Lots of auditions this week! Two different teams for the 48Hour project have offered me a place on their team. I need to make a choice, quickly. I kind of feel like I’m two timing or something, however I did tell the second team I auditioned for, that I was looking at their team and another.

I was also called by a friend to join another team. Then I got an email from someone who I don’t know looking for me to be a part of their team. After I responded to them I got an IM from someone else I don’t know, on my “MySpace” page, looking for me to send him my headshot and resume, as he is putting a team together too. He is coming in from LA to play in this competition.

The first team is a lot of fun and held an improve night on Tuesday to see how we all work together. Improve stuff is either scary or tons of fun if you have the right group of folks to play with. These guys and girls were indeed fun and a bit wacky too. The team organizers and writer and crew were there to see our personalities because they will need to write a script very quickly Friday night with all of us in mind.

The second team I had auditioned for was great. They were very excited to be doing this and were very professional. These ladies know what they want and are going to get it. I was very impressed with all of them. They were very well spoken and clear on their goals. I am really torn here. I was asked first by the other team. Even though this is Utah, I’m told I can’t have both. I really want to work with these ladies, and only hope that if I don’t choose them, that they won’t hold it against me for too long. This is a small market and I am sure I will run into them again, and I only want good things for all of us.

All these folks have had to put together their own teams, the Writers, Directors, Cinematographers, Cast, Musician / Composer… They have had to scout locations all around SLC, plus get written and signed permission to shoot at those locations. All films will have to include a recognizable landmark and each team will be given a prop, a character and line of dialogue to be included in every film. There is a lot of work in getting this going, and a lot of the teams are working their butts off getting things in place to make this happen.

There were 17 teams in the contest then sometime Monday they opened slots for an additional 12 teams. So people are scrambling to get their teams together.

This is going to be awesome! 29 teams of anywhere from 3 or 4 on a team to teams of 20 or more, all running around SLC trying to get a film made within the same 48Hours! CRAZY!!! But I personally think it sounds like one hell of a lot of fun! This all starts on Friday night the 20^th of April @ 6:00 pm. All the teams will meet at the Salt Lake City Library’s downtown amphitheater. They will pick the genre and get some instructions, then, they are off. It all ends Sunday night by delivering the completed and edited films to a specified location. The winners will be picked and shown at a downtown movie theater the following week. Pretty exciting stuff!

The auditions this week included one for a feature film and one for a new TV series pilot. One was for V/O and radio commercials. One was for a talk show host. One was even for a print modeling job.

“The Rising”, a TV pilot shoot that had I had been set to film my part for on Friday the 6^th was changed to Friday the 13^th because of a location conflict. I am also part of a live show later on that night @ 666 S. State Street. Should I be scared?

Last Sunday we completed my part of the shooting on Josh’s film noir. Here is a photo of the cool car I’m in while Josh and I run lines for the scene.

“Topher”, a student at the U, asked me to be in his film. We rehearse Monday night.

Dave Christensen has a twisted little film that he has cast me in as the Dad. Shooting should only be a few hours for me.

Amy Bronson is still looking for a location to film her short, but I can’t wait to film this one.

Film Fest on the 20^th Up at the U of U @ 7:30 pm

Not too many auditions lately, OK, two last week. But I have done a few films, and was just, like at 3:00 pm today, called to be cast in a three part TV pilot. “The Rising” - a psychological warfare thriller... I am in episode one, but I’m not sure about the next two episodes. They are emailing me the script today. For my part, we shoot next Friday the 6th.

I did a film for Lonny D, a grad student up at the U. The film is called “Side Effects” and is about a father, me, and a daughter, not me, arguing about her taking her medicine. She is trying to point out to me the actual side effects, hence the name, of taking the medicine/drugs. She seems to think I am having her take the med’s to avoid having to deal with her and to avoid having to actually be a father by keeping her “medicated”. It’s about a five or six minute film that was all done in one shot – no editing allowed! We did several takes, but only one of those is the “one”. I can’t wait to see how it turned out. Lots-O-Fun! They fed well too!

Miss Amy Bronson, who made “Backstroke” which is now traveling on the “short film” circuit, has asked me to be in her new film project called “Down Jumper”. It is twisted and quite thought provoking. I won’t tell you about it because that would maybe give it away. However I will tell you that my few lines are the best lines in the film. Amy does quality work and she paid me a compliment when she wrote me and said “Frankly, I can’t picture this script with anyone else.” I thought it was really nice of her to say that, and I can’t wait to be working with her on this project.

I am working with Mr. Josh Samson again on his film Noir project. We shot four locations in one day last week. I still have one more day of filming with him and I’m done. Depending on weather, we may shoot this weekend. We were in the 70’s last week, and so far this week, we have had snow for the last two days and temperatures have dropped about 40 degrees.

Mr. David Christenson also has a project for me where I play a dad, and as soon as he finds an actress and a second story office location, we shoot.

