clockwise from left:Robin Ann Rapoport Headshot. Photo by Lorenzo Vigil Photography. / Robin Ann Rapoport in a still from the short film THE ORGANIST. Photo courtesy of Bryan Sih and Boston University. / Robin Ann Rapoport as Margaret Miller in JUSTICE IN MIND. Photo courtesy of Affidavit Productions./ Robin Ann Rapoport in costume as the Mom on the set of WORLDS WE CREATED. Photo courtesy of Alison Walter and BullMoose Pictures
I started acting at the age of six years old. I had a severe lisp as a child and my speech therapist suggested performing as a way of improving it. I joined a local theater group and as soon as I stepped onstage for the first time, playing the role of Jane in Peter Pan, I was hooked- I knew it was something I’d be doing for the rest of my life. I acted in plays through high school, college, and beyond, working with Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota, Florida and The Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania before settling in Boston where I continued to perform onstage with many wonderful theater groups including the Devanaughn Theater, Theater Cooperative, and Molasses Tank Productions. I also created the role of Deb in the world premiere of Gail Phaneuf’s Breakfast with Mary in Harrison, Maine.
In 2010 I decided to take my acting life in a different direction and explore opportunities in film and television. In preparation, I studied Meisner technique for a year with Lyralen Kaye of Another Country Productions, which was incredibly helpful in making the transition from theater acting to film acting. After so many years onstage it was quite a challenge to act for a camera instead of a theater full of audience members, but I soon became comfortable with being on a film set rather than onstage. I am still passionately in love with the theater and hope to do more of it, but I also really appreciate the intimacy of film acting. I also took a number of other film acting classes, including three at CP Casting with Bates Wilder, Peter Kelly and Carolyn Pickman.
Since embarking on my film acting journey I’ve been lucky enough to be cast in many incredible projects, including the multiple-award-winning short film WORLDS WE CREATED (Bullmoose Pictures), written and directed by Nicholas Santos, which was shown at over 25 film festivals including the 2013 Cannes Short Film Corner. Another high point was playing a speech therapist in Talin Avakian’s beautiful film DEMI POINTE, winner of the Indie Soul Best Picture Award at the Boston International Film Festival, the Audience Award for Drama at the 2013 Online New England Film Festival, and a “Shifty Uplifty” Award at the Filmshift Festival. Probably the most thrilling moment of my career to date has been attending the world premiere at the Capital District Film festival in Albany, New York of Mark Lund’s feature film JUSTICE IS MIND (Affidavit Productions/ Ashton Times/Zone 5 Pictures) in which I played the lead role of Margaret Miller. JUSTICE IS MIND has had, to date, nine theatrical screenings with more to come, three university screenings, and has been shown at four science fiction conventions. It has been so exciting to watch its success and I am so proud to have been a part of it.
In addition to film, I have also had the opportunity to perform in a number of industrials and assorted video projects. Recently I have been exploring voice over work as well. I recorded five audio books for Audible.com, which was a dream come true for me as I am a huge fan of them, and I hope to do more in the future.
It is such a fantastic time to be an actor in New England, with so many productions choosing to film here and with the New England Studios in Devens providing even more amazing possibilities! I am constantly awed and inspired by the talent, drive, and creativity of those who work in film in this area and I love the supportive and welcoming community. I look forward to continuing to develop my craft and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Robin Rapoport is a Boston based actor. You can reach her at robinann12@hotmail.com
Growing up in the north Jersey suburbs meant regular bus trips into NYC for theater with my best friend. I loved it all: musicals, naturally, but also dark dramas, edgy comedies, elaborately costumed classics and even a few operas at the Met from top balcony seats. Theater tickets were the only gift I ever wanted. Friends and relatives complied.
A busy drama schedule in my teen years and subsequent college theater courses covered acting basics. I sang with several classical music groups, studied dance, and played leads in standard musicals like “My Fair Lady” and the Neil Simon/Alan Ayckbourn favorites. But any skills I have were really forged through many summer seasons of genuine rolling repertory at The Theater at Monmouth in central Maine. Switching daily between Shakespeare, Shaw, Sheridan and Moliere required flexibility, clear choices, accurate memory and incredible teamwork – and let me work opposite talented actors like Boston’s Jeremiah Kissel. On-camera work began when a theater patron hired me to represent a drugstore chain in TV commercials. Soon my credits included a national Chitisol infomercial that matched ratings with the Ginzo Knife and the George Foreman Grill. I continued to do theater, commercials, voiceovers and occasional film work while teaching theater programs for young people as well as London-based theater classes for Colby College. (Being paid to attend theater productions in London and discuss them with students may be the best job anyone ever invented.) I was particularly proud to play a homophobic, closeted camp director in simultaneous film (Fawn Yacker, director) and stage productions of Carolyn Gage’s “Ugly Ducklings,” as part of a national campaign to support LGBTQ youth.
