Triumph goes to the determined

So, It's been a little while for me, but I've been busy.

In March I sent a shout out that I was starting a production company - I got some great debate on what it should be called, but I found (so far) that outside of moral support nobody wanted to jump on board. Who can blame them, right? Have I ever done anything? Not really. Produced something? Nope. Acted in something? Outside of school "projects" you mean... uh... not really. So what do you have to offer? Money? No. Materials? Uh-uh... So what, then?

Okay, alright, I get it. Everyone starts a production company - got it. In fact, every film pulls in at least 1 production company (created for that particular film to protect the director). I think my 11 year old cousin has a production that makes you tube videos. There's a lot of noise out there and a lot of hopefuls making terrible films... So what makes this any different?

Determination... well, yeah, and a little Je ne sais pas quoi. A fire. A sense of purpose? I don't know what!!! This is what I do know: I will not settle. I will make the best of the best films. 10 years from now people will be saying two things: Yeah I know Frenzy Productions (www.frenzyproductions.com) like I know MGM or Lions Gate or Paramount... and I love Shaun Frenza, his movies are always so good.

Well, enough about me (for the next few minutes) let me send you to the real reason I wrote this e-mail. Striken: This film epitomizes what happens to a determined person who fights for what they know is worth it. I wish the best for these guys on their current endeavor to increase distribution of the film and I promise this: If Matt Sconce keeps working like this then we will be working together in the not too distant future.

Here's a quote from Matt's IndieCreator interview: (MATT:)  I believe in myself and my dreams and pursue them with all my strength.  I surround myself with people who feel the same and will give 110% of themselves to the project so I EXPECT success.

Production Function

Okay... Why are there so many amateurs out there who are afraid of linking forces? Is it because they know that their work is awful and the other guy's work is awful and so linking forces would be doubly bad!? It really doesn't have to be that way...

Success comes from Stalking

If you're reading this you're either creepy, creep-ed out, or wondering how I could justify the title. Maybe you already figured out that the title is an eye-catcher and I don't really condone stalking... You're wrong.

Talent Agents in a Smaller Town

I just read a great blog about agents and I thought it was worth throwing in my opinion in the matter since I'm not in New York, LA, Hollywood, Chicago, or any other big city... Only time, and maybe some few people willing to do some scientific testing, will tell if I am right at all...

Zombies vs. The Police

So, Last week I got to be part of a Youtube Video Series for Orabrush.
We filmed in an abandoned detention center in January... 30 degrees outside the building, 10 degrees inside... It was FREEZING!!!

During our lunch break a few zombie extras decided to tour around and go up on the roof... They chose to take with them an M4 rifle.

Hooray for Work!!!

Peter Pan opens tonight! I'm playing Bill Jukes the pirate in sort of a mixture of Quasimodo, that monster guy from Goonies, Vincini from Princess Bride, and a pirate. That's the kind of characters you'd see in this production... Its everything you expect it to be.

As soon as it closes I start rehearsals for A Picture of Dorian Gray. I play Basil Hallward... Great part. Great play... never read it before, but now I know what a great story it is.

Friday I get to be a zombie for a commercial - at least its paying.

Met with a friend in PR and started working on my strategy for career growth.

Auditioned for RENT at an equity theatre. I don't think I got the part, but I'm glad I tried. I also am gearing up for an audition for The Little Mermaid and Grease at another equity theatre. I wonder how my shaved head will work for Grease?

Well, too busy for sleep, but hooray for work anyway...

Thoughts on Business

After pontificating on being an actor (which by the way, a film I was in - not a great film, but... a film was posted to IMDB and now I have to start seriously deciding to start a pro membership and build my presence there...) I decided that I would drop a quick line about a MAJOR part of acting.

Like it or not, acting is a business... well, it depends on how much you to do with it... small projects, community stuff, etc... that's a hobby. But if you want to make it - then it's a business. You have to network, work on your craft, promote yourself, make money (which means accounting and taxes!), and on and on...

With that in mind here's a fantastic resource I just landed on. I started a lecture series at BYU. I like it cause they maintain a blog with videos from the lecturers. Free resource. Plus the lecturers have the opportunity to apply businesses concepts with Faith in God and Christ... Since I strongly believe that success is based on stable principles (such as hard work) I believe one can be successful with or without giving credit to (or believing in) a supreme being - let alone Christ. However, I think its a shame to do so as they miss out on something that only Faith can provide. Anyway, here is the link: http://byuebusiness.blogspot.com/