The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule

I had the fortunate experience recently to be a part of the cast in the feature film Serial Daters Anonymous, written and directed by Christopher Carson Emmons, starring Louise Linton, Sam Page and Scotty Dickert, and filmed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

It always amazes me whenever I watch a movie, or simply see a trailer for a film, that what we see and hear is this incredible story and music that we get lost in and in some way, relate to or become a part of that story.  What we don't see and hear are the incredible number of people and man/women hours that go into that story and music.  We obviously don't go to or rent movies to read the credits, but to actually experience the making of a film is pretty incredible in and of itself.

I have yet to work on a film project where the experience with the cast and crew was anything less than exciting, fun and rewarding.  My time on Serial Daters Anonymous was every bit of that experience.  What the everyday film viewer does not see are the committed, tireless efforts of those same cast and crew members who bring together hundreds of moments - made of pre-production writing and planning, location scouting, equipment set ups and take downs, rehearsals, make-up, actual filming and scene takes, travel, food arrangements, music composition and arrangement, editing, and the list can go on and on.  All of that to give the viewer an experience of their own, that lasts for an hour or so.

What I've learned as one of the most valuable lessons on every film I have been a part of, is to live and practice the Golden Rule - treat others as you want to be treated.  I think it's valuable for a number of reasons.  First and foremost it's just the right thing to do.  Obviously kindness and respect are at the forefront of that. Secondly, when you start out in this business you pay your dues.  You may be an actor who is simply an extra, the guy or gal in the background reading a magazine.  Or you may be the production assistant who grabs or runs for whatever the director or producer needs at that very moment.  Regardless of that minor job or role, how you interact with those in the production can greatly determine your fate in future opportunities.  A producer, director, cast or crew member will remember your effort, your attitude and your way of dealing with them that very often leads to your next big opportunity or sadly, your next long wait to be recommended.  I also believe that everyone inherently wants to be respected and appreciated.  It doesn't matter whether you are the executive producer, the star actor or actress, an extra or the production assistant running for a bottle of water, people want to feel respected and feel important to the success of the project.  We can apply this to life anywhere we are.

I'm putting a lot of value into this golden rule, because I have been 'there' on the bottom rung of the film ladder.  Humbly speaking I have always tried to give ample thanks to all that I work with, for their help, guidance, for their advice and efforts, that in the end make my experiences positive.  I always tell people who ask me about my career, that most well known actors and actresses are known also as A-List actors.  I explain that I'm starting as a Z-List actor and am working my way up the alphabet to become a better actor in time.

What was eye-opening to me was my experience on the Serial Daters Anonymous set.  From director Christopher Carson Emmons to the very last, but important production assistant, the crew of the film were down to earth, fun, friendly and passionate about what they were doing.  You felt as though you were part of a family and there was a genuine respect for everyone.

As I mentioned, I also had the privilege of working with the Los Angeles - Hollywood based actors Louise Linton, Sam Page and Scotty Dickert. Again, what absolutely amazed me was the humble, genuine kindness they expressed to each and every cast and crew member.  There is always down time on a set and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to talk candidly with each of these very talented and friendly people.  They too came from humble beginnings to get to where they are successfully today.  From Sam Page's 15-plus years, Louise Linton's 10-plus years and Scotty Dickert's 6-plus years in the industry, they too started at the bottom rung of the professional film ladder and patiently, respectfully made their way to the successes they are having now.  Not only in my conversations with them, but listening politely to questions and advice others would ask, the same three individuals were so willing to share their stories, their advice and simple, genuine conversation.  What I felt was a perfect example of - the golden rule.

Production Begins - Serial Daters Anonymous

                      Serial Daters Anonymous 

                                                         

Scottish actress Louise Linton and Milwaukee's own Sam Page have been cast in theromantic comedy, “Serial Daters Anonymous” filming in Milwaukee this month. 

Upon discovering her fiancé cheated, a witty, driven fashion columnist (Linton), jilts her husband-to-be at the alter and goes on a retaliatory dating streak to avenge the city’s women and give men their comeuppance! But when she runs into her first love (Page), will he ignite the fire or put out the flames?

The film is tipped to be an All American Romantic Comedy in the ilk of “Runaway Bride”, meets “Bridget Jones Diary”.

Linton, has just completed the lead role in the psychological thriller ‘Intruder’. Her other credits include, ‘CSI: NY’, ‘Cold Case’, ‘Lions for Lambs’, ‘Scavengers’, ‘The Echo’ and ‘William & Kate.’ 