I was also asked to be a customer in a burlesque dance show. I will play a typical business customer who is enjoying the show and spending all my money on the girls. Once my money is gone, I’m not treated the same… go figure. This is a live show some time in April.

On Friday, the 20^th of April the “48 Hour” film contest begins. The teams are set to meet @ 7:00 pm. They get the rules and the theme or direct dialogue that is to be included, and then each team picks the genre out of a hat sort of thing. The way this works is that each team has 48 hours to write, cast, direct, film, edit and submit the film, all within the 48 hours of the start, or by 7:00 pm Sunday night. I may be a part of a team. I have been contacted by a few teams but nobody has anything solid as yet. One team is doing an improve night next week to see how we all work together, and another team is holding auditions on another night… I am sure that I’m going to be involved, but not exactly sure how yet.

Conflict – the 20^th is also the night that the advanced film students up at the U are hosting a viewing, or a short film festival, showcasing their work. As of right now I’m told they are showing:

Amy Bronson’s: “Backstroke”

Josh Samson’s: “Frames Of Reference”

Josh Negley’s: “The Prayer”

Paul Johnson’s: “Blue Moon”

I’m in all of these! I have only seen the “rough cut” of Backstroke, not the finished product. I haven’t seen the rest and I do want to. Up on the big screen! How cool will that be? I really, really want to go!

So do I just blow off the 48 Hour event for an evening of selfish pleasure?

Do I negotiate with a team to come late?

Do I even need to be there for the rules and instructions?

Can’t I just be late?

Is that even allowed?

What to do?

I don’t know!

See Ya,

Bill

Here is a short film where I am the voice of the bad guy. Enjoy!
Probably an "R" for language.

Star 6 9

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Blog Update 03-05-07

This past Friday evening we had a full script reading for the full length independent feature film “Mathews Sandcastle”. I have been given an additional role to play too. Actually the writer is blending the two roles, and still has to rewrite a bit of the script to do so. Cool for me, more screen time! We will start filming over the next few weeks. It was nice to meet and read with the entire cast, writer, director, producer… I really enjoy script readings because you get to see and hear the script, the whole story, come to life.

Friday I got a call for a “call back” audition for something I had auditioned for back on the 9^th, called “The Rising” - a psychological warfare thriller... It’s a 3 part series pilot. I figured that they had already cast all the parts and just didn’t choose me. Well it was nice to have gotten called back. The call was for Saturday where I saw David Webb, Walter Platz and Susan Runkles , we all got called back, and I got to run a scene with Walter. He and I always seem to be up against each other for same parts. It also seems that if he doesn’t get the part, then I do, or the other way around. We have been in one film together. Walter is a great actor and I’m honored to even be considered when I’m up against him. I think that I only get the parts when they are looking for someone much younger. Yea, that must be it! Sorry Walter. It was a treat to be able to actually run an entire scene with him.

Sunday the 11^th and Friday the 16^th I have a rehearsal for a short film that we are filming on Saturday the 17^th. Also Saturday, I have another film where they need to re-shoot some parts, because of a few technical problems. This is the Zombie film and so I’ll need to run back up in Logan for it. We’re still working out the details of how to do both in the same day.

The week of the 18^th we start to film a political drama where I am a campaign manager for a man running for the US House of Representatives, and I am pretty sure I have the most dialogue in this one. Cool, for me, more screen time again!

See Ya,

Bill

P.S. I almost forgot, here are the two “On The Lot” films that I wrote about last time.

The Gilded Scarab

Self Control

Lots of things going on!

First few things:

Robbie turned 25 on the 7^th & Billy 27 on the 19^th

All that this means to me is that they are getting older. I didn’t have a birthday, they did! Oh and Sean turns 14 on the 16^th of March, and Anna 16 in May, if you are keeping track.

Last Wednesday night the 14^th, we had our first rehearsal for “Mathews Sandcastle” I’m not sure when we will have another one, but shooting for my part is set around the 12^th or 13^th of March for one or two nights.

This past weekend I shot a film with Kyle M. at his home in North Salt Lake. There were a few actors from Rob Diamond’s “Actors Lounge” cast in this short. Alex P., is new to the lounge, Linda E., who is a regular, and myself. The other actors we worked with Carolyn K., and Glade C. It was fun and is the first film done for the new group “801” modeled after the group “101” out of L.A.

On Monday night I had a rehearsal for a short film that will be shot the first weekend in March. It’s called “Side Effects”. Lonny D., the writer / director is a grad student up at the U. I don’t know if he was actually there at the audition or if he had just watched my audition from the tape. Anyway, he liked what he saw and speaking in with him on Wednesday night at the rehearsal, he told the other actor, Crystal and me that the story had been floating around in the back of his mind for a while, but once he had seen our two auditions, he put his idea on paper, essentially writing it specifically for the two us to bring to life. The story is a father and daughter having a conversation that is quite real. I had only just met Crystal on Monday night, but I think we work well together. This film has to be done within a five hour stretch without any editing. Shoot after shoot and they will simply pick the best one to use. One where the sound, lighting, acting, directing and everything else is the best it can be. That’s how it is graded and how everyone on the project learns. What I’ve learned in doing these is just how many things can actually go wrong at any given moment. We will shoot on the 3^rd or 4^th of March.

