Hey, I'm The Emcee For This Event Saturday Night!

Wow I haven’t updated for a few weeks, so here goes:

As I stated in a previous post I was asked to Emcee for the “Slippery Kittens” in SLC on the 30^th of this month, and on the 28^th of July too. This month is a variety show with various acts from fairly tame to somewhat outrageous. Next month the Kittens will be performing exclusively.

I am working on a few jokes, a bit of stand up if you will. I am seeking ideas and jokes or funnies that may be just a bit off. I am looking for stuff that I can possibly use at the start of each show. I have come up with some stuff, but I’d love to get your ideas too!

On the acting front, I have been blessed to be able to work with a very talented group working on the independent feature film “Manifesto”. Here is a clip from the first day of filming, there is no sound, but I’ll bet you can read my lips.

Shooting was scheduled to take place on the weekends and because of location issues filming ended up being delayed for two weeks. Then, once we started filming, my shoot dates ended up getting moved up a week. I did get to film one day, but at the end of the day we had some equipment failure, so, Sunday ended up being a bust as far as filming went, but it did end up being a rehearsal day.

When we reconvened the next weekend and after meeting for most of the day, it was decided to take the film in an entirely different direction. So the cast and crew were called together on Sunday for a meeting where the changes were discussed. But for now anyway, it looks like the project may just be shelved.

Oh well, on to other projects!

I did my part in the 35mm film project called 10 letters. I was the preacher, who let us say enjoys his female congregation. That’s only a very small part of the story, but it was my part. The story is actually about one of those internet chain letters and the consequences, taken to the extreme for not following the instructions.

This was done by a few grad students in the advanced film department up at the U. The department was awarded a grant from “Kodak” for the project. It was only opened grad students, but those students could enroll other film students to participate.

The night I filmed, there had to be 20+ people and tons of equipment. Part of the grant was the use of a 35mm movie camera. The camera came in 19 boxes and a van was rented to carry all the equipment. Pretty impressive stuff! No, not the van rental, but the fact that the camera involved so much.

I think the reason that Kodak was giving away the grants was so that students get a chance to work with the equipment that they have heard about and may have only dreamed of being able to actually work with.

So much “filming” is being done on HD cameras and it’s those cameras that the students are learning on. The HD equipment it is so much less expensive to work with than film is. Both the cost of the film itself and the processing is very expensive. So I’m sure that the film manufacturers like Kodak are pretty concerned about loosing massive amounts of revenue if the up and comers don’t use their product. I say that its a pretty wise investment for Kodak.

Filming was fun and another learning experience for me. I really enjoy working with this group. They had a wrap party a few nights later where we all got to just BS, hang out and discuss this project along with some other upcoming projects.

Sue & I went to the “Damn these Heels” showing of “Back Stroke”. It was at “Brewvies” where you can get a meal, a beer or wine cooler and watch a movie. Pretty cool idea, hua? Afterwards we ended up at the WFW to play.

“Back Stroke” is playing this week at the “Utah Arts Festival’s” - “Fear No Film” event, @ 1:00 pm Friday and 7:00 pm Sunday at the Downtown Salt Lake City Library in the Auditorium and it’s free! If you haven’t seen it yet come play with us! This film is getting a lot of recognition both nationally & internationally and is now playing in its 3^rd festival. Amy Bronson, the writer/director, is getting some really great feedback and there is quite a bit of interest in her work. Go Amy! She has been asked to submit this film to festivals around the world. Pretty exciting stuff!

That’s it for now but remember to send your jokes and funnies my way, maybe I’ll use yours!

See Ya,

Bill

Looks like a couple of weeks since I’ve updated. To start with just after my last post, on Saturday night the 19^th I got to be the Emcee at a "Slippery Kittens Burlesque" show in downtown SLC. It was supposed to be me and another guy to see who got to be the regular emcee for the group. We were to be there by 7:30 pm and get to know our way around and so on. Well the other guy never showed up – lucky for me! Well the group actually liked how I handled myself and I had a lot of fun too. They have since asked me to be their official emcee. Their next two shows are the 30^th of June, and the 28^th of July.