Among favorite medical projects was modeling best practices in dealing with suspected spousal and elder abuse in a series of teaching videos produced by Cathy Plourde (AddVerb Productions.) The series has been presented at the College of Medicine at the University of New England, the Maine Public Health Association and The Global Alliance for Arts and Health and is now open-source available on YouTube.
A few years ago, roles in Mark Lewis’ warmly reviewed (48 so far) comedy WILD GIRL WALTZ and Bill Miller’s drama COWBOY SPIRIT coincided with a more flexible life schedule and convinced me to make stronger professional connections in Massachusetts. Lucky choices in student film projects introduced me to additional vibrant actors. I was Marshall Berenson’s annoying neighbor in GOOD TASTE a quirky BU short that’s become a festival favorite. In John Bickford’s ADVENT, an Emerson thesis film that will be shown at Cannes in the Creative Minds Program, I worked with Kate Jurdi, Wayne Shore, Harry Aspinwall, and charming young Charlie Tacker, who seems to be the busiest actor in the Boston area.
My favorite film role to date was the juicy starring role of feisty DA Constance Smith in Mark Lund’s feature JUSTICE IS MIND, which the IMDB named the 8th most highly rated indie film of 2013. The large cast featured Paul Lussier, Robin Rapaport, Mary Wexler and Carlyne Fournier. Boston actors know how things can build from a few connections. Carlyne offered me a small role in THEORY OF CONFLICT, starring Eddie Frateschi. I didn’t meet Eddie on the set, but he cast me in the trailer for his intriguing series focusing on cultural and religious theories about what happens after death, BEYOND THIS. When I arrived to work on Mark Battle’s film THE CONVICT, Wayne Shore was also in the scene and Robin had already filmed. Through the Emerson grapevine I was offered a central role in Emily Deering’s thesis film PINE.
My Boston transition was also aided by sound advice from Becki Dennis Buchman, who brought me work with Butler Hospital in Providence, addressing addictions treatment patients in two sets of videos funded by the NIH. At one of her Talent Tools workshops I met Andrew Wilson and was happy to gain representation by Model Club Inc. Talent Tools also keeps my reels updated and linked me to Dina K for headshots
It’s a challenge to live in central Maine and work in the New England market. A three-minute audition at an agency in Boston is a gamble that means hours of driving and outlay for gas and tolls. A shoot in Providence may require crashing overnight with friends in Norwood. Luckily, I share the car and life with an understanding actor/ director husband, Richard Sewell. A joint project is both fun and an economic bonus.
Cate Carson’s goal is to portray strong women in her roles on film. When not writing, producing or starring in film, Cate works as a detective for a private company.Photo by Erica Derrickson, www.ericaseye.com.
In her recent acceptance speech for Best Actress at the 2014 Academy Awards, Cate Blanchett staked the claim that films lead by women are in demand and that strong women can captivate an audience and hold a story. When it comes to such powerful and captivating women in the New England industry, Cate Carson is on the mark.
While she’s gorgeous she’s not just another pretty face; Cate is the kind of woman who changes the molecules of a room when she walks in. She’s an example of an actress who has the strength of character to hold and captivate an audience with her boldness, yet she’s diverse enough in her range to pluck your heart strings and bring you to tears.
“I’m going blind” Cate’s character utters in the first moment of her demo reel as a tear falls from her eye. An instant later we are tossed from this soft and vulnerable moment into a different world, a harsh place where we meet another side of this woman, a warrior, an enforcer of justice who knows how to kill. There is truth in both and the shift is palpable. How did she get such a dynamic character range? A life lived rich with human experience.
“Human experience” is exactly the on-the-job training Cate received through a fourteen year career in law enforcement. Her career spanned from positions as a patrolman, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Response Advocate, Police training officer, investigations officer, and even once as a snake wrangler. Yes, you read that correctly. And today? When she’s not balancing a busy production schedule she works as a detective for a private company.
