Actors Talk with Tommy G. Kendrick

HOW TO MAKE A SHORT FILM IN 168 HOURS AND LIVE TO TELL ABOUT IT We were assigned the verse John 15:14-15 and had just over a week to write the script, cast the film and prepare the locations before the 168 hour production clock began ticking down. PLEASE USE THE "VOICE MAIL HERE" TAB ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE TO LEAVE AN AUDIO COMMENT RIGHT FROM YOUR COMPUTER...IF YOU HAVE A MICROPHONE, OF COURSE. An 168 film postmortem interview with Matt Thompson who produced and directed UNRAVELED. In case you are unfamiliar with the 168 Film Project and Film Festival you can go HERE for more information about the project, the festival and about founder John David Ware. You can also follow the 168 Film Project on Facebok. Episode 010 of Actors Talk Podcast is a follow-up interivew with Team 38 producer-director Matthew R. Thompson. The interview begins by giving a refresher description of just what the 168 project is and what the basic rules are. Director Matt Thompson and I discuss what went right and some of the things that didn't go so right during the pre-production through post-production process. One key element Thompson mentions is to be sure the proper codecs are installed on the computer(s) that will be utilized for rendering and completing the film. In the case of UNRAVELED, a notification from the 168 office regarding the approved codecs had Thompson scrambling to find, install and utilize a proper codec. In the end, the codec change was too much for the computer to handle in the time remaining and UNRAVELED missed the submission deadline by two hours. Matt Thompson mentions in the podcast that he utilized Celtx a free script formatting software with an online collaboration functionality. Here's a link to CELTX. Below is a teaser from the version of UNRAVELED that was submitted to the 168 Film Festival. Unraveled Teaser from Matthew Thompson on Vimeo. When a man's life begins to fall apart, he learns the meaning of true friendship. This short film was produced for the 2012 - 168 Film Project. The film was produced in 168 hours (7 days) with a budget of $2000. We were assigned the verse John 15:14-15 and had just over a week to write the script, cast the film and prepare the locations before the 168 hour production clock began ticking down.   PLEASE USE THE "VOICE MAIL HERE" TAB ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE TO LEAVE AN AUDIO COMMENT RIGHT FROM YOUR COMPUTER...IF YOU HAVE A MICROPHONE, OF COURSE.

WANT TO WRITE FILM SCORES? WANT TO TAKE YOUR INDIE FILM TO ANOTHER LEVEL WITH ORIGINAL MUSIC? WHAT IS A SPOTTING SESSION? Episode 009 of the ACTORS TALK PODCAST is devoted to exploring some of the issues involved in writing original music for film. How does one become a film composer, where does one begin? ATP producer and host Tommy G. Kendrick explores these questions and more in an interview with composer Jurgen Beck, recorded June 27, 2012. Want to know even more about Jurgen Beck? Please visit his web site. Listen to and purchase pieces you hear in this podcast and many, many more at JurgenBeck.com "One of the most satisfying aspects of composing music is watching the filmmakers I get to score music for go on and get selected into film festivals and winning awards." Jurgen Beck Film music. What would a great film be without a great score? Well it just wouldn't be a GREAT film, would it? Think of your favorite films and I'll wager that somewhere in that thought process there is a tune or a melody or a riff of music that immediately comes to mind. I'll go back into my own film going experiences and pull out a couple of examples off the top of my head: What would the Pink Panther series be without the scores by Henry Mancini? Of course you'd still have the brilliant comedic performances by Peter Sellers and the direction by by Blake Edwards but who can think of The Pink Panther and not begin to hum a few bars of the theme music? On the dramatic side of things, I think about the music of composer Maurice Jarre and some of the films of David Lean. The scores for Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago (including the popular hit Laura's Theme) immediately come to mind. During the interview, Jurgen Beck mentions the work of composer Hans Zimmer. Yes, the film score is a vital component to the experience of watching and becomming absorbed in a film. For this episode, I am very excited to have had the opportunity to interview Mr. Jurgen Beck. This interview was conducted via skype between my home in the Austin,TX area and Jurgen Beck's location in Dallas,TX. The interview lasted for over an hour but it has been edited for time so that I can include some music cues written for film projects by Jurgen Beck. In a little over an hour we touched on many aspects of composing original music for film. The interview begins by getting a feel for Mr. Beck's childhood and when he first realized he had a gift for music. We move through a discussion of his development as a mostly self-taught musician, his teen years writing, arranging and producing music for his own and other bands. And we also spoke at length about some of the process and challenges of working with directors and producers on film projects: how the composer is brought into the filmmaking process, what the responsibilities are for the artist writing the score, working with the director on spotting sessions, working under the pressure of time and budget, how much an original score can cost, use of live musicians, the development of electronic music and its impact on film music,music scoring for short films, music scoring for feature films and much more. Excerpts from a number of Jurgen Beck's musical compositions are interspersed throughout the interview in an attempt to give some additional context and flavor to the discussion. Links to sites for various films with original music by Jurgen Beck are listed below: RESCUED:THE MOVIE on Facebook RESCUED:THE MOVIE web site THE SAVE THE SAVE on Facebook Follow THE SAVE on Twitter CHARISMATA MY NAME IS PAUL MY NAME IS PAUL on Facebook JIMMY VALIANT: SCIONS OF DANGER JIMMY VALIANT on Facebook THE PENNY THE PENNY on Facebook STANDING FIRM STANDING FIRM on Facebook WORTH SAVING