Friday the 23^rd, I am working with a very talented actress Kate P., another from the lounge who is making her first short film. She has written the story, selected the cast, plus she is directing and producing this project. Did I mention that she is just 17 years old? She has been working in the industry for many years on films TV and has done several different commercials too. She is amazing and I’d put her up against anyone considered to be the “best” today. One of the film’s stars is Susan R. The story is about surrender and the freedom it can bring. I play a dark shadowy figure and you never actually see who I am. I do need to speak with Kate about why is it that she sees me as a dark shadowy figure???

Saturday the 24^th, I have a part in an independent film to be shot up in Logan. This one is definitely twisted and is going to be fun to do. I am one of three guards who watch a zombie. The three guards each have their own 8 hour shift and the story is about those shifts and our how characters lives effect our relationship with the zombie. Did I mention fun and twisted?

Next up is a film by Rob Diamond that is set to film the 9^th and 10^th of March.

Then…, I have another film where I am a campaign manager for a political candidate who is single and who is running in a national campaign while seeing a lady who is… The story is about how this relationship determines the result of the race. We start filming the week of the 18^th of March.

So I guess my weekends are pretty much set for the next month or so.

Two films that I am in did get submitted to “On The Lot” I’ll have to wait to see when they get posted to the site. I’ll let you know.

See Ya,

Bill

So we didn’t get any photos this past weekend, sorry.

Saturday, Sean and I went to one film shoot, 3 auditions, the last 35 minutes of a class, and finally one last film shoot.

I had a great time, and so did Sean until the last shoot. He just got bored. I can’t blame him. We were at the last one for about 5 hours and he didn’t have anything to do. OK, so he “forgot” he brought his homework with him.

Our first shoot Sean got to be a part of. He got to be in the film too! Some pretty funny stuff. Twisted? Sure, but funny! This was an idea of Josh S. for a submission to “On The Lot”. It was a documentary spoof. We got see some friends there that were also part of the project: Paul J., Dave C, Linda E., and a few others. It was a lot of fun, and we got done early, so we headed out to my first audition.

We actually got there early, yep, that’s what I said, early. They were the ones that were late. The camera man got caught in traffic on the freeway coming in form up north. The audition was a bit weird, only because it was held in the lobby of a movie theater, while the theater was open for business. But the theater, “The Broadway”, is an artsy type theater that embraces local and independent films and film makers. I think I did a great job, but who knows, we will see.

The second audition was what they call an “ultra cold read”. No script, called “sides”, in advance, and none out in the waiting area either. So there is no time to, go over any lines, or build a character, nor make any choices about the character. It is one of the most difficult types of auditions to do, especially if you are not a good reader. Thank goodness I do read aloud often and work on my reading skills too. That being said, I still didn’t feel good about my performance in the audition at all. Again, we will see.

The last audition was at the library. I loved the story idea as it is one that I could relate to. It was about a boy coming of the age to decide what name he was going to choose for himself. The names, were represented as the future adult, result of what he would choose. His name now is Billy. So his parents give him the choice, and he must choose between Bill @ 40 years old, William @ 50, Will @ 30, Willy @ 20 and so on, for his adult name. The name “Billy” is for little boys, and he has outgrown it. The Bill, Will, William and Willy, adults, are essentially a trying to convince Billy why he should choose their name as his adult name, and show Billy how his life will look when he does. I thought it was pretty cool idea, but the call backs were also Saturday and because of my filming, I was not able to make it back. Oh well!

We left there at around 2:45 and were on our way to my class that had started at 1:00. I committed to being there, so off we went. On the way, Sean kept saying he was hungry, my god, hadn’t he eaten just 8 or 9 hours ago. So we stopped at Burger King, apparently the only one in town, by the line at the drive through. We got our food and somehow my unfinished morning coffee ended up all over Sean. He was none too pleased, and wanted to clean up before we went any further. Fine! Whatever! Whiner! So we cleaned as best we could and off we went, again. Eating in the car is always fun. We got to the class it was about 3:20 and it ended at 4. Sean ate while I was in my class, and I waited.

We left class and headed straight to my last shoot of the day. I was supposed to have gotten there around 4 but got there at 4:15. Overall I didn’t think that was too bad, oh, and yes I did call. Within 5 minutes I was called in. The rest of the cast and crew were already there filming their parts, and I wasn’t needed until that time, so it worked out pretty well. Another fun script where I am tied up, pistol whipped, eventually escape then kill one of my captors all while maintaining my fan base. You’ll see. Tony H., you rock!

Sean and I left about 9:15 am and got home just before 10:00 pm. On a set that is a normal day, but doing all the running we did and getting all that we got done, done, I think we had a pretty darn productive day. Thanks for playing along.

See Ya,
Bill

My Next Few Weeks...

