Spotlight

A year and a half year ago I embarked on a wild ride by jumping on the New England acting wagon. My first foray into acting started as a background actor for Larry David’s CLEAR HISTORY. I submitted myself and was shocked to be chosen for two days of work. Not one word of film terminology was familiar to me, not “back to one, speed, or, background.” The only two words I kLnew were “action” and “cut.” When faced with any other unknown situation in my life, I asked questions when able, listened and followed everyone else. The PA’s gave us basic instruction more to do with what not to do, like never approach the main actors. That I knew!

What I learned in those two days is that the other actors are your friends and allies. So many stepped in to give me advice, explaining the terminology, and telling me which casting companies in Boston to sign up with for more background work. I have made it a point to pay it forward with any other newbie I meet on set and pass along all that was passed on to me.

That’s all it took. I had the bug. I threw myself into finding out everything I needed to do to work and be part of this exciting community, starting with student films, web series and indies, working my way to documentaries, music videos and my personal favorite, commercials. It is imperative for actors to take classes and as frightened as I was to take that first class, it was the best step I took. My classes in the past sixteen months include, dramatic acting with Kevin Lasit, Meisner level 1 technique with Rich Bailey at NEAW, Tom Todoroff, Steve Blackwood, Jenn Lederer, Angela Peri, and the wonderful workshops provided by Becki Dennis Buchman from Talent Tools. Volumes of information have been gleaned from these classes and it should be the number one thing new actors do while embarking on their acting journey.

Some shoots have been almost comical. While filming an infomercial in a private home with no AC on a hot and humid summer day; the sweat started to pour down the sides of my face. The script was handed to me just minutes prior and I had to open a pickle jar, which was not cooperating. The final cut was a testament to brilliant editing. Some student films were shot in apartments I was sure had been condemned. I would not change one bit of it, because I learned something valuable from each opportunity, or at least had a good laugh from the experience.

Not all of my experiences have been positive and being a newbie likely worked against me. In addition to acting, I desired to learn as much about behind the camera as possible and threw myself heart, soul and pocketbook into a production. Though many red flags began popping up months before filming was to commence I attempted to rationalize my misgivings by attributing them to the director’s stress. Had I had done my due diligence, research, and spoken to former actors involved in the project, the answers I sought would have been revealed and I could have saved myself much aggravation, discomfort and money. A hard lesson to learn for a newbie, but a mistake I will never make again.

This May I will be working behind the scenes with the talented Seth Chitwood of Angelwood Pictures and his cast and crew. As mentioned, commercials are one of my favorite types of industry work. In the past five months I completed seven commercials and had three running simultaneously on the local Boston channels. I wrapped on an indie film named MOMENTS FROM A SIDEWALK directed by Silvia Kovatchev, which will be entered in film festivals worldwide starting this spring. A student thesis film DREAMERS by BU graduate student Joe Dwyer, in which I played a scientist, has been nominated for a Student Academy Award by The Motion Pictures Academy for Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles. I had the good fortune of being a principal actor in two episodes of The “Folklorist,” a local TV show produced by the talented crew at NEWTV, which is up for five Emmy’s and a Telly this year.

With fifty film projects under my belt I consider myself lucky to have met so many inspirational, talented and dedicated industry professionals. In the past year and a half I have tried to become a consummate professional, choose specific roles and make wise choices that have allowed me to work my way from background to commercials. Most importantly, I give back by supporting actors, films, sharing casting notices, attending screenings of local films, and passing along what I have learned to others. What’s next for me? A short comedic screenplay to be written cast and directed with two of my actor friends. And I hope to continue to take classes, act, and become more involved on both sides of the camera.

Jan Waldman can be reached at jhwaldo@comcast.net.

By Erica Derrickson

Most people think you have to go to New York or LA to have an acting career, but Mike Giovanucci is proving that you can pursue your dream here at home in Boston. However he didn’t always think that way.

Initially Mike believed, like most people, that in order to pursue an acting career you have to go out to LA, so shortly after graduating high school he saved up money working as a bouncer at Cask n’ Flagon and followed his dream out West, to test the waters in LA.

His time in Los Angeles, however brief, was an eye-opening experience for him in several ways. On the good side he received positive feedback and encouragement from the casting directors and talent agents he auditioned for, building his confidence in himself as an actor. The downside, however, was the blunt feedback that he did not have the proper tools nor experience to be a contender in the industry.

Returning to Boston was a defining moment for Mike; rather than coming home with his tail between his legs he used the experience to learn and gain new clarity on what he had to do for his career. But not only that, he soon recognized that Boston has a growing film scene and a sense of camaraderie and solidarity amongst its actors and filmmakers that he did not find in Los Angeles. Mike then wasn’t just doing it at home for himself, but rather also to be a part of something, a vibrant and dynamic local scene. According to Mike, “everyone here is focused on making Boston a powerhouse location for great talent and productions in the movie industry.”

With a new resolve and motivation to make it happen in New England, Mike dove headfirst into the local acting community, seeking out resources online and in person. In his quest to become a contender he sought out professional headshots and started showing up to MPC meetings. He registered on local casting sites like Boston Casting and CP Casting and soon enough Mike was going to auditions for commercials, movies, student films and industrial projects all over the New England area, even landing some good parts.

One of his recent wins included being cast in a historical video with Northern Lights Productions that filmed on a military base on the Cape, commemorating the brave US soldiers who stood guard along the Berlin wall at the height of the Cold War. “We dressed in full gear and worked throughout the night climbing trucks, marching in formation, and jumping in tanks. It was a long day, but it was awesome doing something that honors those who defend our great nation,” he recalls of the experience.

