I've tried to think of the perfect way to say this, but I think I'll just blurt it out, all excited-like. Since I am completely head-over-heels excited.
I AM GOING TO BE IN A MOVIE. MY FIRST FEATURE FILM EVER.
THE CAST AND CREW (myself included, obvi) WILL BE FLOWN OUT TO KENTUCKY IN JULY TO SHOOT ON LOCATION.
THE MOVIE WILL BE DIRECTED BY GLENN WITHROW. IT'S GOING TO STAR HALLIE TODD (!!!) AND MYSELF WITH A GROUP OF OTHER GIRLS. If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you'll know that those are two of my favorite people (and heroes/mentors) on EARTH.
THE MOVIE IS CALLED "THE MOORING" AND IT'S A HORROR-THRILLER.
THIS IS PRETTY MUCH THE MOST EXCITING THING THAT'S EVER HAPPENED TO ME, and I am feeling so blessed and amazed and INCREDIBLY, INCREDIBLY EXCITED. Saying I'm excited is like saying Johnny Depp is a good actor. UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE CENTURY.
Also, I've known about this but haven't been able to tell anybody for over two months. Which has been killer, although a good test of my secret-keeping skills, which apparently rock.
If you want MORE INFORMATION (of course you do!), here is a press release and here is the official website and myspace, facebook and twitter pages. Become a friend/follower/what-have-you.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Quotes: Kate Winslet
“People say to me, 'You seem to have made this conscious decision to do independent films'. In reality, I haven't. After each movie, I always think, how different can I possibly be?... Is this going to challenge me, is this going to inspire me, and is this going to make me love my job more than I already do?”“I wouldn't dream of working on something that didn't make my gut rumble and my heart want to explode.”
“Plastic surgery and breast implants are fine for people who want that, if it makes them feel better about who they are. But it makes these people, actors especially, fantasy figures for a fantasy world. Acting is about being real, being honest.”
“I have no regrets. If you regret things, you're sort of stepping backwards. I'm a believer in going forwards.”
~Kate Winslet
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Interview: Jesse Pattison
I was in Seattle a few months ago and, while at a restaurant, had the pleasure of meeting Jesse Pattison, a film actor who was working as a waiter there. I found out that he even attended a university in my local area for a bit. Later I connected with him online, and asked if I could interview him for my blog. He agreed, and I hope you all enjoy what he has to say about his career and love for acting!
What first got you interested in acting?
Being a movie buff since I can remember had a big effect on how interested I have been in starring in one myself. But as I got older I was taking this goal a little more serious. My family friend, Ryan O'Neill, got me really excited to pursue a career in acting. He was a successful actor, spending his school years in Seattle and summers in L.A. He was in everything from motion pictures like "Hollywood Safari" to hit T.V. shows like "California Dreams". He really got me hooked on following his footsteps.
Who are some of the actors who have most inspired you?
I would say that I seem to find particular characteristics in most actors that I find inspiring. One actor that I have been following pretty close lately is Heath Ledger. Not only is it inspiring to see an actor master his craft and effect so many people, but in this case, his story of how he began his road to success is very similar to mine. I would have to say that his persona and life story is one that inspires me to do what I love to do.
What kind of training have you had?
My training started early on at the Seattle Childrens Theater. After I began getting as serious as a kid would be in elementary, I began taking classes at ABC kids and teens. Working on modeling and acting workshops. Through ABC I also began taking workshops with Tom Logan, a director from L.A. Throughout junior high I was involved in drama and worked on Fall and Labor Day productions. As I entered high school I changed my representation to Colleen Bell, a former agent of my close friend Ryan O'Neill. I had training from a couple casting directors in Seattle. While auditioning for "World's Greatest Dad" I met a casting director that was the owner of the Northwest Actors Studio and took about 4 months of classes with her. I am currently working with the Northwest Actors Studio twice a month.
You recently had a role in the indie film "The World's Greatest Dad." What was your experience for that like?
Having even the opportunity of auditioning for "World's Greatest Dad" was such a privilege. It was my first big movie audition, and worked on my scene like it was my last. I went through 3 rounds of auditions and the final audition was in front of the director, Bobcat Goldthwait. I nailed the audition but didn't get the part I was searching for. I was cast as a featured Jock in the film and missed out on the opportunity to play the part of "Chris." Although I didn't get a co-star role, I was so excited to be on set and act with one of my favorite comedians of all time, Robin Williams. Between scenes it was non-stop laughs with Robin. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
What was your experience like at the Sundance film festival, where "The World's Greatest Dad" premiered?