Life experience like this will make anyone tough, yet also inevitably diverse. The work forced Cate to engage people with mental health issues, people with relationship issues, medical issues, people that just wanted something resolved, violent people, threatening people, people that appreciated her and people that hated her. Cate has seen how people work at their best and worst, and that wisdom shines through in her work.
It’s a good thing she has the work ethic of an Olympian because Cate is one of the busiest and most proactive movers-n-shakers in the New England independent film industry. She is currently involved in numerous projects including IN THE BEDROOM webseries (produced by Angelwood Pictures; her episode “War and Loyalty” was directed by Andrew Adler), DEAD BOUNTY (directed by Jordan Pacheco, produced by Dave Langill), BLOOD MARTINI (directed by Bill Jacques), JIM JONES JUICE (produced by Christopher Walters) and others.
However Cate’s powerful presence in the New England industry is not only limited to the beauty and honesty she exudes in front of the camera glass, rather Cate has also fallen in love with the production side of filmmaking. She and her partners, Justin Plasse and Alexander Gauthier, recently founded Sensorium Pictures as a way of staking claim to their own right to create. Since their inception in April of 2013 the group has produced MY PRETTY MAURA, MOON FLOWER and WATCHER, the latter being Cate’s proudest work to date, a post apocalyptic period piece that she wrote produced and starred in. The film is an original sci-fi short with heavy set design, original costuming, impressive stunts, fights, fire, and not to mention a fascinating futuristic storyline that begs for a full feature film.
Cate Carson in WATCHER. Photo BY Dan Rosario.
Speaking of feature films, Cate is looking forward to directing one of Sensorium’s two upcoming features CHARLOTTE HAPPENING, currently in pre-production. The other is KINKY GRACE to be produced by Cate and Justin to be directed by Alexander Gauthier.
Our industry is full of women on the rise. In today’s rapidly developing digital and mobile environment it is ambitious content creators like Cate Carson who are leading the charge and helping shape the future standards of this industry.
For more on Cate visit www.catecarson.com, twitter: @catecarson, email: catecarson5@gmail.com, Sensorium Pictures email: sensoriumpictures@gmail.com
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 @ericadactress or via email at ericaderricka@gmail. com.
Erica burst on the scene a little over four years ago and before she herself knew it she was shooting her mouth off at esteemed casting director Angela Peri at Boston Casting while fighting for the role of Tar Eklund in the Micky Ward story brought to the screen by Dorothy Aufiero.
“I stepped out of line,” Erica told IMAGINE, “got in her face, swore at her, gave her a look and demanded a part in the movie! I had my first call back!”
Sweet, funny, beautiful Erica McDermott said what? “Looking back,” she says, “and having more insight on how this business works, I’m not sure I would ‘mouth off’ to a respected casting director if I were put in the same situation today, but it paid off for me that day. After what seemed like a hundred long auditions, I was offered the supporting role of Tar Eklund in the Academy Award winning movie THE FIGHTER, and she will forever be known as the ‘fighter sister with the big hair’.”
Where did she come from? How did she get here? I asked her to tell me her story
The McDermott Ladies have a photo shoot, in Scituate Harbor, with Michelle Feehily Photography. Maisy on the left 11 years old—Katie on the right 10 years old.
“I was born in Cambridge and I lived there and Somerville through grade school. In the 6th grade I moved to Merrymount, a neighborhood in Quincy Massachusetts. My parents married at a very young age, had me at a very young age and are still happily married today. I am an only child and I love it! My Mom and Dad sacrificed quite a bit to give me the best opportunities growing up. I watched my mother go to night school for years to become a nurse, and after graduating from Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree I decided to follow in her footsteps. I graduated with a baccalaureate degree in nursing from Salem State University in 1995.
“My first job was at Pembroke Hospital where I worked in the Pediatric Psychiatric Inpatient Unit. A couple of years later I transitioned into the specialty of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury and became the Director of Medical Services at a residential facility in Boston. During this period, I was responsible for the overall healthcare of children that had suffered traumatic brain injuries. Needless to say I gained some serious perspective on life during this time.
“Shortly after marrying my husband, Bob (who works in the investment management industry) we moved to Nashville Tennessee. We lived there for nearly four years. I worked as a float nurse in several of the big hospitals in the city. What a cool place to live, and as newlyweds it was a great to be in place where we knew no one because it forced us to learn to count on each other – I think this is one of the reasons we are so happy after almost fifteen years!