Earlier in the day on the 19^th, I was involved in the re-shoot of a zombie short film called “Test Subject Zero” I am one of three security guards who cover a 24 hour period. Each guard is featured interacting with the captured Zombie. That interaction is where the story lies. Paul Johnson, a friend of mine is the Zombie.

Paul wrote and directed a short film I was in called “Blue Moon”. Paul just graduated from the U and this coming Thursday he is leaving for New York to live out his dream. He had a screening Wednesday evening where he showed several of the films he has been involved with as an actor, or writer, or director, or even had been a producer of sorts on. It was nice to see a compilation of his work. He showed “Blue Moon” too, I hope to get a copy of it before he leaves town.

It was also kind of sad as he is leaving and I knew it might be the last time we get to see one another for quite a while. You shall be missed. Good for you Paul, and good luck!

Friday night I got to see “Side Effects” over at Lonny Danler’s place. This was the one that is one shot, one take, no editing, best take… it was just over 6 minutes long. The story is about a father and daughter having a conversation about her taking her medication’s and the father avoiding being her dad by keeping her quite and under control by medication… it turned out very nice and Lonnie and his crew did a great job making it appear as though it were a real and believable conversation.

Also showing was a film called “Pole Dance” it was a delightful short film that was genuine and real, and fun to watch. It was honest and entertaining at the same time. It’s about a group of ladies who belong to a book reading club, a coffee clutch if you will, an intellectual group of individuals who explore different parts of their being, discovering and awakening and embracing who they truly are, and having fun in the process.

I had a rehearsal on Tuesday night for the 35 mm film project called “10 Letters”, and have another one this Tuesday. We will be filming my part on Sunday night the 3^rd.

I am taking a class on the 2^nd and the 3^rd of June. And I’m supposed to be in Vegas for a mortgage seminar event on the 6^th 7^th and 8^th, I don’t see that happening. And my part for “Manifesto” is scheduled to film on the 8^th and 9^th, and the 16^th and 17^th of June.

Manifesto is having a few “location” issues, so I don’t know if things are pushed back or what. I do know that the writer, director, star, producer… need to have it filmed and edited and completed by, I think, September in order to get into “Sundance” for 2008.

Had a very lazy Memorial Day weekend, ate out a few times, BBQ’d did a little yard work, repaired the sprinklers – ALL of them actually work and are on the timer, and the timer is even set correctly.

Robbie took his new puppy and his sister Anna & his brother Sean camping, so Sue and I had the house and the weekend to ourselves. We ate like pigs, stayed up late and got up late too. Not a bad way to spend the weekend.

Hi All,

Here is an email I just got from Miss. Amy Bronson. She is a student film maker up at the U. She made a short film called "Backstroke" last year and I got to be a part of it. Niki Nielsen and Aimee Walden are the stars. I am the angry dad... Linda Eyring is the shrink (Doctor). I can't spell psychiatrist.

Well Amy has been submitting it all over. Here a few messages Amy has sent me over the last few weeks. The last one was today.

"Backstroke will premiere at "NewFest 2007" - New York City's LGBT film fest. The fest runs from May 31 to June 10. NewFest is pretty established (it's in its 19th year)..."


"Backstroke was just selected to screen at the Pride Film
Festival (aka the "'Damn These Heels' GLBT film festival") in Salt
Lake, from May 31 to June 3rd at the tower theater." Backstroke shows on June 1st.


Today Amy Bronson wrote:

ladies and gents,

i am oh-so-happy to inform you all that "Backstroke" has made it into
the utah arts festival as part of the international fear no film
festival in salt lake city. we will screen twice during the festival -
the categories are yet to be announced, but we may be eligible for the
utah short film of the year competition! here's the info i have so
far:

--------------------------------

Congratulations,

Your short film BACKSTROKE has been selected as part of the 2007 Fear
No Film Festival program. CONGRATULATIONS!

Fear No Film is the short film component of the much larger Utah Arts
Festival. Over 80,000 people will attend the festival, with works in
all mediums celebrated from Thursday, June 21st through Sunday, June
24th. The UAF closes down one of the most beautiful sections of Salt
Lake City which includes the City and County Building and Library
Square, SLC's new, multiple-award winning architectural jewel.




