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.

Writer/Actor/Model

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Matthew Nichols spent most of his childhood and teenage years pursuing professional baseball. After a successful athletic and academic career at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Matthew went on to graduate with a Bachelors of Science Degree – Elementary Education. He went on to teach elementary education in the Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Oconomowoc, Wisconsin communities for 18 years.

Within Matthew’s teaching career, was a love for acting, modeling, writing and painting. In 1994 he began his film career as an actor and model in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas during his summers. Matthew is now a published author, dividing his time between teaching, acting, writing, independent film and painting.

He has appeared in a variety of industrial videos and commercials as a spokesperson and host, as well as doing local and regional ads for Fleet Farm, Kohls, and national ad campaigns including Miller/Coors for Major League Baseball and the National Football League.

Matthew has also been cast in Discovery Channel’s (Investigative Discovery) - Unusual Suspects, True Crimes - With Aphrodite Jones, and the feature film Serial Daters Anonymous.

Matthew continues to build a successful film resume appearing in a variety of independent films from a wide range of genres, including the Milwaukee Film Festival release of the romantic comedy Serial Daters Anonymous, and a variety of local and regional independent films, for both independent filmmakers and university students working on senior, thesis films in the Milwaukee, Chicago and surrounding areas.

He is currently teaching elementary education in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and is also in development of an independent feature project. In addition Matthew is cast and filming in three college thesis films for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which will be released in the Spring of 2015.

 2014 - Cream City - Milwaukee International Film Festival

 2014 - Cream City - Milwaukee International Film Festival - Sept. 25th - Oct. 9th

I had the very good fortune and pleasure, to work on two projects that have been selected to show in the 2014 - Cream City - Milwaukee International Film Festival, September 25th - October 9th.

http://mkefilm.org/announcing-cream-city-cinema-lineup-for-mff-2014/

The first is Serial Daters Anonymous, a film written and directed by Milwaukee's, Chris Emmons.

Serial Daters Anonymous

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7x76CUJd-g

(USA / 2014 / Director: Christopher Carson Emmons) 

Filmed entirely in Milwaukee, this rom-com features jilted fashion columnist Claire (Louise Linton), cutting a wide swath through the local dating scene on the heels of being informed by her fiancé of his philandering tendencies at the altar. She blogs about each first date while refusing to go on a second. But this angel of dating vengeance meets her match in Kyle (Milwaukee-born Sam Page, a.k.a. Joan’s hot husband from “Mad Men”), a former flame who threatens to derail her plans for revenge on the entire male populace by introducing feelings back into the equation. A dating comedy with local flavor, Serial Daters Anonymous is a witty tonic for the brokenhearted.

The second is Geoffrey Broughe Handles Confrontation Poorly, a film written and directed by Milwaukee's Jon Phillips.

Geoffrey Broughe Handles Confrontation Poorly 

(USA / 2014 / Director: Jon Phillips

Trailer: http://vimeo.com/86625166

Filmed in Milwaukee, this action comedy, short film is about a guy named Geoffrey Broughe, handling confrontation, and getting shot at. It's a unique, humorous must see, from the creative mind of Jon Phillips.

Silver Linings In Sarcasm

As I continue my career Plan B waiting for career Plan A to come to fruition, I came across a very creative, interesting and entertaining article from actress and writer Suzana Stankovic.  Suzana is an actress, dancer, director, choreographer, teaching artist, producer and independent dance-theater artist. She writes frequent articles for a website called 'Backstage', which provides information, articles and resources for actors and artists.

I have always been a fan of sarcasm in moderation to make situations more humorous as a father, a teacher and surviving growing up in a family, as the youngest of five boys.  I was humored and actually inspired by Suzana's article as it related to success in acting.  Her article is entitled '7 -Guaranteed Ways to Fail in the Arts'.  The entire article can be found and read at:

http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/7-guaranteed-ways-fail-arts/

I can only speak for myself, and I'll be the first to admit that I'm guilty of worrying too often about what others think of me, and opinions they may express and hold.  We are usually our toughest critics and I know I hold myself to very high expectations, whether that be an Achilles Heel of mine or not. Regardless, the irony here is that Suzana's article was right up my alley, in respect to the underlying sarcasm she used to encourage actors and artists on how 'to succeed', by telling us what 'not to do'.  I thought it was very well expressed.