In the dressing room at The Company Theatre Centre for the Performing Arts in Norwell, Erica prepares to go on stage for the comedic stage performance “The Final Push.”
Right after 9/11, Bob accepted a position in NYC, and we moved to southern Connecticut. I had both of our girls, 13 months apart to the day, at Greenwich Hospital. My new career was ‘stay at home Mom’ and I absolutely loved it! We moved ‘home’ in 2003, and settled on the South Shore. We’ve been here ever since.
The sisters from the Oscar Nominated film THE FIGHTER strike a pose and talk to Hikari Takano about the making of the movie. Sisters from the left: Dendrie Taylor,Melissa McMeekin, Erica McDermott, Jenna Lamia & Kate O’Brien.
“When it came time for both kids to be in school full day, I decided it was time to go back to work and started interviewing at local Pediatric Medical offices. It was right around that time that I received a call from my friend Barbara who told me about a stage show that she was pulling together to benefit a local charity. She insisted I come talk to her and the others . This is when everything started to change. I mean, I love to make people laugh, public speaking has never bothered me, and I did take part in exactly one school play in Middle School…. but acting as an adult?
“I decided to go try it out, why not, right? This is when I met Lisa Rafferty, an accomplished Director, and writer of a successful show called MOMologues. She wanted some ‘funny moms’ from around town to take part in a one night only performance of her show to benefit our schools. Lisa and I hit it off – and that was the beginning.
Erica snaps her own photo in her trailer while filming THE FIGHTER.
“After my first stage performance in MOMologues in 2008, I was offered free acting classes at Plymouth Rock Studios. Lisa had believed in me and encouraged me to give it a shot. When I got to Plymouth I met acting coach Kevin Lasit and at the end of the six weeks of classes he echoed Lisa’s encouragement. Kevin suggested that I reach out to all of the big casting agencies in Boston. I didn’t tell my friends just my husband and parents, and they were also very positive and encouraging, so I did it. It was three or four weeks later I found myself at an open casting call at Boston Casting for a movie called THE FIGHTER. I showed up not knowing what to expect, and when I arrived it seemed there were a million people there! I was there to audition to be a tough girl, for background work. It was then casting director Angela Peri told me I was too pretty to pull off a tough girl.
“I think my introduction to the Ellie Fund was coming into the 2010 OSCAR Night America show, whatever year Avatar was nominated – because I remember the ‘spoof’ IMAGINE produced starring Ernie Boch that year. So funny!
Erica McDermott performs MOMologues “Pink Ribbon Overdose” to a sold out house at Boston ‘s Hard Rock Cafe. The first comedy about Breast Cancer. Photo by Howie Hecht Photography
“The Ellie Fund’s then Executive Director, Julie Nation, had reached out to me and some other local actors and invited us to be guests at the only sanctioned Oscar party in Boston, which was a benefit for the Ellie Fund. As fate would have it, Julie and I hit it off, my mum had just won a battle with breast cancer months earlier and my other new friend, Lisa Rafferty, a breast cancer survivor herself, had just finished writing a new “MOMologues” comedy about Breast Cancer called “The Pink Ribbon Overdose”. It seemed like a match made in heaven.
“Julie and Lisa were able to pull together a very cool production of P.R.O. held at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston. The cast featured Julie and me along with the very generous ladies for Channel 5 Boston; Karen Ward, Biancia Delagarza and Susan Warnick. The show sold out quickly, was so much fun to do and raised some money for a great cause – I was so thrilled to be a part of it.
“Each Holiday Season I take my daughters out of school and the three of us participate in a gingerbread house making event at the Home for Little Wanderers. It’s great to see all of the children interact and spend time together, and it’s also a wonderful opportunity to have my girls experience the rewards of giving their time to others.
Erica McDermott walks the Red Carpet at The SAG Awards – THE FIGHTER was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
“This coming Spring I will be performing in The Vagina Monologues to benefit The Victim Rights Law Center; which is an effort being lead by my friend and fellow ‘Fighter Sister’ Melissa McMeekin (see October 2013 cover story).