Another job he got through an audition at Boston Casting was for a CVS training video, filmed locally and produced by (add)ventures, followed by a recent callback for a national Dunkin Donuts commercial. Needless to say things are moving. But the project Mike is most proud of is an independent short where he got to flex his Irish accent in a remake of a scene from THE BOONDOCK SAINTS for 41st Casanova Productions. His brogue was “on point.”

Overall Mike is happy to be here in Boston putting his hardy blue collar work ethic into practice pursuing his dream. More than ever he understands the enormous potential residing here at home in Boston, a city known for it’s strength, resiliency and team-mentality. According to Mike, “When you play for a team you make sacrifices, have your teammates’ backs and do whatever it takes to succeed. That team aspect defines the acting community I have found in Boston.”

With an optimistic eye towards the future Mike is resolved to succeed in his dream one way or another. Whether or not Mike decides to take his career back out west again, one thing is certain – no matter what he will always have the satisfaction of knowing he built the foundation of his acting career off the wealth of resources here at home in New England.

Erica Derrickson is an award winning actress, professional headshot photographer and founder of Hollywood East Actors Group. See her work at www.ericaseye.com and connect with Erica on Twitter at @ericaseye or via email at ericaderricka@gmail.com.

By Eileen Becker-Gray

I met Tom C. Erb years ago at the Newport Film Festival. We have been looking forward to working together since then. That opportunity occurred when I attended an audition in Newport, RI for a television series he had created. As I entered the beautiful historic house in which the auditions were held, I had a positive feeling about this project. The concept was innovative; the team was talented and the location was Newport, RI, an ideal situation for any actor.

Newport, Rhode Island is known for the America’s Cup sailing challenges, opulent mansions and gilded age fantasy, spectacular landscape and art. Drawing visitors from the world, the culture of art, history and architecture keeps the streets full, and the economy strong.

Newport RI: The Series brings to life the paintings of world renowned, local artist William Heydt. Heydt has produced hundreds of watercolor paintings of the local people and landscapes of Newport in his series “Newportant People.”

Created by Tom C. Erb, this television series evolved from a gallery viewing of Heydt’s watercolor series. Erb explains, “The people who were in the paintings were there that night. Each painting became bolder and more vibrant as I spoke with the people and actually saw their personalities come to life in these colorful, detailed paintings.”

As Erb reflected on the paintings, he thought, “What if we took those stories, brought them to life – actually bring a piece of art to life?” Matching the paintings with fictional characters and stories, the story lines are an endless source of inspiration. With over 200 paintings in this series, this idea took on a life of its own as it grew into a potential series for television.

Each episode in this new series will portray William Heydt’s paintings with fictional scripts for each image. In addition, many of his landscapes will be a part of every episode, fading the story fades in and out of Heydt’s paintings. Each episode will conclude with a short interview with the actual people depicted in that episode’s painting.

Executive Producers are Michelle Duga and Rob W. Gray. In addition, the talented, immense musical community of Newport is composing the original music for the series.

I landed the role of Janet Flynn, one of the local characters in William Heydt’s paintings. Behind the scenes, the local people truly represent Newport. They are important to the fabric of the community – they are “Newportant”.

Ellen Becker-Gray is a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA. Her comedic timing can be appreciated in her role as Tatiana’s Mother in scene with Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy and Kaitlin Olson in THE HEAT, directed Paul Feig. Ellen has a Principal, recurring role as Janet Flynn in NEWPORT RI: THE SERIES.

During the last year this young local actor was involved with three web-series, eight features, two local commercials, and over a dozen short and student films. He proudly reports that a handful of the projects have been submitted to film festivals and some have already been selected and screened throughout the country. One of his best moments from the summer was working with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy on THE HEAT and alongside Julia Stiles on the set of THE MAKEOVER, which recently premiered on Lifetime.

When Curtis isn’t going to auditions or heading to set he spends his time as a Therapeutic Mentor for adolescents/teens with disabilities and emotional disturbances. The position allows him the flexibility to pursue his acting career, while also balancing a work life and his interest in human services.

Curtis advocates that New England is a great place to start a career in acting, explaining how the sense of community amongst filmmakers here is not only reassuring for a relatively new actor, but also a huge reason for Curtis’ recent success. In addition to working through local casting agencies like Boston Casting, CP Casting and others, it’s the community based Facebook groups which have provided opportunities forCurtis to not only find new gigs but also to network with other filmmakers and build important industry relationships.

In addition to acting, Curtis recently started producing and editing his own projects in hopes of experiencing and learning more on both sides of the camera. In February alone Curtis will be working as a producer for a short film called, KILLING KHAN (featuring some amazing local talent) as well as acting in a feature film called THE LAST DIARY OF NIKITA ROSE (Merritt Films) and introducing a new web series called “The Cold Read.” In addition to these upcoming projects, Curtis is also excited for the release of LONESOME THOUGHTS (Polearm Productions, LLC), COLLECTIVE ANGER (Of the Lake Productions) and several other projects that
are currently in post-production.

Reid reflects on the past season with gratitude and anticipates 2013 to become the most successful year for production, media, and filmmaking in New England to date.

If you want to connect with Curtis send him an email at Curtis.Actor@gmail.com or check out his fan page at www.facebook.com/Curtisreid.actor. He also can be found on IMDB (Internet Movie Database) at: www.imdb.me/curtisreid.

“Spotlight” is a new feature in IMAGINE Magazine. Look for it to read about exciting talent working in New England. You can contact Erica, our “Spotlight” editor at imaginemagboston@gmail.com.