Sam Page is completing filming on Season II of ‘House of Cards’ opposite Kevin Spacey. He is known for his roles on ‘Scandal’, ‘Gossip Girl’, ‘Mad Men’, ‘The Client List’, ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘Shark’, and ‘CSI: NY’. 

The pic was penned by local filmmaker, Christopher Carson Emmons who is set to direct. The film also stars reality TV star Scotty Dickert (All Signs of Death - Alan Ball - HBO), Kristin Anderson (Winner Best Actress 2012 Naperville Film Festival), Sean Foran (member of local Milwaukee band Kiings), Milwaukee actor Matthew Nichols and much more local talent. Justin Lothrop, Drew Britton, and Sam Kozel are producing. 

Updates - Financing - Progress

Well, the summer continues to bring a lot of exciting activity whether it be auditions, current film projects or the ongoing process to raise money for film financing.

Auditioning and commercial work is a strange beast in-and-of itself.  Just when you're asking yourself if there is any work out there, or if you're ever going to get called...ring, ring...and you are presented with two or three auditions right in a row.  You have to be grateful for those calls when they do come and make the most of those auditions.

I thought it would be fun to make my phone calls from agencies more entertaining, so I changed my ringer to the sound of the old-fashioned, casino change that used to fall from slot machines.  Since one of my favorite pastimes is to play slot machines...I thought the sound of the ring from the agencies would tell me that 'money was coming', or at least I hoped it would lead to money eventually.  Now I get really excited every time I hear that ching, ching, ching.  Pretty cool.

I was also fortunate to have my Actor's Demo Reel put together by a very talented film editor, Lupe Valdez of Anteros Entertainment.  (http://anterosentertainment.com)  Lupe makes his home in the popular film market of Austin, Texas and has done incredible work with a variety of actors and film projects.  I couldn't be more grateful for his help and professionalism.  The links to the reel are below.

http://www.imdb.com  - Matthew Nichols     or     https://www.facebook.com/mnicholswi

I'm currently finishing up some university, student thesis film projects for the summer as well.  The unfortunate struggle for the students is getting everyone to be in the same place at the same time to keep shoots consistent.  I'm working with a wonderful young, female writer/director Jessica Usagi Knap who is very good at what she does and is incredibly organized and professional.  I felt bad however, when she had to reshoot several scenes, because my son who is in the film with me, broke his arm skateboarding.  That led to continuity issues and his 'green' cast had to be reincorporated into the film.  All is well though and we have a few more days of shooting.  It's been a great crew and cast (no pun intended), to work with.

I'm also looking very forward to the filming of Serial Daters Anonymous which is scheduled to begin shooting in Milwaukee, July 8th - July 28th.  Louise Linton is an L.A. actress who will be playing the lead role, along with another L.A. actor, originally from Milwaukee.  His name cannot be mentioned yet, due to finalizing contract discussions.  I'm fortunate in that I will have the opportunity to have a few scenes with Louise Linton and it will bring some great experience to my acting and future opportunities.  The film is written and directed by Milwaukee's Christopher Carson Emmons, a very talented young director in the area.  He is very excited to start production as well.

My experience with acquiring film financing has been an incredible journey thus far.  I have met with a great variety and number of investors to secure financing for the film we are working on.  You get the opportunity to meet with some very interesting people along the way.  Most of whom are extremely pleasant and easy to talk to.  At times there have been some individuals who can be short with you or appear too busy, but when you are polite, patient and understanding of what they have going on, they are equally as willing to sit down to listen and share information.  You also find that while many people have the assets to invest, putting money toward an independent film usually doesn't fall in line with their usual investment practices.  It comes down to security and longevity for most of their desired investments and taking the leap to something exciting, but less tangible as producing a film, is a lot harder for them to wrap their minds around.  I must say however, that every single person who passed on the film investment, was no less than grateful for being considered and polite to the last in their wishes and hope for success.  No matter how you choose to handle the rejection, you have to walk away feeling good that you had the opportunity to meet some great people and open their eyes to some unique, and incredibly creative ideas and possibilities.  I can't wait to say, "In your face!", when the film/s become a huge success too.  I'm...just...kidding!  What would be great is if after the film/s are successful, that I would meet up with one or more of these investors someday and they say, "Hey, congratulations on the success of your film.  I'm really happy for you."  That would be a really nice thing to have happen.

More exciting things are on their way.  Stay tuned...and thank you for reading.