Here were her 7- rules for starting today, if you absolutely want to fail in the arts:

1.  Sit around and wait for approval, permission, and authorization to be what you dream of being and do what you want to do. It doesn’t matter that the greatest artists of all time were daring, fearless visionaries who boldly took matters into their own hands with whatever resources they had. Don’t you do the same! 

2.  Follow the rules and follow the crowd. Play it safe! Don’t think outside of the box, don’t be different, audacious, or brave ever, unless you’ve been given permission or approval as stated above. Disregard the fact that humanity needs the artist to dream big, take risks, and bust through conventions. It must not be you who does this. Wait for someone else to do it first.

3.  Care deeply about what people think. If someone doesn’t like your performance or your headshot or your play or whatever, go home and cry, and seriously question your talent. 

4.  Actively seek out the opinions of others, especially those who have never taken any risks on behalf of a dream or created any art of their own, and then change your work according to their advice, which they are usually happy to share at length. 

5.  Do some more waiting around for permission and approval. It’s the best use of your time, so get comfy and cozy. Do not, by any means, create your own circumstances, opportunities, and marketing materials with the free tools available to you such as the Internet, social media, YouTube, and Vimeo. 

6.  At all times, try to please everyone and be sure to live with a paralyzing fear of rejection. This will keep you on your toes and far from any artistic risk-taking and growth.  

7.  Allow others to define you, industry professionals and laypeople alike. It’s important that you really know who you are, so always allow them to determine your worth and whether or not you’ve got a future in the arts. Do not follow your heart. Do not look within and trust your own inner guidance. 

Again, I think Suzana's article was very well written to get across a strong and encouraging message.  Although it was written to help actors and artists, I think people in general can apply this to whatever their situation is, regardless of their job or current career path.  

I think it's as simple as remembering the thought, find the one thing that makes you happy - and you'll never work a day in your life.

The Road To Somewhere - Part 2

The Road To Somewhere Part 2

I know we're all on a road to somewhere.  My road is on the horizon and I'm excited about the journey to get there.

Where do I want to be?  The road I want to take is the path to professional acting and filmmaking.  I know, I know...like the critics and naysayers always say, "Oh, that's a tough field and really hard to break into."  That's the same song and dance I heard from countless others throughout my life, whenever I did share a dream or ambition.  In hindsight, I spent too many years listening to others tell me how hard things were to accomplish and how the dreams I had were so challenging because of A, B, C or Z, or whatever their worldly knowledge was professing at the time.  I knew that, but I bought into the difficulty and created unwarranted fears and a sense of pre-spawned failure.

Why?  Why did I listen to voices of reason surrounding my dreams, when I should have been listening to my own heart and gut all along.  Oh how I wish I could travel back in time and talk to the young boy, the young man I was and have a do-over.  The reality is...I can't.  I get it.  What I do get is that I have the ability now to listen to my heart- my gut, and follow a road or a path that can get me where I want to go.

I still hear the naysayers talking and telling me how hard it is to make it here and there, but the beautiful part of that is I don't listen anymore.  There are countless others who live vicariously through their egos and profess the odds, successes, and failures of others.  Not this time.  This time, there will be one voice, one person responsible for my success and failures - me.

With that said, I will follow the patient and noble example of the turtle...slow and steady wins the race.  As I watch and learn carefully from the successful actors and actresses who have made their way to the big screen and syndicated tv and cable, I study and plan the path that will move me in their  direction.  I recently went and saw Spiderman 2 at theaters with my son.  I was inspired once again to see the number of older male actors who play supporting and significant roles in these and countless other films.  As I sit watching, beyond the goosebumps, I am inspired, encouraged and enthusiastic to continue to study and perfect my craft as an actor.

I often joke with people as I share my experiences as an actor, telling them that there are the A-List actors and actresses we all know about.  I tell them I am starting out as a Z-List actor and am slowly and patiently working my way up.  I have been fortunate to have been in a variety of 25 features, short films, student films, web series, and television productions.  Some as an extra and the rest where I have had the privilege to learn as a character actor or lead actor.  That's not to brag and as far as I'm concerned, to me, it's not a competition.  I compete with myself to make myself a better actor with each new opportunity.  Each one I can honestly say has be a great experience, helping me to learn and grow as an actor.  Where I am now?  I'm growing.  Filmmaking and acting are truly subjective.  One person's perspective is and can be completely different from another's, and that's what I absolutely love about my chances to make this a successful career.