Sundance was the best weekend of my life by far!! I was so lucky to split a cab with a woman at the airport that happened to be a photographer and editor of a big publication.
She helped me figure out what Sundance was all about. We walked into all the swag suites and got free items such as LRG jackets, shoes, clothes, jewelry, cameras, and a lot of other products...including my favorite, 1 year movie passes to any AMC theater. Other than the swag the suites were the spot to be during the day. All of them were run by different vendors such as Keri Feinstein, LRG, and all were floating with celebrities that I got to meet. It was pretty crazy going into the Keri Feinstein suite and seeing Kim Kardashian and Terrell Owens. The parties there were even crazier. The first night we went to TAO night club and I was drinking next to Sting and his wife. Then an hour later Paris Hilton, her BFF, and Aubrey from Making the Band sit down right next to me. I immediately got them 3 vodka cranberries and started talking to all of them. After dancing with Paris Hilton I knew this was the best weekend of my life. But out of the whole experience the premier was my favorite part. It was so awesome to see how they put the whole film together, oh and seeing myself on the big screen!!
What do you find to be the easiest part of acting? What about the hardest part?
I think the easiest part about acting is based on the fact that I have such a passion and love for it. It makes it easy to get up at 8AM every weekend knowing that I'm going to class doing what I love. I think the hardest thing about acting is the work that's put into it. A lot of people will sit at home, watching a movie and say, "I can do that"...ha ya right. It's a lot more work than people can even believe. The time put in for training is expensive and eternal. I will never be done trying to hone my craft and I still got a lot of work ahead of me.
What's next for you, acting-wise?
The next step has to be L.A. There isn't enough opportunities in Seattle. My next move is definitely L.A. by the end of this summer.
What sort of goals do you have for your career?
My goals for my career are placed in long-term and short-term paths. My short-term goal is being set up in L.A. with a place, having a flexible job with steady income that will allow me to pursue my career as an actor. My long-term goal is to be starring in a Hollywood blockbuster by age 27.
What's your favorite thing about being an actor?
My favorite thing about being an actor is having the freedom to be who ever I want to be and entertain people in the process.
Thanks, Jesse! :)
What first got you interested in acting?Being a movie buff since I can remember had a big effect on how interested I have been in starring in one myself. But as I got older I was taking this goal a little more serious. My family friend, Ryan O'Neill, got me really excited to pursue a career in acting. He was a successful actor, spending his school years in Seattle and summers in L.A. He was in everything from motion pictures like "Hollywood Safari" to hit T.V. shows like "California Dreams". He really got me hooked on following his footsteps.
Who are some of the actors who have most inspired you?
I would say that I seem to find particular characteristics in most actors that I find inspiring. One actor that I have been following pretty close lately is Heath Ledger. Not only is it inspiring to see an actor master his craft and effect so many people, but in this case, his story of how he began his road to success is very similar to mine. I would have to say that his persona and life story is one that inspires me to do what I love to do.
What kind of training have you had?
My training started early on at the Seattle Childrens Theater. After I began getting as serious as a kid would be in elementary, I began taking classes at ABC kids and teens. Working on modeling and acting workshops. Through ABC I also began taking workshops with Tom Logan, a director from L.A. Throughout junior high I was involved in drama and worked on Fall and Labor Day productions. As I entered high school I changed my representation to Colleen Bell, a former agent of my close friend Ryan O'Neill. I had training from a couple casting directors in Seattle. While auditioning for "World's Greatest Dad" I met a casting director that was the owner of the Northwest Actors Studio and took about 4 months of classes with her. I am currently working with the Northwest Actors Studio twice a month.
You recently had a role in the indie film "The World's Greatest Dad." What was your experience for that like?
Having even the opportunity of auditioning for "World's Greatest Dad" was such a privilege. It was my first big movie audition, and worked on my scene like it was my last. I went through 3 rounds of auditions and the final audition was in front of the director, Bobcat Goldthwait. I nailed the audition but didn't get the part I was searching for. I was cast as a featured Jock in the film and missed out on the opportunity to play the part of "Chris." Although I didn't get a co-star role, I was so excited to be on set and act with one of my favorite comedians of all time, Robin Williams. Between scenes it was non-stop laughs with Robin. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
What was your experience like at the Sundance film festival, where "The World's Greatest Dad" premiered?
Sundance was the best weekend of my life by far!! I was so lucky to split a cab with a woman at the airport that happened to be a photographer and editor of a big publication.