Friday 02-09-07

Audition @ 4:00 pm
For a series of commercials

Saturday: 02-10-07

Filming for an “On The Lot” film submission @ 9:30 am – W / Josh S..
Audition @ 12:00pm Downtown Salt Lake – W / Steve A.
Audition @ 12:00pm Also Downtown Salt Lake – W / Jared B.
Audition @ 1:00pm Downtown too! For a 3 part TV Pilot!
Rob’s Class @ 1:00pm – W / guest Casting Director, Katherine M.
Filming for another “On The Lot” film submission 4:00 pm – W / Tony H.

Sunday: 02-11-07

Audition @ 1:00 pm Downtown Salt Lake – W / Kyle M

During the week: 02-12 thru 02-18

Table read and rehearsal for:
“Matthews Sandcastle” Wednesday & Thursday,
A full length feature film to be shot February & March 2007

Reading for:
“Side Effects”
A short film, one day shoot.
Date & Time not yet set.

Friday and Saturday 02-23-07 / 02-24-07

Filming Rob’s Diamonds short film.
Call time not yet set

Saturday: 02-24-07

Filming up in Logan for a twisted Zombie Short.
This film is set for various festival submissions.
Call time not yet set.

Sunday, I was asked if I’d like to M/C the fashion show at St. Francis Xavier, our church, for the C.C.W. this year. I have been the M/C for our annual fall festival for the past few years and I will continue to do so until they tell me to shut up. I was the M/C for our 3 day church fall festival back in Phoenix for 8 or 9 years, 10 yeas ago. Did you understand that?

Tuesday I got a call from a lady over at Club 90's "Talent Quest" competition asking me if I would be interested in being the M/C for the city wide, annual Karaoke competition that’s held at Club 90 the end of July beginning of August 2007. All the local bars and clubs hold their own competitions and then send their winners on to “Club 90” for the city semi finals then the finals. From there, the winner represents Utah in the Regional or National competition in Las Vegas. I will be the M/C for I think 8 or 10 nights total, including the local finals. Actually this lady had only asked me about the finals but I told her I would be happy to M/C the entire competition. She seemed pleased, and thought that was a great idea, plus that way she wouldn’t have to look for anyone else either.

This past summer, Sue and I went to support our friend Susan R. in her quest to be last year’s winner. When we were there, I went over to the folks that I thought were in charge and told them if they ever needed an M/C, that that’s where I shine, and I love to do it. I gave them my card and so now they have called me. Cool! Not a real good paying gig, but lots of exposure, and I love to be exposed.

I was asked by some friends in my acting class if I would be in their short films this week too. I don’t know when they are planning on shooting yet, but in one of them, I play a shadowy figure, and in the other one, I play a bishop. Hey, aren’t they the same thing? I’m kidding! No, I really am kidding! I didn’t say what kind of a bishop, nor did I say what kind of a shadowy figure… so there! Be nice!

It was dead for a spell, nothing going on at all, but now it’s hoppin’ again. I love it and it gives me a chance to grow and to network too. Plus I have great fun at the same time that I am learning. How cool is that? Living the dream! This year the dream includes being paid and making lots of movies and money too!

Lastly, I should get some photos this weekend to post from the two different "On The Lot" filming projects. Check it out too!

See Ya,
Bill

“Sundance” was a lot of fun!

It was our first one even though we have live here for 10 years now. I know we suck, which I have stated before too. On Sunday the 21^st in Park City, Sue & I got to see our first film “White Light / Black Rain". Very well done! (Discussed in last weeks blog.)

Monday the 22^nd Robbie & I got to go see the documentary “A Very British Gangster” in SLC. It was well filmed, but I still don’t understand why it was made. I always thought documentaries were to bring an issue to light, discuss the issue then show, or offer some type of a solution. At the very least it should get you thinking about how you can get involved on some level if you choose to. I don’t feel that this was much more than a bunch of thugs and especially their leader, bragging about running a town or neighborhood the any way they want to and getting away with anything they choose. It did show that the local police force is completely incompetent and ineffective, and therefore the populous has come to view the gang leader as almost their king. It seems to me to be a pretty ignorant community. So, apparently I just didn’t get it.

Tuesday the 23^rd we got to take our friends the Doxey’s, along with Anna & Sean out to dinner then we went to see “Dark Matter”. When we got up to the theater in Park City we were pleasantly surprised and met up with some other friends too. It was the “premiere” so the “stars” were there. The writer, director, and the main actors, all except for Meryl Streep, who was working on a project with Robert Redford at the time.

I really enjoyed the movie, I think we all did. So the question is did I get to see myself? Let me first say that I really enjoyed the movie period. I would have enjoyed the movie even if I wasn’t in it. But being that I was - all the better. We were in the front row just taking in the experience and enjoying ourselves with two of our kids and some of our friends. Sue and I looked at each other when we first saw me, and we just kept watching, all of a sudden there I am, big as life, (bigger than) making a face that I thought was funny as hell. Sue and I just laughed, and enjoyed the rest of the movie. The movie was very well done, wonderful acting, spectacular locations from all around Utah. There were some very cute, funny, tender and frightening moments with a surprise ending.