1500 STEPS - JOSH REID Prod-Dir - INTERVIEW Before you go any farther, please take a few seconds to SUBSCRIBE to ACTORS TALK PODCAST ON iTunes! Described as a cross between CHARIOTS OF FIRE and THE KARATE KID, here's trailer for 1500 STEPS: "1500 Steps" (Feature Film) Official Teaser Trailer from Earl Street Pictures on Vimeo. Episode 008 of ACTORS TALK PODCAST consists primarily of an interview I conducted via Skype with Australian actor-producer-director Josh Reid. Reid has a new film called 1500 STEPS that is almost through post-production. Josh covers some of his background as an actor, how he came to be involved with the 1500 Steps project as producer-director and the challenges of shooting a large cast, multi-location film on a budget of less than $100,000. Be sure to check out Reid's informative DIRECTOR'S CHAIR VIDEOS. Filmmakers around the globe will be able to relate to the challenges Reid discusses as well as take some lessons from his experiences while making and now marketing 1500 STEPS. Please take a moment to LIKE 1500 STEPS on Facebook And FOLLOW on TWITTER Below you'll see an early version of the film poster, a photo of Josh Reid and a few production stills.

ACTOR-PRODUCER BENJAMIN DANE -BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR - INTERVIEW For Episode 007 of the ACTORS TALK PODCAST, I am pleased to present fellow SAG member actor and producer Benjamin Dane. Benjamin Dane is based in Dallas, TX and is the producer of a new feature film BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR. For more information on how to contact Benjamin for production or booking information see his web site. Or you can check out his other credits and professional activities on his IMDB PAGE. The interview with Benjamin covers his early interest in acting and performing, the development of his skills as an artist, as an actor and his expansion into the role of producer. The discussion also covers topics such as producing films with stories that offer hope rather than despair. Dane also talks about producing under a SAG signatory agreement and why he felt that was a wise business decision, even on a low budget, indie project. BTFS (see the web site here ) was shot in and around Dallas in 2009 and is now in the final stages of post production. Shot for a budget of under $1,000,000, BTFS features a cast that is mixture of up and comers as well as well known veteran actors such as Renee O'Connor, Barry Corbin and Andrew Prine. Benjamin Dane appears in the film as Jimmy Wilkens. Look for the novelization of BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR from Zondervan, from AMAZON.COM or other book retailers. BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR the novel was written by Bodie and Brock Thoene.

A LETTER TO MOM As some of you who are longtime friends or who follow me on Facebook know, my mother Maxine who recently turned 95 years old, fell and broke her hip a few days following Christmas 2011. My parents were always supportive of my decision to pursue the actor's life. And my mother was especially supportive. Because my dad was a blue collar worker, it was mom who was the one who always attended the school plays and the one who was the main support for my acting aspirations. Mom has lived with our family for over a dozen years. Now that she is dealing with the aftermath of this fall, her health is slipping rather badly and her return home is in jeopardy. This situation is not only one of the most difficult we've (my wife Jane and I) had to deal with, it comes on the heels of a rather terrible year in 2011. My sister Ann passed away some years ago and in 2011 my remaining sister Gwen and my brother Jim also passed away, within about three weeks of each other. So as you might imagine, this was very tough on our mother. One doesn't expect to outlive ones kids...especially not three of the four. Because Mom's health is deteriorating I wanted to put in writing how I feel about her. I wanted to do this so she could have the letter to read as often as she wanted as she struggles to recover. I also wanted to write the letter for myself. I wanted to make sure I had expressed my love for her in a way she might understand even if she doesn't hear well or always understand what I'm telling her. I wanted her to have this document while her mind is still relatively sharp and focused...because those days are numbered. How does this relate to acting? It's life. Real life. An actor takes from his/her own life each time he/she builds a character from the blueprint the writer has provided. The difficult times are often the ones that offer the richest material that we will experience, that we will process and that we will use in some way in our work. Does that sound cold and calculated? I hope not because that's not how I mean it. Of course I'm not sitting around the hospital happy in my mom's difficulties because it provides me with an acting lesson. No. But at the same time, as an actor, I do know that this difficult time will be a part of me that will likely come out in some way in some future performance. That's part of the actor's life. Part of the actor's journey. I also mention in this episode that I am available for booking through my agent Collier Talent.