She helped me figure out what Sundance was all about. We walked into all the swag suites and got free items such as LRG jackets, shoes, clothes, jewelry, cameras, and a lot of other products...including my favorite, 1 year movie passes to any AMC theater. Other than the swag the suites were the spot to be during the day. All of them were run by different vendors such as Keri Feinstein, LRG, and all were floating with celebrities that I got to meet. It was pretty crazy going into the Keri Feinstein suite and seeing Kim Kardashian and Terrell Owens. The parties there were even crazier. The first night we went to TAO night club and I was drinking next to Sting and his wife. Then an hour later Paris Hilton, her BFF, and Aubrey from Making the Band sit down right next to me. I immediately got them 3 vodka cranberries and started talking to all of them. After dancing with Paris Hilton I knew this was the best weekend of my life. But out of the whole experience the premier was my favorite part. It was so awesome to see how they put the whole film together, oh and seeing myself on the big screen!!What do you find to be the easiest part of acting? What about the hardest part?
I think the easiest part about acting is based on the fact that I have such a passion and love for it. It makes it easy to get up at 8AM every weekend knowing that I'm going to class doing what I love. I think the hardest thing about acting is the work that's put into it. A lot of people will sit at home, watching a movie and say, "I can do that"...ha ya right. It's a lot more work than people can even believe. The time put in for training is expensive and eternal. I will never be done trying to hone my craft and I still got a lot of work ahead of me.
What's next for you, acting-wise?
The next step has to be L.A. There isn't enough opportunities in Seattle. My next move is definitely L.A. by the end of this summer.
What sort of goals do you have for your career?
My goals for my career are placed in long-term and short-term paths. My short-term goal is being set up in L.A. with a place, having a flexible job with steady income that will allow me to pursue my career as an actor. My long-term goal is to be starring in a Hollywood blockbuster by age 27.
What's your favorite thing about being an actor?
My favorite thing about being an actor is having the freedom to be who ever I want to be and entertain people in the process.
Thanks, Jesse! :)
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
MAKING OF
I read and watch a lot of interviews and articles; with actors primarily, but also with directors and sometimes other crew-types (casting directors, script writers, etc).
I do this for several reasons. One, it's fun. Two, it's my way of staying connected with the acting world. I don't know or talk to a ton of people who are head-over-heels passionate about this business, and this is my way of getting re-inspired . . . like listening in to a conversation. Third, it's a fabulous learning tool. I'm not attending a school for the arts and I'm not going to classes every week. I have learned so much about filmmaking and acting just from watching and reading interviews. Different directors' techniques, how different actors approach roles or choose roles, and on and on. It's fascinating stuff.
I'm subscribed to Entertainment Weekly and Dramatics, I visit IMDb a lot, I'm subscribed to a bunch of website feeds (Buzzine and Interview are just a couple of examples) that provide this sort of thing.
And now, I've got a new addiction. Basically, if you could make a dream web site tailored specifically for me . . . this is it. It's got interviews with people from every area of film--actors, costume designers, producers, stuntmen, to list only a few. It's called Making Of, and it's founded and run by actress Natalie Portman, who says, "The goal is really to be a comprehensive, centralized place for people who want to learn about film if it's specific aspects like how they got that cool explosion in the Bond movie or the serious film student wondering what lens they used when they shot that midnight scene or whatever," she explains to E! News. "We want to have that range and also cover departments that aren't typically covered in entertainment news."
I'm in heaven, pretty much. Check it out.
I do this for several reasons. One, it's fun. Two, it's my way of staying connected with the acting world. I don't know or talk to a ton of people who are head-over-heels passionate about this business, and this is my way of getting re-inspired . . . like listening in to a conversation. Third, it's a fabulous learning tool. I'm not attending a school for the arts and I'm not going to classes every week. I have learned so much about filmmaking and acting just from watching and reading interviews. Different directors' techniques, how different actors approach roles or choose roles, and on and on. It's fascinating stuff.
I'm subscribed to Entertainment Weekly and Dramatics, I visit IMDb a lot, I'm subscribed to a bunch of website feeds (Buzzine and Interview are just a couple of examples) that provide this sort of thing.
And now, I've got a new addiction. Basically, if you could make a dream web site tailored specifically for me . . . this is it. It's got interviews with people from every area of film--actors, costume designers, producers, stuntmen, to list only a few. It's called Making Of, and it's founded and run by actress Natalie Portman, who says, "The goal is really to be a comprehensive, centralized place for people who want to learn about film if it's specific aspects like how they got that cool explosion in the Bond movie or the serious film student wondering what lens they used when they shot that midnight scene or whatever," she explains to E! News. "We want to have that range and also cover departments that aren't typically covered in entertainment news."
I'm in heaven, pretty much. Check it out.
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