It amazes me how much work is here in New England for anyone in the industry. It seems there are constantly big movies with big budgets coming our way. The folks who work hard every day to continue the MA Film Tax credit deserve a huge amount of credit for getting and keeping the momentum going. Thanks to them most of my auditions and reads are right here in Boston, although I do go to LA on tape auditions also. I would love to see successful television series come and stay in New England, which could be a catalyst to bring us to the next level. I expect that New England Studios and their Operations Director Chris Byers and the work he is doing will go a long way to making that a reality.
Angela Peri (Boston Casting), with actors Melissa McMeekin and Erica McDermott (sisters in THE FIGHTER) flanking Writer/Director David O. Russell at the Nantucket Film Festival Screenwriters Tribute. David was the honoree; Angela, Erica and Melissa worked with him on the Academy Award winning film THE FIGHTER. Photo by Gene Mahon.Erica McDermott sits in rollers at Patrice Vinci’s salon on Newbury Street, as Noel McKinnon does her make up for Boston‘s Fashion Night Out. Photo by Sara Whitney.
I love the whole (acting) process. Changing the way I talk, creating character quirks and living my entire day as someone else is such a rush for me. My poor husband has lived with so many different women; he’s really supportive, but sometimes I wonder if it drives him nuts! Sometimes I can stay in character for weeks. It truly is what I love about acting the most. .. it’s not acting… it’s becoming. I suppose what I like least is spending time away from my family, and generally having to keep a very flexible calendar. I always have to reschedule stuff. Just this Spring I had to reschedule a trip to Disney World and Universal with my family. They are so understanding and supportive, I am so grateful. By the way, we just made that trip to Orlando in November.
“Typically, not more than a week or two will go by without me ‘practicing’. Each audition I prepare for, regardless of the size of the role is an opportunity to learn and get better. I don’t think of it a practice but I do look at each role I don’t get as exactly that, an opportunity to get better. It’s often a chance to create a new character in my mind, and contemplate the possibilities and different directions the character can deliver a writers lines. That’s what a I really enjoy about acting – the innumerable choices I get to make.
“More formally, I do participate in many classes and workshops whenever I have the opportunity, be it in LA, NY or Boston – it’s a great way to keep sharp, challenge myself and meet new people – which is something else I really enjoy.
IMAGINE Magazine Publisher, Carol Patton (center) with THE FIGHTER actresses Melissa McMeekin (left) and Erica McDermott. Photo by Globe Photographer Bill Brett.
“Something that is really fun, exciting and rewarding – which I’ve had the opportunity to do a few times – is to do an informal table read with other actors. In 2012 I was living in LA during pilot season (Feb-April) and I participated in a table read of STEEL MAGNOLIAS that was pulled together by and included more than a few names and faces we would all recognize, and that was really cool.
I’ll let Engine Room Edits Don Packer sum it up, “I love Erica. What can I say. She’s smart. She’s funny. She’s beautiful…. goes without saying, and she’s a pleasure to work with. Someday I’ll look back and thank the gods that I had the chance to work with her because she’s going to go big time.”
Iris Malloy is a woman with a full life and a zest for living it. Whether it be playing poker and drinking Jack Daniels with her best friends- -the sarcastic, quick witted, daughter-in-law hating Judy, and the quirky, slightly dim witted but giant hearted Margaret–or tricking her teenage granddaughter Ireland into a never-ending attempt to finish a jigsaw puzzle by hiding pieces from her, Iris lives life to the fullest.
So it comes as quite a disappointment to learn she only has a few months to live. Always one to take charge of a situation, however, and believing this day is too important to mess up—claiming that it is, after all, “not just a day in a lifetime but a lifetime in a day”–Iris decides to plan her own “good bye party”. Insisting that her two grown children, uptight Kathleen (whose ex-husband happens to be a bona fide rockstar—showing us that underneath her tightly wound surface lies a free spirit that hasn’t been seen in years) and gentle natured Kevin (with a partner – the ever playful Ethan – he shares his home with yet has kept from his mother) will fail to properly execute her wishes for her final send off she decides to subject them to drills.
Randomly Iris calls to inform them she has just died so that she can supervise as they rehearse her over the top ideas, each time making changes—creating a need for yet another drill. Ethan turns out to become her kindred spirit and her biggest supporter in her antics.
Is she simply a controlling old woman forcing her family to indulge her eccentricities, or is she trying to spend time with her children and know that they are okay before she goes? Whatever the reason, her hilarious and sometimes bizarre requests, along with her crazy antics, somehow manage to bring this family together and provide closure. With the heart and wit of STEEL MAGNOLIAS or BEACHES, filled with humor and heartbreak, FUNERAL
DRILL makes us laugh and cry while reminding us to live each day to the fullest as if it were the only day we had left.