Fear No Film screenings take place in the City Library's main
auditorium. Because the theater is located INSIDE the library, all
Fear No Film screenings are free and open to the public, regardless of
entry into the remainder of the UAF. (SEND ALL YOUR FAMILY AND
FRIENDS! YOU JUST MADE THE UTAH ARTS FESTIVAL!)

Your movie will screen twice as part of one of the following screenings:

I WILL NOT FEAR FILMS THAT MAKE ME FEEL:

DIVIDED
EMPTY
HAPPY (rated PG)
HAPPY (rated R)
REORIENTED
SPECTATED
SUBCULTURED
UNSETTLED
UTAH SHORT FILM of the YEAR COMPETITION

Filmmakers in attendance will be invited to participate in a brief Q&A
after their screening.

More information will follow in the coming week, including screening
category and screening times, and where you can receive 2 VIP passes
to the entire Utah Arts Festival. Please feel free to email me with
any questions.

Congratulations once again,

Topher at Fear No Film

------------------------

That's three festivals in just a few weeks!

See Ya,
Bill

I went to the table read for “Manifesto” yesterday. I had taken Sean over to his girlfriend’s grandmother’s house. Well, I found out that she lived across town and nowhere near where I was headed. I know you’re going to find this hard to believe, but I was late.

I called Will and let him know and he said that the “Official” read wasn’t going to actually take place until 1:00 pm and that the first hour was going to be chatting about the script and getting everyone’s feedback, just to get there as soon as I could. I ended up getting there about 20 minutes late, but still in time to get in on the discussion. The read went great and hearing it aloud was a treat.

This is a full length feature film and I am excited to be a part of it. The story was written by and is to be directed by Will. He is also the main character actually the main two characters. They will be filming on the weekends and my weekends are tentatively set for June 9^th & 10^th and the 16^th & 17^th. The film is an ultra low budget SAG film, so there is pay, but not a ton. I just hope I can do a good job and get some good exposure.

When I left the table read, I got a call about an audition I did on Monday afternoon. I read for the part of a “touchy feely”, but not in a good way, preacher. Well I got the part. This one is being done by three grad students up at the U. I’ve worked with all three before, and I can’t wait to see what a collaboration of their talents will produce. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for, but I am expecting excellence! This one is a 35 mm film.

OK, so here is the real reason I am updating this so soon. SO, I go and pick up Sean. We do a bit of mothers day shopping and we head home.

Robbie and I are in the family room and Sean goes to get a glass of milk in the kitchen. I can’t see what he is doing from where I am sitting, but I hear a glass break, then another. I am immediately thinking, what the hell is he doing? Robbie looks over, and then all of a sudden crash, bang, almost like thunder, banging, breaking… from where I was the sound was intense, from where Sean was, it must have been deafening. Then I hear Robbie shouting what the f---, them we hear poor Sean yelling help! “Can someone come and help me…” This all happened so fast that Robbie and I are almost tripping over each other to get to Sean and see what the hell is going on.

We get in there to find Sean holding up the cabinet up as it is hanging off of the wall. It is the cabinet that we have ALL of our glass. The wine glasses, daily glasses, good dishes, daily dishes, glass cooking dishes and bowl’s… everything is glass or stoneware.

Thank goodness we all had shoes on. So Robbie and I grabbed the cabinet and held it and had Sean check to see if he is OK. There was broken glass everywhere, coffee cups, plates, bowl’s, wine glasses, family collectables… everything. Sean was a bit shaken, but we still needed to get the rest of the stuff out of the cabinets. Robbie and I held the cabinet up, and were handing Sean the contents. Eventually we got everything out and we lifted the thing off the wall, crunching through the glass praying we didn’t slip on it. As we got to the end of the long counter, the cabinet broke apart into two cabinets. We set them down and started the cleanup. WOW!

Amazingly nobody was hurt, and nobody got even a single cut.

We bought this house new 10 and a half years ago and to state the obvious, we must have had way too much weight in the cabinet. But looking at it too, there were only 8 screws holding the whole thing up! That seems pretty lame to me, but I am not a cabinet installer, so I don’t know if that’s normal or not.

