

Thanks to the amazingly talented Adam, I now have some head shots to share! If you will glance over to the right side of your screen, you should see a sideshow of some of the best pictures. Also, a new addition over to your right and down a little, you will see a teaser for the The Beast Who Cried "I", a short animated film done by non other than the same amazingly talented Adam, with voice over work by Yours Truly, and music by the lovely Nolan! (Warning to Marmee: don't view the full screen version)

So now that these steps are completed my next step is to get some of these wonderful head shots printed off with a copy of my Resume on the back and start mailing myself out! Hopefully, now that I have all the necessary ingredients, I might be able to attract an Agent (insert dramatic dahnt dahnt daaaaa music here)! I wonder, do they make a pheromone that will help with that...? Anyway, I'm just happy that I am making progress, here's to the hope of continuing to do so!

One last thing, and this is just a shameless self promotion, don't forget to purchase your tickets to this years Phantom's Feaste: Frankenstein's Creation, where I'm performing as Igor, the doctors Lab Assistant. So get your seats reserved now by clicking HERE!

2009 Phantom's Feaste Auditions!

Wednesday night found me out at the KC Renaissance Festival grounds standing in an empty feast hall with about 30 other people. All of us were ready to lay our emotion on the line, bare our souls to an as of yet unknown audience, and show how we can break through our own limitations and comforts. Yes ladies and gentlemen, we were there to audition for the 2009 Kansas City Renaissance Festival’s Phantom’s Feaste: Kansas City’s only Adult Halloween Dinner Theatre.

(2008 Phantom's Feaste: Adam as Ancil, and Me as Vlad)

I hadn’t actually been sure I was going to audition this year. I had been looking at being a server, and dancing in the Macabre Cabaret, and doing those wouldn’t have allowed me to perform. When I hadn’t heard back about being a server, I made the decision that I still wanted to be a part of the show, so I’d audition for all the roles I could, and just see what happened.

(2009 Phantom's Feaste: Wendy as Bella)

By the time the evening was over, I had auditioned for Frankenstein’s Monster, Igor, a Maniac, Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde, Dorian Grey and a Cabaret Dancer. Each role was fun to audition for, and after losing the weight I wanted to, I had no problems running around in next to nothing. Even though I was exhausted, and not at the top of my game, my mind wasn’t making the leaps and connections it normally would have.

(2009 Phantoms Feaste: Maniacs)

(Matt, Me, Andy, Cody)

(Adam, Curtis)

I feel that I gave a very strong audition, and casting could have gone a number of ways. Cody and I were pretty neck and neck for the roles we were both going for (Maniac, Monster, Igor), and we were feeding off of each other’s energy. What made me really happy, was that we weren’t competing! We helped each other because neither of us were in a this or nothing situation. Even though Cody really wanted to be a Maniac, he couldn’t help but be awesome as the Monster or Igor, and I believe that even though he didn’t feel the connection with the Monster, he had it. And that is why the casting went the way it did. Cody will be Frankenstein’s Monster, and I will be Igor! Check out the full Cast List, everyone did a really great job this year. I did not envy Maestro at all, everyone put on their best performances, I was so proud and impressed!

Acting Needs: Training

Last night I attended my very first Film Acting class! Thanks to Bailee and KCStage I found a great little training studio just up the street from where I live. It’s Brian Cutler’s Commercial Actors Studio, and the main instructor is none other than Brian Cutler. The class set-up is done so that all the levels are in the same class together, just working on varying degrees of difficulty. Every time you take the class, you move up to more difficult levels, and new students join in and get to learn not only from the instructors, but from the more experienced students as well. Last night was the first night of a 4 week On-Camera Class, and we started with Commercials. So the two other new students and myself got to watch the dozen other actors perform what they had been working on (oh, almost forgot, they film it all with lights and sound so you get a feel for the camera), and then received a little extra instruction about marks, slating, and things to keep in mind before we did our own one-line commercial. We were then given notes, and got to try a couple more times. Before the night was over everyone had a couple more commercials to shoot, and us first timers had some larger ones, and a partner one as well. After everyone presented what they had been working on, we then got to watch and critique all the shoots we just did. During all of this Brian and Jill (who was running the camera) were giving constant feedback, and would take the time to talk about auditions and agents, even what to and not to wear to a Film audition (guess what color is most suggested to wear…blue! Blah!). The great part was the other people in the class, everyone is very welcoming, supportive and encouraging.
I realized that I have a lot to learn. While yes my experience in theatre will help me, I've always been winging it when it comes to camera work. There are some very little things that I could do to be better. For example, I need to work on keeping the action and energy of a scene going until the director says cut. I usually would freeze when the scripted action was done, I did this because I didn't know what else to do. What I was doing was making the directors job more difficult by giving them less to work with. The second major thing is that I keep shifting my eyes away from the camera. I've become so used to being told not to look at cameras (photo, not video) that I've adapted it to film as well.
Next weeks class will be cold reading of scripts! The format will be very similar to the commercial class, I can't wait!