Upon reading the script, director Ben Proulx noted, “Towards the end, there is one of the most emotionally powerful speeches I have ever read. The words alone genuinely made me cry the greatest kind of tears.”
At a glance perks of producing FUNERAL DRILL are it is budget friendly offering three substantial roles for women over sixty-five – a too often forgotten talented and practiced group of actors who if they want to continue acting are often relegated to filler roles of little story consequence.
An accomplished actor turned writer, Melissa McMeekin has a cast wish list that this writer, who has read FUNERAL DRILL, believes would die for this script and these roles. TERMS OF ENDEARMENT comes to my mind. It’s tagline: “Come to Laugh, Come to Cry, Come to Care, Come to Terms” fit FUNERAL DRILL and its opportunities quite well.
Dean Winters as Dennis Duffy and Melissa McMeekin as Megan Duffy-Duffy on NBC’s hit comedy 30 Rock. Photo courtesy of NBC
McMeekin picks: to play Iris – Blythe Danner; to play Judy – Kathy Bates; to play Margaret – Carol Kane; to play Ireland – Jeanette McCurdy; to play Blake – the real live rockstar Jon Bon Jovi and to play Kathleen – Melissa McMeekin!
Melissa made the switch from stage to screen just four short years ago and since she has been seen in multiple critically acclaimed projects such as THE FIGHTER, 30 Rock and Boardwalk Empire, working alongside some of Hollywood’s most respected talents. She has played a range of characters in multiple indie films and television ranging from a meth addict to the much loved Megan Duffy-Duffy, a recurring character on 30 Rock.
Last spring she reunited with director David O. Russell on his latest film, AMERICAN HUSTLE. “To get to work with him at all is every actor’s dream” she says of Russell “so I can’t even begin to quantify the level of gratitude I have to have been given the opportunity to work with him twice. He really has a generous spirit and is honestly just fun to be around. I learned a lot working with him and I applied those things I learned to my Knick audition.”
The Knick audition she is referring to is the new Cinemax series starring Clive Owen with director Steven Soderbergh signed on to helm the entire season—and on which McMeekin scored a recurring role. The Knick is set at Knickerbocker hospital in downtown New York circa 1900. She’ll be playing a real person–the infamous “Typhoid” Mary Mallon, an Irish immigrant working as a cook that ended up becoming the first asymptomatic carrier of the disease discovered in the United States.
“I worked really hard on the audition, researching Mary’s life and her story, determining the type of Irish accent she would have based on what part of Ireland she was from—and then driving my family and anyone else I encountered crazy by speaking with it for the whole week I had to prepare”
“It’s both exciting and terrifying,” she said, “to have a director of Soderbergh’s caliber have such belief in my ability…definitely makes me want to bring my A-game.”
Sue Costello, Ashley Judd, Erica McDermott and Melissa McMeekin taken at the Victim Rights Law Center Gala,. This is a cause that Melissa actively supports. Photo by Cheryl Richards photography.
What would become the FUNERAL DRILL story took up residence in McMeekin’s head when a friend of hers told her a story of how she knew a woman who would actually call her kids and tell them she was dead to see how long it would take them to go through the telephone tree and alert the other relatives. “I found that hilarious and thought my mom would do something like that and this idea just formed from that. My dad had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and began really going downhill and this story became a way of dealing with that, too, and I couldn’t get it out of my head,” she told IMAGINE. “I would take walks and be writing it in my head and it would evolve and I kept thinking that I wanted to write it; I was just so afraid to do it.
“But, I felt compelled to tell this story. The story’s ever present persistence to be told beat out my fear. Once I sat down to write it all just flowed out of me very quickly. Then I was very hesitant to show it to anybody at all: I felt very vulnerable, more vulnerable than acting the most intimate of scenes.
“I started slowly sharing it and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive and so many people told me that it stuck with them and that it inspired them or made them feel they wanted to really live life to the fullest, many said it was healing to them after losing a loved one, some told me they immediately called their moms when they finished and I was told by more than one person they felt connected to the characters and that they hated saying goodbye when it ended.
“I felt genuine gratitude from them for bringing them into this world with me. I got frequent comparison to STEEL MAGNOLIAS, which I love because I wanted to write a movie that people would go see with their moms and their grandmas and that all the way home they would still be laughing about moments and talking about it. It was incredibly humbling and I realized that I was indeed meant to share this story.