I will be my greatest critic and we are usually hardest on ourselves when it comes to judging and assessing our successes.  I'm guilty of it myself, but I know that as long as I am moving in a positive direction to improve myself, my skills and my vision to be successful - the sky is the limit.  I also know and adamantly believe that how I interact and treat those around me will directly and undoubtably affect my successes as well.  It all goes back to the idea of karma again.  What comes around, goes around and simply put, treat people the way you want to be treated.  Humbly speaking, I do that every second I can and I hope that I'm making a difference in the lives of those people, and am making their lives better for the experience.

So again, where is the road I'm taking?  Right now it circles Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I plot a course for film markets that are growing and thriving.  Austin, Texas?  New Orleans, Louisiana?  I don't know, but I do believe there are many roads to L.A. and Hollywood, and that road is different for each person.  One year? Two years? Three years?  It doesn't matter.  I believe things happen for a reason, and they happen when they are meant to happen.  Right now, this moment, my role is as a 'real father' for my son.  In the meantime, I will take new roles as I'm able, and will continue to grow and learn with each experience.

Thanks for reading.

Best Wishes,

Matt

The Road To Somewhere...

The Road To Somewhere...

The road to somewhere is what I'm on now.  And no it's not a drug.  My somewhere is finding the place in my life that is going to lead me into the next 45 years of my life and I hope and pray that I'm lucky enough to get a second handful of 45-years.

I blog in my mind everyday and so often wish I had the time to get it all out or down on paper or virtual paper as this is.  So this is that opportunity.  I'm a visual and kinesthetic learner and for me, writing has been one of the greatest gifts I was ever given.  That's not to say that I think I'm a good writer, or that anyone thinks I'm a good writer.  It's simply means that I value and find peace in writing, whether it's stories, poems, screenplays, letters, journals or whatever I'm inspired to write at the moment - good, bad or indifferent.  For my own peace of mind, my writing here is going to help me free my mind of some of the regrets and mistakes I've made in my life, and hopefully offer some insight to others (or possibly myself if I'm the only one who reads this).  Nonetheless, I want to pave the way for many happy and positive, experiences in years to come.

Other than my mother or father, and professional athletes Walter Payton (Chicago Bears - Football), Paul Molitor and Robin Yount (Milwaukee Brewers - Baseball), my hero has always been Abraham Lincoln.  I was always amazed at the long list of failures that he endured before persevering and becoming president.  The last thing in the world I want to be is president, but the point is, I feel a great sense of hope for my life seeing someone who overcame so many failures, and found such incredible success and respect later in his life.  In no way, shape or form do I compare myself to him, but instead, compare and share experiences and failures.

I speak openly here as I hope it helps to give hope or inspiration to others, even in some small way.  In my lifetime, I failed and lost everything in five businesses, I allowed the illness known as bipolar disorder to rob me of a legitimate chance to play professional baseball, lose my marriage, lose childhood friendships, and overall it robbed me of years and years of happiness in my life.  Over the course of the last two years I started and lost my fourth and fifth business ventures, costing me over $30,000 in life savings and leaving me with nothing, I lost both my parents to old age in the same year, was unemployed for 13-months, homeless for an entire month, and almost lost my son to life-threatening health issues.  Abe Lincoln.  

I hit rock bottom and theoretically lying on my back, realized I had no where to go but up.  I thought about Abraham Lincoln and had to believe that somehow, somewhere, things were going to get better and I would find a way to get well and be successful.  What successful meant, I didn't know, but I immediately thought, being the best father I could, was the best place to start.  I also like and remembered the quote from Sylvester Stallone from one of the Rocky films, "It's about how hard you can get hit (he meant by life) and keep moving forward.  How much you can take and keep moving forward.  That's how winning is done!"  I really believe that.  I 'know' there are thousands of great quotes to inspire, but that one just stuck with me.

As far as religious beliefs go, I'm simply going to tell you that I do believe in God or a higher power and my faith is very strong.  That's as far as I go with that.  It's up to others to find and know what 'they' believe and live their lives accordingly.  I'm not going to judge anyone else.  That's not my place.