Lot’s of the contents were salvageable, and some stuff is going to DI. So, now we have a chance to go through stuff and get rid of some of the useless crap we have been collecting over the years. Everyone has incomplete sets of dishes and glasses and that process usually happens over time. One breaks here and there and before you know it, its time to get a new set. Well we did ours all in one shot. We now have several incomplete sets of everything.

I need to find someone who does cabinet installation. I think the cabinets are salvageable, but again, I’m not a cabinet guy.

Happy Mothers Day!

See Ya,

Bill

Here is an update of things going on with me:

Monday the 21st, and Tuesday the 22nd, the “48 Hour Project” is showing all the entries again, at both the “Tower” theater and over at “Brewvies” – The one that I am in is called "The Stone Talice" and it will be shown at “Brewvies” on Tuesday at the 7:00 show. Check the 48 Hour website for the theater addresses, the show times, and any other info: http://www.48hourfilm.com/saltlakecity

Last Wednesday afternoon May 2nd, we filmed my part for a TV Pilot called “Perfect”. I am the boss, or lead detective who pairs up the rookie with the more experienced cop. And “it’s NOT an option it’s more like an order…”


This past Friday the 4th, I played the part of Dr. Bill Pepper in a feature film called “Turn Around” that they are planning to have complete and ready for distribution sometime later this year, maybe as soon as August or September. I was the ER doctor who gets to defibrillate one of the main actors. This one is geared toward the LDS & Christian markets.


This next one is not really geared towards the LDS & Christian markets. Sunday I auditioned to be the “Emcee” for a “Burlesque” type of show that performs once or twice a month in downtown SLC. Think “Moulin Rouge” or “Cabaret” Salt Lake City style. Sundyn, a lovely young lady from my acting class is one of the “Slippery Kittens”, and the one who told me about the auditions.

They called me on Wednesday and told me that it was between me and another guy. Now since neither he nor I had ever actually been to the show, they want us to come on the 19th and split the show, he does half and I do the other half or something like that.

Then they, along with audience feedback, I guess, will determine who gets the gig. It should be lots of fun, and if you would like to come support me just shoot me an email and I’ll send you the details, or you can go to: http://www.myspace.com/slipperykittens

We filmed the Wedding scene on Sunday afternoon for David Christensen’s film called “True Love”. Anna was in it too as the disinterested daughter watching her sister get married.

Next, I got a call last Thursday from Tony Henrichsen telling me that he had reworked (edited) his “On The Lot” film submission called “The Gilded Scarab” and wanted to send me the new copy. I can’t wait to see it, he is mailing it.

Topher Mehlhoff, who wrote and filmed the short film “NightBat” sent me an email letting me know he was done with it and he too was going to send me a copy of the finished product.

Daniel Letz, who I worked with over a year ago on a film called “Graveyard Shift”, where I play the boss of the main character, is also complete. I should get my copy in the next week or so.

Lastly, Josh Samson, who I’ve done quite a few projects with is burning me a copy of those films too.

I think that it’s pretty cool that stuff I did a while back, and even more recently, I’ll soon have a copy of to view and share.

And speaking of Josh, he was the camera operator for an audition I did on Monday up at the U. I still haven’t herd back on that one and I don’t know how soon they were going to actually cast the film.

Saturday, tomorrow is the table read for “Manifesto” a Will Cohen full length feature film. It stars Will, and Niki Nielsen - take a look at her blog. The film she was part of for the "48 Hour Project" called "Boggled" won an award or two. You can also see it on Monday or Tuesday too, see above, this girl is going places. Niki and I have been in several films together, one, an Amy Bronson film called "Backstroke", and will be screened at the "Damn These Heels" festival in SLC at Brewvies on June 1st.

Manifesto also stars Melody Sain, she is a star who is also on her way up, I just don't have links to her stuff, along with Mr. Randall Malin a great actor whom I am often up against in auditions, Michael Risk from Craze, he too is a very talented and busy guy, plus so many other excellent local talent. I have worked with a lot of the crew, and they are as good as it gets too.

I have a pretty decent size part in this one. I am the main characters boss. My name is “Richard” and I am one of only a few who don’t get killed.