“I am also a huge believer that there needs to be more women driven films being developed. That means more women need to find their voice and write. There is a huge audience of smart, independent, sophisticated movie goers with disposable incomes who want to see films they can relate to–women aged thirty to seventy. And there are amazing actresses over the age of sixty who are immensely talented, beautiful, filled with wisdom that just have these robust, rich spirits about them. I’m very proud of the fact that this movie has three substantial roles for women in that group. And that the movie is very women centric–there are significant male characters, and the men who have read this script have loved it, specifically the dialogue, so it isn’t strictly a “chick flick”, but the leads of this movie are women. I’m proud of that.”
Melissa is open to whatever way the universe sees her film project unfolding. She would like collaboration with a production/distribution company that can bring financing to produce FUNERAL DRILL. She sees it as a $2 – $5 million budget and she would like to see it filmed in Massachusetts, which offers a 25% tax credit. “I’d love to see a female director, and even a female cinematographer. I’d love for it to be very woman driven all around,” she says.
To reach Melissa at AFM call 978 559-1331 or email funeraldrill@gmail.com for more information. Melissa McMeekin was also profiled in our upcoming New England actor series this year.
Carol Patton is the publisher of IMAGINE Magazine. She introduced Film Tax Credits to New England in 2002 and wrote a definitive piece in October 2004,which prompted the Governor’s office of Massachusetts to request multiple copies on the double.
Melissa McMeekin. Photo by Dina Konovalov of Dina K Photography.
The day I met Melissa McMeekin was one the most memorable days in my life. Nine girls were at Boston Casting that day; only five of us would earn a role and become what is now known as “A Fighter Sister”. Melissa had set her hair in pin curls for the event, and had the best 80’s hair imaginable. Her looks stood out in that waiting room, and her talent absolutely stood out during what turned out to be a five hour audition. We both made the cut- and became good friends from that day forward.
It’s hard to believe that it’s only been four years since that day. Since then – Melissa has grown so much professionally. She was outstanding in THE FIGHTER, and continued to show off her excellent acting skills in several Independent Films, and some of today’s most popular television shows. My favorite was her recurring role on 30 ROCK as Megan Duffy. She absolutely shines in comedy and was a real scene stealer while sharing the stage with some big stars.
Melissa McMeekin as Meagan Duffy on NBC’s hit series 30 Rock. Tina Fey is in the Princess Leia dress and Tony Bennett is on the left in the episode in which Liz gets married. Photo courtesy of NBC/Universal.Neither Melissa nor I were born with a Sister, but we’ve gone through so many ‘firsts’ together that I think of her as much more than a movie sister. We shared making our first film together, went to our first Hollywood Premiere, walked the Red Carpet for the first time and did the Award Show circuit together. We had obviously spent quite a bit of time on set together and in addition to sharing more than a few laughs, I also came to know Melissa as an immensely talented and well-grounded actress.
We’ve also spent endless hours on the telephone with one another. Whether it’s sharing a simple chat about our mundane day, looking for advice on an upcoming audition, or just a need of a friend after not getting that role; Melissa is always there with an open ear and a warm heart – ready to give. Melissa has an effervescent personality, an infectious laugh and makes everyone around her smile.
Melissa had always dreamed of being an actress. She was planning a trip to Hollywood at age 19, when she found out she was expecting her adventurous son (who is now backpacking though Australia). She worked very hard to put herself through school, maintain a full time job and raise a wonderfully bright young man. Melissa’s 10 year old daughter is equally as funny and charming as she. It is evident to all who know her that she simply a marvelous Mom in every way.
With her kids grown she went on that audition at Boston Casting and reengaged in her heart’s desire to be an actress… and that she did! It’s tough to say if I think she is better at being an actress or being a friend…. Let’s just call it a tie.
Erica McDermott is a SAG/AFTRA Actor living in the Boston area. She got her first break in the industry earning a supporting role as “Tar Eklund” in THE FIGHTER and has been working steadily since.
Breathing life into characters, and giving a voice to those who do not always have the opportunity or right to express themselves. – Madeleine McKenzie
Madeleine is a quiet force in this industry; a force that is just now developing into what will become undeniable in every way. Madeleine has the work ethic of a dancer, the brains of a lawyer, the free-spirit of a California girl, the drive of an east-coast business woman, the dedication of an athlete, and the heart of an artist.
