Blocked

Sometimes as a screenwriter you want to pull your hair out. Just take a few steps back to analyze objects around you. Trees, air, and the grace of a butterflies wings. Things are much simpler than they seem.

"Gun Drugs and Dirty Money" Premiered!

Jon Anton's "Guns Drugs and Dirty Money" screened to a sold out audience at the Emagine Novi theatre last night. I must say that I was a bit reserved when considering the film, but by the time the opening credits had rolled, I was hooked. The highly stylized picture reminiscent of films like "Smokin' Aces" had a comic cook like interpretation within the editing style featuring black barred bordering and dialogue bubbles that would take us to the next scene. The character heavy picture was plentiful in comedy, drama and most of all...action. Local Detroit actors Jason Waugh and Michael Mili portray interesting roles with jocular propriety.

Michigan Actors Studio

Last week many of you may have read my article on acting coach Steve Blackwood. I recently came across another skipper of the theatrical arts; Richard Goteri of the Michigan Actors Studio. MAS seems to accommodate a habitat where talent can grow; Each actor who is enrolled in a one day a week, eight week program can stand alongside both aspiring and seasoned thespians. Like a greenhouse, as individuals they can also network in an environment where the aptitude of each individual can be shared through potential friendships. This and next weekend, the school is hosting a series of one act plays in an affair entitled "24 Hours" (conceived by Oliver Hailey and The Writers Workshop). However, only 12 hours will be played out in the PM (there is also an AM in the original written works) - Indeed the show that costs only $12 a seat ($10 w/ student I.D.) is a fine way to spend the evening and support the local art scene. "24 Hours" which was co-directed by Goteri and his comrade Rachel Bellack, features the talents of such local actors as Ken Alter, Sheela Sharma, Nana Allen, Rob Putansu, Michael Gillespie, Ann Johnstone Filippis and Michelle Balser Peterson.

How to Finance an Art Project

I often also get asked from people: How can I finance my project? Whether it be a movie, TV show pilot or line of boutique clothing wear such as jeans or jewlery...Investors are out there. If you want to find investors, here's a tip: Don't talk to people who are already in the business of your dream. Why is that? It's because they already do it, and they do it well. Why would anyone want to give money to someone who could potentially be a competitor? That is what they are thinking in their minds. Instead discuss your passion project or line of Michigan branded T-Shirts with someone who is not in that business. Someone who finds the sex appeal in something new. The draw of doing something different from the daily routine of one's own life is a psychological stimulus that can both affect the mind body and soul. For example: If I am a rich doctor who never gets out to see a movie because I have patients all day but I am rich, then I am likely to be far more excited to hear about your ideas then if I am already a rich movie producer. That's my tip of the day.

More Actor Advice...

The behaviour in Detroit isn't what you see on "Entourage"...Contending for a role in town doesn’t promote agitating the casting directors. There is only 2 or 3 of em here anyhow. I understand that one needs to campaign for a role, but in the mid-west it needs to be done quietly. Leave the fast talking and smooth walking to the L.A. people who know what they are doing and have been bred into each other for so long. So advice to up and coming actors, is to cool it down. Do you work, do it well, be persistent but not petulant, and the roles and people will come to you.

Happy Halloween

The best marketing tool ever: Host a Free Party. It's something everyone wants to attend and they will buy just about anything when they get there. I had the pleasure of eying several parties this weekend all of whom were sponsored by alcohol companies or worked with other coalitions to assemble location and names and brands. Everyone is looking for a Halloween party this weekend and if you are one of the smart filmmakers, fashionistas, or artists that wish to get the word out then assemble. All you need is sponsors, an up and coming DJ, and a location that will take 50% of the door (if you decide to charge).

3D TV's to Takeover>?

Remember Laserdisc? Remember VHS? Well how about 8 track tapes? It has come time for another revolution in home entertainment technology. A new medium 'Exact 3D' is now getting major backing by companies like Brosta TV and Japan Cable Television. Brosta TV which has a lot of experience in anime and JCTV has more experience in live action productions sound like a perfect myriad for experimentation on 3D television production. I'm curious as to whether or not we as a people will slowly be exchanging out flat screen and high definition televisions for a 3D one? Can you imagine going to the nearest electronics store to buy a 3D television set? I can and we all should, because in the next 10 years, it may become the norm. Though for many of us, we can't let go of the simple non headache inducing effects of watching a simple projection on a flat screen.