Best Wishes

Summer Projects

Summer Projects

It's interesting how far in advance and detailed the planning is when it comes to making and producing a film.  I am fortunate to be a part of a great project being filmed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this summer entitled 'Serial Daters Anonymous', which is already in its pre-production stages.  It features Louise Linton, a very successful and upcoming actress/model from Los Angeles (imdb.com).

Serial Daters Anonymous was written by the very talented, young director Christopher Carson Emmons, who just completed the short film Prone.  Prone is a relationship, driven drama following the unique lives of two individuals, and is a prequel to Serial Daters Anonymous.

Serial Daters Anonymous is about a young woman who, after discovering her fiancé cheated, goes on an introspective, dating quest to discover why men aren’t worthy of a relationship.  On her wedding day, in front of all her guests and family, Claire finds out that her fiancé Jared slept with her younger sister Grace.  She storms out of her wedding, getting drunk at a bar later that night by herself.  Claire decides to move in with her best friend Michelle and comes up with an idea for a new blog.  Each time she goes on a date with a new guy, she goes home right after and writes about all the reasons a relationship with them would fail, whether eventually or right away.  Soon, her blog catches on, but it causes problems in her personal and professional life. Michelle can no longer stand living with her, and Claire inevitably gets fired from her job for blogging about a co-worker.  Claire is forced to move to her parents’ house, where she starts to reflect on her past life.  An old flame of Claire’s sees her blog and reconnects with her, challenging all of the pessimistic views she’s newly adopted about relationships.  Her past and present choices come back to haunt her, forcing her to confront all of her decisions and decide what she really feels about love.

Principle photography will begin in early July of 2013.  Pre-production continues with review of recent auditions for remaining roles, scouting locations, and budgeting duties.  The film will be shot in and around the Milwaukee area showcasing a variety of restaurants, bars and familiar establishments.

Stay tuned for more details!

Let the Chase Begin

Let the Chase Begin

I figured it was a good catch phrase for the next step in this process of filmmaking.  Chasing the elusive dollar that is needed to produce and make a film.  To this point I have been in front of the camera - acting, and in front of a computer - writing screenplays.  Now I am taking on a new role, that of a producer/executive producer and helping to raise funds for a film.

I won't get into the politics of crowd funding versus investment financing to raise money for films, because the advocates for both are passionate and often cut-throat about their positions.  More important is my desire to create something unique, something incredible and visually beautiful that audiences will find themselves engrossed in, and forget about life for a while.  But to make that happen (usually), you need money.  

Terry Green, a very successful filmmaker from the mid-west taught me, that one thing you absolutely want to learn about film - is finance.  To know how to raise money and to understand the financial side of the business.  It is so crucial to a good production and I am becoming more and more aware of that importance every day.  For the record, I am a big advocate of Robert Rodriguez who essentially says, "Get a camera and make a movie.  Just get out there and 'make' a movie".  There is so much to be said for that view of filmmaking as well, because it gives so much encouragement to those who believe in being creative and simply telling a story.  'Everyone' has to start somewhere.

With that said, knowing the finite intricacies of finance can get you a long way too.  I am finding this out firsthand as I am on the road raising investor funds for two films to be produced in July and August of 2013 (Serial Daters Anonymous/Hash Browns)  My young and growing production company Polarity Media Productions, LLC is learning just how challenging the business and process of film production can be.  I am currently in talks, meetings, letter writing and networking to secure the funds to produce these two films.  It is challenging, but educational and eye-opening.  It's about meeting great people, seeing if where they are financially is in line with the creativity and need that I have with the projects I am selling.  It's getting people to believe in you (me) and what it is we are trying to bring to life.

Sales are tough to begin with and you have to walk away from "no" with the same confidence as you first walked into the meeting with.  It builds character and builds confidence.  One of the greatest satisfactions are when someone does say "yes", and you get that feeling of euphoria that something wonderful has happened and that 'someone' shares your passion for the project.

It's very exciting and simply adds to the enthusiasm of taking a thought that you or someone else had (a story), putting it on paper (screenplay), and bringing it to life through the camera and sound (film/movie) - to give viewers and audiences something to feel on a personal level.  Pretty cool!

The chase has begun...and I am extremely excited to see these projects to fruition...and help create something incredible.  Stay tuned...  

Updates - March 2013

2013 has been as exciting a year as ever so far.  Many, many wonderful things happening and going on.  I would like to give you some updates of what has transpired from January - March thus far.

