My Muse

I cast my previous film out of desperation. I needed actors bad, and I was willing to let anyone fill the roles, so long as they could read and memorize. While perusing MySpace for people interested in acting, I ran across an old aquaintance. We had worked at Applebee's together, and he had actually starred in one of my early experimental shorts. Well, he jumped on board and even brought along another actor.

While shooting that previous film (Up in the Air), we were plagued with issues. My main actor was unfamilar with the script, and needless to say, did not know his lines. I enjoyed working with him, but the process ended up being slow and tedious while we went over lines and character motivations.

BUT while editing, I noticed just how much talent he really had. In scenes where he knew his lines, he nailed it. In scenes where he ad-libbed, he really really nailed it. Unfortunately, we couldn't use any of the ad-lib scenes. Regardless, I recognized something inside him - a talent - a charisma - a charm. I had a feeling that with the proper role and direction, he could really prove himself and shine.

He sorta' became my muse for this next picture. I wrote one particular character with him in mind. In fact, in my mind, the character was him.

Here recently, the actor/friend had been very busy and difficult to get in touch with. That coupled with the fact that actual financing didn't seem that out there, we began thinking about casting the film with actual paid actors - actors with resumes and training and all that good stuff. We even had a few actors in mind. Then, my actor/friend finally got back in contact with me... a few weeks ago. He wanted to assure me that he was totally committed to the film. Well, naturally I felt bad for ever doubting him. Of course, we still just had to see how well he would read the part.

He came over last night, and we all sat around and chatted and laughed. I pulled the script out, and we read about half of it... and the consensus... NO ONE could play this role but him. Sure, he needed some direction, so he could understand where the character was coming from or what direction the character might be taking... but he NAILED it. He was the character.

It seems that every time one of the actors comes over and reads, I am that much more excited about this movie. It's so amazing to see them bring to life my words. It's just so exciting to see actors do what they do.

But basically - what I mean to say is - I was wrong to ever doubt my friend. He's been with me nearly since the beginning... since that first experimental short. I see great potential in him... And I think eventually, the world will see it too.