INTERVIEW WITH MATT THOMPSON -168 FILM PROJECT TEAM 38 First,here's a quick reminder to check out Episode 004 for information on the filmmakers workshop presented by Prod-Dir Ron Newcomb (The Fellows Hip ) on Jan. 28, 2012 in Alexandria, VA. Episode 005 consists of an interview with Matt Thompson, prod-dir of Team 38 for this year's 168 Film Project. Matt lives and works in Killeen,TX and became aware of the 168 Film Project when founder John David Ware made a presentation this summer in a nearby city. Matt discusses the steps he has taken in advance of the start of the 168 Film Project in assembling a production team including screenwriters, script supervisor, sound person and others. He put out the call for an experienced Director of Photography who is familiar with the Canon XL2 camera. The Team 38 project has a web site at www.media.kfcnaz.org where those interested in participating as part of the crew can sign up. Casting notices will go out once the team has their assignment and have a screenplay written. Following the completion and submission of the Team 38 168 Film Project entry, I will interview Matt again to get his thoughts on the 168 Film Project experience.

INTERVIEW WITH FILMMAKER RON NEWCOMB This episode consists entirely with the first in an ongoing series of interviews with working filmmakers. Today's interview is with Ron Newcomb, co-writer, producer and director of the new film, THE FELLOWS HIP RISE OF THE GAMERS. The interview covers Ron Newcomb's journey to Los Angeles to pursue acting and his return home to D.C. where he became and policeman and then moved into film production. Listen as Ron discusses his own journey from actor to producer and filmmaker and the long road from story idea to screenplay to production and then to distribution for his latest project THE FELLOWS HIP Rise Of The Gamers. THE FELLOWS HIP is in the final stage of post-production and is going out to distributors. Here are some links that might prove useful as a follow up to the interview: The Lord Of The Rings Online THE FELLOWS HIP RISE OF THE GAMERS Web Site Ron Newcomp IMDB The Fellows Hip Rise of The Gamers IMDB Opening Act Productions Act One The Business Side of Filmmaking Screen Actors Guild SAGIndie

Actor Scams, Frauds and Ripoffs In Episode 003 I discuss a blatant example of a scam designed to separate a young actor's parents from their money. Then I go on to discuss several other types of fraud perpetrated against actors with regard to talent competitions, headshots and demo reels. New toll free feedback number is announced: 877-518-2530 Talent Competitions These are probably as old as the acting profession itself. You may see a large ad in your local newspaper about a talent competiton where the prize is access to a big Hollywood name casting director, director or producer. You have legitimate competitons like American Idol and then you have almost everything else. If you're tempted to enter one of these competitions be on alert when the competition starts offering ways to separate you from your money: headshot packages, singing / dancing lessons; acting classes at a particular modeling school or 'academy'. Will some of these operations actually offer classes and provide headshots and all the rest for your dollars spent? They may, and so they may not be a total SCAM. But they also are unlikely to produce the results you the talent, or the parent of a young talent, are anticipating. Your time, efforts and money are better spent elsewhere. Don't be blinded by the quality of the advertisement. Did it cost them money? Yes. Does that mean they've bee successful in 'making a star' out of some lucky person...well they may have some kind of success to point to...but it will be the rare exception and not rule. Bypass national 'talent competitons' and the like and get involved in your local acting community, with local agents, local casting directors, etc. That's where you build a network that will hopefully result in employment in the industry...and isn't that the goal, to be a working actor? There may be 'traveling' actor's conventions or events that MAY be legitimate. The test is once again to check the local resources. Are local agents and/or casting directors involved. Are the agents or casting offices involved known to be reputable? Are they new to your area? Do your homework and make sure any 'convention', 'school', 'festival' or the like has a legitimate operation. A simple Google search may be all you need to be able to make an informed decision. Agents And Acting Schools Be wary of agents who also are affiliated with an acting school or academy. This is just another reason to deal, if at all possible, with a SAG or AFTRA franchised agent. That's not to say an agent CAN'T start an acting school and that it won't be legitimate...but you need to beware of such affiliations. The agent should never make taking classes at their 'school' a requirement for representation. Do agencies sometimes offer classes or workshops? Yes. Years ago when I started one of my first agents held regular classes at the agency several nights a week. New talent with the agency were more or less required to attend some of the classes, conducted by the agent, so the agent could make sure that the talent she was sending out were properly prepared to compete in the market. Here's the thing: the classes were FREE. This was part of the agent making sure her talent were representing the agency in the best light when they went out on auditions. That's good for the agent and good for the talent. HEADSHOTS Access to headshot photographers has never been easier. Google search is your friend. Most reputable headshot photographers now have web sites where you can view galleries of their work. Use this tool to narrow your search for a photographer. ALWAYS be wary of an agent who steers you to a PARTICULAR photographer. If they INSIST on talent using a particular photographer, it's quite possible that the agent, or manager or whomever is getting a kickback from the photographer. Again, this is a reason to make sure you're dealing with a legitimate agent,