Please know that anything I chose to share with you is for 'informational' purposes and not for 'bragging' purposes.  I'm proud of the things I have accomplished, but am equally aware of the ups and downs my career field can have, so I am keenly aware of the humility it can bring in an instant.  My parents were great examples of many things, one of which was humility and keeping things in perspective.  You obviously were interested or curious enough to stop by to see what was happening with me, so please know that from the start.

January started off with a burst of excitement and crashed in three weeks of very severe depression.  I had completed a new version of the working title, film Bipolar and had shared it with several industry professionals, including directors, producers and actors/actresses.  It was well received by several, but completely torn apart and criticized by another industry professional.  It was someone (to remain nameless), who has been very successful and involved in million dollar projects, and a person who I really looked up to.  Again, the film, television and print business is layered with rejection of all kinds, but to have something you have worked on (screenplay/project) for twelve years and have it so harshly criticized was overwhelming.  Having taught for 18 years I knew the balance that was needed with students if they were struggling with something, and still offer positives to encourage learning and growth in them.  My experience with this industry professional was wrought with negatives, and positive encouragement was nowhere to be heard.  Regrettably I didn't take it well and shut down emotionally.  The project is very personal to me and I felt it was no longer worthy or had value to anyone.  So I 'shelved it', or gave up on it for a lack of better words.  For the following three weeks I was extremely depressed and humiliated, and had given up on the project for good.  I questioned many things about my career choice and wondered if I would ever have the desire to follow through on so many years of tenacious writing and passion for making movies, both writing and acting.

In addition to that situation, I had dove head first into another life, long dream to pursue my passion for art and owning my own business.  Just eight months earlier I had been an elementary teacher for eighteen years and I decided to 'retire'.  I was burned out, stressed and wasn't having fun anymore.  I didn't want to look back retiring at age fifty-seven, and say, "I wish I would have..?"  So...I rented a space for my production office and decided to use the store space to open a gallery!  The second I signed the lease, there was no turning back and the Polarity Gallery was on it's way to fruition.  My hope was to finally show the art I had been working on for years, give friends and other artists the chance to showcase their incredible work, and pursue my film production dreams as well.  The distraction of painting walls, getting lighting put in and getting the space ready for a gallery opening in two months, became therapeutic for the depression I was experiencing from the recent film project I was so discouraged about.  With the help of my son, and friends Johnny Lechner and Mike Peterson (many thanks to them), progress was moving.

As we all know, to achieve something great, the risks are going to be high.  I'm a big believer in the power of intention and visualizing what you want, and what you need to accomplish.  I needed to do that with this venture.  Each day I had a very specific set of goals and things to accomplish, but how I was going to get it all done and ready in two months I didn't know.  I just kept believing it would get done and trusted in the process.  It worked.  March 2, 2013, I opened the doors to Polarity Gallery, showing five different artists for Waukesha, Wisconsin's first Art Crawl of the year.  

Allowing myself to focus on the gallery, the discouragement and disappointment of January began to fade away.  Fortunately at the same time, my acting and modeling continued to give me opportunities and I was able to keep busy there as well.  I had opportunities in three independent films, several web commercials, an industrial video and a radio commercial, all of which gave me a lot of needed encouragement.  My inspiration to write again was also coming back and the creative juices began flowing.

I can't speak for everyone, but at one time or another I think we have all experienced certain places or events that would cause us to say, "Hey, that would make a good movie!"  I had two ideas that had been put in my 'mind's idea file' for quite some time.  When I was first shown the space for the gallery in December of 2012, a walk down into the historic basement was all I needed to inspire an old story back to life.  Eight years earlier I had lived in a high rise apartment building in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin when my son was just four.  The basement where we did laundry was creepy and I knew there was a good story to be created behind it.  I made notes and locked them away in my mind for many years.  When I stepped into the dark, cool, damp, historic brick basement in Waukesha I knew I had a perfect location for the psychological thriller I had been wanting to write for ten years.  It was now February and I sat down to the computer with Final Draft, (screenwriting program) and the working title of Lowrise was created.  It felt perfect and the words and ideas flooded the pages.  By the end of February I had a first draft and my inspiration was back.

My second idea came from a job eleven years ago in the small town of Shelton, Washington when I was working for a company that set up glow-in-the-dark driving ranges for casinos.  I frequented a small family restaurant every morning, meeting kind hearted, genuine people who were simple and appreciated a simple life.  It inspired the story about a lonely man who would become the main character for a heartwarming drama in a small town.  Just a block away from the gallery in Waukesha is a small restaurant called Dave's Restaurant, and the idea for the film 'exploded' back into my head.  I originally had the idea to call it Toast and then a wonderful suggestion from my son created the working title Hash Browns.  Two stories were brought to life or back to life I should say.  The disappointment of January was behind me now and I was (am) inspired to do great things with these stories.

