Fork In The Road

Fork In The Road

Former New York Yankees great, Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it!"  Whether joking or somewhat serious, the statement is open for a lot of interpretation.  I'd like to share with you my interpretation, which personal and subjective, is just one example of how it can apply to a person's life.

I've written in earlier blogs about my pursuit of professional baseball, my redirection to education and teaching for nineteen years and my most recent declaration to pursue a career in acting and screenwriting.  I guess I could say that I have faced the fork in the road four times, and now - I am faced with it again.  This time out of necessity and survival.

When I made the decision to pursue acting and screenwriting professionally, I knew it would be challenging and knew it would have risks.  Everyone knows that and certainly professed it to me and reminded me of its difficulty on a regular basis.  Believe me...I heard it often...from many people.

Leaving teaching and a full-time job to pursue acting/screenwriting, was essentially equivalent to me rolling the dice, taking a leap of faith or putting all my eggs in one basket.  It can be a monumental decision and you risk a lot in doing so.  And I did.

What resulted thus far was a flatlined, bottomed out, bust.  It didn't work. Opportunities came, more followed and hope was created.  Yet, not enough opportunities to provide for some of life's basic necessities - food, shelter and transportation.  They're kind of important.  Add in some unfortunate circumstances and some poor timing, and the theoretical eggs in my basket - all broke.  What I realized was that possible eviction, food from food pantries, back-bills, creditor calls, and car repairs are not worth the stress and anxiety of holding on so strongly to a dream that is not tangible - right now.

I say right now, because I believe that you should still follow your dreams, your bliss in life, regardless of the struggles or obstacles that stand in your way. What I found important in this life-lesson was that we may come upon more forks in the road than we realize.  Sometimes one direction is going to look a lot more attractive, appealing and enticing, but the other, the rational and logical is going to be the right path to take - in the now or right now.

I've come to a fork in the road...and I'm going to take it.  It's a new path and I have no idea where it will go or how long I will be on it.  But...it's the right path to take...right now.

Bipolar - The Short Film - Reaches (Humble) Milestone

Bipolar - The Short Film

Bipolar - the short film reached a humble milestone this last week as it marked its 15,000th view on YouTube.  While the short film was featured in a few, select film festivals, the vast majority of its viewership has been through YouTube exposure.

While the film doesn't currently share the spotlight of a 'million-plus views', or labeled as 'going viral', its exposure and message has touched and reached a respectful 15,000-plus viewers around the world.

Writer-director Matthew Nichols wanted to create a project that brought awareness to the illness of Bipolar Disorder and gave a snapshot into the lives of four (fictional) characters.  Bipolar is the psychological, inspirational drama about those four individuals, struggling to deal with the challenges of bipolar disorder and learning the power of family, unconditional love and forgiveness.  The short film is a unique, 14-minute journey that introduces the characters, their struggles and the people who give them strength and support.

Nichols has survived and successfully lived with bipolar disorder for over 29 years and is an advocate for educating and bringing awareness to the public about the illness.  He recently lost his brother to the illness in September of 2014, and is passionate about helping others to overcome personal struggles and to offer direction and resources to the families of, and those who live with the illness.

Synopsis:  Bipolar

A teacher, a single mother, a salesman, and a business executive are enlightened by the discovery of a way to overcome the destructive tenacity of a mental illness, but not without cost.  Their consistent struggles with the illness and inability to cope with overwhelming circumstances, finds them converging with one another in a local hospital.  They are faced with the reality of their illness and the elusive answers to overcome its destructive hold on their lives. Through a personal window into the world of bipolar disorder, these four individuals search for answer to win the war over the adversaries of mental illness, failure and suicide.  Their relationships intertwine, encourage and give new hope to a future they have yet to discover.  Their heartwarming and dramatic journey will bring viewers into the world of mental illness, and inspire others to never give up hope.

Written and Directed by Matthew Nichols
Story by Darren Elliot Fulsher and Matthew Nichols
Produced by Darren Elliot Fulsher and Matthew Nichols

"Dark Times" by Kevin MacLeod
"Sugar Pill" by Kyler England
"It's All Gonna Be Okay" by Jenna Lynne
"Hero" by Jayme Dawicki

View the film here:  (Copy and Paste)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbyfCevsPjI

Next Steps

Next Steps

A lot of friends and family ask the 'million-dollar' question...Well, how are you going to do it?  i.e. Make it to Hollywood, or L.A., or simply... into the professional film industry, anywhere.