Well I had a busy 3 day weekend, relaxing, fun, but busy. This is going to be a long Post, just warning you!

On Saturday I went out to opening day at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, and had a marvelous time. This was a little awkward for me however. It was the first time I had been out there not performing since the fall of 2004. Heck, I even went so far as to go in Jeans and a T-Shirt, and walked around with a plastic cup full of alcohol. Jake and I called this our “date” as both of our girlfriends are a part of Festival, and we’re not. We watched the Gypsy Girls “Troupe Mystique” first thing, followed by the Gypsy Boys “The Kumpania Boleyn”. Both shows were very well done, and I have to say Bailee looked beautiful up there on stage in her gypsy costume! (Yes Cody, so did you but I prefer Bailee by quite a bit!)

(Bailee as Natasha Artiene)

We then walked around for a bit, sat in and watched “John Mallory and Family”, then got more to drink. After a rather disappointing Parade, we ended up going to the “Fabulous Feaste of Fooles” for the Murder Mystery lunch, and my answer got chosen for the stupidest answer they’d heard (which is what I was going for). The show was hilarious, and the food was delicious, I highly recommend it (if you have the money to spare)! After Feaste I met up with Madame Red and her lovely working wenches, and they escorted me to the Chess Match and made me the envy of every man there.

(Azure and Madame Red)

Chess Match was a little ruff, the dialogue was excellent, but being opening day the fights still needed to be tightened up and made believable. Jake and I then caught the Faerie Dance at the Maypole, they danced so well, and I loved that they let the kids join them. Oh, and Noland, you looked beautiful too, and I bet you thought I wasn’t going to say anything. From here we headed went over to watch the Gypsy Showdown, Jake and I cheered very loudly for the Girls to come back whenever the boys were dancing (sorry guys!). The day ended with Last Huzzah and Gypsy Revel outside the gates. Overall, it was a beautiful day, everyone worked their butts off, and I think I can speak for all the patrons that we had fun. I admit, it was hard for me to not go up to random strangers to ask them how their day was and if they were enjoying themselves, and the hardest part was not approaching children to play with them, cause then I would have just been some Creepy McCreeper guy, and that’s just not cool!

Sunday was my second of three shoot days for Paragon the movie. This was a very simple shoot, we were only doing 1 scene, it had a total of 5 lines between 3 characters, and I had 2 of the 5 lines! *does a little happy dance* This really has been a different experience. There really is no rehearsal aside from running the scene a couple of times before filming (even that is filmed just in case), and it doesn't take a whole lot of time. Totally different from Theatre. Once we were done filming, we got everything set up and reviewed lines for the next scene. I then went shopping for my new costume for my gypsy character Apollo, and went home and created some new jewelry. Kind of a non action packed day (I need those sometimes).

Monday had me back out at the Renaissance Festival! I didn’t go out with anybody specific on Monday, but I ended up hanging out with a number of different people. I walked around mostly, looked in some shops, and hung out with Madame Red and her girls for a good part of the morning (they had me shirtless almost the whole time I was with them). I also got to watch the new “Bawdily Harm” show, which I have to say has the best fights I’ve seen at Festival so far. I caught the first scene of the Scenario “The Battle of the Bards”, I was so happy for Wendy as Marlow, she gets sword fights! I was then pulled up on stage to “audition” for the plays being done by the dueling bards (Romeo and Elspeth by Shakespeare, and César by Marlow), I made a right proper full of myself, I know who’d have guessed! I finally got to see a show by the “Washer Well Wenches”! For about 3 years now I have always told people to go see this show, and I’d never even seen it myself! Now I know why I always told people they needed to see it, I laughed so hard! I then met up with Bradford and Andy, we went and watched the “Royal Masque” being done by court this year. It was an all musical Masque with a good story, and was really well performed. I have to learn it because Prince Phillip cannot be there for 2 days in October, so I will be filling in for him (I couldn’t say no, Patrick couldn’t think of anyone else), so come see me the 3^rd and 17^th of October! Then I met up with Mandy and Allen, and we went to see Chess Match (much improved since Saturday), and then went to the “Royal Smoker”, no, I didn’t smoke, just drank. Oh, and Roger, if you’re reading this, please let them serve WoodChuck, I’ll buy a ticket if they get WoodChuck *does a sad and pathetic Oliver Twist voice*. The show was properly rude, crude, and completely adult! Then to end the day we went to Pub Sing, again, rude, crude, and completely adult! Loved it! If you can’t tell, on Monday, Bailee had to drive home.

So there you have it, my Labor Day Weekend. I hope you all had just as good a time as I did, if not more so. And if you haven’t gone yet, go to the Renaissance Festival! You’ll have fun, I know I did!