After the screening the director, writer and the main cast went up on stage for a discussion on the films history then did a question and answer session. As I said we were in the front row, so at the conclusion of the Q & A, I went up on stage and walked over to Aidan Quinn and then up to Erick Avari, who were both very gracious. Erick told me that he recognized me from the scene we were both in. Then the writer “Billy Shebar” came up to me and said he recognized me from the movie. OK so that was the coolest part of the night for me! I was just an extra, but they did get me into a few shots, and I was only on the set for one day this summer.

On Saturday the 27^th Sue, Robbie, Sean & I got to see the “Documentary Spotlight”. There were five short films shown and two really stick in my mind. OK three, the first one sticks because it was so bad. It was so very stupid, another “I don’t get it”, or “why”. I’d have to say in conclusion on the first one: If you grow up stupid and are allowed to be stupid and you do stupid things, you might just grow up and be stupid too.

The second one was a build up from a quiet calm to a spectacularly shot, adrenalin pumping film showing a tuna fishing catch. They finished it off by using sepia tones that gave it an old world, historic type of a look and feel. This was one of my favorites of the week.

The last one of the shorts was about a lady, a former police officer, dying of cancer and her fight to leave her benefits to whoever she chooses. She happened to be a lesbian who had a life partner who loved and cared for her for years. Paid her bills, cooked her meals, cleaned and maintained their home, loved and cared for her and transported her to and from the many doctors and specialists . She did everything a loving spouse would do.

I’ll be honest I had never given it much if any thought before. As I watched I got to thinking hey what if I decided to leave my life insurance to whomever, what business is it of yours! What business is it of mine that you worked for thirty years earned those benefits yourself, benefits to care for your wife or husband or children after you die. They are your benefits to do with as you see fit. Who am I to tell you who you can donate your time or money to, it’s yours, not mine. I didn’t earn it why should have any say. If we work for the same company or city or municipality and we earn the same benefits why can you assign your benefits to your wife and I can’t assign mine to whoever I damn well choose.

In this matter, I think we as a people should get our noses out of each others business. Because you may not agree with my style of paint, or how I mow my lawn, or shovel my walk, the car I drive, or maybe we don’t share the same church, religion or faith: why does that matter? This clearly is discrimination and it is not right.

She finally won her case after years of fighting and just before she died. She got to see her dream realized. Good for her! This was a very powerful documentary and I did shed more than a few tears during the film. After the film I got to go and meet one of the people responsible for making it and I got to say thank you. That felt great.

Sunday the 28^th we went to see the two films I was in. That was fun but it didn’t actually start until 10:30 pm so a lot of people had to leave before it started. We had fun playing pool while we waited, and bonus, the bar was in fact open! As soon as I get a copy of them I’ll figure out how to post them online so all can see.

This has gone on very long, but it has been a while, sorry.

See Ya,
Bill

Premier of Star 6 9 This Sunday!

Come Play With Us This Sunday The 28th @ Club Sound

Sundance Party + Premier of Star 6 9 This Sunday!
Hosted By: Club Sound
When: Sunday Jan 28, 2007
at 8:30 PM
Where: Club Sound
579 West 200 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
United States
Description:
Club Sound

*69 - Is a Harry Cross Jr. Film
Capable - Is a Aaron Zundel Film

Also screening are "Dissonence" a short film written and directed by
Steven Doxey

I am in *69, as the ( surprise, cant tell you ) Come see it!
I am also in Capable as the Pharmacist

Here is a clip from Star 69

Star 6 9 Trailer

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See Ya,
Bill

Sundance - Update 01-21-07

So we went to our first official “Sundance” film Sunday called “White Light / Black Rain” about the survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki 1945 bombings. It is a sad and forgotten story about real people and the destruction of lives brought on by war. Rather graphic and disturbing. What was apparent to me was the gentle yet passionate commitment of the director and everyone involved in making this film. To say it was a great film that I really enjoyed, well that’s not the way you walk away from a film like this. I did not “enjoy” the film, however I do think it is a film that all people should see. The message is clear, and I think that it is an important message in light of where our world is today. How does the quote go? If we don’t learn the lesson, “history will repeat itself”. The film shows the devastating effects of the two bombs that were dropped, then at the end of the film a message pops up and says that the world currently has enough bombs to equal that of 400,000 Hiroshima’s.

I am in 5 films that will be shown around town in the next week and a half:

1.) Backstroke: Premiering Saturday the 20^th, at the union building up at the U
2.) Dark Matter: Premiering Tuesday the 23^rd, at the Sundance FF in PC
3.) American Fork: Premiering at Slamdance I think on Thursday.
4.) * 6 9: Premiering at Club Sound on Sunday the 28^th
5.) Capable: Also premiering on the 28^th at Club Sound

If you want more Info, drop me a line and I'll fill you in.

See Ya,
Bill

So here I am thinking that I haven’t updated my blog in a while because I have nothing to report and then it hits me, I do, I have lots to report.