So there you go, that’s my update! I have been busy and I will have a busy next few months. I love it! More of these are paying too, not a ton, but enough to pay for my classes and gas anyway.

LIFELESS Teaser Trailer

Click HERE To Visit The Official "LIFELESS" Web Site & Sign Up For Updates & View Still Photos From The Making Of... Plus See What The Media Has To Say

Friday evening was the U’s Film Studies Spring Show, “Persistent Vision’s”. I went with Sue, Anna, & Sean. It started about 8 and finished up about 11:30. There were 16 short films and some were great, some not as great. Some were just too long. But I really enjoyed my time there.

I am pretty sure Anna’s favorite was “Backstroke”, followed closely by “Frames Of Reference”. I don’t want to play favorites, but I really enjoyed the finished product of all the films I was involved with. The work done by the students was amazing. With both their peer’s and teacher’s feedback and coaching, it all paid off in a very professional and high quality body of work. Congratulations!

Just a few quick comments and follow-ups on the films I was involved with in no particular order:

The Prayer – Josh Negley – Fabulous work! I loved how Josh added the evils of war news clips and still the photography, I felt that it really drove the point home and brought back memories for me of a reality and message that I think we should never allow ourselves to forget, thank you.

Backstroke – Amy Bronson – What can I say? This film is very well done and is starting on the film festival circuit, starting in New York at the “NewFest 2007” festival this summer. Congratulations to you! The completed product with amazing sound quality too should bring Amy some well deserved recognition.

Blue Moon – Paul Johnson – Again, what great work! I am impressed with the quality of the production, sound, lighting, and the story Paul is telling. Paul may be headed to the short film festival circuit with this one as well. Paul has an eye for detail and a gift for bringing a story to life. Well done!

Frames Of Reference – Josh Samson – Cinematography is some of the best that I think I have ever seen. In a word: Spectacular! Josh Negley worked with Josh Samson on this and was the cinematographer for my scenes. I think he did it for the entire film, but I am not sure. Let me explain how I see it: a lot of times you see scenery, a lake, the woods, trees, a snow fall, a sunset… nice sure, but you are watching it from afar, almost as a witness, and not as being there, not really being a part of the surrounding’s, live and in person. Well here I did feel that I was there, walking amongst the trees and up the stream feeling the snow fall… that’s how I felt as I watched, a part of it all, live. David Christenson’s performance was marvelous he brought the story to life, made it emotionally engaging and effective. I was touched. I will toot my own horn on this one too I thought my voice sounded incredible in the “off screen” voice over pieces. We did them on site in the outdoors with the wind and cold, and these guys captured it well. I don’t know if Mr. Samson knows just how gifted he really is. I’m glad I got to be a part of his team.

Here is a quote to me in an email from Dan Christensen a fellow actor who was also in a film that evening, and was in attendance for the show: “For the most part, I was impressed with the quality of the production work during the evening. We have some sophisticated students working.” I must agree! Dan and I have worked together before and I hope to work with him again. His piece that night was dark, disturbing and scary. Cool! Good job Dan.

One last note, I am blessed to be able to work with these folks and hone my craft as they grow and develop their skills. I have made working relationships and friendships along the way. I enjoy the projects and look forward to many more. Thank you for allowing me to play along.

Once I get a copy of these films, and I learn how, I will post them on here, or at least post a link to them.

See Ya,

Bill

The way movies ought to be shown - A&E

The way movies ought to be shown - A&E

Busy times!!! Good though. I thought I’d share my weekend with you.

The “Zombie” shoot this past Friday, call time for me ended up being 4:30 pm. I really didn’t think it would take too long as my stuff was just two scenes. Well I was wrong. I got to the wardrobe area on time, and to the set about 5:30. When we got there, they were setting up the lights, track, camera + + +, as they do. Then they took everyone around the corner to another location to shot a different scene. They finally got to my scene around 8:30 pm. Once we were done with my first scene, they took me to “Makeup” and made me a “Zombie”, working as quickly as Shawn, the makeup artist, could I got back on the set, beautifully disgusting at 11:30. They set up the shot, did a few dry runs and finished up with me, after having my brains bashed out, around 2:30 am. I got home about 3 am, I still had to finish removing the prosthetics and the makeup, I took a shower and climbed into bed at 4:04 am.

