Film shoot

I have now completed my first film shoot! The movie is called DESPERATE ENDEAVORS. I played Quincy. A small time criminal/lowlife who tries, unsuccessfully, to pick up a woman in a bar. It was a fun scene to shoot. I had one other scene where my partner and I attack the woman in a park. Most of that scene is left to the imagination, with just a few carefully planned moments filmed, so I'm excited to see how it turns out. The scenes took two days to shoot, and were a very positive experience! There was another scene we almost got to do, where we stole a car, but the director ended up switching that one to involve some different characters. So, we just got the two work days, not a third.

Now, originally I thought I needed a third day to become SAG eligible, but it turns out I wasn't correct. That is how background actors can get in, but since I had a principal role I am now eligible automatically! I was so excited when I found that out. So now, there's just a little bit of paperwork (and a lot of money) keeping me from joining SAG! The good news is that the dues are not bad. It's just that initial joining fee! SAG just happens to be the most expensive of the three acting unions. But I'll make it happen! I have to. I was VERY fortunate to become SAG eligible so quickly. So my goal now is to join SAG and AFTRA before the end of the year. Then I'll be covered by unions whenever I do any film or television. That will leave only EQUITY to join. Hopefully I'll be cast in an EQUITY play soon, but if not I will be eligible in a year. As a sister union to SAG, I can join a year after I join SAG as long as I work a principal SAG contract during that time. And since I already have, I'm all set now! So, this one film role will now open the door to both of the exclusive unions! Not bad, for a couple days of work!

In addition to becoming a union actor, the other major perk from this movie was the fact that I made some really great contacts. There was one in particular, and that was Robert Clohessy. Now, I highly doubt you've heard of him, but you've no doubt seen him in something. He has been in TONS of movies and television shows over the last twenty five years. Currently, he has recurring roles on BOARDWALK EMPIRE and BLUE BLOODS. Some of his past credits include OZ and HILL STREET BLUES. Anyway, he was the bartender in my scene. He and I were chatting on a break and when he found out I didn't have an agent yet he gave me the name of one. Bob said they were close friends and told me to use him as a reference. Referrals are huge in this business. Agents get headshots in the mail constantly, so this could go a long way in separating me from the other ones.