There is a lot going on, it was just a relatively quite week last week. However over the past few weeks we completed the narration recording for the movie 801’s trailer. The editing was completed, and the web site was officially brought on line. Go to http://www.b5films.com/801 or see the trailer below.

This past Saturday I met with both Brandon and Doug and we filmed a commercial for the 801 trailer. It’s geared towards investors so that they, B & D, can get the money needed to make the movie. Funny, making a commercial for a commercial, Hum… That recording should be on the web site soon. Their goal is to hand out tons of the DVD’s with the entire trailer with the commercial at “Sundance” and “Slamdance”. We’ll see what happens.

Speaking of Sundance, let me say right off the bat, I suck, I know! We have been in SLC for 10 years now and have yet to attend any of the Sundance Film Festivals. I know, I said I suck. SO this year, we are finally going to attend! YES! I have tickets to a few shows. A friend and film maker is a regular attendee and has made a science out of how to get tickets for everything he wants to see and then he gets them. It’s not “lucky” him, he works his butt off. He has created a network of people with spread sheets, phone trees and so on. He really has this stuff down. Now because he was nice enough to include me in on this program and only because of his persistence, we are going to see some films.

“Dark Matter”, a film that he and I are both in, where he’s a featured extra, and I’m just an extra, well, we have tickets to the “Premiere” showing. That’s the one where the main actors show up: Meryll Streep, Aidan Quinn, and everyone else too. I can’t wait! I’m so excited that we get to be a part of it. It’s about the event, the energy and the excitement. It’s next Tuesday night in Park City.

“Matthews Sandcastle” is an independent full length feature film I was cast in a few weeks back as “Jonas”, an egotistical Utahan celebrity. (Why me?) I got the script and the changes. The changes are great – more lines, three pages! Filming is set to be in February and March.

“Backstroke” An Amy Bronson film, where I have a tiny part as the conservative, closed minded, and annoyed father of one of the two main characters, is having its premiere showing on January the 20^th at 7:00 in the Union Theater on the U of U campus. Admission is free. The main actors, Niki Nielson and Amee Walden, are wonderful actors and are great to work with. We found out that we had worked on a few other films where we had never actually met, but found out later that we were in the same film. Different scenes were shot on different days, so we never met. Amy’s movie is a wonderful yet heart breaking movie of love lost. Here is a clip.

We did get to see a rough cut of the film a few months ago and at that time it was great. But Amy wasn’t done yet, she needed to get the sound right and wanted to make some adjustments. The quality is wonderful and the time, effort, and heart she has put into this project really show the caliber of film maker she is. Amy submitted her film to “Tribeca” this week and plans to submit it to many more festivals in the coming months. Wish her luck.

Next up is another premiere on Sunday the 28^th of January at Club Sound in Salt Lake City. Actually two of them! One is called “ * 6 9 “ by Harry Cross. I am the menacing voice on the phone, the bad guy! OK, so you don’t see me, but I’m there! Harry does great work. Check out his myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/harry_jr watch the trailer and also the film called “The Begger” with Dan Christensen, who I’ve been in a few films with too. Very well done, and a cool story.

The second film at the same venue is called “Capable” by Aaron Zundel. In this one I am the pharmacist. Dan Christensen plays the main character. The story is quite thought provoking and disturbing, and was fun to make. We had to re-record the sound stuff about a month ago because the sound quality on the site turned out to be rather poor. At that time we got to see the rough cut. Wow what great work these guys do. I was there for the filming, I saw what went on, I watched it all unfold, I was a part of it, but when I watched it, the rough cut, I got the chills. I can’t wait to see how others react to this film.

There is more, but I’m going to bed now, I’ll post more next week.

See Ya,

Bill

P.S. Oh Yea, I’m going to Dallas Friday morning to attend a business seminar Friday evening and all day Saturday. I’ll be back Sunday afternoon.

P.P.S. I have at least three film projects coming up over the next few months with more to come, stay tuned.

"801"

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I got a call from my brother John on Saturday. He was excited to tell me that he saw me Friday night on a commercial in Phoenix, in his living room on his big screen TV! I told him that I have never done a commercial in the Phoenix market. He said it was on the trailer for “Unaccompanied Minors.” I told him that I’d seen the trailer and hadn’t seen myself. Later on I even went on to the website looking for it, and still didn’t see it. Then after church today a few people told me the same thing. I am in the background, but right behind the main actors, and pretty clear. So wow its nationwide! That’s it, just standing there looking goofy. I think it’s kind of funny.

So here is my “what’s gone on this year” story 2006. Most of this is a rerun, but it’s a summary.

I have been in several films this past year. One called “Dark Matter” was picked to be seen at the “Sundance” film festival this year. I was just an extra, but Aidan Quinn comes up to me at one point and shakes my hand, then goes to meet other guests. I am also in a few shots at the “scientist’s conference” too. So if they don’t cut the scenes, you might be able to see me, even if I am just a blur. This film stars Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn, and many others you’ll also recognize.