GETTING INTO SAG In this second episode of the ACTORS TALK PODCAST we go over three ways of gaining membership in Screen Actors Guild. We discuss Franchised vs non-Franchised talent agents. We learn something about GSAs and how they differ from the ...

WELCOME everyone to the ACTORS TALK PODCAST. In future episodes, this where you'll find the 'show notes', an outline of what is covered in the audio podcast. Since this is an introduction to not only the podcast but to me, your host, I've included a bit more narrative than might be present in future show notes. Please use the COMMENT HOTLINE NUMBER - 512-660-7160 to leave your questions and feedback. Your input will be a key component of this project. Like any good actor I have my take on things. But I also know how to take direction and your constructive comments are welcome and appreciated! No matter where you are on your actor's journey, no matter what your level of experience or your level of success (whatever that may mean to you) you are welcome here. This will be a place where we can discuss all aspects of the journey of the professional actor. To give you some brief background on myself and my career, I'll tell you that I've been acting professionally since at least 1978. That's a good date to use since that's the year I joined SAG and AFTRA in Dallas, Texas. (As an aside, when I joined the guilds, they had a joint office in Dallas at that time. Now, all these years later, SAG and AFTRA are again on speaking terms and working hard towards a joint union.) You can check out my film and television credits on the IMDB. What you won't see there are the many commercials, industrials and voice-over credits that I have also compiled over the years. Basically, I'm an old dog whose been around the block enough to feel entitled to at least offer my opinions and my outlook based on my own actor's journey...which is ongoing. I am active on Facebook and on Twitter. Please use the links in the sidebar to connect with me on those sites. If you'd like to contact my agent for booking information, please go here: COLLIER TALENT AGENCY. If you have found the ACTORS TALK podcast through a link from my old blog, STILL ACTING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, then thank you for following me here. My plan is to begin producing and distributing the ATP on a weekly basis beginning in the middle of January, 2012. The most exciting part of this new venture for me will be the ability to bring to the audience interviews with a number of professional artists and craftspeople who have agreed contribute their knowledge and experience for the benefit of all of us in the acting and filmmaking community. I'll be interviewing not only fellow actors, but writers, producers, directors, cinematographers, composers, casting directors and agents. I'll be speaking with actors who are producing their own projects - new media, shorts and feature films. And I'll be interviewing representatives from AFTRA and SAG about current issues relative to all actors - members or not. Those are just some of the bases we'll touch here. Thanks for listening to this abbreviated pilot episode. Please subscribe in iTunes as that will be very helpful in getting the podcast off on a solid footing. Please use the iTunes button in the sidebar to subscribe there. You can also use the RSS button to subscribe if you're not on iTunes. And of course, you can always come to this site and listen to each episode right here. Regular, weekly episodes will begin during January, 2012. I look forward to having you as a subscriber. If you have a friend or loved one who is pursuing the actor's life, please send them our way. God bless you all. Until next time...I hope to see you in the movies. Please use the COMMENT HOTLINE NUMBER - 512-660-7160 to leave your questions and feedback.