The alarm went off at 6:30 for me to get ready to shoot with my 48 Hour team. We did a complete run through just as though it were the actual competition. They picked the genre, prop, line of dialogue and character, just like we are going to do this next weekend. Our goal is to see what works and what we need to work on, where we need to tweak and make flow more smoothly. Plus we got to actually work together and got to see how we really interact in a real pressure situation.

“Si-Fi” was pulled and they made me the main character who is a scientist who clones, and I have cloned myself at least three times. So, I had three roles to play, and quite a bit of dialogue to learn rather quickly. With my 2½ sleep I was slower than I should have been. I am accountable, it was me that slowed things down a bit. The other 4 actors were great and supportive. They helped me run and learn my lines. It was a lot of fun. I even got to take a few hours off to attend 2 different auditions.

At the first audition, I walked in and saw Niki Nielson doing her audition. She and I have been in a few of the same short films up at the U. Niki did a great job. There were a lot of other folks at this audition that I know too. The writer / director is Will Cohen, who I am in 801 with, was holding the auditions. Sue and I saw him up at “Sundance” this year too. This audition was one where everyone watches everyone else audition. It’s a bit weird watching your competition audition. There is lots of pressure, but if you rock, you rock, and if you suck, you suck, plus now everyone knows it. Usually auditions are done for a casting director, a reader, someone to read aloud with you, and maybe the writer and or director, and most of the time the auditions are filmed. I think that this type of audition is a great learning experience for me. Makes me stretch and grow.

I don’t know yet how I did in their eyes, but having just come from filming, and shooting the night before, and having my acting class the night before that, and filming Wednesday night on another project, I think I carried a bit more confidence than usual. So I think I did pretty good but we’ll see.

The second audition was right down the street. I was warned about it by some of the folks at the first audition. They said that they had gone and weren’t sure if it was even a real audition. They were thinking that the folks were holding it were actually doing a “mocumentary” about what people will do to get a part in a movie or TV show, “American Idol” style. I went mainly to see what it was all about. There was a line and I saw several people I know who were also suspicious after having been there for a long time and seeing other people leave. The folks holding the auditions were doing “exit interviews” with the people who had auditioned, about their experience of the audition. It was a really weird situation. I visited with a few of my friends there and I left without auditioning.

Then I met up with my 48 Hour team to finish shooting our project. We got done around 7 pm. Now they get to edit and make us look good, or not. That is why we did this, to see what works and what didn’t. Next weekend is the big event!

Sunday, Anna and I went to film another project. This time it was with David Christensen, whom I have worked with on several projects and Ashley from my acting class. She is great! This time I play a typical dad. Anna even got to be involved, she played the non speaking, disinterested daughter. I think that we may have been type cast this time.

PROJECTS I am currently cast in, or I’m working on include:

April 20^th - U of U’s Spring Show “Persistent Visions” / Several Films

April 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd 48 Hour Project / Screening the 24^th @ 9:30 pm

April 28^th TV Pilot “Perfect” cast as “Captain Jason Carter”

May 5^th Zombie Re-Shoot cast as the Security Guard #3

Feature Film “Overcome” cast as “Dr. Pepper” Not sure on the date yet.

So yes it is a busy time, but lots of fun too! What do they say, “Do what you love, and the money will follow”. I’m just not sure when yet.

See Ya,

Bill

P.S. Everyone is invited to the U of U event @ 8:00 pm Friday night. Please see the flyer below. You’re also invited to the screening on the 24^th at the Broadway theater downtown @ 9:30 pm. Hope to see you there!

Film Studies Spring Show

"Persistent Visions 2007"

The University of Utah’s Division of Film Studies presents “Persistent Visions 2007”, an evening of short films and videos on Friday, April 20 at 8:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Admission for this event is $5 to the public and $4 for students at the door. Free parking is also available at the Art Building parking lot located next to the Auditorium.

This show is a collection of student written and produced dramatic films, that include a variety of thought provoking fictional stories ­ war, religion, gay life styles, dating comedies, child sport fantasies, and an assortment of other narrative struggles. Included is a collection of recently produced short 16mm films also on a variety of topics.

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.

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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