Another film called “American Fork” is going to be seen at the “Slamdance” festival. It runs the same time as Sundance. I was a featured extra in American Fork as the award presenter who presents the main character an award. No lines, but I should be seen there too, again that is, if they don’t cut the scene. This one is with Billy Baldwin.

I’ve done a commercial for an attorney, and it’s still playing. I did a commercial up in Idaho for an auto body shop, I’ve never seen it. I was in a commercial for a contest for the Utah Film Commission. If we win, it will be shown up at Sundance during the festival and on the Sundance channel too. I play the main spokesman who talks about why film makers should come to Utah to make their movies. (It didn’t win.) I was also in an LDS commercial due out soon, you know the ones “brought to you by the…” I hope that don’t get me kicked out of the Knights of Columbus or have to surrender my office as the Deputy Grand Knight. I was just an extra, so I should be OK.

I also did some voice promo spots for the Food Network show called “Co-Ed Cooking.” And finally, this week I recorded the narration for the movie trailer 801. They liked what I did and said that they want me to record the actual movie trailer when it is released in theaters once it is made. They said that I sounded as good as the regular theater guy voice. I told them I’d be happy if they only paid me half of what he gets.

I have been in over 20 independent films this past year. Some were student films. Several for students up at the U of U, a few over at SLCC, two at Weber State, and the Utah film commission commercial was done way up at Utah State. Some were short films and a few were full length feature films.

I filmed a TV pilot called “Forever High School”. I am the football coach, and if the show gets picked up, I suppose I’ll need to get to know some of the rules of the game.

I have been cast in another independent featured film. We will start filming in a few weeks. It’s a small part, but it is a speaking role. I was cast in another student film this week too.

Lot’s of things going on & lot’s of it is very positive too. I’m living and making my dream come true! The money will follow! 2007 is going to be a great year!

You can always keep updated on what’s going on with me and the family by checking my blog. I usually update it about once a week..

See Ya,

Bill

Maybe next week I'll discuss how I feel about plastic packaging and glue. Who the hell do they think are trying to get into the packages??? Gorillas? You need scissors a box cutter, matches, pliers, screwdrivers and sometimes even a hammer. For god's sake... its just a shirt! Did you know that you can actually hurt yourself by trying to get the chocolate covered cherries out of the flippin box. God forbid you get a pocket knife as a gift, you cant even get to it!

On Saturday the 9^th, I was cast in a student short film as the “Campaign Manager”. I had auditioned last Monday night up at SLCC. Shooting will begin the second week of January.

Tonight, Tuesday the 12^th, I got an email letting me know that I had been cast in an independent full length feature film called “Matthew's Sandcastle” I just got the rough script and plan on reading it over the next few days. I had auditioned for this one up at Anna’s school a few weeks back.

I found out this last week that a film I was an extra in called “Dark Matter” with Meryl Streep and Aidan Quinn was accepted as one of the films at “Sundance” this year. Aidan comes in at one point and shakes my hand then walks off to meet the other quests, so I should be seen, if that part wasn’t cut out.

Monday the 18^th I will go into a studio and record the opening shot and narration for the independent feature film “801” I am very excited about this one. Over the summer they filmed the movie teaser and the trailer. They will take those out to investors and get the money to make the actual movie.

Wednesday the 13^th I have three auditions.

1.) One for “High School Musical 2” I am auditioning for the part of an M/C. I know it might be a stretch for me but I really want this one.

2.) The next one is called “95ers: Echoes” I fit several parts in this one, so we will see.

3.) The last one is for a “Horror Short Film”. The director/producer of this one is the same one who put together the short film I have on my “myspace” with the little girl who is on the park bench.

Lots going on!!!

Wish me luck.

See Ya,
Bill

“Unaccompanied Minors” 12-10-06

So I went to an audition on Saturday up at the SLC library downtown. I did a crappy audition and met fellow actor David Webb as I was getting ready to go in. We spoke very briefly before I was called in, but somehow we talked about the new “Unaccompanied Minors” movie released on Friday. I asked if he had gone to see the movie as I had read on a few groups that I belong to, that lots of the extras were planning to go see it as a group to see if they could see themselves. My experience as an extra is that if you are actually seen at all, you are usually very blurry, and only because you were there, you know where to look for your blurry spot. Watch any movie or TV show and you’ll see what I’m talking about. But it is fun if you do actually get to see yourself.

David said that he had not seen it yet, but he had heard from someone that I had a great shot in the movie. Well I hadn’t actually planned to see the movie before it came out on video, and Sue kept saying that she wanted to see it. But I told her the same thing that I said above, if I get to be seen, I’ll probably just be a blur. But once David said that I had a good close up, OK, well I guess we had better go see it. So we did.

At the beginning of the movie I play a TSA scanning luggage at the security place, so I’m looking for myself. Well that scene went by in a blink and was shot from such a great distance that if you could actually see anyone, well good luck. I told Sue that that was the scene I was in, so much for that. So we just watched the rest of the movie, no biggie.