I do also believe that what you focus on most, does usually come into your life.  I objectively found myself caught up in so many days, months and years feeling down, feeling angry or any number of other negative emotions.  I can with 100% certainty tell that those thoughts brought on some of the most difficult times and experiences in my life.  Somehow for so long, I just couldn't see it or knew any better to change it.  In the same thread, I also believe that life has a way of coming back around, whether that means good things in your life or bad things in your life.  Some may call it karma, but I absolutely believe it's out there.

Which led me to a point where I just decided I wasn't going to focus on an illness anymore.  I wasn't going to focus on the negatives, the anger, the resentment, the regret that I see 'so many' people carrying with them everyday.  I just didn't want that anymore.  It's not to say that I don't still have bad days, but I honestly and sincerely try to find the best in every situation regardless of how difficult, challenging or simply shitty it may be.

Back to the theoretical moment lying on my back.  With the fourth week of being broke and homeless looming on the horizon (in January of 2014), my hope and faith came to light.  I was offered a job and found a new place for my son and I to live.  Not three weeks later did my car break down and again, within another two weeks the money came my way to buy a new (used) car.  I just kept believing that things were going to get better, humbly appreciated the new job and a place to hang my hat, and waited positively for whatever the next day brought.

'That' is the road to somewhere I am now on.  I don't know where it's taking me right now, but each day I'm again, theoretically driving down the road, trusting that the next 24 miles (hours) is going to get me closer to where I want to be.

Where do I want to be?  I'll tell you next time.

Thanks for reading.

Best Wishes,

Matt  

  

New Projects

New Projects

I'd like to tell you about two new projects that are being made by some very talented Milwaukee, Wisconsin, writers and filmmakers.  They are both two very young groups of individuals who have proven to be very professional and successful in their previous projects.  I have had the pleasure to work on several of these projects with many of the cast and crew involved, and have had an absolute blast spending time with and getting to know them.  I have been very fortunate and grateful to work with a wide variety of filmmakers in Milwaukee, Chicago and the Midwest, both young and seasoned and am always excited to be a part of new and creative films.

The Devil's Moira - Gambit

The first is entitled Gambit.  It is the first of a three-part series of films making up what is known as The Devil's Moira. Gambit showcases a first person experience of a few days in the life of Matthew Soto as he is drugged by something mysterious and ferocious.  Matthew and the audience set out to solve the mystery.  It is written and directed by Immanuel Baldwin and produced by Jordan Belt.  You can read more about the project at https://www.facebook.com/TheDevilsMoira

Tough Cookie

The second is entitled Tough Cookie.  Tough Cookie is a Grindhouse style film, also being filmed in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.  Written by Bobby Schmidt, and the story by Sergio Espino, Ty Winter and Bobby Schmidt.  It is produced by Esprit Noir Productions & ISR Productions.  The project is currently running an Indiegogo campaign (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/tough-cookie--2), to raise money for filming.  You can read more about the project at https://www.facebook.com/ToughCookieFilm, and see the trailer at www.toughmoviecookie.com.

Bipolar - Short Film

Bipolar - The Short

We are proud to release the short film for Bipolar.

View the short online: http://youtu.be/rbyfCevsPjI

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 is a unique, 14-minute snapshot into the lives of the four main characters. It introduces the characters, their struggles and the people who give them strength and support.  

The feature will elaborate and show in greater detail, each character's life and individual situation.  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 answers 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. Bipolar captures the interest of all as the stories of four, unique individuals enters the depths of the mind, the heart, and unconditional love.

The filming of the short for 'Bipolar' was shot in Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin over the course of a two-day weekend. Nineteen cast and crew members put in two thirteen hour days to capture the film's core message and storyline. Filming took place in Waukesha, Greendale, Wauwatosa and on Milwaukee's lakefront. Writer/Director Matthew Nichols and Producer Darren Elliot Fulsher are planning to release the trailer in early December.

Executive Producer - Steve Brick

Writer/Director - Matthew Nichols 
 Producer - Darren Elliot Fulsher

Cast - Kristin Anderson, Edy Cullen, Audrey Cullen, Darren Elliot Fulsher, John Glowacki, Matthew Nichols, Bennett Litton, Andrew Parchman, Tabb Patz, Mandy Schulz, Audwin Short

Crew - Nate Haban, Essential Barbie, Ryan Blomquist, Jacob Fatke, Michelle Glowacki, Kevin Leach, Bennett Litton, Zach McLain

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...