My honest answer to everyone is...I don't know.  But what I do know, is that there are a number of good ways to go about it, where a passionate individual can make a successful career of it.

To the best of my knowledge and research, the road is paved with a lot of challenges, setbacks, disappointments, rejection, a need for endless patience and tenacious, hard work.  Sounds inviting, huh?  That's life essentially.  That leads to the questions and comments such as...Why would you even want to go through all that?  Do you know how hard it is to make it in that industry? Etc...etc.  All I can do is smile and tell them...I'll find a way.  I don't blame any of my friends or family for feeling the way they do.  They're acting and expressing out of a place of love and their own semblance of support.  It was no different when I wanted to play professional baseball and made attempts to pursue that with the same passion and vision I held for many years of my young, adult life.  Did I make it, no.  But I learned a lot of valuable lessons, what it felt like and what it took to have a passion for something you love to do.

Here is another way I look at it and try to put things in perspective.  Again, you'll hear (I hear), how many people 'don't' make it in the film and tv industry.  Okay.  True, there are a lot of people who don't.  However, consider this; in 2014 there were approximately 1,400 movies released (the-numbers.com), which if we give a very conservative estimate of 10 cast members each, it gives 14,000 people an opportunity to be in film.  Then consider shows on cable and network tv and you can add a plethora of other opportunities.  The point is...the opportunities are there, you just have to find the road/path that is going to lead you there.

Here's what I know.  Obviously there is the high road, where you're in because you're the son, daughter or close relative of an established actor/producer or industry professional.  Right behind that would be those who know an established or reputable industry professional.  Then there is the low road, the one most of the aspiring actors are on (like myself), that begins with consistent experience, networking, connections and the newly acquired knowledge of social media.

My first acting gig was a short film called, 'She's Mine', back in 2005.  In 15 years I have been involved in 28 different productions in both film and television, in a variety of roles, both lead and supporting.  What does that have to do with the price of eggs...nothing really.  It's an example of the time and consistency you have to put in to improve your craft and in essence, prove your ability to reach a higher level.  This consistency could include acting lessons and workshops that also improve skills and abilities.

Again, speaking from my own experiences and networking (meeting people/asking questions), my next step is to secure a manager and an agent.  There are local agents in each city that can represent you and get you consistent commercial and print work.  However, the bigger cities like Chicago, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Austin and several others, tend to offer better opportunities for feature film and feature cable roles.  

So the question becomes, how do you connect with those agencies and get those opportunities?  Sometimes it's a matter of location and living in those cities.  Which at the present time, Milwaukee, where I live, is not one of those.  Here is the plan.  From what I've gathered, asked and learned is that my first step is to get a good demo reel of projects I have worked on.  Secondly, sending out query letters introducing myself with a resume and demo reel to a plethora (I like the word), of managers and agents.  Lastly...there is no lastly.  You ( I ) keep going, keep getting as many roles and experience as I can, keep networking and asking questions and stay focused on one thing...being the best actor I can possibly be.  Steve Martin was once quoted as saying, "Be so good that they can't ignore you."  Good advice and just what I plan to do.

For now...I will continue to pound, knock and ring at the acting door.  What's next...?  Stay tuned!

The Right Track?

The first thing I think about is that I can't believe I waited almost 5-months to the day since my last blog.  Writing (and acting) are my passion and I think it just comes down to making time to do it.  We take time to shower, brush our teeth, use the bathroom, etc. - everyday, so why not make more time for the things we are passionate about and love doing.

So, 'The Right Track?'.  I thought about titling this one, 'Chasing Rainbows', but in reality, we see them, but are never able to get to them or find the beginning or end to them.  Leprechauns maybe, but not us.  I equate that to my goals and aspirations to make a professional career of writing and acting.  I felt that 'The Right Track?' was a better title, because I could at least tangibly know that I was on 'a' track, and could still be moving in a positive direction.  Again, equating that to the pursuit of writing and acting on a professional level - wherever that is going to take me.