I have watched Madeleine grow into an incredible artist and businesswoman right before my eyes. She came to me as someone who had what it took to make it…but she hadn’t yet realized her strength. She is now starting to realize this strength and own the responsibility that comes along with such power. Madeleine handles herself with grace in every situation and will continue to make her mark on this industry. As a talent manager I see a lot of actors come and go. Some are looking for the quick road to fame, and others, like Madeleine, are in it for the long haul.
Madeleine on set as Lucia in FAMILY BUSINESS by director Janice Lee.
Madeleine is not scared of hard work (refer to dancer’s work ethic) and she is insanely aware of every detail required from her before she ever asks for anything from anyone else. When I say she is a quiet force, it’s because she doesn’t need the attention. She isn’t starving for the accolades, and she wants to earn every inch of success that she will have. Madeleine has an infectious energy that everyone wants to be around. She is what producers and directors love to have on set. She is on time, no drama, professional, and brings certain energy to the room that is simply incredible to be around. She will go the extra mile, every time, to get the job done…and not just done…get it done right!
Madeleine has been coaching with me for about six months now and excels in every assignment that I give her. She travelled to NYC in January of 2013 to study with renowned acting coach, Caroline Thomas, where she participated in an eight hour Meisner/Method intensive alongside some of NYC’s top actors. She is always willing to challenge herself in order to raise the bar and be at the level that she demands of herself. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Madeleine McKenzie is a force to be reckoned with, and I’m proud to have been a part of even a piece of her journey.
Jenn Lederer is a Talent Manager and co-president/owner of Merging Artists Management, New York. Jenn works closely with artists, actors and entrepreneurs, helping them find the power to achieve their goals. Learn more at www.JennLederer.com
The first time you meet Rafael, you’re bowled over by his smile. Then you realize it’s not just his smile, but his whole presence, smiling. Raf radiates. On stage or on-camera, he pops. You can’t not watch him.
Like the best of other such gifted actors, though, Rafael is entirely unselfish with his talent. He makes room for the other guy, for his partners. In short, he gives. He knows how to hit the ball back. How to and when to pass. As well as to shoot. And boy, can he shoot!
Talented. Smart. Intellectually curious. Motivated to excel. Super hard-working. Big-hearted. Generous. These are the qualities of character that define – begin to define – Rafael. Superlatives? Yes. And absolutely true, every one of them.
Rafael’s trained under my guidance at Michael Chekhov Actors Studio Boston for going on three years. After graduating from our Meisner Foundation Training program, he began the Chekhov Training. And Advanced Actor Training. And he’s still at it. Because he’s hungry to learn. His will to develop his craft and his love for the art of acting never flags. Rather, impressively, it continues to grow, along with his command over his own creative instrument. That makes him the kind of actor a teacher wants in class. That a director wants in his cast. Because he makes everyone around him better.
Rafael playing Austin in TRUE WEST. Photo by Sam Shepard.
Rafael is that rare combination of actor who understands that acting is doing, and that doing is fueled by emotional need. He knows how to deliver an emotionally full performance grounded in purposeful action. Emotional vulnerability can be a challenge for the actor. Not so for Rafael. Or, let’s better say that he’s quick to rise to the challenge of the emotionally demanding role. And knock it out of the park. Which he does with relentless consistency.
Here’s a short story. We have a glass-paneled door at our studio from which actors enter and exit their scenes. Rafael was up. In his scene the character was coming home after an especially upsetting event. Raf prepared outside and then entered. He was furious. Volcanic. Everyone in the studio sat back and gasped. He stood a moment, rightly orienting himself, and slammed the door shut. Bang! Panes of glass shattered to the floor. As if his very heart had broken, Rafael fell to his knees and began to cry, then sob. Picking up the shards, he cried. Then sobbed. Like the panes, he too was shattered. As were we, his audience. The scene was devastating in its impact. Unforgettable.
That’s the kind of work I’ve come to expect from Rafael. He’s a terrific actor. Lucky you, if you have the opportunity to work with him.
Scott Fielding is the director of Michael Chekhov Actors Studio Boston; an internationally awarded stage director; Graduate Opera Studies faculty at New England Conservatory; and an actor with Off-Broadway, L.A. and Chicago stage credits. www.MichaelChekhovActorsStudioBoston.com