Making a film takes an incredible amount of patience, persistence and a tenacious desire to succeed.  It means finding the people who share your passion and who are encouraged to take a seed of an idea, and bring it to life through the incredibly creative process of filmmaking.  Then there is the idea of money.  Like anything, money drives the project and finding it to make your film is an incredible challenge, but not impossible.  Some favor the road of low budget, run-and-gun filming working simply for food.  Then there are those who support the crowd funding idea to use the internet to garnish support for their project, usually on a smaller scale.  Then there are the advocates for investor capital and reaching financial goals on sub-Hollywood or Hollywood level budgets, most often in the millions.

I have learned that all of those have their place.  I believe that if you love to create things and you love to make movies that you should do whatever you can to bring those stories to life.  You keep trying and trying and trying until things work out.  I'm a 'huge' fan and advocate of film pioneer, Robert Rodriguez who made his first film El Mariachi for $7,000 and launched his film career as a result.  Morgan Freeman is another person who inspires me.  He spent many long years working his way up in the film and television industry and finally received some of his biggest roles after age 50.   Their passion and desire to succeed has inspired me beyond words.

So that brings me back to the present.  Since January I have connected and reconnected with some incredible people in the film industry and the quest to make these films is on!  Investment financing will be my greatest challenge, but a welcomed one.  People are always going to tell you how hard things are and how difficult it is to do this or do that, and you cannot let it discourage you.  Persistence will pay off and what a great feeling it will be to know that I never gave up and believed in the successes.  As I said earlier with the opening of the gallery and now with the movies - I just have to keep believing it 'will' happen and trust in the process.

Until next time...

A Tale of Two Movies

A Tale of Two Movies

Well, it's hard to believe it is already February. Time flies when you're having fun, right?!  January saw my original screenplay of Bipolar get before the eyes of two film industry professionals who gave honest and constructive feedback.  The final determination is that it needed some rewrites and revision, so back to the drawing board I went.
I am currently in those revisions and really like what it is becoming.

Whenever you have a project of your own, you are always bias as to the quality and promise for your screenplay and film, but you have to be open to the reality that others may not share your same thoughts and opinions...and that's okay.  I think it is very important to 'agree to disagree'.

The film industry, business is highly layered in rejection and the competition is fierce in all aspects.  Nonetheless, another reality is that the film industry is also one which is very subjective, which in turn brings back the optimism that one person's likes or dislikes of a film, project or screenplay, doesn't necessarily reflect on everyone else's opinion of that same project.  You have to stay positive, stay focused and believe that what you are doing is going to appeal to many and will be successful.

I was a little saddened at first when I saw Silver Linings Playbook in theaters.  It was based upon an individual with Bipolar Disorder and how his life and those around him, was affected by the illness.  In essence, it was the storyline I have been trying to write and make into a film for the last twelve years.  My first draft of my screenplay entitled Bipolar, was first written back in 2002 and has seen many revisions in those years.  I had always hoped to be the first to bring that kind of story to a larger audience, in a theatrical release.  With that said, I was absolutely blown away at the quality of the story and the performances of the actors as they did an incredible job to show the illness in an enlightening and entertaining fashion.

Which brings me back to my own screenplay, Bipolar and its future.  I have every intention of finishing the screenplay revision and bringing a 'different', but enlightening story to the big screen as well.  There is always a story to tell and if you look at the history of movies, there are always new ways to tell a story and make it unique.  So stay tuned...it's coming!

That brings me to my second project in the tale of two movies.  I am currently working on a second project that is very different than the drama of Bipolar.  It is a suspense, thriller that I am very excited about.  I am in the final stages of the screenplay and early preproduction.  Less is more right now, so I will keep you up to date as things progress.

Financing will continue for both films and will be ongoing.  Financing in and of itself, is a long and arduous process, but done the right way has long standing benefits for a film project.  Seeking investors is always a challenge, but there are people out there who are looking to be a part of something creative and it is possible.

In the meantime, my independent film and commercial acting continues and each new day is a new adventure.  I've always liked the quote from Tom Hanks in the movie Castaway, "Tomorrow the sun will rise, and who knows what the tide will bring in."  Stay positive.  Stay optimistic.  Always!