I think the common misconception most people have is that someone aspiring to make it in film is going to pack their bags and head to one place, Hollywood or L.A.  I know, I know.  That's two places, but same idea.  Not here to split hairs.  I have come to learn that the film industry is growing wings and finding successes in places far, far from the hustle and bustle of L.A.  Places like Atlanta, Georgia, Austin, Texas, New Orleans, Louisiana, and many others that are 'not' L.A.  Many still believe that L.A. is the best place to get connected and houses many of the biggest names and production companies.  I would hazard a guess that it is still most likely true.

The whole point I am trying to make here is that I am trying to find the track that is going to get me to  'the best' places to be.  Not one, but many.  I always tell friends and family that I started as a 'Z-List' actor and am working my way up to an 'A-List' actor.  I know the odds, I know the struggles, the long roads, the uncertainty, the intangibles, the disappointments, the rejection and the stories of the few who ever do make it...but I'm learning more and more everyday to numb myself to that.

All the people who 'are' there now, and who 'did' make it, were once in the very shoes I am standing in right now.  Flashing behind my blog are over 300 posters as I like to call them (screen savers), that rotate on my computer - telling of inspiration, hope, never giving up on your dreams, and believing that anything is possible.  I believe and I always have.  One of my greatest inspirations or examples I look to, is that of Morgan Freeman.  The guy I used to watch spell words on the Electric Company when I was a little kid.  We all know what a prominent and talented actor he is, having countless acting roles to his career.  But the inspiration for me comes in the fact that Morgan Freeman's career (according to Freeman himself), really began with his breakthrough role in the 1987 film entitled 'Street Smart', where he played the role of a character named Fast Black.  That would make Freeman 50 years old at the time.  50 years old!  Therein lies the inspiration.

At age 46, almost 47, I truly believe that there is the hope for a career in this industry.  Now...it's a matter of (who) I believe I can be, (what) it is going to take to get there, (when) the time is right to get on the 'right' track, (where) it will begin and take me, (why) I want to be there - which I will explain, and (how) I am going to go about making it a reality.

I had a fellow acting friend ask me yesterday, to send him my 'mission statement' for being an actor/writer.  Honestly, I didn't have one.  It is all in my head - the goals, the ambitions, the plan, but I never wrote them down.  So I sat and took a good chuck of time to really think about it and put it into words so that it made sense and was tangible.  And I know we would all love to make it about wealth and fame, but I truly realized it was so much more than that.

Here then...is what I crafted and honestly believe is the 'track' I am looking for.

Matthew Nichols' Mission Statement for Acting/Writing

My mission is to create a world of writing, acting and living that will inspire, encourage and be a positive influence on the lives of countless others.  I will create a world of stories that entertain, evoke deep, heartfelt emotions, and one that helps others to get lost and captivated in moments of time through unique, fictional realities.  I will become characters that audiences will truly believe are relatable and true to life, characters that inspire, encourage and give hope, characters that bring a genuine reality and depth to a story, its message and what its writer or writers want the audience to take away, and a characters which make audiences feel an endless variety of real, human emotions.  I will live; a personal life that focuses first on God, family and friendship, a professional life that focuses on the encouragement, support and help for fellow actors and writers, and a public life that focuses on the support, encouragement, inspiration and appreciation of fans and audiences everywhere.  My success will not be based upon financial gain, but on the countless lives I have influenced, changed for better, encouraged, and gave hope and faith to.

The right track?  I certainly want to believe so.

Until next time...

New Directions...

New Directions

I have to say, I get frustrated with myself when I don't take more time to write here, when writing is one of my greatest passions and simple pleasures.  

Regardless of whether the writing is considered 'good' or 'quality' is simply up to the people who choose to read.  Since the three things I love to do most - write, perform as an actor and make films, are so subjective in nature I've learned to let go of the worrying what others think of my work.  

That release has allowed me more time to focus on making my work the best it can be and free myself of the stress, anxiety and opinions of others.  I absolutely respect what others think and feel, and when it comes down to gut-level thoughts...I love the saying, "What others think of you, is none of your business."  (None of 'my' business)

It comes down to being kind, respecting the differences in others and treating others as you want to be treated.  I know and have learned that by doing those simple things, everything seems to fall into place nicely.

With that said, what does 'new directions' mean?  