Well… right before the end of the movie there is a scene that I’d forgotten about where lots of stuff happens (I won’t tell you.) but there I am big as life. The first few shots I am quite blurry, but clearly it’s me. Then as they go back and forth with the dialogue the camera also goes back and forth, and in the last few shots, I am in focus right behind the main actors.

I called my brother John before I even left the theater and told him to go see the movie. Then I called my brother Jimmy and told him. He wanted to know what my part was and I told him that I was just an extra, but you could see me clearly. He again asked what I was doing in the movie and I told him that I was just an extra, just standing there. He said “just standing there??? so what!” OK so here I am excited about being on the “Big Screen” and he says just standing there? Kind of brings it home don’t it?

Extra work is fun and you get to be on a real live movie set with real professional actors who are being paid real well to do their jobs. You get to see how it’s done. You get to see some of the magic, and you get to see that actor’s are just people like everyone else. They are just treated a bit more special at times.

I have been an extra on many movies and a few TV shows and even did a commercial as an extra, I did a few as the main character too, and I am sure I’ll do extra work again.

My dream however is to be in front of the camera in speaking roles or featured roles. I enjoy the work, I love the people and I have a lot of fun. My goal is just something more. I get better with each film I do and I learn what to do and what not to do. I have done many lead, featured, and supporting roles in film. I continue to take classes, workshops, coaching and I train. I am teachable and take direction well. I am willing to do what I need to do for my success thereby creating success for my family and for the people around me.

Sue & I enjoyed the movie. It’s a kid movie with lots of juvenile antics, but fun. Go see it!

See Ya,
Bill

This week I was in another independent short film called “Blue Moon” by Paul Collins that is slated to be entered into a group of short film festivals. My part of the story is about a guy who don’t want to let people embrace who they are and live their own lives. How’s that for vague? The part: Well, lets see, I am not really a nice guy. I’m troubled, confused and I most certainly don’t approve of how others choose to live their lives. I just don’t get it. I will do whatever it takes to take it away from them! It’s not that I want what they have it’s that I don’t want them to have it. More vague? OK, I got to wear brown contact lenses. It is an interesting story, so stay tuned!

We filmed outside of Paul home in Sugar House. To say it was cold is clearly an understatement. We had a storm come in Tuesday night and I woke up to about 6 inches of snow on Wednesday. (It took me an hour and twenty minutes to get Sean to school, usually a 25 minute drive, so yes he was late.) The sky had cleared in the afternoon, so any heat that might have gotten trapped by the clouds was gone.

We were outside of Paul’s house for the actual filming going inside periodically to get warm. Paul had gotten some really cool equipment to use for his project and he and his very limited crew had to go outside and set it all up in the cold. I got to Paul’s house at around 5:00 pm and it was 20 degrees at that time. We didn’t actually start filming until around eight. I made the mistake of wearing a thin suit and dress shoes. I didn’t even think about wearing long johns or boots and we were essentially standing on ice. I did have my coat and did wear it between takes. It was 12 degrees when I left the shoot and 8 degrees by the time I got home around 11:30pm. I think it ended up being the coldest night of the year so far. I know that it sounds like bitching, but it was freezing! Just so you know, we did actually have some fun, and I think they got some really great shots too!

John, the camera man was great, he never once complained about the cold even though he was the one who had to carry most of the heavy equipment and he operated the “steady cam”. From what I understand that is a rather specialized job. It wears on the neck, back, and shoulders, and there are only a few folks who can do that job well, and so they usually get paid quite well to do it.

Kevin, the one in the yellow coat, was the sound guy which was very helpful for Paul. He and his wife just had a baby so he had to leave a bit earlier to be with his family.

Clay, the other actor was also professional and great to work with. Here are some photos from the shoot.

See Ya,
Bill

So here is the latest: 12-01-2006

I was in a short independent film, a few weekends back, called “The Prayer” written, produced and directed by Mr. Joshua Negley. The story is based on “The War Prayer” by Mark Twain. My part we filmed in three days.

I know from my acting classes and from my acting coaches, that I should always “read the entire script” before I make my choices and decide on how to play my part. Get to know what the story is all about then look for hints on the history and background of the character I am to play. In this case I read my part and skimmed over the rest of the script. I had a lot of lines, so I concentrated on my part and didn’t pay a lot of attention to the other parts. I was aware of whom the other characters were but I had almost no interaction with them, so I was not as familiar with what their roles were all about. Selfish, yes I know.

The reason I bring this up is because after filming a good portion of my part on Saturday afternoon, I got to sit and watch the other lead character perform his part. I was quite moved by this actors’ performance, and also by the message of the film.

I play the preacher or pastor. I interact slightly with the very sparse congregation. I offer my sympathy from the pulpit to a family. Then I say a prayer that sets the stage for the story to take place.

The message is quite thought provoking, especially in light of current world events. Very interesting, and so, as soon as it is out of post production, I will share it with you all. Stay tuned!

See Ya,
Bill