Well...I spent the last nineteen years in the classroom teaching elementary education.  I had many, many great experiences.  There were many days of long nights, extra work, some anxiety, some stress and much worry about the well-being of my students and their families, as well as mine.  I had countless proud, fun, encouraging and life changing moments that I will remember forever.  Most importantly I hold a deep, sincere, heartfelt hope that I made a significant difference in the lives of the students I taught.  I may never see those affects, but I can only hope that my efforts and sincerity for their learning and emotional growth, contributes to and takes them to wonderful places, offering them lives that are fulfilling and satisfying. 

Prior to those nineteen years beginning, I had a desire and dream to pursue film and acting.  I loved and still love everything there is to love about films; their creativity, their messages, the way they entertain and move us emotionally, and how they have the ability to take us emotionally into the minds and hearts of the characters and stories - away from our own lives, even for a short time.  I want to be a part of that, to do that for others in the characters I play and the stories that I write.

I've had many people close to me, both friends and family who felt I 'should' be a teacher and that it was where I needed to be.  What I wanted back in 1994 was to step into the path of being an actor.  I knew it would be hard, the road would be long and the process no less than a challenging one.  However, I listened to those voices and words of advice, began teaching, and realized twenty-one years later I'm sure I lived those years for others and not myself.  I can't regret the path I made, because it has shaped me and has helped make me the man I am today.  

I was able to find a compromise and began acting and modeling in the summers when I wasn't teaching.  Those opportunities continued to grow and before I knew it, I was finding regular work in student and independent films, along with my commercial gigs.  The fire for more continued to burn, but time and financial security just weren't consistently on my side.  So I stayed with what I knew best - teaching, and waited patiently for every and any opportunity I could to act, write and be involved in film. 

The hardest part was always hearing that little voice in my head (no not hearing voices), but the voice in my heart that you sometimes don't hear until later in your life, telling you that it's never to late to find 'that one thing' that you would love to do and pursue it with all your heart and soul.

What truly matters is that I listen to my own voice and follow my heart and passions, or dreams - now.  So for me, it's time for a 'new direction'.  I'm taking that path I stared at back in 1994 - to be a professional actor and writer.  It will be hard, the road may be long and the process may be no less than a challenging one.  And I am sure, without a doubt, there will be a plethora of people who will say how difficult and unattainable it can be.  I'm 46 years old and you just have to come to a peaceful place in your life, where the voice on the inside - is smarter, stronger and more passionate than the millions of voices that surround you.  Opportunity 'is' there if you want it badly enough.  

I truly believe there are many roads that lead to Los Angeles and Hollywood.  Film is everywhere.  If the roads are all out, well...then I hop in a helicopter or plane and parachute in (theoretically of course).  I'm putting percentages and odds behind me...and putting opportunities and optimism in front of me.

Stay tuned...

'A Dubious Night' - Premier Screening 

The Towne Cinema - Watertown, Wisconsin - Friday, January 23rd, 2015 - 8:30 p.m.

http://www.towne-cinema.com

Bipolar - The Short Film, written and directed by Matthew Nichols, will have its theater debut next Friday, along with several other quality shorts including, 'Loss', 'Balloonatic', 'Mother Nature', 'Tough Cookie', and the feature premier of 'A Dubious Night', by writer/director Nelson Tony Oliveras. 

Admission is free and the theater is limited to 180 seats. Purchases from concessions are encouraged to help support the screenings.

Bipolar is the psychological, inspirational drama about four individuals, struggling to deal with the challenges of bipolar disorder and learning the power of family, unconditional love, and forgiveness. Bipolar the short film is a unique, 14-minute snapshot into the lives of the four main characters, surrounded by an emotionally moving soundtrack. It introduces the characters, their struggles and the people who give them strength and support.

Executive Producer - Steve Brick

Featuring Cast - Kristin Anderson, Edy Cullen, Darren Elliot Fulsher, Matthew Nichols, Audwin Short, Tabb Patz, Andrew Parchman, Bennett Litton, John Glowacki, Seth Nichols and Audrey Cullen.

Featuring Crew - Nate Haban, Quinn Hester, Zach McLain, Ryan Blomquist, Michelle Glowacki, Kevin Leach, Bennett Litton, Jacob Fatke, Sean Foran, and Essential Barbie.